With Easter this Sunday, there are only four days left to purchase my Easter Basket favorite – Cadbury Crème Eggs! This is one of those things that help me get through the cold and snow of the winter. To me, Spring involves warmer temperatures, new flowers and that overly sweet, chocolaty egg in my Easter Basket. Some people reach for the Peeps, others go for the jelly beans, I run for the crème eggs! I pick up my first egg of the season as soon as I see them on the store shelf and can’t get enough through Easter.
So get out there! Stop at every grocery store, drug store, convenient store and candy store to grab up every last one of those Easter delights! As the ad says, “When he’s gone…they’re gone.” But watch out as that deadline gets closer – you may need to fight me for them.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Too Hot for the Downsized Chef
I saw this article yesterday and I had to share it. According to the Associated Press, the Indian government is working to refine the "bhut jolokia," or "ghost chili" pepper into a military weapon. I love hot buffalo wings, spicy chilly and never miss a chance to add a little hot sauce to a slice of pizza, but this is some serious heat!
This native pepper holds the record for being the hottest in the world. The pepper is “more than 1,000,000 Scoville units, the scientific measurement of a chili's spiciness. Classic Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, while jalapeno peppers measure anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000.”
I think this is a great idea and a smart innovation by the Indian government. The use of this pepper weapon will hopefully help end conflicts quickly without anyone getting hurt. From the kitchen to the battlefield – very cool.
Next time you ask someone to pass the pepper, you may want to be a little more specific!
Indian Military to Weaponize World's Hottest Chili
By WASBIR HUSSAIN, Associated Press Writer Tue Mar 23, 7:19 am ET
GAUHATI, India – The Indian military has a new weapon against terrorism: the world's hottest chili.
After conducting tests, the military has decided to use the thumb-sized "bhut jolokia," or "ghost chili," to make tear gas-like hand grenades to immobilize suspects, defense officials said Tuesday.
The bhut jolokia was accepted by Guinness World Records in 2007 as the world's spiciest chili. It is grown and eaten in India's northeast for its taste, as a cure for stomach troubles and a way to fight the crippling summer heat.
It has more than 1,000,000 Scoville units, the scientific measurement of a chili's spiciness. Classic Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, while jalapeno peppers measure anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000.
"The chili grenade has been found fit for use after trials in Indian defense laboratories, a fact confirmed by scientists at the Defense Research and Development Organization," Col. R. Kalia, a defense spokesman in the northeastern state of Assam, told The Associated Press.
"This is definitely going to be an effective nontoxic weapon because its pungent smell can choke terrorists and force them out of their hide-outs," R. B. Srivastava, the director of the Life Sciences Department at the New Delhi headquarters of the DRDO said.
Srivastava, who led a defense research laboratory in Assam, said trials are also on to produce bhut jolokia-based aerosol sprays to be used by women against attackers and for the police to control and disperse mobs.
This native pepper holds the record for being the hottest in the world. The pepper is “more than 1,000,000 Scoville units, the scientific measurement of a chili's spiciness. Classic Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, while jalapeno peppers measure anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000.”
I think this is a great idea and a smart innovation by the Indian government. The use of this pepper weapon will hopefully help end conflicts quickly without anyone getting hurt. From the kitchen to the battlefield – very cool.
Next time you ask someone to pass the pepper, you may want to be a little more specific!
Indian Military to Weaponize World's Hottest Chili
By WASBIR HUSSAIN, Associated Press Writer Tue Mar 23, 7:19 am ET
GAUHATI, India – The Indian military has a new weapon against terrorism: the world's hottest chili.
After conducting tests, the military has decided to use the thumb-sized "bhut jolokia," or "ghost chili," to make tear gas-like hand grenades to immobilize suspects, defense officials said Tuesday.
The bhut jolokia was accepted by Guinness World Records in 2007 as the world's spiciest chili. It is grown and eaten in India's northeast for its taste, as a cure for stomach troubles and a way to fight the crippling summer heat.
It has more than 1,000,000 Scoville units, the scientific measurement of a chili's spiciness. Classic Tabasco sauce ranges from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units, while jalapeno peppers measure anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000.
