Napoleons - Ooh la la!

There are but a handful of things one thinks of when French cuisine is discussed. Generally topping the list and at the forefront of consciousness are French desserts. Around here, we're no stranger to the delicacies that involve sugar, cream, and a little French culinary know-how. As such, we thought we'd share one of our favorites, the Napoleon.

A true pastry masterpiece, the Napoleon is a French legend in both name and substance. Rich layers of velvety cream enrobed in perfectly airy puff pastry and topped with a delicately patterned icing, what's not to love?!

"An army marches on its stomach." ~ Napoleon Bonaparte

A bit on the tedious side to make, but easy enough to find at most French bakeries, we suggest that the next time the opportunity presents itself, you run, don't walk to the nearest little bakery and grab yourself a Napoleon and a cup of coffee. Just a bit of sunshine in such a pretty little treat, we're almost certain you'll love them as much as we do. 

Tried Napoleon's before? Tell us what you think of them in the comments below. 

Non-Traditional Grillables

Last week, we discussed the perfect wine varieties for bringing along to that backyard barbecue or grill-out. This week, all this talk about grilling had us thinking. Yes, thinking that we were hungry, but also that there are so many other options for the grill besides just meat.

We also, as you probably know, LOVE lists! So, in no particular order, we compiled a list of our favorite non-meat foods that are fabulous when prepared on the grill.

1. Pineapple - Fresh pineapple is a fantastic summer treat on it's own, but throw it on the grill to top that pulled pork sandwich or grilled fish filet, and you've taken dinner to a whole new level. 
2. Vegetables - Onions, Brussels Sprouts, Peppers, and more, we haven't yet met a vegetable that wasn't impressive once brunched with a little olive oil, seasoned, and grilled to perfection. 
3. Potatoes - The grill is a fantastic way to bake your potatoes. Why bother heating your house up with that oven, when you can cook them alongside your other courses on the grill! Wrap in foil and leave enough time for the grill to work it's magic and you're good to go.
4. Corn on the Cob - Not technically a vegetable, so it gets its own shout out. Simply peel back the husks, soak in cold water for 15 minutes, and then apply olive oil and salt and pepper. Pull husks back over the corn and tie with cooking string. Then, pop those babies on the grill and voila! You'll never want corn any other way. (Reminiscent of the fabulous corn they sell at the State Fair). 
5. Bread - Whether take-and-bake rolls or a fresh baguette, the grill is the perfect vehicle for warming your dinner bread. Plus, that slightly smoky taste is most excellent. Always watch bread carefully and use the top rack if you have one. Tinfoil could also be used just in case, so your bread is nice and smoky, not charred and crusty.
6. Pizza - A new favorite, pizza on the grill is great go-to novelty fare for a small dinner party. Simply top dough with your favorite pizza sauce, toppings, and cheese and grill to desired doneness. For even more fun, allow guests to make their own pizzas. 
7. Mushrooms - Portabella, Cremini, it's all good. Whether skewered in a shishkabob or holding their own over the flames, grilled mushrooms are positively delectable. Plus, it can be a more healthful option than simply sauteing, because it requires less oil/butter.

Did we miss anything? If so, feel free to add your own favorite non-traditional grillable in the comments section below. Happy grilling!

Best Spring Wines

Now that it is officially spring, we can truly celebrate the passing of winter and coming of all things warm and sunny. Often, as the weather turns from the cooler, darker months, we look forward to longer days and spending more time outside.

As the seasons change, you may also be looking for the perfect spring wine to bring to your next backyard gathering. Below are some of our favorite spring varietals, but don't just take our word for it, you'll have to try them for yourself.

 

Sauvignon Blanc - What with the many different varieties and easy pairing with grilled vegetables and fish, Sauvignon Blancs and blends are a natural springtime choice.

Pinot Grigio - The ease at which a good (and we stress GOOD) Pinot Grigio pairs with light, tomato-y pasta dishes, as well as your antipasto salads make it a perfect wine for our list.

Albarino - One of my favorite wines as of late, the Albarino, a Spanish white, pairs wonderfully with shellfish and the fresh flavors of spring salads.

Riesling - Riesling is one of those wines that wine lovers either love or hate, there is no in-between. Great with smoked fish and perfect for sipping, choose a Riesling that will suit your tastes, as there are many that are less or more sweet, depending on the region and age.

Pinot Noir - For spring, we would suggest a younger Pinot Noir, so the bright fruit flavors emerge purest. Pair with fruit, salads, and tuna, and you'll have a match made in heaven.

Prosecco - This sparkling Italian wine is a bit softer than your typical champagne. A beautiful springtime treat, it pairs well with your favorite summer fruits, such as berries or peaches. Hello, Bellini, anyone?

Now that you've got your shopping list, the sooner you get to the store, the sooner you can get to sampling.

Happy Spring!

Joyeuses Pâques - BRUNCH!

