Steak Salad...Sorta

Can you tell I'm a little behind on my food posts? I've been posting food like mad the last couple days (or was it weeks?) and it must seem like I'm some sort of Johnson & Wales student or something. We don't actually always eat like this. I mean, I truly do enjoy cooking, and I'm kind of a food snob, so I do like to cook really interesting, unique and tasty meals, but I don't have the energy to cook them all the time. I guess that should be rather obvious as I barely have the energy to post the pictures of all these fab meals, let alone cook them. Not to mention most of the recipes on Food TV seem to cost a small fortune. Who can afford to have fresh parmesan blocks of cheese in their house every day? Those things are like $10 a pop! I try to keep a lot of my meals under $10 (for 2 people)...But I digress...I saw this recipe on Food TV for a delicious steak salad type thingy. I'm not sure if it's really a "salad" b/c of the pasta, but whatever it is, it's rather tasty. The below pictures are from the most recent time I cooked this Giada DeLaurentis dish, but this is actually the third time I've made it. You can find the recipe for this on FoodNetwork.com - it's called "Penne With Beef and Arugula" (click for link). I'm not sure if it looks complicated or not, but it is super easy to make. If you like steak, arugula, and balsamic vinegar, I say you should definitely give this one a go...even if you don't deliver it to your SO's office (like Giada did on the episode). I didn't...I just made and served it at our home and it was just fine.





Look how glossy that is! Mmmm...this is so good!

Sumo, Nutella, Etc.

My company had a most-interesting fundraising event this past week - sumo wrestling. And they didn't have just anyone sumo-wrestling...I mean, who would go to that? They had some of the company big wigs doing it...of course. I have to admit, this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen. I didn't really know any of the people doing the sumo wrestling, but it didn't matter. As you can tell from this photo, you can't really see their faces anyways. I actually thought about doing it, but I was wearing a skirt, and I wasn't sure there was a graceful way to get into the sumo suit with a skirt on. A girl's got to be classy at all times, right?

The $20 ticket I bought to get in came with a $10 game card (as the event was held at one of those restaurant/bar type places with tons of fun games - from skee ball to basketball to racing - you get the idea. With the ticket I also got two drinks and free apps. I only got to drink one drink b/c I have asian flush, and two would have turned me into a walking beet. I gave the other ticket to my boss's boss. What? I'm not sucking up, I only knew like 5 people there. Anywho, the apps were ok and consisted of raw veggies, meatballs, tortilla chips & salsa, and chicken wings (which I don't eat...the wings, that is). Don't worry about me, though. I didn't starve...I just noshed on my SO's Chick-Fil-A meal when I got home and also managed to snack on this:

Have you ever had Nutella? If you haven't, and you like chocolate, you must make a run to the grocery store now for some plain white bread and some Nutella. Seriously, you're totally missing out. I first had Nutella when I went to France on an exchange in high school, and if it weren't for this (and the numerous other delicious pastries readily available on nearly every street block) I so would have lost 10 pounds due to the rather strange cuisine (read my picky eating) and the constant walking. I never walked so much in all my lifetime! But I digress...Nutella and white bread - it's all you need, really, for a delicious snack. What's that? It's not healthy, you point out? Like french fries are healthy...and you know you eat those! Everything in moderation, my dear, everything in moderation. Anywho, toast up some white bread (or don't toast at all) and slather on some of this delicious, ooey, gooey, choclately goodness. Wow, this post is kinda making me hungry.

Anywho, it's a lovely day today, and I have cleaning to do, so I'm off to clean the house...yay! Oh, and work on my evil plot to talk my SO into getting a dog...or a cat. A dog would be better, but I'm in desperate need of a cuddly pet. Pet lovers...I think you know what I mean. Wish me luck!

