Something New!!

We have all had a hot dog in our lifetime but most Dallas folks have not yet enjoyed a "Coney." People from Tulsa or Houston may know, these tiny 1 oz hot dogs are amazing and additive. They are slow cooked to perfection and then added to a steamed bun with mustard, onion, thin chili, and cheese. The thin chili is what makes the coney so delicious! It's different than chili you would find on a "chili dog." The chili has a hint of cinnamon & other spices that will get you coming back for more. Most people prefer a coney topped with a splash of Louisiana Hot Sauce & Cayenne Pepper, which ties everything together! Order them for a party or try them this fall at EClaire Texas Cafe.

Summertime BBQ

Here are some great shots of some awesome Summertime BBQ Smoked on my new Lyfe Tyme Smoker!

Smoked Turkey Legs

Smoked Pork Shoulder

Pork Shoulder Bone {the meat was so tender it fell right off the bone}

Smoked Beef Brisket

Spring is in the air

Arugula, Watermelon and Feta Salad

Ina Garten {Barefoot Contessa ~ Food Network}

Ingredients:

1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (2 lemons)

1/4 cup minced shallots (1 large)

1 tablespoon honey

1/2 cup good olive oil

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

3 cups (4 oz) baby arugula, washed and spun dry

1/8 seedless watermelon, rind removed, and cut in 1-inch cubes

12 ounce of good Feta cheese, 1/2-inch diced

1 cup (4 oz) whole fresh mint leaves, julienned

Directions:

Whisk together the orange juice, lemon juice, shallots, honey, salt, and pepper. Slowly pour in the olive oil, whisking constantly, to form an emulsion. If not using within an hour, store the vinaigrette covered in the refrigerator.

Place the arugula, watermelon, feta, and mint in a large bowl. Drizzle with enough vinaigrette to coat the greens lightly and toss well. Taste for seasonings and serve immediately.

New Camera New Photos

My husband recently decided to buy me a Cannon EOS Digital Rebel so that we could start documenting more of EClaire's food and events. We are very pleased with our purchase! I would love to share some photos from a few of my events & corporate lunches.

Build Your Own Sandwich Bar {Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.}

Mini Fruit & Garden Veggie Tray {JonesDay}

Continental Breakfast Sampler {F.I.G. Fashion Industry Gallery}

Spinach & Pear Salad with Chicken {WFAA Channel 8}

Chinese Chopped Salad with Salmon {Client's Luncheon & Spa party}

Italian Beef Short Ribs {Cocktail Party}

Mini Chocolate Chunk Brownie Tray {Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P.}

Texas Taco Bar {Dallas Art Fair Opening Exhibitor Event at F.I.G.}

Texas Taco Bar {Dallas Art Fair Opening Exhibitor Event at F.I.G.}

Sweets Display {Dallas Art Fair Opening Exhibitor Event at F.I.G.}

Mini Chocolate Truffle Cakes {Dallas Art Fair Opening Exhibitor Event at F.I.G.}

Mini Lemon Meringue {Dallas Art Fair Opening Exhibitor Event at F.I.G.}

2009 Holiday Recap

Inside-Out Sushi Balls {50th Birthday Cocktail Party}

Asian~Hawaiian Cocktail Buffet {Surprise 50th Birthday}

Mini Egg Rolls {Surprise 50th Birthday}

Shrimp & Pineapple Display {50th Surprise Birthday}

Center Floral Arrangement {SWISINC Christmas Party}

Floral Arrangement {SWISINC Christmas Party}

Fresh Lobster Ice Display {SWISINC Christmas Party}

4.5 lb Lobster {SWISINC Christmas Party}

Mini Chocolate Truffle Cakes {NCL Christmas Party}

Sweets & Treats {NCL Christmas Party}

Smoked Turkey {Christmas Eve}

Photo Blog & Shout Out

I wanted to share some photos from Jamie Riddlebarger and Ryan Bricker's wedding that EClaire catered and helped plan on December 12, 2009. Jamie and Ryan were married at Royal Lane Baptist Church and had their reception at the F.I.G. {Fashion Industry Gallery} in Dallas, Texas.

These amazing photographs were taken by the talented Lauren Larson. Lauren is a wedding, portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Dallas, Texas and is available for hire world-wide. Lauren left her 8-5 desk job 3 years ago to pursue her photography business full-time and has never looked back. Some of Lauren's clients include: ABC radio, Air Review, Awaken Movement, Church of the Incarnation, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dillinger & Kovach, Ebony Magazine, Hornbuckle Photo, Lake Pointe Church, Sleeperstar, and Women's Health Alliance. Check her out at www.laurenlarsen.com