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Pork is Peachy!
2008-06-06 06:43:00
Pork with Curry Peach SauceI made another dinner the other day and it was peachy! Pork with Curry Peach Sauce, that is. It took no time at all! I didn't measure, so no recipe today, per say.First, in a small bowl, I whisked about ½ cup of orange juice with a pinch of cornstarch, cardamom, and curry, a smidge of salt and pepper. Then, I tossed in the peaches and set them aside.Next, I pan seared a very thin boneless pork chop that had been dredged in seasoned flour. When it was done, I set it aside on a side plate, covered with foil. Using the same pan, I brought the peaches and marinade to a boil until thickened. When done, I poured the majority of the mixture (with peaches) to the pork and went back to the same pan, using it once again for a quick sauté of some spinach.Voila!Cross your fingers that some desserts will sell this weekend! Big events are planned and big spenders are anticipated. Let's just home $500 bottles of liquor are not the only thing they want to spend th...
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Taking Action
2008-06-05 06:00:00
d'azione/taking actionPart 1I mentioned the other day that I was going to meet up with Tami. She so graciously agreed to help me take pictures of my desserts so I can create a menu insert for the restaurant. She and I arranged to meet at the restaurant at 12:30 and so it went. She is fabulous! So patient, she put up with the heat of the kitchen. You see, film crews use the cabanas and dining area of the restaurant to tape the riveting (not) reality TV show, Hell Date, on Tuesdays. When the crew is there, the mics pic up everything, so fans are shut off. Tami was a trooper! She ended up doing her magic on a rolly cart outside. It?s a scary thing when its cooler taking pictures outside in Atlanta in June than inside.I prepared 6 of the desserts that will be standard on the menu and Tami took a ton of frames. Here are the ones I will be using?Hazelnut MousseBanana Split CheesecakeChocolate Truffle CakeKey Lime CheesecakeStrawberry ShortcakeSweet Potato Pecan Pie(individuals) Thanks Ta...
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Honey Scallops with Garlic Broccolini
2008-06-04 20:11:00
cappesante/scallopsRewind to this time two years ago. I was a new homeowner, working out regularly, and spent my Sundays at the Farmer?s market, then at home prepping for a planned menu for the week. Happy as a clam! Over the months that followed, I was in a job I loved, stayed (somewhat) fit and kept losing weight. After a fabulous trip to Eastern Europe last summer, I came home to find I lost more weight and was at the lowest I had been since I got sick. All great right? Right!Then I started my new job last August. After a sprain in one ankle, and three broken bones in the other within 4 months, coupled with a horrendously tumultuous year, I am now at the heaviest I have been since 1999. Icky! With school being out, I am now taking back charge and working to melt my big booty (that follows me in a room ten minutes after the rest of me) away.I began back to the gym this week (the one I have been paying for without seeing the inside but 2 times!) and began cooking again. My shri...
More About: Garlic , Honey

Tuesdays with Dorie: French Chocolate Brownies
2008-06-03 15:05:00
torta al cioccolato/chocolate cakeIts that time of the week again and this week's Tuesdays with Dorie recipe is French Chocolate Brownies , courtesy of Di (Di?s Kitchen Notebook). Unlike last week's baking without the A/C on, I cranked that baby on and was ready with spatula in hand. I was excited to see the recipe wasn't complicated. Not that I wouldn't be up for it; I just welcomed a quick recipe that resulted in something yummy.Please bare with me as I have another short post today. I was at the restaurant last night and while I would have gotten home around 3AM, I drove someone home. No biggy. Push my bedtime back to 3:30. Except, I wasn't quite sure where I came out on 285 (the highway loop that goes around Atlanta), and went East instead of West. Pulled in the garage at 4:30 AM. Ugh! I didn't get up at 7AM like planned, so I need to shift my day, and put the gym after lunch instead of the AM. Why, you ask? You're off for the summer? That is correct? However...I am meetin...

