The Improper Chef

Sunday, March 4, 2012

DIY Mania

Thanks to Pinterest, DIY mania is sweeping the Macy-Lesperance household. Even if you're not trying out the specific ideas you find on there, seeing other people being so organized and put together is just inspiring beyond words.

In the last month, we as a household have cleaned out and organized all our cabinets, dressers & closets, refinished two pieces of furniture, replaced hardware on existing furniture, gave our master bedroom a complete & total overhaul, cleaned out our storage unit, and made sense of endless totes and boxes full of "stuff." We're talking countless bags of "stuff." It's an incredible feeling... I literally feel lighter.

The challenge? Staying organized. I am definitely not about cleaning schedules, life is too busy. We both work full time, we're social, we cook elaborate meals on weeknights just because. I think it's really just about being more mindful on a daily basis. That chair in your bedroom? Don't heap clothes on it. When you're changing, put your stuff in the hamper, hang it back up, or put it in a drawer. I am notorious for trying on multiple outfit combinations and throwing the rejected pieces on the unmade bed. Then the clothes pile up, the bed doesn't get made, and chaos ensues. It's hard to get into that mindset, but I'm making major strides.

Next up on the DIY list: taking old shoes and giving them a makeover, framing & hanging LPs for our music room, tackling the under-the-sink areas with a major organizational overhaul, replacing a few old lighting fixtures, turning our 2nd bedroom closet into a linen closet, and installing a new sink & toilet for our bathroom. We're going to leave that last one to a professional plumber... if any of these DIY projects are going to go south, I don't want the bathroom to be the one!

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Who Loves You, Baby?

Hope everyone had an excellent Valentine's Day! Sous and I upheld our tradition of staying in and cooking an epic & romantic dinner together. Last year's braised short ribs were fabulous, but we definitely topped ourselves this year.

On the menu: caprese salad, prosciutto & italian cheese pinwheels, chicken with mushroom & gorgonzola cream sauce, and spaghetti carbonara. For dessert: chocolate molten lava cakes. For wine: Cigar Box Malbec and Ravenswood Red Zinfandel.

The salad & the pinwheels-

Easy & delish! The perfect antipasto. Salad- slice up the tomatoes, slice up the fresh mozz, sprinkle with basil, drizzle with olive oil & balsamic vinegar. Pinwheels- wrap thin-sliced prosciutto around your favorite italian cheese, then slice & serve.

The pasta-

Cook 1 lb of your favorite pasta per the box. We went with straight up spaghetti, which is my fave for carbonara dishes. Perfect texture & consistency. Drain the pasta, reserve 1/2c of the cooking water. In a small bowl, whisk 2 lg egg yolks, 1/2c of whipping cream, and 1 tsp of paprika. Heat a tbsp of oil in a skillet, and cook 4oz of diced prosciutto or pancetta on medium-high for 5 min. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 min. Add the spaghetti to the skillet, and reduce heat to low, tossing the spaghetti to coat. Add the reserved water and the yolk mix. Coat the pasta and cook for 2 min. Add 1c of parmesan cheese and a pinch of nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Serve topped with some additional parm.

The chicken-

This was basically a chicken marsala with a twist. Add 2 tbsp olive oil to a skillet and heat on medium-high. Dredge four thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts in flour, shaking off the excess. Add them to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, italian seasoning, white pepper, marjoram, poultry seasoning, and crushed red pepper. You just need a little of each- this is my house italian seasoning blend. Add 1/2c chicken broth and 1/2c of marsala or sherry wine, and saute the chicken for 5 min on each side. Remove the chicken & keep warm. Reserve the sauce. Add some additional olive oil to the same skillet and cook 1/2lb of sliced mushrooms for 6 min. I used baby bellas, love them! Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 min. Add 1c of marsala wine and cook about 5 min, until the liquid is reduced by a third. Stir in 2/3c of whipping cream, and season with salt & pepper. You don't need a lot of seasoning in the sauce since you're about to add... POW! 1/3c of crumbled gorgonzola. Return the chicken to the pan along with the gorgonzola and simmer about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve the chicken with the gorgonzola mushroom sauce, and drizzle some of the reserved sauce from cooking the chicken over it. The chicken sauce will be a little darker and it provides a nice contrast. Sprinkle with some additional crumbled gorgonzola.