"The chili grenade has been found fit for use after trials in Indian defense laboratories, a fact confirmed by scientists at the Defense Research and Development Organization," Col. R. Kalia, a defense spokesman in the northeastern state of Assam, told The Associated Press.
"This is definitely going to be an effective nontoxic weapon because its pungent smell can choke terrorists and force them out of their hide-outs," R. B. Srivastava, the director of the Life Sciences Department at the New Delhi headquarters of the DRDO said.
Srivastava, who led a defense research laboratory in Assam, said trials are also on to produce bhut jolokia-based aerosol sprays to be used by women against attackers and for the police to control and disperse mobs.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Revenge of the Cupcake
In yesterday’s post, I ended with the line ‘Life is not all cupcakes, but life without cupcakes is no life for me.’ Someone must have been thinking the same thing at CNN to post the article, Cupcake Passion More Than a Trend (link below).
According to CNN reporter Sara Bonisteel, America’s love for the cupcake continues to grow through exposure in movies like “Sex and the City” and the expansion of great cupcake-focused bakeries around the country. Given my extended sampling of a few of these bakeries in my area – I can see why. All the taste of a great cake crafted by an expert baker in a smaller, single-serving, finger-fun size!
The cupcakes of today are not just for children’s birthday parties, either. These little delights are for kids of all ages. I have even seen the love for cupcakes taken in directions not even thought about years ago. Cupcakes in a Manhattan Board Room – been there. Cupcakes as a wedding cake – by the power vested in me, you may now enjoy the cupcake!
The creativity in flavors is off the chart too. Check out the link below for five crazy cupcakes and their respective bakeries. Next time I’m in Atlanta you better believe I am heading to the Atlanta Cupcake Factory for a Guinness Cupcake!
Cupcake Passion More Than a Trend - By Sara Bonisteel, CNN http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/03/23/cupcake.craze/index.html?hpt=C2
According to CNN reporter Sara Bonisteel, America’s love for the cupcake continues to grow through exposure in movies like “Sex and the City” and the expansion of great cupcake-focused bakeries around the country. Given my extended sampling of a few of these bakeries in my area – I can see why. All the taste of a great cake crafted by an expert baker in a smaller, single-serving, finger-fun size!
The cupcakes of today are not just for children’s birthday parties, either. These little delights are for kids of all ages. I have even seen the love for cupcakes taken in directions not even thought about years ago. Cupcakes in a Manhattan Board Room – been there. Cupcakes as a wedding cake – by the power vested in me, you may now enjoy the cupcake!
The creativity in flavors is off the chart too. Check out the link below for five crazy cupcakes and their respective bakeries. Next time I’m in Atlanta you better believe I am heading to the Atlanta Cupcake Factory for a Guinness Cupcake!
Cupcake Passion More Than a Trend - By Sara Bonisteel, CNN http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/03/23/cupcake.craze/index.html?hpt=C2
Monday, March 22, 2010
Obesity & Reality: Let’s be Serious Already
Last week, I saw an article in the Metro regarding a ban on bake sales at local schools in the name of curbing childhood obesity. I laughed at first, then thought about it again and took a look at the article. I know there is an obesity epidemic in this country and that children are getting alarmingly large. I am also aware of the long-term health issues associated with being overweight, including diabetes, heart disease and a host of other complications. With that said, I personally think we need to order a super-size, extra value meal of reality.
The banning of bake sales is just one of many ways to address the obesity epidemic, like adding a tax on sugary beverages or keeping children from bringing in cupcakes for their class on their birthday. While I understand their motivation, I feel that all three ideas are off the mark. To me, these are regulating things that are part of childhood and make being a kid fun. My idea: let’s mandate, regulate, institute (whatever word you wish to use) a little common sense. Stop trying to pull kids away from food and start teaching them to make better choices. While you’re there, encourage them to go play outside and get some exercise.
