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.

Friday, December 30, 2016

NEW VIDEO: Sausage Stroganoff (Season 2, Episode 23)

Above: Graphics for KQ Season 2, Episode 23.

NEW VIDEO: Sausage Stroganoff

Check out the final Season 2 episode, where KQ host Mitch Hightower demonstrates his recipe for flavorful Sausage Stroganoff.

Watch here:

Below: The Sausage Stroganoff is served over brown rice. 

Sunday, December 18, 2016

NEW VIDEO: Boozy Red Hot Cocoa (Season 2 Episode 22)

Above: Graphics for KQ Season 2, Episode 22.

NEW VIDEO: Boozy Red Hot Cocoa

Check out the newest installment in the Kitchen Queers video series, go here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilnwh9-TKL4&spfreload=5

Below: The KQ Boozy Red Hot Cocoa topped with whipped cream and red sanding sugar. 

Thursday, December 15, 2016

2016 Holiday Decorations

Above: Red, white and silver decorations.

2016 Holiday Decorations
By Mitch Hightower

Last year we had a purple and turquoise color scheme going on for our holiday decor. We liked it so much we made a video about it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBn-ssmOgWs

This year I wanted to do something a little different, so I changed out the purple and turquoise for red, white and silver.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Above: Graphics for Kitchen Queers Season 1, Episode 11.

Saturday, December 10, 2016

NEW VIDEO: Holiday Chocolate Stinger Cocktail Tutorial (Season 2 Episode 21)

Above: Graphic for KQ Season 2, Episode 21.

NEW VIDEO: Holiday Chocolate Stinger Cocktail Tutorial (Season 2 Episode 21)

The newest installment in the Kitchen Queers video series is now available to view on YouTube®,go here:
https://youtu.be/J9FYwOTRhhY


Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Chocolate Covered Spoons

Above: KQ Chocolate Covered Spoons.

Chocolate Covered Spoons

View a tutorial on how to create tasty Chocolate Covered Spoons, which can be used in a variety of hot drinks and make excellent gifts.

Sunday, November 27, 2016

This is my Thanksgiving plate of food

Above: Thanksgiving 2016 plate of food.

This is my Thanksgiving plate of food
by Mitch Hightower

I hope you all had an amazing holiday weekend whatever you got up to.  Around here, we focused on the food.  The image in this post shows my plate from Thanksgiving dinner at our house.  I've had a similar plate each night since, as we had plenty of leftovers!

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

2016 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Above: Sliced "honey-baked" ham.

2016 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
By Mitch Hightower

We have many of our own traditions here at our house in San Francisco, and one of them is serving a honey-baked ham on this Holiday.  No one in our house likes turkey, so why bother?

Meanwhile, we all love holiday side dishes and this year we’re serving a must have, roasted carrots with onion and apple, (I made this earlier today, so tomorrow all I have to do is heat it up).

We’re also having French green beans.  And dinner wouldn’t be complete without gold mashed potatoes and gravy.  And for the bread element we’re making biscuits!

For dessert, Chef Philip has already baked classic pumpkin pie.  And as an alternative, we also have apple cupcakes, filled with apple compote, topped with caramel ganache and frosted with bourbon buttercream.

It’s going to be a great dinner!

Above: Gold mashed potatoes.

Below: Roasted carrots, onion and apple. 

Saturday, November 19, 2016

2016 HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

Above: The KQ Holiday Ecstasy Cocktail.

2016 HOLIDAY COCKTAILS

Kitchen Queers host Mitch Hightower has compiled a list of nine festive and colorful cocktails that are also easy to make.


Above: A Sloe Gin Fizz done KQ style.

Above: The KQ Emerald Cocktail.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

NEW VIDEO: Platinum Blondies - Season 2 Episode 20

Above: Graphic for KQ Season 2 Episode 20.

NEW VIDEO: Platinum Blondies

Kitchen Queers host Mitch Hightower demonstrates the KQ recipe for Platinum Blondies.  Mitch also shows how to make White Chocolate Ganache and provides a tutorial on elevating the Blondies to a plated dessert.



Wednesday, November 2, 2016

THANKSGIVING: Roasted Carrots with Onion and Apples, Our Favorite Side Dish

Above: KQ Roasted Carrots with onion and apples.

THANKSGIVING: Roasted Carrots and Apples, Our Favorite Side Dish

Chef Mitch Hightower created this recipe and it's a holiday favorite. Check out the recipe and photo tutorial to make Roasted Carrots with Onion and Apples, it' an easy-to-make side dish.


Friday, October 28, 2016

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Red Signature Cocktails

Above: The KQ Red Velvetini cocktail.

