Pierogied

I am not Polish nor do I have the patience to knead any kind of dough. What can I say? I am a bit lazy but I will not compromise on flavor. And my quick late summer meal using store bought pierogies  coupled with pan seared halibut, peas and shallots will hit the spot.

you will need:

3-Mrs. T Pierogies any flavor

1-3 oz. halibut or cod

1-diced shallot

2-tbsp of frozen peas

1-tbsp all purpose flour

3-tbsp Olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

lemon wedge for garnish

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp of the olive oil. In a plate take your fish of choice season with salt and pepper and coat with the flour. Sear the fish approximately 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove and place over paper towel to remove excess oil. In a pot bring water to a boil and add the pierogies will take about 5 minutes. Add the remaining oil into the skillet and saute the shallots until tender. Add the perogies and cook for 3 minutes until slightly browned. Add the peas and heat through. Serve immediately.

Happy Eating!

Im back!!

I have unfortunately let my beloved blog go by the wayside, and there is no good reason for it. I have simply lost my desire for food stuffs for a while. But I am back.

I think that cooking channel is a good way to check out some old Food Network faves of yesteryear like Sarah Molton who has been pushed aside in favor of overly made-up faces resplendent with low cut tops as well as obnoxious men who yell and wear way to much jewelry which passes for informative cooking nowadays. I like that I have to option to watch a normal cooking show.

Thanks.

Happy Eating!

Veganfriffic!

So last week after feeling really badly and thinking that perhaps my dependance on meat, dairy and processed foods was to blame, I decided to go Vegan. Yeah me. A woman who dreams in butter and ribs was going to veggie route. So I purchased all Vegan items which costs way more than what I normally buy and began planning my menu. I started with a hummus which I have made before. I also had salads, sauteed veggies and fruits. I have been on it and must say that I don't feel so good. I feel itchy and uncomfortable and can't sleep well. But I don't have chest pains and feel like I am breathing better. But I must say that missing my dairy products has been the hardest to overcome. I can get by without meat but ice cream, yogurts, sour cream, heavy cream. I miss them all. So to combat that I watch horrible videos of animal cruelty to keep me focused. I hate what I am seeing and them as I munch on a banana or apple or popcorn, I feel like I am doing something for the environment and more importantly the animals.

I will keep at it. A side note I have not lost any weight like I did when I was on the South Beach diet last year. Just saying.

Conscious Eating!!

Bagels for dinner

So I am watching my guilty pleasure Wishmaster on Demand and want to eat light. It is like 90 degrees in NYC and the thought of cooking over a hot stove? Forget about it! What better way to eat than a sandwich? Mines gives you all of the flavor of your favorite bagels with less calories and fat. Ready to lighten up?


Alexa's Chicken salad on Bagel
you will need:
2-cups poached chicken or water based canned
1-tsp curry powder
1-tbsp-low fat mayo
1-tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 diced shallot or scallion
2-Thomas thin bagels
salt and pepper to taste
optional: 1 tbsp chopped celery




In a bowl take the chicken and shred, Add the mayo, mustard, scallions or shallots, curry salt and pepper. Chill for 15 minutes. Toast the bagels. Add 2 tablespoons of chicken salad to each bagel and enjoy. Use the leftovers and add to cooked pasta or roasted potatoes.

Happy Eating.

Just ribbing

What's a better way to celebrate the summer solstice than by having a barbecue. If how ever you still have to work and waiting for Saturday to get your hands around some delicious fall of the bone finger licking ribs can not wait. There is a way to get your fill until then.

you will need:
6-8 pork or beef ribs
1/2-cup of ketchup
1-tsp- balsamic vinegar
2-cloves garlic minced
3- sprigs Thyme
1-tsp sugar or Splenda
1-tbsp hot sauce
Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In a pot put the ribs and add the vinegar, sugar, garlic, thyme, salt, hot sauce and half the ketchup. Combine well. Place ribs in an aluminum lined pan and bake for 1 1/2 hour. Add the rest of the ketchup and cook an additional 1/2 hour or more depending on your oven. You will have ribs that are fall off the bone delicious. Granted, it won't be like on an open flame, but these ribs you can make anytime and no mother nature to battle either.

Happy Eatiing!