The wine-

The store was all out of Barefoot Red Moscato :( These two wines were excellent though, and both were under $10. I've had the Red Zin countless times, but the Cigar Box Malbec was a new one and will be going on our favorites list.

The dessert-

http://www.finecooking.com/recipes/molten-chocolate-cakes-raspberries.aspxFollowed the recipe to the letter except I forgot tawny port at the packie so I used riesling instead, which is a perfectly acceptable substitute. This dessert was amazing!

If you're thinking ahead to next Valentine's Day, or planning a nice romantic anytime dinner at home, we hope you try out some of these recipes and be sure to let us know what you think!

Monday, February 6, 2012

Oscar Party Guide!

OSCAR PARTY GUIDE

Who says the Super Bowl is the only big party event in February? Not us! The Oscars are easily as party-worthy. Check out these great entertaining ideas & recipes!

Champage Jello Shots- Jello shots done the classy way!

http://www.bakersroyale.com/cocktail-desserts/boozy-bites-french-75-jello-shots/

Champagne Cupcakes- Bubbles aren't just for drinking!

http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/mimosa-cupcakes/48ad66d9-6cd1-46cf-8de9-1bfb5bf23957

Fun with French food-

Hugo, Midnight in Paris & The Artist are all French-themed Best Picture nominees. Think French wine (http://www.winecurmudgeon.com/my_weblog/french_wine/), cheese (http://about-france.com/cheese.htm), pommes frites, creme brulee, chocolate mousse, coq au vin, and pan bagnant. Here are some recipe links:

http://foodielady.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/natural-french-fries-with-white-truffle-oil-pommes-frites/
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/creme-brulee-recipe/index.html

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chocolate-Mousse-107437
http://whatscookingamerica.net/Poultry/CoqAuVin.htm
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/pan-bagnat-recipe/index.html

Take me out to the ballgame-

Serve up ballpark fare for Moneyball, another Best Picture nominee, and you'll hit it right out of the park. Beer, bubblegum martinis, pigs in a blanket, popcorn, nachoes, cracker jacks, cotton candy, and pretzels are all perfect for this theme:
http://popartdiva.com/The%20Martini%20Diva/Martini%20Recipe%20Pages/Bubble%20Gum%20Martini%202.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/patrick-and-gina-neely/neelys-pigs-in-a-blanket-recipe/index.html
http://www.marthastewart.com/317669/emerils-crazy-nachos
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/homemade-soft-pretzels-recipe/index.html

Texas Two-Step-

The Tree of Life is another Best Picture nominee, with the film taking place in Texas. Tex-mex is the way to go here- chili, bbq, king ranch chicken, texas sheet cake, salsa, enchiladas, guacamole, and mini tacos are a few ideas to get you started!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=278813338848355&set=a.278811572181865.68577.205571772839179&type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=278812168848472&set=a.278811572181865.68577.205571772839179&type=3&theater
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/cooking-live/king-ranch-chicken-recipe/index.html
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Texas-Sheet-Cake
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/salsa-recipe/index.html
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=278812798848409&set=a.278811572181865.68577.205571772839179&type=3&theater
http://www.rachaelraymag.com/Recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-search/appetizer-starter-recipes/eva-longoria-parker-s--spicy-guacamole
http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/grands-biscuit-taco-cups/17934eeb-64d1-43da-a87e-91d2bf8970da/

Horse of a different color-

English food is the theme here for this Best Picture nominee. Spiked tea, fish & chips, pickles & cheese, beef wellington, steak & ale pie, scones, stouts (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/Menuism/stout-beer-styles_b_1100339.html) & cider.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/chips-and-fish-recipe/index.html
http://www.igourmet.com/englishcheese.asp
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/mini-beef-wellingtons-recipe/index.html
http://britishfood.about.com/od/recipeindex/r/beefalepie.htm
http://www.joyofbaking.com/SconesIntroduction.html

