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February 05, 2010

HAPPENINGS - FEBRUARY 2010

heartchoc.jpgJust when you would think life had slowed back down, we’re finding all sorts of things to be excited about here at The Coastal Cupboard. February is packed full of fun events from the SuperBowl and Valentine’s Day, to our Annual Cookware Sale and a new line up of fresh cooking classes. Thank you everyone so much for your loyal support with these! They have been so well received, and so much fun, it’s hard to imagine what it was like before we offered them. If you haven’t tried a class yet, we would be simply delighted to entertain you for an evening out and have you experience the fun we’ve been having. March classes are up on the calendar now, and they are booking fast, so please make your reservations soon! February is also a month when we have shipment after shipment of fresh new merchandise arriving for Spring. From NEW VIETRI coastal Incanto pieces (Crabs and turtles!), and dozens of new spring linens, to a new scented candle line (due to customer request) and a whole new collection of hand painted watering cans… you’ll be amazed with all the fun new products we’ve found to bring in! Be sure to plan ahead so you can spend a little time perusing all the new merchandise!

FREE COOKING CLASSES on Saturdays – From now on, we are offering free basic cooking classes on Saturdays, which will usually start at 1:00pm and go for as long as the class takes to accomplish. We will normally serve the recipe being made, and will also offer special discounts on items used during the class. So, just note…Saturdays are an opportunity to attend free cooking classes, learn about new techniques / products to make cooking at home more enjoyable, and to entice you to attend one of our full cooking classes held in the evenings! (see Demos for more details on free classes)

February 7th: SUPERBOWL SUNDAY. Now, let’s be honest… for foodies like us, these holidays and events always come down to the food!!!... and the SuperBowl is no exception. It’s one of the most anticipated occasions all year long for appetizers, finger foods, pizza, chili, and other hearty grub. So whether you’re entertaining the crowd, taking a dish to someone else’s get-together, or just having a fun day with the family, come in for some fun new ideas to make everyone’s taste buds cheer regardless of who’s winning the game! Come in on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6TH to taste some new “ready to go” dips and of course some tips and tricks using puff pastry for your Superbowl party!

February 12th – 21st: ANNUAL COOKWARE SALE. All major cookware brands will be on sale, including All-Clad, Le Creuset, “Flame” by Emile Henry, Scanpan, Swiss Diamond, Chantal, and Cuisinart. All open stock pieces of cookware are 20% off, cookware sets are 10% off. Most of these brands are never on sale, so if you’ve been waiting for a deal to start your collection, or add a special piece, now is the time! Special orders are included, so even if we don’t carry your piece in stock, you can still take part in the savings! We have recently added a large amount of new pieces from Le Creuset, Emile Henry, and All-Clad….so come take advantage of this sale!

February 13th – Eric Battles, the Chocolatier for Sweeteeth Confections will be here from 3-5pm to sample his amazing chocolates, and display some of his new Valentines truffles. Come on in and feed your inner sweet tooth!

February 14th: VALENTINE’S DAY. This year we have worked hard to become your one stop shop for Valentine’s Day. For the gentlemen, we have local handmade chocolates from Sweet Teeth and Christophes Chocolatier, beautiful and scented and unscented candles, fondue pots, and amazing Champagne and Sparkling Wines… with pink champagne flutes to serve it in! We also have chocolate shoes and chocolate handbags, chocolate see salt caramel hearts, and other novelty pieces that will delight your special someone. For the teachers, kids, friends, and coworkers we have great kitchen towels, cute platters and serving pieces, small grab-and-go gifts, and a gift bag and bow to finish you up. Happy Valentines Day!!!!

DEMO SCHEDULE

rez15.jpgFebruary 6th, Saturday (Starts at 1:00pm): FREE COOKING CLASS – “3 Ways To Use Puff Pastry” - This class promotes the beautiful presentation puff pastry adds to simple, flavor-packed recipes that will WOW your SuperBowl Crowd. Class will start promptly at 1pm, and tastings of each item will be offered. See You There!
Menu:
1. Prosciutto, Gruyere, and Dijon Palmiers
2. Italian Chicken Sausage, Spinach, Mozzarella Triangles with Marinara Dipping Sauce
3. Roasted Pineapple and Ginger Napoleons – A sweet Finish to a Savory evening!

February 13th, Saturday (starts at 1:00pm): Free Cooking Class – “ALL-CLAD and SWISS DIAMOND Cookware demonstrations” - Cookware representative Deane Priest will be here showing the benefits, cooking techniques, and care for two of our best cookware lines. Both are included in the cookware sale, and we will have special sale pieces available from the demonstrations.

February 20th, Saturday (starts at 1:00pm) – “Better under Pressure” Pressure Cooker Class – Learn how fast and efficient a pressure cooker cooks, and how handy they are in a time sensitive situation. Take an all-day recipe and turn it into a 1 hour recipe!

February 27th, Saturday (starts at 1:00pm) – “There’s corn Chowder….and then there’s…CORN CHOWDER!!!” - Teaching you an unbelievable corn chowder recipe…packed with delicate, rich flavors…but simple enough to turn into a staple week-night meal. Did we mention you get to eat? You don’t want to miss this class.

TASTING - DIPS, SPREADS, AND MORE...

dip.jpgWe have new gourmet food products coming in every day, and will be serving new dips, spreads, and chocolates throughout February.

February 13th, Saturday (3pm – 5pm): Sweet Teeth Confections. A Coastal Cupboard favorite, Chocolatier Eric Battles will be here again sampling his creative chocolate creations. With chocolates that will surprise and delight your taste buds, his unique flavor combinations dare you to try new things that will leave you begging for more.

RECIPE - ONE SKILLET MEAL...

pork.jpgPork Chops with Braised Red Cabbage (serves 4)
Courtesy Cooks Illustrated The Best Skillet Recipes

4 (8oz) boneless center-cut or loin chops. 1 inch think, trimmed
2T unsalted butter
1 med onion, halved and sliced thin
1 sm head red cabbage (about 1.5 lb)
1c apple cider
2 slices bacon
1 granny smith apple, peeled and grated
1T brown sugar
2 bay leaves
1½ t minced fresh thyme leaves
2T cider vinegar

1. Split the sides of the pork chops. Pat the pork chops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Melt the butter in a 12” skillet over medium-high heat until the foaming subsides. Brown the chops lightly on both sides 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer the chops to a plate and set aside.
2. Return the skillet to medium heat, add the onion and 1/2 t salt, and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cabbage, cider, bacon, apple, brown sugar, bay leaves, and thyme and cook, covered, until the cabbage is softened, about 15 minutes.
3. Nestle the pork chops into the cabbage, cover, and cook until the center of the chops registers 140 to 145 degrees on an instant read thermometer, 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Transfer the chops to a plate, tent with foil, and let rest until the center registers 150 degrees while finishing the cabbage. Return the cabbage to a simmer and cook, uncovered, until the liquid is slightly thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and bacon. Stir in the vinegar, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.

COASTAL CUPBOARD FAVORITE - ALL-CLAD 12" FRY PAN W/LID

allcladfry.jpgThe "workhorse" of all cookware shapes, All-Clad fry pans' versatile shape and size make them a frequent choice for scrambling eggs and bacon on Sunday morning, or preparing a quick chicken sauté dinner on a weeknight. All-Clad fry pans go in the oven and under the broiler. For a limited time, and exclusive only to specialty stores, All-Clad is now offering this best selling fry pan complete with lid for an amazing low price of $89.99!! (Was $180)