Archive for Food Education

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

Happy Overdose on Sugar and Sweets Day!

The way I see it, the dreaded Valentine’s Day is a great day to stuff your face with chocolate, candy, and brownies no matter what your marital status is.
I’m tackling the mecca of domestication Martha Stewart‘s brownie heart cupcakes today. The recipe appeared in last year’s Valentine’s Day issue of Martha Stewart Living which should have just been called: CUPCAKE OVERLOAD.

I mean, the woman’s staff included a food dye gradient for different shades of buttercream frosting…hello? Reminds me of dying shoes to match your 80s polyester poof bridesmaids dress.

But I took the, um, Betty Crocker route. I cheated. I didn’t make the cupcakes from scratch, but what the heck. I have a Valentine myself so he’s not gonna care.

For my brownie heart cupcakes, which saves time and (the all important) money, buy these things:

– one box of Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate brownie mix
– one box of Betty Crocker Fudge Marble cake mix.

Which, just in case you don’t want to read the back of the box, you’ll need the following:

– six eggs
– vegetable oil
– water (simple enough!)

But the buttercream, ah yes, I made from scratch:
– 3 sticks of unsalted butter, softened
– 1 lb. confectioners sugar
– 1tbsp. vanilla extract
Whip this concoction together adding 1/2 c. of sugar at a time in butter, add extract and douse those cupcakes.

For the brownie hearts I put aluminum foil on a cookie sheet and poured in the brownie mix. After they were done, since I don’t own a heart cookie cutter, I used a paring knife to cut some heart shapes.

Now, for the next part:

The presentation: Eat your heart out, Martha.

Enjoy!!

finished

Thursday, August 20th, 2009

The ratatouille is bubbling…

…due to the scorching summer heat and humidity from the delightful mid-Atlantic seaboard.

And we are back in action, just in time for the new season of Bravo’s Top Chef.

After a scintillating summer of Top Chef: Masters, the newest season which takes place in Las Vegas is a bit lackluster.

Top Chef: Masters had the best of the best from a variety of backgrounds. The greatest part of Top Chef: Masters was the twists of using past Top Chef chef-testants (as Bravo calls them) to either judge or help the Master chefs. It was sweet revenge to see some of these Master chefs, who were judges in the past, gulp and perspire in the wake of seeing their judgees become judges.


It may also be a detriment to some of these Master chef’s careers. Well, not some, just one. Michael Chiraello from Easy Entertaining on the Food Network appears on his show to be an easy going gentlemen with an affinity for hosting Italian dinner parties. However, on Top Chef: Masters he appeared to be one giant a-hole. Especially while picking past Top Chefs to be his sous-chefs for the second to last challenge. Come on, who pisses off their work force? Undermining these sometimes volatile past Top Chefs could invoke the wrath of their Top Chefy strategy which they all implored so well in many competitions.

Chiraello’s attitude aside, it was good to see some old favorites like Ilan (always fit with an unusual pair of glasses), Jamie (the scallop queen from San Fransico), and my personal favorite Fabio (who had many a gaff in his season).

Without fail, Fabio delivered, on cue, a loveable comment about a twist in a buffet challenge: “I sweating like a mountain goat at the beach now.”

Awesome.

After this tantilizing episode, my taste buds were waiting for more food porn to grace my senses. But, instead, I was accosted by piercings and throat tattoos. Not that I have anything against piercings and tattoos in general; but when theres a lip septum thing talking about her vice being alcohol and excess next to a pair of ginormously gaged ears talking about her hot-temper…I’m not feeling quite so hungry.

Thankfully, Jennifer Z., her gages, and her throat heart tattoo had to pack their knives and go yesterday. So this season could be potentially awesome. I mean, someone won $15,000 in the quickfire.

Did GE come into some money this season? Where is all this cash coming from?

More scrutinizing personality descriptions and food recaps coming next week.

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

“Call it Education…

It was somewhere in between you gave me some sound advice but I wasn’t listening.”

So say the Modest Mouse lyrics, which remind me of my Grandma trying to teach me cooking skills as a kid. Alas, being the stubborn and unwilling to learn kid that I was I ignored all my Grandma’s wisdom and decades of culinary skills and now I have stooped to learning from food shows.

Alas, in order to save you from the same mistakes that I have made I am here to tell you the top four educational cooking shows!

4. Take Home Chef — Host Curtis Stone

Why? Because the Aussie hottie “picks up” women in the grocery store and convinces them to “take him home” and cook dinner for their significant other. Its educational because Stone takes the women through the grocery store to pick out quality goods and then demonstrates step-by-step how to prepare and cook a gourment meal. When? varies depending on day/time

Channel? TLC

Grade? B-

3. Good Eats — Host Alton Brown

Why? If you can take the cheesey nature of the show, Alton Brown can really teach you a technique or two in preparing traditional dishes. Its like Bill Nye the Science Guy meets Home Economics.

When? Monday – Thursday 8pm/7c

Channel? Food Network

Grade? B+

2. Giada at Home — Host Giada De Laurentiis

Why? Without fail, everyone loves Italian dishes. Giada shows quick and easy ways to make Italian meals ranging from pizza and ravioli to lasagna and swordfish penne. She gives ready pointers as well as mini Italian lessons.

