Cookies n Cream Cheesecake

This weekend has been non-stop stuffing my face. My brother and Neil share the same birthday, January 24th. We kicked it off Friday night when Neil and I tried out the new restaurant, Art & Soul in DC . It's a beautiful restaurant with some promising southern inspired dishes. The fried oyster "hoe cake" is awesome! Saturday night, we had an outing with my family for both birthdays at Tandoori Nights...another eye pleasing restaurant with pretty solid Indian cuisine. I made the birthday cake, which was a lemon pound cake with raspberry mousse filling. That's my little brother's favorite combination. Neil wasn't thrilled with that "fruity" combo, and after enough pouting, I made him chocolate mousse. We even stuck a candle on it for him. Tonight (Sunday), we're going out to celebrate yet again with Neil's mom...venue TBD. I'm so incredibly stuffed! This morning I made Belgian waffles, per Neil's birthday request. Seriously, this is just insane! We're off to Bali soon for our next vacation, so I really need to get myself in check.

I'll post those aforementioned recipes eventually. Today's cheesecake recipe is one that I made for the super bowl last year. I hosted since the Steelers weren't playing, of course :) This is the creamiest, most decadent cheesecake I've ever had. It's extremely rich and heavy, so make it for a crowd or you'll end up eating it all on your own! Trust me, all my self control was lost when this hit my tongue. My internal dialogue kept telling me that "another tiny sliver won't hurt". Tiny slivers add up, and it most definitely hurt!!! I'll never learn to follow what I preach :) Anyways, this is for you, Neil...Happy Birthday and Go Steelers!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Stromboli

I know I should be writing about Inauguration day, but the media is doing plenty of that. So, on to the next big event....the Super Bowl is only a couple weeks away now! Very stressful time for the hubby, as the Steelers beat the Ravens on Sunday night and our now playing in the Super Bowl. I'm definitely NOT hosting anything this year. Neil doesn't want distractions. I wouldn't be surprised if he watches it in our basement in complete solitude...you know so he can "concentrate".

I'm sure many of you "normal" fans that realize you aren't actually playing the game, and simply enjoy this festive tradition will be hosting. Need help with game food? Well, try this Stromboli recipe that will definitely satisfy a group of hungry fans. Consisting of Italian meats, cheese, and bread, I think it's the perfect game food. It's gourmet enough for the females because of the ingredients, while still being manly for the men. Also, no forks/knives required.

Btw, don't forget about the spicy wings I posted a while back. These are a must for any football party! So, I'll end on a quick note for my sanity.... "Here we go Steelers....Here we go !!!"

Here's the vegetarian version of the stromboli







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Potato Crusted Rockfish over Mushroom Risotto

With the recent economic conditions, we've been eating more gourmet at home. Creamy mushroom risotto topped with rockfish in a crispy potato crust...absolutely delicous. Enough said! You'll need a mandolin for the potato crust. And remember to save any leftover risotto for arancini!

See Potato Crusted Rockfish Recipe!
See Mushroom Risotto Recipe!

Bread Pudding w/ White Chocolate Creme Anglaise

Happy New Year!! I hope everyone enjoyed themselves, eating and drinking to your hearts desire :) I know I did! The holidays flew by so fast. We spent Christmas with family in sunny Orlando and then rung in the New Year at Zaytinya in DC. I usually don't like to go out to dinner for New Years, for the obvious reasons, but Zaytinya did it perfectly. They offered their entire menu, and EVERYTHING was unlimited. We got to try so many mezzes that we normally wouldn't have ordered, and the quality of food and service was right on target.

Anyways, I'm nowhere near ending this eating frenzy. Yes, I know that most people go on rigorous diets at the turn of the year, but that's never been my thing. They don't work. Just eat in moderation, people! Plus it's still winter, and I need food to warm and comfort me. So, that brings me to my next recipe. This bread pudding with strawberry preserves and white chocolate creme anglaise will provide pure comfort for the even colder months ahead. Enjoy, and don't give up indulging in 2009!

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