People want to blame the food because it’s easy to do so (cupcakes don’t fight back). What people don’t want to do is look at themselves and make changes. Buy your child a basketball, not a basketball video game. Take your kids bowling, don’t buy them a video system that simulates bowling while they sit on the couch. Get out and exercise with your kids to show them how fun and important it is – you need the exercise too. Most important, take them into the kitchen and teach them how to cook healthy and to make smarter choices about their diet.
Life is not all cupcakes, but life without cupcakes is no life for me.
Check out the link to Metro’s article, “Something Smells Funny at Bake Sale” http://www.metro.us/us/article/2010/03/19/05/1638-82/index.xml?print=1
The banning of bake sales is just one of many ways to address the obesity epidemic, like adding a tax on sugary beverages or keeping children from bringing in cupcakes for their class on their birthday. While I understand their motivation, I feel that all three ideas are off the mark. To me, these are regulating things that are part of childhood and make being a kid fun. My idea: let’s mandate, regulate, institute (whatever word you wish to use) a little common sense. Stop trying to pull kids away from food and start teaching them to make better choices. While you’re there, encourage them to go play outside and get some exercise.
People want to blame the food because it’s easy to do so (cupcakes don’t fight back). What people don’t want to do is look at themselves and make changes. Buy your child a basketball, not a basketball video game. Take your kids bowling, don’t buy them a video system that simulates bowling while they sit on the couch. Get out and exercise with your kids to show them how fun and important it is – you need the exercise too. Most important, take them into the kitchen and teach them how to cook healthy and to make smarter choices about their diet.
Life is not all cupcakes, but life without cupcakes is no life for me.
Check out the link to Metro’s article, “Something Smells Funny at Bake Sale” http://www.metro.us/us/article/2010/03/19/05/1638-82/index.xml?print=1
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
My Top 5 Places for a Hot Dog
With the warmer weather coming and Spring Training being played, summer cannot be far behind. With summer comes time for one of my favorite foods – the hot dog. A simple classic, the hot dog is a food from my childhood that I have continued to love throughout my life. With that, here are my top 5 places to eat a hot dog.
5. On The Street
- Say what you want about ‘dirty water dogs’ – I love them. When I’m hanging out being a tourist, I love grabbing a dog and a bottle of water on the corner as I take in a city.
4. Rutt’s Hut
- In northern New Jersey, Rutt’s Hut is a local landmark known for their Rippers – a deep fried hot dog that rips open and crinkles when it cooks. Unhealthy and unbelievable!
3. My Backyard on Memorial Day
- Each year I host a barbecue and invite my friends over to gather around the grill and toast the coming summer. The grill is usually covered with burgers, steaks and veggies, but I always go with a hot dog because to me a good dog makes a backyard barbecue.
2. Long Beach Island
- There is nothing like a summer on the Jersey Shore and if you have ever been to Long Beach Island you know what I mean. As the expression goes, “if you are lucky enough to be at the beach, then you are lucky enough.” I love coming off the beach in the afternoon, enjoying a few dogs off the grill, then heading back for more sun and sand.
1. Yankee Stadium
- Summer is a dog at the Stadium, a draft beer, and a few good friends. From past years in the House that Ruth Built to last season in the new home across the street – I can’t wait to get back to the Bronx and hear the guys as they walk up and down the stands – “Hot Dog! Hot Dogs Here!” - while I'm watching the game. Even if you are not a Yankees fan, you have to admit there is nothing like a hot dog at a ball game.
5. On The Street
- Say what you want about ‘dirty water dogs’ – I love them. When I’m hanging out being a tourist, I love grabbing a dog and a bottle of water on the corner as I take in a city.
4. Rutt’s Hut
- In northern New Jersey, Rutt’s Hut is a local landmark known for their Rippers – a deep fried hot dog that rips open and crinkles when it cooks. Unhealthy and unbelievable!
3. My Backyard on Memorial Day
- Each year I host a barbecue and invite my friends over to gather around the grill and toast the coming summer. The grill is usually covered with burgers, steaks and veggies, but I always go with a hot dog because to me a good dog makes a backyard barbecue.
