In some upscale Chinese restaurants, yes there are such things, a popular menu item is the 1000 year old duck egg. One might think we’re talking about how to cook such an item at Stargrazer Cafe. While that might be of interest…and trust me it doesn’t smell or taste good…the “Egg” is a new and unique way of revolutionizing the art of outdoor cooking on a year round basis. Instead of using environmentally unfriendly lighter fluid and questionable charcoal bricquets the “Big Green Egg” uses a quick lighting, long lasting lump charcoal that affords the outdoor chef multiple cooking opportunities.
We are pleased to offer a special class that will not only inform you but also provide you with an outdoor cooking experience that will change the way you approach “grilling.”  
Under the watchful eye and expertise of Green Egg cooking specialist Dennis Wooten you will experience the joy of tasting a pork shoulder that has been cooked 16 hours on the “Egg.” Dennis will explore the proper preparation of the shoulder and how to set up the “Egg” to provide the ultimate slow cooking experience.  Additionally, you will savor the juiciest, most tender, mouthwatering chicken you’ve ever tasted. If undertaking a pork shoulder might seem daunting Dennis will also demonstrate the ease of preparing and cooking a pork roast. The Big Green Egg versatility will be further on display when Dennis shows the simplest and quickest way to cook…a pizza.
While the Big Green Egg will be the “star” of the evening an added benefit will be the appearance of Craig Nielsen, the CEO of Massey-Nielsen Vanillas, Inc.  Craig will provide you the secrets of vanilla and how vanilla can provide the “secret” ingredient for you outdoor cooking rubs and sauces.

Star Grazer Cafe will be featuring the Big Green Egg/s in our new outdoor patio cooking center starting in May.  Please make sure to make Star Grazer your outpost this spring/summer for your outdoor grilling food experience.  And not only will we be offering the best of outdoor cooking you will also be able to enjoy your favorite adult libation.

Nielsen-Massey

Check out Co-Owner of Stargrazer Cafe, Beth Nielsen, at the San Francisco Fancy Food Show at the link below.

http://vimeo.com/9498087

Everyone that tries this Cake loves it! Here’s the recipe. Enjoy!!
1/2 Cups Simisweet Chocolate Chips
1 (19) ounce can Garbonzo Beans (rinsed) YES GARBONZO BEANS
and drained
4 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar for dusting
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey pure Vanilla
1 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Chocolate Extract
Preheat over to 350 degrees F. Grease and Flour a 9 in round cake pan
Place the chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl. Cook in the microwave for about 2 minutes, stirring every 20 seconds after the first minute, until chocolate is melted and smooth.
Combine the beans and eggs in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. Add the sugar and the baking powder, Vanilla and Chocolate extract and pulse to blend. Pour in the melted chocolate and blend until smooth, scraping down the sides to make sure the chocolate is completely mixed. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan.
Bake for 40 mintues in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners sugar just before serving.

On March 16th Stargrazer will be doing it’s first Cooking Class for Men “The Art of the Grill” in anticipation of our outdoor woodburning Grill and Pizza Oven. Cost is $35.00 per person and reservations are required. Call the cafe for details at 847-543-7740. On march 17th Stargrazer Cafe will have a “Luck of the Irish” Dinner. Watch for future postings about these happenings. Cheers! Tim

Hi all, Sunday the 14th is Valentines Day as well as Chinese New Year! In Celebration Stargrazer Cafe will be open for Dinner and offering the following Menu for $24.95.
Vegetable Pot Stickers with Scallion Dipping Sauce
Roasted Tomato Soup
Mixed Asian Cabbages with a Peanut Vinagrette
Choice of Soy Glazed Salmon or Stir Fried Beef
Gluten Free Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce
We are taking Reservations starting at 6PM.
Call the Cafe at 847-543-7740 or send to info@stargrazercafe.com.
Happy New Year!

I will be showcasing the small but growing list of vendors that have shown kindness and stellar customer service to StarGrazer throughout our soft opening. My first vendor is Nielsen-Massey Vanillas. Stargrazer is proud to offer all the amazing products in the Nielsen-Massey line. A special shoutout to all the ladies in the front office who always make me laugh. Thank you Jenna  Stef and Carrie! Not to be missed the super Beth, Matt, Craig and Dave. Without your products, StarGrazer’s culinary creations would just be average.  StarGrazer Cafe carries all Nielsen-Massey products at our Cafe as well as our online store. Be Thankful, I am! Chef Tim

Homemade Marshmallows

We use these Marshmallows in our Hot Chocolate and to top off our Coffee Mocha Beverage. Using the very best Nielsen-Massey Vanilla is key. Sometimes we get playful and we add one of the amazing extracts that we carry and sell right here at the Cafe. I’m playing with and adding new coffee drinks daily. Who says you have to have a big machine from Italy? I’m also playing with some new dessert ideas in preparation for Valentines Day. And speaking of Valentine’s Day, make your reservations now because we will fill up. Oh what a romantic night we have planned here at StarGrazer! More to follow soon about the menu and the price. I’m off to dream of floating in big poofy clouds of Marshmallows and Pure Vanilla!  Be loved, Chef Tim

We started off the New Year with a wedding at the barn, and  a handful of private parties and unfortunately put blogging on the back burner.  Our New Year’s resolution is to blog more in 2010. 

During the big winter storm a few weeks ago, a couple of cross country skiers stopped in for a bowl of Chicken and White Bean Chili before braving the cold to return home. What a way to travel!  With the New Year we have added a few new items so listen up fans…. Kirsten has been busy in the kitchen whipping up Creme Puffs from her James Beard tome she totes around (in a tote mind you) like the Holy Grail. The new Blueberry muffins rock as does the dense Lemon Tea Cake.  She’s been making Whoopie, pies, that is, that are the best we’ve ever tasted.   Other new items are coming next week to the Menu Board . Stop in and read the latest wall quotes, sit back and enjoy our coffee and just relax and join the community. More new menu items to come.  Namaste!

With the Holidays moving in fast we are sending a reminder to get your Cake and Pie orders in before December 20th.

Stargrazer Cafe can also make you the perfect Gift Basket.

Need a side dish for dinner call the Cafe and see what we have cookin’.