Kids On The Menu

 Should fancy restaurants bam kids? Do we want to discourage families from enjoying a night out? That's the controversy here in New Jersey. An upscale eatery has placed a ban on children under te age of ten. Is this a good idea? There are some pluses and more minuses.

The restaurant in question is Nettie's Spaghetti,in Tinton Falls, a fairly upscale town in oceanfront Monmouth County. The name sounds playful and welcoming for young ones yet it's more of a fancy place for date nights and small gatherings.It is expensive with no kid's menu in sight. A salad starts at fifteen dollars while a main meal of tuna cutlet goes for a whopping forty bucks and spinach fettucine is a pricey twenty-seven. Even the sides are expensive with eggplant and zucchini Parmesan going for eighteen dollars.Their signature spaghetti dish is almost thirty dollars, too dear for my tastes. Another distasteful aspect is that you're charged twenty dollars for cancelling a reservation within a day of reserving a table. Not even Manhattan's four star restaurants pull that trick. Not even David Burke , the famed chef who's conquoring the Jersey shore has done this.Now to add to this is the kid ban. This has infuriated parents all over the area. 

The question is is this a good thing? Go to Nettie's Facebook page and you see a myriad of fors and againsts.One person astutely pointed out that no restaurants makes money off a kid's menu.This makes sense because children don't have the appetite of adults nor do they order alcohol. There is an indeed a financial loss here however many other upscale places also have kids  menus. They don't seem to be bothered by the lost. Many others feel that the blame goes to the parents (let's face it  - it does).Moms and dads who let the little ones climb on the seats or run between tables need to be disciplined themselves.It just doesn;t fly whether it's in a McDonalad's or Wendy's or in an upscale place. A disciplined child is a delight to behold and a quiet well behaved one can eat at any restaurant. A respectful four year old is a better dinner companion than a drunk thirty something or a constantly complaining fifty year old. There's also the philosophy -which my parents believed in - is that children need to eat out.One to experience  dining out of the home and two, to exercise those learned manners. It does pay off. Eating out helps kids experience diffrent foods and to see the world outside their own.

Is Nettie's Spaghetti doing the right thing by banning kids under ten. That depends on who you ask. There are many opinions.Is there a right one? That's hard to say.

A Cinnamon Roll With Zest

 Nothing beats a home made cinnamon bun.There's something soothing about sinking your teeth into yeast y roll, cinnamon and a big dollop of cream cheese icing. Yet it can be made more delicious with the  addtion of orange. This takes  those chewy pillows to a whole new level.

Baker extraordinaire and regular contributor Gebevieve Ko gave a recipe for a new kind of cinnamon bun in Wednesday's New York TImes Food section.Hers is different in many ways.it doesn't require the usual yeast to make the dough rise.There is baking powder to give them an instant puffy  lift along with cream cheese.The cream cheese is not just for the icing.It,  along with butter and milk, gives the dough  a moist tenderness. Milk also helps the dough from drying out.This in itself is not  new recipe.On the website The Food Historian, Sarah Wassberg Johnson wrtes that the recipe has been  around since 1916.  The one big change which will be game changer is the addition of orange zest in the brown sugar and fresh orange juice in the icing. The last cuts that super sweetness along with giving the icing that lovely apricot sunset hue.The zest infused brown sugar cna also be used in the dough to enrich the citrussy flavor.Ms Ko's inspiration was from the now defunct Bogues Restaurant in Birmingham ,Alabama where  their main baker Ella Irby made them for a good chunk of the eatery's eighty-four yeears.

What kind of orange should be used? Ms. Ko dosesn't specify but many baking sites definitely recommend the navel ones. One can get you through this recipe. Making the orange sugar is easy.It's just zesting it over brown sugar.Gently rub the zest into the  sugar because the oil from the zest also soaks into it. Two tablespoons of it will be used for the dough while the rest goes for the filling. The dough is a mix of the dry ingredients first, flour baking powder and salt. The butter and the cream are smashed and rubbed into the flour with your fingers until fully incorporated. They should resemble crumbs. Add the milk at once and gently stir in with a fork. The dough should be frozen as you either butter a nine inch cake pan or iron skillet. The filling is easy Mix the cinnamon and cardamon into the orange sugar and heavily sprinkled onto the rolled out doughThe dough should be sticky when rolled out. It's then  cut into buns with a serrated knife. Bake ar 375 degrees Farenheit for twenty five to thirty minutes. You can make this glaze while the rolls bake.It's a mix of confectioner's sugar , cream cheese , orange zest and fresh orange juice. Let the buns cools off for five minutes then pour  the glaze over them.

A cold winter's day requires a cinnamon bun. Add some sunshine and a whiff of sunnier climes by  adding in some orange zest and juice into the recipe. It makes for a tasty spin on a delicious classic.

Reimagining Indian Food

 Everyone has preconceived notions of Indian food. There are the curries and samosas along with lasse to drink. Yet there's so much more to it and even better it's easy to create at home thanks to a cookbook author. It's an simpler way to approach this classic and ancient cuisine.

