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Slashfoodhttp://www.slashfood.comSlashfoodhttp://www.slashfood.com/media/feedlogo.gifSlashfoodhttp://www.slashfood.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Braised Short Ribs with Honey Roasted Carrots: Recipe of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2011/02/07/braised-short-ribs-with-honey-roasted-carrots-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/02/07/braised-short-ribs-with-honey-roasted-carrots-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2011/02/07/braised-short-ribs-with-honey-roasted-carrots-recipe-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Recipes, Entertaining

Braised Short Ribs with Honey Roasted Carrots recipe Photo: Julie Toy

Is there anything more satisfying on a blustery winter day than hearty short ribs braised in a fragrant broth? Aussie Chef and upcoming "Top Chef Masters" host Curtis Stone has a recipe that takes all of the guesswork out of the dish. Once it's in the oven, all you need to do is call up some friends and open a bottle of bold red wine -- you've got February conquered.

Recipe for Braised Short Ribs with Honey Roasted Carrots

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]]>braised short ribscurtis stoneshort ribsSlashfood EditorMon, 07 Feb 2011 10:00:00 ESTChampagne Punch: Recipe of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/31/champagne-punch-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/31/champagne-punch-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/31/champagne-punch-recipe-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Drink Recipes, Recipes, Entertaining

New Year's Eve Champagne Punch recipe Photo: New Media Publishing / Flat Art Studios.com

If you love Champagne and want to keep it flowing all night, mix up a punchbowl along with your naked bottles of bubbly. This recipe brings pineapple juice, Cointreau, brandy, and seltzer into the mix for a lively, refreshing drink that screams "festive"! Of course, you might not want to use the extra-special Taittinger Champagne for a punch; less expensive sparkling wines will do just fine. (For sparkler recommendations, see Bargain Bubblies.)

Champagne Punch Recipe

Visit KitchenDaily for more Champagne Punch recipes

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]]>champagneChampagne Punchparty drinkspunchsparkling wineSlashfood EditorFri, 31 Dec 2010 11:00:00 ESTParty Wineshttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/30/party-wines/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/30/party-wines/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/30/party-wines/#commentsFiled under: Drinks, Entertaining

wine bottles for a party Photo: sebastien b., Flickr

When you're asked to bring a bottle of wine to a holiday party the last thing you want to do is come across as cheap -- or not know anything about wine.

We're here to help with a list of wines that cost $15 and under per bottle. Our criteria is that these wines have to be quality. (In other words, no watered down or excessively concentrated vino.) We wouldn't want to cultivate embarassment on your behalf, of course!

Yellow Tail 2008 Reserve Shiraz, South Eastern Australia ($11)
Now, before you groan and state that you would NEVER bring this to someone's house, you should know that the new Reserve line is much improved. There's ample chocolate flavor on this full-bodied, fruit-forward Shiraz, which might make it a good pick for pairing with the dessert table, but there is also dark cherry notes throughout.

CJR Reginato 2008 Blanc de Blancs, Mendoza, Argentina ($15)
It wouldn't be a holiday fête without a bottle of sparkling wine, right? And with this bottle you're turning to a new region (sparkling Argentinian wines are harder to come by than those in California, or even Spain). Seventy percent Chardonnay and the rest Chenin Blanc results in a wine that's crisp and refreshing with pear and peach notes.

Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, Spain ($10)
Another good sparkler is this one. Light, fresh and youthful, it's the perfect compliment to hors d'oeurves, whether it's basic (veggie platter, anyone?) or upscale (whatever your cheesemonger recommends). If you like a clean, citrus-y bubbly, this is it. A blend of Macabeo (50%), Parellada (35%) and Xarel-lo (15%) grape varietals were used to produce this cava. (Also see my post yesterday on Bargain Bubblies.)

Ecco Domani 2008 Pinot Noir, Italy ($12)
Normally we shy away from wines that dominate restaurant lists but in this case, the wine is worthy of swigging. Soft blackberries combine with subtle spices and bright red cherries for a winter-perfect warmer, yet it's also got a lighter body than California Pinots, and some silky elegance too.