Pantry Meal: Spagetti Pomodoro

Ever have one of those days where you and your SO are standing, starving and lost in your kitchen trying to figure out how to make a meal of your pantry items? If you're ever in a jam, then try this recipe out: Basic Tomato Sauce by Mario Batali (click here). Ok, so you have to have garlic, onion, and carrot in your kitchen, but those are relatively common items. Toss this sauce with whatever pasta you have in your pantry, and you're good to go:

Why did I call this post Spagetti Pomodoro, you ask? Well, have you ever been to Macaroni Grill? This sauce reminds me of the one they use in their Capellini Pomodoro dish. It's super yummy and the flavor is suprisingly robust. I think this would also taste good with grilled chicken (if you need some meat in your dish), as well as, with some fresh parsley and basil. Mmmmm...

Williams Sonoma Blueberry Quickbread

There's something very rich and robust about everything in Williams Sonoma. Shopping there reminds me of shopping in the fancy clothing stores as a teen drooling over the expensive clothes, shoes and accessories that I knew I couldn't and may never afford. Of course, anyone who reads my other blog, Shopaholics Anonymous, knows this to be false thanks to my treat last March (my black, gold-chained, quilted-leather baby). But I digress...anywho, there's just something about a place like Williams Sonoma that makes you want to buy something...anything...just to get a piece of the beautiful kitchen supplies they offer. I've gotten a couple tools and my Wusthof from them, but awhile back, I fell victim to one of their delicous samples and purchased a package of their blueberry quickbread. Wanting something delicious and luxe, yet easy to make, for breakfast recently, I was able to throw this together pretty effortlessly:


I topped the quickbread with a quick glaze...mmm...

I tried finding the blueberry quickbread online at williams-sonoma.com, but alas...could not. I did, however, find a delicious-looking pumpkin quickbread (click to shop)

Comfort Food: Paula's Beef Stew

With the weather getting colder bit by bit, I'm turning to comfort foods for dinner these days, especially nice big pots of soups or stew. Take, for example, this delicous Old-Time Beef Stew by Paula Dean (click for recipe):

Although it took a long time to make (hey, it's beef stew...what do you expect, right?), it was super simple to put together. Following some tips from the reviewers, I added quartered red potatoes and substituted beef broth for the water. Also, I added extra liquid b/c it didn't seem to have quite enough and I don't mind my soups and stews a bit soupy. As it turned out, it wasn't really soupy at all, so I guess whatever I did worked!

The stew was a big hit w/ my SO and will definitely be a cold-weather staple in my household!

Happy Coffee...err...Birth Day to Me!

Yes, this is a post about a coffee machine. Why you ask? Well, I haven't had a coffee machine in years...yea, like more than one years...more like 5ish...and even then I had a crappy $10 coffee machine that didn't brew the best coffee. Why is this a big deal, you ask? Well, I have a confession...I'm addicted to coffee. Yes, I'm a coffee addict. If I don't get a cup in the morning, I get the worst headache...I'm sure other coffee fanatics out there know exactly what I mean. Anywho, I've either been drinking instant coffee (not the strongest or tastiest) or spending too much buying Starsucks...I mean...Starbucks in the AM. Well, enter brand spankin beautiful new coffee machine thanks to my honey - a portion of my b-day presents:


Isn't this the cutest mug?


Can you believe I got it on sale at Starbucks? I have to admit...although overpriced, I like not only their coffee but their adorable, little mugs, too. Especially when they're on sale. :)

Happy Coffee Day!

My Mother's Garden

The flowers in my mom's garden are really pretty...but then again, what flowers aren't pretty? Even some weeds can be "pretty." Here are some up close shots:




See the butterfly?


Here's a closer shot:


I can't wait to have my own house and yard. I want to plant a cutting garden so I can have fresh flowers in the house all the time (without having to pay for expensive bouquets). Does anyone have a cutting garden and if so, what kinds of flowers do you have?

