Archive for Great Blogs
Cool New Blog Alert: Melly’s Kitchen…
Posted by: | CommentsIndulge me a bit would ya – my gal Mel has decided to jump feet first into the foodie blog world and, of course, having some of the best readers on the planet, I was hoping that you might be able to drop by her spot and welcome her to the Foodie world… She’s one heck of a spunky gal and, from what I hear, can throw down in the kitchen…
You can find her spot here: Melly’s Kitchen
Thanks in advance!!!
Guest Post: A Secret Summer Romance…
Posted by: | CommentsWhile I’m visiting all things Philadelphia this week, I’ve opened up Cooking In Stilettos to some FABULOUS bloggers I adore. First up is the one and only (Sometimes!) Serendipitous Girl aka SSG disclosing her "secret summer romance"…
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A Secret Summer Romance
by SSG
I have a secret … I love soup.
I wish it was more scandalous, really. Like I love soup AND I slept with a celebrity. But the secret really is that I just love soup.
A hearty lentil and sausage stew in the fall, slow cooked onions simmered in beef broth and topped with melted Gruyere on toast in the winter. A bowl of homemade chicken noodle to combat the sniffles or a simple tomato soup to combat a rainy afternoon. Surely "hearty" stems from its root word, heart. And I can’t think of another place that warms mine more than being wrapped up in a soft blanket on the couch, Pride & Prejudice queued up on the DVD player, spoon poised, ready to make the first plunge into warmth and comfort.
That is, until summer.
Soup and I have to go on the equivalent of a "Ross and Rachel" break. Where instead of scraping the last bit of soup from the bowl, I scrape whatever vegetables I can pull together without having to turn on the stove. I dabble with strolling through the farmers market in flip flops, warmed instead by the early morning sun.
But deep down, I miss soup.
There are cold soups, sure. But gazpacho can get old after a while. And while the cantaloupe soup I had at New York City’s Home one hot summer evening was delicious, it was too light to make a full meal.
I would just have to wait.
Or would I?
Enter the June 2009 issue of Martha Stewart Living where "Soups on Ice" caught my eye. While the title of the article initially had me envisioning Disney sized bowls of soup on ice skates, coming soon to a rink near you! I quickly forgave her after seeing page after page of Spicy Tomato, Fresh Pea and Buttermilk, and Cucumber Basil & Mint. And then my heart stopped when I saw "Corn & Coconut." Described as "farm fresh familiar and surprising all at once" it had a humble list of ingredients. Jalapeno, corn and coconut milk are boiled together with water, pureed, chilled and strained before getting to know each other a bit better in the fridge. On some warm Portland days I’d like to climb right in there with them.
The soup, when finished with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a few turns of the pepper mill, was the perfect accompaniment to a crisp Pinot Gris and salad. Hearty? Yes. But cool and refreshing with a hint of complexity … though all really quite simple in the end. Just like a summer romance should be.
Corn & Coconut Soup
Serves 4
Bring 1 jalapeno chile, seeded and chopped, 3 cups fresh corn kernels, 1 can (14 oz) light coconut milk, and 2 1/2 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat, and simmer until corn is tender, about 20 minutes. Filling a blender halfway and covering with a kitchen towel, puree soup in batches (I used my immersion blender). Strain through a coarse sieve into a large bowl; discard solids. Season with salt and pepper. Chill soup at least 3 hours or up to overnight. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice. Garnish each serving with fresh corn kernels if desired and season with pepper.
SOBE 2009: I’m So Excited…
Posted by: | CommentsNo, don’t worry – I won’t break into a rendition of the track from The Pointer Sisters. I’m not THAT cruel and, of course, my singing is banned here in the Sunshine State.
Tomorrow I’m headed down to sunny South Beach for the 2009 Food Network’s South Beach Food & Wine Festival. Granted, I’m crazy tired from the daily grind but when a gal hears that some of her fave personalities (and bloggers) will be in the area, well then – one needs to go.
Sadly, one of my fave chefs/blogger buds, Bren won’t be attending this year (girl – you better be going to the NY event!) but, don’t worry B. – I’ll be texting from the stands.
I pinky swore that I’d take pics and, don’t worry – I’m armed with cameras, cell phone, etc. I plan on catching as many of the chef demos as I can. Tomorrow they have: Sunny Anderson, Ingrid Hoffman, Michael Symon, Marcus Samuelsson, Anne Burrell, Morimoto, Tyler Florence, the Neelys, Cat Cora, Paula Dean, Bobby Flay etc. etc. As quite a few of these peeps are on my Tivo on the regular, I’m going to be bouncing from stage to stage. However, as Bobby Flay is closing the show – I don’t know if I can catch his demo however, I will try (if time allows. Sadly, I still have a 4 hour drive back and have to be home Sun. night… :::sigh:::) Somehow, I also need to hit up those tents too to give you the inside scoop. So, the stilettos are NOT going with – those can be saved for another day.