When? new episodes Saturday 1pm and Mondays 4:30pm

Channel? Food Network

Grade? A-

1. Barefoot Contessa — Host Ina Garten

Why? Her back to basics lessons give the audience hints to all things easy. Garten resides in the Hamptons so her cooking reflects the laid-back atmosphere.

When? new episodes Saturdays 1:30pm and Sundays at 1pm

Channel? Food Network

Grade? A

Sunday, April 12th, 2009

Happy Easter!

Every year, PEEPS are by far my favorite Easter candy treat.

And, coincidentally, the Washington Post holds a “Peeps Show” contest every year as well.

The outcomes are amusing, I invite you to take a look at the pictures.

There has been some earth-shattering news in the Peeps world this year…

introducing:

The Tulip Peep.

Now, my boyfriend is Dutch and undoubtedly he will fall in love with the Peep Tulip.

What I’m not so sure about is the “mousse Peep.” A chocolate peep that is shaped like a bunny.

The question is, why change? Peeps have always been marshmallow and sugar flavored….why add chocolate to the mix!?

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

Cupcakes Doubletake.

Okay, so last week in the “sweet treats” week of blogs, I talked about Georgetown Cupcakes and their lavish deliciousness.

I have another cupcake bakery, or as many like to call it, “cupcakery” that I was notified about by a fellow sweet tooth.

Oh, and its local.

CUPCAKES ACTUALLY is located nearby in good ole Fairfax Corner (across from Chipotle to be exact).
The first words on their website reads: “Okay. We admit it. We are snobs. Cupcake snobs.”

Now, that is my kind of place.

Cupcakes Actually opened up early this year in a prime location, making their snob-ish decadence something you can’t miss. Hailing from the Detroit suburbs, Cupcakes Actually’s cupcakes are the creations of the owner Sue and her love for frosting and cake batter.

There are three “classic” kinds of cupcakes that Cupcakes Actually produces and they are (dare I say it) better than Georgetown Cupcakes’…and closer.

  • Actually Dipped Chocolate (devil’s food cake topped with buttercream and dipped in chocolate fudge…OMG)
  • Actually Dipped Caramel (vanilla cake topped with buttercream and dipped in caramely goodness)
  • Actually Dipped Peanut Butter (devil’s food cake AND peanut butter icing AND chocolate fudge…to die for.)

Some other interesting choices are “Let’s Stay Awake, Cupcake (A rich, chocolate mocha cupcake, iced with a coffee buttercream),” “Razzmatazz (vanilla cake blended with a raspberry purée, iced with a rich raspberry buttercream)” and “Italian Stallion (butter cake, traditional iced with Italian butter cream).”

I gotta go get me some cupcakes.

Tuesday, March 17th, 2009

Fortune Cookie? Try Nutella Wonton.

What is the perfect end note to a Chinese food meal?

If you’re old school and ordering take-out, its usually fortune cookies (that may or may not be stale).

But, with some simple steps you can have a nice twist on a Chinese favorite: the wonton
.

My favorite treat from delivery places like China Garden or Eastern Cafe is a crab wonton (sometimes call rangoon) which is essentially a deep fried concoction of crab meat and cream cheese. This is NOT a low-fat dish, but it’s well worth the calories and the hour you’ll spend at the gym the next day.

The dessert version is the same concept: Nutella Wontons

**NOTE: Nutella is a chocolate hazelnut spread that’s from Europe but can be found in any grocery store. The French typically spread it on croissants for a chocolatey breakfast.**

  1. Take some wonton wrappers (also can be found in any grocery store, in the Asian aisle), the number depends on how many individual wontons you want.
  2. 1 tbsp of Nutella spread, plop smack dab in the middle of the wonton. Seal edges with water, form into triangles.
  3. Heat a frying pan over medium heat, fill with 4 tbsp of vegetable oil (NOT BUTTER! Butter burns too fast)
  4. Drop 1-2 wontons in hot oil, fry for 3-4 minutes.
  5. COOL COMPLETELY and enjoy!

Psst! For an extra treat, sprinkle powdered sugar on top to give these a little more sweetness.

photo by Kali Meadows

Thursday, March 5th, 2009

Favorite Fairfax Eateries

Bernie’s Deli, Noodles & Company, Foster’s Grille

Bernie’s Deli
Locatio
n: intersection of School St. & Chain Bridge, Fairfax, VA
Offers: deli sandwiches, hot meals, desert fare

  • A homestyle family-owned deli featuring favorites like corned beefs, super BLTs, and Carnegie Deli Cheesecake.
  • Owned and operated by Bernie & Leah “Mama” Socha, employed by mainly George Mason students.
  • Price range – under $10.00
  • **Call ahead to reduce the wait (703) 691.1269

Noodles & Company
Location: 10296 Main St., Fairfax, VA (next to TJ Maxx)
Offers: Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, Indonesian Peanut Saute, Pad Thai

  • Chain restaurant with variety of Contintental, Asian, and Mediterranean pasta/noodle dishes.
  • Side dishes include pork or chicken pot stickers, flat bread, Parmesan-crusted chicken.
  • Prince range — individual servings: $7.00, make it a “trio” with salad, noodles, and soup for around $9.00.

