DISH: Seitan Piccata at Candle 79. “Most of the time – though not always – we like to eat vegan [...]
Category: Amuse Bouche
Amuse Bouche: Links for 3/2/12
Girl Scout Candy Bars
They aren’t made with Girl Scouts, promise! Instead, Nestle has come up with a new way to enjoy those Girl Scout cookies we all love so much: By turning them into candy bars. After a picture of a Thin Mint-Nestle Crunch bar turned up on Reddit in late February, the hunt was on — and Nestle has now said “look forward to some very exciting news in June.” Start saving your calories now. [Reddit and Huffington Post]
The McRibster
Speaking of things you can’t eat yet, take a gander at the McRibster, a concoction from Austria’s McDonald’s chain: It’s a deep-fried McRib with bacon, pepper-Jack cheese and spicy sweet chili sauce. So, who’s up for a jaunt to Vienna? [Eater]
Bacon Thing of the Week
Elvis is everywhere! He’s even in your bacon. [I Love Bacon]
Baked Potato Bean Bag Chair (with Butter Pillow)
Sometimes the headline says it all. From what we can tell, this limited-edition Etsy item even seems to have scallions in the potato. Yum, and comfy at the same time. Please also note that B-Fiber & Craft have other delicious-looking soft items, too. [Etsy]
Death Star Cake
What says “happy occasion!” like a replica of Darth Vader’s planet-destroying super-star? Nothing, that’s what. Here’s how you can make your own, and note an even more awesome looking one pictured above. [Boing Boing]
Amuse Bouche: Links for 2/24/12
3-D Dessert
Well, aren’t all desserts 3-D? Yes, but some are a bit more 3-D than others. Leave it to Hollywood to one-up the concept: This year’s Academy Awards Governor’s Ball party will feature “3-D Desserts” designed by Wolfgang Puck. I don’t know that I would bother with the glasses, though. [Yum Sugar]
Wait for It
Teens studying The Great Depression were made to wait in line for their bread and soup and guess what? They did not like it ONE BIT. [Boston]
Bacon Thing of the Week
This may seem like the be-all and end-all of all things bacon, but that won’t stop us from coming with another BTotW in another 7 days. That said, the 100 ways to use a slice of bacon on this page should keep you occupied for a while. (Pictured: One way is to make a “bacon mat.”) [Endless Simmer]
Gluten-Free Cookbook Needs You!
Karen Morgan runs a gluten-free “virtual online bakeshop” she calls Blackbird Bakery, which is completely worth your time for the recipes alone. But she’s got another project, too – the Blackbird Bakery Community Cookbook, which is less than halfway toward its goal of raising $30,000. Those of you desperately seeking an amazing collection of gluten-free recipes should get out some dough and contribute! [Blackbird Bakery and Kickstarter]
Starry Starry Night
If you’re like me, you’re eagerly anticipating Sunday night! There’s something on TV, some kind of awards show … but really, you’re looking forward to having an Oscar-themed party with all of your best buds. Here are some terrific design ideas and recipes from the Food Network that will surely win you prizes. [Food Network design, Food Network recipes]
Amuse Bouche: Links for 2/17/12
Food Network Plagiarism?
The now-canceled “Anne Thornton’s Dessert First” has come under fire after it appeared that some of Thornton’s recipes hewed too close to Martha Stewart and the “Barefoot Contessa.” Check out this write-up and some videos (one of which is particularly yummy). [TODAY Bites]
Most Amazing Cupcake Bite Ever
Ever see a dessert tray and realize it has too many wonderful things to possibly eat in one sitting? Take heart: This recipe for mini peanut butter Oreo chocolate fudge swirl cupcakes puts just about everything you could want together in a gorgeous teeny-weeny stack. [Kevin and Amanda]
Bacon Thing of the Week
Yes, Valentine’s Day may be over, but when it comes to bacon roses … every day can be a day of love. You can always find an excuse. And for those who don’t care for flower-shaped bacon, check out the next logical progression in raw beef roses (pictured above)! [Instructables and Hungeree]
Frankenfood: Coming to a Shelf Near You?