If you want to catch some great pics and updated intel, check out Sunny Anderson’s blog (she’s got some great backstage shots) and Jacob over at Food Network Addict.
Can’t wait – talk to y’all on Monday!!!
Cookin’ Round The Web: Saving Some Pennies, One Pantry At A Time…
Posted by: | CommentsWith our country heading into a new administration, one can’t stick their head in the sand and think that finances are not in the spotlight. Going hand in hand with that effort is the Green movement. I’m learning that sometimes it’s just the best thing to stay home and chill, relaxing with friends and family while shopping in your pantry.
So, for this edition of Cookin’ ‘Round The Web, I spotlight some posts that can help you channel your inner frugalista while playing in the kitchen…
Obviously, a well stocked pantry is KEY to any perfect meal. The Kitchn spotlighted an article from the New York Times where Mark Bittman gave his suggestions about what is needed in a pantry. Sure, it’s a bit of an investment at first but when you think about it, once it’s stocked, you have less of a headache.
Sarah over at Pink Shoe Diaries gave a lesson in Foodie Frugality… I’m going to implement the coffee tip – well, once I receive that replacement carafe for the coffee maker. ( I didn’t look where I was whippin’ around in the kitchen and the coffee pot went to pieces. Turns out they coffee maker was discontinued :::sigh::: )
Kathy at Panini Happy gave 5 Money-Saving Panini tips. Quick meals are just a moment away… and leftovers can be totally remade into something fabulous…
The Italian Dish gave some insight into how to make homemade gnocchi. Think about it – you already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. Considering its $3 – $4 for the vacuum packed gnocchi which, in my opinion, sometimes tastes like glue, this details the recipe perfectly and you can be a rock star at your next dinner…
Why spend a fortune for flavored oils and vinegar when you can make your own. Italian Food Forever gives some great tips on how to make your own…
The Casual Kitchen pointed out 41 Ways You Can Help Out The Environment… Plus, an added benefit that is not only are you helping the environment, but you save some cash too.
Finally, Philly.com spotlighted the state of the kitchen in their article, Home is Where The Food Is…
OK, all this finance chatter has made a gal a bit somber… So, let’s spotlight a couple fun ones to round up this Link Round Up…
Erin Cooks! encourages you to channel your inner Peg Bundy and make some homemade bon bons…
Food Network Musings has a great discussion on the Food Network Magazine (I’m checking out this new issue this week – haven’t decided if I should buy or not – yet)
And, finally, Forays of a Finance Foodie talked about her experience attending a Food Network Soiree…
A Night At Amada…
Posted by: | CommentsOne of my favorite chefs is Jose Garces. I’ve heard rave reviews about his restaurants. His cookbook, Latin Evolution, is like art. And, to boot, the man spanked Bobby Flay HARD on Iron Chef America. So I knew that during my trip to Philly last month, I’d have to go to his restaurant, Amada. Amada is a Spanish tapas restaurant in Olde City, Philadelphia which was just a hop, skip and a jump from my hotel at Penn’s Landing.
I have to say, Amada lived up to their buzz – the restaurant was all that and then some. The ambiance was intimate and rustic. From the moment you enter through the flowing draperies at the front door, staff greets you like an old friend welcoming you to dinner. Now, while I love Italian cooking, I’m also fond of Spanish cooking. After all, one of my signature dishes is Arroz Con Pollo.
Now, let’s get to the fun stuff – the food. After much contemplation, the menu items selected were:
- Patatas Bravas (Spicy Potatoes), a dish of potatoes topped with this amazing paprika aioli which I will be attempting to recreate this weekend. It was smoky with a bit of heat that just made you close your eyes and relish the flavors;
- The Croquetas de Jamon (Ham Croquettes) were good, but I wanted more of the Patatas Bravas; and
- Costillas de Ternera is a Spanish flatbread topped with Beef Shortribs, Bacon, Parmesan and Horseradish. This is another dish I’m going to attempt to try for the next soiree because the flavors were a perfect mix. It was divine.
Of course I had to have some Merlot but Julie, the fab bartender, also suggested that I try their homemade sangria. If I had thought about it, I would have ordered that instead of the merlot. They have three sangrias – a white, a red and a seasonal. The seasonal selection was a spiced apple sangria which was insanely good. While Julie and I were talking, I mentioned the Foodbuzz New Years Eve 24, 24, 24 event that I was hosting and, with thanks to her, she gave me some wonderful suggestions which turned out perfect.
