Damn, I Need a Cheeseburger

I have one thing to say. I love Thanksgiving. I spent two days and night in the kitchen trying to make a meal for just four people. Two of them children. This did not make a difference, as they seemed to eat the adults under the table. I love dressing. I love yams. I did three proteins this year: beef roast, barbecued chicken wings, and a turkey. I wanted mashed potatoes and hubby wanted potato salad. Right now, they are both taking up an amazing amount of space in my fridge.

My secret shames this Thanksgiving were: canned cranberry sauce and yams that tasted as if they had been dipped in heavy olive oil. There was no sweetness to the yams, though I added both brown and white sugar. There was no identifiable flavor and I promise you, olive oil did not make it into the bowl when I whipped them. I called myself condensing everything to make space, attempting to eat through this food before next week. This ain't happening.

All I can think is 'Damn' I need a cheeseburger.'

Schiltz Foods Roasted and Smoked Goose

For those who are not interested in the ordinary turkey(no matter how delicious) for Thanksgiving, Schlitz Farm has just the remedy.

Hickory Chip Smoked Whole Goose.

Spicy Deviled Eggs Recipe

A twist on the same ole, same ole. How many of us love deviled eggs, but wish they could spice them up a bit? This will work well for company or if you want to eat a platter all by your lonesome.

Courtesy of Kitchen Daily

From Kitchen Daily.


Spicy Deviled Eggs Recipe - KitchenDaily

Fresh Apple Cobbler from Pillsbury.com

There are a million shortcuts to making a cobbler. Pillsbury offers up aversion hear that is not only eay, but looks delicious.

Fresh Apple Cobbler from Pillsbury.com

Marx Foods: Palm Leaf Plates

I got these awesome palm leaf disposable plates from Marx Foods a couple of weeks ago. They were extremely sturdy and I wasd able to wash a couple of them for reuse, which as we all know would never occur with your ordinary paper plates. I really appreciated an opportunity to share this with my readers. My plates were round, but they come is square, rectangle and even octagonal versions. They are really great for giving that picnic a more upscale look, but work well at the hoe-down, too.  These plates are an excellent way of looking out for the world around us.

Spinach and Mushroom Pizza Made With Marx Foods Dried Mushrooms

This is how the samples came packaged.

Before Baking

After 20 minute soak.

I have never used dried mushrooms in a pizza recipe before, but was really excited by the opportunity to try out one of five samples of mushrooms received by MarxFoods.  I am truly  fan. I have made a mushroom broth from a couple of the samples, but really enjoyed the pizza. Here is the recipe:

Spinach and Mushroom Pizza

Mushroom and Spinach Pizza

This was the one time I allowed my dough to rest for 2 days. I am usually ready to make the pizza right away. So Yay!

Your favorite pizza dough recipe

One package each of the black trumpet and matsutake mushrooms which were steeped for 20 minutes in hot water before use. After draining, I did a rough chop.

12 ounces of provolone cheese, shredded.
1/2 c chopped spinach, which I cooked and drained. Will try uncooked next time
1/8 c marinara sauce. I went spare.
1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
ground pepper for topping

I pre-baked the dough until lightly brown at 450, then removed and cranked the oven up to broil.

I ladle and spread the marinara, placed the garlic on top of the marinara, then covered with all of the provolone and half of the Parmesan. After adding the spinach and mushrooms, covered that with rest of the Parmesan and a sprinkling of pepper and baked until the pizza was bubbly and brown.

I would love to thank Marx Foods for the sample and also for inspiring me to make more use of dried mushrooms.

Chris Kimball's Potluck Dishes To Please Crowds And Cooks Alike : NPR

Potluck recipes by Chris Kimball..yum
Chris Kimball's Potluck Dishes To Please Crowds And Cooks Alike : NPR


These recipes are winners

Don't Look, Cook!: Win a Shun Knife Set from Buitoni! - Promos - Foodbuzz

Don't Look, Cook!: Win a Shun Knife Set from Buitoni! - Promos - Foodbuzz

Avalon Acres Chix at The Nashville Fork

Beautiful pics of Avalon Acres chicken at The Nashville Fork

Kellogg cites packaging chemical in cereal recall - Health - Food safety - msnbc.com

Another recall..this one due to strange smell. Watch your Kellogg, kiddies.
Kellogg cites packaging chemical in cereal recall - Health - Food safety - msnbc.com

Totally Stolen from Recipe Rascal, Thanks Jusy Robertson - Sixty Minute Rolls Recipe

Sixty Minute Rolls Recipe

• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 packages active dry yeast
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine
• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  

Combine milk, water and butter. Bring to baby-bottle warm. To start the yeast fast, dissolve the sugar and the yeast in the milk mixture. Add the flour, a little at a time, until you get your desired consistency.

