Movie Nite

Starting off the weekend with a family and friend movie nite. No recipes today, instead we ordered my favorite pizza, NYPD's Fran's favorite and the Meat Lovers Pizza for the guys. We rented the French film "The Class" ( excellent movie), Mona Lisa Smiles, and a Flash of Genius. Eating, learning, blissfulness what more can I say :).

Reds and Browns

Reds and browns remind me of the upcoming holiday, Valentine's Day and the chocolate treats that go along with it.

A simple dessert you might try making involves combining strawberries and chocolate together. Buy some juicy fat strawberries if they are available where you live and dip them in melted chocolate, refrigerate for a couple of hours, then take out and enjoy!

Fresh and Easy

During school I often find myself not having enough time to make a fresh and healthy meal for the family. I hate when that happens, but I have found some helpful solutions. Lately, I have turned to Fresh and Easy with their pre-seasoned fish dishes. The fish (salmon, tilapia, etc.) are all fresh and well prepared all you do is cook it, and that takes only a few minutes. As a side dish I usually serve our meal with the grocery brand herb salad. Be mindful that not all the products sold are organic, but they are good quality and the small grocery customer service is excellent.

My favorite items at Fresh and Easy, Oglio Prosecco and Salmon stuffed with Shrimp and Chipotle Sauce.

The Elephant Bar

If I had to admit one of my guilty pleasures it would be eating at The Elephant Bar. And today I had the opportunity to do that with my two lunch dates. I tried to eat healthy but got a bit carried away for dessert. My meal started off with a ground beef and lettuce wrap appetizer, followed by a lunch combo of tempura salmon roll with a side of pad thai. Though I was satisfied with my meal I was tempted into sharing a small delicious sundae in a deep fried wonton. I do not want to guess how many calories this all added up to; instead I will savor the moment. For a quick recipe of the Beef in Lettuce Wrap see below:

Ground Beef and Lettuce Wrap

2 lbs. ground beef
1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon hot chili oil
1 teaspoon light soy sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 (3/4 ounce) package stir fry seasoning
2 Tablespoons teriyaki sauce
1 bunch chopped green onion
1/2 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix
iceberg lettuce

Instructions: Brown ground beef with a bit of sesame oil and hot chili oil. Add some light soy sauce, pepper, garlic, 1/2 package of stir fry seasoning and 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce. After ingredients browned halfway add 1 bunch chopped green onions and 1/2 bag of coleslaw mix and finish browning. While the ground beef mix is cooking, wash a head of iceberg lettuce and carefully pull whole leaves off. When ground beef mixture is done serve with crisp cold lettuce.

Getting Sentimental

The big guy is starting high school this year, tonight is his orientation.

When my son was a newborn I loved eating a certain egg and meatball dish. My brother-in-law would make this wonderful dish for me sometimes, and he christened it Alex's Meatballs in Egg Lemon Sauce in his honor. Every now and then I will make it for the family and we'll chuckle at how the dish got its name. Thank you brother-in-law for sharing your "secret" recipe.

Photo: http://kalofagas.ca/category/soup/

Alex's Meatballs in Egg Lemon Sauce 

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 2 teacups rice (1 cup), washed
• onion
• parsley
• garlic
• salt / pepper
• dill
• oregano
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• rice
• 2 eggs, yolk and white separated
• 2 lemons

Instructions: Mix first 9 ingredients and make into small meatballs. Bring 3 cups of water in a pot to a boil, then add meatballs with some olive oil and dill. Let simmer for an hour (add water as needed). While meatballs are cooking, in a separate bowl beat egg whites well, then add yolks and lemon juice. Slowly add some broth from pot to lemon sauce until meatballs are by themselves. Then pour the lemon sauce over the meatballs, shake around and spread the sauce evenly over the meatballs. Add juice of 2 lemons and dill to taste. Serve hot. YUM! Serves 6.

Go Green

Going green seems to be a theme around my house. I'll begin with the Green Tea pictured above. Rishi tea is a traditional Japanese tea served ceremonially, but I use it as a morning wake-up beverage of choice. If you add steamed milk with a tablespoon of the tea you get an excellent version of Starbuck's Green Tea Latte. No need to add sweetner, its perfect the way it is. You can find this particular brand at Whole Foods Market.