Strawberry Shortcake
2008-06-02 06:01:00
Biscotto/ShortcakeI have mentioned that the desserts have not been moving well at the restaurant. While I know there is a maturation period, and I do realize it?s a process getting the servers to up-sell, etc. ...but of course I want them to sell now. While in conversation with two of the managers, and a busboy this week, all mentioned at some point that it would cool to have a table frame or card insert for the menu.Ask and you shall receive?hopefully. Oh?wait. Stunning photographer I am not. So, who is the first person who came to mind when thinking of someone who I could contact? Tami. Not only does she have a fabulous blog, but she a wonderful food stylist as well. Did I mention we live near one another, yet we've never met?A quick email and I was so excited to receive an even quicker return email. Sure! she replied. And so it begins! We are going to meet up at the restaurant this week and she is going to work her magic. Then, I will put something together to present to the own...
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Grazie infinite!
2008-05-31 20:00:00
Grazie infinite!/ Thank you so much! Since I don?t have anything to post as far as food today, this is a chance for me to get caught up. First, the lovely Jeanne (Cook Sister) received an award from Nicisme (Cherrapeno), Arte y pico award! To quote Jeanne, ?this award is for creativity, design, interesting material and contribution to the blogging community.? A couple of weeks ago (I now I am way behind), I was truly privileged have been given this, it still amazes me how lil? ol me and my random ramblings/kitchen trials and tribulations get into people?s homes across the globe. I wish I could close my eyes and wake up to a benefactor handing me a non stop, no limit ticket around the world so I can visit all the foodies that have touched me, offered advise, taught me something new, and so much more. As part of my winner's duties (click on the link above to see the rules), it is my pleasure to pass the award on to five other bloggers. Since it has taken me so long to respond, I am s...
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Summer Shrimp Salad
2008-05-29 12:44:00
insalata di gambero/ shrimp saladSchool is over, and although administrators are not done yet, I told myself I would get back into a cooking and exercise routine at this time. So last night I started the cooking. Exercise will come, I am sure...ha! Thinking I like salads, including those without "greens", that's the direction I took. Always thinking of the fat and oils in mayo, I chose to do with my salad as I do with my sandwiches. I replaced the mayonnaise with (light) ranch dressing. Chilled? Yummy! Summer Shrimp Salad 1 cup cooked shrimp, chilled¼ cup celery, diced½ Tbsp. onion, minced¼ cup ranch dressing, light or reduced fatsalt and white pepper to taste1 pepper, seededthinly sliced tomatoes Combine shrimp with celery, onion, ranch, and salt and pepper to taste, tossing well. Place inside a hollowed pepper; top with thinly sliced tomatoes.Tomorrow's Friday! Woooooohooooo!http://melecotte.blogspot.c om/feeds/posts/default?alt=rss
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Daring Bakers are off to the Met!
2008-05-28 06:00:00
opera leggera/light operaI wish! Not theMetropolitan Opera House . This time our stage is the kitchen. This scene is courtesy of the DB founders Ivonne and Lis and newer members Fran (Apples Peaches Pumpkin Pie) and Shea (Whiskful). And now: Opéra CakeOpéra CakeThis recipe is based on Opéra Cake recipes in Dorie Greenspan?s Paris Sweets and Tish Boyle and Timothy Moriarty?s Chocolate Passion.Part 1: The Joconde( can be made up to 1 day in advance and kept wrapped at room temperate)6 large egg whites, at room temperature2 tbsp. (30 grams) granulated sugar2 cups (225 grams) ground blanched almonds (Note: If you do not want to use almond meal, you can use another nut meal like hazelnut. You can buy almond meal in bulk food stores or health food stores, or you can make it at home by grinding almonds in the food processor with a tablespoon or two of the flour that you would use in the cake. The reason you need the flour is to prevent the almonds from turning oily or pasty in the processo...
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Tuesdays with Dorie: Pecan Honey Sticky Buns
2008-05-27 08:02:00
appiccicoso/stickyMadam Chow of Madam Chow?s Kitchen was the fabulous TWDer who chose Dorie?s Pecan Honey Sticky Buns for this week?s baking gig. I made it Monday afternoon, for which I will try to explain in a sec. But in the meantime, I want to apologize in advance for any confusion because I am aware my posting may be a bit off, so bare with me as I explain.Its 2AM. After picking up the cute 23 year old on the way in to work earlier this evening, I went to the restaurant to wrap up and freeze what I made last night. Mind you, I was in my stilettos and cute shirt that had the"girls" out for a date that was planned later in the evening. With my flats in hand, I went in to do what I do. Then, I hung out, waiting for the time I had to head out. I called at 10 to confirm the date and got - "I am in the middle of somethin'; Let me hit you back." Hit me back? Seriously? Dude, am I 16? I took that as code for go to the bar and grab a tall Crown before heading home.Then, to my pleasant s...

