Star Anise Pork Serving Size : 6 1/2 cup chicken stock or canned low sodium broth 1/4 cup dry sherry 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 tbsp light brown sugar 2 star anise (or 1 tsp powdered), crushed 2 to 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 tsp Chinese five spice powder 3 lb boneless pork shoulder, tied salt and pepper 1 tbsp cilantro (optional), coarsely chopped In a small [...]

Two days ago I posted about this internet meme called Pay It Forward that I am participating in and I just wanted you all to know that we have two people on the hook and that means there is one spot left!

Here is what I am talking about:

• To the first commenter of today’s post who requests to play a part in “Play It Forward”, you will get to choose 1 photo from my food photography portfolio (shown below and at this link Nika’s Food Portfolio)
• You will email me (nika dot boyce at gmail dot com) with the flickr link to the image you want and also your mailing address
• I will have it printed at 8X10 and sent to you.
• I also promise to send this print to you, in the spirit of the other participants, within the next year. (I will likely fulfill much sooner!)
• In return, you make the same promise on your blog to three commenters, paying it forward.




If you missed the chance to be one of the three, do what I did and start the game on your blog anew!

The two winners so far are:

• Amy of Amachinations who posted her PIF at “Food Porn“
• Curt of Bucky’s Barbecue and Bread Blog who posted his PIF at “Pay It Forward“

Technorati Tags: Pay It Forward, food, photography, portfolio, print, 8X10

Mexican Pasta Salad 8 ounces uncooked pasta 1 can (15 oz.) black beans 1 can (15 oz.) whole kernel corn 1 can (15 oz) garbanzo beans, drained 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/2 - 1 bell pepper, chopped 2 cups grated cheese 1/2 cup sliced olives 1 1/2-2 cups salsa Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse in cold water and drain well. Drain and rinse [...]

Ingredients: 1.5lbs lean ground beef 1 cup diced onion 1 can (4oz) sliced mushrooms; drained 1lb bag frozen broccoli flowerettes; thawed 1/2 bottle ragu alfredo sauce salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste extra parmesan cheese for the top How to Prepare: Brown ground beef with onions. Drain if needed. Add salt, pepper and gralic powder to taste then add the mushrooms and broccoli. Cover and [...]

Late autumn brings bushels of oranges to the markets. That means it is time to make Vin d'Oranges!

Vin d'Oranges is a delicious, festive apéritif that takes only three weeks to mature. If you start a batch now, it will be ready in time for Christmas and the New Year.


This recipe is my addition to this week's Weekend Herb Blogging, hosted by its fabulous creator, Kalyn, from Kalyn's Kitchen.
We all know that oranges are packed with vitamin C and are a good source of potassium and fiber. So Vin d'Oranges must be good for you!

I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this fruity creation. It takes minimal effort and produces a unique and refreshing liqueur.

Vin d'Oranges

7 juice oranges (about 2 1/2 pounds), preferably organic
2 bottles dry white wine, rosé wine or fruity red wine (I used rosé)
grated zest of one orange
1 cup sugar
1 cup vodka

Peel the oranges and chop the flesh into 1/2 inch cubes on a cutting board that will collect the juices. Put the orange pieces and all the collected juice into a 12 cup, wide-mouthed jar with a tight fitting lid, or divide between two smaller jars. Pour the wine over and close the jar tightly. Set aside in a cool place for 10 days. Each day, gently shake the jar and on the 10th day, add the orange zest.
On the 11th day, strain the wine into a large bowl, pressing on the oranges to extract all the juice. Discard the oranges. Add the sugar to the wine and stir until dissolved. Then add the vodka.
Pour through a funnel into 3, sterilized wine bottles, seal with corks and set aside for another 10 days in a cool place.
Serve very cold.
Drink within three months.

Taken from Backroad Bistros, Farmhouse Fare, by Jane Sigal.
See article.

Anyone want to sell you used car or truck? If you are staying at Texas, then the Used Cars Austin leading company, Quality Auto Group would be the best buyer. They provide the easy access of the website and service for you to sell off your used car or trucks. They also have a huge [...]