Just a few things we do around the house to promote environmental awareness. 1. composting, 2. choosing brands that use recycled or recyclable material, 3. recycling paper, 4. using energy efficient products, 5. using earth friendly biodegradable household items, 6. bringing a recyclable grocery bag when we shop, 7. carrying a doggey bag when walking our pals, and 8. maintaining a little garden in the side yard that we grow a few herbs and vegetables in. Some fun ideas that we all can do to save our planet and make it a better place for our kids to live in.

Food + Furniture = IKEA

Food takes precedence over furniture in this collage. Yesterday we went to IKEA to look for a computer chair that was both comfortable and stylish for my daughter's desk. She chose a fun printed pattern that reflected her youthful spirit. Unfortunately for me when I go to places like IKEA I never leave without getting other stuff. Case in point, I exited the superstore with food! The above treat is called the Princess Cake and is composed of sponge cake, strawberry jam, whip cream, chocolate and marizapan. The dessert melts in your mouth and leaves you feeling like you're not cheating ;-). In addition to our trip I found a cool blog called Table for Two that has a sweet post about IKEA and the Princess Cake, take a look and explore other good stuff on the site too.

French Women Don't Get Fat

Mirelle Guiliano is the author of French Women Don't Get Fat and this past October she released her second book Women, Work & The Art of Savoir Faire which I am currently reading with Tucker Miller. In her first book Guiliano talked about how Frenchwomen enjoy eating because they do it in moderation. Her latest book is completely different, instead she discusses how to be successful in the workplace and still enjoy life. I love her style of writing, straight to the point with a touch of humor. I cannot wait for her next book, a cookbook in April.

Chocolate Croissant

A simple and easy way to make chocolate croissants is to buy crescent roll dough at the grocery store ( you can usually find it between cookie dough and butter) add broken pieces of chocolate bark (found in the baking section of  the grocery). Preheat oven at 350° and bake according to crescent dough directions. Afterwards, you can sprinkle the croissants with powdered sugar to give  a made from scratch look. Bon Apetít.

Short Cuts

Not quite Valentine's Day but it never hurts to start putting out the treats in the glass candy jar.

I was craving something sweet and chocolaty but didn't want to work hard for it, so I took a short cut and bought chewey chocolate cookies and partnered it with raspberry and chocolate sorbet. Ummm....the kids will be in for a surprise treat when they come home from school.

After the Rain

Its been raining cats and dogs for two days now. Look at the beauty and destruction that nature can sometimes cause.

My two furry friends, Tucker and Finn. They were not pleased with all the mud and water in their playground.

Even though the weather did make some of us sick we were able to enjoy a healthy dose of Thai Chicken Soup with Mushroom and Baby Bok Choy Salad for dinner.

Thai Chicken Soup

• 1 whole chicken cut into pieces
• 8 cups of water
• coarse salt
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 4 thin slices fresh ginger, plus 1 tablespoon thins matchsticks
• 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• 1/2 bunch fresh cilantro (2 cups packed)
• 2 large lemongrass stalks, yellow and pale-green parts only, sliced crosswise (1/2 cup), plus 1 tablespoon very thinly sliced 
• 3 strips (2 inches each) lime zest plus 2 tablespoons juice (from 2 limes)
• 1 or 2 fresh green Thai chiles, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon Asian fish sauce
• Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and lime wedges

Instructions: Bring chicken, water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt to a boil in a large stockpot. Skim foam. Add garlic, ginger slices, shallots, cilantro, 1/2 cup lemongrass, and the lime zest. Reduce heat. Simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Remove breast, set aside. Simmer, partially covered for 30 minutes. Strain soup through a sieve. Return soup to stockpot. Let chicken cool slightly. Remove meat from bones and slice. Stir in chiles, ginger matchsticks and sliced lemongrass into strained soup. Simmer for 10 minutes. Skim fat. Stir in lime juice and fish sauce. Season with salt. Garnish with cilantro, and serve with lime wedges. Serves 6.

