Even though this is Sunday night I just wanted to tell everyone I'm back after a slight computer glitch (all , right it was a big computer glitch as in I had to get a new one).
Tomorrow will be business as usual. Sorry this happened.
Liz
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
I'm Back In Time For Lent
Hey , foodies sorry about yesterday. My computer went viral and had to be fixed. I'm back on just in time for Lent. This is the period where Catholics and Orthodox Christians give something up. Most give up some kind of indulgent food such as chocolate or cake. I was never one of those, preferring to give up intolerance or impatience with other people (and winding up with chest pains by Easter). Lent does offer some interesting foods however.
Hot cross buns are a favorite Lenten treat. These are raisin and citron yeast buns marked with a thick white icing cross. Their origin in British, the first being made during the Tudor times. They were only sold and specifically eaten on Christmas, Easter and mourning times. Later, during Early Hanover England they were eaten during the forty days of Lent. Instead of raisins , currents and different spices were added. The word bun itself is from the Greek word boun which means offering to the gods. Sailors also kept the buns aboard their ships to protect the vessels from catching fire. Homeowners followed this belief as well , keeping at least one hot cross bun, usually bake don Good Friday.
Other Lenten traditions include no meat on Fridays for the Catholics, no meat, butter, eggs or cheese, on Wednesday and Friday for the Greek Orthodox for their Lent. During this time, most of us become reacquainted with tuna fish, shrimp and crab cakes. This is actually healthier than seven days of red meat and poultry. After all we all need some Omega 3 in out diets anyway.
So foodies, are there any Lenten food customs that you observe? Let me know here what your traditionare foodwise.
Hot cross buns are a favorite Lenten treat. These are raisin and citron yeast buns marked with a thick white icing cross. Their origin in British, the first being made during the Tudor times. They were only sold and specifically eaten on Christmas, Easter and mourning times. Later, during Early Hanover England they were eaten during the forty days of Lent. Instead of raisins , currents and different spices were added. The word bun itself is from the Greek word boun which means offering to the gods. Sailors also kept the buns aboard their ships to protect the vessels from catching fire. Homeowners followed this belief as well , keeping at least one hot cross bun, usually bake don Good Friday.
Other Lenten traditions include no meat on Fridays for the Catholics, no meat, butter, eggs or cheese, on Wednesday and Friday for the Greek Orthodox for their Lent. During this time, most of us become reacquainted with tuna fish, shrimp and crab cakes. This is actually healthier than seven days of red meat and poultry. After all we all need some Omega 3 in out diets anyway.
So foodies, are there any Lenten food customs that you observe? Let me know here what your traditionare foodwise.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Down with a virus
Hey fellow foodies!i`m writing this from my cell phone!crazy,huh? My laptop is down with a virus and will be fixed within a few days. Bear with me. have a good mardi gras!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Wake Up To A Homecooked Meal
Yesterday I made an actual homestyle breakfast. Yup, there were even biscuits and sausage patties. OK , the biscuits came out of a tube and the patties were soy but it was still a homestyle breakfast of sorts. Cooking a big breakfast is easy, especially if you have the time which I did (it was a Sunday).
Biscuits and muffins are th e perfect breads to make for a large breakfast. They're always good with honey butter or to sop up egg yolks. Biscuits go well with ham and bacon along with any kind of sausage be it patty or link. You can make breakfast sandwiches using them, adding a slice of mild cheddar along with a fried egg. Muffins are a great accompaniment to hearty three egg omelets and are more filling than just plain toast. You cam bake variations such as blueberry corn, or walnuts. If you;re having guests over a fun treat is a brunch filled small muffins; miniature versions of the usual mammoth kind.
Most people love eggs and they always play a big part of a homestyle breakfast. Scrambled eggs are good.they're easy to make and are perfect for large crowds. Vary them by tossing in some bacon or hash along with some cheddar. Omelets are good too. The Western variety require pepper and ham tossed in and you can also add some broccoli and onions too. Spinach omelets are also real crowd pleasers. For a fancier take on eggs think about strata. this is an Italian take on an egg dish.This is layers of eggs with veggies, crumbled sausage on a bed of cubed sourdough.
No homestyle breakfast would be complete without waffles and pancakes. it's pays to have a waffle iron because the homemade taste better and are fluffier than what you get from a box. Besides there's nothing like a hot off the press waffle covered in creamy butter and maple syrup. Pancakes are the same way. With these, try to create a foamy, batter for airier lighter cakes. You can add everything from fruit to nuts and make them in a whole range of sizes.
A hearty breakfast can be done. Your family and guests will appreciate the work you've put into it. You'll appreciate the down home flavor and goodness of it yourself.