Continue reading Party Wines

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]]>party wineswineKristine HansenThu, 30 Dec 2010 16:00:00 ESTShrimp-stuffed Mushrooms: Recipe of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/30/shrimp-stuffed-mushrooms-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/30/shrimp-stuffed-mushrooms-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/30/shrimp-stuffed-mushrooms-recipe-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Recipes, Entertaining

Photo:Better Homes and Gardens

Stuffed mushrooms are another classic appetizer to love; you can make them a million different ways. This recipe combines shrimp (or crabmeat) with bread crumbs, sherry, onion, garlic, and herbs for a delicate, very sophisticated filling for the 'shroom.

Recipe for Shrimp-stuffed Mushrooms

Watch this Video on How to Make Stuffed Mushrooms

More Stuffed-Mushroom Recipes

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]]>appetizersshrimpstuffed mushroomsSlashfood EditorThu, 30 Dec 2010 10:00:00 ESTRecipe of the Day: Cocktail Party Appetizers -- Mushroom Bacon Tarthttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/29/cocktail-party-appetizers-mushroom-bacon-tart-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/29/cocktail-party-appetizers-mushroom-bacon-tart-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/29/cocktail-party-appetizers-mushroom-bacon-tart-recipe-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Recipes, Entertaining

Photo: New Media Publishing / Flat Art Studios.com

Salty bacon and earthy cremini mushrooms nestled in pastry are pretty pleasing in their own right, but they're also easy-to-eat-while-standing-with-a-Martini-glass-in-your-hand food. The savory tarts are part of KitchenDaily contributor Alexis Touchet's New Year's Eve Cocktail Party Menu, which also includes Roasted Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce, and eight other appetizers and drinks.

And stay tuned later today for our post on Bargain Bubblies.

Mushroom Bacon Tart Recipe

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]]>baconhors doeuvrestartsSlashfood EditorWed, 29 Dec 2010 10:00:00 ESTSwedish Meatballs in Dill Sauce: Recipe of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/28/swedish-meatballs-in-dill-sauce-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/28/swedish-meatballs-in-dill-sauce-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/12/28/swedish-meatballs-in-dill-sauce-recipe-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Recipes, Entertaining

Photo: New Media Publishing / Flat Art Studios.com

Scandinavians know how to throw a party. And Swedish meatballs have been an essential at cocktail parties and smorgasbords seemingly as long as Nordic winter nights have been lengthy and cold. It's a tender appetizer that, if you've favored modern architectural finger food for a while, may bring classic comfort to your New Year's do.

This version, from KitchenDaily contributor Alexis Touchet combines ground chuck and ground pork with a full quarter-cup of fresh dill, some ground cloves, and other spices. The rich sauce is made from meat drippings, along with cream and butter. It's just one of 10 hors d'oeuvres and drinks that Alexis has developed for her KitchenDaily cocktail-party menu. See the links below.

Recipe: Swedish Meatballs in Dill Sauce.

Full Menu for A New Year's Eve Cocktail Party

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]]>cocktail partyswedish meatballsSlashfood EditorTue, 28 Dec 2010 10:00:00 ESTTurkey Cupcakes -- Recipe of the Dayhttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/11/23/turkey-cupcakes-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/11/23/turkey-cupcakes-recipe-of-the-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/11/23/turkey-cupcakes-recipe-of-the-day/#commentsFiled under: Holidays, Recipes, Entertaining

turkey cupcake decorating Photo: Seth Smoot

Crafty people, now is your time to shine! If you want to work the Thanksgiving turkey theme all the way from appetizer to dessert, give these turkey cupcakes a go, with the help of a video how-to from Creative Cupcaking team Karen Tack and Alan Richardson at KitchenDaily. And if you're the type to plan ahead, Karen and Alan's candy-spiked Dinner Party Cupcakes might be just the thing for New Year's Eve.

