Category: FOOD, WINE, AND ENTERTAINING

4Chion Lifestyle brings the latest in food, wine, and entertainment for completing your best lifestyle. You will find the latest in food trends, drinks, and entertaining ideas for your lifestyle.

Party Like the Celebrities at The Oscars® Governors Ball ~ Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Party Like the Celebrities at The Oscars® Governors Ball ~ Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Gathering with friends and families to celebrate the talented filmmakers at your own Oscars® party is thrilling. There is planning the menu, shopping, and creating all the wonderful food. Wolfgang Puck, catering service for the 90th Oscars® is busy as well preparing the food for the Governors Ball.

Puck is renowned Chef and works with CEO Carl Schuster, they continue to set the standard for culinary excellence at the Governors Ball. He revolutionizes the dining landscape with a singular focus: to exceed expectations whenever our guests gather for a meal. This year is no different for the event of the year, The Academy Awards®. He is staying true to using fish and seafood that Seafood Watch compliant and locally sourced ingredients. They are coming from:

  • Babe Farms
  • Best Oriental Produce
  • Chino Valley Ranchers cage free eggs
  • Coke Farms
  • County Line Harvest
  • Fruition Sales
  • Harry’s Berries
  • Ocean Mist
  • Pasturebird Farms
  • Pudwill Farms
  • Rising C Ranch specialty citrus
  • Straus Dairy
  • Sunkist
  • Times Produce
  • Weiser Family Farms

This year’s menu includes his famous Baked Macaroni and Cheese (with truffles). This will include 35 pounds winter black truffles from Burgundy, 100 pounds five-year aged white Cheddar, and 125 pounds aged Vermont Cheddar cheese to feed the hungry celebrities. This is a simple recipe that will be a dish that is easy to create and serve individually.

Wolfgang Puck recipe 4chion Lifestyle
Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

(recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck)

Servings: Serves 4

Ingredients:

8 ounces elbow macaroni

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 1/2 cups milk

3 tablespoons finely chopped black truffle (optional)

1/2 medium white onion

1 bay leaf

10 ounces sharp aged white Cheddar, shredded

3 ounces Gruyère cheese, shredded

1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pinch cayenne

2 drops black winter truffle oil (optional)

1 cup fresh brioche or challah bread crumbs

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

Thinly sliced fresh black truffles, for garnish (optional)

Steps:

Step One: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, tender but still chewy, about 7 minutes. Drain and transfer to lightly oiled baking pan. Set aside.

Step Two: While macaroni cooks, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a separate pot over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 4 minutes.

Step Three: Add milk, chopped truffle, onion, and bay leaf to butter-flour mixture. Raise heat slightly and simmer for 10 minutes, until creamy, stirring regularly. Discard onion and bay leaf. Remove from heat.

Step Four: Stir in 3/4 of aged Cheddar along with other cheeses. Season with salt, black pepper, cayenne, and truffle oil if desired. Fold in macaroni. Pour into 2-quart casserole. Top with remaining Cheddar.

Step Five: Melt remaining butter in sauté pan. Add breadcrumbs and parsley. Toss to coat. Spread crumb mixture evenly over top of macaroni.

Step Six: Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven let stand for about 5 minutes. Top with shaved truffle, if desired, before serving.

MIXOLOGIST CHARLES JOLY alcoholic drink Oscars 4Chion Lifestyle b
The Epliogue

A great drink to serve at your party is The Epilogue. The inspiration is like a great movie, a memorable cocktail menu should be multidimensional. The Epilogue is a blend of decidedly warmer, richer flavors, playing off of the carefully aged notes in Tequila Don Julio Reposado. Hints of coffee, baking spices, anise and mellow oak wrap draw you in. The perfect, broad-shouldered sipper that showcases the versatility of aged tequila.

THE EPILOGUE

Ingredients:

1 1/4 ounces Tequila Don Julio Reposado

1/4 ounce Caffé Amaro

1/4 ounce Cocchi di Torino

Light barspoon of 2:1 Demerara Syrup

Long orange twist and fresh tarragon sprig for garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing

glass with ice. Stir to chill and dilute.

