Cooking In Stilettos... » Philly

Fab Friday: Cooking In Stilettos Edition

Lys — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:54:32 +0000

Ahhh – September, my favorite time of year. And, to kick off this glorious fall season, let’s get with some great fall finds, shall we?

Cooking In Stilettos – Fab Fridays-9.3.10 by CookingInStilettos featuring stuart weitzman boots

Stuart Weitzman Wedge Ankle Boots are a practical choice for this fall/winter season. I seriously do not like doing any face plants on cobblestones due to stilettos on ice or snow. Wedges are practical for me when it comes time for facing that prospect. Sure, I’ve done many a slide down a icy hill in stiletto boots but somehow I think these gorgeous wedge ankle boots will save my butt more than once this cold weather season.

This Ruffoni Convivio Hammered Copper Oval Braiser had me reaching for my wallet – isn’t that GORGEOUS. I know, I know – how much copper can one’s kitchen have, right? But I have to be honest – I love Ruffoni copper cookware. Sure it’s pricey and I know it will have to be retinned in 10 years or so but the heat conduction, the look and the craftsmanship has me doing a “mental funds reallocation” to find a way to add that to my kitchen.

On the more affordable side of the spectrum, T-Fal’s Reversible Cast Iron Grill/Griddle is seriously being considered for addition to the cookware cabinet. I have been cooking with that cast iron pan I bought prior and can I say, “Wow!” T-Fal makes Ingrid Hoffmann’s Simply Delicioso line in addition to others that they manufacture and it has become a brand that I trust.

Cooking Light Cooking Through the Seasons: An Everyday Guide to Enjoying the Freshest Food has me excited for fall. There are some fabulous recipes in here as well as some great tips on seasonal cooking.

Speaking of seasonal cooking, one of my fave spots to pick up any seasonal produce is Maple Acres Farm Market in Plymouth Meeting, PA. Their prices are great, the vegetables & fruits are top notch and, guess what, they also carry some great finds like a killer raspberry chipotle BBQ sauce as well as other homemade goodies. All that plus Maple Acres sells fresh dairy products, eggs and meat and, of course, pumpkins for fall!

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Is That Olive Oil Really Extra Virgin? Lawsuit Alleges Otherwise.

Lys — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:22:00 +0000

I am one that believes in credibility – and if you are a trusted brand and say that your olive oil is extra virgin, well then, I tend to believe you. Especially when we are paying top dollar, right? How upsetting it was to learn that consumers have been duped, as discussed in a lawsuit filed by various restaurateurs and prominent chefs against some leading olive oil brands. Allegedly, many well known brands including Bertolli, Fillipo Bario, Colavita and Pompeian have been selling olive oil branded as extra virgin but, according to the lawsuit, they were anything but. Even Rachael Ray’s beloved brand has been named as one of the olive oil offenders.

Currently filed in California and seeking class action status, this lawsuit is in response to a UC Davis study which showed that many olive oils that sought “extra virgin” status for mark-up purposes, clearly were not. It really has to make you think about what and where your ingredients come from and if they are, indeed, what they allege to be.

You can read more on the lawsuit HERE. After all this hoopla, I think that I will be purchasing my extra virgin olive oil from the Italian Market in Philadelphia. At least there I know they sell the genuine product.

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Fab Friday: Cooking In Stilettos Edition

Lys — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 05:50:44 +0000

It’s Friday and the weekend is almost here. Here’s a few things that have been on the brain this week:

Fab Friday – 8.27.10 by CookingInStilettos featuring patent pumps

1. Brian Atwood Drama Stilettos: I know, you are shaking your head going “Lys, you need part of that shoe fund to put towards that stupid Philly Business Priviledge aka Blogger License tax, what are you thinking?!?!” but a girl can dream, no?

2. Anthropologie “Lucille” Apron: I love aprons – I don’t use them as much as I should but still – this just speaks to my inner kitchen fashionista.

3. Bauer Pottery Teal Batter Bowl: I know I have a problem with all things teal. I finally acknowledged that fact when I caught myself trying to make mental accounting allocations that would allow me to buy a teal Staub pot even though I am a diehard Le Creuset girl. However, this is a bit more “wallet friendly” and I find myself reaching for batter bowls when mixing up various goodies in my kitchen. Easy to pour, looks great and just has that za za zue factor, no?

