A Delicious History Lesson

A delicious history lesson from my friends at BuzzFeed:

How 19 Delicious Candies Got Their Names

http://www.buzzfeed.com/justinabarca/how-delicious-candies-got-their-names

The Arnold Palmer

Perfect for the first official day of Summer:
Will Arnett and ESPN explore the origin of the "Arnold Palmer"

http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=the-arnold-palmer

Cheers Mr. President!

I saw this article earlier and thought it was appropriate to share.
--TDC

Obamas Tap White House Home Beer

WASHINGTON (Reuters, August 15, 2012) - President Barack Obama has become one of the first modern day U.S. presidents known for enjoying a cold beer that is brewed and tapped right at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

Obama aides on Tuesday confirmed the small brewery during a three-day re-election campaign tour across Iowa. An official admitted the Obamas have their own alcoholic beverage made and kept in stock at the White House.

Revelations about the White House beer came to light after the president gave a bottle of it to a patron at a coffee shop he was visiting in Iowa. The gift prompted the press corps traveling with Obama to ask for more details and White House spokesman Jay Carney was peppered with questions about the first family's beverage of choice.

"There is a home brew, if you will, at the White House," Carney told reporters.

The beer, named White House Honey Ale, comes in both a light and dark variety. The honey portion of the drink is taken from first lady Michelle Obama's garden beehive.

"I think I've only tried the light, and it's quite refreshing," Carney confessed, although he admitted that he wasn't a beer aficionado.

Pressed for further details of the beer, Carney said: "I have exhausted my knowledge about this subject. Usually, when someone hands me a beer I don't ask how it was made, I just drink it."

(Reporting By Margaret Chadbourn; editing by Christopher Wilson)

They Are Not All Going To Be Winners

Looking back at this week, I made some pretty great dinners. Monday was a baked chicken breast stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella with steamed broccoli – a great meal. Tuesday was a chicken soft tacos, fresh guacamole and a barbecued corn salsa – fun, fresh and healthy.
Then…there was Wednesday. Scallops and shrimp with stir-fried vegetables – a disaster! The shrimp were good, but the scallops were mushy and the stir-fry sauce on the vegetables overpowered the whole dish.

Key Learning: They are not all going to be winners – don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Cooking is still one of the most relaxing, enjoyable things I do and I don’t want to lose that.

Hey France: Who Are You Calling Fat?

I wanted to share the article below because, as a lover of food, I have always been jealous of the French who have a history of great cuisine and have enjoyed it for centuries without gaining weight. While American’s have been dealing with an obesity epidemic, the French have enjoyed the world’s best bread, wines, cheeses and other delights without a problem…until now. Ironically, the weight shift that France is now facing is caused by fast food.

The Week: “Why the French are (finally) getting fat”
http://news.yahoo.com/why-french-finally-getting-fat-073000765.html

Side note: I always thought that American fast food was the reason that the French people did not like Americans. Thank about it – take something as sacred to French culture as the croissant and turn it into the Croissan’wich (from Burger King).

Celebrate National Run Day!

Today is National Rum Day! Before you ask, no I didn’t invent the holiday…despite the fact that I do enjoy a good rum drink from time to time. Personally, my favorite way to enjoy it is with Coca-Cola (the classic Rum & Coke) or with Coca-Cola and lime (the Cuba Libre). Here is how I first heard the story of the Cuba Libre when I toured the Bacardi factory in Puerto Rico a few years ago:

“The world's second most popular drink was born in a collision between the United States and Spain. It happened during the Spanish-American War at the turn of the century when Teddy Roosevelt, the Rough Riders, and Americans in large numbers arrived in Cuba. One afternoon, a group of off-duty soldiers from the U.S. Signal Corps were gathered in a bar in Old Havana. Fausto Rodriguez, a young messenger, later recalled that Captain Russell came in and ordered Bacardi (Gold) rum and Coca-Cola on ice with a wedge of lime. The captain drank the concoction with such pleasure that it sparked the interest of the soldiers around him. They had the bartender prepare a round of the captain's drink for them. The Bacardi rum and Coke was an instant hit. As it does to this day, the drink united the crowd in a spirit of fun and good fellowship. When they ordered another round, one soldier suggested that they toast ¡Por Cuba Libre! in celebration of the newly freed Cuba. The captain raised his glass and sang out the battle cry that had inspired Cuba's victorious soldiers in the War of Independence.”[2] (From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba_Libre)

Please join me in raising a glass to one of my favorite spirits!