2. Pour over fresh ice into an Old Fashioned Glass.

3. Garnish with orange twist and a sprig of fresh tarragon.

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FOLLOW THE ACADEMY® here:

www.oscars.org

www.facebook.com/TheAcademy

www.youtube.com/Oscars

www.twitter.com/TheAcademy

Follow Wolfgang Puck here:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wolfgangpuck

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chefwolfgangpuck/?hl=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/wolfgangpuck

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/wolfgangpuck

Wolfgang Puck’s Oscars’® Governors Ball Recipe ~ Chicken Pot Pie

Wolfgang Puck’s Oscars’® Governors Ball Recipe ~ Chicken Pot Pie

Create Chicken Pot Pie just like the celebrities enjoy at Oscar’s® night. There is planning the menu, shopping, and creating all the wonderful dishes. Wolfgang Puck, catering service for the 90th Oscars® is busy as well preparing the food for the Governors Ball.

Puck a renowned Chef and works with CEO Carl Schuster, they continue to set the standard for culinary excellence at the Governors Ball. He revolutionizes the dining landscape with a singular focus: to exceed expectations when our guests gather for a meal. This year is no different for the event of the year, The Academy Awards®. He is staying true to using fish and seafood that is Watch compliant and locally sourced ingredients. They are coming from:

This year’s menu includes his famous Chicken Pot Pie. This will include 1,000 pounds Pasturebird chicken and 100 pounds carrots to feed the hungry celebrities. This is a simple recipe that will be a dish that is easy to create and serve individually.

CHICKEN POT PIE

(recipe courtesy Wolfgang Puck, adapted from “Wolfgang Puck Makes it Easy,” Rutledge Hill Press, 2004)

Yield: Serves 4

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, cut into 1-inch chunks

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 tablespoons vegetable oil

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

1/2 pound organic red-skinned potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1/2 pound organic carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 medium yellow onion, peeled and diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

1 sprig thyme

1 bay leaf

1 cup white wine

2 cups organic chicken stock

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream

1/4 cup dry sherry

1/2 cup shelled or frozen peas

Approximately 1/2 pound frozen puff pastry, defrosted following package instructions

1 cage-free egg

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, and toss in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of

the flour until evenly coated. In a large skillet over high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil. Add

the chicken pieces, reduce the heat slightly, and sauté, turning them occasionally, until light

golden and thoroughly cooked, about 5 to 10 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the

chicken to a plate and set aside. Add the remaining oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter to the pan,

then add the potatoes, carrots, and onions and sauté until they begin to look glossy and bright, 2

to 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, thyme, and bay

leaf, and sauté, just until the vegetables begin to color slightly, 2 to 3 minutes more.

Add the wine, turn up the heat, stir and scrape with a wooden spoon to deglaze the pan deposits,

and simmer until the liquid reduces by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and the

1 cup of cream. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce the heat slightly, and simmer briskly until the

liquid reduces by about half again and is thick and creamy about 15 minutes. Remove the sprig

of thyme and the bay leaf. Stir in the reserved chicken pieces and the sherry. Stir together the butter

and remaining flour and stir this paste into the mixture. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer to 4 large individual ovenproof 2-cup soup bowls, 4 ramekins of the same size, or a 2-quart baking

dish. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the filling is cold, at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Make sure the puff pastry is no thicker than 1/4 inch. With

the tip of a sharp knife cut the pastry into 4 circles that will overhang the rim of the serving

bowls or ramekins by about half an inch; for a single large baking dish, cut 4 circles that will

cover its top, or use one large sheet.

In a small bowl, beat together the egg and the remaining 1 tablespoon cream to make an egg

wash. Brush the tops and outsides of the rims of the bowls. Place the bowls, ramekins, or

baking dish on a baking tray and place the puff pastry circles on top, pressing them gently over

the sides of the dishes. Pierce the tops with the tip of a paring knife. Brush the top of the pastry

with egg wash. Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the filling is

bubbling hot and the pastry is a deep golden brown, 25 to 35 minutes. Serve hot.

Serve with this great non-alcoholic drink. The inspiration is every great hero needs a faithful sidekick. The drink offers a thoughtful combination of the vibrant hibiscus, fresh citrus and effervescent tonic complemented by an elegant garnish.

MIXOLOGIST CHARLES JOLY non alcoholic drink Oscars 4Chion Lifestyle
The Sidekick Oscars Party Drink

THE SIDEKICK (non-alcoholic)

Ingredients:

2 ounces Cold Hibiscus Tea

1 1/2 ounces Fresh Lemon Juice 1 1/2 ounces Tonic Water

1 ounce Simple Syrup

Sliced Cucumber and Borage Flowers for Garnish

Preparation:

  1. Combine hibiscus tea, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Gently shake and roll in tonic water.
  3. Pour over fresh ice into a Collins glass.
  4. Garnish: Wrap thin cucumber slice around inside of glass and top with borage flowers.

