Flavors in Love

I am starting the New Year with two very special Flirting With Flavors Cooking Classes focused on keeping a healthy lifestyle. Many of the ingredients we cook with can also help us get healthy and stay healthy. Fresh-Pressed olive oil is one of the tricks I keep up my sleeve..it is an anti-aging superfood and can do wonders for your body inside and out. Dr. Oz mentioned on his show last week that a traditional Mediterranean diet calls for ingesting 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil daily, and it’s important that the olive oil be fresh-pressed. That’s why I’m so excited to offer this exclusive FREE gift for my friends only!!!!

The Fresh-Pressed Olive Oil Club is offering a free bottle of the brightest, most insanely flavorful olive oil on the planet!! Click HERE to redeem your free bottle!!

As you will taste for yourself, fresh-pressed oil is vastly more flavorful than any other olive oil you’ve ever tasted. Yet it’s impossible to find in your supermarket or gourmet store!!

Here’s why…and how you can receive your $39 bottle free if you RSVP by Saturday, January 14…

The freshness, flavor, and health benefits of this just-pressed oil will astonish you … it will utterly blow away any olive oil you can find in the U.S. And that’s for one simple reason: This is fresh-pressed supreme extra virgin olive oil-raced here by jet straight from the olive harvest and it’s independently certified to be 100% pure extra virgin!

By contrast, other imported olive oils available here in America are not independently certified to be 100% pure. And they are not raced here at the peak of harvest-fresh flavor but travel instead by slow cargo ship. This means they are already six to nine months old by the time you can buy them in your local supermarket or gourmet store, and they’re already dull, flat, or even rancid!

That’s why I’ve sent this special invitation to you and a few other health-minded foodies. I invite you to accept, free of charge, one of my precious 240 bottles (a $39 value) to experience for yourself the miracle of flavor that such rare, fresh-pressed oil will bring to your seasonal salads, pastas, grilled meats, fish, and many other dishes. I’ll even pay for shipping. But I must ask you to RSVP now. Once these 240 free bottles are gone, I will have no more to give away! Moreover, this very limited offer expires on Saturday, January 14.

I hope that you take advantage of this special gift, and consider registering for my Healthy Recipes for the New Year cooking classes…. Let’s start this year with the best healthy flavors!!

Flavorfully Yours,

Pamela

How was your 2011? I feel so blessed to be able to share my year with you.  I did a lot of flirting in 2011… with the places I visited (Capri, St. Barths, St Tropez, Paris, Provence, Miami and more), with the extraordinary people I met, and of course, with the meals I ate and the food I touched, tasted, smelled and cooked. Among the highlights were outrageous cooking parties for extraordinary groups of men and women, teaching a Sensual Cooking Class to a group of beautiful women in lingerie, planning events for several outstanding charities that make a real difference in people’s lives, instructing two 13-year-old-boys on how to properly use a Chef’s knife, partnering with Blend TV to make cooking videos and much more.  It was a creative and successful year.

I look forward to seeing what 2012 has in store for all of us! Here’s a little treat to help you plan your New Years menu. Be sure to watch this video on Amazing Hors d’oeuvres before you do your shopping. A couple of weeks ago, Fabulous at 60 host Andrea Warshaw-Wernick stopped by my home to chat about cocktail parties and fabulous hors d’oeuvres for any season. We had a great time together as you can see!!

Tomorrow night, as I will welcome in 2012, I will have this Holiday Flirtini Cocktail in my hand. It is delicious and festive at any time of year but perfect for New Years Eve.. Cheers!!

Holiday Flirtini:

Serves 6

2 cups Vodka

1 cup Triple Sec

1 cup pomegranate juice

1 cup white cranberry juice

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

Fresh pomegranate seeds and lime for garnish

Holiday Flirtini

Combine the Vodka, Triple Sec, pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, and lime juice in a pitcher and refrigerate until ready to use. Pour into martini glasses and serve immediately. Garnish each glass with a few pomegranate seeds and a sliver of lime or lime zest.