Nice/Mean Dog

Check out this "interesting" assortment of goods for sale at Wal-Mart:

How bizarre is that dog? It looks so nice and cute, but did you catch that sign? Granted, it flips and the other side says, "Welcome" but still...

I got a giggle out of seeing it, so I thought I'd share.

Mediterranean Cuisine: Fried Kibbeh

I love trying and eating exotic foods. You get to try some of the most amazing flavors and textures, that you may not have eaten growing up. There's a cute little Mediterranean restaurant near my home that serves some of the most amazing food AND they have baklava, which I have a weakness for (can't wait for the upcoming Greek Festival). I have a couple fave entrees at this restaurant, but last week, I tried something new:

Fried Kibbeh:


The shell of this dish is actually made with ground beef - I mean, it's filled with ground beef, but the shell has beef in it too. Apparently, it can take hours to make these little things, and looking at them, I totally believe that. The manager also mentioned that these are made when you visit someone's house - they're a treat. Well, I certainly enjoyed my treat!

Summer Barbeque Stand

Nothing beats finding one of those "hole-in-the-wall" type places that is like a local secret and true gem of a find. There happens to be a barbeque stand that sets up near my office twice a week. Sure, it's a couple blocks of walking to get there, but the food is well worth it (not to mention, probably warrants it...haha). Here's the barbeque I've been enjoying a tad bit too much this summer:

Can you believe this is the "small" plate?

Giada's Scampi on Couscous

A couple weeks ago, we decided to try Giada DeLaurentis' Scampi on Couscous (click for recipe). It was pretty tasty, but not something to make on a night you want something quick. I mean, I actually think of couscous as being a quick and easy side item, but not this couscous. This couscous was more difficult b/c of the sauce you have to make, then puree, then cook the couscous with. Don't get me wrong, the sauce makes the dish, but I recommend this dinner for a night you want to take your time cooking.


I also didn't use all the clam sauce the recipe suggested, but maybe I should have tried? I dunno...maybe I'll try that next time?

Simply Healthy Chicken Dish

I've made this simple, healthy & delicious chicken dish before, but it's become a regular meal in my household. Here's the Chicken with Tender Leeks by Rachael Ray Encore!




As usual, I didn't do the rest of the recipe - just the chicken/leek part, but this time I did a rice pilaf by Zattaran's and some peas...mmm.

Click here for the recipe

Sick Day - Beef & Barley Soup

I was sick last week, but luckily, I had some yummy Beef & Barley soup that my mom maid for me the last time I was home (it keeps well in the freezer). I can't put the recipe up b/c I don't have it...sorry! I do know that it's from a Disney cook book, if that helps. Anywho, I really love these little vintage-y napkins I found while thrifting recently. I think one is hand-embroidered!

Thanks Mom!

Btw...this is weird, but I have to point out...doesn't this piece of barley look like a monkey face or something? Bizarro!

Old-School Doggie-Wash

We went back to my SO's hometown this weekend to visit his mom, and whenever we go back, like a great son, my honey helps out with some chores. We managed to squeeze in an old-school doggie-wash:

"Uh-Oh"


"The Inevitable Shake"


"Ahhhh...Much Better"

Giada's Chocolate-Hazelnut Ravioli

I made Emeril's wonton soup a week or so ago (which I haven't posted yet), and had so many leftover wonton wrappers and no desire to eat any more wonton soup. It was a good thing I remembered drooling over Giada DeLaurentis' chocolate-hazelnut ravioli (click for recipe). I quickly dug out the recipe and got to work. With few ingrediants and little prep or cook time, I had these delicious goodies in no time:



A must-try, chic-sweet for you dessert lovers out there!

