Crunchy Asian Noodle Salad

Perfect Pairing:  Jelly jar

I think most people are familiar with the classic Napa cabbage salad with ramen noodles.  I am a fan of that salad but this Crunchy Asian Noodle Salad one-upped the traditional version.  It uses a Suddenly Salad pasta mix and incorporates fresh veggies, cilantro, green onions and mandarin oranges.  The dressing has lots of flavor from the ramen and pasta seasoning packets.  This is a great salad for a potluck or big group.  The picture below was a double batch I made for a group of 30 people.  I usually add the dressing at the last moment so everything stays crunchy.  I also keep the noodle/almond mixture on the side and let people add that to their plates.  I have also made this for a main dish and added grilled, sliced chicken on top.

The Perfect Pairing for this recipe is an empty jelly jar.  Whenever I finish a jar of jelly I always clean out the jar and keep it around for homemade dressings.  Combine everything in the jar and give it a good shake.  It is great to take with you because the screw on top is leak-proof.

 

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O'Henry Bars

Perfect Pairing: Halloween Party

My office had a Halloween Party this year and strongly encouraged everyone to dress up. If it was part of a theme…. even better! The ladies in my department decided on Disney characters. Our cast included Pocahontas, Esmeralda, Snow White, Peter Pan, Pinocchio, and Alice in Wonderland. I was Alice. Another group in the company came as Bears Super Fans (think SNL, early 90’s). They were hysterical.

Everyone was encouraged to bring a food item that went along with your theme. Since Alice in Wonderland attends a mad tea party I considered scones and tea sandwiches but somehow that didn’t seem appropriate for an office party. I decided on O’Henrys, a homemade candy bar. They are so simple to make (all in the microwave) and pretty delicious. They are the perfect thing to bring to a Halloween party!

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Weenie Roast

Perfect Pairing:  Hot Dog Topping Bar

An old-fashioned weenie roast on a fall evening is one of the best things going.  Recently my parents invited friends and family over to roast hot dogs, sip wine and cider, and enjoy the fall foliage.  We really lucked out with the weather, it was a gorgeous night.  The sun was shining on the trees and lake, there was no wind to blow smoke in faces, and the temperature was perfect for sitting around a fire after the sun goes down.

No party is complete without lots of good food, drinks, and friends!

We had planned to carve a pumpkin during the day for display that night, but time just got away from us, as it often does on the day of a party.  We decided to go ahead and carve it during the party.  It was fun getting input from everyone!

I feel like this pumpkin is enjoying his final moments before the carving begins.

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Broccoli and Mushroom Sauté

Perfect Pairing:  Chicken base

I am always looking for side dish recipes that are healthy, tasty, and quick.  Does anyone remember the Uncle Ben magazine ad that showed a beautifully prepared main dish served alongside some store-bought chips? Basically it was alluding to the fact that so many people spend all of their time creating lovely entrées and neglect what else is on the plate.  I thought it was pretty brilliant. 

This broccoli and mushroom sauté is really simple but the addition of sherry, shallots and garlic adds a lot of flavor without adding many calories.  It pairs nicely with grilled chicken or fish.  I think it would also be tasty on top of whole wheat pasta with freshly grated parmesan cheese and lots of black pepper. 

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Halloween Candy Bark

Perfect Pairing:  Halloween Oreos

What is Halloween without candy and sweet treats?  This cute Halloween Candy Bark is full of candy corn, cookies, sprinkles and white chocolate goodness.  The addition of salty pretzels helps balance out the sweetness.  It is a fun treat to make since you can be really creative with the decoration.  I used a combination of candy corn, black sugar, and Halloween themed sprinkles.

The Perfect Pairing for this bark is Halloween Oreos.  You could definitely make this with regular Oreos but I love the bright orange frosting! 

Start off by crushing up your pretzels and Oreos and spread them onto a baking sheet lined with waxed paper.  I recommend breaking them up on a separate tray to reduce the amount of crumbs.

Pour the white chocolate/almond bark over the pieces and spread it out carefully.  Top it off with your favorite decorations and allow to cool until it has completely hardened.  Serve it up in your favorite Halloween serving piece!

It will be gone before you know it!

 

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Baked Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Oatmeal

Perfect Pairing:  Your morning coffee

If you have never tried baked oatmeal, you should give it a shot.  It is like a mix between an oatmeal bar and your typical breakfast oatmeal. It can be modified a hundred different ways to incorporate your favorite flavors.  This version is one I whipped up with things I had on hand.  It has a decidedly fall feel to it but would be good all year long.  It is great leftover, just warm it up a bit and you have breakfast.  I like to make it during the weekend and enjoy it for breakfast the rest of the week.  It is a nice change from my usual instant oatmeal at work!

The Perfect Pairing for this baked pumpkin chocolate chip oatmeal is a cup of your morning coffee.  I just started drinking coffee a few years ago and now it is something I look forward to in the mornings.    The slightly sweet flavor of the baked oatmeal is perfect with your morning cup of joe. 

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Apple Crisp

Perfect Pairing:  Golden Delicious or Yellow Delicious Apples

What is it about fall weather that makes you want to pick apples, eat pumpkin flavored treats, play in leaves and dress up like a ridiculous character?  I have no explanation for it but I am definitely prone to fall-themed emotional attachments.  This apple crisp is perfect for those “crisp” fall days when you are craving a cozy dessert.  Of course it is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.

The Perfect Pairing for this apple crisp is golden delicious or yellow delicious apples.  These apples are not the best for snacking but they are great in desserts.   You can make this with other varieties of apples but I think these are the best varieties for apple desserts.  I act like I know what I am talking about…. But I have learned this from my grandma and mom who have made a ridiculous number of apple pies and apple crisps.  This advice comes straight from the gurus of apple dessert.  They know what they are talking about!

Apple Crisp

Lindsay at Perfecting the Pairing

Ingredients:

·          4 cups apples, peeled and diced (preferably Golden Delicious or Yellow Delicious)

·         ½ cup sugar

·         2 Tb flour

·         1/8 tsp salt

·         ¼ tsp cinnamon

·         ½ tsp vanilla

·         1/8 tsp nutmeg

·         ¾ cup old fashioned oats

·         ¾ cup flour

·         ¼ tsp baking soda

·         ¼ tsp baking powder

·         ½ cup brown sugar

·         4 Tb butter, melted

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.  In a large bowl combined the diced apples and next six ingredients (through nutmeg).  Stir until apples are evenly coated.  Pour apple mixture into a greased 11x7 or 9x9 dish.  In the same bowl combine the oats, flour and remaining ingredients.  Stir until combined.  Pour the oat mixture over the apples and press down lightly.  Bake for 30 to 40 minutes until apples are bubbly and the top is golden.

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