Where have you been? It’s a great question. When I hear it I think of my mother and getting yelled at for staying out too late when I was a teenager. In this case, it has been nearly a month since my last blog so it would lead many back to that great question. Luckily for me, I have a great answer.
For the past month, I have been renovating my kitchen. It was a huge project that was long overdue. New countertops, light fixtures, floor, paint, crown molding – you name it, I renovated it. I am very proud of the results and have already received accolades from friends who have seen it.
Now that the project has been completed and it’s time to get back to cooking...and to blogging. Stay tuned for new blog posts and new dishes from the new kitchen!
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Here’s to 2010 – New Year’s Resolutions
With the new year off to a fresh start, I’m thinking of the things that I didn’t get to last year and the ways I want to improve myself in the future. I know, some people think New Year’s Resolutions are a bit of a joke, but I think they are a good way to keep yourself in check. Growing up, my father would joke that if we didn’t have a few resolutions for the new year, he would write them for us. So, before he jumps in with input, I want to share my 2010 New Year’s Resolutions.
Get Back to the Gym
Over the holiday I have renewed my love of chocolate, cheese, bacon and all the other foods that I normally keep in moderation. Not sure why it is, but each year during the holidays the concept of moderation goes out the window. This year, nothing crazy, but I need to get back to the gym and take a little more care in what I’m eating.
Take a Class
It has been a while since I have taken a cooking class and I need to get back to it. You can learn a great deal from books and the Internet, but there is something different about learning directly from an expert. I have taken a number of classes in the past and recommend them to everyone – never stop learning.
No More Toys
My family and friends know how much I love to cook so for each holiday and birthday they are happy to get me a new toy for the kitchen. Also, when I’m out shopping and see something new or something on sale, I can’t help myself. Now, I have a bunch of these kitchen items that I have barely used or not used at all. I need to use the toys and the tools that I have and keep from buying new things when I already have a kitchen full of them.
Explore French Cuisine
French food and cooking styles are some of the most important in the world and I will admit, I don’t know as much about them as I should or want to. In the coming year, I am going to work on this and explore this great area of food.
Blog More
I love writing about food nearly as much as I love cooking or eating it. If you follow my blog regularly, you have noticed gaps in when I’m writing new posts. I need to post more regularly and be more involved in the cooking community.
Get Back to the Gym
Over the holiday I have renewed my love of chocolate, cheese, bacon and all the other foods that I normally keep in moderation. Not sure why it is, but each year during the holidays the concept of moderation goes out the window. This year, nothing crazy, but I need to get back to the gym and take a little more care in what I’m eating.
Take a Class
It has been a while since I have taken a cooking class and I need to get back to it. You can learn a great deal from books and the Internet, but there is something different about learning directly from an expert. I have taken a number of classes in the past and recommend them to everyone – never stop learning.
No More Toys
My family and friends know how much I love to cook so for each holiday and birthday they are happy to get me a new toy for the kitchen. Also, when I’m out shopping and see something new or something on sale, I can’t help myself. Now, I have a bunch of these kitchen items that I have barely used or not used at all. I need to use the toys and the tools that I have and keep from buying new things when I already have a kitchen full of them.
Explore French Cuisine
French food and cooking styles are some of the most important in the world and I will admit, I don’t know as much about them as I should or want to. In the coming year, I am going to work on this and explore this great area of food.
Blog More
I love writing about food nearly as much as I love cooking or eating it. If you follow my blog regularly, you have noticed gaps in when I’m writing new posts. I need to post more regularly and be more involved in the cooking community.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Breakfast Casserole
There is something about having people over for a holiday – or even a weekend – and everyone wakes up at the same time. Sure, you can make a pot of coffee and that works …but in a few minutes everyone is hungry and they are staring at you longingly for a snack. You could make eggs for everyone, but then you are working away at the stove all morning, no one eats together and you’re stuck eating last.
So, here’s the solution: Breakfast Casserole. Make it the night before and refrigerate. When everyone wakes up, stick it in the oven for an hour. I am not sure the original origin of this recipe, but it is something I grew up with and always enjoyed. Thanksgiving, Christmas morning, or when company is over, this one is a classic:
10 slices of bread, cubed
8 eggs
2 cups of milk
1 pound of Velveeta Cheese
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
Place the cubed bread in the bottom of a 9” by 13” pan. Combine the milk and eggs, and then pour over the bread. Crumble bacon over the mixture, and then slice the cheese to cover the casserole. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake covered for one hour at 350 degrees (325 if using a glass pan).