Regular contributor KimSeverson interviewed cookbook author and food specialist Raghaven Iyer in yesterday's New York Times Food section. Professor Iyer came from India in 1982 to study hospitality at the University of Minnesota. he already had a degree in chemistry and wanted to get away  his native Mumbai. There was one problem > He couldn;t cook.he tried but his potato curry was so bad that he wept. Using recipes his mon and sister sent he nea applied his chemistry background.It paid off so much that now Professor Iyer is one of the leading Indian cuisine authorities. He has written several books including The Betty Crocker Indian Home Cooking along with teaching countless workshops. he has instructed thousands of professional cooks how to incorporate the sophisticated balance of India herbs and spices in menus in universities , museums and company such as Google. Professor Iler has even worked with Target and created a line of frozen Indian meals for their Good and Gather brand.

Unfortunately he was diagnosed with cancer. His eating priorities changed as his colerectol cancer invaded his brain and lungs. he had always eaten vegetarian and is an avid yoga pratcicer and swimmer. This probably has helped him live longer, depsite the severity of his disease. This didn't deter him from creating comfort food recipes. His sister e mailed recipes for idli -  savory rice ball cakes from Southern India along with sambar - a stew made with lentils and mixed vegetables in a tamarind and spice sauce. He also ate bowls of yogurt and the brothy rasam - a light SOuth Indian soup, filled wit cumin, mashed tomatoes and garlic. Ms. Severson also includes his recipe for tofu with red curry paste. This is a tasty mix of tofu, fish sauce and eggplants cooked with white potatoes, red bell peppers and pamboo shoots. It's the red curry paste, a mix of tomatoes, red bell peppers.garlic ,lemongrass turmeric and shrimp paste. You can make it or buy it at your local grocery store. Basil and coconut milk are also added and the entire dish is served over basmati rice.

Indian food is easy to recreate thanks to Professor Iyer. They are tasty and easy to follow Try them for a taste of delicious cooking.

Don't Give Up GIve This Lent

 Ash Wednesday signifies the start of Lent.For many it's giivng up favorite foods, namely sweets and snacks. Yeti nstead of giving up , why not give. It can be food ,it can be time to cook for those who are alone or can;t cook for themselves anymore. Givng up is good. Giving is better.

Sacrificing your time to make a hot lunch for an elderly neighbor is always good. There's nothing like a hot homemade soup and a sandwich. You can invite themover or make a container and bring it to their house or apartment to cook up. Include a salad and rolls for a heartier meal. The weather is hopefully going to improve aswe move towards Easter. it would be a perfect time for an early picnic, whether in the local park or even the backyard. Pack sandwiches and chips if they can have them (or grape tomatoes if you can find good ones) along with drinks for sunny lunch out. This is also the time for severe blizzards too. Make sure those that can't get to the stores are well stocked. Buy extra staples such as milk, eggs and butter along with soups and frozen dinners. Make sure they have plenty of water, juice coffee and tea too.If it's a neighbor you can easily run over with hot food and  eat with them. Have the kids shovel and salt their walks and driveways too. 

Another good act is sharing. As we all know food prices have gone through the roof. It's horrible for those who are just eking by. If you can buy them groceries. Some stores are featuring buy one or two get the third free. Take advantage of this. Some stories like Acme and Stop & Shop have these kind fo sales on sodas and water. deinitely take advantage of this and share the third carton.There are also occasional sales on bags of apples and oranges. Give these to friends and family with kids so the little ones can have nutritional snacks. Check to see of there are sales on more expensive ticket items like cold cuts and certain sweets. Buy two packages of coldcuts or if there's a rare sale on rotisserie chickens then get an extra for family and friends who are struggling. Also eveyone loves homemade food packages.There's nothing to creating an extra lasagna or casserole.Bake two loaves or bread or an extra batch of cookies Warmer days can be perfect for an cookout for everyone. Take them out to dinner or lunch too . Many places like Applebee's are offering free meals for kids , perfect for loved ones with little ones.

Don't give up this Lent. Give instead. Think of those who are food challenged or don;t have family or friends in their immeidate area. Give them your time and food.

Laissez Les Gauffres Roulex

 It;s not only Mardi Gras but also Shrove Tuesday. YOu could have pancakes today or amp it up eoth gauffres or waffles. It's a fun way of celebrating.

I didn;t have the time for making pancakes so I went with Target's Good & Gather brand Belgian waffles.

Even better these can be air fried.

It just takes four minuteson each side to cook at 350 degrees Farenheit.

These were a great way to celebrate .I slathered Melt butter on them  and drenched them in Good & Gather's pure maple syrup. These were really tasty and crunchy. I plan on trying their chocolate ones for a decadent dessert.Also the maple syrup was excellent too, with a rich flavor with hints of vanilla.