I have a lot going on in 2012, so let’s keep in touch!! After the Holidays, you’ll need my recipes for a Healthy New Year class on Jan 17th and 18th. . As always, my upcoming cooking classes are posted on my website, Pamela Morgan’s Flavors.

Join my Facebook Page Flavors in Love, and follow me on Twitter @pamflavors.

Wishing you health, happiness, and deliciousness  in 2012!

Flavorfully Yours,

Pamela

Every year I try to add something new to my Thanksgiving Menu, while staying true to old favorites. This twist on a classic cranberry sauce really takes it up a notch…tart juicy cranberries combined with the sweet crunch of walnuts and the acidity of fresh oranges will make a flavorful and colorful addition to your Thanksgiving buffet.

CRANBERRY SAUCE WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

Serves 6

1 cup walnuts

1/3 cup maple syrup

2 pounds fresh cranberries, washed and dried

2 cups sugar

2 tablespoons water

2 cinnamon sticks

½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

2 oranges, zested and juiced

Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Toss walnuts with the maple syrup in a bowl. Cook walnuts on top of stove for about 3 minutes until hot and bubbling. Continue cooking until most of the maple syrup is absorbed (be careful they will burn quickly if left unattended). Cool completely, then break up larger clumps.

In a medium pan, combine the cranberries, water, and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and add the cinnamon sticks and nutmeg. Stir to blend and simmer rapidly for an additional 12 minutes. Some of the cranberries will start to burst when done. Add the orange juice and zest. Stir and set aside to cool, then add walnuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

You can learn to make this, and other Thanksgiving classics, as we Flirt with Flavors at my Thanksgiving Cooking Class on November 16th. Soup, sides, turkey, gravy… I’ll show you how to do it all!! Click HERE to register.

This summer, I received a request from a woman who wanted to throw a unique birthday party for one of her girlfriends. I knew right away that my Flirting With Flavors Cooking Parties were the perfect fit for her. We created an amazing night filled with food, fun, and laughter in a gorgeous, intimate setting on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan… Most of the women who attended had limited experience in the kitchen so we tailored a class just for them and it was perfect! They had a great time, but also went home with new skills they could show off in the kitchen.

This is what some of our guests are saying about Flirting With Flavors Cooking Parties:

“When I was looking to find a creative way to celebrate a friend’s birthday this summer in New York City I thought of Pamela.The evening we spent at her extraordinary kitchen exceeded any of our expectations. It was a feast for the eyes and palate, and lots of fun for the six of us. Although it was designed as a gift for a friend, it turned out to be a gift for all of us. I almost want to keep it as my special secret, but it’s too good not to share.” Adria Pearl-Belport

“Going to Pamela’s cooking party was such a treat! I loved learning trade secrets that make your guests say “WOW”! The dishes were delicious and exciting! Pamela masterfully orchestrates the class and makes it a delight to learn to cook or improve on your skills. Love Flirting With Flavors!” Yaf Boye-Flaegel

If you want something new and different, Flirting with Flavors Cooking Parties are THE way to celebrate a bridal shower, birthday, engagement, or just a night out with the girls!! All you have to do is gather up a group of 6 friends, and we do the rest. We will customize a party theme especially for you, whether it be lots of hands on cooking or lots of dancing and cocktails with just a little time in the kitchen… It’s all up to you! CLICK HERE to contact us and book your Cooking Party today!!

As many of you know, for the past several months I have been hard at work with my dear friend Janine Francolini, planning the Perfection Party for the Flawless Foundation. The event took place on April 9th at the Otto Kahn and James Burden Mansions. After all that planning I am happy to say everything was PERFECT! I thought you might be interested in some of the photos from this meaningful event….

Janine and Pamela

Team work is what makes an event really come together, and it was such a pleasure working with the Flawless team. Chef David Burke and his talented staff did an outstanding job catering the event, ABCD Design and Tamara Stephenson contributed the beautiful flowers, and Empire Entertainment produced this memorable evening.

