Daytime TV Recipes: Gourmet Popcorn, Bacon jam, & The Donatella Cocktail

I recently appeared on Daytime TV to talk about Enjoy Arts & Tastes– St. Pete’s premier food and art festival. I’m  hosting the burger bash as well as a culinary demo and panel discussion. I want to share with you some recipe for for the perfect burger- bacon jam! It’s featured on the “bar bites” menu at both DBAR and Donatella in NYC, and is a huge hit.  Also featured at DBAR is my rosemary truffle popcorn, which is a great snack to serve at your next party. It’s easy to make but a huge crowd-pleaser. And what’s a little food without a great cocktail? Check out my recipe below for “The Donatella.”

Donatella’s Rosemary Truffle Popcorn

INGREDIENTS:

(Serves 6 TO 8)

• 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp. black or white truffle oil (unless necessary)
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp. vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp. fresh rosemary
• 1 ¼ cups popcorn kernels
• ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, or Grana Padano

METHOD:

• Combine the butter, truffle oil, salt, and plenty pepper in a large metal bowl. Set aside.
• Warm the vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the rosemary and cook for 1 minute to infuse the oil with the herb.  Do not let the rosemary burn.
• Remove the rosemary from the oil using a slotted spoon, and add it to the butter mixture. Add the popcorn to the pot, cover, and stand close by until the corn starts popping. Shake the pan back and forth until the popping has slowed but not stopped entirely. Dump the popcorn into the metal bowl with the butter mixture and immediately toss well to distribute the flavorings evenly.
• Sprinkle with the cheese, toss again, and transfer to a serving bowl. Serve warm.

 

DONATELLA’S “D BURGER”

INGREDIENTS:

(Makes one burger)

• 6 oz Lafrieda blend of meat
• ¼ inch slice red onion
• 12 pcs arugula
• 1.5 oz stracciatella
• 1 tbsp. bacon onion jam (see recipe)
• 1 roll

METHOD:

• Grill the burger until medium rare.
• Spread the bacon jam on the top of the roll and place arugula on the bottom side of the roll.
• Place the burger on the bread on top of the arugula.
• Top the burger with stracciatella and a thin slice of red onion.

The Donatella

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 ounces MARTINI Prosecco
• ¾ ounces of GREY GOOSE
• ½ ounce of MARTINI Bianco
• 3 slices cucumber
• 1 leaves of basil
• 1 cherry tomato
• ½ ounce of lemon juice
• ½ ounce of simple syrup
• Garnish: Campari tomato

METHOD:

• In a cocktail shaker place all ingredients.  Muddle gently.
• Add ice and shake vigorously.  Strain into a tall glass.
• Top with MARTINI Prosecco. Add garnish.