4. Daisy Martinez’s fabu cookbook, Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night: Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin Dishes is one that I find myself referencing more and more these days. The recipes are phenomenal, the tips are on point and the photos – let’s just say I flip through it and want to make almost every. single. recipe.

5. Garces Trading Company: Have you been here – if you are living in or even VISITING Philadelphia, it’s a must. This spot has some fabulous coffee, amazing creations and the food – well, you know my opinion on that, it’s the vision of my fave Iron Chef, Jose Garces!

Pic Credits:
1. Net A Porter
2. Anthropologie
3. Bauer Pottery
4. Barnes & Noble
5. Haute Living Magazine

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Fab Friday – Cooking In Stilettos Edition

Lys — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:27:51 +0000

Ahhh – amidst a very hectic week, I found some lovely things that needed a little spotlighting.

Cooking In Stilettos – Fab Friday 8.20.10 by CookingInStilettos featuring Dolce Vita shoes

1. Dolce Vita Joelle Lace-Up Boots. Now, the military trend is hot and heavy and I’ve had my eyes on these gorgeous boots for a while now. While you may be wondering where my head is at with the military swing, trust me on this. Granted the ones I want are in black but when you put a 4″ heel and a 3/4″ platform, this boot has my heart at pitter patter for fall/winter. You know me and stilettos – I have to have that heel height. I’m short – it’s a must! Plus, living in Manayunk means lots of snow and ice and, somehow, I think this lug sole will help me from breaking my butt on the cobblestones.

2. Williams Sonoma is coming out with their fall items and this Bachmara Hammered Copper Couscoussier reminds me of my gorgeous Nigella Lawson stockpot that has been a mainstay in my kitchen. The top is a steamer, the bottom a stockpot. Double duty at it’s best. I love anything copper in my kitchen and this just adds to that rich look.

3. While we’re on the subject of copper, aren’t these NapaStyle Copper Tumblers gorgeous? Love Love LOVE!

4. Principessa Beauty is one of my fave lines for lotions and bath essentials. Their hand cream, Cattiva Diva, is a staple both at work and at home. This Casa Collection is a must for my kitchen to keep things gorgeous.

5. My new fave place to have cocktails during these summer months, the new deck at the Bourbon Blue. Granted, there’s no picture of it that I could clip but let me tell you, it’s to die for. I had the pleasure of being there for the Deck Opening Bash and the drinks, the food and the friends just made an evening perfect. It’s been a long time coming but they say the best things are worth waiting for, right? This deck – with it’s gorgeous views of the Manayunk canal – perfection, my friends – perfection.

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Fab Friday – Cooking In Stilettos Edition

Lys — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 20:57:17 +0000

Fridays are my fave day of the week – the weekend is imminent, the sun is shining (at least in Philly today) and there are always pretty things to take a gal’s mind off the Monday that always approaches so quick. Here are a few things that have me enamored lately and I figured that I’d go with a Fab Friday countdown with a little Philly luv thrown in. So, here we go…

Fab Friday-8.6 by CookingInStilettos on Polyvore.com

Brian Atwood Maniac Platform Pump in Teal: I have been OBSESSED with the Maniac pump – and when I saw it in Teal I just have to have it. Don’t know how or when, but this is on my must get list for fall. Even looking at the picture makes me happy. [What - you thought I was not going to lead off with shoes? C'mon now!]

Cuisinart Elite 16 Cup Food Processor: The more I think about it, the more I have justified the need to get the new Cuisinart Food Processor. After my Nigella screw up with the corn pudding and the new features on the new Cuisinart, I think it is a wise investment. Now, if I can only stop thinking that I need a mandoline in addition to the Food Processor *LOL*

Global 7″ Hollow Edge Santoku knife: One of the best investments I have ever made (besides, of course, my Le Creuset and my Louboutins) – my favorite knife of all knives, my Global 7″ Santoku knife. I’ve sliced and diced many a finger with some of the others I have tried but this one has yet to ever let me down (or make me reach for a bandaid).