Who’s Top Dog? A Federal Court Will Decide

There is nothing more American than a hot dog…and a lawsuit. Leading hot dog manufacturers Sara Lee (Ball Park franks) and Kraft Foods (Oscar Mayer) are involved in a serious legal battle over how far each company is allowed to go in advertising claims over the superiority of their respective dogs. In a great twist to this story, the case will be heard in Chicago – a city that knows a thing or two about a good hot dog.

This story makes me hungry for justice…and a Chicago Dog.

Check out the full AP article on the case here: http://news.yahoo.com/legal-beef-sara-lee-kraft-escalate-wiener-war-070859318.html

Is The NYC Hot Dog Carts Being Pushed Out?

Say it isn’t so! I love a ‘dirty water dog’ as much as anyone in Manhattan. According to this report from CBS2 in New York, that’s exactly what’s happening – hot dog carts losing their spots to more high-end food carts and trucks.

http://news.yahoo.com/video/newyorkcbs2-15751042/is-the-hot-dog-becoming-an-endangered-snack-26247730.html 

I've Got A Beef with Taco Bell

I think deep down, we all knew this announcement was just a matter of time.  --  Oh, Taco Bell.  I still love you!

Taco Bell is Using False Advertising When it Calls Its Food 'Beef,' According to Lawsuit
By Philip Caulfield (taken from The New York Daily News)

Where's the beef? Not at Taco Bell, apparently.

A law firm is claiming that the fast food chain is using false advertising when it says its Mexican delicacies are filled with "ground beef" or "seasoned ground beef."

In fact, the lawsuit claims, the "taco meat filling" used by Taco Bell contains is only about 35% beef, with binders, extenders, preservatives, additives and other agents making up the other 65%.

The class-action lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in California by the Montgomery, Ala., law firm Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles on behalf of a California woman, Amanda Obney.

Obney isn't looking for money, though.

She wants the court to order Taco Bell to be honest with customers about what is in its tacos, chalupas and other dishes.

"We are asking that they stop saying that they are selling beef," the law firm said.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture's website, "ground beef" or "chopped beef" consists of chopped fresh or frozen beef with or without seasoning, should not contain more than 30% fat and should not contain water, phosphates, binders or extenders.

The lawsuit's claim that Taco Bell's "seasoned beef" contains the forbidden additives is backed up by the restaurant's ingredients list on its website, which says the "seasoned beef" in a Beefy Crunch Burrito contains water, sodium phosphates, soy lecithin, modified corn starch, and anti-caking and anti-dusting agents, among others ingredients.

Taco Bell president and chief concept officer Greg Creed said in a statement that the company uses 100% USDA-inspected beef and simmers it in a blend of seasonings to give it the "signature Taco Bell taste and texture."

"We are proud of the quality of our beef and identify all the seasoning and spice ingredients on our website," the statement said. "Unfortunately, the lawyers in this case elected to sue first and ask questions later -- and got their 'facts' absolutely wrong. We plan to take legal action for the false statements being made about our food."

pcaulfield@nydailynews.com, with News Wire Services
Origional Article: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/01/25/2011-01-25_taco_bell_is_using_false_advertising_when_it_calls_its_food_beef_according_to_la.html

Adventures In Dieting

There is no question that I love to eat, drink, and enjoy life. Some of my best times have been around food – cooking for my friends and family or going out to get a few drinks and having some appetizers. Unfortunately, that carefree life has gotten the better of me. My weight has continued to rise while my time at the gym has continued to decline (funny how they work in relation like that).

After a long discussion with the girl this weekend, we have decided to change our bad habits and start a new diet. Together we are eliminating sweets and alcohol, while making an effort to be more active. She is taking it a step further by also cutting out carbs, while I am just trying to reduce my carb intake – I know my limits and going without carbs completely would drive me to my limit!

So far, things are going well. My trick has always been to eat more on a diet, just make sure you are eating the right things. In my opinion, if you are hungry while on a diet, you are destined to fail. I have also changed my cooking style to avoid high-fat additives (better, oil, etc.) and stopped serving bread with dinner.

