PAPO DE ANJOMy trip to Lisbon during the 2009 holiday season filled my head and my heart with so many inspirations and aspirations.   What a beautiful city, full of historic and cultural beauty as well as the physical beauty of the people themselves.   While all the senses are overwhelmed in Portugal - your taste buds in particular are sure to be in heaven from morning to night.   From the first cup of strong and delicious Portuguese coffee to the last night cap - Portuguese cuisine is spectacular.PAPO DE ANJO COOLING IN THE MUFFIN PAN

One dessert charmed me from the moment I heard it's name - and it was love when I tasted the delicious little cakes.   Papo de Anjo - literally translates to double chins of Angels, and the taste is as sweet as the reference.    These little egg custard cakes, served drenched in a simple syrup sauce are subtle and sweet.  Made from egg yokes, the cakes are filling and can be served in a variety of ways. 

The recipe is believed to have been created by nuns or monks.  The folklore being that the clergy used so many egg whites in starching laundry - there was an abundance of yolks that would go to waste.

Some recipes call for including egg whites in the beaten yokes, I chose a more classic version to make on a perfect weekend this winter.   The cakes can be prepared a full day before you serve them - as they are infused with the syrup you soak them in until ready to serve.   You can also boil the cakes in the syrup before serving - but again you don't have to.   I didn't for this serving.

Also, as the yolk cakes are very simple, you can add rum, vanilla, or even orange peel.   You will think something is missing as you prepare this dish - but the cakes are suprisingly tastey.  They definitely taste like egg yokes, which I didn't expect to enjoy - but they are delicious.

RECIPE:

8 egg yolks ,1 egg white , 2 cups sugar, 2 cups water, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Beat egg yolks until they double in size ( I prefer to do it by hand with a wisk), add i1 beaten egg white. Continue beating until mixture is spongy in texture.

Pour into a muffin pan that have been buttered.

Set tins in one inch of hot water in a shallow pan and bake in 350° F oven about 15-20 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool.PAPO DE ANJO -SERVED IN THREES

Dissolve sugar in water and bring to a boil, add vanilla extract.   Remove from heat.

Use a tooth pick to make several holes in each cake and drop them into syrup.

Refrigerate until serving.  (longer the better - preferably overnight so papos will absorb more of the syrup)

* should make approx 24 cakes

PEDRO JOSE ALEMANAlmost one month into the new decade, I hope you are keeping up with all the resolutions you made for 2010!   Many of us are working on our diets.  Making eating healthy  a priority and keeping our weight and fat content at optimum levels.

One of the hardest things about keeping your diet healthy is knowing all the ingredients that go into every meal you eat.   With so many people relying on restaurants daily for lunch or dinner, the gray area of fats and oils used in commercial cooking are almost impossible to control.  VANILLA SOUFFLE

In keeping with my pursuit for helping you create a better lifestyle, I have one option that will not only improve the quality of your diet - but also add a layer of sophistication to your daily life.   Hire a private chef.   While it may sound extravagant, if you add up what you are spending on meals outside the home - many chefs can be an added luxury that is so worth the money.   If you factor in children into the equation - it might even save you money.

Recently I was a guest of a good friend, for a wonderful weekend in Connecticut.   There was a small group of us that had come to seek rest and relaxation during the holiday break.    It not only gave me the chance to relax, but also to catch up with some old friends.  ( This is also something that you should make a priority on your to-do list - especially in 2010!).     One friend was private chef - Pedro Aleman.

PEDRO ALEMAN & HIS VANILLA SOUFFLEI had tasted Pedro's cooking many times over the years at various parties.   I also had the pleasure of seeing him flex his culinary muscles at the restaurant Fressen - where Pedro was the Sous Chef.    Pedro had moved on to private clients by the time Fressen had faded into memory - lost amongst the frenetic pace that NY's meatpacking district now has.

So, while I knew Pedro was talented and creative (his Venezuelan upbringing, combined with his training in France gives him a unique perspective and approach to his wonderful dishes), I had never had one of his desserts!   To my great surprise, I was able to experience not one, but two delicious sweets.

First up was a spontaneous request from the crowd one cold winter night.   VANILLA SOUFFLE! Pedro disappeared to the kitchen to work his magic and turned eggs, sugar, and vanilla into a light and fluffy treat that was devoured in record time! A perfect souffle is delicate and flavorful, and takes a skillful hand to assure the final presentation won't fall flat.  