Lobster Rolls with Homemade Potato Chips

These Tuna Tartare Tacos were my fave hors d'oeuvre

Caterers Preparing For Dinner

First Course

Table Set for Dinner

I know we will be hearing a lot about this charity in years to come and I am so happy to be involved in helping it grow.

Every October I excitedly wait for the South Beach Wine & Food Festival to be announced, and as soon as it is I buy my tickets for the events. I know that many of them will sell out in just a few hours!

The last week in February when it’s icy cold and soo gloomy in NYC, I take a respite and enjoy a few glorious days of eating and drinking in Miami…

South Beach Wine & Food Festival

The Wine & Food Festival is a 4-day extravaganza, with events every day and night hosted by all of your favorite celebrity chefs….

Rachel Ray’s Burger Bash is the first event that takes place on Thursday night. Rachel is the emcee of the event and announces the winner. Twenty-six of the world’s best chefs, grilling burgers under a tent, with thousands of hungry people anxious to be fed, and great music to go along with all of this. It’s so much fun waiting to hear which Chef won for the best burger! In order to survive the night I have developed this system…I only take a couple of small bites of each burger so that I don’t fill up too quickly….

Burger Bash Event

My Favorites this year…..

* The Umami  Burger from LA which is rated one of the best burgers in America.

* Bobby Flay’s  Napa Valley Burger Crunchified.  I love how he puts potato chips on his burgers, mmmmm…

* Ingrid Hoffman Simply Delicioso.. A Burger with Latin flavors…including chorizo inside and hot sauce.

* And the winner of this year’s Burger Bash for an unprecedented second year in a row….. Micheal Symon’s Yo! Burger with fried salami, provolone, shasha sauce, and pickled onions. Whew!! That was a mouthful!!

I got to spend some time with my Chef buddies at the festival as well..

With Chef Dean Fearing

With Chef Bobby Flay

The BubbleQ event, hosted by Chef Bobby Flay, was Friday night.  Again so many chefs grilling and lots of great BBQ.  Even though there was dessert, we sashayed over to the next event, Let Them Eat Cake, which was hosted by Martha Stewart.

Let Them Eat Cake Event

There were cakes and cupcakes galore, and acrobats pouring champagne hanging from the ceiling.

What a delicious weekend!!! I was so full I wanted to fast for a month!!

But, alas there is no rest for the weary. Last weekend I had to get my hunger on again as I attended the Natural Products Expo West in Anaheim, California.  All I can say is Wow!!  I spent two days eating and drinking the newest and latest in natural and organic food products. It was exciting , stimulating and inspiring.

I noticed a few trends;  coconut….in everything; coconut water, coconut ice cream,  coconut milk and shredded coconut. Probiotics in everything too….and so much chocolate!… in every flavor with every ingredient under the sun. Our ideas and products are getting more inventive and so much healthier!

Even my 25 year old niece is involved with a healthy juice company in LA called  Pressed Juicery.  They have a detox and fasting program much like Blue Print Cleanse, and I was able to taste many of their juices too.  My favorites were pineapple, pear, mint ginger and almond milk with dates and vanilla.

Such great trips to Miami and California….You know me, always Flirting with Flavors…..

Come play with me at our next series of Spring cooking classes!! Click HERE to learn more!

I am so excited to announce Flirting with Flavors Cooking School’s SPRING CLASSES!!!!!!

Are you ready to get hot in the kitchen and stay cool in your confidence? Are you ready to impress your husband, dates, friends, and family with your new found cooking skills? Do you want to know the difference between cumin and coriander and how to use them? Do you want to bring fun and pleasure back into your kitchen??  Are you tired of eating unhealthy take-out or restaurant meals? If you answered yes to any of these questions then Flirting with Flavors Cooking School is the place for you!!!

After 20 plus years in the catering and event business, Cookbook Author and Entertaining Expert Pamela Morgan is ready to share her recipes, tips, and tricks with you! Learn simple recipes for easy entertaining while having a blast!

Flirting with Flavors Spring Class Line-Up:

Classes are small and space is limited… Please register as early as possible!