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Even in warm weather I sometimes want to eat a winter favorite. And there is nothing more delicious than homemade spaghetti and meatballs. And no, that "Italian Chef" in a can version either. I am talking about the real thing. You will have it on your plate in 30 minutes. You will see how easy and with some traditional swaps an even healthier version.

You will need:

1-pound of 90% lean beef

1-pound of thin spaghetti 

1/2-cup Panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/4 cup grated onion or finely chopped

1-tbsp Chili Powder

1-tbsp Cumin 

1-tsp chopped parsley 

2-cups Tomato Sauce (low sodium brand)

1/2-cup low sodium chicken broth

2-tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

In a large pot boil water and cook pasta per directions on the box.  In a large skillet heat 1 tbsp of olive oil. In a bowl combine beef, half the breadcrumbs, half the parmesan, onion and spices and combine careful not to over mix. Roll into approximately 1 1/2 inch balls. Cover with the remaining breadcrumbs and sear on all sides. Remove from heat. drain some of the excess oil. Heat remaining olive oil over low heat and add the tomato sauce and broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the meatballs and cook for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Add pasta, parsley and remaining parmesan and serve. Simple yet delicious and always better than anything from a can.

Buon Appetito!

Saturday in New York

When you get there early enough, there is no better place than Manhattan. It's still relatively quiet and you can walk everywhere and even drive in and find parking! My mission for today was to try at least 3 to 4 different places to eat. And what better place to hit than the Village. It has tiny restaurants that are local favorites to posh restaurants. And everything in between.

First Stop: was some kind of fair starting from East 9th and ending on East 14th Street. There where scarves and roasted sweet corn being sold next to each other but as it was early, I needed some breakfast. So hopped up on an espresso, I hit the crepes stand and got a crepes of butter, lemon and sugar. So delicious

Second Stop: Artichoke Pizza on 14th Street. This tiny little dingy place had a line at 11:00 am when they opened. I had to see what all the fuss was about. Getting inside, I was less than impressed. It was dirty. I mean nothing but dust in the ceilings and walls. Some gaudy photos of the Kennedy's smiling with exaggerated teeth which I will admit was creepy. But I tried not to let my inner critic, I am a Virgo, get in the way of trying this lauded pizza. My verdict? I liked the sicilian a little but the large artichoke and spinach slice was too runny and lost the crispy crust I am fond of. In the interest of honesty, the staff could not be less interested in the line that formed behind me and totally ignored them and patrons left. 

Third Stop: Pluck U on West 3rd Street. My favorite chicken wings place. As someone who has had the promise land of wings at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, NY, this comes pretty close. I get a box of 30 wings  and always the hot sauce, none of that mild or BBQ nonsense. There are sides, like curly fries and something called munchers which are fried balls of potato and cheese. I like it with just the celery sticks an blue cheese sauce on the side. Make a trip out there, you will not regret it.

Fourth Stop: Home. So much walking, so much eating that the thought of one more place was not an option. I had a great culinary day.

Happy Eating!

Quick and Easy

When you don't have time or are just catching up on the first two seasons of True Blood, and the thought of cooking is making you crazy: I have compiled 2 meals you can make in 20 minutes for both!

Meal #1: "Kiddie Fare" No cook eats: A sandwich. It's easy can be assembled in 2-3 minutes and when stocked with good for you ingredients like lean meats, cheese, lettuce and tomato make a great quick eat which is filing. which is always an option. Add some baked chips if you are like me who has to have chips with her sammies. Total time: 5 minutes tops unless you toast the bread. Add 2-3 minutes.

Meal # 2: "Veggittata"There is some prep work involved. Take 3 eggs beaten with a tsp of cream or lowfat milk and pile on with as many good for you veggies as you have in your refrigerator. Cook on a non stick skillet until it sets and then pop in the broiler until golden and bubbly. Total time: 15 minutes start to finish.

As you can see, delicious, nutritious meals in no time.



Cheers!

Getting my Full (Irish Breakfast)

The rolling Emerald hills. The delightful Irish brogue. The Guinness. A tis Ireland. Since I will need to dust off passport and take a long trip to Dublin, I need to get my fill of all things Irish now. I wanted to find the best authentic Irish breaky. After many an exhaustive search of the best pubs in New York from The Dubliner to Sullivan's. And through each agonizing pint, I realized I can make me own breakfast at home. And I will. Until then This is the best place I found: http://www.finneganswakenyc.com/

It feels like a true Irish pub even before you get inside in. I loved my breakfast which I had for brunch. Prices are great starting at 10 bucks and you get all of this. And a pint too!