PAVLOVA W/ FRESH FRUITThe next day, Pedro treated us to something - although not French, just as regal!   Pavlova is loved the world over - with soft, chewy meringue, whip cream, and fresh fruit - who can resist??   Named after Russian ballet dancer - Anna Pavlova back in the 20's, the origin of the recipe has been in dispute between New Zealand and Australia for 90 years.   Both countries claim to have invented the treat to honor the Diaghilev ballerina during a tour of the region.    New Zealand or Australia - I don't care, I'm just glad she went!   Pavlova is one of my favorite desserts.

To be fair to Pedro -his specialty is seasonal & healthy, home cooking.   Just keep in mind that he can whip up a mean dessert.  Of course he can't tell you about all the celebs that have choppered him to the Hamptons and back.   Let's just say, if Pedro cooks for you - you are in some great "red carpet" company!

To contact Pedro Aleman - leave a message at 917 714 8918.

BOBBY FLAY MEGA OMELETyou probably know Bobby Flay as the star of the reality cooking show - Throwdown with Bobby Flay.   Flay made a name for himself by taking American cuisine and serving it up with a twist that takes you by surprise.

I recently met a few friends from out of town at Bar Americain.   Regional American cuisine..  not like you have had it before!JASON & THE BAR AMERICAIN MEGA OMELET

 Located in mid-town on 52nd street off 6th avenue, the spot is a great place to meet friends.   Deep booths and large tables are very accommodating.

I ordered the goat cheese & pepper omelet.   All I can say is, if you need more eggs than this - you need to buy a hen!

Click on Bobby Flay above to visit his website.  There you can find information on all the restaurant locations and further information on Bobby.

PEACHES & GRAPES -SAN FEMO, ITALYThe pursuit of a life of style goes so far beyond the choices you make when you get dressed in the morning.   Every choice you make shapes the life you live today and the life you will live tomorrow.   One of the most important aspects to your well being is your diet.    Dietary choices probably have the most dramatic effect on the way you look and feel.   There is a glow that comes from healthy eating that no beauty cream can match.

Fruits and vegetables should be your best friends when you go shopping.   That part we know, right?  The new documentary FOOD INC. opens our eyes to an even more important choice we should be making before we hit the market.   We should all shop for certified organic food and shop at local Farmer's Markets in our community.

This is the most important thing we can do to support farmers and also to protect our own health and our food system from the corporate giants that have taken over the industry.

Even if the food costs more per item, the benefits to your health will save you money in the long run - as we all know that health care in the U.S. is beyond expensive.  Also, Americans eat too much food.  If shopping organic means it would teach us to eat a little less quantity for better quality, would that be a bag thing?

See the film, and choose wisely the next time you food shop.   Shop like your life depends on it, because it does.AUBERGINE - SAN REMO, ITALY

I found a great resource to locate the Farmer's Market in your area.  click ORGANIC to go to the interactive map.

Pictures of produce here are from the day I recently spent in San Remo, Italy.   My friends and I drove from Cannes to hit the market, as it is known far and wide for the incredible fruits and vegetables.

Here's to your health and your Life of Style!

FORAGERS MARKET - DUMBO, BROOKLYNIf you haven't heard of DUMBO by now - here is a formal introduction.   D-own U-nder M-anhattan B-ridge O-verpass -has been a magnet for artists and loft seekers for several years now.   With the best view of Manhattan, DUMBO looks like a movie set of a perfect NYC neighborhood.   If you're thinking of finding more space outside Manhattan  at a bargain rate - don't get excited.  That horse left the barn a long time ago.    Think BIG ticket apartments and all the trimmings that go with it.   Starbuck's - check.   Baby stores - check.   Dog sitting place - check.   Nannys walking babies around while mom gets a spa treatment in mid town - check,check,check.

While you might be rolling your eyes at this point, there are still a few bright spots that make this hood special.

FORAGERS MARKET is one of them.   Founded by 4 entrepreneurial artists, this food market is unlike any you find in Brooklyn to say the least.   The philosophy is to provide high quality food sourced by sustainable means and those that are produced locally and in season.   It is green meets your greens as you shop for brands you might not find in your local supermarket.    The prices are not cheap, but the quality and freshness will put a smile on your face.