Source: www.marthastewart.com

Care for some tea...

I have a terrible cold from the rainy weather this week and thought I would have some chocolate tea to make it all better. However tea alone is not enough to do the trick, some Green Tea Shortbread kept me very satisfied and happy.

Green Tea Shortbread

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling
• 2 Tablespoons Chinese green-tea powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon table salt
• 1/2 lb. (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, or granulated sugar

Instructions: Sift flour, tea powder and salt into a small bowl; set aside. Place butter in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Cream on medium speed until fluffy (3-5 minutes). Add sugar; continue to beat until very light in color and fluffy, about 2 minutes more. Add flour mixture; combine on low, scraping sides of bowl with a spatula if necessary, until flour is incorporated and dough sticks together. Place a piece of parchment on a clean surface; dust with flour. Roll dough to 1/4-inch thickness; chill in refrigerator or freezer until firm (about 30 minutes). Preheat oven to 325°. Line two baking sheets with parchment. Cut chilled dough with leaf cutters. Bake until barely starting to color (15-20 minutes). Cool completely on wire rack; store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 weeks. Makes 3 dozen.

Source: www.marthastewart.com

"You can never have enough butter."

Bonjour! I was craving a Croque Madame this morning and decided to make it for the family. Just one word délicieux (pronunced day-lee-seeuh)! Here is my interpretation of a Croque Madame, I hope you give it a try.

Croque Madame

The Croque Madame is comparable to an American ham and cheese sandwich with the addition of a fried egg on top. My version begins by taking 4 thick slices of bread, fry them in a buttered pan then flip on both sides so the bread slice is saturated in butter. While browning the bread on both sides. Microwave some slices of instant bacon and slice some Brie cheese or whatever type of cheese you prefer. When the bread slices are done put them on a plate and spread Dijon mustard lightly on 2 slices. Place 3 slices of bacon on top of 2 slices of bread then cover each bacon topped bread slice with the cheese and put the Dijon covered bread slice on top. Heat oven at 400°, put more butter in pan and fry 2 eggs. While eggs cook at medium-heat bake sandwich for 5 minutes until you see the cheese melting on the sides. (If the cheese is not melted enough for you increase the temperature to broil and watch the sandwiches so they don't burn.) When the sandwiches are ready place one egg on top of each and season with salt, pepper and thyme. This recipe should make a serving for 2 people. Bonne Consommation!

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Remembering a courageous leader who had tremendous faith that the world would unite in peace. Let us not forget leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. who sacrificed their life in order to better the lives of others. That said I wanted to post a favorite recipe of Dr. King's and found that he enjoyed Pecan Pie. However, I decided to post another Southern favorite instead. The recipe I found is perfect for today's rainy cold weather where I live. I hope to make it this evening and enjoy watching the news coverage of a very important holiday. Happy MLK Day everyone! Peace.

Cabbage and Ham Bone Soup

• 1 Tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 1 meaty ham bone (cooked)
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 medium turnips, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 large head of green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
• 2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cayenne pepper (or to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: In a large pot or dutch oven, saute onion and celery in oil until soft. Add chicken broth, ham bone and bay leaf to pot and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat and let simmer a few minutes to season the broth. Stir in carrots, turnips, cabbage, vinegar, and remaining seasonings. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Remove ham bone and let cool. Cut ham from bone and add meat to pot. Cook additionally to heat, or until vegetables are to desired texture. Remove bay leaf and serve. (Makes 4 large or 8 small servings.)

Source: Elizabeth Kelly. Gourmet Food Examiner. January 17, 2010.

Where It All Began

I have my grandparents to thank for my appreciation of entertaining friends and family. My grandfather is on the far left, Lolo Swally and my grandmother Lola Inday is standing in the middle. The picture above was taken in their garden in Cagayan de Oro City, Phillippines.

My grandparents cheerfully enjoyed sharing their home and company. In honor of their fondness for celebrating food and camaraderie I would like to share with you a favorite filipino dish of mine.