Descend into the delicious-

The Descendants, another Best Picture nominee starring George Clooney, takes place in Hawaii. Throw a luau as your Oscar party theme! Serve up mai tais, pina coladas, pineapple & fresh fruit, loco moco, caramel sweet potatoes, char siu spare ribs & Hawaiian potato salad!
http://gohawaii.about.com/od/drinks/r/mai_tai_01a.htm
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/pina-colada-recipe/index.html
http://bigislandgrinds.com/2006/09/loco-moco-recipe/
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Caramel-Sweet-Potatoes
http://theculinarychase.blogspot.com/2009/02/sticky-char-siu-spare-ribs.html
http://www.alohafriendsluau.com/recipes.html
http://www.paradiseawaits.com/LuauRecipes.html

Extremely Delicious-

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close is a 9/11 movie, so you're going to want to work some NY food into your menu. Apple muffins, maple bacon wrapped scallops, wings, pizza, cheesecake bites, roasted nuts, and Nathans hot dogs with all the fixings are some great options!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/apple-muffins-recipe/index.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/the-essence-of-emeril/scallops-wrapped-in-bacon-recipe/index.html
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1839,132191-246195,00.html
http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2010/10/new-york-style-pizza.html
http://minibakercupcakes.blogspot.com/2011/04/mini-new-york-cheesecakes.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/everything-roasted-nuts-recipe/index.html

Helping Hand-

Our final Best Picture nominee, saving the best for last perhaps? Serve up Mississippi mud pie, sweet potato pie, cajun fried pecans, tamales, toasted ravioli, buttermilk biscuits, and the St Paul sandwich!
http://www.olsouthrecipes.com/mudpie.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/old-fashioned-sweet-potato-pie-recipe/index.html
http://www.tamaletrail.com/recipe_howto.shtml
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-ravioli-recipe/index.html
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/southern-biscuits-recipe/index.html
http://spectacularlydelicious.com/2011/01/03/st-paul-sandwich-a-st-louis-orignal/

Here are some ideas to get you started. Stay tuned for our next Oscar installment with great party decoration tips and games!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Baby Shower Ideas

The Improper Chef always enjoys a menu challenge. Holidays, sports, graduation, awards shows. The latest challenge? Baby shower! This is probably the funnest menu I've put together, because I got to look at tons of cute stuff, and to think about what I'd want someday at my own shower.

Punch-

My friend Steph and I actually made this for our joint birthday party on Saturday, it was a pajama/ducky theme. The punch was cute and delicious! If you'd like to make it a girl punch, serve it in a pink bowl, use a pink colored juice, and float some raspberry sherbert instead. If you'd like to have a cocktail version, serve pink champage on the side for a girl punch, or regular champage for the blue punch. http://tidymom.net/2011/ducky-baby-shower-punch/

Baby rattle cupcakes-

These are too cute. Especially if the sex of the baby is unknown and you want to have a gender-neutral theme. Plus, who doesn't love cupcakes?! http://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/baby-rattle-cupcakes/93494979-0161-4c11-aaf5-e1ae3cdd2278

Artichoke asiago dip-
Mix 8oz light cream cheese, 1/3c light sour cream, 4oz shredded asiago, 14oz drained chopped artichoke hearts, 1/3c banana peppers, 1/2c sliced baby bella mushrooms, 1/3c diced green onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4c grated parmesan, salt, pepper and paprika. Spread into a pie plate and bake on 375 for about 25 min, or until cheese is melted and dip is nice and hot

Mini Lasagnas-

(makes 12)

http://www.canyoustayfordinner.com/2010/11/04/petite-lasagnas/

Melon & prosciutto rolls-

(serves 20)
Seed & remove the rind from 2 melons (honeydew or cantaloupe). Cut into 2 inch chunks. Take 1/2lb of thin sliced prosciutto, cut into strips, and wrap the prosciutto around the melons. Skewer with baby shower themed picks.

Chicken & goat cheese wraps-

(serves 8)
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and place 3 sliced plum tomatoes in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and some italian seasoning. Bake about 30 min. Saute 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts in oil, then cut into thin strips. Heat 4 8-inch tortillas in the microwave for 10 seconds, one at a time. Spread each one with some goat cheese (you'll need about 5 oz for the recipe), some shredded romaine lettuce, roasted tomato, and chicken. Roll tightly, wrap in plastic and chill. When ready to serve, remove the plastic and cut into 1-inch diagonal pieces.

