Buddha’s Hand Citron Infused Vodka

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Brandon Matzek
Buddha Hand Citron Infused Vodka

The Buddha’s Hand Citron is one of the most gnarly, visually intriguing fruit I have ever seen.  A small mass of vibrant yellow tentacles extending in every which way from a core of solid white pith.  Unlike a regular lemon, the Buddha’s Hand Citron does not have juice inside.  The fruit consists of pith, skin and the most wonderfully scented oil.  Seriously.  It’s amazing.  The fruit gives off a sweet, lemony fragrance that is sure to induce pure citrus euphoria.

This vodka can be enjoyed on the rocks with a splash of soda water or mixed into a cocktail.  It’s absolute heaven in a Meyer Lemon Drop.  To make a Meyer Lemon Drop add 2 oz. Buddha’s Hand Citron Infused Vodka, 1 1/2 oz. Meyer Lemon Simple Syrup* and 1 oz. Meyer Lemon Juice to a cocktail shaker with ice.  Shake vigorously then strain into a chilled glass adorned with a sugared rim.  Garnish with a thin slice of meyer lemon.  So. Yum.  Continue reading for the recipe.

Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Easy, Fruit, Infusion, Photo, Recipe, Winter | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Blood Orange Gin Sparkler plus My First TV Appearance

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Brandon Matzek
Blood Orange Gin Sparkler

I have some very exciting news to share with all of you!  On Monday, the wonderful folks over at Channel 6 San Diego asked me to a do a segment on the San Diego Living show!  I decided to feature two recipes that would help home cooks build some Konfidence in the kitchen using an ingredient they might be unfamiliar with, the blood orange.  Exploring unfamiliar ingredients is definitely one way to learn and grow in the kitchen.

Several years ago my recipe repertoire consisted of baked chicken, brown rice, tomato sauce and spaghetti, pizza and chili.  For reals.  I distinctly remember the day when I thought to myself, “Gosh, I am so bored with cheese and pepperoni pizzas right now.”  To remedy the situation I jumped on the Food Network website looking for some pizza inspiration.  The daring recipe that I found that day was not only a delicious deviation from my norm, it also sparked my curiosity for food and cooking.  Continue reading for the rest of my story, the video and a recipe for the most amazing Blood Orange Gin Sparkler.

Continue reading →

Posted in Alcohol, Drink, Easy, Fruit, Photo, Recipe, Winter | 21 Comments

Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Brandon Matzek

Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie

If you are looking for a substantial breakfast beverage that is nutritious, delicious AND easy, this is the smoothie for you.  Made with cooked oats, Greek yogurt, apple, cinnamon, maple syrup, turmeric, lemon and vanilla, this Spiced Oatmeal Smoothie will have your tummy filled and your taste buds pleased.  The oats are packed with fiber which will keep you full longer.  Blending in some non fat Greek yogurt adds protein without fat.  Turmeric has a laundry list of health benefits helping with weight management, depression and inflammation.  I blend this smoothie up several times a week and I find that my mornings are much better after downing ones of these.  Continue reading for the recipe.

Continue reading →

Posted in Breakfast, Drink, Easy, Fall, Fruit, Photo, Recipe, Winter | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

San Diego Restaurant: Brazen BBQ

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Brandon Matzek

Brazen BBQ Signature Pulled Pork Sandwich

Cooking inspiration can come from many different places including the internet, cookbooks and magazines.  I also find restaurants to be a great source of inspiration.  These San Diego restaurant reviews will recount my experiences at some of my local favorites and new hotspots.  At the end of each review I’ll also provide you with some takeaways that can be put to use in the kitchen.

Brazen BBQ
Signature Pulled Pork Sandwich $8.49
441 Washington at 5th Avenue
Hillcrest
619-816-1990

While waiting for my order to arrive at Brazen BBQ, I considered the two sauces sitting in front of me.  The first, a bottle of B.R.A.G. BBQ sauce.  Bold and spicy, B.R.A.G. is a savory blend of secret ingredients that packs some serious flavor.  Option two under consideration was a bottle labeled Smokey Lace.  Mild yet complex, Smokey Lace is a sweet, fruit-based sauce spiced with house-smoked paprika.  Before I could decide which of the two I liked better, my lunch arrived.

Continue reading →

Posted in Review | Tagged | 11 Comments

Brandon’s 2011 Top Picks

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Brandon Matzek

The Salted Tarragon Greyhound

As I am sitting here sipping a warm mug of peppermint mocha (homemade, of course) and browsing through each month’s recipes, I can’t help but to smile at all of the yummy things I cooked, ate and drank over the past year from entrees to appetizers, desserts to drinks, and everything in between.  Before I kick off another year of delicious recipes, I’m going to recap some of my favorites from 2011.  Trends that I am noticing throughout my archives include seasonal recipes, signature cocktails, alcohol infusions, balanced bites and Mexican influences.  Below you’ll find 14 of my favorite Kitchen Konfidence recipes from last year.

What can you expect to see on Kitchen Konfidence in 2012?  I will continue to explore both seasonal and Mexican recipes.  In addition to alcohol infusions, I will also be diving into the world of shrubs, bitters and tinctures (that means MOAR cocktails).  And desserts, as always, will be very prominent.  Joining the recipe articles each week will be some new content types including reviews, giveaways, technique videos and roundups.  What would you like to see me post into 2012?  Please share your thoughts below.  Now… on to the picks.

Continue reading →

Posted in Beef, Cocktail, Cookie, Dessert, Dinner, Drink, Easy, Fall, Fruit, Ice Cream, Infusion, Lunch, Mexican, Photo, Recipe, Salad, Side Dish, Snack, Soup, Spring, Summer, Uncategorized, Vegetables, Vodka, Winter | Tagged | 17 Comments