I enjoyed it so much and can promise you will find a great place with good food and drinks and a feeling of being in the Emerald Isle. 

Sláinte

(to your health)

Goin out on a Monday

Mondays are obviously not a great day for most of us. Weekend went by to fast and now back to grind. A great way to change that is to go out on Monday night. Yes Monday. It will help you keep the feeling of the weekend going no matter how busy you were today as it surely went by very quickly with co-workers stories of weekend escapades.

I am a member of the bridge and tunnel crowd now much to my chagrin, well except for my large and inexpensive apartment (no complaints) and as such have to find great area restaurants. I reside in the lovely  Bayside. Quiet place to lay my head and only 2 blocks from Bell Boulevard with it's restaurants and it's varied ethnic cusisine from Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Greek and on tap tonight, Japanese.

There are 2 great locations, Okinawa which is pricer and more authentic sushi and sashimi and my fave Mr. Wasabi. With it's large portions and great service, they ensure you will not only leave full but keep coming back for more. I got the Volcano roll, Boston Roll, Wasabi Cheese and Eel Rolls. They are as always delicious and you should ask the helpful staff to recommend a good beer or get the saki if you are more daring. I always love it there and loved going with girlfriends and splitting the rolls. We would get like 6 different kinds and the bill was like $35 dollars for the whole thing.

Eel & Boston Rolls

Overall a great value, nice setting and yummy food. Not as authentic as Okinawa, but if you are feeling like a more experimental version of sushi or are new to it, I can not recommend this place enough.

Wasabi Cheese & Volcano Rolls

Cheers!

Monday test Tasting

I am not by nature a fruit lover, lucky I eat my veggies but for whatever reason fruits never appealed to me and knowing how important it is to get these important foods into my system got me to wonder, how can I get my daily requirements without actual chewing or minimal chewing. I decided to purchase the not exactly cheap fruit2day drinks. It was $2.99 2-6oz bottles at my local grocery and price my go up or down depending on where you buy.

According to their website: http://www.fruit2day.com/ they claim to provide you with 2 servings of your daily fruit intake has 110-120 calories, no sugar added and "all-natural" which can mean many things and are not specified in the site. I e-mailed the company for more information on what exactly makes it all-natural as you will observe has an asterisk on the site and am waiting the reply.

The "lab"decided on Mango Peach.We tasted several bottles as well as actual mango and peach. Tasted them for tartness and sweetness which should only come from the fruits themselves. We realized that the drink was a bit of a false sell. It also has white grape juice, pineapple puree and other ingredients all from concentrate. We did however enjoyed the little pieces of mango and I believe peaches in the drink. For those like me who do not make the time for actual fruit, it will do in a pinch. 

Verdict: Sweet, delicious but save some bucks and get the real thing.

Cheers!

Simply Appetizing

When you are celebrating a milestone birthday or just a girl's night in and you are providing the meals, why not make it easy for yourself? I have assembled some of my favorite store bought or easy to make dishes that can feed a crowd or just and intimate gathering. I believe that the guide to any successful gathering is made up of no more than 5 different items to eat and 2 desserts. Drinks of course are unlimited.

The Food
Crispy shrimp dim sum you "made"consisting of spring roll, wonton and shrimp purse complete with an authentic Thai sweet chili sauce. Courtesy of Phillips and a toaster oven set to 300 degrees until GBD (golden brown and delicious).

crispy dim sum
Second mini bite: Sliders. perfect one handed classic burgers on the grill with mayo, ketchup and raw onions. Here's the how. Take your ground chuck or sirloin and shape into 1 inch patties. season liberally with Kosher salt and pepper and grill until desired doneness. The meat must have fat. I used a 85/15 fat to lean ratio for moist burgers you can assemble and cook when party arrives. Or better yet let them do the cooking.

Sliders

Third mini bite: Salad. To help with the richness of a burger or fried anything. Take your favorite lettuce and season with olive oil and balsamic vinagrette salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of orange for some sweetness. Crisp and refreshing. A nice alternative to any vegetarians at your party.