How-to: Turkey Cupcakes

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]]>cupcakesthanksgivingthanksgiving dessertsSlashfood EditorTue, 23 Nov 2010 10:00:00 ESTWhat a Ham! And a Meaty Halloween Centerpiecehttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/10/29/what-a-ham-and-a-meaty-halloween-centerpiece/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/10/29/what-a-ham-and-a-meaty-halloween-centerpiece/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/10/29/what-a-ham-and-a-meaty-halloween-centerpiece/#commentsFiled under: On the Blogs, Holidays, Entertaining

meat face Photo: Dot D, Flickr

How can a bunch of cold cuts and a few hard-cooked eggs turn into something so gruesome? OK, the Lady Gaga meat dress was pretty awful. One of our deliciously deranged editors pulled out the gelatinous stops to create this horribly fun Halloween-themed head out of ham, for an eye-popping holiday centerpiece. It's so bizarre we just had to give it a replay, along with a DIY guide. Head's up! (Ok, ok, but how could we resist that line?)

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]]>centerpieceeatocracyhalloween foodSlashfood EditorFri, 29 Oct 2010 12:00:00 ESTGrapefruit Moussehttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/18/grapefruit-mousse/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/18/grapefruit-mousse/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/18/grapefruit-mousse/#commentsFiled under: Recipes, Entertaining

Photo: Jennifer Iserloh, Skinny Chef

The major "eating" holidays are coming to a fast close after Valentine's day, but that doesn't mean that I'm entertaining at home any less. I still want to serve festive looking desserts to my friends without weighing down their digestion or tempting them to break their New Year's resolutions.

When I make a lighter dessert, of course, I think about calories, but what about flavor, enjoyment, and taste. Aren't these the things we are all looking for in food? Eating locally and in season is another great way to get more enjoyment out of cooking the dishes and desserts you love so. That's why I picked grapefruit for this week's dessert recipe, because it is prime growing season.

I'm a sucker for a graham cracker crust and most store-bought versions are good, but it's so simple to make one yourself. In this recipe, the cinnamon in this crust plays off the tartness without clashing. Kefir is easy to find in your local health food store and has ten probiotic cultures that aren't damaged through freezing.

Get the recipe after the jump.

Continue reading Grapefruit Mousse

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]]>grapefruitmousseresolutionSkinnyChefJennifer IserlohMon, 18 Jan 2010 13:00:00 ESTPretty Poached Pearshttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/04/pretty-poached-pears/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/04/pretty-poached-pears/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/04/pretty-poached-pears/#commentsFiled under: Recipes, Entertaining

poached pear Photo: Jennifer Iserloh, Skinny Chef.

Do you have a sweet tooth? So many people do, and sweets can be a real downfall when it comes to sticking to your New Year's resolutions. There's no need to feel deprived when you can simply make friends with your cravings instead. Life is to be enjoyed. Just remember that when you crave a bit of something sweet, creamy or tart, it's probably better for you when you make it yourself.

Pretty, simple, and even elegant, poached winter fruit can be turned into parfaits, tarts, mousses and more. They can even be added to your favorite brownie mix to make it moister.

Catching up with friends that you missed over the holiday season? Use this poached pear recipe that you can make hours in advance to show off your kitchen skills and good sense when it comes to eating well.

Continue reading Pretty Poached Pears

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]]>poached pearspoachingskinny chefSkinnyChefwinter fruitJennifer IserlohMon, 04 Jan 2010 13:00:00 ESTUpdate Your Party Nibbleshttp://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/01/update-your-party-nibbles/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/01/update-your-party-nibbles/http://www.slashfood.com/2010/01/01/update-your-party-nibbles/#commentsFiled under: Entertaining

Jennifer Iserloh, Skinny Chef

Craving party or bar foods? Make it at home with real, honest to good ingredients! Most store-bought party foods have little or none of the real ingredients that would make it flavorful. These recipes are the perfect way to get the holiday spirit going into the new year while sticking to your New Year's resolutions.

Cheesy Bites

Zucchini Bites are a nice alternative to your run-of-the-mill cheese and crackers. Compliment the juicy texture of zucchini by combining it with a light layer of salty, flavorful tapenade. It can be assembled ahead of time and popped in the oven while you are serving your guests' drinks.

More recipes after the jump.