Sadly, I did not take any pictures of my visit there but I will be sure to take them on the next trip as this has hit my list of “Absolute Fave Restaurants” and I will be going back. However, the Ultimate Epicure reviewed the restaurant and took some AMAZING photos which you must see HERE.
Much thanks to everyone at Amada. It was a meal to remember…
Cooking ‘Round The Web…
Posted by: | CommentsHappy New Year Everyone!
Well, I’m still playing catch up from my travels , work and the holidays , but here are some great posts that I found and thought y’all might enjoy.
Bren over at FlanBoyant Eats is running one heck of a contest – the prizes are *to die for*. What are you waiting for – go enter and then come back. I’ll wait. Promise! Congrats Bren on your one year blogiversary!!
Fabulously Broke In The City has a wonderful post on what to do with all those cords and how to organize them so you can clear the chaos.
Marc Vetri, one of my fave chefs, talks about his new book Il Viaggo del Vetri in the Philly Daily News
Predo over at Spartacus Wore A Skirt has a great recipe for Ice Cream + French Toast – fabulous for those kiddies who want Ice Cream for breakfast (c’mon – be nice, tis the holiday season!)
Jaden at Steamy Kitchen has a fabulous recipe for those soirees with her Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo
I picked up a few tips for food photography from The Constables’ Larder and Vegan Yum Yum. Yes, that’s one of my New Years Resolutions – learn to shoot better photographs!
Judy over at No Fear Entertaining did a fab Cilantro Pesto that I’m going to attempt for Super Bowl Soiree Central (that is if my E-A-G-L-E-S get a shot – wouldn’t that be grand!)
Erin Cooks! has a great recipe for Raised Donuts (time to break in that bread machine…) Dunkin Who? Donuts What?
Susan over at Stickey, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy kicked butt in this month’s Daring Baker’s challenge with a Buche de Noel. First of all, my hat is off to these DBs. I would be curled up in a fetal position over some of the Challenges they do. Secondly – you must read what she went through to accomplish this challenge. I state for the record – I am a cook NOT a baker. She’s a baker and an amazing one at that!
Sarah over at Pink Shoe Diaries has a dish that will brighten up the winter blahs – her Asparagus and Pea Risotto.
SpecktraBeauty (shush) has found some a recipe for some Truffles that are good for you… seriously.
Napastyle guru, Michael Chiarello, opened his new restaurant, Bottega. Check out some great photos and insight from the event.
And, of course, I saved one of my most faves for last – a video where Colin Cowie teaches you how his kitchen is organized. Have I told y’all I adore this man – seriously. And that kitchen – to die for. At least we know he uses his Electrolux appliances. Another spokesperson might not have the cooking chops to fully appreciate her Electrolux… jus’ saying 
If you can, check out his other videos at Epicurious.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Open Your Heart To Menu For Hope V
Posted by: | Comments
- Choose a prize or prizes of your choice from our Menu for Hope at http://chezpim.com
- Go to the donation site at http://www.firstgiving.com/menuforhope5 and make a donation.
- Each $10 you donate will give you one raffle ticket toward a prize of your choice. Please specify which prize you’d like in the ‘Personal Message’ section in the donation form when confirming your donation. You must write-in how many tickets per prize, and please use the prize code.For example, a donation of $50 can be 2 tickets for EU01 and 3 tickets for EU02. Please write 2xEU01, 3xEU02
- If your company matches your charity donation, please check the box and fill in the information so we could claim the corporate match.
- Please allow us to see your email address so that we could contact you in case you win. Your email address will not be shared with anyone.
Bookmark This: Sur La Table’s Baking Blog…
Posted by: | CommentsDid you know Sur La Table has a baking blog? I stumbled upon this and I’m in awe.
When I saw this, I figured it was bookmark worthy. I’ve been feeling a bit of the cooking “block” (much like writer’s block) lately, but I figured it’s due to a few things I have going on in the day to day.
We’ll see if I have some creative bursts of inspiration.
A Night Out With Foodbuzz and Florida Foodies at Todd English’s bluezoo…
Posted by: | CommentsEveryone is “buzzin’” about it and let me tell you – it was an event to be remembered. Last Saturday, yours truly, along with a fabulous group of Florida Foodbuzz Featured Publishers had an evening out at Todd English’s bluezoo here in Orlando, Florida.
