Archive for TV

Feb
08

Question To The Readers: Culinary TV

Posted by: Lys | Comments (3)

question-mark OK, this week’s question deals with all things cooking television.  This is a two part question so here we go…

1)  What cooking show would render you heartbroken if cancelled?

and

2) What TV cooking show would you be thrilled to see off the air?

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Categories : TV, Weekly Question
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One of my favorite must watch tv shows is NCIS and it never fails that when USA Network is showing a marathon, I always get sucked in.  What can I say, I think Gibbs (Mark Harmon) is hilarious and you know how I am about my crime dramas.  One of the quotes that the USA Network always shows is Abby telling Gibbs that something is “more addictive than pistachios.  Well, have you ever eaten just one pistachio?”

Well, I have to warn you that this Pumpkin Seed Cherry Trail Mix from Food Network’s Claire Robinson is way more addictive than pistachios.  Not only is it healthy for you but you will find yourself grazing throughout the day on it.  It’s super simple to make and I’m sure much healthier than, oh, let’s say a bag of Doritos.  I added some dried cranberries I had lying in the pantry which was a nice switch from the cherries.

Now let’s see how long this super tall jar lasts in this household…

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Pumpkin Seed Dried Cherry & Cranberry Trail Mix

Recipe courtesy of Claire Robinson, Food Network

Ingredients

  • 2 cups baby pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1 cup slivered almonds
  • 3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 6 tablespoons pure Grade B maple syrup
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 cup dried cherries
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

Directions

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

In a large bowl, toss the pumpkin seeds, almonds, and sunflower seeds and the syrup until evenly coated. Spread the nuts and seeds out, in an even single layer, on the lined baking sheets and season with salt to taste. Bake the nuts, stirring several times with spatula or wooden spoon, until just golden, about 20 minutes.

Cool the nuts completely on the pan, then add the cherries and cranberries and toss to combine. Store cooled trail mix in an airtight container at room temperature.

Lining Up The Ingredients….

PumpkinDriedCherryTrailMix-Ingredients

Thank God for Silpat!  Everyone Into The Pool…

PumpkinDriedCherryTrailMix-Bowl

Mix, Mix, Mix

PumpkinDriedCherryTrailMix-Final

Store In Airtight Container, Preferably With Combination Lock… All Mine!

PumpkinDriedCherryTrailMix-Storage

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QuestionMark Last week it was all about the Top Chef; this week it’s onto the Food Network version – Next Food Network Star.  Is anyone watching this and, if so, what are your thoughts so far?

Personally, I’ve approached it with a tinge of bitterness since my fave chef blogger, Bren of Flanboyant Eats didn’t make the final cut.  This season, IMO, has had too much drama and way too much crying.  However, I am excited to see John Besh & Marcus Samuelsson as part of the dinner party attendees for next week’s episode.  I have to say this much, I knew something was up when I saw Marcus at the SOBE Food & Wine Festival with Food Network peeps in attendance. 

I wonder – is he headed over to Food Network and departing BET?

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QuestionMark 

 

Is anyone watching Bravo’s latest hit, Top Chef Masters?  What do you think about it – yay or nay?  Who is your favorite competitor so far.

Let’s chat about it in the comments…

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May
05

Cinco De Mayo, Skinnygirl Style…

Posted by: Lys | Comments (0)

Yes, I admit it – my name is Lys and I watch Bravo’s Real Housewives.  What can I say – it’s a guilty pleasure for many.  I, personally, enjoyed the NY season and I am looking forward to all points Jersey (but hello – why not Real Housewives of Philadelphia – Bravo, take note! We’ve got Main Line, Manayunk, Rittenhouse, etc.) However, I digress.

One of the characters that was enjoyable this season was Bethenny Frankel, the natural foods chef and owner of BethennyBakes and Skinnygirl Cocktails. We’ll have a review of her book Naturally Thinin the next week or so (with giveaway so stay tuned) but, since it IS Cinco de Mayo, one needs a margarita to celebrate properly, no?