Knead and place in an oiled, covered container. Let rise in a warm place for 15 minutes.

Punch down and shape into about 24 small rolls. Put in a shallow, greased baking pan. Sides should just touch--don't pack. You have to work quickly because this dough rises fast! Let the shaped rolls rise for 15 minutes.

Bake in a preheated 450° oven for 12 minutes or until nicely browned.

From: Judy Robertson

Anime Has Changed My Children's Eating Habits

On a quest for rice balls and takoyaki. Since I have been watching One Piece and Sailor Moon in Japanese, practically every night, we have been eating a bit differently. I find I am going through rice at a breakneck speed and soy sauce was always a staple, but now I am purchasing much more. The foods are delicious, but I will be making a trip to Little Tokyo for takoyaki( fried octopus balls) soon.

My daughter had me buy kuro yokan from Asianfoodgrocer.com. It took her three weeks to finish it. That will not be on the buy list anytime soon.

Alice.com

Finally ordered from Alice.com. The rates are not great at this website, but I love the fact that you can order from their website and set up scheduled reminders for things like aluminum foil or razors. It is a great idea for a busy mom or dad.

Those that have goods they would like to sell can contact the site. Excellent for growing a brand.

The upside is that it has free shipping. The downside is that you have to order six items and if you have a store that delivers in your area, paying for their delivery may even out the costs of ordering from Alice.com.

I will order again.

Update: July 2, 2010- Have ordered since then. I can't help it.I love basics coming to my home and the shipping is free. However, it takes about 7 days for me to receive my items. I am on the west coast and ity looks like they ship fromIllinois.

Bento&co | The Bento Shop | Ojue

Absolutely adorable ways to carry lunch. It is also an excellent way to keep figures in check. I love bento boxes. Organization is key.

The Ojue box has three independent compartments. You can stack them all up, or just use one or two of them, thanks to the adjustable band that holds the compartments together securely. Despite its slimness (only 5.5 cm (2.16") wide), it's big enough for a adult male appetite if you use all three compartments. 

A pair of matching folding chopsticks (half black, half the main color of the box), which can be stored neatly on top of the upper compartment, is included.

Bento&co

Quick Guide to Every Herb and Spice in the Cupboard | Apartment Therapy The Kitchn

Who here hasn't picked up the wrong herb or spice and before you can say, Boo!, dumped it into t a recipe to be forever lost. Sometimes these happy little accidents create something marvelous, sometimes not....
The Kitchn has your back. Take a look at what uses are available or find out what is missing from your cupboard.


Quick Guide to Every Herb and Spice in the Cupboard | Apartment Therapy The Kitchn

Cooking School, Weeks 2 & 3: Stocks and Sauces with Lilikoi & Thyme

Love the cooking school section.
There is something absolutely mesmerizing about seeing the red wine reduction using homemade demi-glace. Way to go Lilikoi & Thyme. My folks looked over my shoulder and asked if I might be making that. Hmmm..

Cooking School, Weeks 2 & 3: Stocks and Sauces - Lilikoi & Thyme

22 Springtime recipes from the L.A. Times Test Kitchen

The time has come to reevaluate what makes it onto our plates. The Los Angeles Times has tested a few recipes to get us in the mood for spring.

Spring into spring: 22 recipes from the L.A. Times Test Kitchen - latimes.com

Perfect Three Egg Omelets Every Time

What you'll need:

1 nonstick 10-inch skillet
Mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Canola oil spray
3 large eggs, brought to room temperature
3 teaspoons room temperature water
Pinch of salt
Pepper as needed

Optional garnishes: chopped parsley, chopped chives, grated cheddar or Gruyere


Directions: Crack all three eggs in a bowl, add water and a pinch of salt. Beat until blended well. Set aside. Spray skillet with canola oil. Place skillet on stove burner set to medium high heat until heated (check by adding a drop of water to see how fast it evaporates).Pour whisked eggs into pan and use spatula to stir around gently for a few seconds. Take one side of the spatula and slide part of the omelet over, leaning the skillet so the loose egg runs to that side. Do the same to the other side of the omelet. This will prevent any uncooked egg. Use the spatula to run alongside the edges of the pan to prevent omelet from sticking. Shake pan slightly to make sure omelet is not stuck to bottom. Remove from heat and use spatula to fold one-third of the omelet onto the other side. Do the same to other side. Slide onto serving platter, garnish with herbs and serve.

Perfect Three Egg Omelets Every Time

Continental Scraps the Free Food - BusinessWeek

I would hardly have called it food. Who didn't already bring their own snacks when traveling? There has been such a decline in the way one is treated at airports and on airplanes, that Continental's announcement surely shocks none.

