It's 86 degrees at 8:02 pm. My kids and thier cousin are doing what kids do best. Playing outside...thank goodness it gives my house a break!
I can not WAIT for warmer weather to stay. Maybe my electric bill will go down too.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
A party? For little old me? YAY!
A dear friend sent me a link to enter a contest giving away a catered party for 100 people by California Tortilla that was being put on for Cinco de Mayo. Since my birthday is the 4th of May I thought "wow that would be awesome".
Mind you I almost never win anything, except maybe poker and the race to get in the one bathroom in my house before anyone else in the morning. Hey, the early riser gets bathroom rights.
The contest was simple. Send an email to their marketing person telling them what wacky thing you would do to show what a big fan you are of their food. My entry was simple even though I didn't think it completely through until after I sent it in.
I would feed all the people in my office (packing a dinner filled leftover container first), then go out into the park across the street from where my office is (mind you this is 1 block from the white house and secret service are everywhere) dressed as a burrito and ringing a bell, head to toe covered in CalTort stickers and handing out the goodness that is CalTort.
Like I said, I didn't completely think it through.
Nevertheless, I got an email the next day that they liked my entry so much they are giving me a party for my office anyway as a "second place" type of prize.
I was shocked, totally, and immediately began salivating over free CalTort food. Best part is, I am not expected to dress like a burrito, although I will probably don a sombrero and poncho to say thanks.
So the party is set for May 6th. I'll post the photos and video once I get them from the great folks at CalTort.
Here is their menu, don't drool on your PC, it's harmful!
Buon appetito!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Burrito Bowls, they're what's for lunch.
I am posting a quicky lunch post because I wanted to share a fav of mine with you all.
Downtown DC has the most amazing things. One of those amazing things which have really built up a great reputation lately are the food trucks. I'm not talking roach coaches either. I'm talking serious, straight up, DCRA, health, safety and food board regulated, mobile restaurants. But more on the food trucks later.
Today I purchased my lunch from Sol Mexican Grill.
They have the freshest, tastiest burrito bowls ever. They offer chicken, carnita, steak or veggie with unlimited toppings for just $7.00 and they do not skimp on portion either. I have YET to finish one all the way to the last shred of cheese in the bowl.
This is what I got. The chicken burrito bowl with rice, black beans, corn salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese and green sauce which is the medium spice. They offer other toppings too which I'm sure are just as yummy but this one steals the show for me.
Sol also has tacos (3 per order) and burritos the old fashioned way, in a warm tortilla, all for $7.00 each. Guac is a little extra ($1.50) but comes free with a veggie taco, bowl or burrito and they sell sodas too! Pineapple soda, yum yum yum!
So, the next time you are in the DC area, take a look at the Food Truck Fiesta site for their Food Truck Tracker first and check out where Sol might be, or any of the other wonderful trucks.
I did a post on National Empanada Day featuring the DC Empanadas truck and you can find them through the Food Truck Tracker too. There are literally TONS of food trucks out there and I have had just about every single one of them and you won't get one complaint out of me. They all offer something different and tasty.
Maybe for Farragut Friday I'll post on Food Trucks.
Buon appetito!
Downtown DC has the most amazing things. One of those amazing things which have really built up a great reputation lately are the food trucks. I'm not talking roach coaches either. I'm talking serious, straight up, DCRA, health, safety and food board regulated, mobile restaurants. But more on the food trucks later.
Today I purchased my lunch from Sol Mexican Grill.
They have the freshest, tastiest burrito bowls ever. They offer chicken, carnita, steak or veggie with unlimited toppings for just $7.00 and they do not skimp on portion either. I have YET to finish one all the way to the last shred of cheese in the bowl.
This is what I got. The chicken burrito bowl with rice, black beans, corn salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, cheese and green sauce which is the medium spice. They offer other toppings too which I'm sure are just as yummy but this one steals the show for me.
Sol also has tacos (3 per order) and burritos the old fashioned way, in a warm tortilla, all for $7.00 each. Guac is a little extra ($1.50) but comes free with a veggie taco, bowl or burrito and they sell sodas too! Pineapple soda, yum yum yum!
So, the next time you are in the DC area, take a look at the Food Truck Fiesta site for their Food Truck Tracker first and check out where Sol might be, or any of the other wonderful trucks.
I did a post on National Empanada Day featuring the DC Empanadas truck and you can find them through the Food Truck Tracker too. There are literally TONS of food trucks out there and I have had just about every single one of them and you won't get one complaint out of me. They all offer something different and tasty.
Maybe for Farragut Friday I'll post on Food Trucks.
Buon appetito!