Please send us photos of your #OscarsParty using #4ChionStyle

@4ChionLifestyle 

Follow us for all thing fashion, celebrity, and beauty. Connect Here:

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FOLLOW THE ACADEMY® here:

www.oscars.org

www.facebook.com/TheAcademy

www.youtube.com/Oscars

www.twitter.com/TheAcademy

Follow Wolfgang Puck here:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/wolfgangpuck

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/chefwolfgangpuck/?hl=en

Twitter https://twitter.com/wolfgangpuck

Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/wolfgangpuck

Sandwich Creation

Sandwich Creation

Sandwich creation is a personal adventure. John Montagu, Earl of Sandwich, is the creator. He creates it to solve the problem of being able to continuously gamble instead of stopping for supper. Today it is the most popular lunchtime meal.

national sandwich day 4chion lifestyle firehouse subs

  • Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop: free upgrade from a small 9-inch to ma medium size 12-inch
  • Firehouse Subs: Coupons for free chips and drink on your next visit
  • Jersey Mike’s Subs: Monday – Thursday throughout November for your chance to win prizes of all kinds!
  • Schlotzsky’s: one free medium  with the purchase of one at equal or greater value
  • Subway: buy a sub and a 30-oz drink, they will get a free will give a meal to Feeding America

You can celebrate by creating your own sandwich bar for work on #NationalSandwichDay.

National Sandwich Day 4Chion Lifestyle

Other great ideas to celebrate each meal with a sandwich. You can start with an egg, meat of your choice, cheese, and use toast, English muffins, bagels, or croissants. Lunchtime enjoys a favorite from peanut butter and jam to turkey ham sandwich. Dinner there is always hot ones like French dip, pulled BBQ pork, hamburger, or Monte Cristo.

Popular sandwiches include:

  • BLT
  • Philadelphia Cheesesteak
  • Club
  • Dagwood
  • French Dip
  • Hamburger
  • Monte Cristo
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly
  • Po’boy
  • Submarine
  • Tuna Fish

Enjoy National Sandwich day. Please share your photo using #4ChionStyle.

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Happy Birthday Freebie Hauls

Happy Birthday Freebie Hauls

Birthdays are a wonderful time in life. Getting dressed up, sharing the day with friends, and loved ones. Freebies for your birthday are a lot of fun. You will gain all year access to great deals, reward programs, and freebies for your birthday for food and beauty.

Happy Birthday freebies

Great Food Birthday Opportunities: 

Happy Birthday freebies

Happy Birthday freebies

Beauty Opportunities 

Tarte sephora 4chion lifestyle

Have a happy birthday and fun gathering your free birthday fun.

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Setting a Beautiful Table

Setting a Beautiful Table

thanksgiving-dinner-4chion-lifestyle
Thanksgiving Dinner

Food is a sensory experience that should carry to the table setting. The menu, setting, and food should coordinate together to say exactly what you are serving. You want the food to present in an atmosphere that tells the same story.

Presenting your food is achieved by setting the proper tableware in the correct location for the meal experience. This provides for efficiency, geometrically pleasing, and effectiveness. Your simple table setting should be as follows:

  • Spoons and knife placed right of the plate 1″ from the edge of the table.
    • Soup spoon furthest from the plate
    • Teaspoon in the middle from the plate
    • Dinner knife to closest to the plate
  • Forks placed left of the plate 1′ from the edge of the table.
    • Salad fork furthest from the plate
    • Dinner fork closet to the plate
  • Napkins placement
    • Under the forks folder
    • Folded on top of the plate
    • Set to the far left side of the place
  • Glass placement
    • Place to the right of the plate
    • Glasses should be set according to the height
    • Cups and saucers place to the right of the spoons
  • Plates
    • Placed in the center of the place setting
    • Remember that food should be served on plates that enhance the food
    • Stack the dinner plate, bread plate, and soup bowl according to diameters
    • Plates can be plain with textures to add dimension
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Table Setting

Geometrics placing provides a balance to the visual ascetics as well as ease of use during the meal.