It doesn’t have to. MoveOn.org has set up a petition so you can tell the FDA that labeling of genetically engineered foods should be mandatory (the way it is with other consumables these days). You don’t have to buy it, but you should know what’s going into your food. [MoveOn]
Swiss Measuring Spoons
Keep all of your Teaspoon/Tablespoon needs in one handy-dandy carrying case designed to look like a Swiss Army Knife. No wonder Swiss desserts taste so awesome. [Amazon]
Amuse bouche: Links for 2/10/12
Food in Jars Blog
Saints preserve us! Or maybe just our jellies and jams. If you’ve ever wanted to learn the ins and outs of saving your food in jars – safely – check out this blog, which is full of wonderful photography and information. [Food in Jars]
Brief Jerky
Chocolate panties are overrated and besides, they’re not good for diabetics. So why not take the plunge and purchase your honey some 100 percent beef jerky underwear? Sure, it’ll take a while to gnaw through before lovemaking, but it’s all about the anticipation, right? [Instructables]
Bacon Thing of the Week
If the absence of Bacon Thing of the Week from Amuse Bouche last Friday sent you into withdrawal, your worries are over. Meet Jack in the Box’s bacon milkshake, which tops out at 773 calories and 40 grams of fat in a 16 oz. shake. As the fast food chain says: “Love Bacon? Marry it.” (Or just drink it down.) [ABC News]
Cooking with the Scotto Family
It’s nearly Valentine’s Day! And you didn’t make a reservation at his/her favorite restaurant! It’s not too late, though, to enjoy some fancy food on your special day together. In this video from Today, you’ll learn about making a heart-shaped pizza, and a banana pudding with chocolate sauce and whipped cream. [Today]
Thin Root Vegetable Peeler
There are likely dozens of reasons why one would want to peel a radish, carrot or potato into translucent sheets. But you would have to be willing to fork over $689.95 to get one of your own. That’s not important, though; the link takes you to Zensuke.com, home of many wonderful Japanese devices – some of which are actually affordable. [Zensuke]
Above: “Get a Room” Cookies [One Tough Cookie]
Amuse Bouche: Links for 2/3/12
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Yes, we missed the Chinese New Year, but you don’t have to: a) be timely, b) be celebrating or c) be Chinese to find these New Year-inspired cupcakes worthy of setting off some firecrackers. [Bake Happy and Cupcakes Take the Cake ]
Bottle of Wits
Austin’s venerable Alamo Draft House movie chain is jumping all over the 25th anniversary of “The Princess Bride” by introducing one white and one red wine inspired by the film. Neither is laced with the legendary poisonous iocane powder, which is a good thing for those who haven’t spent the last 25 years building up a tolerance. [Alamo Drafthouse]
Sandwich Artist
For people who still like to play with their food but make it look as if it was inspired by some great artists, this collection of bread-meets-filler arrangements will feel whimsical. The rest of us will find it merely strange. (Click on each photo and look at the URL to figure out the associated artist.) [Low Commitment Projects]
Pancake Plates
Nearly everyone likes a little syrup with his or her pancakes, but few like finding that one at the bottom of the stack has transformed from a fluffy delight to a soggy mess. Introducing the Pancake Plate! Deceptively obvious and wonderful. And also useful for virtually any liquid-basted meal. Check it out! [Uncommon Goods]
One Tough Cookie
On the one hand, it’s a cute name — on the other, who wants to eat a tough cookie? That said, Gail Dosik’s creations are some of the most beautifully designed eatables you’ll ever witness. (It’s almost a shame to bite into them!) Early warning: Valentine’s Day is only about 10 days away, and OTC has some incredible ideas. [One Tough Cookie]
Above: Deli Stadium
Whether you’re rooting for the New England Patriots or the New York Giants to win Sunday’s Super Bowl, there’s no question: Deli platters in the shape of football stadiums are a true score . [Westword]
Amuse Bouche: Links for 1/20/12
Average American Worker Spends $1,100/year on Coffee
Want to save money while purging yourself of a raging caffeine addiction? Based on this article, it seems clear you can pocket over $1K a year by simply not drinking coffee. [Consumerist]
Food Fight! The Game