Biscuits and muffins are th e perfect breads to make for a large breakfast. They're always good with honey butter or to sop up egg yolks. Biscuits go well with ham and bacon along with any kind of sausage be it patty or link. You can make breakfast sandwiches using them, adding a slice of mild cheddar along with a fried egg. Muffins are a great accompaniment to hearty three egg omelets and are more filling than just plain toast. You cam bake variations such as blueberry corn, or walnuts. If you;re having guests over a fun treat is a brunch filled small muffins; miniature versions of the usual mammoth kind.
Most people love eggs and they always play a big part of a homestyle breakfast. Scrambled eggs are good.they're easy to make and are perfect for large crowds. Vary them by tossing in some bacon or hash along with some cheddar. Omelets are good too. The Western variety require pepper and ham tossed in and you can also add some broccoli and onions too. Spinach omelets are also real crowd pleasers. For a fancier take on eggs think about strata. this is an Italian take on an egg dish.This is layers of eggs with veggies, crumbled sausage on a bed of cubed sourdough.
No homestyle breakfast would be complete without waffles and pancakes. it's pays to have a waffle iron because the homemade taste better and are fluffier than what you get from a box. Besides there's nothing like a hot off the press waffle covered in creamy butter and maple syrup. Pancakes are the same way. With these, try to create a foamy, batter for airier lighter cakes. You can add everything from fruit to nuts and make them in a whole range of sizes.
A hearty breakfast can be done. Your family and guests will appreciate the work you've put into it. You'll appreciate the down home flavor and goodness of it yourself.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Get Ready For Oscar Night!!!
Tomorrow is the Super Bowl of fashion and film. Yup, it's Oscar Night 2009. No matter who you;re routing for Winslett or Streep, Slumdog Millionaire or Milk, you still have to eat. These gatherings are a bit more amped up than the average get together. let's face it you're not going to slurp down champagne during the March Madness finales or eat caviar during the Razzies (award for worst movie of the year). Plan something fun tasty and a bit more elegant than average.
Oscar parties usually require some flair and dash. Most party throwers serve champagne or martinis to deaden the pain of watching the less important Oscar categories. You can also serve sangria if you're also going to serve paella. Any fruity cocktail is good. Serve it in a long glass with a slice of lemon or lime or with a sprig of mint. If you want, you can make a champagne punch too. Bellinis, that wonderful mix of champagne and peach nectar or juice is good with light fare. This is usually served with brunch but it's good with any light chicken dish or even chicken sandwiches. Of course you can go all Hollywood and Wolfgang Puck and serve fancy bottled water too for the designated drivers. (Ginger ale is also good. It looks like champagne when it's served in a flute )
What to feed your hungry movie critics and fashionistas? During these hard times you can nix the caviar but still serve elegant foods.Take deviled chicken , mix with mayonnaise and tarragon and serve on mini croissants. Bruschetta is another good party food. You can make it with tomatoes, vegetables or with cut cold cuts for different twists. Paella is good. It feeds a lot and everyone can have either big or small servings.
Desserts can be just as stylish as any Hollywood chef's can. Buy chocolate cups (or make your own. Melt chocolate chips and then coat cupcake papers). Fill with any instant pudding and fruit. Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Also a fun chocolate fondue wouldn't go amiss here either.
Sit back tomorrow night and enjoy the glitz and the glamour. Hoist a glass of your favorite champagne to your fave winning . Enjoy Oscar night in true Hollywood style!
Oscar parties usually require some flair and dash. Most party throwers serve champagne or martinis to deaden the pain of watching the less important Oscar categories. You can also serve sangria if you're also going to serve paella. Any fruity cocktail is good. Serve it in a long glass with a slice of lemon or lime or with a sprig of mint. If you want, you can make a champagne punch too. Bellinis, that wonderful mix of champagne and peach nectar or juice is good with light fare. This is usually served with brunch but it's good with any light chicken dish or even chicken sandwiches. Of course you can go all Hollywood and Wolfgang Puck and serve fancy bottled water too for the designated drivers. (Ginger ale is also good. It looks like champagne when it's served in a flute )
What to feed your hungry movie critics and fashionistas? During these hard times you can nix the caviar but still serve elegant foods.Take deviled chicken , mix with mayonnaise and tarragon and serve on mini croissants. Bruschetta is another good party food. You can make it with tomatoes, vegetables or with cut cold cuts for different twists. Paella is good. It feeds a lot and everyone can have either big or small servings.
Desserts can be just as stylish as any Hollywood chef's can. Buy chocolate cups (or make your own. Melt chocolate chips and then coat cupcake papers). Fill with any instant pudding and fruit. Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip. Also a fun chocolate fondue wouldn't go amiss here either.
Sit back tomorrow night and enjoy the glitz and the glamour. Hoist a glass of your favorite champagne to your fave winning . Enjoy Oscar night in true Hollywood style!
Friday, February 20, 2009
The Real Foodie Pantry
I just read a disturbing article in today's New York Times. The article told about laid off middle class people are relying on food pantries to survive. This is a sad sign of the times. Hopefully , this will end within a year. For the meantime, we have to deal with it.
