Compliment

(6:25) If you haven’t yet tried Żubrówka (pronounced zhuh-BROOV-kuh), then you must try to find some immediately. Available in the United States since 2007, this brightly hued Polish vodka ... more >

(6:25) If you haven’t yet tried Żubrówka (pronounced zhuh-BROOV-kuh), then you must try to find some immediately. Available in the United States since 2007, this brightly hued Polish vodka boasts a one-of-a-kind flavor that guarantees to make you want to dance the polka. Once you bring a shot of Żubrówka to your lips, you'll notice the slightly sweet, caramel aroma. Take a sip and your suspicions are confirmed: this vodka is a delight. And the Z Martini will delight you even more. Adding dry and white vermouths to the mix brings out the complexities of the bison grass vodka. No garnish is necessary. Start sipping and praise its subtle flavors to all your martini-loving friends. Friends have suggested the drink tastes a little like flan or brown-sugar cookies. And Z Martinis accompany pigs in a blanket to a tee. Use either chicken-apple, or beef mini sausages. Traditionally in Polish cuisine, pigs in a blanket are made with cabbage wrapped around ground meat, rice, or mushrooms. These tasty dumplings are called Gołubki (go-WUHMB-key) and can be served as a main dish. We opt for the cocktail-party favorites wrapped in puff pastry because they are easy to handle, and dipping them in any type of mustard compliments the slight caramel sweetness of the Z Martini. < less

The combination of roasted ingredients compliments a perfectly-grilled steak without at all masking its flavor. I used two kinds of heirloom tomatoes here, chosen for their slightly tart t... more >

The combination of roasted ingredients compliments a perfectly-grilled steak without at all masking its flavor. I used two kinds of heirloom tomatoes here, chosen for their slightly tart taste, but quality hothouse tomatoes will do the trick just fine. The pistachios become tender when roasted in the pan along with the other ingredients. < less

Creamed Corn Fresca is brighter in flavor and lighter in texture than is generally expected from a more typical creamed corn; not unlike Mexican street corn. Lime and sour cream are compli... more >

Creamed Corn Fresca is brighter in flavor and lighter in texture than is generally expected from a more typical creamed corn; not unlike Mexican street corn. Lime and sour cream are complimented by the heat of a little jalapeno and a touch of barbecue rub. The corn in this recipe is cooked "caveman" style for ultra-sweet results, but you can grill the corn using any technique you like. < less

While thinking up various finger food recipes for our Super Bowl menu I was struck with inspiration... Pacific Rim tacos, and then, why not use my favorite grilled teriyaki salmon? The gri... more >

While thinking up various finger food recipes for our Super Bowl menu I was struck with inspiration... Pacific Rim tacos, and then, why not use my favorite grilled teriyaki salmon? The grilled pineapple salsa with daikon radish and bok choy is a wonderful compliment of texture and flavor for the salmon. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. You can prepare these tacos during half-time and be done in time to serve them before the second-half kickoff if you follow these tips: Prepare the teriyaki glaze, grate the daikon, slice the pineapples and chop the bok choy before your guests arrive. Cover tightly and refrigerate. Slip away during a commercial break during the second quarter to light the grill, prepping for direct grilling at about 500 degrees when half-time begins. < less