If possible, remove the casserole from the refrigerator one hour prior to cooking. This will allow it to come closer to room temperature before sending it into the oven. It’s a super simple recipe that is sure to be a hit and I promise, everyone I’ve ever made this for raves over it. Oh, and it may sound like a little much, but serve it with pancake syrup. Enjoy!
So, here’s the solution: Breakfast Casserole. Make it the night before and refrigerate. When everyone wakes up, stick it in the oven for an hour. I am not sure the original origin of this recipe, but it is something I grew up with and always enjoyed. Thanksgiving, Christmas morning, or when company is over, this one is a classic:
10 slices of bread, cubed
8 eggs
2 cups of milk
1 pound of Velveeta Cheese
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
Place the cubed bread in the bottom of a 9” by 13” pan. Combine the milk and eggs, and then pour over the bread. Crumble bacon over the mixture, and then slice the cheese to cover the casserole. Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight. Bake covered for one hour at 350 degrees (325 if using a glass pan).
If possible, remove the casserole from the refrigerator one hour prior to cooking. This will allow it to come closer to room temperature before sending it into the oven. It’s a super simple recipe that is sure to be a hit and I promise, everyone I’ve ever made this for raves over it. Oh, and it may sound like a little much, but serve it with pancake syrup. Enjoy!
Back from Holiday Break
Hi Everyone! Sorry it has been so long, but I have been enjoying a great holiday with my family. With that said, I have learned some new things and want to share. Check back over the next few days for some dishes that have been tested over the holiday and are sure to please!
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Jambalaya & Love
Years ago, I received an email from a friend that just said, “Are you coming with me?” I thought it was strange until I paged down and saw a travel itinerary for New Orleans. At the time, I had never been to the city that people lovingly refer to as NOLA, but I knew that I did not want to pass on the opportunity so I booked my trip just a few moments after receiving that email. That trip changed my live, and for that reason, I will always be grateful to the friend who invited me and the other friends I made during the trip.
Since then, I have been back to that great city no less that 10 times for both business and pleasure – never missing an opportunity to visit that great city. NOLA, like no other city in the country, is a place where you are encouraged to eat and drink yourself from one side to the other. From the chicory coffee and beignets at cafe du monde to the hurricanes at Patty O’s; the Garden District to the French Quarter; Mother’s to Emeril’s NOLA restaurant. Each trip I try to get to a different place and I am always delighted.
Last night I went with a dish that reminds me of that great city warming me both in my stomach and in my soul – Jambalaya. Because it was a weeknight, I went with what some would call the easy way, using a Zatarain’s box as the base. I know what you are thinking: “If you love the city, boxed jambalaya doesn’t do it justice.” And, you are right. If you are pressed for time however, this is a great place to start. With that said, you can do things to bring the box to life. I follow the directions as indicated on the package, but instead of adding one pound of sausage, shrimp or chicken, I like to add a half pound of each. Combining these flavors really brings the dish to life. Also, I like to add diced onion, tomatoes and a few garlic cloves to make the flavor a little deeper. Also, don’t forget the hot sauce.
God bless the town of New Orleans and the people who make it great. Also, tell them I will be back soon.
Enjoy.
Side Note: This is one of the best articles I have read about the city and how their beloved Saints are more than just a team, they are a reflection on their culture.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?page=hotread14/Saints
By Wright Thompson of ESPN.com
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Three More Shopping Days Left
If my calculations are correct, there are only three more shopping days left until Christmas. For those of you looking for last minute gift ideas for the foodie on your list, please let me help. Here are five gifts for that certain someone who spends way too much time in the kitchen. Each shows how smart and thoughtful you are and can still be purchased before that deadline on Christmas Eve.
Cooking Lessons
- In my experience, everyone loves to learn something new in the kitchen. It could be the opportunity to further develop their skills, expand their knowledge, or explore an all new cuisine entirely. Think about the person you have in mind, the budget, and options around you before selecting the best class. If possible, choose a class you can both take together to share the experience.
Wine
- Wine is often dismissed as the gift that you give to the person in the office that you don’t know very well or you bring to a holiday gathering out of obligation. OK, it is both of those. However, it can also be a very heart-felt gift. If they have favorites, buying them will show that you know the person and you are just that thoughtful. If you don’t know their favorites, give them your favorites and share with them why they are your favorites and what you enjoy them with.
