~ Skirt in the Kitchen ~Rinse and pat-dry with paper towels 1 corned beef brisket; trim excess fat.  Sprinkle with freshly ground black pepper on both sides of meat.  In 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, lightly sear over high heat.When both sides have been seared, coat with Demerara sugar, both sides.Lay meat, fat side up, on a bed of … [Read more...]

~ Blue Velvet Cupcakes and Finding the Perfect Hue ~~ adapted from Sprinkle Bakes ~Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.Cream 2 sticks softened unsalted butter and 2 cups sugar.One at a time, add 2 eggs, incorporating well between both additions.Mix coloring for the cake:  Blend in a small bowl 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon Wilton Royal Blue coloring gel, and … [Read more...]

~ adapted from Food & Wine ~Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.    Bring to heat in a large enameled cast-iron pot 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil.  Salt and pepper 2 pounds trimmed flatiron steak or chuck.  Brown on all sides, then add 1 cup finely chopped onion and 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic.  Stir in 1 … [Read more...]

Wintery Chocolate Bark ~~ Skirt in the Kitchen ~[Operation Skirt]I want heat-- dried chile, a few seeds included.I want chocolate-- dark...  smoked cinnamon, pistachios...I want the Peeps Marshmallow Hearts from the cupboard...  no one's looking.Let's break hearts.I want peanuts, almonds, cashews...  brazil nuts, hazelnuts...  pecans.  I want lots of … [Read more...]