French regional food is always the best. It reflects the people and their centuries year old recipes. it also represents the land and waters that fresh veggies, organic meat and newly caught seafood come from. This is certainly true in France's Languedoc area, a beautiful section located on the Mediterranean.
Languedoc has always stood in the shadow of its' more famous neighbor, Provence. Foodies go mad for Provencale cooking,from its' bouillabaisse to its' saffron infused sauces. However Languedoc, the region to Provence's east also has some amazing dishes as well. The most famous is cassoulet, that delicious melange of duck and pork, beans and tomatoes. Wild boar is another popular dish being served in the more mountainous and sometimes chillier areas of the region. Confit du canard is another well loved recipe using duck legs poached in their own fat. Truffles also abound here.as so lives. The Langdociennes make a tapanade using olives form their
hillsides. Seafood is also popular and a fish stew . bourride,is made with aioli , the garlicky mayonnaise.
The region also has some amazing orchards. Cherries, apricots and peaches are in abundance, here thanks to the temperate climate. Clafoutis is a thick buttery flan covering dark sweet cherries. 9thanks to the Spanish influence on the regions' most western border) . Almonds figure big here too,. although most Langdociennes would end their dinners with some fruit and possible blue cheese . Blue cheese originate here and they region is proud of it. France's famed lavender honey is also made in this region and is used in creating sweet, floral infused pastries.
Languedoc is every foodie and gourmet;s destination. it is a quieter version of Provence, Yet it's cuisine packs a punch. It has given France andthe world some of th e best known dishes from cassoulet to clafoutis.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Smarties Rock!
Nothing beats a fun roll of Smarties candies. In the States and Canada they're they fruity tasting little tablets that come in long tubelike packs. They're a fun candy as a snack and also a great way of getting a quick sugar rush. The worst or the best part is you can't just eat one roll. You usually have to go through three or four - or until you're sick of them.
Smarties originated in 1949 in Bloomfield , New Jersey when an English immigrant Eddie Dee created these fruity little wafers. They company moved to Ontario Canada where they're known as Rockets and Union , New Jersey. There are about about six smarties colors, The white is orange/cream, the white pineapple, the pink cherry, the green strawberry, the purple grape and the orange is well - orange. What I love to do with them is open the pack and eat them by color grouping. - I think almost everyone does this. There are also bigger sized Smarties and even sour Smarties along with Smarties lollipops. The candy is not connected to the British Smarties which are kind of a large M&M.
Recently there has been some controversy. Middle schoolers have taken to "smoking " the rolls. They crust the the candies into a fine powder, put the tube in their mouth and suck in the dust exhaling quickly . as if smoking . This has caused a lot of problems for this innocent little candy. Kids should just enjoy them as they were originally meant to be. They're just a fun snack to be enjoyed on the playground or while doing homework.
Smarties are one of the best candies out there. It's always a treat to buy a bag of them and then gleefully unwrap the rolls.You never know what flavors you'll get. Every rolled combo is a surprise!Smarties are just fun!
Smarties originated in 1949 in Bloomfield , New Jersey when an English immigrant Eddie Dee created these fruity little wafers. They company moved to Ontario Canada where they're known as Rockets and Union , New Jersey. There are about about six smarties colors, The white is orange/cream, the white pineapple, the pink cherry, the green strawberry, the purple grape and the orange is well - orange. What I love to do with them is open the pack and eat them by color grouping. - I think almost everyone does this. There are also bigger sized Smarties and even sour Smarties along with Smarties lollipops. The candy is not connected to the British Smarties which are kind of a large M&M.
Recently there has been some controversy. Middle schoolers have taken to "smoking " the rolls. They crust the the candies into a fine powder, put the tube in their mouth and suck in the dust exhaling quickly . as if smoking . This has caused a lot of problems for this innocent little candy. Kids should just enjoy them as they were originally meant to be. They're just a fun snack to be enjoyed on the playground or while doing homework.