Salad

Fourth mini bite: Shrimp Cocktail. No party is complete without it! You can purchase it from a fish monger or supermarket chain. But if you have some time during the day, you can prepare the flash frozen shrimp yourself at more than half the cost. Your choice. The sauce can be from a jar or using ketchup, hot sauce, horseradish and some lemon juice you can make your own.

Shrimp Cocktail

Fifth mini bite: Can be any assortments of potato chips and dips. Try to get baked chips and use salsa instead of creamy based dips. You will want to save the calories for dessert!

Chips and salsa

The Drinks: Have no less than 3 types of beers: Dark, light and a standard brand. For liquors, vodka works best as it can be combined with anything. Or use a rum, My fave is Bacardi, it pairs well with anything. And for the SATC loving ladies, you can buy Smirnoff's apple martini blended. If you have wine afficionados, get one quality white and one red. You don't even need to spend over 10 bucks for each. A great white Ecco Domani Pinot grigio 2007 is 9 dollars.

Cheap White Wines

Corona beer 

The Dessert: Saving the best for last. Here may I strongly suggest you forgo the "homemade" You know cake from a box and spend a couple of bucks at a great Italian bakery or restaurant. My pick: Edgar's Cafe. Get the birthday girl or boy or bring over to a house warming a chocolate mousse or tiramisu. Just in case someone does not like either, bring some Ben and Jerrry's. 

Chocolate Mousse

If you get people to do some of the work themselves, then you can actually enjoy your next birthday or gathering. Put on a great CD or watch a cheesy flick and have fun!

Cheers

Crispy Black Bean Cakes

Black bean with there traditions steeped in Cuban and various other ethnic cuisine have found  away into my culinary rotation when I decided to make these luscious hearty beans into crispy cakes. I have never had them any other way since. I have experimented with different items in them and have made the following recipe over 5 times so far. This is Alexa's Crispy black bean crab cakes. Try them tonight for a simple and healthy dinner! The following recipe makes 5-6 cakes.

You will need
1-15oz can black beans rinsed and drained
1/2 cup crab meat
1-tbsp habanero chili (sub with jalapeno) diced
2-cloves minced garlic
1-small shallot minced
1-scallion diced
1-egg slightly beaten
1/3 cup of Panko bread crumbs
2-tbsp olive oil
2-tbsp parsley
salt and pepper to taste

Optional:
Sour cream, lime

In a skillet heat 1 tsp of olive oil in non stick pan. Add the shallot, garlic and chili and cook for 2 minutes. Set aside to cool In a large bowl place the black beans and mash about 1/3 of them. Add the egg, crab meat and half the bread crumbs. Add the cooked mixture and parsley. Combine being careful not to over mix if you are using lump crab meat. Form into patties in the desired size. Place the patties in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes. In the skillet add the olive oil and heat. Remove patties from freezer. Using the remaining bread crumbs coat the patties and place in the skillet, careful not to overcrowd. Cook in a medium medium high heat  until golden about 3 minutes. Turn over and cook on the other side. Remove to a plate and let cool.

You can eat it simply with sour cream and hot sauce or over a bead of mixed greens seasoned with a bit of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.

Cheers!

Click to "Follow"Alexa on Twitter  http://twitter.com/AlexaCooks

Latinolicious

So in a rather warm Tuesday afternoon and me still sans trabajo and have to do something with all of my spare time and decided to make my sweetie a yummy quick Dominican dish. I used help like rice with flavorings, my personal fave is Goya yellow rice low sodium if you can find it, it's worth it. Grain fed thin cut pork chops seasoned with salt and pepper and pan fried in corn oil. And the topper? Fried plantanos. You call them plantains or green bananas. Here's how to prepare them: you take the plantain and with a firm grip and a sharp knife you slice across the length of it. If done correctly, you should be able to peal the skin off with out much trouble. But if you are like me and tend to overdue Everything, you make need to make a second slice. Slice them like a normal banana or slightly across. Sear them for 2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and use the plantain skin or a cup or if you have a great market like mines a tostonera. It's 2 bucks and makes mashing them into discs so much easier and it's more authentic. Place back in the pan and cook until GBD (golden, brown and delicious) It took me about 30 minutes to make this entire meal. It looks terrific but next time, I will make something much easier. Enjoy everyone.

