SacFoodies

Mediterranean Summer Salad

by SacFoodies

I am always on the lookout for creative ways to eat veggies.
Though our potluck theme this year was All-American, I decided to make a summer salad based on my time living in southern France. I figured hey, they gave us the Statue of Liberty, and what’s more American than that?
I love this salad because it’s cool, crisp and refreshing. Just perfect for those hot afternoon barbecues!



Recipe: Mediterranean Summer Salad

Ingredients

  • 3 large Hot-House Cucumbers
  • 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes
  • 3 Yellow Bell Peppers
  • 1 cup Feta Cheese
  • ½ cup Italian Dressing

Instructions

  1. Cut all vegetables into small, bite-sized chunks.
  2. Combine in large bowl.
  3. Dress with cheese and Italian dressing of your choice.
  4. Serve cold.

Bon appetit!

Macaroni and Cheese

by SacFoodies

Potluck recipes- as promised!
My approach to potlucks has changed over the years. Previously, I would use the party goers as my guinea pigs to try new recipes I found interesting. However, after many failed dishes, I’ve changed my strategy and have tried to hone in on a few signature dishes that work well in any crowd. For desserts, it’s usually my Peach and Raspberry Crisp, but when I want to bring something savory, I like this Macaroni & Cheese recipe that I made a few small changes to from AllRecipes. I like my Mac & Cheese to have a little bite, so I don’t skimp on the dry mustard and prefer to use an extra sharp cheddar. We’ve used this recipe as a base and have added bacon, peas, even a little cayenne pepper for a kick. Enjoy!

Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter
  • 8 ounces macaroni
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish.
  3. Place the panko crumbs into a small bowl and mix well with the melted butter; set aside.
  4. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
  5. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain, then place into prepared casserole dish.
  6. While the pasta is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Stir in the minced onion and cook until the onion softens and turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
  8. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper and dry mustard until incorporated, then pour in the milk and bring to a simmer.
  9. Simmer, stirring constantly until the milk has thickened, about 10 minutes.
  10. Take the milk off of the heat and stir in the Cheddar cheese until melted.
  11. Pour cheese sauce over the macaroni, then sprinkle evenly with buttered bread crumbs.
  12. Bake until the top is golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
  13. For an extra crispy top, broil for a few minutes, but we keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

And the winner is….

by SacFoodies

Congratulations to Angelica Fierro-Marble for winning two tickets to the Sacramento Zoo’s King of Feasts Food and Wine Luau on June 25th!
Not a winner, but still want to attend? Tickets can be purchased here. The event kicks off at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and and will feature tastings from numerous wineries, breweries, distilleries and restaurants.
Thanks to everyone who participated in our ticket giveaway – stay tuned for the next Sac Foodies giveaway!

Father’s Day Foodie Event Round-up

by SacFoodies

Dad. Father. Pops. Gramps. Daddy. Whatever you call him, he’s your old man and this Sunday is Father’s Day.

Here are a few events happening around Sacramento that can spice up your Dad’s day and help you celebrate together.

Father’s Day Barbecue at Ten22, Sacramento

Ten22 is celebrating Dads by offering a $15 special meal created by Chef Jay Veregge. Offerings include a choice between braised beef brisket, sausage links and grilled chicken breast and all options come with potato salad, pinto beans and corn on the cob. Also happening this weekend is the PGA US Open, which you can watch on the big screens at Ten22. To top it off, happy hour prices are available on Saturday and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m, while you watch the Open of course.

Morton’s The Steak House, Sacramento

This delectable steakhouse offers a special three-course meal that includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert for $69 per person. Entrée items include Filet Mignon, New York Strip Steak, Cajun Ribeye Steak, Broiled Salmon Fillet and Chicken Christopher.

The Firehouse Restaurant, Old Sacramento

The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento is must-do for Fathers who crave the stuffed polenta or the Wild King salmon. Also featured is the Artisan Cheese Plate with fromage from three different countries.

Il Fornaio, Roseville

Does your Dad love Italian? Take him to Il Fornaio in Roseville (there’s also a location in Sacramento) where he can get a special lunch or brunch a la carte. This Italian ristorante is serving up its three-course Taste of Toscana for $29.99. We suggest you also order up the Toscana wine for $14.99.

Worried about how you are going to burn off all those calories consumed on Dad’s day?

We thought so. Never fear, there’s a 5k happening in Roseville you can join in on, so no worries about your waistline.
Father’s Day 5k Run For Families,Roseville
Taking place in Roseville, this fundraiser takes course-goers through the Miner’s Ravine Trail and raises money for the                                 Sacramento Areas Emergency Housing Center, which is one of the only shelters in the area that allows the entire family to stay. The race begins and ends in Sculpture Park. For more information, click here.
That’s our official round-up! Feel free to check out opentable.com or about.com for more inspiration on Dad’s day dishes.

Davis Beerfest 2011

by SacFoodies

Stout. Porter. Hefeweizen. Pilsner.
For beer lovers everywhere, just the sound of these brews is enough to make mouths water.
The world’s third most popular beverage-beat only by water and tea-is at the center of a foam-guzzling culture that geographically ranges from the famous Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany to the pubs of London, England and, more locally, Beerfest 2011 in Davis.
Davis’ fourth annual Beerfest is kicking off its hop-filled festivities on Saturday, June 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sudwerk Brewery.
The fest is hosted by Citizens Who Care, an organization that is dedicated to helping the elderly and their caretakers.

The $35 price of admission includes the opportunity to taste more than 100 handcrafted beers, tour the Sudwerk Brewery, the ever-festive availability of Nugget-provided sausage, and of course, a commemorative souvenir mug…which is definitely why I’m going.
There will be about 40 local brands represented, including my favorite as a recent Chico State grad, Sierra Nevada.

Tickets for designated drivers are also available for a discounted price of $10, which includes food and unlimited soft drinks.  Win.
Photo courtesy of Flikr user VXLA.