Smarties are one of the best candies out there. It's always a treat to buy a bag of them and then gleefully unwrap the rolls.You never know what flavors you'll get. Every rolled combo is a surprise!Smarties are just fun!
Friday, January 21, 2011
Raising Organic Foodies
Parents always want the best for their kids. They give them Baby Einstein and toddler lessons in soccer and math. They want them to go to the best schools and get excellent grades. They cater to their whims, whether it's the princess or skateboarding phase. Parents should also care about what's going into their kids too. It's best to get them hooked on all natural and organic from an early age. Surprisingly enough little Missy or Junior will be thankful and grateful later on.
You can start out at the earliest phase. Making baby food is the best way. of controlling what they eat. After all the homemade stuff has no preservatives or added chemicals. You can make very simple mixes using organic fruits and veggies along with free range meats. Some common veggies to use are peas, which are high in calcium and protein. potatoes, turnips, winter squash and beets. As kids get older you can combine these into fun and colorful succotashes along with great sides. Steam them with garlic or ginger for tasty main meals. You can also use dried or baked veggies as healthy snacks. For example, dry out peas sprinkled with olive oil and sea salt in a low temp oven.These addictive munchies are even tastier than potato or corn chips
What happens when those little foodies grow up to be rebellious teen foodies? Indulge them every so often. Yes, it's neat to have that Slurpee and heaven only knows what's in it hot dog. Yet if you want them to eat healthy then put them in charge of menu planning and cooking. They can come up with fun stuff like homemade whole wheat pizzas with fresh tomato and mozzarella .Other cool and healthy dishes include stir fries that have fresh veggies and chicken in them or wild salads that have arugula and wheat grass. Try putting a few organic apples and pears with their lunches or just have the fruit out as quick to grab snacks. Also nix the sodas. Buy a juicer and have teen foodies come up with fruit combo drinks that they can mix with seltzer.
Everyone wants the best for their kids. That should include giving them organic , homemade food, full of not only love but plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Pass on the legacy of wholesome, healthy food. Eating this way will be beneficial throughout their entire lives.
You can start out at the earliest phase. Making baby food is the best way. of controlling what they eat. After all the homemade stuff has no preservatives or added chemicals. You can make very simple mixes using organic fruits and veggies along with free range meats. Some common veggies to use are peas, which are high in calcium and protein. potatoes, turnips, winter squash and beets. As kids get older you can combine these into fun and colorful succotashes along with great sides. Steam them with garlic or ginger for tasty main meals. You can also use dried or baked veggies as healthy snacks. For example, dry out peas sprinkled with olive oil and sea salt in a low temp oven.These addictive munchies are even tastier than potato or corn chips
What happens when those little foodies grow up to be rebellious teen foodies? Indulge them every so often. Yes, it's neat to have that Slurpee and heaven only knows what's in it hot dog. Yet if you want them to eat healthy then put them in charge of menu planning and cooking. They can come up with fun stuff like homemade whole wheat pizzas with fresh tomato and mozzarella .Other cool and healthy dishes include stir fries that have fresh veggies and chicken in them or wild salads that have arugula and wheat grass. Try putting a few organic apples and pears with their lunches or just have the fruit out as quick to grab snacks. Also nix the sodas. Buy a juicer and have teen foodies come up with fruit combo drinks that they can mix with seltzer.
Everyone wants the best for their kids. That should include giving them organic , homemade food, full of not only love but plenty of vitamins and nutrients. Pass on the legacy of wholesome, healthy food. Eating this way will be beneficial throughout their entire lives.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Pancake Upgrade
Pancakes are one of the most loved and most cherished foods to make. Everyone loves them whether they be in short stacks or long, covered with syrup and dripping with butter. They're our security blanket on cold winter mornings. They're our go to vacation breakfast food, easy to make in stamp sized motel kitchen.s However they re boring. It's time for an upgrade.
