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.
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The Power Behind Power Bars
We've all eaten them. We've all been lured by the promise of low calories and a huge energy boost. What are these seductive little goodies? Power bars. yet are they a help or a hindrance to our daily lives and diets?
We have NASA to thank for their invention. The astronauts had to had something not only nutritious but compact to eat. Ingredients such as rolled oats and peanut butter were added for nutrition. Chocolate was added for the taste. Later on dried cranberries and raisins were added for more nutrition. Power bars are a mix of carbs and fiber which help. Personally I'd rather eat fruit as a pick me up. At least I know I'm receiving vitamins and antioxidants. The most I can get from power bars is a dose of calcium.
If you're still gung ho about eating them, then make them yourself. There are a few no bake recipes you can get on the web. With creating your own, you can add the ingredients you like. Add some sunflower seeds to the mix or dried apricots or plums. You do have to buy protein powder, available at any GNC chain or your local health food store.
Are power bars worth incorporating into your diet. That's your decision. If you're active and don;t have time for a proper meal, I ll say OK. Just don' make a habit of them. Everyone needs a meal, full of real food, full of vitamins and nutrients every now and then.
We have NASA to thank for their invention. The astronauts had to had something not only nutritious but compact to eat. Ingredients such as rolled oats and peanut butter were added for nutrition. Chocolate was added for the taste. Later on dried cranberries and raisins were added for more nutrition. Power bars are a mix of carbs and fiber which help. Personally I'd rather eat fruit as a pick me up. At least I know I'm receiving vitamins and antioxidants. The most I can get from power bars is a dose of calcium.
If you're still gung ho about eating them, then make them yourself. There are a few no bake recipes you can get on the web. With creating your own, you can add the ingredients you like. Add some sunflower seeds to the mix or dried apricots or plums. You do have to buy protein powder, available at any GNC chain or your local health food store.
Are power bars worth incorporating into your diet. That's your decision. If you're active and don;t have time for a proper meal, I ll say OK. Just don' make a habit of them. Everyone needs a meal, full of real food, full of vitamins and nutrients every now and then.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Scotland's Culinary Side
If you think Scotland is just kilts, bagpipes, Nessie and romantic scenery, think again. This ancient land, with its' robust , handsome people also has a great culinary history. Its' rivers and seasides are full of delicious catches and its' country side bursting with crops and sheep. Some of the world's best chefs also have come out of Scotland in recent years. It's not just a wild land, full of passionate people but also a cornucopia filled with amazing foods.
Since Scotland is surrounded by the Irish and the North Seas, its' cuisine has a large amount of fish recipes. There's the famous finnan haddie which is smoked haddock poached in milk and usually served for breakfast (OK, this is not for the faint hearted, that's for sure). The country also has a series of fresh water streams running through it which produces plump, tender salmon.
Oatmeal has always played a large part in the Scottish diet since ancient times. It started as a base for simple cakes and now has been an ingredient in haggis. This is a translation of a Viking dish and is a sausage made from sheep intestines or offal, beef suet and toasted oatmeal. (trust me , it's not as bad as it sounds). Robert Burns, the famed bard of Scotland, immortalized it in it
his famous "Address To The Haggis". Oatmeal is also seen in Scottish desserts as well. There's a rhubarb oatmeal crumb as well as a sweet oat cakes that are very similar to American oatmeal cookies.
I'd be remiss not to include that Scottish favorite - short bread. This buttery cookie was and still is usually made for the Christmas holidays. Housewives used to prick their clans' symbols in the dough and then bake. Now you can buy it with chocolate chips as well as with it dipped in chocolate.
Scotland is an amazing country with amazing good. There are all sorts of foods one can have there, satisfying a taste from the savory to the sweet.
Since Scotland is surrounded by the Irish and the North Seas, its' cuisine has a large amount of fish recipes. There's the famous finnan haddie which is smoked haddock poached in milk and usually served for breakfast (OK, this is not for the faint hearted, that's for sure). The country also has a series of fresh water streams running through it which produces plump, tender salmon.
