Sugar Social: Dessert Tasting in Nashville

Hey South Wind! Get your sweet tooth ready! Coming up on August 14 is the Sugar Social put on by Gabe’s Gurl Event Productions.

This event sounds heavenly! It’s an evening of socializing, discovering, shopping, and basking in the luxury of beautiful desserts, confections, and chocolates. They will also showcase favorites and the newest tastes, including allergy friendly and healthier options.

Sorry folks, but you’ll have to leave the kids at home for this one; it’s strictly for the grown and sexy meaning 21+. For those of you that are of legal age, as long as you have a supreme sweet tooth and a tendency to eat your dessert first, then this is the place for you.

There is a dress code for the event: fly. The website states that the attire is casual chic, and for you to dress like you care. (I found that funny). This means no athletic wear, blue jean shorts, flip flops, ragged clothing, or beach wear.

All of this is taking place at the O Gallery in historic Arcade in downtown Nashville, about 25 minutes away from South Wind Apartments.

The event isn’t free however; tickets in advance from eventbrite.com are $15 and tickets at the door are $25 IF there is room at the venue. If I were you, I’d get the VIP ticket. What does that entail? Well, you get unlimited tastings of the most creative and unique gourmet sweets we can find anywhere, including premium low sugar, gluten-free, and other healthy alternatives; wine tasting hosted by Lisa Mays of WineWithLisa.com; non-alcoholic samples and sips for those willing to try something new; and much more!

If  I were you, I’d run to this event. They are held monthly on every 2nd Saturday. We’ve missed the one for July, but the next event is taking place on August 14th from 2 pm to 5 pm. See you there, and bring your sweet tooth!

Directions to O Gallery from South Wind Apartments:

Head north on Southwinds Blvd toward Emery Ln. Turn right at Murfreesboro Rd. Turn left to merge onto I-65 N. Take exit 209 to merge onto George L Davis Blvd. Turn right at Church St. Turn left at 5th Ave N. Your destination will be on the right.

Do you know the perfect way to grill salmon?

I love variety when I cook! Especially when it comes to grilling. Sometimes you get tired of the staples: steaks, ribs, hot dogs, chicken. You may want a little something different, like grilled veggies or turkey burgers or salmon. Here’s a quick video on how to grill salmon like a pro!

Are Cupcakes Still Hot?

I think so! I can’t get enough of sweet treats on the go, I guess that’s why I love cookies so much. Even though others may say that the fad is over and whoppie pies are the new cupcake, I disagree. And after having an  original cupcake from Naticakes, you’ll be singing the same tune as me.

From the mouthwatering S’more cupcake to the chocolate raspberry truffle, your tastebuds will dance with joy after just one bite! There are so many to choose from, you’ll spend at least 30 minutes trying to decide!

The cakes are a little pricey at about $3 a pop, but they are well worth it. Don’t you think you deserve a little treat every now and then?

Have you ever had one of Naticake’s cupcakes?

Building a Better Burger

Grilling is one of my all time favorite things about summer time….  I grew up with my father making a pretty amazing burger.  Before going to college, I made sure to take plenty of mental notes of his prep methods, ingredients, and cooking strategy.  The tricks to his amazing burgers are their simplicity.  When I found this recipe for “A Better Burger”, and it looked almost exactly my dad’s, I had to share it.  The only addition he would add would be bleu cheese.  He’s a nut for that stuff (as am I… Thanks Pops!).  The recipe will help you if you’re cooking indoors too!

Check out the full article for more details on How to Cook a Better Burger:

Makes three

photo credit: rentvine.com

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground chuck
• Salt and pepper
• American cheese
• Buns

Step 1

• Remove ground beef from the fridge an hour before cooking. Gently form three patties, each about an inch thick (don’t over-pack). With your thumb, form a small well in the center of each. Season on the outside with salt and pepper.

Step 2

• To cook indoors, place a cast-iron skillet or a nonstick or regular frying pan over medium-high heat. When it is nice and hot, add a dash of vegetable oil and add the patties. Do not move them and do not press down with a spatula. Let cook for about 4 minutes, or until nicely browned. (An open window or a vent over your stove comes in handy at this point.) Flip, add the cheese, and cook for about another 4 minutes. You may have to fry a few patties to get the timing and heat level right. You want your burger well browned on the outside and juicy in the middle.

Step 3

• Remove the burgers. Drain excess fat from the pan. Place the buns in the pan, facedown, and let them get crispy. Assemble the burgers. Go easy on the condiments. Repeat.

So…Is it Summer Yet?

Hey South Wind! Don’t let this ridiculous weather that we’ve been having lately get you down…summer’s almost here, and it’s going to be HOT! So go ahead and get your mind right for all of those yummy summer treats! Here’s a list of some great places!

What other festival has their own ice cream flavor?