Love throwing food around? Hate the mess? “Food Fight” is the answer. Lob food projectiles at fellow players for points, and never have to hear mom say you’re wasting your meal. [Kongregate]
Bacon Product of the Week: Frosting
Vosges makes a wonderful chocolate bar with bacon bits inside, so maybe Bacon Frosting could actually work atop a chocolate cake. Give it a whirl, and let us know. We’ll wait. Also, we’ll want samples. [Amazon]
Girl Scout Cookie Locator
We’ve all had cravings for Thin Mints, Samoas and Tagalongs that won’t go away. Mine last for 365 days at a time. Here, you can find out where to buy those lovely, lovely Girl Scout Cookies year ’round; additional links for mobile phones, iTunes and Android. Modern! [Girl Scouts of America]
Chicago Metallic Non-Stick 9″ Split Decision Pie Pan
Everyone loves pie, but having a choice of pie makes things even more wonderful (and fattening, because you’ll want two pieces). Never mind all that: Here’s a pie pan even the most wishy-washy can get behind, as it lets you cook two flavors at once. (And bonus: Extra crust in the middle parts! [Amazon]
Above: Unicorn Poop
OK, not really. Because, you know, unicorns aren’t real. Sorry about that. But if they were real, their droppings would be just as sparkly and yummy as these here confections. Recipe at the link. [Instructables]
Amuse Bouche: Links for 1/13/12
9 Ridiculous Cooking Myths You Probably Believe
To keep the pasta from sticking, try oil in your pasta water. You can do that, right? Wrong. Find out why, along with reasons behind eight other kitchen boo-boos you’re likely making. [Cracked]
Pizza Shirt
The best news about these shirts? You can spill pizza all you want on them and no one will ever know. Well, until you start to smell a bit. Ideal for the new college student! [Pizza Shirt]
Bacon Effervescent Tablets
In my never-ending quest to find all things bacon, I came across these little tablets. Probably not recommended as sucking candies, they will flavor whatever liquid you put them into. The combinations are endless, and potentially gross, so make sure you get yours way before April Fool’s Day. [Amazon]
TSA Cupcake Lady Speaks!
Or rather, she writes in to explain that the cupcake she tried to carry on board a flight, before it was confiscated by the TSA, was not encased in icing. You decide, and then think about whether you want to take the risk next time you want a sweet confection on the plane. [Consumerist]
Dish So Hot You Need a Waiver
Yeah it’s a gimmick, but a gimmick with teeth. Burned, desensitized teeth: A Cambridge, Mass. eatery now offers “The Pasta Plate from Hell” made with the Naga pepper, which is scientifically proven* to blow your head off. The restaurant requires you sign a waiver so you can’t sue them later if you eat it. (Of course, if your head is actually blown off, that’s not an issue.) [Consumerist]
Above: Brain Food
No actual brains included, just food that looks like brains. [CakeheadLovesEvil]
*Not actually scientifically proven, but they’re working on it.
Amuse Bouche: Links for 1/6/12
Lovage Me Tender
You’d think that as a produce buyer in NYC Kate would be sick of looking at the green stuff — but no! She actually loves it so much she takes artful photos and shares fascinating tidbits. Eye candy for veggie lovers. [Lovage Me Tender]
Roast Pork, Fit for a Pig
We like our food to … not look like our food. Not sure about a roast pork that actually is molded in the shape of a piggy. What about you? [Consumerist]
The Ultimate Cheeseburger
For meat lovers, all hamburgers are good hamburgers, but some can be great. Because of cheese. Watch this video of Modernist Cuisine co-author Chef Maxime Bilet, discussing one part of his 2,438-page book … the making of the perfect cheeseburger. [YouTube]
20 Secrets Your Waiter Won’t Tell You
Some will completely surprise you. And some will be obvious as soon as you read them — for example, all the coffee is decaf after a certain hour. Even if you ask for caff. [Reader's Digest]
Recipe: Caveman Crunch
More on what’s called the “Paleo Diet” in weeks to come; for now, see if you can track down these rather odd ingredients and you’ll end up with an incredibly healthy, surprisingly delicious snack (or cereal item, minus the cereal). Note: contains nuts. Lots and lots of nuts. [Civilized Caveman]
Above: Jabba the Huttcake
Because, well, just because. [Tumblr]
Amuse Bouche: Links for 12/23/11
Hopefully, your cake looks better than this.