Watermelon Petit Fours
2008-05-26 16:39:00
pasticcino/petit fourI am currently experiencing the slow process of getting the wait staff to sell my desserts and have a crowd, primarily at the restaurant for socializing and drinking, to buy the tasty treats. Happily, two of the servers are kicking butt, using the display pedestal to wow their customers, and get that taking this time will increase their ticket and tip. By far, the two cheesecakes are the top sellers.When I went in Friday night with the plan of beginning my baking for next week, I started to get my prep together when the chef nonchalantly comes to me and says, Hey Chris, can you put together an array of desserts for a party of 30? Ahhhh - ok!30 kids, Chris! Ahhhh - ok!A baseball team of 13-year olds were coming in for some celebration. Kids....hmmmmm. At this point, I didn't have 30 of anything so I put together a random sampler of what I had left. I also made a quick batch of chocolate chip cookies with mixed nuts, thinking if all else fails, the boys will eat ...
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Apple Pancakes with Nutella Sauce
2008-05-25 17:51:00
leggero come l'aria/light as airSchool is out for the summer. Although I am not done just yet, the kids are. Now that its over, I can dance around and let out a loud Whooohoooo! I have been waiting for May 23rd since, well, um.....October. Undoubtedly, this has been them most difficult year to get through, professionally, that I can remember since I worked for crazy Ann at Y&R. Now, don't get me wrong, I did my job and I think I did it well. I just don't think the direction I have traveled during my teaching career, and for which I have been mentored and groomed for by wonderful leaders, is the right path. This has been a huge sense of internal contention for me, and I will work the next couple of weeks trying to get my head back in the game before I have to go back.What better way to work out the issues that make you cranky than with cooking? The restaurant, while full of interesting dynamics all its own, has been a tremendous outlet. But, I need to get back to cooking and ...
More About: Apple , Sauce , Pancakes , Nutella

