Kitchen Queers Blog


This BLOG is the companion to the KQ web site. http://www.kitchenqueers.com
Here you'll find behind the scenes details about our recipes, cocktails, other ideas in development and more.
Thank you for joining us in our San Francisco kitchen, bar and dining room.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

HOLIDAY 2014: Christmas Dinner Report

Above: The KQ Christmas Dinner table setting for 2014.

HOLIDAY 2014: Christmas Dinner Report
by Chef Mitch

We hope you had an amazing holiday dinner whatever you celebrate.  We celebrated our good fortune with a feast of comfort food.  Following in this posting are images of the KQ 2014 Holiday Dinner and links to recipes and photo tutorials.

Enjoy!

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: The KQ 2014 table setting included vintage red and green glass plates and zebra print taffeta and colorful satin linens.

Above: A close-up of the table setting featuring red lacquer chargers, matching napkin rings and red satin napkins.

Above: Chef Philip made a meatloaf using a bundt pan to form a ring shape.   View the KQ Meatloaf recipe and tutorial here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/meatloaf/ 

Above: The table set with the food ready to serve.

Above: Chef Philip made a basic gravy to pour over the meatloaf and mashed potatoes.

Above: The ring mold meatloaf was sliced in wedges to serve on a platter.

Above: Cheese sauce is a must when serving broccoli in the KQ kitchen.

Above: Broccoli florets were steamed for a fresh green element on the holiday plate.

Above: Mashed Potatoes are a must at the KQ Holiday table. http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/mashedpotatoes/

Above: Another view of the KQ Holiday table just prior to eating.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

CONFECTION ALERT: Fudge Has No Calories During the Holidays

Above: KQ Peppermint Fudge served at a Holiday Buffet.

CONFECTION ALERT: Fudge Has No Calories During the Holidays
by Chef Mitch

I finally got the results I wanted and perfected my fudge recipe.  So I took a batch to a holiday party and the hosts put it out on the buffet table.  It was one of the first plates to be emptied and I got several nice compliments.  I consider food a success when it disappears from a buffet table quickly.

When I told Chef Bob about how much the guests liked the fudge, he said, "[The fudge] was popular because everyone knows that fudge has no calories during the holidays".

Find the new KQ Peppermint Fudge recipe and photo tutorial here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/peppermintfudge/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: The finished fudge batter is being spread in a foil lined pan. 

Friday, December 19, 2014

HOLIDAY FYI: We Hear Santa Likes Chocolate Cookies

Above: Chef Philip's Chocolate Cookies.

HOLIDAY FYI: We Hear Santa Likes Chocolate Cookies
by Chef Mitch

KQ partner and resident baker Chef Philip shares his recipe for chocolate cookies, just in time to bake up a batch to leave out for Santa!  Check out the recipe and photo tutorial here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/chocolatecookies/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: Plenty of high quality cocoa is added to give these cookies a rich chocolate flavor. 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

HOLIDAY BLING: Mantel Decorations

Above: A red, green and sliver color scheme is used for the holiday mantel decorations

HOLIDAY BLING: Mantel Decorations
by Chef Mitch

The mantel is one of my favorite spots for display in our house.  This year I employed a traditional color scheme, (for a change), and went with red, green and sliver.  And of course I worked in some of my vintage glass collection, such as the emerald green decanter.

More details about how I created this look can be found on the Kitchen Queers web site here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/party/holidaymantel2014/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: Oversize clear glass apothecary jars have been filled with metallic and glitter ornaments and strings of metallic beads. 

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

COCKTAIL HOUR: Sloe Gin Fizz

Above: The KQ Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail.

COCKTAIL HOUR: Sloe Gin Fizz
by Chef Mitch

I love the intense red color of this cocktail, and it's perfect for events this time of year. And the Sapphire Gin gives the drink that hint of juniper. It's easy to make, find the recipe and photo tutorial here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/beverage/sloeginfizz/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: Chef Mitch pours the "shaken" ingredients for this cocktail, prior to adding the seltzer water. 

Friday, December 12, 2014

BACON LOVER ALERT: Bacon Pie

Above: KQ Bacon Pie.

BACON LOVER ALERT: Bacon Pie
by Chef Mitch

This recipe has a pound of thick cut bacon.  What's not to like?  We tell you exactly how to make this recipe here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/baconpie/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: Thick cut bacon has been microwaved and is being chopped for the KQ Bacon Pie. 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

PLACE SETTING: Red, Black and Zebra

Above: One of four versions of the Red/Black/Zebra place settings.

PLACE SETTING: Red, Black and Zebra
by Chef Mitch

I debuted my new red, black and zebra holiday table setting. Chef Bob said, “Oh! This is lovely”. Chef Philip indicated he also liked it, especially the shiny red lacquer. My friend Carol Ann was not quite so enthusiastic. She said, “This looks like a table a hooker would have”.

All of the pictures showing several alternative looks from this series can be found on the Kitchen Queers web site: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/party/placesettingideasREDCHARGER/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: An alternative version of the Red/Black?Zebra place settings. 

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

SALSA RECIPE FOR CILANTRO HATERS

Above: Chef Mitch uses an immersion blender to create a smooth textured salsa.

SALSA RECIPE FOR CILANTRO HATERS
by Chef Mitch

In our house it's Chef Philip that doesn't like cilantro, he says it tastes like soap.  He's not alone. Some online reports indicate that up to a third of the population finds cilantro distasteful, with soap being one of the more pleasant descriptions used by cilantro haters.

Finding a salsa recipe without cilantro is like trying to find a contact lens on shag carpeting.  So I created a cilantro free salsa recipe that has plenty of flavor and is great for dipping chips, topping burritos and more.

Find my complete recipe and photo tutorial here:
http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/salsaTOMATOCHILE/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Above: The KQ Salsa served with tortilla chips.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Hot Chili on a Cool Rainy Day

Above: KQ Three Bean Chili makes for a hearty meal.

Hot Chili on a Cool Rainy Day
by Chef Mitch

The rainy weather continues here in San Francisco, and this type of weather always puts me in the mood to be in the kitchen.  So Chef Philip and I made our version of Three Bean Chili.  You can find the recipe and detailed photo tutorial here: http://www.kitchenqueers.com/food/threebeanchili/

REMINDER: Enlarge the images by clicking on them.

Below: We used pinto, kidney and black beans in our chili.

Above: We topped the chili with grated cheese before serving.


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Baking on a Rainy San Francisco Day


BAKING ON A RAINY SAN FRANCISCO DAY
by Chef Mitch

After three years of drought, we finally got a good soaking the past 24 hours.  Rainy days always put me in the mood for baked goods.  Chef Philip whipped us up a batch of Butterscotch Brownies earlier this afternoon and we just finished gorging on them.  Chef Philip likes the edge and corner pieces.  I like the middle pieces with no edge.  Chef Bob seems to like them all.

Below: Chocolate cookies are another good rainy day baking choice.