Continental Scraps the Free Food - BusinessWeek

Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein Recall

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is a protein obtained from various foods (like soybeans, corn or wheat), then broken down into amino acids by a chemical process called acid hydrolysis. Hydrolyzed plant or vegetable protein is used as a flavor enhancer in numerous processed foods like soups, chilis, sauces, stews and some meat products like frankfurters.
There has been a recall of certain products containing this additive.

Access the list here.

Leftover Roast Beef, Make a Quesadilla

I love roast beef, but invariably there is always  a bit leftover. I could make soup, sandwiches, or hash, but I love cheese. I decided quesadillas for dinner would be the solution and we all know how easy they are.


Serves 3

You'll need:

Leftover roast beef, about 1 cup, shredded or chopped

1/2 c black beans(mashed)

1 c cheese (I had cheddar and mozzarella left over)

6 flour tortillas ( I had soft taco size)

Garnishes: Sour cream, salsa, and green onions

Mix the first three ingredients in a bowl, set aside. Heat a 12-inch skillet over med-high heat. Add a spray of canola oil to the pan and place one tortilla on the pan, followed by one-third of the filling. Top it with the other tortilla and allow the bottom tortilla to brown slightly. Here is the tricky part, the flip. I had a mini disaster with one of them, so I took the rest and after toasting on one side, placed them in the microwave to finish melting the cheese. Just as good.


Top with sour cream, salsa, and green onions and enjoy.

A Federal Effort to Push Junk Food Out of Schools - NYTimes.com

This is not a surprise given the rise in obesity and the unhealthy choices even parents make for their children's diets. A little junk is okay, but we've taken it too far.

A Federal Effort to Push Junk Food Out of Schools - NYTimes.com

Table of Condiments That Periodically Go Bad

Expiration date for condiments. I love this! Wanna know when ketchup and chocolate syrup expires. look no further.
Table of Condiments

More Melamine-Tained Food Emerges in China – New Tang Dynasty Television

According a report in the state-run People’s Daily, some companies have been using recalled melamine-tainted milk powder to make products. See the full report at:
More Melamine-Tained Food Emerges in China – New Tang Dynasty Television

How to Dredge or Bread Foods : Recipes and Cooking : Food Network

A very helpful definition for those just beginning their cooking journey.

How to Dredge or Bread Foods : Recipes and Cooking : Food Network

40-Minute Hamburger Buns Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

I was in a hurry and with no car, needed buns. I walked to a nearby Target, a CVS, and a liquor store. No buns. I was having deluxe burgers and was desperate to not use regular bread. I tried this recipe and now my hubby says he no longer want store bought buns. This recipe was an awesome find.

40-Minute Hamburger Buns Recipe | Taste of Home Recipes

The 10 Best Cookbooks Of 2009 : NPR

The 10 Best Cookbooks Of 2009 : NPR

I could eat the cover from these cookbooks, as they are truly beautiful.


Wishlist:

Asian Dumplings: Mastering Gyoza, Spring Rolls, Samosas, and More, by Andrea Nguyen, list price: $30.00



Rose's Heavenly Cakes, by Rose Levy Beranbaum, list price: $39.95

Signac’s Roasted Vanilla Orange Juice

Looking at the blog The Kitchn and came across this recipe. Had to go to the source, but oh man, this makes me want to go see Dr Frankenstein and ask for a new brain. So simple, yet so creative.

Signac’s Roasted Vanilla Orange Juice »Feasting on Art

Roasted Vanilla Orange Juice
4 large oranges
1 vanilla pod
3 c water
1/2 c sugar
Juice 3 oranges and set aside. Slice the fourth orange and place on roasting tray with 1 c water and 1/4 c sugar and the vanilla pod. Roast for about 25 minutes until the oranges begin to caramelize. Remove from the oven and let cool.
Mix the remaining sugar and water until dissolved over high heat in a small saucepan. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes. Set aside and cool.
Once the roasted oranges have cooled, juice and discard the rinds. Scrape the vanilla seeds from the pod and add to the juice. Strain the water and sugar mixture from the roasting pan. Once the simple syrup in the sauce pan is cool add to the juice mixture and then chill in the refrigerator.
Serve cold.

Chocolate Covered Pretzels at Home - Associated Content - associatedcontent.com

Delicious homemade treats

1 Tablespoon vegetable shortening
1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
20-30 regular pretzels, rods, or twists
Wax paper lined baking sheet
One pair of kitchen tongs
Chopped nuts, sprinkles (optional)

In a large microwave safe bowl, melt chocolate and shortening in 1 minute intervals, being careful as you stir the mixture. Do not allow the mixture to scorch, as melting in the microwave does not take long.Once melted, pick up your pretzels with the tongs and dip into the chocolate mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. This is where if you want to add extras such as chopped nuts or sprinkles, you would roll the still moist pretzel into both or either.Once you have dipped the pretzel, place on the wax paper lined baking sheet. Once all of the pretzels have been dipped, place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes and allow to set.These pretzels can then be stored for about one week in an airtight container.

