Moxie Cupcakes

I am currently in my last two weeks of school at The Culinary Institute of America and I'm trying to check off places that I'd like to go in the area and haven't yet. Yesterday I spent the day in New Paltz, New York. I started at Taco Shack for lunch, which was not as impressive as I would have liked but then headed to Cafeteria Cafe to enjoy a hot chai latte and to do a little job searching. I was very happy to sit on one of the gold embroidered couches and sip my chai. Cafeteria Cafe was a really cool cafe. I can't believe that this was my first time there! My final destination was Moxie Cupcake. I ordered the one of the right, a peanut butter cake with chocolate chips and a peanut butter buttercream. And my adventure partner for the day ordered a chocolate cupcake filled with caramel and topped with salted caramel buttercream. Both cupcakes were heavenly and so was the atmosphere. We arrived, ordered our cupcakes and cuddled up in the cozy dining room and almost forgot to offer each other a bite before we finished our cupcakes. The best part of both of the cupcakes was their moist texture. It makes me want to start tweaking my cupcake recipe. Good job Moxie! I will see you soon!

Parisian HOME COOKING

The Red Queen has been SO busy taking care of her kingdom there has only been time for work, preparing and eating meals. So my gift to you is this MAGNIFICENT cookbook by Michael Roberts. Many many years ago, the RQ happened upon this book quite by chance one afternoon at the bookstore. My favorite part of the story is how this gem was snatched up for only $5! The wealth of gourmet recipes are easy for the home chef to prepare; a truly fabulous resource! You'll have to take The RQ's word for it! Last night, she and P< ate up chicken roasted in the oven with a lovely garlic sauce...scrumptious! Check it out on-line or at your local bookstore. And as always, ENJOY!

Dinner in "a snap" - Chicken Scarpariello

Chicken Scarpariello is a fabulous dish which is easy to prepare and delicious! Several years ago a friend introduced this dish to me and it has been a staple in The RQ's kitchen ever since as well as a favorite of Little Brother.

Shopping List-
2 boneless chicken breasts, flour to dredge w/ salt & pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
red pepper flakes to taste
3 Tblsp. parsley
3-4 Tblsp. butter
1/3 cup white wine
juice of one lemon
3 Tblsp. capers
Freshly grated Italian Cheese

Cut breasts into cube size pieces. Dredge in flour, salt, pepper. Fry over med-hi heat in 1 Tblsp. oil in skillet on stove (non-stick preferrable) till nicely browned all sides. Remove chicken to heatproof bowl and cover. Add butter to skillet, garlic and red pepper flakes. Saute 30 seconds. Deglaze w wine. Return chicken to pan, add capers cover and simmer on med-hi for 5 min. Sprinkle with parsley and freshly grated Italian cheese of choice. ENJOY!