Hail to the Couch!
2008-05-21 13:02:00
grandinare/hail I am still under my blogging yield, but I was able to sit on my couch and chill for the first time in 2 weeks last night. It was nice to be able to scroll through some blogs while watching Hell's Kitchen. Hail to the couch and the TV! ha! ha! ha!Speaking about hail... I thought I would give you a peek into what I drove home in...Its tornado season here and I have never heard the warning sirens as much as I have this year. When I left work, I saw the trees blowing, the dark clouds north of me, then the horizontal lightening (which I thought can't be a good sign). Then, the drops, the deluge on the windshield, then about 1/2 mile from my subdivision....clink clink, clink....hail. Crap! A quick duck under a QT hanger, and then home. Not as large or as much as the last hail storm, but hail nonetheless. The stones really ranged from pea to quarter size. Life in the ATL... http://melecotte.blogspot.com/feeds/posts /default?alt=rss
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Marvelous Madeleine, meet Burnt Betty....
2008-05-20 13:15:00
Another quickie post, wanting to get my TWD post up.This week?s Tuesdays with Dorie recipe is brought to us by Tara of Smells Like Home. She chose Dorie?s Traditional Madeleine s which was pretty cool! I messed up my first Madeline attempt with the mini-Madeline?s a few weeks ago, so I looked forward to another try. So, I ran by restaurant and tried them there thinking the little lovelies would be good for coffee drinkers.All was going well?.until I got impatient (and sleepy) with the lower temp?d convention oven I have yet to learn how to program. Slow cooking?. Slow cooking?. Slow cooking. Switch to the big oven?..burnt. The minis? Crispy Critters. The regular sized ones? Crispy on the outside edges.Ugh! I will try again ? someday. In the meantime, be sure to check out the other great TWD Madeleines today. Since these little ones are so delicate looking when done correctly, I am sure my fellow foodies have beeeeeeauuuuuutiful presentations! :) Have a great week! 4 more school days...
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3 days, 8 desserts, Happy Restaurateurs, Blissful Baker
2008-05-19 04:04:00
realizzare un sogno/realize a dreamAnother weekend at the restaurant. I have had so much fun, I can't even begin to put the feelings into words.Friday was a stressful day, receiving information I didn't expect, then being the recipient of unsolicited hostile attitude by a parking attendant leading me to (uncharacteristically - but possible) show out a bit. So, heading into the restaurant was a refreshing escape. As the commotion, food prep, schematics were in motion in the kitchen, I put my IPod in my ears and dug into my pre-planned course of action for the weekend I began Thursday night with a Chocolate Oblivion Torte and Key Lime Cheese Pie. I worked with the forethought that the prior Mother's Day brunch was off the chain (and not in a good way as far as service) and I wanted to be ready.Working Thursday and Friday night, and 12 hours Saturday, I managed to complete 8 desserts & 8 lbs. of tuxedo strawberries. There are 7 sweets on the menu, but I added a chocolate cheesec...
More About: Desserts , Happy , Days , Baker

Pause buttons and Pistachio Nuts
2008-05-14 11:45:00
pulsante di pausa/ pause button Just a quick not to let everyone know I am limiting my blogging/ blog reading the next week or so, while I wrap up the school year - May 23rd. I have made a couple of decisions that may prompt some changes I can't speak about right now, and with getting the dessert gig up and running as well, blogging will have to move aside for a moment. So, I will be sporadic but will be back shorty. I appreciate everyone for your patience...be back soon.In the meantime, I leave you with a one of the cookies I made for a friend, for her son's graduation party.GA Tech graduation partyI saw these beauties over at Ellie?s (Kitchen Wench). I am not a cookie fan, but these?I had to get them out of my house. Yum....so good! I altered them a bit, so I am guessing the originals must be insanely fantastic as well. Thanks Ellie!White Chocolate & Pistachio Cookies(adapted from Ellie?s Kitchen Wench,who adapted by necessity from?How to be a domestic goddess? by Nigella La...
More About: Nuts , Pause , Buttons

No TWD this week...
2008-05-14 03:32:00
No TWD for me this week. Sorry everyone...too much going on. I am looking forward to Tara's (Smells Like Home) choice - Traditional Madeleines.Off to the TWD Blogroll.....so many Florida Pies, so little time... : )http://melecotte.blogspot.com/feeds/post s/default?alt=rss
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Salmon Cakes on a Bed of Mushrooms
2008-05-13 13:29:00
osteoporosi /osteoporosisSalmon Cakes on a Bed of Mushrooms Not only does salmon have Omega-3 fatty acids, which is an outstanding way to increase up HDL (good cholesterol) in your blood stream, but it is rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D helps with osteoporosis. In fact, eating more cold-water fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, cod) about 3 times a week helps your body prepare itself against osteoporosis. Please note I did type cold-water fish. Often times, there are instances that farmed salmon is colored artificially with synthetic pigments. The coloring can disguise its natural gray color.To support Susan?s noteworthy Beautiful Bones Osteoporosis event, I made some delicious salmon burgers, a recipe I borrowed from the International Osteoporosis Foundation. I am including the original recipe here, but halved the recipe when I cooked it, using a 6 oz. can of salmon. Salmon BurgersAn International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) staff recipeServings: 5 14.75 ounce canned salmon1 egg¼ cup...

