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Stir Fry Noodles with Pork Meatballs, Beef and Vegetables
This dish starts out with a little of everything, but sums up to a big, huge entree with layers of flavors and generous portions. Twirl your chopsticks through the silky, glass-like thin noodles which serve as the bed for the savory Asian-flavored pork meatballs, zesty beef slices, crisp vegetables all held together by the irresistible sauce.
Posted by Elizabeth Ann Quirino
An Ode to Chocolate Mint
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Chocolate. One of the most beloved flavors in the world. It is wonderful on its own but when the time comes for desserts to become more complex and combinations start to fill the minds of chocolatiers, there is one companion which tops all others.
Its name is mint.
When speaking of mint and chocolate, one of the first things that comes to mind is the ever famous mint chocolate chip ice cream. A wonderful treat for a warm summer day, a scoop of mint chocolate chip becomes a momentary respite from the oppressive heat of the beating sun. It is true that the allure of ice cream is hard to deny, but the power of mint and chocolate does not end there.


Posted by David Winnick
How To Make The Perfect Baked Ham
When you’re the host of a get-together, there’s nothing more reassuring than to know you’ve got a ginormously gorgeous baked ham ready to be the centerpiece of the table.
Your guests will not be able to resist the sweet glaze that flavors each spectacular, succulent slice of this ham. Make it ahead, bake it while you’re wrapping presents or writing cards. And when you’re ready to serve, put it beside other entrees, the bread basket and wine.
This ham’s versatility is the best part. If there are leftovers, you can have some flavorful ham sandwiches, sides, salads or whatever ham heaven your heart desires.
Posted by Elizabeth Ann Quirino
Jordan Hanley: Getting Lost in the Book Room
Let me preface this by saying this is the first internship I’ve had, and I’m not ready to leave! I’m a pretty busy English major and senior in college, and consequently I’ve done quite a bit of academic writing. However, I’ve never written creatively or with any other real purpose than for the ever elusive A.
Here at Quirk, I’ve had the opportunity to write Q & A sheets for authors, press releases, and BLAD letters (which go out to others in the publishing business). These writings, while heavily edited by the professionals upstairs, often start with an intern. Writing creatively but concisely is the key to having more of your language used in the final product, so get those imaginative juices flowing! I found the writing aspect of this internship the most interesting and challenging of all the tasks appointed to me. Academic writing is often dry and colorless; at Quirk, the opposite is true. (Thanks for preparing me for life, college.)
Okay, get ready for geek overload. I honestly enjoyed everything I did here, but my favorite part of spending time in Quirk HQ was just being around so many books. I found that if I needed a quick break from the task at hand, the perfect antidote to writer’s block or a sore back was to walk around the book room for a few minutes. Quirk has some really interesting titles— seriously, check out Yum Yum Bento Box, Tiny Food Party, and Breakfast for Dinner. Talk about food porn! The pictures are the best part.
Quirk is small and everyone is friendly here. I get the impression that there are a lot of young intern faces in and out of here on a regular basis, so make yourself memorable. Say hello to everyone and express interest in what is going on at Quirk! It may sound cliché, but follow the requests of Nicole, Mari, and Eric explicitly. You’re only here for a short amount of time and there’s a lot to do. The sooner you finish that mailing, the sooner you’ll (hopefully) be given another, more stimulating task.
Posted by Jordan Hanley
Holiday Mac & Cheese: Pimiento Casserole with Bacon
Look who came to the holiday party all prettied up, slathered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, topped with crisp bacon and crushed Ritz? It’s a grand Holiday Mac & Cheese Pimiento Casserole!
Everyone’s favorite basic macaroni and cheese can be made festive, too. For the next holiday event, make this your signature dish. It’s simple, easy and perfect!
Posted by Elizabeth Ann Quirino
Beef Stew Puff Pastry Pot Pie: Wholesome & Hearty
If you’re looking for a special event dish that doubles as a family meal, this Beef Stew Puff Pastry Pot Pie is the perfect all-occasion entrée.
This is a classic, wholesome, unpretentious stew with succulent cubes of beef simmered in a thick broth enhanced with wine. To make it even more inviting, top the whole dish with a crisp, flaky and buttery puff pastry crust. Make the beef ahead to cut the cooking time. Bake the pastry crust 20 minutes before serving. You will love the warmth and hearty flavors from this all-in-one simple and splendid stew. Serve with salad greens, a good bottle of wine and enjoy!
Posted by Elizabeth Ann Quirino