Here are the dinners I have cooked so far this week:
- Baked turkey breast with a side of mixed vegetables
- Baked salmon with steamed broccoli
- Seared tuna steaks with a fresh garden salad

Nothing lacking in flavor, just a greater focus on eating healthier. Moving forward I need to increase my exercise and look for other healthy meal ideas. I think keeping creative while cooking healthy will be my biggest challenge on this diet. Wish me luck!

Creative Wine Names

When it comes to wine, I am no expert. I have my favorites and I know what my friends enjoy if they are coming over for dinner. I even have a few varieties that I go to when taking a bottle as a gift. Still, there are times when I see a wine with a unique label or a creative name and I have to add it to my cart. Recently, I have found this creativity reaching new heights and wanted to share a few names that have made me laugh – some have even surprised me turning out to be great wines.

-“Ass Kisser” Chardonnay, Australia
-“Earth, Zin & Fire” Zinfandel , California
-“Train Wreck” Cabernet Sauvignon, California*
-“Evil” Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia*
-“Cheap White Wine” Blended White, California
-“Mommy's Time Out” Pinot Grigio Blend, Italy
-“Fat Bastard” Shiraz, France*
-“7 Deadly Zins” Zinfandel, California*
-“3 Blind Moose” Chardonnay, California*
-“Herding Cats” Blended Red, Africa
*Wines that I have tried and enjoyed.

If you are at the store and see a label that makes you smile, give it a shot. The bottle may not only start a conversation, it may make you start enjoying a new wine. Enjoy!

Holiday Brunch: Eggs Chesapeake

While breakfast is the most important meal of the day, brunch is arguably the most fun! I have had great times meeting my friends in the city for brunch or exploring new restaurants with my wife while touring different neighborhoods. There is something about a relaxing Sunday and eating at your leisure that makes brunch the most fun meal of the week!

This week was a special brunch. Given the holiday, the girl and I decided to stay home and relax but we were not giving up the meal we love. We made a memorable meal at home and enjoyed the day together. Our dish was based on one served at one of our favorite breakfast/brunch restaurants, “The Chicken or The Egg,” on Long Beach Island. Check them out: http://www.492fowl.com/ - while their style is easygoing and fun, their food is no joke. (Btw: it took all I had not to write ‘no yolk’ there.)

This dish is the perfect mix of flavors. Starting from the bottom, the dish includes a toasted English muffin topped with cheese, a crispy crab cake, and a poached egg. Finally, the dish is topped with rich, creamy hollandaise sauce. Delicious. Paired with perfectly seasoned hash brown potatoes and a kiwi for color and as a nice palette cleanser, it was truly a brunch meal we’ll never forget. Wash it down with a nice, crisp Mimosa. Enjoy.

Hurricane Warning

As with the end of every summer, hurricane season is back again. Right now we are in the thick of the 2010 season and Earl is heading for our shores. For those of you on the east coast it may be time to head to the grocery store and pick up all the essentials. I recommend you stock up on everything necessary to wait out the storm: milk, water, eggs, bread, brie, fresh pesto, etc. Ok, so perhaps I am the only one with the last two items on my essentials list – to each their own.  Regardless of what is on your essentials list, stock up now and be careful – hurricanes are nothing to mess with. Stay in, stay calm, and take care of yourselves.

Lobster Roll

As I have mentioned before, I have a special spot in my heart (and stomach) for lobster. There is something about that bright red shell, the crack when you break open the claws, and the sweetness of the lobster meat. Every time I am at the grocery store I am drawn to the tank at the seafood counter. With the abundance of lobsters this season and the resulting low price, I have had the chance to enjoy this delicacy many times this season.

This time, I decided to take on a summer classic: the lobster roll. Here is my recipe:
-1 teaspoon chives
-1 teaspoon parsley
-1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
-1 tablespoon lemon juice
-1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
-1 thick slice of onion, diced
-1/4 cup light mayonnaise
-Meat of two steamed lobsters – one to one and a half pounds each, diced
In a large mixing bowl combine spices followed by the lemon juice and stir. Add onions and mayonnaise then stir again. Finally, add the diced lobster and stir lightly.

I served the lobster over a bed of shredded lettuce on a sliced, fresh bakery roll that was butter toasted on the stove top. The salty crunch of potato chips completes the dish.

Check it out: The summer issue of New York Magazine has a great article on Lobster Rolls in the city. The writing by Benjamin Wallace is great and the pictures by Hannah Whitaker are even better.

Store in a Cool Dry Place

I love this blog because I can share the fun that I have in the kitchen – the successes and the…no so successes. This is in the second group.