Dianne Jacobs’ “Will Write for Food” (2nd Edition): I love love LOVE this book and it’s such a wealth of knowledge. While I had the first edition and often refer to it, I wasted no time in badgering my local Barnes & Noble (thanks Carol) to securing me a copy of the 2nd edition. When I got the call it was in, I made a beeline immediately to pick it up and it’s gone with me everywhere. While I’m super busy at the day to day, I always whip it out when I have a few minutes to continue my journey on learning how to be a better food writer. I can only hope that Dianne comes to Philly some day to speak.

Tutti Frutti – Dessert Choux: I heard about Tutti Frutti through Philly word of mouth and on my agenda this week is checking out their killer dessert choux! I couldn’t find a pic that I could clip of it but they do have them at CityPaper. Let me tell you, I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about it from a number of peeps who have tried it. Plus – choux pastry and froyo? Yes please!

What has you enamored on this Friday?

Pic credits:

1: ShoeGoddess.com
2 & 3: Williams Sonoma.com
4: Barnes & Noble
5: Foobooz.com

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Sunny Anderson Visits Philadelphia

Lys — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 19:02:11 +0000

Last night I noticed that one of my fave people, Sunny Anderson, was going to be in Philly for a hot minute talking about her upcoming appearance at the Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival (huzzah! AC goes Foodie!) Now, if you have never gone to one of these events, you really should – great people, great chefs and seriously to. die. for. food & wine. LOVE these events.

Earlier today, Sunny dropped by Philly’s The 10! Show and demo’d her Flank Steak with Drunken Pepperswhich looks to be a fabulous summer dish. C’mon, drunken peppers – you know you want to try that!

The recipe is for her killer Flank Steak Fajitas is here and if you do try it, let us know, will ya? Sunny – glad you were in Philly – even if it was for a very short visit!

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Cool It Down With Blueberry Ricotta Ice Cream

Lys — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 09:53:00 +0000

This humidity that is facing Philadelphia is starting to make me think Florida wasn’t as toasty. So, to cool things off, I decided to break in my new ice cream maker. Giada de Laurentiis did a chocolate chip ice cream made with ricotta and I thought this might be fun to try, except with Jersey blueberries fresh from Maple Acres Farm.

One tip with the ice cream maker – make sure to let the bowl freeze overnight or else you might have not so frosty ice cream. I added a lemon simple syrup and that complemented the blueberries along with the vanilla and the ricotta cheese added a nice richness and everything was able to be made simply without heating up the house. It was a nice way to beat the heat and I’m going to definitely be trying a few different variations – hmmmm… wonder how a caramel nutella swirl will work out with this recipe.

BLUEBERRY RICOTTA ICE CREAM

Recipe adapted from Giada de Laurentiis

Ingredients:

1 cup whole milk
1 15 oz. container of ricotta cheese (whole milk)
1/2 cup of water
1 cup of sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Zest and juice of one lemon
1 pint of blueberries

Directions:

First prepare the simple syrup – combine the sugar, water, lemon zest and juice of half the lemon in a pan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer for 5 minutes until the sugar is dissolved. Let cool.
Combine the ricotta cheese and milk and stir until smooth. Add the cooled simple syrup and vanilla and stir until combined.
Pour into the ice cream maker and freeze per the manufacturer’s directions.
10 minutes before completion, add the blueberries.
Put the finished ice cream in the freezer to firm up a bit and enjoy.

Gather the Ingredients

Churn Churn Churn

Add the Blueberries

Enjoy!

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Daisy Martinez To Visit Philly

Lys — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 11:27:57 +0000

Philly Foodies – listen up. Food Network’s own Daisy Martinez will be in Philadelphia on Thursday, June 24, 2010. She will be signing copies of her new cookbook, Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night: Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin DishesDaisy: Morning, Noon and Night: Bringing Your Family Together with Everyday Latin Dishes as well as doing a cooking demonstration. The event is scheduled to start at 5 p.m. at the Williams Sonoma at the Bellevue in Center City. While this is not a ticketed event, these events tend to get packed quickly. If you need to reserve a copy of the cookbook or have questions about the event, please call the gals at Williams Sonoma call at 215-545-7392. See you there!