Monday, April 11, 2011
National Cheese Fondue day.
First off, Happy Manic Monday to everyone out there. Second, let's get to the biz-nass that is cheese.
Today the food of the day is Cheese Fondue.
Not sure how this is actually a food, but I guess since you can consume it, it counts. Here's a site dedicated to the 411 on cheese. Side note: the 411 as in information and 4-11 because April 11th is National Cheese Day. Thought that was catchy.
Do you have any idea how much melted cheese alone the world consumes?
FUN FACT: The U.S. is the top producer of cheese in the world. Wisconsin and California (where Happy Cows come from according to Cali's latest commercial) lead the states in production. In a year, the average American consumed around 31 pounds of cheese, although cheese consumption in the US has tripled since 1970 and continues to increase. Now, that's a lot of hunkin cheese!
I'd like to focus more on getting people who have not had cheese fondue to try it. If you are not a professional chef, home cook, or even small child that can plug in a pot and fill it with cheese, (I kid, I kid), I'd suggest going to The Melting Pot. My gracious this place has awesome food, but buyer beware, melted cheese ain't cheap.
If you are however, the aforementioned foodie like myself, you can purchase a really good fondue kit for a little bit of money. Here's a great set for around $35 at Amazon.com: Rival Electric Fondue Set.
Now, I know that this isn't fondue per say, but the food portion of today is cheese. So, I'd like to share a little recipe my sister taught me (Love her to death!) for making your own homemade Cheeze-itz. No, I'm totally not kidding. They SUPER taste like cheese-itz. I adapted it a little to my taste. Just kidding guys and gals. Seriously the recipe is so easy to make and you might even have the list of ingredients at home right now because there are only TWO!
Homemade Cheeze-its
Ingredients
Kraft Deli Deluxe American Cheese Slices
Cayenne Pepper
Non-stick cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 375˚.
2. Cut slices of cheese to desired cracker size.
3. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
4. Place cheese on cookie sheet.
5. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper (don't over do this step, a little goes a long way).
5. Place in the oven at 375˚ for about 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts. (Since I know that oven temps vary, be sure to check frequently past the 3 minute mark).
6. Let cool and enjoy!
Since this is such a simple recipe (basically two ingredients) you could vary it any way you'd like. Try different cheeses, different spices like smoked paprika. I'm sure if you wanted to really turn up the creativity you could even make a batter and smother the crackers in the cheese and spices or add bacon, or sauces, or sea salt, and .... that's it, now I got a hanker for a hunka cheese. To the store I go!
Buon appetito!
Today the food of the day is Cheese Fondue.
Not sure how this is actually a food, but I guess since you can consume it, it counts. Here's a site dedicated to the 411 on cheese. Side note: the 411 as in information and 4-11 because April 11th is National Cheese Day. Thought that was catchy.
Do you have any idea how much melted cheese alone the world consumes?
FUN FACT: The U.S. is the top producer of cheese in the world. Wisconsin and California (where Happy Cows come from according to Cali's latest commercial) lead the states in production. In a year, the average American consumed around 31 pounds of cheese, although cheese consumption in the US has tripled since 1970 and continues to increase. Now, that's a lot of hunkin cheese!
I'd like to focus more on getting people who have not had cheese fondue to try it. If you are not a professional chef, home cook, or even small child that can plug in a pot and fill it with cheese, (I kid, I kid), I'd suggest going to The Melting Pot. My gracious this place has awesome food, but buyer beware, melted cheese ain't cheap.
If you are however, the aforementioned foodie like myself, you can purchase a really good fondue kit for a little bit of money. Here's a great set for around $35 at Amazon.com: Rival Electric Fondue Set.
Now, I know that this isn't fondue per say, but the food portion of today is cheese. So, I'd like to share a little recipe my sister taught me (Love her to death!) for making your own homemade Cheeze-itz. No, I'm totally not kidding. They SUPER taste like cheese-itz. I adapted it a little to my taste. Just kidding guys and gals. Seriously the recipe is so easy to make and you might even have the list of ingredients at home right now because there are only TWO!
Homemade Cheeze-its
Ingredients
Kraft Deli Deluxe American Cheese Slices
Cayenne Pepper
Non-stick cooking spray
1. Preheat oven to 375˚.
2. Cut slices of cheese to desired cracker size.
3. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
4. Place cheese on cookie sheet.
5. Sprinkle with cayenne pepper (don't over do this step, a little goes a long way).
5. Place in the oven at 375˚ for about 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts. (Since I know that oven temps vary, be sure to check frequently past the 3 minute mark).