Continue reading Update Your Party Nibbles

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]]>hors doeuvresonion dipskinny chefJennifer IserlohFri, 01 Jan 2010 13:00:00 ESTChampagne Cocktails - LeNell It Allhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/31/champagne-cocktails-lenell-it-all/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/31/champagne-cocktails-lenell-it-all/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/31/champagne-cocktails-lenell-it-all/#commentsFiled under: Drink Recipes, Holidays, Drinks, Entertaining

Photo: LeNell Smothers

With 2010 knocking at our door, our minds turn to Champagne, or at least sparkling wine since the stuff labeled "Champagne" ideally should come from the Champagne region of France. Although it's hard to believe, I have heard some people complain that they simply don't like Champagne. Are you planning on entertaining guests this New Year's Eve who fall into this category? Perhaps try serving them a sparkling red like bubbly Shiraz or a brutish dry Lambrusco. Or just take on the challenge and turn them onto Champagne cocktails by laying out an array of everything needed to make a variety of them.

Chill some Champagne or a good cheaper alternative, like a Blanquette de Limoux from France. Set out some spirits basics like brandy, gin, absinthe, Campari, various liqueurs such as Chartreuse, Pama pomegranate and orange liqueurs like Clement Creole Shrubb or your favorite triple sec. Basically offer your guests whatever tickles your fancy and pleases your budget. Lay out sugar cubes and a spread of various types of aromatic cocktail bitters such as Angostura, Peychaud's, Regans' Orange, any of the Fee Brothers or perhaps some of the Bitter Truth line. Pick out a variety of flavors and allow guests to create their own Champagne Cocktail versions. Set out some lemons and oranges for wedges, twists and spirals. Let folks play. Happy New Year!

A playful Champagne cocktail recipe:

Place sugar cube in bottom of chilled Champagne flute. Dash some bitters on top of the sugar cube. Add no more than ½ ounce chilled liquor or liqueur of choice, which may be shaken or stirred with ice or pre-chilled in an ice bucket or in the fridge. You can also just drop an ice cube into your glass like bartenders of yesteryear would do. Pour a little chilled sparkling wine into the flute to prevent foam over. Let settle and then fill with bubbly. Garnish with citrus spirals, twists or wedges as desired.

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]]>bitterschampagnechampagne cocktailnew years eveLeNell SmothersThu, 31 Dec 2009 15:00:00 ESTThe Year-End Yumminess of YumSugarhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/31/the-year-end-yumminess-of-yumsugar/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/31/the-year-end-yumminess-of-yumsugar/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/31/the-year-end-yumminess-of-yumsugar/#commentsFiled under: On the Blogs, Food News, Entertaining

Photo: YumSugar.

Each Thursday, we round up a selection of scrumptious links from our friends over at YumSugar. Here's what they've got cooking this week:

Rick Bayless is voted the best chef of 2009 -- a well-deserved honor -- beating out Food Network favorites.
Let's put it this way: Williams-Sonoma got the electoral-college nod.
Wind down 2009 and fill up for 2010 with sweet potato and bacon in endive boats.
If you come across a well-coiffed onion, will this instrument come in handy?
Bacon continues its starring role to the very end.
Is family-style dining the way to go during the holidays?
Roll the dice for New Year's fortune with Hoppin' John soup.

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]]>BaconEndivehoppin johnnew yearsRick BaylessWilliams-SonomaJose Ralat MaldonadoThu, 31 Dec 2009 13:00:00 ESTHappy National Egg Nog Day!http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/24/national-egg-nog-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/24/national-egg-nog-day/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/24/national-egg-nog-day/#commentsFiled under: Drink Recipes, Holidays, Entertaining

Eggnogg Holiday egg nog. Photo: Astrangegirl, Flickr.

Happy National Eggnog Day!

Infrequently (nay, never) have eggs and liquor been married into such a winning combination. But the pairing of egg and nog (British slang for strong ale) have become a loved and hated holiday tradition since the early nineteenth century.

The recipe -- which relies upon dairy, eggs, sugar, nutmeg and alcohol (typically whiskey, rum or brandy) -- was once used to toast to one's health but has since evolved to become a Christmas tradition. Get in the spirit with our recommended recipe.

If there's one thing to be said about eggnog, it's that it sparks a spirited love-hate debate. Do you enjoy a glass of it during the holidays or are you appalled by the thought of drinking raw egg? Weigh in, in the comments!