Baked Zucchini Sticks-

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/blog/2011/07/28/baked-zucchini-sticks-and-sweet-onion-dip-that-bloomin-zucchini/

Salad stuffed tomatoes-

Cut the tops off of 36 cherry tomatoes and remove the seeds, hollowing them out. Cut a tiny bit off the bottom of the tomato so that the bottom is still intact but so it creates a base so that the tomato can stand upright. Combine 2c butter or romaine lettuce, 1/3c chopped cooked bacon, 1/3c crushed croutons, and approx 3 tbsp of your favorite creamy dressing. Bleu cheese, ranch, caesar or creamy italian would work perfect here. Season with salt & pepper, and a pinch of salad seasoning if you have it on hand. Stuff the tomatoes.

Stuffed mushrooms-

These are my favorite stuffed mushrooms, from Giada over at foodnetwork.com: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/stuffed-mushrooms-recipe/index.html

Baby Cherry Cakes-

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=236984346364588&set=a.205599749503048.52177.205571772839179&type=3&theater

Mini beef wellingtons-

(makes 24 pieces)
Heat some olive oil in a skillet. Season 2lb of beef tenderloin (cut into 24 1-inch cubes) with salt & pepper. Cook 2 min on 2 of the sides (4 min total) to sear and remove from the heat. Cool. Meanwhile, cook 10oz of chopped baby bella mushrooms in olive oil for 5 min. Add 1 lg chopped shallot, cook for 10 min. Remove from heat & cool. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Roll out 2 thawed frozen puff pastry sheets into 2 rectangles. Place 1 tsp at a time of the mushroom mix onto the pastry sheets, spacing it out so that you have 4 rows of 3 on each sheet (24 total). Top with beef, seared-side up. Cut the dough around the beef & mushroom mix into squares and fold into a packet. Place onto the parchment paper seam side down. Bake 20-25 minutes, until the pastry is a nice golden color. Cool 10 min, and serve with your favorite horseradish dipping sauce.

Horseradish dipping sauce-

Mix 1c sour cream, 1/3c horseradish (in the refrigerated case near the bacon), 2 tbsp chopped green onion, 1 tbsp minced shallots, 1 tsp lemon juice. Season with salt & pepper and refrigerate until serving.

Pancetta & goat cheese tartlets-

(makes 30 pieces)

Prepare a baking sheet with 2 packages of mini phyllo cups (15 each). Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil on medium. Saute 4oz pancetta until browned, then remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. In a small bowl, whisk 2/3c half & half or light cream, 2 large egg yolks, and season with black pepper and garlic salt, and a pinch of cayenne or paprika. Stir in 4oz crumbled goat cheese, the cooked pancetta, and 1c diced green onion. Mix well and fill all the phyllo cups. Bake approx 15 min- they should be slightly browned and the goat cheese should be melted.

Caesar salad crostini-

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice a baguette into thin pieces and place on a baking sheet. Mix 1/3c olive oil, salt, pepper and a pinch of garlic powder, and brush the tops of the sliced baguette. Bake 3 min, just so they toast slightly. Remove and cool. In a medium bowl, toss some romaine lettuce with your favorite caesar dressing and some grated parmesan cheese, mixing well. Arrange the baguettes on a serving platter and stop with the salad mix.

Antipasto Squares-
My friend Deb just made these for a company function and they were a huge hit! Unroll and smooth out 1 package of crescent rolls in the bottom of a 9x13 pan, closing the seams between each one. Layer half of 1/2lb each sliced deli ham, provolone, salami, swiss cheese and pepperoni, then some roasted red or banana peppers, and repeat with the meat and cheese (ending with pepperoni). Beat 3 eggs, 3 tbsp grated parmesan, and some black pepper. Pour over the meat and cheese mix, reserving some to brush on top of the pastry. Cover with another package of crescent rolls (again, smoothing and closing the seams) and brush with the reserved egg mix. Bake, covered, for 30 min. Uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Cool and cut into squares.