On an unrelated note, so sorry for my lack of posts lately. I feel like I'm stuck in that situation that most of you probably have felt before where you have so much going on that you become completely useless. It's amazing that I make it to work, am able to provide food for me and my SO, ship my jewelry orders in a timely manner, and post anything over on SA, but somehow it gets done. Then, there are my other "tasks" that seem to get swept under the rug...or lost on my to-do list...or forgotten in an unusual moment of free time that really isn't free, it's just not being used b/c my head is spinning so fast I can't remember exactly what it is I'm supposed to be doing at the time...I just have that icky feeling that there's something else I should be doing - how's that for a run-on sentence? Perhaps the run-on sentence is an extra description of how chaotic it seems things are right now. I'm in that place where you have so much to do, that you do a little of this and a little of that and none of it is good enough or enough at all to be acceptable. Whoof! I feel better just blogging about it, especially knowing that so many of you out there are in the same situations (or similar enough) and actually understand me, when so many of my normal, non-type-a friends don't. Thanks for reading if you made it this far. :)

The Wreck of Richard and Charlene

I knew several months ago that I'd be going to Charleston, SC for Memorial Day weekend, so when I saw Giada's Weekend Getaways for Charleston (which will air again on June 15th - see web site for details), I tuned in! One of the restaurants especially caught my eye - The Wreck of Richard and Charlene. Located where a trawler, the Richard and Charlene, wrecked during Hurricane Hugo, hard to find, only spread by word of mouth...the place doesn't even look like a restaurant or have a sign...how cool is that? Maybe I've been watching $40 a Day one time too many, but I've been seriously inspired by Food Network to look for the unique eating spots in every city I visit. Not to mention I've always liked eating the foods I can't get back home. I somehow talked my fiance and two of his frat-boy-like friends into going.

Just like Giada said, the restaurant is hard to find and doesn't even have a sign. To the left and right of the location are two shrimping docks (at least I think that's what they are)


Not much to look at from the front, eh? It seems the best places are these "hole-in-the-wall" spots. I believe Giada said to look for the huge anchor in front of the restaurant (far right of the photo)


In the entrance, there are tons of pictures...apparently of friends and family...and a certain celebrity we know and love. They have a picture of Giada with some of the staff and her actual menu. See, here at The Wreck, you are given a paper menu and get to circle your meal of choice with a marker. Your meal is started with a yummy bowl of boiled peanuts, which I love! The menu touts that the Wreck was voted "State's Best Shrimp" - fried shrimp, that is. Of course, I ordered the fried shrimp, and they truly were some of the best fried shrimp I've ever had. I also got to try the grilled shrimp, but I'd definitely go for the fried if you ever eat here.


Here's a picture of the back of The Wreck. You can see their screened-in patio area, which is where you'll be seated if you grab a bite to eat.


I even got a great shot of the sunset from the dock area.

Only downfall of this wonderful spot is that it's a bit old-fashioned so they don't accept credit cards and they don't split checks. Remember to bring your checkbook or some cash and be prepared to figure out your own check if you're splitting the tab. Either way, the billing policy is not enough to keep me from headed back to this local favorite.

The Wreck of Richard & Charlene is a must-see if you're headed to Charleston, SC! Be sure to visit their web site for menu, history, and more info - http://www.wreckrc.com/

Deliciously Unique Dessert at PF Changs

I took my honey for dinner to PF Changs (after he took me to see Pirates of the Caribbean - which was so-so) as a "let's end our vacation / kick off the new week with a treat" treat. I don't know why, but we hardly ever even glance at the dessert menu there. However, this past Monday, we decided to split a couple appetizers and an entree to save room for dessert (guess we were on vacation mode still...lol). We got Wonton Soup, Peking Dumplings (aka Potstickers), Moo Goo Gai Pan, and this fabulousness:

It's called the Lucky 8 and my SO and I were feeling pretty lucky we had ordered it. It's basically Phyllo dough brushed with chocolate, rolled up, deep-fried and served with gooey toffee and heath bar crumbles. You dip the chocolately sticks in the toffee, roll them around in the candy crumbles and voila! A deliciously unique dessert.