Celebrate this night anyway you can. Go wild with waffles. Jump into jambalaya. Enjoy this last day of merry making and good food.

Easing Into Lent

 With Lent comes sacrifice. Many swear off meat , dairy or sweets .This is their way of fasting which is good and mindful. However it can be a shock to the taste buds to give up beloved foods. There are ways to ease into it.

Luckily there has been an explosion of all sorts of vegan meats in the  last few years.It's easy to give up beef , poultry and even seafood. Gardein has been a leader in this and you can visit any grocery or Target to buy their products. Their hamburgers taste exactly like the real ones and they're even good grilled outdoors. They also have meatballs, which are perfect for subs or if you're thinking of making Swedish meatballs and egg noodles. The company also produces chicien nuggets  and thick crispy tenders. These are so much like chicken itself that KFC is even putting out Gardein nuggets in various locations.Try their fish filets which are beer battered along with fries ro their crab cakes. If you're also thinking about giving up egg then go to Just Egg. This a substitute , using mung beans to get that eggy flavor and rich beaten yolk yellow color. Make a scramble for the family using it and spinach. Add Morningstar Farm's soy bacon which can get as crisp as actual bacon when microwaved.Also incorporate more beans such as kidney and chickpea for protein boosts. Think more dishes with veggies and rice like stuffed cabbage or a filling ratatouille.

As extreme as it sounds giving up dairy is also doable for Lent. There are so many plant and nut milks out there. If the kids do have a nut alllergy then use soy or oat milk. Both work in many recipes calling for dairy along with satisfying an afterschool need for a glass fo chocolate milk. (in fact many of these milks also come in chocolate now and can be bought in small bottles or boxes for lunch boxes), Almond milk is a nice ,creamy alternative and can be bought in gallon containers. If you do cave in and want a treat remember there are non diary yogurts and ice creams to snack on. You may even like these so well that you'll be eating them after Lent has finished. As for butter , try Melt. This plant based spread tastes exactly like the real deal and can be used in eveything form baking to cooking to being spread on toast or bagels. Maybe the hardest Lenten sacrifuce is giving up sweets. This is where a push for a healthier diet comes in. Try an apple for dessert. You could slice it and then dip in cinnamon for something different. PIneapple cubes are another great meal ender along with being a good snack. Think about getting fruit cups like Aldi's pears in syrup which are light tasting or any fruit salad cup like Acme's Signature brand mixed fruit ones. As for candy, nuts can do the trick if you want a snack or popcorn. Raisins or Craisins are fun snackables that you can eat by the handful.

It's a good and mindful thing to have some sort of sacrifuce during this important time in the Christian calendar. However it's best to ease into this new diet .Use these sub for meat , daiiry and sweets tomake that time effortless.

A Cozy Mardi Gras

 Mardi Gras happens on this Tuesday  which means it happens on a work day. You can still celebrate but in a lesser,more cozy style.There's plenty of different and even easy on a work night to make.

Keep in mind that the day is also Shrove Tuesday , a day to celebrate with pancakes.This was a time to get rid of all the dairy and fat in the house. Pancakes fit that bill. These can be made for breakfast and even dinner and if you're home lunch.If you don't have the time, then make the batter Monday night and keep in the fridge overnight. This will give you a crepe like pancake, thin and crispy. You can serve with butter and maple syrup or just butter, granulated sugar and butter, like the New York Times Food section recommended. You can also fold them and stuff sauted cinnmon apples or add some ham and cheese for a savory kind of bite. Another sweet treat is the beignet. It is a yeast dough, reminiscent of a doughnut. Again  you can make this on Monday if you're off for Presidents Day. The dogh does have to be kneaded and rolled out along with proofed for anywhere from an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes in a buttered bowl. Once cut and air fried for six minutes, you have delicious bites  dusted in powdered sugar or ready to be dipped in chocolate or caramel sauce.

You can also celebrate with classic Mardi Gras dishes cooked in a crockpot. Jambalaya is an easy cook in one. Make it on th e morning and let it simmer all day. This is a great way of letting the different spcies blend together for a tasty , delicious bowl. Of course it has the holy trinity of red bell pepper, celery and onion  The recipe can be amended with taking out the raw shrimp and adding crab or adding more chicken and Andouille sausage or less. If you want to make it vegetarian, then add Fieldcrest plant based sausage and more veggies like green bell peppers,  Serve with easy minute rice to absorb all that luscious gravy. Gumbo is another easy Mardi Gras dish that you can make in a snap. It does start with a roux but this is an easy base of butter and flour cooked together. This only takes five to six minutes and then added to the crock pot with the holy trinity again along with chicken , shrimp and Andouille sausage. What makes this different than the jambalaya is the addition of okra. This is a thickener which makes the gumbo potage like.  You can get the filet powder which is ground sassafras tree leaf at your local grocery or at Wal-Mart. 

You cna have a cozy Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday with simple but fun dishes. Both sweet and savory can be enjoyed during this party time. Go wild on a smaller scale.