None! That’s what makes the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival held in Manchester, Tenn. special. Ben & Jerry’s has released it’s newest flavor, the Bonnaroo Buzz. Catchy, no? P.S. This year’s camping and music fest is from June 10 to 13^th.

The new flavor is comprised of light coffee and malt ice creams with whiskey-caramel swirls and English toffee pieces. Sounds just like something someone would get out of a music festival: coffee to keep you amped, whiskey to calm you down, caramel swirls for the rush, and toffee pieces because, well, who doesn’t like toffee?

This new flavor will debut May 4^th, worldwide, and will also be sold at this years Bonnaroo.

What’s your favorite Ben & Jerry’s flavor?

Cupcake Mania!

Let me start by saying that I have a supreme sweet tooth, and that does me more harm than good most days. I’ve never been much of a candy person, but cookies and cupcakes? There are no words to explain the feelings of happiness that they give to me! Maybe it’s the convenience of the treats that make me love them so much, or the fact that there’s so much flavor packed into one tiny bite. I’ve stopped trying to figure it out long ago.

This being said, it seems like as of late there has been a recent cupcake craze. People have been on the hunt to find the most creative, most delicious, most unique cupcakes in existence. They’ve found some pretty good ones, and some pretty expensive ones as well. I’m sorry, I just can’t find myself paying $8 for ONE cupcake. I don’t care how elaborate the icing is. Luckily for you South Wind, you don’t have to travel to Paris to get a gourmet style cupcake. Go to Gigi’s. You may want to go when you’re in Nashville however, because it’s like a 22 minute drive from South Wind. Granted, her cupcakes are $3 a piece, but they are so intricately made and filled with so much love that the price is really a steal.

Just looking at some of the pictures of her cupcakes are enough to set my heart ablaze. But don’t just take my word for it, check it out for yourself. (And try the Southern Comfort. It puts me right at home!)

Have you ever had any of Gigi’s cupcakes?

Wild Ginger

Looking for a romantic, intimate place to have dinner with your partner? Why not try Wild Ginger on for size?

A while ago, a friend recommended the restaurant but I have not been able to find the time to go just yet, but a relative of mine went with a girl that he’d been seeing for some time, and told me some pretty good things about it. Though it can be a good place for a romantic dinner, you don’t necessarily have to have a sweetie to enjoy the atmosphere.

Upon walking in, you privy to the chic atmosphere and gently hum of ambiance music. A live band is set up on the patio, so you have your choice of listening pleasure. He said that the wait staff is very amicable and eager to please.

Beginning with the Yum Yum Rolls, he described the experience as a burst of flavor on your tongue. Looking at the menu, I can see why he loved it so much with the Japanese sweet potato, asparagus, shrimp, and Japanese honey mayo. For the entrée, he choose the Hanger Steak Napoleon, which he said was fantastic.

I’ve never been a big fan of sushi, but I was told that this restaurant had a good deal more to choose from, if you had the money for it, seeing as how it was a little pricey for dinner. They have daily lunch specials for $8. I think I will go ahead and try Wild Ginger out, I just don’t know when yet.

What about you? Is this someplace that you would eat? Have you ever eaten here?

Photo credit: Debs

Recipe of the Week: Chicken Parmesan Heroes

Hey South Wind! Love Chick Parmesan? Love sandwiches? Why not combine the two in this lovely little recipe?

Chicken Parmesan Heroes

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup(s) dry bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup(s) grated Parmesan
• 1 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) fresh-ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoon(s) olive oil
• 1 onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/3 cup(s) canned crushed tomatoes in thick puree (from a 28 ounce can)
• Pinch dried red-pepper flakes (optional)
• Cooking oil, for frying
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/3 pounds in all)
• 2 eggs, beaten to mix
• 4 small (about 6 inches) hero or other sandwich rolls, split

Directions:

• In a shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper.
• In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over moderately low heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, red-pepper flakes, and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.

See the rest!

Super Bowl Party Recipe Idea

A delicious 30 min meal appetizer!

Roasted Potato Wedges with Cheddar Sauce

Ingredients:
3 large baking potatoes, each cut into 8 wedges
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 tablespoons ground black pepper

Cheddar Sauce:
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/4 cups 2% reduced fat milk
1 1/4 cups (5-ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
1 tablespoon imitation bacon bits
1/4 tablespoons cayenne pepper

-Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. In a resealable plastic bag, toss potatoes with oil, salt and pepper. Spread evenly onto baking pan and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes, remove cover and turn potatoes. -Bake for 10 additional minutes or until lightly browned.
-For the sauce, heat oil in medium saucepan. Add flour and stir over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add milk and stir until thickened. Reduce heat to low; stir in cheese, green onions, bacon bits and pepper. Serve potato wedges with warm cheese sauce.