Mark Bittman, , urged this in his The Minimalist column in yesterday's New York Times Dining section.Basic pancakes are easy, to make , he writes, however after a while they kind of lose their zing with just the basic ingredients. He suggests tweaking them even by simply changing the flour. Buckwheat pancakes are wonderful, as are whole wheat. Anything brown is good for you and you can add to their wholesomeness with some nuts and rolled oats. Another suggestion is even adding some corn meal for a different taste and texture.
Pancakes make great blank canvasses. Mr. Bittman also give out ideas for making them fruitier by adding sliced bananas or trying different spices and nuts.Peanut butter or chocolate chip pancakes are recommended too . These are even a fun dessert, just served with whipped cream and maybe a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You can also vary the pancake batter too. Add more flour for a denser texture, less i f you want a more crepe like skillet cake. Also add more baking powder for a cakier type of pancake or more sugar for sweeter ones. make them with separated eggs, beating the white into almost a meringue like fluff. Then add to the batter for light puffy, souffle type pancakes.
Pancakes are a great comfort food. There's no denying that. However they can be a bit boring. Spice them up with different variations for breakfast, dessert or even snack. Experiment with them every now and then. There are a dozen ways how!
Mark Bittman, , urged this in his The Minimalist column in yesterday's New York Times Dining section.Basic pancakes are easy, to make , he writes, however after a while they kind of lose their zing with just the basic ingredients. He suggests tweaking them even by simply changing the flour. Buckwheat pancakes are wonderful, as are whole wheat. Anything brown is good for you and you can add to their wholesomeness with some nuts and rolled oats. Another suggestion is even adding some corn meal for a different taste and texture.
Pancakes make great blank canvasses. Mr. Bittman also give out ideas for making them fruitier by adding sliced bananas or trying different spices and nuts.Peanut butter or chocolate chip pancakes are recommended too . These are even a fun dessert, just served with whipped cream and maybe a drizzle of chocolate syrup. You can also vary the pancake batter too. Add more flour for a denser texture, less i f you want a more crepe like skillet cake. Also add more baking powder for a cakier type of pancake or more sugar for sweeter ones. make them with separated eggs, beating the white into almost a meringue like fluff. Then add to the batter for light puffy, souffle type pancakes.
Pancakes are a great comfort food. There's no denying that. However they can be a bit boring. Spice them up with different variations for breakfast, dessert or even snack. Experiment with them every now and then. There are a dozen ways how!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cooking For Kitty And Fido Too
Americans love their pets. It's evident in what we spend on them per year and the lengths we go t to keep them healthy and happy. Some pet parents are now even creating their own pet foods. This is a sweeping trend - not unlike regular parents making their own organic baby food. Making your own pet food does have pluses. However it does have one or two drawbacks too.
The entire concept was explored in today's New York Times Dining section. Samantha Storey wrote an interesting piece that included pet parent interviews and vets regarding this new trend. Cats and dogs receive a mix of organic veggies and grains mixed in with free range meats such as chicken, beef and lamb. It is costly in some cases with just one meal costing anywhere from $12 to $15 to make. Cat food sells for about a quarter a can (depending on where you shop)pet parents do have to be schooled in creating their companions food. Animals require calcium and cats taurine for their bones and eyesight. Some kind of calcium supplement such as Tums have to be added.
Is it worth it?The pluses are you know where the food is coming from. Unlike pet food companies that use leftover slaughter house "mystery meats" pet parents turn to their local butchers for the meat. it;s fresh and freshly ground, especially for them. The extras such as veggies and grains come from the kitchen pantry and grocery store. Home made food also clears up some health problems and in one case turned a cat's personality from cranky to sweet. However cats and dogs do need a sufficient dose of vitamins and minerals for well being and for good bone health. There's also a pet salad (a side piece written by Jeff Gordinier) . This is nothing more than wheat grass that cats love to eat it does nothing for their health, however it keeps them away from toxic plants (and also gets them to throw up easier)
If you can create your own pet food, do it. I would recommend a better blend of store bought and homemade foods. The little four legged ones will get the best of both worlds. - home cooking and specially formulated. They'll enjoy both.