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Red Signature Cocktails

Watch cocktail videos featuring red libations on the Kitchen Queers YouTube® channel.


Above: Graphics for the Fiesta cocktail video featuring guest taste tester Jesus U. Bettawork.

Above: A Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail.

Sunday, October 16, 2016

HALLOWEEN CANDY: Make Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Truffles

Above: Peanut Butter Truffles covered with white chocolate.

HALLOWEEN CANDY: Make Chocolate Covered Peanut Butter Truffles

Try something easy yet upscale, make your own truffles.  Kitchen Queers host Mitch Hightower shows you how to make a tasty peanut butter truffle filling, as well as how to use white chocolate for the outer shell of the candy.  

Watch KQ Season 2, Episode 4 here:


Saturday, October 8, 2016

NEW VIDEO: Sable Kiss Cocktail - Season 2 Episode 19

Above: Graphics for the new "Sable Kiss Cocktail" video.

NEW VIDEO: Sable Kiss Cocktail

Kitchen Queers Season 2, Episode 19 is now available to view on the KQ YouTube® channel.

In this installment, KQ host Mitch Hightower shows you how to make his original mix for this sable-hued cocktail.  Perfect for Halloween, a Pirate theme party or even a Gothic wedding.  Mitch also demonstrates how to create a sugar rim on a cocktail glass and Chef Philip appears as the guest taste tester.

View the video now here:


Friday, October 7, 2016

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Plant Based Food Recipes

Above: KQ Black Bean Soup.

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Plant Based Foods

Check out the playlist featuring all of the Kitchen Queers plant based recipes, go here:

REMINDER: Click on the images to view enlargements.

Below: Video promo graphics for the Spicy Garlic Hummus episode, (S1E6). 

Above: The KQ "No Cilantro" salsa.


Monday, October 3, 2016

Knucklehead Pumpkins (Hybrid Warted Pumpkin)

Above: A Knucklehead pumpkin.

Knucklehead Pumpkins (Hybrid Warted Pumpkin)

The striking wart-covered pumpkins known as Knuckleheads, are hybrid pumpkins of Jack-o-lantern size, (12-16 pounds). Developed by Siegers Seed Company in Holland, Michigan, this variety has been available since 2010. While “warted” or “bumpy” gourds/squash are not new, the Knucklehead is the first warted pumpkin of this size and shape, and with such a large abundance of “bumps”.

Sometimes sold under the brand name “Super Freak”, these medium size pumpkins are perfect for holiday decorating and excellent for carving ghoulish creations for Halloween. Knuckleheads are bright orange, while the warts are green and may turn orange or tan as the pumpkin ages.

Knucklehead pumpkins have become highly sought after as an unusual alternative to standard pumpkins. This specialty pumpkin can be found at many grocery stores in early to mid-fall and can be grown from seed in warm summer climates, (105-110 days).

While the flesh of a Knucklehead pumpkin is edible, the seeds do not work well for roasting.

Order seeds online here:

Above: Knucklehead pumpkins make beautiful autumn decorations.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

KQ WEB SITE UPDATE

Above: KQ main page.

KQ WEB SITE UPDATE

New recipes, photo tutorials and more video episodes from KQ Season 2 are available to view at www.kitchenqueers.com

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Kitchen Queers Party and Buffet Food

Above: KQ Mini Hasselback Potatoes.

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Kitchen Queers Party and Buffet Food

Check out all of the tasty and easy to make recipes on this KQ video playlist here:

Below: Graphics from KQ Season 1, Episode 9, "Bacon Pie". 

Above: KQ "Cheesy Onion Bites".

Saturday, September 24, 2016

NEW VIDEO: KQ Season 2, Episode 18; "No Bake" Cheesecake

Above: Graphic for KQ Season 2, Episode 18.

NEW VIDEO: "No Bake" Cheesecake

Check out the newest installment in the Kitchen Queers video series here:

Above: KQ "No Bake" Cheesecake drizzled with raspberry coulis.



Monday, September 19, 2016

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Chocolate Cocktails

Above: The KQ Red Velvetini Cocktail from Season 2, Episode 1.

VIDEO PLAYLIST: Chocolate Cocktails

The Kitchen Queers YouTube channel features three chocolate cocktail mixes, view them all here:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGc8wXdGFo93NytSj2ZxN-aeR07Rhb-Ff

Above: The Pink Diamond cocktail from Season 1, Episode 7.

Above: The Blue Eyed Hottie cocktail from Season 2, Episode 17.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Season 2 Top Video: Hurricane Cocktail

Above: Kitchen Queers Hurricane cocktail.