6. Let cool and enjoy!
Since this is such a simple recipe (basically two ingredients) you could vary it any way you'd like. Try different cheeses, different spices like smoked paprika. I'm sure if you wanted to really turn up the creativity you could even make a batter and smother the crackers in the cheese and spices or add bacon, or sauces, or sea salt, and .... that's it, now I got a hanker for a hunka cheese. To the store I go!
Buon appetito!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Hooray for National Empanada Day!
Today is one of the best American Food Holidays ever made. EMPANADAS!!! It's one of my new fav foods and I am so glad that today they are getting the well deserved attention of a National Food Day.
The first time I ever had an empanada was when my mother-in-law made them for me. They were so tasty with their crispy outside and warm filling. I ate so many I thought I'd pop.
Since then my love affair with empanadas has varied from place to place. I tried Julia's Empanadas, which are good but don't compare to the yumminess that comes from the DC Empanadas Food Truck.
Below you can find their menu and photos and more information.
Beef
The Traditional – Ground sirloin, Spanish olives, hard boiled eggs, raisins, onions, and seasoning.
The Jersey Shore – Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, and Mozzarella Cheese
WMD (Weapon of Max Deliciousness) – Chili, Beans and Cheddar Cheese
June Cleaver – Ground Sirloin, Potatoes, Peas, Carrots
Executive Order – Bacon Cheeseburger with Grilled Vidalia Onions
The Royal – Beef Wellington (Filet Mignon, Pate, Mushrooms, Shallots, Red Wine Sauce)
South Street – Sliced Ribeye Steak, Wiz, Onions and Sweet Peppers
Pork
El Matador – Chorizo, Potatoes and Spices
Il Paesano – Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di Bufala and Dates
Amazingly Aroi – Pork, Thai Basil, Onion, Thai Peppers, Garlic, and Spices
Lunch Box – Ham and Swiss
Divine Swine – Pulled BBQ Pork
Chicken
The Badass – Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese
Irie Mon – Jerk Chicken – Grilled chicken marinated in a spicy sauce that is traditionally served in Jamaica
La Venganza de Tio Shawn – Chipotle Chicken, Onions, Garlic, Black Beans, Monterrey Jack Cheese, Corn
The Taj Mahal – Chicken Tikka – Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato cream sauce
Vegetarian
Ménage à Trois – Brie, Figs and Marcona Almonds
El Greco – Spinach, Feta Cheese and Onions
Tio Shawn – Black Beans, Rice, Monterrey Jack Cheese, Chipotle Peppers and Onions
Veggie Nirvana – Potato, Onions, Garlic, Peas, Tomato, Cilantro, and Indian Spices
Here are a few photos of their deliciousness:
This is the DC Empanada Truck.
Here we have the Il Paesano with Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di Bufala. YUM!
This is the Executive Order: Bacon Cheeseburger with Grilled Vidalia Onions.
And last but not least a desert feast of Brie and Fig. O...M...Goodness! Fried heaven!
The first time I ever had an empanada was when my mother-in-law made them for me. They were so tasty with their crispy outside and warm filling. I ate so many I thought I'd pop.
Since then my love affair with empanadas has varied from place to place. I tried Julia's Empanadas, which are good but don't compare to the yumminess that comes from the DC Empanadas Food Truck.
Below you can find their menu and photos and more information.
Beef
The Traditional – Ground sirloin, Spanish olives, hard boiled eggs, raisins, onions, and seasoning.
The Jersey Shore – Meatballs, Marinara Sauce, and Mozzarella Cheese
WMD (Weapon of Max Deliciousness) – Chili, Beans and Cheddar Cheese
June Cleaver – Ground Sirloin, Potatoes, Peas, Carrots
Executive Order – Bacon Cheeseburger with Grilled Vidalia Onions
The Royal – Beef Wellington (Filet Mignon, Pate, Mushrooms, Shallots, Red Wine Sauce)
South Street – Sliced Ribeye Steak, Wiz, Onions and Sweet Peppers
Pork
El Matador – Chorizo, Potatoes and Spices
Il Paesano – Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di Bufala and Dates
Amazingly Aroi – Pork, Thai Basil, Onion, Thai Peppers, Garlic, and Spices
Lunch Box – Ham and Swiss
Divine Swine – Pulled BBQ Pork
Chicken
The Badass – Buffalo Chicken and Blue Cheese
Irie Mon – Jerk Chicken – Grilled chicken marinated in a spicy sauce that is traditionally served in Jamaica
La Venganza de Tio Shawn – Chipotle Chicken, Onions, Garlic, Black Beans, Monterrey Jack Cheese, Corn
The Taj Mahal – Chicken Tikka – Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then served in a tomato cream sauce
Vegetarian
Ménage à Trois – Brie, Figs and Marcona Almonds
El Greco – Spinach, Feta Cheese and Onions
Tio Shawn – Black Beans, Rice, Monterrey Jack Cheese, Chipotle Peppers and Onions
Veggie Nirvana – Potato, Onions, Garlic, Peas, Tomato, Cilantro, and Indian Spices
Here are a few photos of their deliciousness:
This is the DC Empanada Truck.