Joyeuses Pâques, or Happy Easter! In honor of this wonderful Spring holiday, we are upping the ante of our traditional Sunday Brunch. Join us from 10:30am to 2pm on Easter Sunday, April 8, to mark a feast so incredible, it could only be the famous Chez Daniel Easter Brunch!

b u f f e t

Truffle Asparagus Salad

Caprese Salad

Roasted Pear Salad

Marinated Herring

Eggs Benedict 

Fruit, Vegetable, & Cheese Tray

House Made Pate

Poached & House-Smoked Salmon

Shrimp Cocktail

Waffles

Roasted Pork Loin

Roasted Vegetables

Sausage & Bacon

Halibut

Chicken

Clam Chowder 

S t a t i o n s

Roasted Rack of Lamb

Omelet Station

Slow-Roasted Prime Rib

S w e e t s

Chocolate Truffles, Chocolate Tarts, Mini Crème Bruleé,  Fruit Tarts, Ice Cream, Chocolate Fountain

D r i n k s

Coffee, Brewed Decaf and Herbal Teas

Orange Juice

Mimosas

As you can see, this is one brunch you do not want to miss! Prices are as follows, Adults: $36.95 & Children from 5 to 12 years of age: $14.95, Children under 5: Free. 

To make your reservation, you may contact Chez Daniel at 952.888.4447 or online at Open Table. 

Joyeuses Pâques to you and yours!

Spring Fever Cocktails

After a weekend like this, it's undeniable that things are heating up. To complement the beautiful weather that we've been having, you need the perfect cocktail. That way, when the sun starts beaming down, you can fire up that grill and kiss winter goodbye in style!

Below are a few patio-ready favorites that we've compiled. Try 'em (if you're of legal age and responsibly, of course), and let us know what you think!

St. Germain Sangria

Grey Goose La Poire Frenchy

Tanqueray Gin & Juice

Chambord & Champagne

Patron Pineapple & Ginger Margarita

Not into cocktails? No worries, just make sure you've got plenty of vino, suds, or whatever your guests demand and get ready to soak up the sunshine. 

Happy Spring! 

Drink to Your Health!

French women have long been heralded as beacons of fashion. One of the long lauded and oft-admired traits of the French woman is her ability to enjoy wine daily, and still retain her figure. Well, there's even more to it than that, as drinking a small glass of wine everyday has several distinct benefits to your health.

Originally published in the February 2008 issue of Health magazine, Debra Gordon identified the following six benefits derived from daily imbibement in her article "6 Reasons Why a Little Glass of Wine Each Day May Do You Good."

1. Feed Your Head - Wine can not only preserve your memory, but also prevents clots and reduces blood vessel inflammation. Alcohol has also been linked to raising HDL (the good cholesterol), which helps to unblock your arteries. 
2. Keep the Scale in Your Corner - Daily wine drinkers have been shown to have lower body mass than those who only occasionally indulge, while moderate wine drinkers also have more slender waists and less abdominal fat than those who drink liquor. Plus, studies have shown that alcohol may encourage your body to burn extra calories for up to 90 minutes after it's consumed. 
3. Boost Your Body's Defenses - According to a British study, people who consumed one glass of wine per day reduced their risk of infection from the bacteria that mainly causes gastritis, ulcers, and stomach cancers by 11%! Even just half a glass has been cited to fight against food poisoning when consumed with contaminated food. 
4. Guard Against Ovarian Woes - In an Australian study, researches found that those who consumed one glass of wine per day reduced their risk for developing ovarian cancer by as much as 50%. 
5. Build Better Bones - Moderate drinkers appear to have higher bone mass, in that alcohol seems to delay the body's destruction of old bone. 
6. Prevent Blood-Sugar Trouble - Women who have not yet hit menopause and who drink between one and two glasses per day are up to 40% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes. Researchers indicated that wine appears to reduce insulin resistance in diabetic patients as well. 

As in most (if not all) aspects of life, moderation is always key, so don't feel guilty about enjoying your favorite vintage tonight. After all, you're drinking to your health!

Mardi Gras

This week, we celebrate Mardi Gras, which is French for 'Fat Tuesday.' Held on the Tuesday right before Ash Wednesday kicks of the Lenten season, Mardi Gras essentially refers to the encompassing Carnival celebrations that begin on Epiphany and run up to Ash Wednesday.

In New Orleans, this tradition is taken very (*ahem*) seriously, and quite the party ensues. Up here, where we're a little less steeped in French tradition, and it's A LOT colder, we can still celebrate. What better way to celebrate than with a little baking?!

A traditional Mardi Gras treat, the King Cake, would be a perfect baking project to celebrate the occasion! In order to get the full effect, you will need a small, plastic baby. (It will be baked into the cake). When you go to serve the cake, make sure to warn everyone that they are looking for the baby, so they can be careful.

There are several traditions as far as who finds the baby. Some dictate that the finder will be soon having a baby, some state that the person is king/queen for the day with special duties and obligations. Make up your own tradition, even if it's just that the finder will have good luck!

Traditional Mardi Gras King Cake - borrowed from All Recipes

Ingredients
PASTRY:
1 cup milk
1/4 cup butter
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1/2 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

FILLING:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup melted butter

FROSTING:
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon water

Directions

1. Scald milk, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of butter. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of the white sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
2. When yeast mixture is bubbling, add the cooled milk mixture. Whisk in the eggs. Stir in the remaining white sugar, salt and nutmeg. Beat the flour into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. When risen, punch down and divide dough in half.
4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 2 cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.
5. To Make Filling: Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup raisins. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the cinnamon mixture and mix until crumbly.
6. Roll dough halves out into large rectangles (approximately 10x16 inches or so). Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough and roll up each half tightly like a jelly roll, beginning at the wide side. Bring the ends of each roll together to form 2 oval shaped rings. Place each ring on a prepared cookie sheet. With scissors make cuts 1/3 of the way through the rings at 1 inch intervals. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Push the doll into the bottom of the cake. Frost while warm with the confectioners' sugar blended with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water.