My favorite feature is the salad bar.   Foragers has the freshest vegetables and tastiest salad dishes I've ever found under a glass shield.  The sandwiches and prepared dishes are great too.   They even have a fully stocked sushi section made on the premises by a dedicated sushi chef. 

The market is the perfect place to grab a snack or a full lunch and sit at a counter and people watch.   Make the trip to Dumbo to hit the galleries, Jacques Torres chocolate and just explore.  There is also a killer Bagel place right across the street!

Best part - for any borough-phobes (you know who you are!) - so easy.. you just take the F train and DUMBO is the FIRST stop outside Manhattan.  

Foragers also has a catering department for your next event! 

FORAGERS MARKET is Located at 56 Adams Street DUMBO , Brooklyn 718-801-8400

I just returned from an amazing trip to Madrid, Spain.   While I could talk for days about all the wonderful sights I saw - lets focus on eating for a minute.   One of the best known dishes in Spain is the pre-dinner tradition of eating Tapas.   Tapas can refer to these delicious little open sandwiches that are overflowing with just about anything you can think of from shrimp, tuna, and crab to peppers, chorizo sausage, and cheese.   Why wait to go to Spain?  With the holidays approaching, why not think Tapas when you are entertaining this year?   The prep is so easy.   Any thick crusted bread will do.    Simply toast bread adding some olive oil and garlic and then get super creative with any combination of toppings.    This makes it so easy for guests who have likes and dislikes to choose their favorite. 

Tapas are not limited to being served on bread - there are endless choices.   For a great website offering recipes click here - Tapas Recipes.

There also something  fun about smaller portions and individual pieces that say PARTY!  Also, nothing goes better with Tapas than Cerveza.. aka a tall frosty Beer!

If you feel left out in the global obsession for coffee these days, I have a very chic alternative for you.  Hediard Tea.   The delicate tea leaves in every canister produce the finest tea you will find anywhere.   Founded in 1854 in Paris, the company continues its tradition of artisanal quality confections and teas.    There are several locations in Paris and over 200 hundred locations selling their merchandise worldwide.   You only have to go as far as your laptop through the on-line boutique.

On your next trip to Paris, the newly renovated boutique off the Place de la Madeleine is a must!  Three of my favorite varieties shown above :  Melange Pacifique , Melange Epice , and Jasmin.  These make an excellent gift.   The canisters almost looks as cook as the tea tastes!  and we haven't even talked about the chocolates they have!

I have to recommend a great little place that always makes me happy I go.

The Japanese food is served in a minimal  presentation and a very calm
environment.   It is so subtle you might miss it all together.  Look for
the awning and address.  
One of the best things about the place is you will not be
surrounded by young Sex & The City wannabe's screaming over their
cosmos..   enjoy!

15 E. 15th St., New York, NY 10003  
212-647-0015
15 East

It's not everyday that I can say " I have a great pudding place to recommend".  In fact, I've never said it before - but I am saying it now.   For anyone who has had one too many cupcakes in the last few years - I have an unbelievable alternative.   I know the entire free world is obsessed with cupcakes - but try something different for a change... I promise you will thank me.

Rice to Riches in Nolita (North Of Little Italy)is a time warp to your childhood when your grandmother made pudding after school - okay was that just me?  In any case - everyone loves pudding and we never get a chance to eat it.

Rice to Riches makes over 20 kinds of pudding.   Think of a flavor - they have it.  Chocolate Chip Rice Pudding - check.   Rum Raisin Rice Pudding - they have it.   Eggnog Rice Pudding - they have it!   You get my point.  They change all the time so you can check the website for availability if you are truly anal.

On my last visit I had chocolate chip - one friend had plain (sort of boring - but the equivalent for the friend who always gets vanilla ice cream!) and another friend had Eggnog .. amazing!

While the price is not cheap - $5 is the smallest serving size.   They will only give you two flavors if you opt for the slightly larger $7.50 size.  (that is kind of cheap - but I'll let them slide it is so good).  There are several sizes that lead up to the jagunda size that serves 10 people for $35!

The pudding is truly gourmet using the finest ingredients.   Lets just say - this is NOT non-fat.. but you have to splurge sometimes.   As if that wasn't enough - the serving container is truly unique and comes with a lid and spoon to take home which is microwavable - so if you consider future use - the pudding is almost free!

** side note - the website is over the top for a pudding place - check it out to find the interactive surprises!

37 Spring Street

between Mott and Mulberry St,

New York City - 212.274.0008