January 2008

The Kitchen Quickie: Recipes North African Carrot Salad

3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Juice of 3-4 lemons 2 1/2 tablespoons honey 2 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin 5 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 15-20 carrots, peeled and sliced on an angle into 1/8" slices 3/4 cup golden raisins Salt and pepper to taste 1. Combine the oil, lemon juice, honey, and cumin in a bowl and mix well. 2. Add the cilantro, carrots, raisins, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Click here for the entire menu: Maple Dijon Salmon Cous Cous with Apricots and Smokey Almonds Dessert: Vanilla Bean Frozen Yogurt with Figs, Honey and Pistachios

The Trimmings: Nutritional Breakdown One Night in Morocco

Outlined is a "chic, but cheap" weekend soiree that is sure to be a crowd pleaser. We believe that every event should have a theme and for this evening gathering for your nearest and dearest, why not intrigue your guests with the seductive and sultry atmosphere of Morocco. Create an ambiance of North Africa from your decorations to your dessert: A Night in Marrakech. Our January Newsletter menu is the perfect way to cater to your guests without breaking your pocketbook. The recipes are pulled from our book The Little Black Apron: A Single Girl's Guide to Cooking with Style & Grace, but have been increased from "portions for one" to portions for a party that serves guests.

	The Culinary Newbie: Fullfilling Your Culinary Ego A Rational Entertaining Budget
	Given the shock-and-awe emotion most of us felt when we received our January bank statements (given our blowout holiday spending behavior in December), maintaining a rational entertaining budget is critical. Below are a handful of very inexpensive, yet chic decorations and entertaining staples that can be used for other occasions, but again, won't put a host/hostess into the red. They can be found at any Cost Plus World Market and many times Target! All items are under $25.00: 1. Lanterns w/ candles 2. Moroccan bowls and platters 3. Throw pillows

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