As you know, some vegetables – potatoes, onions, etc. – are to be stored in a cool, dry place. It is not uncommon for those vegetables to begin sprouting roots if they have been stored too long. Last week I went into my pantry and was surprised by the sight on an onion that was trying to take over an entire shelf! After laughing for a while at it, I had to take a picture and share it. 

The Onion Gone Wrong!

Don’t worry, I didn’t throw it out. I actually planted it in my garden. We’ll see if this crazy onion gone wrong can grow into a healthy plant.

Beachcomber Sangria

Last weekend I had the opportunity to entertain a few great friends at the beach. The weekend was a classic time with everyone enjoying themselves and the great weather. While relaxing in the sun, I wanted to create a unique drink that everyone would enjoy. From that, came the Beachcomber Sangria recipe below. Enjoy.

Beachcomber Sangria
- ¾ cup tequila
- ¼ cup triple sec
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 can lemon/lime soda
- 1 bottle Moscato wine
- 2 tablespoons sugar (if necessary*)
- Diced fruit (apples, pears, strawberries work best for this recipe)

*Note: Depending on the sweetness of the Moscato, you may not need the additional sugar. Stir the pitcher and sample it, then decide whether or not to add it.

More American Then Apple Pie?

I’m just back from an extended Independence Day holiday and had a wonderful time. This is a great holiday for me because in my family we all got together at the beach each year and celebrated with friends, great food and fireworks. This year was no different!

While relaxing one afternoon, we heard that familiar song of the ice cream man as his truck drove down the street. With one quick glance, I knew that everyone was thinking the same thing I was and we bolted for the door together. Like children, we lined up and each picked our favorite frozen treat. As usual, I went with the classic Rocket Pop. While it is good all summer, on July 4th Weekend, the red, white, and blue icy treat is even better. As I was enjoying the sweet coolness, it hit me – the Rocket Pop could be more American than Apple Pie! I know that it doesn’t have the history of that American classic or the iconic status, but I feel it should have a place as alongside the apple pie as America’s dessert. While there will never be anything more American that “mom and apple pie” as the expression goes, I believe that Independence Day belongs to the Rocket Pop.

Happy Memorial Day Everyone

From the east coast...
-New York strip steak
-Baltimore blue claws
-Philly cheese steaks

To the west coast...
-Fish tacos
-Napa wines
-Wild salmon

And everything in between...
-Kansas city barbecue
-Biscuits and gravy
-Apple pie

We live in the best - and most delicious - country in the world.  Thank you to everyone who has sacrificed to make this country what it is today.  Happy Memorial Day to all!  Enjoy!

Cook Out Season: Salute to a Classic

With summer comes many, many dinners outside with the focus on the grill. I believe that the most iconic of these outdoor cookers is the classic black Weber kettle grill. When I was a kid, my father had one and we loved it. There was something about the smokey taste from the charcoal and wood chips that made every dish – from burgers to salmon – that much better.


For that reason, every time I see this Weber ad it makes me smile. And, before you ask, I have danced in front of my grill! Enjoy!

Count Down To Memorial Day

Memorial Day is right around the corner so it is time to start planning your holiday weekend – and more importantly your cook out menu. Like everyone else, my plans are set and include a barbecue with family and friends. This is an annual tradition and something I look forward to every spring. With that, the challenge is keeping the event fresh each year. No one likes to attend the same party every Memorial Day so I encourage you to put a little more thought and creativity into your menu this year.

Here are a few twists on the cook out classics to give you some inspiration:
Hamburgers
-Blue cheese and bacon burger
-Barbecue sauce, caramelized onions, and bacon burger
-Jalapeno peppers, fresh onions, and pepper jack cheese burger

Hot Dogs
-The German Sheppard: Sauerkraut and diced fresh onions
-The Boston Terrier: Baked beans, cheese, and caramelized onions
-The Hawaii Beach Dog: Pineapple chutney
-The Mutt: A little bit of everything

Potato Salad
-Red-skin potato salad
-Dijon potato salad
-Grilled potato salad

Beverages
-Summer seasonal beers (the smaller the brewery, the better)
-Strawberry mojitos
-Sangria (see my May 24 ’09 post)

Desserts
-Individual strawberry short cakes
-Homemade ice cream
-Key lime pie (see my July 26 ’09 post)

This Memorial Day, be creative…and have fun. Enjoy!