The entire concept was explored in today's New York Times Dining section. Samantha Storey wrote an interesting piece that included pet parent interviews and vets regarding this new trend. Cats and dogs receive a mix of organic veggies and grains mixed in with free range meats such as chicken, beef and lamb. It is costly in some cases with just one meal costing anywhere from $12 to $15 to make. Cat food sells for about a quarter a can (depending on where you shop)pet parents do have to be schooled in creating their companions food. Animals require calcium and cats taurine for their bones and eyesight. Some kind of calcium supplement such as Tums have to be added.
Is it worth it?The pluses are you know where the food is coming from. Unlike pet food companies that use leftover slaughter house "mystery meats" pet parents turn to their local butchers for the meat. it;s fresh and freshly ground, especially for them. The extras such as veggies and grains come from the kitchen pantry and grocery store. Home made food also clears up some health problems and in one case turned a cat's personality from cranky to sweet. However cats and dogs do need a sufficient dose of vitamins and minerals for well being and for good bone health. There's also a pet salad (a side piece written by Jeff Gordinier) . This is nothing more than wheat grass that cats love to eat it does nothing for their health, however it keeps them away from toxic plants (and also gets them to throw up easier)
If you can create your own pet food, do it. I would recommend a better blend of store bought and homemade foods. The little four legged ones will get the best of both worlds. - home cooking and specially formulated. They'll enjoy both.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Diners Not Just Short Order Anymore
Live in New Jersey and you eat at a lot of diners. My state has the most of these eateries than any other state. Almost every town has at least one. Some even have three or four in the bigger cities and towns. What makes them so much fun is that they're diverse. Diners here serve everything from breakfast to cordon blu, from hearty stacks of pancakes to just cottage cheese filled melon halves.. That's what makes for varied eating here in t he Garden State.
One of my favorites is the Coach House in North Bergen The Coach House has been there seventy years and always has a busy crowd. I love spending my Sundays and even a few holidays here. (it's perfect for Christmas Mass service brunch).What I love about it is its' diversity of different dishes. One week I'll just have a filling appetizer , the next week , one of their tasty homemade soups and salad bar. Like other diners, it has a wide range of steaks, roasts and pastas. It's also known for its' Greek specialties too. Another plus about diners is that they can serve these dishes at any time. Order a dinner at 3 AM and or a brekfast at noon. A diner is there to cater to you!
Another great thing about Jersey diners is that most of their pastries are homemade. The Coach House is known for it's cupcakes, large muffins like creations topped with a dollop of butter cream frosting. Other diners throughout the state are well known for their melt in your mouth fruit topped cheesecakes as well as their seven layer cakes. Many of them even bake their own cookies and they're just as good as any bakery's . A little known fact - some diners can even make birthday and special occasion cakes for you if you ask. After all, a diner's bakery is located in the basement and it's responsible for all the rolls , buns and other baked items that are served.
New Jersey diners are not just onion rings and burgers along with an egg cream or a Coke. They can provide you with delicious homemade soups, top of the line sirloins and roasts and fresh baked sweets. They can cater to your every whim every day all day through rain and snow; any season, or holiday. That's what makes them great to visit.
One of my favorites is the Coach House in North Bergen The Coach House has been there seventy years and always has a busy crowd. I love spending my Sundays and even a few holidays here. (it's perfect for Christmas Mass service brunch).What I love about it is its' diversity of different dishes. One week I'll just have a filling appetizer , the next week , one of their tasty homemade soups and salad bar. Like other diners, it has a wide range of steaks, roasts and pastas. It's also known for its' Greek specialties too. Another plus about diners is that they can serve these dishes at any time. Order a dinner at 3 AM and or a brekfast at noon. A diner is there to cater to you!