If you are laid off an d have children, don't; feel that there's shame in asking for assistance. You and your kids need sustenance along with nutrition to stay healthy. If anything go for the fresh vegetables and fruits. These provide you with minerals and vitamins. Also beans are another good stock up. With these, you can make a variety of long lasting chilis and ratatouilles for your family . Make extra amounts so that they can be frozen for later dates.Pasta is another stock up. It can be used as the base for both Italian and Chinese dishes. Food pantries also have juice and cereal, much needed staples for little ones. Pantries are great places to get much needed bread, milk, and eggs. There is also some pet food there so if your cat or dog isn't on a special diet, then pick up cans or bags.
For any store owner or manufacturer reading this, please contribute to the food banks. if you're just the average citizen , volunteer in any way possible. Sadly, these harsh economic times call for our help , whether on a grand level or just something small scale. Do what you can. Think of the families involved who need that next meal to keep going. If you want have a food drive yourself where you can collect cans and tins from neighbors. Get involved in your kid's schools fund drives . Even spend a few hours a week at your nearest pantry , helping out.
It's jolting to see most Americans looking for assistance. These are hard times foodwise. We have to help each other out. Swallow our pride and open our arms. We can make life easier for each other.u
If you are laid off an d have children, don't; feel that there's shame in asking for assistance. You and your kids need sustenance along with nutrition to stay healthy. If anything go for the fresh vegetables and fruits. These provide you with minerals and vitamins. Also beans are another good stock up. With these, you can make a variety of long lasting chilis and ratatouilles for your family . Make extra amounts so that they can be frozen for later dates.Pasta is another stock up. It can be used as the base for both Italian and Chinese dishes. Food pantries also have juice and cereal, much needed staples for little ones. Pantries are great places to get much needed bread, milk, and eggs. There is also some pet food there so if your cat or dog isn't on a special diet, then pick up cans or bags.
For any store owner or manufacturer reading this, please contribute to the food banks. if you're just the average citizen , volunteer in any way possible. Sadly, these harsh economic times call for our help , whether on a grand level or just something small scale. Do what you can. Think of the families involved who need that next meal to keep going. If you want have a food drive yourself where you can collect cans and tins from neighbors. Get involved in your kid's schools fund drives . Even spend a few hours a week at your nearest pantry , helping out.
It's jolting to see most Americans looking for assistance. These are hard times foodwise. We have to help each other out. Swallow our pride and open our arms. We can make life easier for each other.u
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Dessert Bacon and Eggs????
There's a new trend right now with restaurant owners and chefs. It's taking breakfast ingredients and serving them up for dessert. The New York Times dedicated an entire article to it in their food section yesterday. There were even recipes .
I don't know about you but having a cup cake iced with frosting made from bacon fat is not my cup of tea. Yet there was a recipe for it , in Wednesday's Times. Bacon is good with eggs, (naturally) and on spinach salad. It's the right accompaniment for a cheeseburger or even criss crossing the top of a meatloaf. It just wasn't meant for dessert. I can understand dipping it in maple syrup with pancakes if you're into the whole sweet salty thing. There's also the comeback of the sweet omelet. Jam omelets are nothing new. I used to make them as a young cook but they weren't really popular in my house. Chef's take the leftover egg batter from French toast and cook it up. French toast itself can be an excellent dessert if served with fresh fruit and maybe a light syrup. That's about it.
Not to be left out cereals too are being mashed and crunched to be made into little cakes or the crust for pies. One recipe calls for the left over milk from a cereal bowl . Somehow I think I'll just stick with a Rice Krispies treat and a cup of tea for after dinner.
OK< foodies, let's hear your opinions. What do you think of this trend? Do you want a bacon and strawberry souffle to top off your meals. Or a chocolate chip omelet served over oatmeal toast?
Sound off here.
I don't know about you but having a cup cake iced with frosting made from bacon fat is not my cup of tea. Yet there was a recipe for it , in Wednesday's Times. Bacon is good with eggs, (naturally) and on spinach salad. It's the right accompaniment for a cheeseburger or even criss crossing the top of a meatloaf. It just wasn't meant for dessert. I can understand dipping it in maple syrup with pancakes if you're into the whole sweet salty thing. There's also the comeback of the sweet omelet. Jam omelets are nothing new. I used to make them as a young cook but they weren't really popular in my house. Chef's take the leftover egg batter from French toast and cook it up. French toast itself can be an excellent dessert if served with fresh fruit and maybe a light syrup. That's about it.
Not to be left out cereals too are being mashed and crunched to be made into little cakes or the crust for pies. One recipe calls for the left over milk from a cereal bowl . Somehow I think I'll just stick with a Rice Krispies treat and a cup of tea for after dinner.
OK< foodies, let's hear your opinions. What do you think of this trend? Do you want a bacon and strawberry souffle to top off your meals. Or a chocolate chip omelet served over oatmeal toast?
Sound off here.
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