Williams-Sonoma The Bellevue
200 South Broad St,
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 545-7392

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“This Kitchen Represents Success”

Lys — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:57:59 +0000

I will never – stress NEVER – have a bad thing to say about Rachael Ray, Bobby Flay or Carter Osterhouse ever ever again after what I saw on Monday’s episode of “The Rachael Ray Show.” Long story short – there is this amazing teacher here in Philadelphia, Mrs. Stephenson, who teaches Culinary Arts at Frankford High in Northeast Philly known as Room 325. Well, if you know that area of Northeast Philly, they need a little help – especially the schools. Rachael Ray, her staff and a few special guests went above and beyond, making over Room 325’s entire kitchen and bistro, the Culinary Arts program students received scholarships from Rachael’s charity, Yum-o!, and as an added bonus, the students had a class taught by the one and her entire kitchen got an amazing makeover, the students got scholarships and the class got one heck of a substitute teacher – Bobby Flay.

Mrs. Stephenson is one of those tough love teachers and gives her all to her students. She’s been teaching for over 40 years and rules the kitchen with an iron fist – preparing her students for the real world. To see Rachael’s team and charity go all out for this woman and spotlight some amazing Philly people was heartwarming.

If you have a minute, check out some of the videos and the story HERE.

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Giada de Laurentiis Book Tour Update

Lys — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:34:59 +0000

Sad news – the Giada de Laurentiis King of Prussia event is currently sold out, but I’ve got it on good authority that the event that starts at 5:00 at the Williams Sonoma located in the Bellevue in Center City has a few tickets left. Call them at 215.545.7392 to reserve yours.

Here is the current book tour schedule that was recently released. Make sure to call the store and verify that the event is still on and to reserve your ticket. If she heads to a location near you, be sure to tell us all about it!

March 30:
William Sonoma : 1200 Morris Turnpike, Short Hills, NJ 07078 : 973.467.3641
Costco : 325 Promenade Blvd, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 : 732.584.1001

March 31:
Borders Westbury : 1260 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590 : 516.683.8700
Stew Leonard’s : 100 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT 06851 : 203.847.7214

April 1:
William Sonoma : 160 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406 : 610.265.5970
William Sonoma : The Bellevue, 200 S. Broad St #M6, Philadelphia, PA 19102 : 215.545.7392

April 2 :
BJ’s : 100 Corporate Drive, Franklin, MA 02038 : 508.553.9889

April 3:
Sur La Table : 1101 S. Joyce St, Ste B-20, Arlington, VA 22202 : 703.414.3580

April 5:
William Sonoma : 1001 S Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89145 : 702.938.9480
Sur La Table : 3663 S Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89145 : 702.732.2706

April 6:
William Sonoma : 12850 Memorial Drive Ste 420, Houston, TX 77024 : 713.827.8056
Sur La Table : 1996 West Gray, Houston, TX 77019 : 713.533.0400

April 7 :
Sur La Table : 5809 Preston Rd, Ste 580, Plano Tx, 75093 : 972.378.5532
William Sonoma : 327 Northpark Center, Dallas, TX 75225 : 214.378.6216

April 8 :
William Sonoma : 2398 E Sunrise Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304 : 954.565.3717
Sur La Table : 301 SW 145th Terrace, Pembroke Pines, FL, 33027 : 954.266.3510

April 9 :
William Sonoma : 3500 Peachtree Rd, Atlanta, GA 30326 : 404.812.1703
Sur La Table : 4400 Ashford0 Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30346 : 678.441.9120

April 10:
McIntyre’s : 220 Market Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312 : 919.545.5700

April 11:
Barnes and Noble : 760 SE Maynard, Cary NC 27511 : 919.467.3866

April 12:
Unity Temple on the Plaza : 707 W. 47th Street, Kansas City, MO 64112 : 913.384. 7605

April 13:
Crate & Barrel : 35 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL 60523 : 847.239.6085

April 14:
William Sonoma : 340 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94108 : 415.362.9450

April 23:
Costco : 1801 10th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA 98027 : 425.313.0965

April 29:
William Sonoma : 3333 South Bristol Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 : 714-751-1166

April 30:
William Sonoma : 1600 Montana Avenue , Santa Monica, CA 90403 : 310-586-1018

May 7:
William Sonoma : 3835 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93105 : 805-569-6912

May 8:
San Diego : Location TBD

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