CMT Lifestyles Blog

Martina McBride’s Incredible Peanut Butter Treats

Posted: April 7th, 2008 at 4:23 pm  |  By: Deb Barnes  

Martina McBrideMartina McBride is famous for having one of the most amazing voices in country music. But in more intimate circles, the world-class singer is also known as a world-class cook.

She has a kitchen that would make a gourmet chef proud, featuring a custom-built pantry and a cozy sitting area. She hosts dinner parties regularly, inviting friends like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. And how does the Grammy-winning vocalist like to relax? By writing out her grocery list for the week.

While out on the road, McBride has been known to whip up some of her famous dishes (like white chili) for her crew in her tour bus kitchen — a welcome change from take-out or the catering table. If you want to sample her culinary creations, you’ll either have to wrangle a dinner invitation, or try one of her recipes, like the tasty Peanut Butter Incredibles below.

“This is a super-easy recipe, and you probably have everything on hand to make it,” says McBride, who will release a live CD/DVD on April 29. “Just beware, they are totally addictive!”

Peanut Butter Incredibles

2/3 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup chunky peanut butter
2 Cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch morsels

Over low heat, melt butter or margarine in a medium saucepan and add peanut butter. Stir until smooth. Add sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until well blended. Press crumbs into a buttered 9X13-inch baking pan.

Melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch morsels in microwave for a total of 2 1/2 minutes on high, stirring after each 30 seconds. Pour over crumb mixture.

Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Remove and cut into bars. Store at room temperature.

Categories: Food

Kix Brooks is Proud of the Winery He’s Built

Posted: January 21st, 2008 at 11:00 am  |  By: Deb Barnes  

Kix Brooks wineryIt’s understandable if wine isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Kix Brooks. After all, as half of the record-breaking country duo Brooks & Dunn, Brooks’ name has become almost synonymous with honky-tonks and everything that goes with them (including a certain popular beverage that isn’t wine).

Nonetheless, Brooks will soon be making a name for himself in a very different world. On February 3, the country star will officially launch his latest business venture, Arrington Vineyards, a winery located on 75 acres in the town of Arrington, Tenn., about 30 minutes south of Nashville. They currently offer 12 different wines, including Stags’ White (described as a medium bodied dry white), Desert Rose (a dry rosé), Red Fox Red (a red blend) and Raspberry (a sweet fruit wine).

“Being from Louisiana, I’ve been drinking for a long time,” Brooks joked to Nashville Wine Press. “But there is a difference between drinking wine and appreciating wine. By the time I had kids, drinking became less of a party and more of an appreciation. I’m still far from a connoisseur, but it’s enjoyable to hang out with people who are and can help you appreciate nuances. Wine is like golf in that you can always get better at it over time, but never really know all the answers.”

Brooks cites country stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Martina McBride as fellow wine buffs, and Aaron Tippin, who makes his own Muscadine variety. But Brooks is the first one to take his appreciation to this level, partnering with winemakers Fred Mindermann and Kip Summers to start his own wine business. “Right now, I am doing more listening than I am talking,” Brooks continued. “One thing we are hoping to do is have a few concerts out at the vineyard and make it a great experience for people. As I learn more about the winemaking process, I’ll feel better equipped to talk about it.”

The February 3 kick-off party for Arrington Vineyards will coincide with the Super Bowl kickoff. Held at the Blue Smoke Restaurant and Jazz Standard in New York City, the event will include football viewing, wine tasting, barbecue and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation.

Categories: Food

View Older Posts

Search