Going Vegetarian? Five Reasons Why

Ask yourself why go vegetarian, then ask your self why not?

What one may think of as absolute madness, especially those of us that are carnivores, others think of as body bliss. Why vegetarian, you may ask? Most only imagine the blandness associated with a meat free menu. Vegetarians don't eat grass and wood chips. Their diets are varied and flavorful.  Vegetarianism doesn't have to mean no taste, flavor or fun. Envision how you will enhance brainpower and creativity when it comes down to making your favorite recipes without meat. Try and recreate a favorite dish without using a big hunk of meat and you'll see what I mean.

The number five reason for vegetarianism are the animals. You may find it hard to sit down to that hot sizzling piece of rib eye steak if you happen to see the animal before it heads to slaughter. Those beautiful brown eyes may cause a change of heart immediately. A vegetarian diet would never subject Fido to the same treatment, so maybe Elsie deserves a reprieve as well.

The 4th reason for becoming a vegetarian is money. Money makes the world go round and you'll have more of it rotating on your axis as a vegetarian. Think of how inexpensive a meatless diet will be compared to one that includes meats. This also applies to eating out at a restaurant. Vegetable dishes cost significantly less and with the money saved you can invest in your retirement or children's education. You may even be able to buy yourself something nice, like that Lear jet you've had your eye on.

The third reason one may choose to forgo their Sunday rump roast dinner is longevity. Studies show that vegetarians on average live longer. One study done by the International Congress on Vegetarian Nutrition showed a vegetarian diet may slow or reverse age related conditions. Other evidence is Seventh Day Adventists who are generally found to live longer than the average American man or woman. Their diets contain no meat. Go figure. There's nothing wrong with aging, but the disease that come with it can be a pain in the but... and the knees, and your back.

The number two reason for choosing team 'V' is heart disease and cancer. Several studies have shown an increase in cancer among those that eat red meat. Colon cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths among males and females living in the United States. Cancer.org also states that lifelong vegetarians also reduce their risk for breast cancer. Any small manner in which you can decrease your cancer risk is worth giving a try.

And....the number one reason to go vegetarian is you are less likely to suffer from obesity. It is an American epidemic. Vegetarians as a whole tend to suffer from less obesity than the general population, including the diseases related to a meat eater's diet. A vegetarian takes in fewer calories and this includes less fat. So while your meat eating counterparts sit on their generous bottoms, imagine that last five pounds gone, not because of an extreme diet, but because you've decided to eat no meat.

See, there are lots of reasons to go vegetarian. You may want to consider one of these or all of them. Be creative, feel better, and look at how your life will change. You can still have your cake and eat it, too.

Kraft Foods: Hostile bid for Cadbury advances with EU - chicagotribune.com

Kraft Foods: Hostile bid for Cadbury advances with EU - chicagotribune.com

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Christmas trees become food for rescued goats in U.S._English_Xinhua

Christmas trees become food for rescued goats in U.S._English_Xinhua


Where do Christmas trees go after accomplishing their mission? While most are recycled in a more old-fashioned way, some have become food for rescued goats in U.S. this year.
Dozens of Christmas trees in Arlington were fed to about 38 goats in the New Moon Farm Goat Rescue and Sanctuary, according to media reports Sunday.
New Moon takes in unwanted goats that are given up by owners, and also takes in goats taken by animal control.
"People think that's the coolest thing to recycle their trees by feeding them to goats," said Ellen Felsenthal, owner of New Moon Farm Goat Rescue and Sanctuary.
She also says she's looking for good families to adopt the rescued goats.

Food Network, HGTV lose Cablevision support, but fans can still fight

They are harming our East coast buddies by depriving them of Food Network's goodies. Take a look at this article from examiner.com.

Food Network, HGTV lose Cablevision support, but fans can still fight

Food Network and HGTV are no more...at least if you live in New Jersey, Connecticut, or New York. Media conglomerate Cablevision has pulled the two networks off the air after a contract dispute, and they reportedly have no plans to bring them back.
What was the source of the issue? Scripps Networks, who owns both Food Network and HGTV, believes they should be better compensated along the lines of other top cable networks; Cablevision disagrees, and it's as simple as that.
We may be lucky here in Dallas that we aren't dealing with such a problem, but these sort of network disputes could be an issue that stretches nationwide as a rough economy leads to tougher negotiations. Fox and Time Warner Cable recently came to a deal that keeps the network giant on the air.
What can people with Cablevision do? They can either call 866-695-2378 to find out ways to voice their displeasure, or they can also visit iloveFOODNETWORK.com. We can only hope a deal is reached soon, as these channels work to not just entertain but also occasionally enlighten and inspire. (I found a great restaurant thanks to "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.")