2. Long Beach Island
- There is nothing like a summer on the Jersey Shore and if you have ever been to Long Beach Island you know what I mean. As the expression goes, “if you are lucky enough to be at the beach, then you are lucky enough.” I love coming off the beach in the afternoon, enjoying a few dogs off the grill, then heading back for more sun and sand.
1. Yankee Stadium
- Summer is a dog at the Stadium, a draft beer, and a few good friends. From past years in the House that Ruth Built to last season in the new home across the street – I can’t wait to get back to the Bronx and hear the guys as they walk up and down the stands – “Hot Dog! Hot Dogs Here!” - while I'm watching the game. Even if you are not a Yankees fan, you have to admit there is nothing like a hot dog at a ball game.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Too Much of a Good Thing? The Starbucks Trenta
The Internet is currently buzzing about the new Starbucks Trenta, currently being test marketed in a number of cities, including Phoenix and Tampa. How could you not be buzzing from this 31 ounce coffee monster? According to what I have read, this new introduction is in response to other chains selling similar giant iced tea and coffee drinks. If the customer is looking for this then they should move to meet the need. But, how much is too much?
OK, I’ll say it. I’m not a big fan of Starbucks coffee. I drink my coffee black so I find it to be too dark and a little strong. With milk and sugar it’s good, but I’m more of a coffee purist. My personal favorite places for coffee are Dunkin Donuts and Wawa – that’s just me. However, I do respect Starbucks as a company for their business growth and the influence the have on society. The fact that they have killer brownies doesn’t hurt them either in my book.
I do take issue with a 31 ounce coffee. In a typical day I will drink three standard cups of coffee – two in the morning and one in the afternoon. For that reason, I think 31 ounces in one sitting is a little bit much. Think about all the caffeine and what 31 ounces of any liquid is going to do to your bladder. Not to mention, wouldn’t it get cold before you get to the bottom?
I’m going to keep an eye on the Trenta’s introduction because it’s very interesting to me. We’ll see if it gets put on the menu boards nationwide. From what I have seen and discussions I have had with my colleagues, I’m guessing the Trenta is going to be another Starbucks success.
OK, I’ll say it. I’m not a big fan of Starbucks coffee. I drink my coffee black so I find it to be too dark and a little strong. With milk and sugar it’s good, but I’m more of a coffee purist. My personal favorite places for coffee are Dunkin Donuts and Wawa – that’s just me. However, I do respect Starbucks as a company for their business growth and the influence the have on society. The fact that they have killer brownies doesn’t hurt them either in my book.
I do take issue with a 31 ounce coffee. In a typical day I will drink three standard cups of coffee – two in the morning and one in the afternoon. For that reason, I think 31 ounces in one sitting is a little bit much. Think about all the caffeine and what 31 ounces of any liquid is going to do to your bladder. Not to mention, wouldn’t it get cold before you get to the bottom?
I’m going to keep an eye on the Trenta’s introduction because it’s very interesting to me. We’ll see if it gets put on the menu boards nationwide. From what I have seen and discussions I have had with my colleagues, I’m guessing the Trenta is going to be another Starbucks success.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Bring On March!
Some look forward to March because it brings Spring – the promise of green grass, flowers and warmer weather. For me, it’s much different. To me, March is the opportunity to have people over to entertain again. Let’s face it, after the Super Bowl, there is an events hangover. No chance to go see a good game, no reason to have everyone over…it’s a difficult time for everyone. And then comes March.
Think about it – Regardless of who you are, March has two of the year’s greatest events: St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness! Here are two great events, both reasons to call the crew and have a good time. Both events are a few weeks away so I still have some time to plan, but here are my top-line ideas for planning around these events:
St. Patrick’s Day
-Corned Beef & Cabbage is a classic, but let’s think outside of the box
-Bake a sheet cake and cut a shamrock shape out, cover with green icing
-Everyone thinks about drinking – remember to moderate the drinks with an equal amount of water and food, take it easy
-Call ahead to a distributer if you are getting a keg, you CAN get a pre-mixed green keg (I’ve seen it)
Note: You can add green food coloring to almost anything!
