Après-diner with friends: Crêpe Suzette & Sidecar cocktail (for project food blog, challenge #7)
| November 7, 2010 | Posted by ameliaps under "Project Food Blog”, challenge, dessert, Drinks and cocktails, video |
“To invite someone is to take charge of his happiness during the time he spends under your roof.” ~ Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin
Amazing: I passed to round #7 of Project Food Blog. Thank you for believing in me. The competition is tough. There are so many wonderful new friends to share the challenge with.
This time we were asked to record a cooking video. I had to step back and think about how I would convey my blog, my food style, my personality through a video. So I asked myself: why do I cook? And the answer quickly came to mind: because I love to share food with family and friends, and through food give a bit of myself. Michael Ruhlman says that “food is our humanity”. We keep our traditions through food. Part of my humanity is centered around making others happy, comfortable, alive…at the table, through the food of my ancestors and through the food that I like to re-invent. Traditions help preserve memory: they can be passed on for centuries and generations, noted on a scribbled piece of paper, it is our treasure to keep and pass on. Traditions can also be made: and every year I like adding to my life one more annual or seasonal happening.
It was clear that I wanted to share this video experience with some of my best friends, and of course, with my husband. And maybe make it a new “tradition”: Après-diner chez Amelia.I wanted to make something fun enough to prepare while my guests were in my kitchen but not time-intensive. You know, I have a full time job and a family to take care of, so time is always precious. Over the past few years though, I have come to find ways to make wonderful things in the kitchen in a condensed amount of time. So for this challenge I invited my friends for an Après-diner, an after dinner cocktail hour. The dessert was Crêpe Suzette the cocktail was a classic sidecar. These are both extremely fun to prepare in front of your guests: the fire from the flambé always gets ohhhs and the sugar rimmed cocktail is reminiscent of fabulous 50s parties. What I love about this combination is that the flavors come together like lovers. Cognac is in the Crêpe batter and it is the base alcohol for the cocktail. The Grand Marnier flavors the butter sauce for the Crêpes and is echoed again in the cocktail. And then there are the citruses: orange (for the Crêpes) and lemon (for the cocktail). It’s a symphony of sweet and tart flavors.
Here is the video:
NOTE: Since I don’t own a real video camera I asked a friend, Dan Reilly, who does, to film me…why not?! Thank you to my lovely husband Todd (who, by the way, designed our kitchen) and my amazing friends, Michael (super talented designer), Jane (writer and thinker extraordinaire), Cheryl (scientist, triathlete and best friend) and Heidi (friend and sister-in-law) for being there!!!.
I hope you like what you see and vote for me to advance: I have some great ideas for round 8.
UPDATE: here is the link to vote for me: http://www.foodbuzz.com/project_food_blog/challenges/7/view/1508 (thanks in advance!!!)
Crêpe Suzette
Serves 4
Batter:
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 1/4 cup milk
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 Tablespoon sugar
1 Tablespoon cognac
a pinch of salt
(vegetable oil for the pan)
Whisk all ingredients together well until there are no lumps. Set aside for about an hour in the refrigerator.
Heat a non-stick pan and brush lightly with vegetable oil.
When it’s hot, pour a full ladle of batter in the middle. Using a quick rotation of the wrist make sure you coat the bottom of the pan evenly with the batter so a thin film forms. When it is lightly browned on the bottom (it will take just a few minutes), use a spatula to slightly pull the sides off and, pinching the Crêpe with your fingers, flip it over. Cook briefly until golden and lay on a plate. Continue until all the batter is done, stacking the Crêpes. Set aside until ready too prepare, Suzette style
Orange butter sauce:
1 stick (1/2 cup, 4 oz.) butter
2-3 oranges, juice and zest
3-4 Tablespoons sugar
Melt the butter in a small saucepan. As this is happening, grate the orange zest in the pan then squeeze the juice of the oranges in and add the sugar. Allow to boil for a minute or so.
To finish:
Grand Marnier
Fold the crepes in half and then in half again, turning them into triangles. Layer them, in a circular fashion, points towards the center, in a large non-stick pan. Pour the orange sauce over the crepes. Turn on the fire on medium and allow the Crêpes to heat up. Turn up the fire on high and drizzle Grand Marnier over the Crêpes. Set on fire. Await for ohhs and ou-la-las from friends. Serve, enjoy, repeat 
Sidecar cocktail
Serves 4
4 oz. Cognac
1 oz. Grand Marnier
1 oz. fresh lemon juice (plus more for the presentation)
Plenty of ice
Sugar, to coat the rim
Put some ice in the shaker, add the Cognac, Grand Marnier and lemon juice. Shake well.
Dip martini glasses in lemon juice and then in sugar.
Pour the cocktail, straining it, in the glasses. Enjoy!
