Serious Eats: cervisiam's Profile

You'll want to use between 1/3 and 1/2 cup. But after pulsing the butter in, I would just drizzle until you get that "pesto" consistency, and thin it after with pasta water.

Kerry Saretsky at 12:53AM on 07/07/09

From Recipes

French in a Flash: Spaghetti with Pistachio Pistou, Fava Beans, and Mint

How much olive oil should you use?

AnaPowell at 9:06PM on 07/06/09

From Recipes

French in a Flash: Spaghetti with Pistachio Pistou, Fava Beans, and Mint

I'm always excited to see a new 'French in a Flash' and never disappointed! I love your stories and your beautiful writing Kerry :) and the fact that you always have incredible recipes - that's just the icing on the cake! This pasta dish sounds amazing. Can't wait to try it.

violetcassis at 6:50PM on 07/01/09

From Recipes

French in a Flash: Spaghetti with Pistachio Pistou, Fava Beans, and Mint

Can you substitute the fava beans for peas?

Shann614 at 2:29PM on 06/27/09

From Recipes

French in a Flash: Spaghetti with Pistachio Pistou, Fava Beans, and Mint

@cervisiam: How could I make that mistake! I LOVED Jem.

@alosha7777: I suppose there's more crying in cooking than just slicing onions! Thank you!

Thank you for the praise. I do hope you enjoy this column!

Kerry Saretsky at 4:22PM on 06/26/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

I'm throwing my parents a birthday party and I am planning an appetizer-style spread as I don't have enough room for everyone to sit down and eat, and this is what I have so far:
pulled pork
meatballs in a crock pot (still have to determine the sauce)
hot dips such as buffalo chicken wing dip, corn dip (with halapenos)
cold dips such as a bread bowl with dill dip, cut up veggies
tortilla roll-ups (can be filled, rolled and cut a day ahead)

bumpducks at 3:59PM on 05/18/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Meatballs! Make mini-meatballs, freeze them until needed. Defrost and keep warm in a crock pot, with enough tomato sauce to cover them.
My mom is currently in the process of making 15lbs of meatballs for various family graduation parties- they're always requested.

FoodStuffs at 2:41PM on 05/17/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Wow, all these suggestions sound wonderful! Thank you so much for the input!

lamac at 1:54PM on 05/17/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Grill flap meat and chicken breasts for carne asada and chicken tacos; grill corn and flour tortillas for the tacos. Have condiments out, make some killer guac, and side dishes. We threw corn on the cob on the grill with chili, lime butter as well. Some homemade sangria, is festive as well and can be decorated with seasonal fresh fruit.
We did this for my daughter's graduation; afternoon open house reception and everyone had a great relaxed time, and the food was awesome.

peuporcin at 12:48PM on 05/15/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Calico beans are always a hit for parties in my neck of the woods. We keep in a crock pot on low and these can definately be made ahead.

6 slices of bacon, diced
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
1 c. ketchup
1/2 c. brown sugar
1 tsp ground mustard
2 cans pork n beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can butter beans

In a large dutch oven, medium high heat, cook bacon until crisp and remove from pan. Drain on paper towel.
Add onions and cook till soft and then add ground beef. Cook until no pink exists on meat.
Add pork and beans, kidney beans, butter beans and mix together. Add ketchup, brown sugar, dry mustard and mix together.
Add bacon back to pot.

Cook until beans are heated through about 15-20 minutes on medium heat.

Transfer to a crock pot on low or serve!

I've had friends use this as a hot dog topping as well - great for Memorial Day!

megalo08 at 12:01PM on 05/15/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Here is a whole list of menu ideas and recipes for a graduation party. You can certainly make your mini quiches and baked ziti ahead of time, along with most of the desserts!

Hillary
Chew on That

Chew on That at 11:03AM on 05/15/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

I did my younger brothers grad party last year, and keeping in mind the advice of 'men don't like dips and salads' that he gave me, I made some good stuff ahead of time that everyone liked, here's a couple ideas:

Antipasto Pasta Salad from here: http://tinyurl.com/cxht4r

A couple big pressed sandwiches with different fillings

Bacon wrapped smokies (too good. they will disappear, you can put them in a crock pot with the lid off after you bake them to keep warm)

cares951 at 9:25AM on 05/15/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

I make this easy, relatively healthy appetizer, and it usually gets gobbled up quickly!
Caprese Skewer Appetizer
Skewer on toothpicks: half of a grape tomato, piece of fresh mozzarella cheese, torn piece of basil, and other half of grape tomato. After you have your skewers done, drizzle some good olive oil, a tiny bit of balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper over them. You can definitely make a day ahead and store in the fridge.

lizparks4 at 9:16PM on 05/14/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Hi cervesian, do you have a recipe for the shrimp/asparagus pesto pasta salad? Do you make your pesto fresh? Love all the ingredients here!

dixiesue at 5:59PM on 05/14/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Ina Garten's recipe for Penne With Five Cheeses from Barefoot Contessa Family Style is super easy to make in advance:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_32177,00.html

Ina also has a great recipe for Chicken With Tabbouleh from Barefoot Contessa Parties!:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_28775,00.html

Lasagna is always good, and the Green Lasagna recipe from the first Silver Palate Cookbook is a delicious take on a make ahead favorite:

http://www.feedmethat.com/recipe.php?id=28364.htm

So is Martha Stewart's Baked Mushroom Linguine:

http://www.marthastewart.com/page.jhtml;jsessionid=JAGOJ3J15IC5NWCKUUXCJBWYJKSS0JO0?type=content&id=recipe2425&page=&dp=false&layout=Print&styleType=learn

Emeril's Andouille & Chicken Jambalaya is another great make ahead:

http://www.emerils.com/recipe/2854/Andouille-and-Chicken-Jambalaya

Martha Stewart's Cheddar Biscuits that you can make in advance and pop in the oven area a good match with Jambalaya:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/recipes/recipe/0,1977,FOOD_9936_28775,00.html

MMinNYC at 5:05PM on 05/14/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Pulled pork, BBQ beef, brats and italian sausages (grilled ahead and kept warm in slow cookers or nesco style roasters with buns all work well. Add some fruit platters and salads (pasta, veggie, potato, coucous, etc.) and some bar cookies to round out the menu.

Taco bars are fun too and the toppings are easily restocked. Make a ground beef, shredded port meat fillings and refried beans or black beans and keep warm in slow cookers. Corn on the cob, roasted on the grill in their husks are good. Add a corn/bean salad, maybe a rice salad, some tortilla chips, some fruits, cookies, chips, and you're ready.

CJ McD at 4:47PM on 05/14/09

From Talk

Make-ahead recipes for graduation reception

Having done the same thing about six years ago, I definitely recommend doing as much ahead of time as you can. Sandwiches are always popular and some can be made ahead. Try chicken salad or ham salad with fresh (split) croissants on the side. Some finger/tea sandwiches can even be completely made in advance. You could also marinate and grill a variety of vegetables (zucchini, red onions, mushrooms, sweet bell peppers, etc.) and serve as either a side dish, or with slices of crusty Italian bread for a vegetarian sandwich. I also recommend a variety of salads. Greek salad, Caprese salad, Mexican corn & bean salads, or good ol' American potato salad always go over well, and can sit out for some time. Put out a couple platters of fresh fruit, or a fruit salad, and an assortment of quality chips & dips, and you've got a nice, rounded-out meal. Dessert should be small and portable - homemade cookies, brownies, bars, cupcakes, candies, etc.

kimberlymac at 3:58PM on 05/14/09

From Serious Eats