Now, I'm a pretty big dessert connoisseur...not so much that I claim to have expertise in the area, but I've eaten out at a lot of restaurants over my lifetime, and I have a huge sweet tooth, so I've seen my fair share of good desserts. Let me tell you, this is one of the best and most unique I think I've ever had...off the top of my head, this is in my Top 5, and that says a lot for anyone who knows me pretty well. For anyone headed to PF Changs any time soon, you simply must try this. If you don't think you can finish it all, our waiter told us (after we had him box two sticks up for us) that we could have ordered a half-order. Oh well...you live, you learn, right?

Giant Sugar Cookies a la Martha Stewart

This weekend, I finally remembered to buy some sour cream to make the yummy-looking "Giant Sugar Cookies" I've been wanting to make from the Issue 41 Everyday Food. I even got to use my vintage Pyrex mixing bowl (very carefully, of course):



I've been trying out different sugar cookie recipes for awhile now and out of four batches, these are the best! If you subscribe to Everyday Food, I highly recommend trying this recipe out - it's on the last page.

Mine ended up a little more well-done than I had intended - I guess some ovens bake faster, even when you shorten the smallest time by two minutes! Watch your cookies! :)

If you don't subscribe, there are a couple other recipes on MarthStewart.com - click here for one

Leftover Spaghetti Sauce = Baked Ziti Dinner

My sister came into town Friday night and after a bit of indulging at the French bakery, I decided to keep dinner simple with spaghetti. After making tons of sauce on Friday, though, I had plenty left over this weekend and I thought...hey, I should use this instead of freezing it. What can I make with leftover spaghetti sauce, I wondered. Aha! One of my honey's faves - baked ziti!






I added a can of tomato sauce to the leftover meat sauce b/c I like my ziti kinda saucy. Meanwhile, I cooked some ziti pasta - I just eyeballed how much would go with the sauce. When the pasta was done, I drained it and added it to the sauce, mixed and poured into a glass casserole dish. I topped the pasta with mozzarella cheese and baked for about 20 minutes - till the cheese was slightly browned on top. I made my favorite garlic bread recipe - a Rachael Ray recipe - to complete the meal. Well, bread and a new Martha Stewart recipe - Giant Sugar Cookies from Everyday Food issue 41.

Chic Homemade Lunch a la Martha Stewart

I've been subscribing to Martha Stewart's latest mag - Everyday Food - so far so good. After weeks of eating turkey sandwiches for lunch in an effort to save money during the day, I've been on the lookout for some good, new lunch recipes. I decided to try my first Everyday Food recipe - Chicken Club Salad:

I decided to substitute Bibb lettuce for the pictured Romaine. It came out pretty good, although I will say you need to watch your bacon if you prepare it a la the recipe - it will burn if your oven cooks too quickly! I made a second batch of bacon for day 2 of the Chicken Club Salad lunch and microwaved it over a sheet of paper towel for 2 minutes - they came out nicely, took less time, and made less mess.

I'd definitely give this one a try if you're thinking about it - but I will definitely cut the chicken into smaller bites next time or possibly even shred it (or use rotisserie chicken...hmmm) - the possibilities are endless!

Where Have I Been?

Ok, so sorry for the delay...I'm sure (or maybe hoping) that a couple of you noticed that I haven't been posting hardly at all lately. You're probably (maybe) wondering where on earth I've been.

Well, I've been super busy the last 3ish weeks with two back-to-back craft shows:

My friend and I each setup a table at a couple shows around town. This is a photo from day one of the first show - it looks nice doesn't it? The weather was actually ridiculously hot...actually I'd say painfully hot, but we still had a pretty time and had a pretty good show. The second show was another story altogether - it rained the entire first day, then was windy the second and to make matters worse, people were shopping for cheap junk jewelry (think imported from overseas less than $10 crapola) so we hardly sold anything. :( We still had a good time, though, and met some interesting people, so not too shabby overall.

Look, the cotton candy matches my dress!