Season 2 Top Video: Hurricane Cocktail

To date, 18 episodes from Kitchen Queers Season 2 are available to view, and the "Hurricane Cocktail" video, (Season 2, Episode 2), is the most popular so far!  Check out the video featuring taste-testers Chef Philip Buchan and comedian Jesús U. BettaWork here:  https://youtu.be/fwdIV2m0xro

Above: Graphics for Kitchen Queers Season 2, Episode 2.


Saturday, September 10, 2016

Welcome to Season 2 - KQ Promotional Video

Above: Graphics for Season 2 promo video.

Welcome to Season 2 - KQ Promotional Video

Kitchen Queers host Mitch Hightower shares clips from Season 2 episodes in this special promotional video, available to view on YouTube.

View video here: https://youtu.be/ljByTOyeZvg


Wednesday, September 7, 2016

NEW VIDEO: Blue Eyed Hottie Cocktail (Season 2, Episode 17)

Above: Graphic for KQ Season 2, Episode 17.

NEW VIDEO: Blue Eyed Hottie Cocktail (Season 2, Episode 17)

Check out the newest installment in the Kitchen Queers video series here:

Friday, September 2, 2016

Taste of Pride Features Internationally Renowned Chefs at Spectacular Orlando Pride Food Event

Above, (from left), Chef Anita Lo, Chef Elizabeth Falkner, Chef Art Smith, Chef Liana Robberecht and Chef Trina Gregory-Probst.

Taste of Pride Features Internationally Renowned Chefs at Spectacular Orlando Pride Food Event

Saturday evening October 8, 2016 is the date and the place is Lake Eola Park.  Following the Saturday Orlando Pride Celebrations, the Taste of Pride event will feature more than a dozen chefs including Chef Anita Lo from New York City, Iron Chef Cat Cora, Florida native and recent Emmy nominee Chef Art Smith, popular Cutthroat Kitchen Judge Chef Antonia Lofaso and many more.

Guests will sample exquisite food offerings at each Chef Station, indulge in cocktails under the stars and enjoy the fireworks as they light up the night sky to complete the evening.

If you are in or near Orlando, don’t miss out on this special and unique event.

Find out more on the Taste of Pride website:

RSVP on the Taste of Pride Facebook page:

Buy tickets to Taste of Pride:



Tuesday, August 30, 2016

TIPSY TUESDAY: Kitchen Queers Top 3 Cocktail Videos

Above: KQ Pineapple Mint Cooler cocktail.

TIPSY TUESDAY: Kitchen Queers Top 3 Cocktail Videos

The Kitchen Queers YouTube Channel features all of the KQ cocktail videos, and these three are the top three viewed episodes.

#1 - PINEAPPLE MINT COOLER

#2 HURRICANE COCKTAIL

#3 - SLOE GIN FIZZ

Above: Graphics for Season 2, Episode 2, featuring guest taste-tester Jesus U. Bettawork.

Below: The KQ Sloe Gin Fizz cocktail. 

Saturday, August 27, 2016

PHOTO TUTORIAL: Easy No-Cook Snack Buffet

Above: No-cook snack buffet.

PHOTO TUTORIAL: Easy No-Cook Snack Buffet

Check out a photo tutorial and ideas for preparing a very easy snack buffet that requires no cooking!

Go here:



Monday, August 22, 2016

NEW VIDEO: Melon Margarita (Season 2, Episode 16)

Above: Graphics for KQ Season 2, Episode 16.

NEW VIDEO: Melon Margarita

Kitchen Queers host Mitch Hightower shows you the KQ mix for a melon margarita in the latest installment of the KQ video series.  You'll also see how to create melon balls to use as a cocktail garnish. Chef Philip Buchan serves as the guest taste tester for this episode.



Friday, August 12, 2016

PHOTO TUTORIAL: Classic Ranch Dressing

Above: Classic Ranch Dressing served as a dipping sauce with Basil Cheese Twist appetizers.

PHOTO TUTORIAL: Classic Ranch Dressing

Check out a recipe and photo tutorial to make rich and creamy ranch dressing.  This dressing can be used on salads or for dipping.  We often use it to dip raw veggies, french fries and bread sticks.  Ranch dressing also makes a great alternative pizza sauce, (try it instead of marinara).

Read the recipe and view the photo tutorial here:


Sunday, August 7, 2016

NEW VIDEO: KQ Season 2, Episode 15 - Black Bean Soup

Above: Graphics for KQ Season 2, Episode 15.

NEW VIDEO: Black Bean Soup

In the latest installment of the Kitchen Queers video series, Mitch shows you how to make his recipe for Black Bean Soup.


Sunday, July 31, 2016