Screen-shots from the video
My video was filmed in three parts:
PART I – morning: making the Crêpes
PART II – evening: entertaining friends while making Crêpe Suzettes
PART III – evening: preparing the sidecar cocktail and enjoying the evening
PART I – morning: making the Crêpes
I wanted to make this as real as possible, so here you see me in the morning, in my robe and pajamas, no makeup, preparing the Crêpes that I will later serve to my friends in the evening.
PART II – evening: entertaining friends while making Crêpe Suzettes
Here my friends have arrived and I have set the mood with some tea lights on the kitchen island.
I have also changed into evening attire
With my friends sitting around the island, I prepare and flambe’ the Crêpes.
PART III – evening: preparing the sidecar cocktail and enjoying the evening
The last part of the video is me preparing the cocktail and then heading over to the living room to enjoy the rest of the evening with my friends.
My previous entries to Project Food Blog (for reference)
{You can read my sixth entry here (An Asian inspired picnic under the Autumn leaves)}
{You can read my fifth entry here (Reinventing pizza: my 3 spins)}
{You can read my fourth entry here (La Dolce Vita butternut squash agnolotti)}
{You can read my third entry here (Luxury Dinner Party: a Fall Symphony)}
{You can read my second entry here (Moroccan bisteeya: a magic carpet ride)}
{You can read my first entry here (What defines me as a food blogger)}
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Wow this is very professional looking – how many cameras did you use? Great recipes and looks like a fun night!
You are lovely and a natural in front of the camera. Such a beautiful and stylish video!!!
@Mardi: thank you: it was a fun night! We used a couple of different lenses.
@Winnie: thank you (as I blush!)
Amelia, This video turned out amazing, and I have to say that Jane and I were so lucky to take part in it!!! You are always so fun to be around and your food is always heavenly!
Beautiful video and you brought such warmth to your presentation. An altogether great job.
Great video!
You are a natural talent. I am so impressed! GREG
fantastic video and delicious crepes! looks very professional and you're a natural in front of the camera. good luck!
Wow !! Great video !! You are ready for a TV show!!
So elegant and relaxed. Delicious crepes. Great video!
So professional and polished! Beautifully done
@Michael: so glad i was able to share this time with you and Jane, and you made my job easier by being good, relaxed friends!
@Barbara, Brie, Rick, Greg, Cristina, Hot Pola Dot Mom, Liren: Thank you for your wonderful comments!
wow! love what you did with everything!! very nice layout, very professional. thanks to you and your friends for making this a fun project for me to shoot and edit…good luck!
@Dan: thanks for all your help!
VERY well done! You're a natural. I thought I was watching a Food Network show.
I really like the way you started the video by showing us your morning prep and then ended the video in the evening. Nice idea.
You have a disarming personality that translates well on camera. Like Ina Garten – unpretentious but knowledgeable. Great camera work too
@Jean: I'm blushing!
@Denise: thanks for noticing. I wanted to make it more of a "story"
@Donna: what can I say? I am elated that you mention me and Ina Garten in the same sentence!!! I tried to do it all on the first take (except a couple of moments) to provide that sense of un-rehearsed relaxedness of a first timer.
What a lovely video! You have such a nice, calming presence on camera, I loved watching you! And I love the recipe you featured, it's something I'll be trying for sure!
I feel a TV show coming on Amelia-wonderful, and you looked fabulous to boot. Nicely done!
Nicely done, Amelia…I would love to be a guest at a party of yours, it was all so elegant. I think this will get you through to round #8.- S
Amelia, this was beautiful! Your presence on camera is stunning…. guapa!!! Besitos Amelia and best wishes to round 8!
Great camera work, and the video flowed very nicely! Love the fire part!
Fabulous! Maybe you should think about a second career as a food writer/presenter?? Well done, Amelia!
What a well done video…the camera likes you and your food too!!
@Annalise thanks for the "calming" (I like that attribute!!!)
@Jodi: I wish
@Steven: thanks for the "elegant". You would make a great guest.
@Diana: gracias for the "guapa"!
@Tiny Urban Kitchen: the fire was gr8 fun
@Zeralda: that would be awesome
@Esther: smiling…
Gorgeous post! I love the photos and your words.
Melissa Tosetti
http://www.TheSavvyLife.com
Simply wonderful. You provided a casual feel while creating a classy evening. Brava!
Amelia, you are ready for THE FOOD CHANNEL!!!!!!!
Your video is quite professional as is your blog in general–if you don't win it won't be because Bonnie and I haven't voted for you!
Best of luck.
Ted and Bonnie Brand
@Melissa: thank you for reading my words
@Cathy: grazie
@Ted & Bonnie: wow, am I flattered. So happy you stopped by and voted!
You look beautiful and the food seems great as well
Great choice of recipes, your video turned out fantastic! Loved your house, just gorgeous!