Foster’s Grille
Location: 10427 North St., Fairfax, Va
Offers: “mouthful” monster charburgers, hand-cut fries, hot wings, beer.

  • Burger joint decorated with “Office Space” and “Waiting”-esque flair minus the sarcasm but laid-back atmosphere.
  • Greasy spoon burgers, sports events always on nice Plasma TVs
  • Next door to gelato place Piccomolo — perfect for an after dinner sweet treat.
  • Price range — under $10.00, show GMU student ID get 25% off.

photos by: James M. Thresher, Noodles & Co., Foster’s Grille

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2009

Easy Weeknight Recipe

Have some extra time this week?

Want to make a delicious dinner that’s no hassle?

Try this: make some chicken enchiladas when you’ve got a spare 45 minutes, stick ’em in the freezer and pop ’em in the oven once you want to nosh on some cheesy goodness.

Seriously. It’s that easy.

To make a pan of chicken enchiladas that yields 8 servings, here’s the recipe.

Ingredients:

  1. 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (chicken breast works just as well)
  2. 1 chopped onion
  3. 1 cup sour cream
  4. 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  5. 1 teaspoon parsley, oregano, black pepper, and salt for some seasonings.
  6. 1 can tomato sauce
  7. 8 (10-inch) flour tortillas
  8. some taco sauce, and chili pepper
  9. one green pepper (optional)

The steps to make this easy meal are just as simple:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • 2. In a medium, non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook chicken until no longer pink and juices run clear.
  • 3. Drain excess fat. Cube the chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the onion, sour cream, Cheddar cheese, parsley, oregano and ground black pepper. Heat until cheese melts. Stir in salt, tomato sauce, chili powder, green pepper and garlic.
  • 4. Roll even amounts of the mixture in the tortillas. Arrange in a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cover with taco sauce and 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese.
  • 5. Bake uncovered in a 9×13 baking dish for 20 minutes, scatter extra cheese on top.

Pop in the freezer or eat them right then.

To re-heat, put uncovered baking dish in oven @ 350 for 15 minutes.

photo credit: B. Crocker

Saturday, February 28th, 2009

The Ultimate Culture Clash

Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards

Yesterday, President Obama went to the Bulls vs. Wizards game. The typical working man, who just happens to be our president, visited the Verizon Center. Which makes me think, would Obama prefer a Verizon Center hot dog, or a big old salty pretzel? (I’m sure the kid has utterly NO idea who he is sitting next to.)


Personally, as a Washington Capitals hockey fan — I’m
an advocate for the jalapeno nachos. But, that is only because jalapeno nachos and hockey hold the same sentiments for me. They’re both spicy, can get a little bit heated, and always finish with a bang.

Different sporting events call for different foods.

Soccer games make me think of juice boxes and orange slices, but that’s because I was 5-years-old when I played soccer. At a professional soccer game I would assume that you would eat fries or something. I wouldn’t know.

At a baseball game, its hands down a hot dog and a over-priced beer.


However, at a basketball game I think there’s an even tie between hot dogs and soft pretzels.
Verizon Center has som
e of the juiciest hot dogs and the saltiest of pretzels. The two reign supreme when it comes to indulging in gluttony that is a sporting event.

While we know Obama’s preference (Bulls over Wizards). Perhaps he’ll demonstrate bipartisanship with the two fan favorite basketball treats?


photo credits: girlychimp, zachstern

Thursday, February 19th, 2009

“Sending Y’all Love & Best Dishes…”


Ohhh…Paula Deen.

How we all love your six pounds of butter, grease, and kitchen counter deep-fryer.

While Deen’s food won’t be found in any healthy eating cookbooks; this Southern diva’s down home cooking is sure to please. After my college roommates and I made Giada De Laurentiis’ “Ravioli Caprese” earlier this week, we decided to give Paula Deen’s Southern Fried Chicken recipe a whirl.

Or, shall we say, we gave the recipe a try and it nearly gave us a heart attack. Deen’s recipe calls for an undisclosed amount of oil for frying.

A word of advice, just dump an entire bottle into the griddle. Your arteries won’t thank you later in life but your tummy will.

Deen’s fried chicken is Southern to the core. It reminds me of my Grandma’s fried chicken. Made on the stovetop in a kitchen not equipped for a grease fire or splattering molten lard all over the place.

I said this week’s posts would be about trying out how celebrity chef’s recipes and talk about the trial run of their preparations.

Deen’s fried chicken couldn’t be easier.

  • Dredge the chicken in flour and egg
  • Add a dash of Texas Pete hot sauce
  • Plop the floured diddlies into a hot skillet
  • Watch closely as they turn quickly into frittered goodness.

In true Paula Deen fashion, whip up some extra creamy mashed potatoes, make green beans and sprinkle them with bacon. Finish off with Devil’s Food Cake.

After all, The Lady herself throughly enjoys chocolate.