MARCH 29- STYLISH ENTERTAINING

APRIL 13- COUPLES CLASS

APRIL 26- HEALTHY COOKING

MAY 3- FIVE COURSE SEAFOOD CLASS

Classes are taught in a breathtaking apartment on Fifth Avenue with stunning views of Central Park. There are no other cooking classes like these!!!

Classes are for the beginner or seasoned home cook. They include hands-on instruction and a sit down dinner with wine and cocktails.

Read a little bit of what past students have to say about their experience at Flirting with Flavors Cooking School;

“Everyone out there who loves great food, and love to be in the company of a great teacher, needs to take a cooking class with Pamela!! She flirts with flavors and comes to a meal with a wonderful touch and always to a great climax! We had a ball!!” Glenn Myles

“So fun the other night! Just a delicious girls night out! One of the best meals ever! I love your technique of teaching too. Thank you so much!” Mindy Goldstein

“Wow…my heart and soul is so full of love from last night! Thank you Pamela for an incredible night to be remembered always!! Pamela, you make the kitchen a joy!! I am inspired by you!” Dana Lawrence

Click HERE to reserve your space in one of these unique classes! Or call 212-647-1234 for more information.

Part of my job as an event planner and culinary expert is to act as a liaison between chefs and charitable foundations. I am so proud to announce that I have been working on an amazing event for the Flawless Foundation which will take place on April 9th at the Burden Mansion in New York City. It will be a stellar evening, chaired by Congressman Patrick Kennedy, with a panel discussion on mental health led by a team of experts including Stuart Ablon, Ph.D., Harold Koplewicz, M.D., Shonda Schilling, and Shari & Garen Staglin. The evening also includes a celebratory champagne cocktail hour with Argyle sparkling wine and hors d’ouevres by David Burke, and then a gourmet seated dinner also catered by David Burke with wines by Staglin Vineyards. There are limited tickets available.  Click on this link to purchase.

Michael and I with Janine Francolini, Rebecca Carney, and Alice McCarney

I hosted a Champagne and Chocolate Party for the Flawless Foundation in my home a couple of weeks ago. What’s better than eating chocolate for a good cause?!

Flawless Champagne and Chocolate Party

Champagne and Chocolate Party at my home

The Flawless Foundation was started by my friend, Janine Francolini, who became aware of the grave need for helping children with behavioral challenges.

Janine with Greg Alcock, President of Alcock Strategies

One in five children in this country will be diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder by the age of 18. The Flawless Foundation works with families to obtain more compassionate/holistic care for children with mental health and neurodevelopmental challenges. Their unique message of love and hope is so inspirational.

David Burke, one of the country’s top culinary professionals, has generously agreed to be our Chef for the evening. David is well known for blurring the line between chef, artist, entrepreneur, and inventor, as well as for his generosity and philanthropy, and we are honored that he will be catering the seated dinner as well as the cocktail hour at the Flawless event.

There are limited tickets available for the this event. Please click on THIS LINK to purchase tickets. This will be an unforgettable evening that you do not want to miss!!

Airport at St. Barts

I have been to St. Barts over 25 times and I never tire of this magical little island. I fantasize about my trip weeks before I go.  I have to admit that getting to St. Barts is an adventure that’s not always pleasant. That small plane from St. Maarten is only a 10 minute ride but often harrowing. Sometimes the winds are high and I am holding my breath until we fly over the mountain and land at the tiny airport and hear the first “Bonjour” at customs. Then we rent a car at Gumbs, say hello to Odile our lovely rental agent, and  make our way to the Hotel Isle de France.

I have traveled to many other Caribbean islands, but everything that St. Barts has to offer resonates with me….its turquoise waters, pristine beaches, chic restaurants, charming hotels, open and kind-hearted residents, unique shops, and perfect weather..it’s truly paradise.  And in the evening when the sun is setting after a relaxing day, the sound of the tree frogs is mesmerizing.  I know they are singing to me.

My guy Michael and I began traveling to St. Barts in 1999. We rented a villa that first year, then we discovered the Hotel Isle de France, and we have stayed there ever since. In fact, we bought one of their time shares. I adore this hotel… right on Flamand Beach. Everything about it is simplicity… but in that very stylish French manner…like the yummiest bed sheets, towels, and robes, and beautiful music playing when you walk in the door. Everyone there is like family now

I love my daiquiri!