Friday, December 30, 2011

Weighing in on 'Unhealthy' Foods

The Improper Chef weighs in on 'unhealthy foods'

I know it's probably not a good idea to blog when you have the flu. I've got a 100+ temp, so I could be talking crazy, and I have had no human interaction since Tuesday except for my husband and my cats. Because I have been couch bound, I've been doing a lot of reading when I haven't been sleeping. One article in particular caught my eye today. It's about the "unhealthiest" cookbooks of the year.
http://foodiesandfatties.com/here-are-the-unhealthiest-cookbooks-of-2011

Health, nutrition, and fitness are all very important. In the perfect world that much of society seems to project, no one would eat fast food. Because of my personal preference for cooking at home, I don't eat fast food often. But this week, when I drove past a McDonalds at lunch time, I stopped in. (For the record, eating at Mickey D's is NOT why I am sick). I can count on one hand the number of times I eat at a fast food restaurant like McDonalds, Burger King, or Wendy's every year. Disclaimer: add a second hand this year, I indulged when the McRib came back. But again, this is due to my family's preference to cut down on eating out (fast food or otherwise) to save money and to give this blog some content (natch). Do you eat fast food more often than that? That's your choice! We live in America, where we are afforded a great many choices in many facets of life. Ain't no shame in my game. When I am having a craving or in a pinch for time, no amount of shame is going to keep me from enjoying my Big Mac.

As a home chef, a food blogger, and a former restaurant industry employee, all different kinds and types of food interest me. I can't eat the same thing day after day, week after week. I have 20+ full journals and notebooks with recipes in them. I have countless recipe boxes. I have index cards with ideas and notes in every room of the house. And yes, you will find "unhealthy" options from all these chefs that are featured in the article above. But the trick? And this is not really a trick, because it seems pretty obvious to me: EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. You probably don't want to cook from Paula Deen's Southern Bible every day. But if you sprinkle a little Paula into your weekly menu here and there, are you really being "unhealthy?" It's all about moderation, variety, and portions.

Not every chef out there is in agreement on what you should be serving to your family. Just look at Paula Deen and Anthony Bourdain. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/26/anthony-bourdain-paula-deen_n_937908.html
I love me some Tony B, but I agree with Paula on this argument. I think he was very harsh in his remarks and is feeding into hurtful labels. Sure, I've passed over recipes because they seemed to be too heavy on one ingredient or another, but saying that Paula is the most dangerous woman in America is asinine. Anthony's huge on sarcasm, but he's also a public figure and a role model and he should probably know by now that people are going to blow up his comments (like I am doing right now).

I strongly dislike labels like "healthy" and "unhealthy." It makes people feel terrible when they decide to indulge in something "unhealthy." Balance yourself. If you have Guy Fieri's jambalaya sandwich (amazeballs, btw), maybe hit the gym extra hard the next time you go. Or balance it out with some light options. Everyone has their own version of what "healthy" and "unhealthy" is. That, in itself, is healthy. I suppose that last sentence makes me a hypocrite, but whatevs, I'm trying to make a point here.

I'm not saying I am a saint and that I don't judge people. But I think that judging people for what they choose to eat or cook is wrong. THAT is what is "unhealthy." Do what is right for you. With 2012 around the corner and all the pressure of resolutions, there is one resolution that I would make if I believed in making resolutions. And that is to be true to yourself. Do what you love, eat what you love, and find the balance in your life that makes the short time we all have on this earth worth living.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Party Like It's 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Christmas has come and gone. Don't get down in the dumps... the holidays aren't over yet! New Years Eve & New Years Day are right around the corner. Hosting a NYE bash? Attending one, and you're not sure what to bring? Here are some great party food ideas to make your last evening of 2011 one to remember!

BBQ Chicken Tartlets-

You've seen these on our blog and Facebook page before, and no we're not embarrassed to be a repeat offender where this recipe is concerned. It's quick, easy and tasty. What more could you want in a party appetizer? You can make your own bbq sauce (hit up TIC for a great homemade recipe), or if you're pressed for time we recommend Sweet Baby Ray's. Best BBQ sauce on the shelf! For the tartlets, you take 2 packages of the mini phyllo shells (we're going for easy here, you don't have to bake your own!), and place them on a baking sheet. For the filling, dice up 6oz cooked boneless chicken and mix it with 3/4c bbq sauce, 1/3c diced green onion, 2 egg yolks, 3oz shredded gouda, salt, pepper and 1/3c light cream or half & half. Spoon the mixture into the shells and bake at 350 degrees for 20 min.