March Madness
-Pace yourself, from the bracket selection day to the championship there are a lot of games and plenty of opportunities to party
-Wings, nachos and buffalo wings are acceptable at any time! Take the best parts of the Super Bowl party and re-package them (just remember to change the decorations)
-If you are entertaining for both the Sweet Sixteen and the Elite Eight, you have to mix it up (if you don’t understand these terms, ask a guy)
-Cupcakes are always a classic, especially around sporting events – just remember there is a huge difference between Carolina Blue and the Duke Blue Devils
-Don’t wear a jersey – it works in football and baseball, but not in college basketball
It’s still early – give them both some more thought, there is still time. I can’t wait to make the most of another great March! Check back with me for more ideas!
Think about it – Regardless of who you are, March has two of the year’s greatest events: St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness! Here are two great events, both reasons to call the crew and have a good time. Both events are a few weeks away so I still have some time to plan, but here are my top-line ideas for planning around these events:
St. Patrick’s Day
-Corned Beef & Cabbage is a classic, but let’s think outside of the box
-Bake a sheet cake and cut a shamrock shape out, cover with green icing
-Everyone thinks about drinking – remember to moderate the drinks with an equal amount of water and food, take it easy
-Call ahead to a distributer if you are getting a keg, you CAN get a pre-mixed green keg (I’ve seen it)
Note: You can add green food coloring to almost anything!
March Madness
-Pace yourself, from the bracket selection day to the championship there are a lot of games and plenty of opportunities to party
-Wings, nachos and buffalo wings are acceptable at any time! Take the best parts of the Super Bowl party and re-package them (just remember to change the decorations)
-If you are entertaining for both the Sweet Sixteen and the Elite Eight, you have to mix it up (if you don’t understand these terms, ask a guy)
-Cupcakes are always a classic, especially around sporting events – just remember there is a huge difference between Carolina Blue and the Duke Blue Devils
-Don’t wear a jersey – it works in football and baseball, but not in college basketball
It’s still early – give them both some more thought, there is still time. I can’t wait to make the most of another great March! Check back with me for more ideas!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Haircut & A Cooking Lesson
This weekend I was running around town trying to knock things off of my ever increasingly long to-do list before the start of another work week. After the traditional stops at the bank and the grocery store, I stopped by the local salon to get a haircut. Unfortunately, so did everyone else in town.
While waiting for my named to be called, I checkout out the magazine selection. After passing on US Weekly and People, I was able to find the February issue of GQ. For the record, I am not a fashion person. Find me a good pair of khakis and a polo shirt and I am a happy man. However, given the other options, I was happy to check it out.
Passing over page after page of great suits and ads for every type of men’s fragrance imaginable, I came across the Food section. Yes, the Food section – I didn’t even know they had a Food section. So, I’m reading through all 8 pages of informative and easy to implement cooking tips. I never thought that this icon of men’s fashion also got to work in the kitchen. Thank you, GQ – keep up the good work! I love finding good food information in unexpected places.
Next time you are at the newsstand (or getting a haircut), pick up a copy of GQ and check out what they are wearing AND COOKING. They also have more food and cooking online at http://www.gq.com/food-travel. Enjoy.
While waiting for my named to be called, I checkout out the magazine selection. After passing on US Weekly and People, I was able to find the February issue of GQ. For the record, I am not a fashion person. Find me a good pair of khakis and a polo shirt and I am a happy man. However, given the other options, I was happy to check it out.
Passing over page after page of great suits and ads for every type of men’s fragrance imaginable, I came across the Food section. Yes, the Food section – I didn’t even know they had a Food section. So, I’m reading through all 8 pages of informative and easy to implement cooking tips. I never thought that this icon of men’s fashion also got to work in the kitchen. Thank you, GQ – keep up the good work! I love finding good food information in unexpected places.
Next time you are at the newsstand (or getting a haircut), pick up a copy of GQ and check out what they are wearing AND COOKING. They also have more food and cooking online at http://www.gq.com/food-travel. Enjoy.
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