La Flamand Beach

We go back to many of the same restaurants over and over, and there are always a few new ones;

Salad at the Isle de France

If you find yourself on the beach at the Isle de France,  have a dacquiri and lunch at La Casa de l’Isle. The menu is a lovely mix of salads and grilled foods with an Asian twist. Something for everyone. And of course, we have to have a bottle of Domaine Ott. The food is fresh and the view can’t get much better. The people watching is always good!!! It’s relaxed and perfect. The store in the hotel is fabulous.  Caroline runs it and she has a fashion show every year. The hotel invites everyone to watch the show and have free cocktails. Fun!

Maya’s is one of the Island’s most popular restaurants. Randy is always the welcoming host and his wife Maya is the chef. The food is simple French with a bit of Island flair. I always run into people I know. We had a local fish and a lovely Bresse chicken and vegetables the night we were there.

Bresse Chicken at Maya's

And then there’s the shopping. Of course there’s Hermes and Dior which are lovely, but also St. Barts has the most unique small stores like Poupette St-Barth and Laurent Effel. Gustavia is the capital of St. Barts and I love shopping there for the perfect new beach cover-up or sandals, or that great little dress. When we go into Gustavia, we eat lunch at The Creperie right in town and the food is sensational. Typical French, good fresh salads and of course a myriad of crepes, savory and sweet. I loved my banana, nutella and chocolate crepe…Mmmmm. Tres Bonne.

Nutella, Chocolate, and Banana Crepe

We had dinner at the fairly new L’Isola Italian Restaurant. Their food is top notch. Pasta was cooked perfectly. The restaurant was full and had a great buzz.

Wild Mushroom Salad at l'Isola

The best lunch on the Island was at the Eden Rock Hotel. My salad and veggies were outstanding. The view…with the planes flying in…was perfection!

Veggie Salad at Eden Rock

We often spend Thanksgiving in St Barts and I have had many a delicious Thanksgiving meal at Maya’s.  This year, my dear friend Henry Lambert and his girlfriend Heather invited us to their sensational home overlooking the port of Gustavia. He cooked a traditional feast complete with a tender turkey, cranberry sauce, the best gravy, sausage stuffing, sweet potato pie, and excellent conversation.

Henry carving the turkey

Thanksgiving feast at Henry's

Dinner at Le Ti St Barts is a must for fun and buzz. Carole, the owner, used to own La Plage with her husband Thierry. They are now divorced and he runs La Plage, she Le Ti. They have a fashion show every night. The models are gorgeous and everyone dances on the tables! It’s exactly the kind of scene you would expect on a French Caribbean Island. I could dance until dawn and have many times.

Grilled Lobster Lunch at La Plage

Fun at Le Ti

There are so many worthwhile charity events in New York City, but this one is dear to my heart.  Each year, The Pride of New York Award honors a great New York Chef  or restaurateur to raise funds for Maryhaven Center of Hope.   Maryhaven is one of Long Island’s oldest and largest nonprofit programs helping adults and children with disabilities.

For the past decade I have had the privilege of planning this memorable evening.  You can imagine how each year is so unique depending on the chef and the venue.  This year the Award goes to Sirio Maccioni and the Maccioni Family, owners of the world renowned Le Cirque Restaurant.  Le Cirque’s chef is creating a special dinner for us.  I was at a tasting last week, and I can assure you, it’s going to be divine!

Past recipients of the PONY Award include Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Francois Payard, Mark Straussman, and Lidia Bastianich.

Please join us for this very special night of cocktails, dinner, and dancing; as well as an incredible silent auction. We only have 100 seats available for this spectacular dinner.

When: Saturday, November 6, 2010, 7:30 pm

Where: Le Cirque

One Beacon Court, 151 East 58th street

Price: $550 per person

For more information please contact Event Planner Pamela Morgan

917-612-6161 / pamflavors@aol.com