Become a member of the Slashfood Flickr pool to get a shot at having your photos featured on the site.

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]]>eggnogholiday cocktailsHolidayCocktailsAlexa WeibelThu, 24 Dec 2009 13:15:00 ESTHot Hesper - LeNell It Allhttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/hot-hesper-lenell-it-all/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/hot-hesper-lenell-it-all/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/hot-hesper-lenell-it-all/#commentsFiled under: Drink Recipes, Entertaining

Photo: LeNell Smothers.

"Anna likened you to Phosphor the morning star, and herself to Hesper, the mortal star of evening, and when I told her those twin stars were one and the same, and not a star at all but the planet Venus..." - John Barth

A perfumist friend made me a delightful custom scent he called Gin Hesper -- inspired by the aromas of DH Krahn gin and perhaps my "Hesper'ness." A relatively new gin on the market, DH Krahn offers a less pronounced juniper flavor with a nice citrusy note. I took the perfume's name as inspiration for this drink I created during the 2008 holiday season -- perfect for festive occasions with its beautiful, deep ruby-red color. Even better, it combines both the DH Krahn gin and my love for rye whiskey.

Dusting off the crock pot and having mugs out for guests is one of my favorite ways to serve a holiday gathering of friends and family. Self-serving out of the crock pot sure beats your having to worry about serving guests individually. And wouldn't you rather be caroling, eating, opening presents or most importantly, just basking in the glow of those around you?

Continue reading Hot Hesper - LeNell It All

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]]>black teacrock potginryerye whiskeyLeNell SmothersWed, 23 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST'The All-American Christmas Cookbook' - Cookbook Spotlighthttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/the-all-american-christmas-cookbook-cookbook-spotlight/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/the-all-american-christmas-cookbook-cookbook-spotlight/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/the-all-american-christmas-cookbook-cookbook-spotlight/#commentsFiled under: Cookbook Spotlight, Books, Reviews, Entertaining

good eats cookbook cover Photo: Amazon.com.

'The All-American Christmas Cookbook: Family Favorites From Every State'
By Georgia Orcutt and John Margolies
Chronicle Books -- 2008
Buy it on Amazon

Half of what makes the Christmas holiday special is the warm, familiar blanket of tradition -- the Christmas tree (real or faux), the music (Bing Crosby classics or modern hits), the food: eggnog or mulled wine, baked ham or roasted turkey, buche de Noel or peppermint pie. And "The All-American Christmas Cookbook" showcases the very best of festive dishes rooted in American tradition, from a lebkuchen recipe inspired by German settlers in Indiana to maple-walnut fudge from the syrup state of Vermont.

See what we tested and whether it's worth buying after the jump.

Continue reading 'The All-American Christmas Cookbook' - Cookbook Spotlight

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]]>christmaschristmas cookbookthe all-american christmas cookbookAlexa WeibelWed, 23 Dec 2009 14:00:00 ESTHow to Host a Cookie Swaphttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/how-to-host-a-cookie-swap/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/how-to-host-a-cookie-swap/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/23/how-to-host-a-cookie-swap/#commentsFiled under: Holidays, How To, Entertaining

Photo: Steve Adams

by Julie M. Usher

While cookie swaps are synonymous with Christmas time, they are easy-to-plan parties year-round. The traditional cookie swap is a specialized form of potluck, where guests share in the baking and cost burden by bringing their favorite cookies to the party (they're made ahead of time). The hostess provides the space, sends out the invitations, sets up the cookies and provides the beverages. Guests bring two or three batches of their favorite recipe (5-6 dozen) and then they are swapped with other guests cookies. The advantage of a cookie swap? Multiple cookie varieties without the prep time and mess.

More recently, people have started to participate in baking exchanges, where guests bring their ingredients to the hostess's home and they bake together. With more interaction at this type of party, it's great for people less savvy in the kitchen. This concept is also a great way to get kids into the kitchen by encouraging them to help in prepping and decorating stages. Kids can get their hands dirty while learning how to cook and take pride in what they make.

The Rules of Cookie Swapping and Party Planning Tips after the jump.

