Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta With Amaretto Cherry Compote

One of the things I love about summer is cherry season.    I get downright giddy when the Rainier variety start showing up in supermarkets!  Here's what I made with part of my cherry stash (managed to pick up a couple of pounds on sale).   It had been a while since I'd made panna cotta for dessert, so I decided to try this easy recipe from Food & Wine's website.   I love the creamy consistency, plus you don't have to fuss around with unmolding them.    My grandmother (who'd never even heard of panna cotta, much less tried the dessert) gave them her stamp of approval, so that's good enough for me!   I made a simple amaretto-flavored cherry compote to spoon over the panna cotta.  Recipes to follow next...

Foodie Events: Meet Chef Marcus Samuelsson @ Macy's North Point Mall This Thursday

The latest winner of Bravo's Top Chef Masters will be making an appearance in the Atlanta area this Thursday, June 17th at 6:30 PM.  Award winning chef/restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson will be presenting a free cooking demo at Macy's North Point Mall (Alpharetta) location as part of Macy's Culinary Council  The cooking demo will be based on recipes from his most recent cookbook New American Table, which explores regional dishes and the cultural influences and traditions that have inspired American cuisine.  After the demonstration, Marcus will meet fans and sign copies of New American Table (which will be available for purchase).   Seating is limited so call 1-888-MacysNY (1-888-622-9769) to reserve your spot at this special free event.
www.chefmarcussamuelsson.com 
Macy's Culinary Council 

My Thursday Night Veggie Meal: Sweet Potato & Plantain Curry

As I've may have mentioned in a previous post, I decided to go "meatless" for most of the month of May.  Even though I'm back to my usual omnivorous ways, I am trying to incorporate more vegetarian and vegan meals into my diet.   Here's a recipe that I plan to keep in my back pocket when I want to whip up a quick meal after a long work day.    I'd originally planned to make a simple sweet potato curry, but I decided to add some nearly ripe plantains as well ('cause I love em).   This is a tasty and satisfying veggie meal that even a "meat and potatoes" gal like me can enjoy!  I tweaked the originial recipe a little because it was a bit too "mild" for my liking.  If you're like me and enjoy curries with more of a kick, you might want to add some chopped chilies or a bit of cayenne pepper.  Recipe follows next...

Quick Bites: Mr. Taco (Roswell)

I have a certain favorite taqueria in SoCal where I had some of the best tacos I've ever eaten.  I've been to a few places here in Metro Atlanta, but so far Mr. Taco is the only place that comes pretty close to what I had in Cali.  I'm talking specifically about their "Mexican" tacos (two mini corn tortillas, meat, onion and cilantro).  My faves are the chorizo, pastor and carne asada (pictured below).  I'm a big fan of their salsa & condiment bar-I always go for the "guacamole" salsa whenever I visit.

Sadly, the torta I tried on a past visit was a major disappointment.  It was quite pitiful actually, with mushy tomatoes, mushy avocado and a sad little piece of cheese.  I'm willing to give 'em another try-maybe it was just an "off" day for tortas when I visited.  That said, Mr. Taco is still my "go-to" spot on the Northside for fresh, delicious tacos.    They have an expansive menu of authentic Mexican specialties as well as "Americanized" fare.  

Mr. Taco 

893 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Suite 200

Roswell, GA  30076

(770) 993-4505

www.mrtacoatlanta.com 

(near intersection of Holcomb Bridge & Warsaw Rd, behind CVS Pharmacy)