Oatmeal has always played a large part in the Scottish diet since ancient times. It started as a base for simple cakes and now has been an ingredient in haggis. This is a translation of a Viking dish and is a sausage made from sheep intestines or offal, beef suet and toasted oatmeal. (trust me , it's not as bad as it sounds). Robert Burns, the famed bard of Scotland, immortalized it in it
his famous "Address To The Haggis". Oatmeal is also seen in Scottish desserts as well. There's a rhubarb oatmeal crumb as well as a sweet oat cakes that are very similar to American oatmeal cookies.
I'd be remiss not to include that Scottish favorite - short bread. This buttery cookie was and still is usually made for the Christmas holidays. Housewives used to prick their clans' symbols in the dough and then bake. Now you can buy it with chocolate chips as well as with it dipped in chocolate.
Scotland is an amazing country with amazing good. There are all sorts of foods one can have there, satisfying a taste from the savory to the sweet.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Versatile Eggplant
February calls for hearty meals. There's nothing that fits this requirement than the eggplant. You can cook it a variety of ways, from breaded to stir fried. It's easy to prepare and easy to use. Anyone, from foodie novice to seasoned gourmand can create a tasty dish with it.
Surprisingly enough eggplant has been around since prehistoric times. it was probably one of the first veggies primitive man ate. This cousin of belladonna or deadly nightshade had its' or gins in India and China. It has been written about since the 5th century ACE. It didn't take hold in European households until the Moor s introduced to Spain and Italians trade with the Middle East. The French loved it grilled while Italians made it stuffed or breaded. Even though Americans were leery of this vegetable, President Andrew Jackson loved Spanish style stuffed eggplant and frequently requested it for its' dinner. The great playwright and vegetarian George Bernard Shaw integrated eggplant into his diet as much as possible enjoying an eggplant au gratin.
Eggplants have changed since their early days when they actually resembled swan's eggs. There are many kind s including a seedless Sicilian, Listada di Gandia along with some Asian varieties For a hearty winter dish , think of ratatouille, full of cube d eggplant mingling with tomatoes and onions in a rich vegetable broth.My German great grandparents and grandfather loved making it breaded and calling it poor man's oysters ( I guess it tastes like them). For a healthier alternative stir fry eggplant in garlic and oil and serve with brown rice. Eggplant is a good anti coagulant. It's perfect for reducing the risk of strokes as well as liver problems.
This winter use eggplant to create a hearty flavorful meal. They are wonderful anyway you cook them and provide some good eating too. Pick up a few for your cold weather recipes.
Surprisingly enough eggplant has been around since prehistoric times. it was probably one of the first veggies primitive man ate. This cousin of belladonna or deadly nightshade had its' or gins in India and China. It has been written about since the 5th century ACE. It didn't take hold in European households until the Moor s introduced to Spain and Italians trade with the Middle East. The French loved it grilled while Italians made it stuffed or breaded. Even though Americans were leery of this vegetable, President Andrew Jackson loved Spanish style stuffed eggplant and frequently requested it for its' dinner. The great playwright and vegetarian George Bernard Shaw integrated eggplant into his diet as much as possible enjoying an eggplant au gratin.
Eggplants have changed since their early days when they actually resembled swan's eggs. There are many kind s including a seedless Sicilian, Listada di Gandia along with some Asian varieties For a hearty winter dish , think of ratatouille, full of cube d eggplant mingling with tomatoes and onions in a rich vegetable broth.My German great grandparents and grandfather loved making it breaded and calling it poor man's oysters ( I guess it tastes like them). For a healthier alternative stir fry eggplant in garlic and oil and serve with brown rice. Eggplant is a good anti coagulant. It's perfect for reducing the risk of strokes as well as liver problems.
This winter use eggplant to create a hearty flavorful meal. They are wonderful anyway you cook them and provide some good eating too. Pick up a few for your cold weather recipes.
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