(Almost) Happy Christmas and (already) Happy Hanukkah! Shopping is done, so sit back and enjoy these (maybe) food-related, (possibly) holiday-themed and (definitely) fun links!
Gingerbread Houses Galore!
Cake Wrecks is on a tear with its wonderfully horrible holiday-themed cakes, but recently the editors took a break and shared with us some of the most wonderful gingerbread creations you have ever not eaten. [Cake Wrecks]
Brownie … Eggs?
Not as hard as you’d think, and you already have those eggs sitting around, right? So save the shells and learn here how to cook the brownies right inside! [Neatorama]
Celebrity Holiday Plans
Wondering what the beautiful and famous (including Taylor Swift, Julia Roberts and Kristin Chenoweth are doing this season? [Delish]
Celebrity Recipes!
Can’t get enough of the Hollywood set? Boogie on over here for recipes from Marilyn Monroe, Tony Danza and Michelle Obama. Feast like the famous! [Lemondrop]
10 Christmas Songs We Hope to Never Hear Again
For some, the list is short: “All of them.” For others, well, here’s a good way to get started not planning your looping list of holiday music this year. [MSNBC Entertainment Blog]
Take the Right Holiday Pictures
Yes, our holiday photos suck. So do yours, probably. Here’s how you can fix that little issue to end up with just the right family photos. Tip: Let the kids do a supremely silly photo just before taking the “real” one. [Curvy Girl]
Amuse Bouche: Links for 12/16/11
Well, wouldn't you be a bit frowny if you were a gingerbread man?
What? You’re still not sure what to get your loved ones, acquaintances and total strangers? Time to shape up and get that shopping finished, pronto: The holiday season is upon us in a little over a week! (Less, for those lighting candles for Hanukkah.) So as promised, here are a few more great ideas for last-minute shoppers. But remember, ordering online means do it soon, find a place for free shipping or be prepared to pay a whole lot to have it there on time. Either way, have a yummy good time!
Mark Wahlberg’s Favorite Chocolates
Phillips Candy House has been around since 1925, but these days it likes to be known as favorite candy hut of the artist formerly known as Marky Mark. And we all know he knows about fun bunches. The store is located in Mark’s old ‘hood of Dorchester in Boston, where he grew up, and he’s been a fan of the chocolate turtles for years; his wife Rhea now orders them as Father’s Day gifts. So put a little funk into your chocolate chunk! (Various prices) [Phillips Candy House]
Mushroom Kit
There could be a fungus among us if you pick up one of these DIY homemade kits to grow your own delicious morsels (and morels, perhaps) ($19.95) [Uncommon Goods]
Food Pod
Boil, blanch, steam and drain all in this flexible pouch — simple silicone, put to delicious use. ($15) [Fusion Brands]
Droid Salt and Pepper Shakers
Yes, these are the droids you’re looking for. A pair of wind-up salt and pepper shakers — no passing the salt at the table necessary with these little dudes. ($24) [Chiasso]
Spice Infuser
Put your fresh spices inside a little ball that resembles a colander/tea infuser and let them season your soups, sauces, stews … you name it. I imagine it would be great for spicing up your holiday punches and cider, too! ($28) [MoMa]
Bottle Handle
So simple, it’s hard to imagine why this wasn’t invented decades ago. For anyone who has a hard time lifting a whole two-liter bottle with your bare hand. This attachable handle could save so much spillage. ($9.95/set of 2) [Life With Ease]
Peppermint Pig
Get yerself a peppermint pig and start cracking on the new year! The old tradition goes back many years and is just the way to get the family to share stories. Plus: Sweet! (Various prices) [Saratoga Sweets]