Cheers!

A garden grows in Bayside

Wanting to incorporate more fresh herbs onto my meals, I have taken to having what amounts to a sort of "herb garden" on my kitchen window sill. I have a Farmers Market obtained Basil plant. And today I bought some dill and Italian parsley and put them in a glass with some water. Truth is I am not sure how to care for them. If I put them in my refrigerator, they will wilt rather quickly. I want to use it more as a main flavoring rather than a measly garnish on pasta dishes. An idea I had was to make a black bean cake with crab meat and 2 to 3 tablespoons of parsley. That sounds delicious. I will make it for lunch tomorrow.

Here are my dill and parsley

Those weird skinny stalks were once proud large basil leaves. I am not sure what I am doing wrong. I followed all the instructions from this website http://www.gardeningknowhow.com/herb/information-on-how-to-grow-basil-indoors.htm

I should be very afraid of my new herbs if my poor plant is any indication!

Happy Eating!

in Defense of eating Meat or Vegetables

After all of my exhaustive research which consisted only of me going on a site that seemed to contradict itself, Peta http://www.peta.org/. I saw videos of cruelty to animals and said that my decision to no longer eat meats a good one. That they are innocents who are worthy of our saving. It was also an excuse to shed some weight off of my frame but I suppressed that and said No! I want to do something worthwhile for those who have no voice.

I had been eating all veggies even going so far as to reduce my dairy intake and started to drink Soy. Every shuddering drop of soy which was promised as acting like milk, it don't. I tastes like all "healthy" alternatives to favorite products tastes, like an afterthought. After 5 days I noticed that my scale budged only slightly but when I was eating low carb / high protein it shed it immediately. 

So I have to ask myself, why would and organization shame me into eating how they say I should eat. Then I realized http://www.petakillsanimals.com/. You have got to be kidding me! I was so angry that they are always so busy throwing paint at people and are NOT getting dogs and cats adopted out instead are putting them down and I was listening to them. 

Now I am not a fan of how we get the meat, fish and poultry that we eat. I think there are some more "humane" ways of getting our carnivorous meals. Who am I kidding? I am having a hard time with this vegtastic conversion and am yearning for a hamburger right now. Hence my rambling. Here are some photos of meals I have had or made. Sniff!

Pat's Steak's In Philadelphia best "Cheesesteak" I have EVER eaten 

Tilapia in broth with onion and peppers

What does this all mean? I am not sure. I only know that to say one thing and practice doing the very same thing and calling is humane is hypocrisy of the highest form. I just simply have to find out what works for me and how I feel when I eat it. And I suggest you do the same.

Happy Eating!

Leek(y) Soup

Leeks have a slightly onion flavor which can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. Since they grown under ground, they tend to have dirt trapped in them so rinse or wipe with damp clean kitchen towel.

I decided to make a slightly healthy version of my personal favorite, Potato leek soup. The creamy potato, sweet leeks, some cream (I didn't have any on hand and used half and half) shallot creates a subtle onion and garlicky flavor. I added carrot and celery for more of a veggie boost and viola. A slightly healthier version. Enjoy

You will need:

6-baby yukon gold potatoes skinned and diced
1-batch of leeks cleaned and chopped
2 1/4 cups of low sodium broth or stock
1-tbsp chopped celery
1-tbsp-chopped carrot
1/2 minced shallot
2-tbsp Half and Half
3-tbsp unsalted butter
1-tbsp Olive Oil

Equipment:
Food Processor or Potato masher

In a large pot add half the butter and the oil and slowly cook the leeks until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the shallot, celery, carrots and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Next add the Broth, Stock or water and bring to a simmer. Add the potatoes, remaining butter and cream or half and half and cook on low for about 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

With a slotted spoon, remove 2 cups of the veggies and place in food processor. It takes just a few pulses. If you prefer it a little chunkier, use a potato masher until you reach desired consistency. Place the mixture back in the pot and combine. Let cook for another minute or two. Then eat immediately or let it come to room temperature (my favorite)

Serve with some of the following garnishes if desired: Parsley, crumbled bacon or cheese.

Happy Eating!

Check out that Chick(pea)

Garbanzo Beans or Chick Peas are a staple of Mediterranean, West Asian and Indian cuisine. There slightly nutty and hearty texture makes it ideal for anti-pasto platter and more popularly, hummus.