Another great thing about Jersey diners is that most of their pastries are homemade. The Coach House is known for it's cupcakes, large muffins like creations topped with a dollop of butter cream frosting. Other diners throughout the state are well known for their melt in your mouth fruit topped cheesecakes as well as their seven layer cakes. Many of them even bake their own cookies and they're just as good as any bakery's . A little known fact - some diners can even make birthday and special occasion cakes for you if you ask. After all, a diner's bakery is located in the basement and it's responsible for all the rolls , buns and other baked items that are served.
New Jersey diners are not just onion rings and burgers along with an egg cream or a Coke. They can provide you with delicious homemade soups, top of the line sirloins and roasts and fresh baked sweets. They can cater to your every whim every day all day through rain and snow; any season, or holiday. That's what makes them great to visit.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Happiness Is A Hot Instant Meal
There;s nothing like coming home to a hot, steaming pot pie or lasagna. Unfortunately these take a lot of time and effort to make, not to mention having all the ingredients at hand. Luckily this is the modern age where we can cook wholesome meals in just minutes. They're still the same as what our moms and grannies made - but quicker. Much quicker.
A good dinner (or even lunch) here in the States is pot pies. This American classic was one of the first TV dinners back in the Fifties and it's still going strong. Pot pies are wonderful because they has everything, They're basically meat, veggies and even bread all rolled into one crusty, yummy, juicy pie. Serve them with a salad and it's a full meal. Some fast food chains such as Boston Market offer a delicious, homestyle version that's the size of a small pizza.Another instant favorite is pizza itself. A lot of brands such as Red Baron and California Kitchen offer individual ones that you can buy in your freezer section. Nowadays they have so many different toppings, from the exotic artichoke to the much loved pepperoni, Again add some salad to instant pizza and even a glass of red wine and you've got a great meal to come home to.
Comfort food can be made in a sec these days too. There are plenty of instant baked macs out there. One of my favorites is Stop and Shop's house brand.It's a perfect blend of tiny elbow macaroni with a creamy cheddar sauce. The cheese is thick and it evenly coats every piece of pasta perfectly. I just love it and for me it's the best dinner after a tough day. Potato pancakes, another soothing comfort food are easy to make now thanks to so many brands offering instant versions. Gone are the days of grating potatoes and onions and then mixing them with eggs to form the perfect round. These are just pop into the frying pan or microwave and then serve with sour cream or applesauce.
Happiness is coming home to a hot meal. More happiness is making it in just minutes. Nowadays it's easy thanks to all the great instant dinners out there. It's nice to have homemade things if you have the time. However the frozen stuff can offer the same sort of comfort without all the fuss and bother.
A good dinner (or even lunch) here in the States is pot pies. This American classic was one of the first TV dinners back in the Fifties and it's still going strong. Pot pies are wonderful because they has everything, They're basically meat, veggies and even bread all rolled into one crusty, yummy, juicy pie. Serve them with a salad and it's a full meal. Some fast food chains such as Boston Market offer a delicious, homestyle version that's the size of a small pizza.Another instant favorite is pizza itself. A lot of brands such as Red Baron and California Kitchen offer individual ones that you can buy in your freezer section. Nowadays they have so many different toppings, from the exotic artichoke to the much loved pepperoni, Again add some salad to instant pizza and even a glass of red wine and you've got a great meal to come home to.
Comfort food can be made in a sec these days too. There are plenty of instant baked macs out there. One of my favorites is Stop and Shop's house brand.It's a perfect blend of tiny elbow macaroni with a creamy cheddar sauce. The cheese is thick and it evenly coats every piece of pasta perfectly. I just love it and for me it's the best dinner after a tough day. Potato pancakes, another soothing comfort food are easy to make now thanks to so many brands offering instant versions. Gone are the days of grating potatoes and onions and then mixing them with eggs to form the perfect round. These are just pop into the frying pan or microwave and then serve with sour cream or applesauce.
Happiness is coming home to a hot meal. More happiness is making it in just minutes. Nowadays it's easy thanks to all the great instant dinners out there. It's nice to have homemade things if you have the time. However the frozen stuff can offer the same sort of comfort without all the fuss and bother.
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