My First Weekend as Dessert Lady
2008-05-12 19:38:00
Wow! It has been a world wind weeks-end. Thursday was my first night as the dessert lady at a local midtown restaurant. (That's what I heard all weekend - Hey, is that the dessert lady? That must be the dessert lady. etc) As it was quite eventful learning the in's and outs of a commercial kitchen, I love my little nook (and I do mean little) behind the "line". Both Thursday and Friday were not as productive as I would have hoped. Then, knowing there was a Mother's Day Gospel brunch on Sunday that was advertised on one of the local radio stations, one of the owners sprung a zinger on me in casual conversation late Friday evening.Ready to wow them Sunday?Ha! Hope so! I am a little frustrated with my mishaps, but I am working them out. I don't have the end results I would have hoped, if truth be told.No prob. You'll get it and wow everyone like you did us. Nothing like making your debut on a day we have total reservations for 200 people!Excuse me?Tomorrow?reservations. We will hav...
More About: Dessert , Weekend , Lady

Where in the World?
2008-05-09 18:37:00
I am here...just buried underneath the last two weeks of school and the start of a new part time job. Yup! I mentioned the other day that I was meeting up with the new chef at the restaurant to see if this dessert "thing" will finally jump off. Well, last night was my Thursday night and it was fun! Friday night was hopping, too, as several parties were going on and the DJ was hittin' it hard.I will be there all weekend - as I work through getting my lil' pastry corner organized and desserts made for the gospel brunch tomorrow. I will be back next week and tell you all about it! :)There is an ton of thanks I owe to Helen! She and I have been chatting for several months and I don't think she knows what she has gotten herself into. Ha! Then, not having read any blogs this week, you can imagine my "ug" after I read she was a bit down. I never had a clue as she is now in my speed dial as "God Send"- the "Oh my God, they keep opening the oven" call, "I have never had a cheesecake boil ...
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Strawberry Bruschetta
2008-05-07 06:22:00
fragole!/strawberries!Simple, simple! I really need to move that direction in my life. Realistically, that won?t happen until the school year ends. So, to give myself a quick glimpse into what could be?I made myself a yummy and simple fruit bruschetta. One of the desserts I made for a graduation party this weekend was a vanilla bean cheesecake with macerated strawberries. Not that you can really have too many scoops of macerated strawberries on your cheesecake, I did have quite a bit left over. The leftovers made a delicious second meal.I used the hard ciabatta bread I bought while in NY, softening it with the strawberry juice. Add the macerated strawberries? Perfection.There are probably several different ways you can serve this. I was thinking about adding a thin smear of cream cheese, but shear amount of cream cheese I have baked over the last weeks makes my tummy quiver with just the thought. Or, is it was gremlin-effect that makes me oookie (made up word ? ha!). Presentation? A...
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Tuesday with Dorie: Peanut Butter Torte (allegedly)
2008-05-06 06:04:00
Actually, its PBT's wicked sorella gemella/twin sister, Hazel (wickedly good that is) ?.Before we meet Hazelnut Torte , lets look back a sec...The picture on pg. 283, the Peanut Butter Torte, looks scrumptious, simply scrumptious. I am not even a big PB fan (unless I have a stick or two of celery - then I am good for a couple of months). Even so, I was eager, and was ready for my plan. My plan, as always, is to bake on Sunday. If I don?t have another obligation, my Sunday mornings are pretty predictable. Get up, take out butter/cream cheese and/or eggs to bring to room temp, laundry, miscellaneous cleaning, blog-checking/reading, bake, bake, and bake (while watching Food Network).This Sunday was no different, except my head wasn?t quite in the game. The gremlins were still hanging around, as they continue to attack cheesecakes and (most recently) cookies. But, I think they were sleeping this Sunday since I didn?t completely butcher anything. Instead, my preoccupation with other stuf...
More About: Tuesday , Nutella