Since embarking on my lacto-ovo vegetarian lifestyle, (don't call it a diet), I have wanted to experiment with this particular legume. I decided on purchasing a 15oz. can. Yes, when ever possible buy a bag. It's economical and with proper storage you can use it for various dishes several times over. 

There are many recipes for hummus. This is mine. I used what ever I happened to have in my pantry so it's not "authentic" since I do not have Tahini paste. However, I found that it did retain alot of what I like about hummus. Truth? I never cared for the sesame paste.

Alexa's Hummus

1-15oz. Can Garbanzo Beans

1/4 cup diced eggplant

2-tbsp-diced red pepper

1/4 cup shallot

3-garlic cloves, minced

2-tbsp lemon juice

1-tsp Cumin

Olive Oil

In a saucepan heat oil and cook shallot, eggplant, half the garlic and red pepper for a few minutes until softened. Set aside. In a food processor combine the lemon juice, garlic, beans and cumin and blend for a few pulses. Add cooled mixture and blend until smooth.

Serve with traditional pita chips or as an appetizer with vegetables or even an open faced sandwich on whole grain bread. It's really good and you will want to make this simple and ethnic dish all the time.

Happy Eating!

Herblicious

Rosemary and Thyme is not just a British television series. It has become the norm in most kitchens as they have become more readily available and as cooking shows and classes have taught us the great potential to make unique dishes these herbs provide.

Rosemary

I first discovered the joys of cooking with these herbs about a year ago after watching Ina Garten make rosemary mashed potatoes and chicken cutlet with thyme in the bread crumb mixture and have never looked back. Now I am a firm believer in fresh herbs versus dried. The flavors are so different. Now if you are in a bind and can't get fresh which nowadays is virtually impossible. Just remember that you will have to make adjustments to recipes as dried is more intense.

Thyme

Rosemary and Thyme can be grown outdoors if you have a garden. If you don't you can purchase bunches of them at the grocery stores or specialty food store. There are great tips to be found on this site for growing herbs: http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetablepatch/a/Rosemary.htm

 The lemony lightness of Thyme and the pungent powerhouse of Rosemary and how they pair up with different dishes. Here are some ideas to using these wonderful herbs that once you use you will never be without them.

Crispy Shrimp

Take 2 sprigs of Thyme and add them to Panko (Japanese bread crumbs) bread crumbs along with lemon zest salt and pepper and sear shrimp in olive oil until golden brown.

Rosemary Focaccia Bread

Take 2 tablespoons chopped Rosemary, yeast, flour, 6 tbsps of olive oil and make homemade bread. Recipe specifics at :http://www.recipezaar.com/recipe/The-Best-Rosemary-Focaccia-Bread-63530

Roast Chicken

Take 6 sprigs of Thyme and 3 of Rosemary, half and onion, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Stuff a 3 pound chicken and roast for 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. And you have a healthy and elegant meal that can be turned into sandwiches the next day. Or pair it with baby red bliss potatoes.

So these two antithetical aromatics make even the most modest of meals pop with flavor that takes chicken to a whole new level, makes shrimp even tastier and you will wonder how you ate bread without rosemary. 

Cheers to these plants. Try it on some dishes. Go crazy and experiment. See what you come up with and let me know. I'd love your feedback.

Happy Eating!

Ice Cream you scream we all scream for....

Not Since George Washington Carver's inventions of over one hundred uses for peanuts including, cosmetics, gasoline (which we should Really look into reestablishing) and most famously peanut butter has there been a clamoring for one of the greatest inventions of all time. No not Nikola Tesla's radio or Thomas Edison's pesky electricity which thanks to him now we don't even need to leave the house, hence our Country's ever expanding waistline. No. I speak of Augustus Jackson. Let that name sink in for a moment. Need to Google him. I did too and have been reading about him for over an hour. He "created" ice cream. Although ice cream appears prior to his version here in the United States, he invented a superior technique for manufacturing it which now allows brands like; BenJerry's, Haagen Daas, Breyers to be sold by the crate full. And boy do we eat the stuff up.