@Lizzy: thank you! It was delicious
@Daydream Desserts: glad you enjoyed the choice of recipes (and thanks for compliments!)
such a beautiful video! you are a natural!!! i love it!!!!
What a gorgeous video- you are so great on camera, and have such a beautiful accent! I must try these recipes!
you did a great job on this! I think the music background was perfect and relaxed, the lighting and pace of the video just right. I like the fadeout at the end as you enter the living with the cocktails. Very nice! You got my vote!
@Risa: thanks for cheering!
@Gillian: thank you!!! let me know how the recipes turn out.
@Shelley: thanks for noticing all the details
Brava carrissima Amélia, you did a wonderful job. Very impressive! Baci
You have great presence! Voice is great, information and technique is fantastic! Love your stuff. Voting of course (= Good luck!
Super simple and super classy. Just like your blog!
What an amazing hub you have to design that kitchen! It's perfect.
Very nicely done…plus you have a beautiful home.
Lovely video and it looks super professional! Those crepes look delicious and I love how you included a drink too. Perfect entertaining instructions! Good luck to you!
This is fantastic!! A natural. I can see you with your own show! Beautifully done, this gets my vote for sure.
Amelia, you did a very fantastic job. I agree with Mardi, it was very professional looking. I even forgot I was on PFB. I thought i was on foodnetwork of Discovery TLC. I love your practicality with things. When you can make things manually by not messing another kitchen appliance, and when you can cook the crepes all at the same time. I also loved the idea of the interacting with your guests while preparing their meal. It somehow gives a connection and appreciation with what your doing for them. The idea that you have a 3rd party audience aside from us video viewers. You have a lovely kitchen!! Im not wondering why you are so inspired in cooking. And the fridge! I thought I was houserading some celebrity's crib.. I wish i could have a huge kitch like yours. You have my vote dear!
@Adèle: merci, ma chere
@Lisa: yeah: u rock.
@Mariko: thank you for your kind words! and yes, hub's awesome
@Joan (FOODalogue): so glad you stopped by to visit!
@Lindsey: I was so excited about the drink!
@Meaghan (Chic Cookies): oh, that would be awesome!
@Mhel: wow! I am so giddy of your wonderful long comment: thank you so much for taking the time!
SO professional looking! Your presence in front of the camera is relaxed and so nice!
Your recipes is just fantastic! Kudos
@Julie: thank you for the compliment!
@David: glad you like the recipes.
Fabulous recipe and great video!
I could have sworn that I already left a comment! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you I love your video – beautiful stage presence and very professional! And the recipe, of course, is delightful! I look forward to seeing what you come up with for the next Challenge!
Your crepes suzette look absolutely delicious! Thanks for showing us how to make them. Your kitchen is gorgeous and I loved your video – you're a natural in front of the camera!
Amelia! That's completely stunning! I'm totally stealing your idea and serving this for my next get-together. I will give due credit (smile)! Your video is outstanding, professional, the food looks delicious, you are a perfectly poised presenter and for the icing on top: you look absolutely beautiful! You deserve to win… I've enjoyed every single entry!
Cheers!
Liliana
This is one of my two favorites of the competition for this round!! You have style! I love the music, the focus on the diners, the fact that you made half the meal in the morning. Everything. It appeals to real people and has the style to make it interesting to watch. You're a natural on camera. I hope you make more videos!
@Spicie Foodie: thx!
And I would love to make more videos (but it does take a lot more time that photographs)
@Liren: thanks for the confidence booster!!!
@Reeni: awww
@Liliana: so glad you will "steal" the idea. I love it!!! I am blushing from all your compliments: thank you for following me throughout the contest!
@theveggie: oh! I am so touched by your comment. It's so great to hear that I appeal to "real" people: that means a lot to me
You and your kitchen are stars! You should do many more videos. Good luck with PFB. Lexi (LightheartedLocavore)
i was pretty sure i was watching an episode of nigella when i realized it wasn't! as i said when you first posted it, this video is amazing! so professional and you are so incredibly natural.
@Lexi: *smiling*. I hope to do more videos.
@Alice & Jared (eataduckimust): thank you for the awesome association and for your kudos!!!
I love how we both made crepes, yet our videos are so different. I absolutely love the last shots where you are making the crepes suzette for your friends. The joy and bonhomie of the evening shines through. You have my vote. Good luck!
Wow! I could definitely see this video on the Food Network or the Cooking Channel or something! You did a really great job and I hope you advance to Round 8!
Great video. Very smooth and enjoyable to watch. I love crepe suzette! It was very nice seeing you do it b/c you have some nice techniques. I do have to say your sleeves were making me nervous when you prepared the morning batter. My OCD coming out. Good luck in PFB!
@Heena: thanks dear: good luck to both of us!
@Peggy: oh, wow, that's a wonderful compliment!!!
@Trish: LOL
Just saw that you got through to the next round. Congratulations!! Not that I ever had any doubts…