Celebrate! Its Cinco de Mango! (Round Up)
2008-05-05 12:08:00
anima della festa/life of the party Let?s celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Cinco de Mango ! When I launched this event I mentioned that, after being contacted by Fleishman-Hillard, on behalf the National Mango Board about trying some mango recipes, I thought it would be fun to promote their Cinco de Mango party with a blog event with the same name. I admit?.I was a little worried for a little while, thinking Smita?s contribution would be the only dish next to mine. While that would have been fine, especially since it looks like such a delicious Parfait, more contributions finally arrived. This has been a fun event to host with wonderful Mango recipes. Thanks to everyone who participated.I think the non-National Mango Board would be perfect additions to their website. What do you think? Let us know if they contact you to put your recipe on the website! Not that by Fleishman-Hillard said that would happen, but how cool would that be? I mean, seriously? I didn?t see any Tofu or Stuffed Chi...
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Cooking to Combat Cancer #2: The Round Up.
2008-05-04 02:05:00
riepilogo delle notizie principali/wrap-up I am finally done! I apologize for taking so long to get this round up posted! Before we begin, let me ask that, if I have inadvertently left anyone out, picture or blurb, please email me at the event address, ccc2(AT)gmail(DOT)com. I will get my error fixed ASAP!Year 2 for Cooking to Combat Cancer has had a wonderful turn out! I am so pleased that we have over 40 recipes from across the globe. It still completely befuddles me that I received emails from places like Australia, India, and Romania! What's more? The recipes here are fabulous?and doable! I don?t think there is a dish in the bunch that will be difficult for any of us to recreate. And, most of what you see here include one or more cancer fighting superfood, lists you can find by a quick google search.Having lost my grandmother to Pancreatic Cancer in 1994 and then being treated myself for Thyroid Cancer in 2001, I wanted to do something. With Cooking to Combat Cancer the first ...
More About: Events , Round Up

Coming soon...
2008-05-01 12:03:00
prossimamenteCooking to Combat Cancer - The Round Up will be out this weekend. I am shooting for late Saturday. Forget to send your post? (hint hint....) Email it ccc2event(AT)gmail(DOT)com. Cinco de Mango is still running...The deadline is Sunday, May4th. Email dishes to CincoDeMango(AT)gmail(DOT)com.http://mele cotte.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default?al t=rss

When life hands you lemons...
2008-04-30 12:07:00
make ganache!baccello di vaniglia/vanilla beanI know...the saying ends with lemons, but I added my own twist last night . Why? Gremlins.I want to scream, "When!" with cheesecakes. Its either that, or I the gremlins need to pay rent or check out of the Mele Cotte hotel. I began my advance baking for a graduation party I for which I am baking the desserts. The graduate's mom specifically asked for vanilla bean cheesecake - the graduate's favorite. Sure! No problem. Wanting to make 18 minis, I doubled my recipe. That means 4 vanilla beans. I checked the cakes 30 minutes - still needed time. Three minutes later, I have crispy critters! Arg!!!! I think I heard my money flushing down the toilet as I opened my oven.After further inspection after cooling, there were 5 cakes I could have offered to the Thrashers as practice pucks, but since its finally getting warm, I decided file 13 was the better option. While Brownside has a whole different meaning in the neighborhoods of my students, t...
More About: Life , Hands , Lemons

Tuesday with Dorie: Fluted Polenta and Ricotta Cake
2008-04-29 06:01:00
Business first...Today's the Last Day!April 29th - it was this day, seven years ago, at 9:23 AM, that I called my sister from the parking lot of my doctor's office. I had just been told that the golf ball sized lump sticking out of my neck looking like an enormous Adam's apple was in fact Thyroid cancer. While a blur, I won't forget asking my sister, an RN at the time, to call my mom. to tell her the news. My diagnosis date is the deadline (technically) for Cooking to Combat Cancer! I am pleased to report that I received a great blast of emails yesterday to put with the ones that have been arriving throughout and am getting ready to put together the round up. Yes, I know....I should have been compiling the round up as I received the entries, but...I didn't. Now, with a big presentation on Friday, and a catering gig on Saturday - the round up may be delayed until the weekend. I will keep updated. hmmm.... Maybe a Nor'easter with blow through and give me a couple of snow days to...
More About: Events , Cakes , Cake , Tuesday , Ricotta