Retail Gift Cards
- You may be thinking this is a phone-it-in gift, but there is not a chef in the world that wouldn’t like a new toy or two in the kitchen. I know that I am very difficult to buy for in this regard as I have particular tastes and already have a lot of strange kitchen tools. For someone like me, this may be the best way to go. Find a store that you know they already like (ie: Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, etc.) and present them with the gift card as the opportunity to pick out exactly what they want.
Restaurant Gift Certificates
- Again, don’t dismiss this one as being too easy. I learned from shopping for my father – a very difficult person to buy for – that often, an experience is more fun than an item. By giving a gift certificate, you are doing just that in giving them the experience of a new or favorite restaurant. While they may love to cook, I’m sure they love to go out and experience someone else’s cooking as well.
Magazine Subscriptions
- When I am not in the kitchen, I am often reading about food, wine, cooking techniques – you name it. If the person on your list falls into the same category, a subscription to a magazine within their specific interest could be just the thing. There are plenty to choose from, like Food Network Magazine, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, or others, and they all have great content in each issue.
Have a Merry Christmas. Enjoy!
Cooking Lessons
- In my experience, everyone loves to learn something new in the kitchen. It could be the opportunity to further develop their skills, expand their knowledge, or explore an all new cuisine entirely. Think about the person you have in mind, the budget, and options around you before selecting the best class. If possible, choose a class you can both take together to share the experience.
Wine
- Wine is often dismissed as the gift that you give to the person in the office that you don’t know very well or you bring to a holiday gathering out of obligation. OK, it is both of those. However, it can also be a very heart-felt gift. If they have favorites, buying them will show that you know the person and you are just that thoughtful. If you don’t know their favorites, give them your favorites and share with them why they are your favorites and what you enjoy them with.
Retail Gift Cards
- You may be thinking this is a phone-it-in gift, but there is not a chef in the world that wouldn’t like a new toy or two in the kitchen. I know that I am very difficult to buy for in this regard as I have particular tastes and already have a lot of strange kitchen tools. For someone like me, this may be the best way to go. Find a store that you know they already like (ie: Crate & Barrel, Williams Sonoma, etc.) and present them with the gift card as the opportunity to pick out exactly what they want.
Restaurant Gift Certificates
- Again, don’t dismiss this one as being too easy. I learned from shopping for my father – a very difficult person to buy for – that often, an experience is more fun than an item. By giving a gift certificate, you are doing just that in giving them the experience of a new or favorite restaurant. While they may love to cook, I’m sure they love to go out and experience someone else’s cooking as well.
Magazine Subscriptions
- When I am not in the kitchen, I am often reading about food, wine, cooking techniques – you name it. If the person on your list falls into the same category, a subscription to a magazine within their specific interest could be just the thing. There are plenty to choose from, like Food Network Magazine, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, or others, and they all have great content in each issue.
Have a Merry Christmas. Enjoy!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Last Minute Gift Ideas?
I just came across a great article from Health.com by MaryAnne Gragg – “Heart-Healthy Gifts from the Kitchen” – that I wanted to call to everyone’s attention. For those looking for a last-minute gift idea, the article includes information on two new cookbooks: “American Heart Association Healthy Family Meals: 150 Recipes Everyone Will Love” and “Keeping the Beat Recipes: Deliciously Healthy Dinners” from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. You have to know that anything written by these two great health/consumer-focused groups has to be top-notch. Both are known for helping consumers get healthy and stay that way.
I am very happy to see that these new books focused on both healthy and easy-to-make meals as those two sides are often difficulty to put together. All too often, quick and easy meals mean fast food or fatty foods.
In addition to the cook books and other recommendations for holiday gift ideas, the article includes a link to other healthy recipes from Health.com including Sangria, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and a Lighter Penne a la Vodka – these are healthy recipes I’ve got to get in on!
See the full article here:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/12/15/moh.holiday.heart.gifts/index.html
Enjoy.
I am very happy to see that these new books focused on both healthy and easy-to-make meals as those two sides are often difficulty to put together. All too often, quick and easy meals mean fast food or fatty foods.
In addition to the cook books and other recommendations for holiday gift ideas, the article includes a link to other healthy recipes from Health.com including Sangria, Ice Cream Sandwiches, and a Lighter Penne a la Vodka – these are healthy recipes I’ve got to get in on!
See the full article here:
http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/12/15/moh.holiday.heart.gifts/index.html
Enjoy.
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