Pancit palabok

• 8 oz Pack rice noodles
• 1 Tablespoon Annato seeds (achuete)
• 1 cup Shrimp juice
• 2 Tablespoons Fish sauce (patis)
• 2 1⁄2 Tablespoons Cornstarch, mixed with ¼ cup water
• 1⁄2 lb. Shrimp, shelled and fried
• 3⁄4 cup Finely crushed chicharon-(pork rinds)
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped and-fried
• 2 Tablspoons Green onions; chopped
• 2 Hard cooked eggs sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

First soak noodles in boiling water for 20 minutes or until softened. Drain well then set aside. Soak Annato seeds for 20 minutes, then roll seeds with your finger until you extract the color. Add Annato water to shrimp juice in a saucepan. Season with fish sauce, salt and black pepper. Stir in the cornstarch, simmer until thick, stirring continuously until thickened. Put noodles on a plate, pour sauce over it, then sprinkle with crushed pork rinds, shrimps, fried garlic, and green onions. Arrange sliced eggs on top and lemon wedges on the side. To serve, toss pancit mixture and sprinkle with lemon juice to taste.

Most of the above ingredients can be found in local Asian grocery stores. I hope you enjoy the recipe as much as my family and I do. Cheers!

Happy Sunday

Today's recipe is the Orange Yogurt Tart that I made the other day for dessert. This healthy treat is very easy and simple to make. You may even want to try making it with your kids. I hope everyone's day is as bright and cheerful as "la tarte orange".

Fresh Orange and Yogurt Tart

• coarse salt
• 2 teaspoons powdered gelatin (from a 1/4-ounce packet)
• 1/2 cup half-and-half
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup packed light-brown sugar
• 3 medium naval oranges
• 1 8-inch premade pie crust (baked according to directions)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over 2 tablespoons cold water and let stand 5 minutes. In a small saucepan, warm half-and-half over medium. When it begins to steam, add gelatin mixture and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute. In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir warm half-and-half mixture into yogurt mixture. Pour filling into cooled tart shell and refrigerate until set, 2 hours. With a sharp paring knife, slice off ends of oranges. Following curve of fruit, cut away peel, removing as much white pith as possible. Slice oranges into 1/4-inch-thick rounds and remove any seeds. Just before serving, arrange orange slices on top of tart.

Source: MarthaStewart.com

When Life Imitates Art

Meryl Streep is amazingly talented. I saw her movie "Julie & Julia" after seeing her other movie "It's Complicated", and she leaves me in awe. What a lovely movie, my two young children enjoyed all the food making. They stunned me by watching it twice! Bon Apetit Julia....

Opa!

Greetings everyone ~

Today I decided to start a food blog. For the past 2 years I have been busy finishing a master's degree in Higher and Post Secondary Education and have been cooking to relieve stress and encourage creativity; while at the same time enjoying eating what I make! Tonight the family had a special meal that was shared with two young friends who had never eaten lamb. To their surprise the young ladies enjoyed their meal. Here is the recipe for the lamb which was served with a Greek Salad, then after a Orange Yogurt Tart for dessert.

Baked Lamb with Potatoes

3 lbs. Leg of Lamb
head of garlic
4 lemons
2 oranges
olive oil 1/2 cup
flour
15 medium potatoes
salt / pepper
oregano

Instructions:
Rinse lamb, dry and cut off excess fat. Cut holes throughout lamb and insert garlic cloves. Rub lamb with olive oil, 3 lemons, 2 oranges, salt / pepper, oregano and flour. Bake 450〫uncovered for 45 minutes. Then cover with foil bake at 350〫approximately 30 minutes per lb. (1 1/2 hrs.). Cook last 45 minutes at 400〫uncovered (watch meat). While meat is cooking, peel, clean and quarter potatoes. Put potatoes in bowl with 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 lemons squeezed, 2 oranges squeezed, salt / pepper, oregano and 1/2 cup water; mix well. Put in baking pan, cover, cook 45 minutes at 400〫. Then 30-45 minutes uncovered, last 5 minutes broiled, continue stirring occasionally. Add water or juice if dry.






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