I, for one, will be trying the Skinnygirl Margarita. No more pre-blended mixes for me. This one looks super simple and, quite frankly, to have a margarita that is not packing on a walloping 740 calories a serving, is even better in my book.

Check out the recipe below for the standard Skinnygirl Margarita as she is often drinking on the show…

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Skinnygirl Margarita, On The Rocks

Recipe courtesy of Bethenny Frankel and SkinnyGirlCocktails.com

 Ingredients:

  • 2 oz of Clear Premium Tequila (count 1, 2 while you pour, no need for measuring)
  • Tiny splash of Orange Liquor
  • Juice of four Fresh Lime Wedges

Combine all ingredients over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge

Makes one serving

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Jul
03

Sunny Anderson Is All Over The Dial…

Posted by: Lys | Comments (1)

Ok – those that read Sunny Anderson’s blog are hip to her new show, How’d That Get On My Plate and, of course, Cooking For Real and this gal is making some serious moves.

Sunny’s gonna be all over the TV and Radio dial doing some major media and hitting one of the top of the line morning shows – Good Morning America – TOMORROW, Friday, July 4th. Make sure to tune in and, if you are in NYC, drop by and say hello!

Also, Cooking For Real starts the second season this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and, the new show, How Did That Get on My Plate has a preview ep on Sunday night, July 6th at 11 p.m. followed by its’ show premiere on Monday, July 7th at 9:30 p.m. Set your TiVo!

Much congrats to Sunny!

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Jun
09

The Second NFNS Finalist Gets The Boot…

Posted by: Lys | Comments (1)

One of the things I look forward to every week is the commentary after this week’s Next Food Network Star on FNDish from Amateur Gourmet’s Adam and FN’s own Sunny Anderson (joined by her bro, Drew, who seems to favor Ms. Lisa). Sunny had some great tips re: poaching eggs (something that I have YET to master) and some insight on what really should have went down. They should let Adam and Sunny judge on of the eps next season (just my opinion).

And, yes, for now, my vote is for Philly fave, Aaron (and shush – don’t call me biased but yes, I think he can cook like a fiend).

Check out their commentary below.

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The Amateur Gourmet’s Adam Roberts and FN Star Sunny Anderson have some great commentary on last night’s episode.

Check it out.

Sunny, chica – get out of my head. Last night I dubbed Lisa “Posh” and leave it to you to call out “The Neck” done Nipa Style. I will say this, I liked everyone’s recaps, both on FN Dish and on the blogs, the most. And, of course, I got a kick out of the guest judges, especially Morimoto & Giada.

What did you think of last night’s episode? Did you watch?

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As y’all know the premiere of The Next Food Network Star is coming up fast and furious (and that song in the constantly played commercial appeals to my inner dance diva). However, after last year’s controversy with JAGGate and then Amy Finley, the winner of TNFNS leaving the network, I was wondering the nagging question: “To Watch Or Not To Watch“.

Food Network Addict did a GREAT review of the show which piqued my curiosity so yes, I will tune in. Plus, not only is Flay involved but Morimoto too? Mr. Tivo will be set.

Will you be tuning in?

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Categories : Food Network, TV
Comments (4)
Mar
10

It’s Top Chef Time Again…

Posted by: Lys | Comments (1)

While getting ready for work this morning, the TV was providing background noise. It was left on Bravo from last night and, upon hearing the voice of the ever so caustic Anthony Bourdain, I was coaxed back into the room. It was a repeat of Top Chef and Judge Bourdain was lamenting about the lack of “inspiration” by the contestants. It was then during a commercial break that I discovered that the new season of Top Chef: Chicago is set to premiere on Wednesday the 12th.

SO – I ask you – are you going to watch Top Chef: Chicago?

[Photo courtesy of MediaBistro.com]

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