Table decor should flow with the meal served. This will provide a connection to the mood, food, and time of the year. Examples are:

  • Romance lace lines, soft candlelight
  • Holidays
  • Seasons
    • Adding subtle seasonal colors keep the focus on the food
    • Natural items can bring a real seasonal feel
  • Keep table clothes white or pale neutrals
    • Keep the focus on the food
    • Do not distract from the visual appeal of the food
    • Textures can help with the sensory dining experience

When serving your dinner remember that it is a sensory experience from start to finish. The setting prepares the diners for a sensory dining experience.

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Summertime is Here ~ Happy Memorial Day

Summertime is Here ~ Happy Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the first celebration of the summer holiday. Many spend their time at the poolside, beach, or picnicking. Food, family, and fun are key to this holiday.

This holiday  celebration to honor those who have served and lost their lives protecting America. This holiday started shortly after the Civil War. We deeply appreciate the sacrifice of many and their families. This traditionally was known as decoration day. As a child I remember going to Almo, Idaho (a small town near the City of Rocks & Burly Idaho) to clean up the family cemetery and decorating the graves for Memorial Day.

Enjoying family traditions and recipes during Memorial Day weekend creates a connection between ourselves and those who went on before us.  We all have those tried and true recipes that come with no recipe card. It is fun to create your own traditions and recipes for the holidays.

This Memorial Day our menu will include Ciabatta and Cherry Almond Bundt Cake. It is one last time before the summer heat to get a few great bakes created. Ciabatta is a great, simple bread to start learning to create your own loaves of bread. The bread created by Arnaldo Cavallari, a miller, in Verona, Veneto, Italy in 1982 as a response to the popular French baguettes. This is a perfect bread for transportation.

Cibatta Bread 4Chion LIfestyle
Cibatta Bread

Ciabatta

3 3/4 cups of White whole wheat flour 

2 1/4 Tsp. Dry Active Yeast (1 package)

2 1/4 Tsp. Salt

1 1/2 cups cold water

1/2 cups cold water

Olive oil for pans and the rising bowl

Bosch Mixer (I used the hand mixer) with dough hook(s)

Place flour, yeast (on the right side of the flour), and salt (on the left side of flour) 1 1/2 cup water in mixer bowl. Begin mixing on low. When the dough begins to form drizzle remaining 1/2 cup into the bowl and raise mixer to the next level up. Mix the dough for 5-8 minutes. You will know it is ready when it is stretchy and smooth.

Place dough in a square plastic container (enough room for bread to rise) with side oiled with olive oil. The square container assists with keeping the bread the proper shape for baking. Place lid on top. The lid keeps the dry skin from forming while bread rises. Raise dough until double in size about 1 1/2 – 1 3/4 hours at room temperature.

Dust a workspace well with flour (the dough will be sticky). Allow for it to naturally fall out of the container onto a floured surface. Coat the top of the dough with more flour. Handle the dough very carefully, don’t pat back down. You want to keep as much air as possible in the dough. Cut the dough lengthways into 4 equal sized loaves. Slightly stretch each piece lengthways and place on oiled baking trays. Let rest 30-45 min on a baking sheet. 

Pre-heat oven 425 degrees. Baked bread 25 min. until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. Cool completely on wire racks.

Cherry Bundt Cake 4Chion Lifestyle
Cherry Bundt Cake

Cherry Almond Bundt Cake 

3/4 cup quartered Natural Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries

  • rinse cherries
  • dry well with paper towels
  • toss with 2 tablespoons flour
  • set aside

You can make your own maraschino cherries (make two days in advance)

  • 1 pint of sour cherries
  • 1 cup maraschino liqueur (possible substitutes are Amaretto, Grand Marnier, or contact your local store for assistance)
  • Bring liqueur to a simmer. Turn off the heat, and add the cherries, stir, let cool, and pour into jars. Refrigerate. Make these a day or two before using. Cherries last for months.

1 Cup all-purpose white flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

3/4 cup unsalted softened butter (do not microwave)

3/4 white sugar (pulse slightly in the food processor before measuring)

Zest of 1 lemon

1/8 cup plus 2 tsp. finely ground almonds

3 large eggs

Pre-heat oven 350 degrees. Fluff flour and baking powder until well mixed in a bowl. Add all ingredients except the cherries to the mixer bowl,  mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Lightly fold cherries into batter. Place in a well butter bundt pan. Bake 25-45 min. When cooled and cake starts to pull from sides of pan remove from pan to cooling rack. Finish with Ganache and toasted almonds (place sliced almonds in a warmed pan and toss lightly until golden brown) on top.

