Archives for November 2006

My recipe files overfloweth, as do my stacks of clippings, my “to try” pile and magazines to read. I could make 10 new recipes every day from now until the day I die, and still not get through them all. And if that isn’t enough, I found another great source for new recipes today. I knew FoodTV Network had a Canadian site, filled with all the shows they air in Canada (and if you didn’t know that already, check it out … they have lots of stuff that the US FoodTV Network doesn’t have). Well, today I discovered that there is a whole ‘nother FoodTV Network website for New Zealand, introducing us to even MORE new shows (I wish we had the Coconut Coast one here), chefs and recipes. There’s definitely no hope I’ll catch up with my to try pile now, but it sure is fun trying! And now YOUR “to try” piles can overflow too. Until tomorrow…

A year ago today … doing it Cuban-style.

My sister and brother-in-law came over for dinner tonight, and since we had an Open House all afternoon and I wouldn’t be getting home until after 4, I kept an eye on a simple menu. I made a new recipe, Mixed Olive Tapenade, as a pre-dinner munchie. This one comes from Cooking Light, and with the holidays coming up, it is the perfect thing to have in your repertoire. I’d even go so far as to say that if you make this, you just might not buy olive tapenade at the store any more. It makes a good amount, and besides being cheaper than actually buying the store-made stuff, it actually tastes better. Do try it. (And bonus! Another excuse to use those mini trifle dishes I bought.)

For the main course, I went with a tried-and-true, John Zaccaro, Jr.’s Penne with Vodka Sauce. Simple to make, darn right tasty, and special enough for company. To accompany it, I made another batch of the Garlic Bread Fantastique that I made last night. Dessert was a no brainer. The Husband had a craving for Portuguese Custard Cups, so made a trip to a bakery he likes in Newark, picking up two dozen, and when we ran into Costco earlier today, I grabbed one of their pumpkin pies. Delicious, and a bargain at $5.99 for a humongous pie. All in all, a perfect menu for a relaxing dinner.

Without further ado, we’re going to the dogs. Until tomorrow…

A year ago today… I didn’t post.

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A crazy, busy day, and tomorrow isn’t going to be any better. We had The Neighbors over for dinner tonight, and kept it simple, going with a soup and sandwich theme.

With the exception of making the Greek Salad Bites (from the other night), I went with all new recipes, making Newport Clam Chowder, Garlic Bread Fantastique and Double Chocolate Mocha Trifles. The Neighbor Husband whipped up a batch of Caprese Paninis from a panini cookbook that I had. The end result? The soup was good, but to us, just your average clam chowder soup. No “wow factor.” The garlic bread was delicious, and will definitely be made again; I think the mayonnaise, as odd an ingredient as it might be, is what made the difference. The Caprese Paninis were another keeper, but really, how can you go wrong with fresh basil, mozzarella and tomatoes? Lastly, the trifles. Very pretty presentation-wise, but didn’t doing anything for us, despite the 50+ reviews it got on All Recipes; guess we’re a tough crowd! But it was a good excuse to use my mini-trifle dishes again.

Long time readers may remember that I took over the Well Fed site back in July. Well, we’ve been working behind the scenes on a redesign lately, and it went live today, along with 7 new sites added to our line up (bringing the total to 15 sites in the network). If you haven’t had a chance to visit it recently, GO.

Until tomorrow…

A year ago today…another mixed bag.

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Last week, when Nicholas and I visited my Mom in the hospital, Dad was there, eating his McDonalds dinner while keeping her company. Nicholas noticed that my Dad had two straws in his milkshake. Apparently this is something that my Mom affirms Dad has been doing for y-e-a-r-s. I never really noticed it before. I asked why he used two straws and the answer was “because then you can take in twice as much liquid.” Well, duh on me, right? That’s an engineer for you. That crazy analytical mind. My Mom and I were looking at each other, shaking our heads. Our theory is then you’re drinking your drink twice as fast as necessary, and would run out sooner.

The conversation was no more than a minute or two, but Nicholas was sitting in the chair, very quietly, taking it all in. And now, wouldn’t you know it … every time we have gotten Nicholas a drink since then, “I want TWO straws, Mama, just like Grandpa.” Too funny.

And now it’s your turn. What are your food and drink quirks? C’mon and fess up, I know you have them.

Until tomorrow…

A year ago today… the dawn of New (to Me) Blogger on the Block.

It’s always a good idea to have a cache of tried-and-true “company’s coming, what will I make?” recipes on hand, and the easier they are, the better. Earlier in the week, I was doing some research on Cooking Light’s website for an upcoming article for my series and stopped by the bulletin board for a few minutes. One of the members posted a new recipe for Greek Salad Bites, and as soon as I saw the flavors in it, I printed it off to make for Nicholas. He loves feta, Kalamata olives and cucumbers, so I knew he’d love these as well.

Mom finally came home from the hospital today (yay!) and I spent the afternoon at their house, mom-sitting. When she fell asleep, I snuck off to the kitchen and made two quick meatloaves and a batch of the Greek Salad Bites, leaving portions of everything for them for dinner tonight. The Husband despises meatloaf (silly man!) and since he was working late tonight, it was a perfect choice for dinner. When Nicholas and I got home, I plated up a few of the Greek Salad Bites for him and he demolished them in mere minutes. The recipe is very simple and packed with flavor, and perfect to have in your repertoire for entertaining guests this holiday season. And how cute are they anyway?!

And speaking of the holidays, there’s a new food site for you to check out. Yahoo! has launched Yahoo! Food, a site packed with easy recipes, entertaining suggestions and more. It is easy to navigate and has a bunch of ideas for the upcoming holidays; check it out when you get a chance.

Until tomorrow…

P.S. That picture from yesterday? 1000-year-old eggs from the Wet Market in Hong Kong.

A year ago today… I didn’t post.

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My sister and brother-in-law went to a wedding a few weeks ago and while they were doing some sightseeing, they happened upon a local food market. Luckily she took pictures – who needs wedding pictures when there are local delicacies to look at? I know what the picture on the left is of … do you?

Until tomorrow…

A year ago today … addictions and confessions.

P.S. Thanks to all the adorable pups that braved their costumes for our Halloween contest. Tabulating votes that were received by 8 am yesterday, our lucky winner is Rocco. Congratulations! Drop me a line so I can arrange to send out your cookbook.