The event was amazing, to say the least. My buddy, SL, and I departed for all things Disney and something about the hotel just reminded me of Palm Beach. Calm, serene and decadent. The restaurant didn’t disappoint either. We met up with a host of fabulous people and, after a cocktail at the bar, we were ushered into the private dining room (Squueeee!) and treated to a 6 course menu prepared by their executive chef that was to die for. OK, VIP at the club, I have to say that I’m spoiled. VIP at a fabu restaurant – just lead the way. Thank you!
The staff at bluezoo left no need unattended. Their waiters were attentive, the wine was flowing and the conversation was fabulous. Attending this lovely evening were Jenn of The Leftover Queen, Judy of No Fear Entertaining, Ingar of Taste Memory, Chris of Pickles & Cake, Susan of Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy, Peter and Christey of Fotocuisine, Erin and Chris of The Olive Notes, Rachel of My Little Marshmellow, and Bryan of The Tattooed Gourmet. Also, joining the Florida crew was the uber fabulous Ryan of FoodBuzz and The Pink Spoon fame.
Now, you get this group together and fun is only the beginning.
I know you really want to hear about the food, though so, while these snaps were not professional (have you SEEN the photos on the other blogs – I so need to put back the stilettos and get a better camera), trust me when I say you are going to get a little hungry. The menu started off with:
My take: the bacon provided the perfect touch of smoke to something that was already near perfect.
The amuse was followed by:
My take: This was just stunning. I wish you could see it in person and, if you do get a chance to go to bluezoo, you MUST try. It’s a deconstructed shrimp cocktail that was just divine. You have to see some of the other posts to see the hilarity that ensued as everyone had their “shot”.
This was followed by:
SECOND COURSE
beet salad…candied walnuts, goat cheese fondue
My take: OK, I have to be honest. The salad was just fine but I am NOT a fan of beets. I don’t think I ever have been. It’s just me. That’s all.
This was followed by:
THIRD COURSE
spice route char…curried beluga lentils, zhataar carrot, yogurt spill
My take: LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this dish. Did I tell you I loved this dish?? The char was perfectly cooked. The sauce had the right amount of spice and the carrots and lentils were flavorful. If I could pester the chef for the recipe, I would.
This was followed by:
FOURTH COURSE
sous vide amish chicken…parmesan polenta, picholine olive, deconstructed tomato sauce
My take: While the chicken was good, I was more of a fan of the polenta. (What can I say – I love polenta.) And you pair this with arugula, I’m sold. The deconstructed tomato sauce was also flavorful.
Finally, we were presented with:
FIFTH COURSE
warm chocolate cake with liquid ganache center……
maracaibo chocolate cream pudding, peanut ice cream
My take: Ummm… yes, it was BETTER than it looked. TRUST a gal. Thanks to this decadent treat, I am inspired to make the peanut butter ice cream.
Dinner was followed by coffee and cordials, more fabulous conversation and goodie bags courtesy of Ingar. Also, before Judy slaps me, I have to divulge a little secret. If you want a great after dinner coffee, add some Frangelico, Baileys and, I believe Amaretto, to the coffee and enjoy. If I wasn’t driving, I would have definitely had one or two. Now if only I can learn how to make a proper cup of coffee at home. :::sigh:::
Many thanks to all that came out. The camaraderie and conversation is only the beginning and I look forward to spending more time with these wonderful people. Also, I have to say a special thank you to Jenn, Judy and Ingar for putting this all together. Finally, we wouldn’t have had this fabulous opportunity if it wasn’t for Foodbuzz and Ryan. Thank you so much.
bluezoo rates high on my “must go to” spots here in Orlando and I know I will be going back often. I cannot recommend them enough. And, coming from a gal who goes OUT of her way to avoid all things Disney, you know it must be damn good. Tourists & I are non-mixy things, except when it comes to this spot.
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Check out everyone’s take on the evening:
- The Leftover Queen
- No Fear Entertaining
- Taste Memory
- Sticky, Gooey, Creamy, Chewy
- The Olive Notes
- The Tattooed Gourmet
- FotoCuisine
- My Little Marshmallow
A Little Link Love…
Posted by: | CommentsYes, I know – life has been getting in the way of posting over here at Cooking In Stilettos however, I’m in the process of updating my links. It’s been a project in the making for some time.
Plus, on Saturday I met some FABULOUS peeps for the Florida Foodbuzz dinner at Todd English’s bluezoo (more on that in a future post – WITH pics!) and am updating the blogroll. All of their blogs have had me laughing, crying, and just wanting to reach through the monitor to snatch what’s on their plate (Yes, TasteMemory – I’m talking about those Pots de Creme)
So, if you read Cooking In Stilettos, let a gal know in the comments and you’ll be added post haste!