Ganache 

1 1/2 cups of heavy cream

1 lb. semi-chocolate or bittersweet chocolate chopped (we recommend 61% cacao)

In a heavy saucepan, bring heavy cream to boil. Turn off the heat. Add chopped chocolate pieces and let it rest until melted (this is key). Use a rubber spatula to stir the mixture until all the pieces are melted. Pour it into a room-temperature bowl, cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate ganache until it is firm.

The weekend meal included trout almondine, roasted garlic green beans, ciabatta bread, and cherry almond cake. A nice pinot noir is served with the meal.

May your holiday be filled with great memories and remember your lifestyle is worth the best.

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Shopping List

1 lb. Land O’ Lakes butter

Natural Bordeaux Maraschino Cherries

1 lb. natural almonds

1/2 lb. sliced almonds

All-purpose white flour

1 quart Heavy Cream

1 lb. 61% cacao semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate

1 dozen eggs

Sugar Baking 4Chion Lifestyle ©2017
C&H Sugar

C&H White Sugar

1 small can Baking Powder 

5 lbs. White whole wheat flour 

Dry Active Yeast

Silicone Kitchen Set

Bundt Pan

Bosch Mixer

Healthy Eating ~ Modern Market

Healthy Eating ~ Modern Market

What is old is new again. We see this in film, television, summer fashion trends, and food. The concept of farm to table is beginning to take traction in America. The concept that food is healthy, increases energy and provides proper nutrients is a value many are finding for their lifestyle.

Modern Market Foodie 4chion Lifestyle e
Modern Market

Anthony Pigliacampo, co-owner of Modern Market, decides in 2009 the time was like no other to step aside his corporate job and begin a change in food choices for eating out. The ability to find a healthy choice at a reasonable price was the basis for the restaurant. This was the beginning of Modern Market.

Modern Market Foodie 4Chion Lifestyle a
Modern Market

Modern Market brings the farm to table concept with a modern flair. The food is prepared from farm fresh ingredients in each location each day. The staff  is trained and well prepared to cook each meal from scratch that nourishes the mind and body. The food philosophy is, “Have you ever noticed, when you eat great food you feel good?”

Modern Market Foodie 4Chion Lifestyle c
Modern Market Staff

Pigliacampo attends the soft opening of Ahwahnee’s Modern Market. He states, “healthy food, every ingredient we consciously source. “We actually find the vendor, negotiate with our vendors about the quality products. Arizona is a good location for farm to table. Many of our greens are literally 30 hours ground to our restaurant.”  The philosophy is a holistic view on health, added sugar is the devil and good fats are friends.

Modern Market Foodie 4Chion Lifestyle c
Modern Market Dinner Plates

Modern Market serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, and catering. The menu includes:

  • Breakfast sandwiches
    • Rocket egg
    • Egg and cheese
  • Scrambles
    • Southwest tofu
    • Sausage kale
  • Breakfast plate
    • Eggs and prosciutto
    • Eggs and toast
  • Fresh salads
    • Thai coconut
    • Toscano
  • Toasted sandwiches
    • Chipotle steak
    • Blueberry pesto
  • Brick oven pizza
    • M*rita
    • prosciutto
  • Homemade soups vary with seasons
  • Drinks
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Natural craft soda
    • Tea
    • Coffee
    • Bottled drinks
    • Kombucha

The evening was a delight. We enjoyed a warm cozy atmosphere. The menu is wholesome ingredients. The freshness was filled with savory flavors. Ray and I enjoyed:

  • Chicken Breast
    • Hormone and antibiotic free herb roasted chicken with chimichurri sauce
    • Macaroni and cheese
    • Roasted asparagus (the asparagus did not have the woody area removed)
  • Sesame Tofu 
    • Seasoned organic tofu
    • Lemon maple vinaigrette (served on the side)
    • Rosemary sweet potato mash
    • Roasted asparagus

The restaurant provides self-service for ordering & drinks, prices affordable and warm atmosphere. The menu was beautifully simple. Looking forward to a healthier choice when eating out.

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Connect To Modern Market Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernmarket/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Modernmarketahwatukee/?ref=br_tf

Twitter: https://twitter.com/modmarket

Ahwatukee Location 4901 E Ray Rd Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85044

Photo Credit Raymond L. Forchion Jr.