Continue reading How to Host a Cookie Swap

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]]>christmas cookie exchangecookie swap ideascookie swapscookiesCookieSwapshost a cookie swapSlashfood EditorWed, 23 Dec 2009 11:00:00 ESTVacherin Mont d'Or - Cheese Coursehttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/vacherin-mont-dor-cheese-course/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/vacherin-mont-dor-cheese-course/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/vacherin-mont-dor-cheese-course/#commentsFiled under: Cheese Course, Recipes, Entertaining, Features

vacherin mont d'or

Photo: edseloh, Flickr

The distinct woodsy taste, unctuous milky paste, and pungent aroma of Vacherin Mont D'Or are sure to make any holiday meal unforgettable. Hailing from the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, the cheese's mere appearance -- a wrinkly light-orange washed-rind with white molds -- is also a scene-stealer. Alluring rind and luscious flavor aside, this cheese is only available in November and December, making it the perfect pick for celebrating the holidays.

The cheese makes lasting impressions. "I remember the woodsy flavor and the taste of mushrooms the first time I tried the cheese," recalls Jason Bond, chef at Boston's Beacon Hill Bistro. Bond, who was introduced to the cheese 10 years ago when a chef friend brought it back in his suitcase from France, explained, "We purchase a large format Vacherin Mont D'Or for our New Year's Eve menu, and whatever we have left over, we'll put onto the regular menu."

Continue reading Vacherin Mont d'Or - Cheese Course

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]]>aoccheesecheese courseSwiss cheesevacherinMax ShremTue, 22 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST16 Boozy Gift Boxeshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/alcohol-gift-sets/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/alcohol-gift-sets/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/alcohol-gift-sets/#commentsFiled under: New Products, Reviews, Recipes, Drinks, Entertaining, Features

Photo: Dewar's

Walk into almost any liquor shop after Halloween, and you'll see an army of old bottles dressed up in holiday clothing. Sometimes the booze has been rendered festive with tinsel or bells. Or there's a sexy cocktail shaker -- or frosted glasses -- sitting next to the vodka bottle in a shiny Christmas-themed box.

Nobody buys these gift-box bottles for themselves; they are quintessential gifts (and re-gifts). But that doesn't mean you can't appreciate the alluring tchotchke inside.

This year's crop elicits many of those "I-want-that!" responses whether you're a fan of vodka, gin, tequila, whiskey, rum or Champagne. Though most are fairly priced between $20 and $60, the gift sets range from $15 to $425. Just remember: Prices and availability may vary.

Continue reading 16 Boozy Gift Boxes

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]]>boozegift ideasGiftIdeasholiday gift ideasHolidayGiftIdeasJames CuryTue, 22 Dec 2009 14:30:00 ESTGoat Cheese in Herbed Olive Oil - Feast Your Eyeshttp://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/goat-cheese-in-herbed-olive-oil-feast-your-eyes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/goat-cheese-in-herbed-olive-oil-feast-your-eyes/http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/22/goat-cheese-in-herbed-olive-oil-feast-your-eyes/#commentsFiled under: Feast Your Eyes, Recipes, Entertaining

Photo: Patent and the Pantry, Flickr.

So simple that its use of the name "recipe" is misleading, this goat cheese doused in a seasoned, herbed olive oil dipping sauce is an exquisite amusebouche. With an elegant simplicity, this dish takes on a casual, comfortable appeal when dipped into and devoured with fresh pieces of baguette or other quality breads.

Vouches blogger the Patent and the Pantry -- who counts the recipe as a cherished holiday tradition -- "the combination of slightly grassy oil, softened garlic and the sharp heat of peppercorns mixed with rich goat cheese is so perfect." In addition to taste and a luscious mouthfeel, the dish boasts one advantage not to be neglected in the busy holiday season: It's easy to prepare ahead of time and assemble for last-minute guests. Simply simmer the seasonings (with the likes of rosemary, coriander and fennel -- oh my!) in oil for five minutes then pour over the cheese and serve. Who knew perfection could be such a breeze?

Become a member of the Slashfood Flickr pool to get a shot at having your photos featured in Feast Your Eyes.

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]]>goat cheesegoat cheese in herbed olive oilherbed olive oilolive oilAlexa WeibelTue, 22 Dec 2009 10:00:00 EST