Sour Patch Martini-

Here's a fun cocktail idea that tastes delicious and looks cute! In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add 1oz each Chambord raspberry vodka, Sour Apple Pucker, Watermelon Pucker and sour mix. Pour into a martini glass. Float a couple sour patch candies on top and enjoy!

Caesaer Salad Crostini-

Take a baguette and cut it into thin slices. Brush one side of each bread with a mix of 1/3c olive oil, salt, pepper, a pinch of garlic powder and a pinch of italian seasoning. Place on a baking sheet, oiled side up, and bake on 400 degrees until just lightly toasted. Remove from the oven and cool. Mix shredded romaine, your favorite caesar dressing, and some grated parmesan cheese, and top each bread piece with the lettuce mix.

Smoked Gouda & Chorizo Poppers-

(photo from foodnetwork.com) This is a great recipe from Food Network's Sunny Anderson! These are in our stuffed pepper rotation along with the Buffalo Chicken Poppers (see TIC). Here's the link to foodnetwork.com for Sunny's fabulous peppers!
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/smoked-gouda-chorizo-jalapeno-poppers-recipe/index.html

Mini Beef Wellingtons-

Here's another great recipe from Food Network. My husband made these for my 30th birthday party and the recipe has been in our app rotation ever since! I recommend serving it with a horseradish dipping sauce.
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/mini-beef-wellingtons-recipe/index.html

Horseradish Dipping Sauce-

Mix 3/4c sour cream, 1/4c prepared horseradish, 1 tbsp green onion, 1 tbsp shallots, 3/4 tsp lemon juice. Mix all, and season with salt & pepper. Chill min 30 min and up to 6 hours.

Buffalo Chicken Dip-

I've had many variations of buffalo chicken dip over the years, and this recipe is my favorite. The key? The SAUCE. This is my favorite buffalo sauce out there. I've been having trouble finding it in the stores as of late, so I've been ordering it online. Nothing goes together quite as well as Anchor Bar buffalo sauce and Ken's ranch dressing. To make the dip: Mix 3/4c buffalo suace, 16oz softened reduced fat cream cheese, 8oz ranch, and a shredded store-bought rotisserie chicken. Bake on 350 degrees until bubbly, about half and hour, stirring throughout. Serve it with tortilla chips and carrot & celery sticks.

Peppermint Martini-

Looking for something to do with those leftover candy canes? Hook them to a martini glass filled with peppermint goodness! In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 5oz vodka, 2oz white creme de cacao, and 1/2oz peppermint schnapps. Shake well and strain into 2 martini glasses.

Italian Nachos-

Inspired by an appetizer at the Macaroni Grill. Heat up 1.5c alfredo sauce on low heat. While the alfredo sauce is warming up, cook & crumble 8oz hot or sweet italian sausage (or half hot half sweet) and brown. Place a generous layer of tortilla chips into a baking dish. Top with 1c shredded asiago cheese, and then pour the alfredo sauce over the cheese & chips. Top with the sausage (remove the sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon to you don't carry over all that grease), 1c diced banana peppers, 1 diced tomato, 1 diced yellow onion, and 1.5c of italian blend cheese. Bake on 350 degrees until the cheese melts and is nice and bubbly brown. Garnish with diced green onion, if desired.

Lemony Artichoke Dip-

(photo from southernliving.com) Here's a nice cold dip alternative for artichokes.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/lemony-spinach-artichoke-dip-10000001654561/

Check out The Improper Chef on Facebook for more great party food recipes!

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Countdown- Days 2 & 1

Merry Christmas!

We decided to combine days 2 & 1 a) so we have the day off tomorrow and b) chances are, you've already hit the grocery store already.

First of all, we wanted to thank everyone for all the support! Being able to share our kitchen successes with you all is a wonderful thing. There are so many wonderful food blogs and sites out there, and we really appreciate that you have chosen ours to follow!

Here are some of our favorite recipes from 2011. We'll do a more elaborate year-end feature, but these are some ideas for meals to try before the end of the year:

Beef & Beer Chili-