With all the Dr. Frankensteinesque flavors produced. Ironically the most popular flavor is Vanilla. Go figure. So I say thank you Mr Augustus Jackson. For making a delicious treat even better. For shaping the way ice cream was made and is ingrained in childhood. Let's be honest how many of of us no matter what age don't feel that urge to run down the stairs screaming "Ice Cream Man. Ice Cream Man" when the Mr. Softee jingle tune plays? 

Happy Eating!

winner winner lunch and dinner

Getting "inspiration" from a cooking show that requires only that you go to the supermarket and get everything you need from boxes, with a very small amount of fresh ingredients, I made 2 meals this afternoon. First up, four cheese risotto courtesy of Archer Farms which I believe is sold exclusively at Target. So the box consists of one pouch of rice and one pouch of powdered cheeses. Not using the whole pouch of cheese as there was too much sodium for anyone to eat. I added fresh shrimp and frozen peas to mine. It came out pretty good in about 20 minutes. I paired it with my Eve's Cider from the farmers market (See post To Market, to Market) and it was a delish although somewhat salty lunch.

Dinner time! Making lasagna the easy no full Barilla way. You will cook a pound of ground beef. Use one with some fat in it. I prefer Sirloin with the following lean to fat ration 90/10 or 85/15. Any leaner and it's too dry. Trust me. You follow the directions on the box to the letter and you get a yummy lasagna that although not quite mom's slow cooking version, still a tasty recipe. Total cooking and prep time it about 1 hour and 20 minutes. I found mine to be yummy but a bit on the dry side, so I will make sauce adjustments next time to better mimic homemade.

Happy Eating!

Foodielocks

Like Goldilocks I attempted to make 3 different dishes this morning to test my ability to improvise and not have  a set recipe. Just go into my pantry and fridge and come up with stuff. First up. Black bean cake. This is my version of breadcrumbless black bean cake. It seemed like a good idea at the time as I wanted to lower my carbs for a while ala Atkins. And I didn't have flour handy. Look at it. It is just well Look at it!. Habanero chili, black bean, crab meat, corn, shallot, garlic and parmesan from a bottle. It was falling apart when I cooked it. I have not tasted it, yet.

So then I tried using chinese noodles, broccoli rabe, shrimp, scallions, curry powder, soy sauce and coconut milk and came up with this soupy weird tasting mush. bleh!

Finally success! Angel hair pasta. Using cream, butter, sauteed shallot, garlic, lemon zest, shrimp and crab meat. It was spicy courtesy of tabasco sauce and tangy from lemon juice. It was a perfect marriage of sweet and tart. Fresh basil and fresh mozzarella took it over the top.

I realized that I should probably use recipes. They are there for a reason, but I must confess it was a fun attempt at 3 dishes in under and hour and to see what works and what does not. Besides,  I did have fun! Go for it try 3 recipes in under and hour and see what you come up with.

Happy Experimenting.

To Market, to Market

Ah. A Beautiful New York City Spring day. I decided that in order to eat more successfully, I need to eat healthier. So with my very own carry on bag courtesy of The New School and my slightly disgruntled boyfriend in tow will endeavor to walk the 2 blocks that make up the Union Square farmer's market. The first stop was to the fresh herb kiosk that had the most people because I am as much a follower as the next person. Hey if this spot is good for all these people, good enough for me. I bought a basil plant. Not sure how to care for it and was too embarrassed to ask the man behind the counter. Besides I can just look it up online what to do with my purchase. By the way it was 5 bucks.

Then we made our way to an organic bakery where I purchased a 2 dollar cheddar biscuit which was delicious, courtesy of Hawthorne Valley Farm. They were very friendly and informative on the practice and the ingredients used which are all from their farm or other local growers.

Now I was getting thirsty and found another great tent this one called Eve's Cidery where she explained the ciders and how they are cultivated and she gave us free samples. The gentleman next to me was there when I walked past it the first time getting sample after sample.  I purchased a bottle of Autumn's Gold. Really yummy and I can think of a few recipe ideas to pair with it. Price? $14.00

On to organic potatoes and shallots which I use in alot of dishes. I got a bag full of each for a total of 5 bucks. Steal!

Walking around and seeing an abundance of good quality foods that are organic and healthier for you.

All in all I had a great time and did not spend as much as I thought I would. Only gripe? I could not find avocados and trust me I looked. I did get some great ideas.

Happy Walking!