Ultimate Summer Treat

“Hot time, summer in the city…” A great line from a classic song and this time of year, there is nothing more true. We are now in mid-July which means the dog days of summer. In these long and hot days, there are few things to help you beat the heat better than a sweet, cold dessert.

With that in mind, we headed out to Dairy Queen for Blizzards. You can get them in vanilla, chocolate and a bunch of other flavors then add any of a number of toppings – cookies, candy bits, and more. I ordered the Chocolate Brownie Batter Blizzard and could not have been happier. Mission Accomplished! Thank you DQ.

If you have never had one, you do not know what you are missing. Enjoy!

Sushi Night!

I confess, I took the night off from cooking last night and went for sushi. There is just something about sushi -- I just can't get enough. Great presentation in the colors and the way it is plated, the flavor of each piece is unique and it pairs well with all kinds of different wines or beers.

My recommendation -- support your local sushi restaurant.

Tacos…Minus 150 calories and 7 grams of fat

I have always loved taco night! All fresh ingredients that are cooked, chopped, or shredded just before eating. Given all the fresh ingredients – lettuce, onions, tomatoes, peppers, etc. – you would think homemade tacos would be healthy. Not so fast! According to the Old El Paso web site, a serving of hard taco shells (3 shells) contains 150 calories and 7 grams of fat!

I noticed, however, if you eliminate the shells, you can still have a great meal while keeping it healthy. Instead of shredding the Romaine lettuce, use it as the shell by adding the ingredients into the lettuce leaf. I'm not the first to come up with this idea, but I like it so much that I wanted to share it. Think about it, the leaf is already shaped like a shell – it just works!

Give it a shot. Personally, I would rather save those calories for a good Mexican beer to accompany my tacos. Enjoy!

Nutritional information found here: http://www.generalmills.com/corporate/brands/product_image.aspx?catID=23365&itemID=3588

Inspiration: Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

OK, I admit it – I’m a foodie and a nerd in addition to having too much time on my hands. I read a bunch of cooking magazines and watch the Food Network for ideas and inspiration. The interested thing, I found this idea from a magazine I don’t often read: The Nest (Summer 2009). In addition to providing me with the idea, the article on cooking and eating at home to save money made me think. On this recipe, the author says you can save over 50% by making it at home versus going out to eat. We could all use a little help these days – glad to see sharp reporters and editors doing their part to help. Great work The Nest – I recommend you picking up the magazine for yourself.

As with any dish, once inspired I have to do it my own way. I decided to do a seared tuna with a fresh garden salad. As you can see from the picture - great color and very healthy. Here is the salad: lettuce, onion slices, tomatoes slices (seasoned with garlic salt, pepper, grated Romano cheese and balsamic vinegar before plating), broccoli crowns, almonds, hard-boiled egg, mozzarella cheese and a raspberry vinaigrette dressing.

As for the tuna steaks, I seared them on a grill pan (indoors) on medium-high heat – 1 minute on each side. You could use a regular frying pan, but the grill pan gives you the classic grilling lines. Be sure to watch the tuna as you are cooking it – you will see the steak begin to turn white, but you only want to cook to outside keeping the inside rare and very pink.

Plate the salad first so it remains cool. Then, once it is finished, add the tuna steak just before serving. Enjoy!

Follow Up: Check This Out Too

More Fun: This summer issue of The Nest also has a feature, “9 Summer Wines Under $15.” I have already had three of the wines and I totally agree with the reporter, Riann Smith. Check out the article – I need to check out the other wines on the list!

Memorial Day Weekend - Drinks Anyone?

Memorial Day – the unofficial start of summer – a great reason to blog! I know it has been a while, but this is worth the wait. This is the weekend that if you are not hosting a barbecue, you are invited to one. That’s what we do on Memorial Day, remember the sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom and celebrate that freedom with friends and a grill!

So, you have been invited to the barbecue, you have picked out your best plaid shorts and you are ready to go. Jump in the car and…wait…are you going to pick up some snacks? A 12 pack? A nice bottle of wine based on the label (I know, we all do it…)? So is everyone else! If you want to distinguish yourself and make a real impression at the barbecue, check out the following. Beverages that get noticed!

Beach House Sangria*
- ½ cup tequila
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ triple sec
- 4 cups lemonade
- 2 cups Sprite/7UP
- 1 bottle Merlot wine
- Diced fruit (apples, pears, oranges, etc)
- Sugar to taste
- Ice
*A good friend of mine gave me this recipe and I will forever be grateful!


Summer Orange Cooler
- ½ cup tequila
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ triple sec
- 24 oz (2 cans) orange soda (diet works too)
- 1 bottle Moscato wine
- Diced fruit (apples, pears, oranges, etc)
- Ice

Enjoy your barbecue and happy summer to all!

Tick Tock - A Top New Jersey Diner

A weekend in New Jersey means a trip to the diner for breakfast. If you have not been to a Jersey diner, it’s an experience. In New Jersey, a diner is part of the local culture. You can get a feel for the town by the people sitting around you…not to mention that you can order anything from pancakes to chicken sandwiches or pot roast at any hour of the day or night. I have done a good amount of traveling around the country and have to say (in my bias opinion), New Jersey diners are the best in the country.

This weekend’s trip was to the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton. A place famous both in New Jersey and in the diner community as a whole. This restaurant was profiled on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. Check out the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/diners-drive-ins-and-dives/the-new-jersey-diner-tour/index.html. After my first trip there, I knew why.

While the classic diner rule of keeping the good food coming and the hot coffee pouring – this place takes it to the next level. Disco Fries, Three-Tier Burgers and the classic Route 3 Traffic Jam – All Classics! This morning, the girl and I went with the Mexican Omelets and were not disappointed. The blend of eggs, cheese and jalapeno peppers was what I needed to start my weekend. Now, with a full stomach and more coffee than necessary, I was ready to face the world!

If you get the chance to make it to Clifton, I recommend the Tick Tock Diner.