Here we have the Il Paesano with Prosciutto di Parma, Mozzarella di Bufala. YUM!
This is the Executive Order: Bacon Cheeseburger with Grilled Vidalia Onions.
And last but not least a desert feast of Brie and Fig. O...M...Goodness! Fried heaven!
You can find LOTS of articles, reviews and other info about DC Empanadas on the net. Here are a few locations on the net to find them:
So, next time you come around to the DMV, make sure to check them out. Simply put, they are AWESOME, a foodies dream come true!
Thursday, April 7, 2011
National Coffee Cake Day
Welcome to my planet, the one where you seek new things to try, cook and eat. Nom Nom..happy me!
In honor of today's highlighted food (and no, I am not making this stuff up), here's the BEST coffee cake recipe I've EVER had...here's to you Ree.
Best Coffee Cake Ever***
Ingredients
- FOR THE CAKE:
- 1-½ stick Butter, Softened
- 2 cups Scant Sugar
- 3 cups Flour, Sifted
- 4 teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1-¼ cup Whole Milk
- 3 whole Egg Whites, Beaten Until Stiff
- _____
- FOR THE TOPPING:
- 1-½ stick Butter, Softened
- ¾ cups Flour
- 1-½ cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Cinnamon
- 1-½ cup Pecans, Chopped
Preparation Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat egg whites and set aside.
Cream butter and sugar. Add flour mixture and milk alternately until combined. Don’t overbeat. Fold in beaten egg whites with a rubber spatula. Spread in a well-greased 9 x 13 (or LARGER!) baking pan. A cake pan with higher sides would be best.
In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle all over the top.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until no longer jiggly. Serve warm—delicious!
***Recipe from The Pioneer Woman. Can be found HERE***
Cream butter and sugar. Add flour mixture and milk alternately until combined. Don’t overbeat. Fold in beaten egg whites with a rubber spatula. Spread in a well-greased 9 x 13 (or LARGER!) baking pan. A cake pan with higher sides would be best.
In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients with a pastry cutter until crumbly. Sprinkle all over the top.
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until no longer jiggly. Serve warm—delicious!
***Recipe from The Pioneer Woman. Can be found HERE***
Buon appetito!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
National Caramel Popcorn day
So, in honor of National Caramel Popcorn day, I thought I'd search out the yummiest looking, sounding and tasting recipe for Caramel popcorn on the web for several reasons. 1) I have not made caramel popcorn myself, 2) I don't have a recipe for caramel popcorn and 3) my mother always told me to share.
So, here's my "share" and hopefully good deed for the day. Maybe I'll post a new recipe each day for national food holidays. There is always one, you'd be totally surprised how many and what weird foods are out there that have a "national day". Who makes this stuff up anyway?
So, here's my "share" and hopefully good deed for the day. Maybe I'll post a new recipe each day for national food holidays. There is always one, you'd be totally surprised how many and what weird foods are out there that have a "national day". Who makes this stuff up anyway?
Cracker Jacks Caramel Corn Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 cup unpopped popcorn kernels
1-12oz can of Spanish Peanuts
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 large cookie sheet, greased
Directions:
In an air popper, pop the kernels according to your machine’s manual. My machine only allows you to pop 1/3 cups at a time, so make sure you follow your machine’s capacity instructions. You should have almost 4 quarts of popped popcorn using 1/2 cup of kernels. Dump the popcorn and the Spanish peanuts in a clean tall paper grocery bag. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a medium sauce pan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, butter,and salt over medium heat and allow to gently boil for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Turn off heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla. Carefully and immediately pour caramel sauce into the paper grocery bag and stir the sauce, popcorn, and nuts with a wooden spoon until the sauce is evenly distributed. Take the popcorn mixture and evenly scatter it between both greased cookie sheets. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring the popcorn every 15 minutes. Allow to cool and break up the pieces (if desired). Store in zip lock bags or airtight containers. Enjoy! *
*Side note, I changed the recipe to be for 1/2 cup of kernel from the original of 1 cup. I found 1/2 a cup to be ideal. But for a lighter recipe, use a whole cup of kernels and it will not be as sweet.
You can view the entire recipe WITH PHOTOS (yay, love photos) at Savory Sweet Life's blog.
Buon appetito!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