Fight - with Mozzarella, Tomato, & Dill Pesto Panini
2008-04-28 12:31:00
Panino/Panini One pan I kept from my sister?s Sur La Table gift was the Panini pan. I already have a mismatched grill pan and a press top, but its large and in a hard-to-get-to place in the cabinet. This one is smaller and quite frankly, pretty kick ass. As I prepared to sit and work through the many ideas I have for my presentation next week, all of which a so not riveting, I decided to make some lunch ? a panini. I cleaned out the crisper in the morning and came up with the original plan to make sage pesto. My unused sage and left over dill were the only herbs that hadn?t browned over. Then, when it came time to go-pesto, I realized that, in my mass-fridge-purge I had inadvertently thrown out the sage! Duh! What to do? All I have eft is dill. Can dill be a pesto? I don?t recall seeing any while tastepotting. Oh, heck ? why not? Just wing - it, Chris! I mean, cooking isn?t like the double batch vanilla bean cheesecake you burned yesterday?.the one with the 4 Madagascar vanilla beans...
More About: Fight , Tomato , Pesto , Dill

Daring Bakers Challenge - Cheesecake Pops
2008-04-27 06:02:00
ghiacciolo/popDaring Bakers Challenge - Cheesecake PopsA big thanks to Elle (Feeding My Enthusiasms) & Deborah (Taste and Tell) for this month?s Daring Baker challenge, a recipe from Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey by Jill O?Connor. I thought, when looking at the picture, reading the recipe and our instructions, that these lil? Cheesecake Pops were just the cutest things! Oh! I had such plans for this challenge and by the end?mmmm?the vision in my head versus what actually occurred? Two completely different things.The cheesecake was tasty! A little sweet for me, but I knew the ladies would love them. I told them to ignore the popsicle sick, just to take it out and pick it up with their fingers to eat. Why? Well, if I had stuck to the recipe and didn?t try various shapes that ended up to be more than 2 oz., I might have had better pops. The pops drooped over like a flaccid?.never mind?.I will let your mind wander accordingly and keep this post clean.I will try this gain, but with the...

Banana Bread
2008-04-26 11:38:00
Mi piace mangiare banane!/I like to eat bananas! While reading through the various blog events going on, I turned my head and couldn?t help but catch a glimpse of the bananas on my counter. Arriving home in their brilliant yellow hue, the lovely bananas seemed to go from beauty queen to ugly duckling in no time at all. I always have good intentions when I shop, but since it?s just me at home and life happens, I don?t always get to everything I buy. I hate when I waste food (and money.) So, you can imagine my excitement when I came across NQN?s Banana Bread bakeoff event. The rules are simple ? bake banana bread. Our lovely host just asks that we ?bake a Banana bread and one without frosting or elaborate decorations as once we get into cakes and frostings and decorations, it ends up less of a bread and more of a cake.? Perfect rule for a weeknight tryst in the kitchen.I am a big fan of banana bread. I was going to include nuts, but in all honest? I didn?t feel like chopping them. Ha!...
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Fighting can be Easy...with Avocado Papaya Toasts
2008-04-25 12:29:00
facile scappatoia/easy way out Yup! you read me correctly. Fighting can be easy. Fighting cancer, that is, with food! There are tons of recipes that have multiple steps, organic foods, etc - all fabulous and available at our fingertips. But sometimes, there just isn't time for all that. When time runs short, its important not to make unhealthy slips too often during those crunch times.This evening, Sharona and I had a "working" sushi dinner. We both have individual presentations coming up for the leadership academy with which we are a part; presentations that will be in front of several fellow administrators and many of the school system's higher ups - Executive Directors, Area Superintendents, etc. Now, both of us have worked with multiple members of audience, as our boss last year was one of the Area Sups, but presenting about ourselves and not curriculum? Ugh!! So...both a little stressed, we went to our favorite little sushi restaurant.As usual, it was yummy! But, like always,...
More About: Easy , Papaya