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What do foodies do?
Interior designer...residential and commerical....who would like to get started on putting together a family recipe book soon.
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
I understand perfectly what voting "present" means. Obama will be completing his first year as a senator soon. Now THAT requires a barbecue!
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
My point is that we don't have any idea how Obama would've voted on these same issues. He simply voted "present." How do you explain that?
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Describe your Presidential Candidates victory meal !
Posted by dianeb, September 19, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Grilling with Banana Leaves...delicious, healthy & easy...
Posted by dianeb, August 27, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Who remembers the cooking show "Pasquale's Kitchen?"
Posted by dianeb, August 4, 2008 at 2:00 PM
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Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Boston's Best Lobster Rolls from 'Gourmet'
The Union Oyster House in Boston has the best lobster rolls. Had one there several weeks ago.
What do foodies do?
Interior designer...residential and commerical....who would like to get started on putting together a family recipe book soon.
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
I understand perfectly what voting "present" means. Obama will be completing his first year as a senator soon. Now THAT requires a barbecue!
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
My point is that we don't have any idea how Obama would've voted on these same issues. He simply voted "present." How do you explain that?
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
Good work! At least McCain has a voting history. Obama voted "present" didn't he?
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
In relating all of this to food...ahem...there must be 25 recipes for making chicken soup...and none of them are wrong. Colin Powell, a former republican and strong military supporter, made a good decision over the weekend to support Obama especially if Obama wins on November 4th. I find comfort in that and chicken soup. As far as religion, we live in a country where we are free to pray in any house of worship. Go Red, White and Blue!!
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
Your opinion has been noted.
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
If a person has lived long enough to experience failure and success only then will they understand that through the failures you learn first hand "what not to do." All the more reason for the United States to maintain a well trained military force. No one has all of the answers but the one thing that we, as Americans, must embrace is taking responsibility for our choices and moving forward to correct those mistakes. I'm not against Obama. I believe him to be a charismatic young man who has a dream. He, too, has a past to include things he would like to go back and change. We all do.
Are foodies Democrats or Republicans?
Obama is the perfect example that through hard work, dedication and higher education you can realize the American dream of owning a lovely home in an upscale neighborhood and run for the President of the United States. I have to worry about his "spread the wealth" position. It conflicts with the American dream. This election reminds me of our food recipes and our personal recipes for life...."if you send a ship out expect one to come in" and the food is only as good as the ingredients you put in. We should all be held accountable for the choices we make for ourselves. The sub-prime mortgages are an excellent example of making bad choices. Many of us did not get into a sub-prime mortgage and there was a very good reason why...it would've been a bad choice. Yet, as taxpayers we now have to take responsibility for those who did. Each candidate will make big promises that they will never keep. It reminds me of being given an old family recipe only to discover that a few ingredients were left out....key ingredients...necessary to making it work. When you go out and vote keep in mind that neither candidate is going to make a noticeable change in your life. Maintaining a strong military force is vital to our continued safety against terrorism and holding our strong position as a world leader. If we don't maintain that now we will put our children and grandchildren in a place of constant uncertainty. We still live in the best country in the world. We have our problems but they, in no way, compare to what other countries are experiencing with socialized medicine and a "spreading of the wealth" mentality. Everyone wants to live in America and we all need to remember why that is. It is our responsibility to vote for the candidate who will not take the American dream away from us and give it to others. I'll vote on November 4th for the candidate who will protect us across the board. I will vote for John McCain. He has the permanet injuries to remind him of what a great country he was fighting for. And....he is still fighting to make it better and stronger.
Whole wheat pasta
I've tried whole wheat pasta several times and ended up tossing it out. It's not for me and my family. We enjoy traditional homemade pasta and nothing, in my opinion, tastes better. When using dried pasta I use DeCecco products. If I want extra fiber I look for it somewhere else.
What would you put in small phyllo cups?
chicken salad, egg salad, tuna salad are all very good to use in these cups. For something savory try a trilogy of sauteed mushrooms seasoned with shallots, minced garlic, and salt & pepper.
Turkey..without an oven
I think steaming the whole breast on a rack, using chicken broth as your liquid, place in a large dutch oven type pot would be the way to go. It will guarantee your turkey to be extremely moist. You'll be the envy of quite a few cooks on Thanksgiving Day! You can use the broth later for the gravy and stuffing. Since you only have two burners you may want to use a bamboo type steamer and layer your potatoes and vegetables so that everything will be hot at the same time. I am assuming you do not have a microwave over there. Hey...good luck....what an adventure!!
No Turkey For Me!
In lieu of turkey, my vote goes to the Leg of Lamb. The duck sounds great. Anyone who has a large outdoor turkey fryer can deep fry the whole duck the same way to get the "crispy" duck. All of your ideas sound fabulous. I believe the only reason people get stuck on baking the big turkey for Thanksgiving is for the leftovers.
Freaky Frozen Food Habits?
Have absolutely no desire to eat frozen vegetables. Am I missing something?
If you can stand more Shamdra Lee news...
Hey everyone....after reading your colorful comments about Sandra Lee, I find it rather amusing that she couldn't possibly be eating the fattening recipes she gives to her viewers. How else could she stay so painfully thin? What in the world is wrong with Andrew Cuomo? I think Sandra Lee wants to be a "Playboy Bunny" in the kitchen. I have never ever considered making one of her "dishes" and never ever will.
I know it's early... Ideas for Thanksgiving side dishes?
Try roasting brussel sprouts for a change. Prepare the bsprouts by removing any discolored leaves. Generously cover in olive oil and a quality sea salt and freshly ground pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast @ 350 degrees until crispy...approx 40 min. Stir halfway through cooking time. Also....
I prepare 3 to 4 lbs of fresh green beans by cutting off the ends. I add olive oil to cover the bottom in a hot large skillet quickly adding the beans continually turning them until slightly brown. Add l/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce and l/2 cup of water. Stir and continue cooking 5 minutes. Add four cloves of chopped garlic and freshly ground pepper. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Remove the cover and stir rotating the beans. Cover and cook five minutes more! You will love these beans anytime but especially for Thanksgiving!
optional: slightly roasted slivered almonds to garnish
Chemo-"therapy" foods
Someone close to me had head and neck cancer (tonsil) and had radiation laced with chemo. He also had to have a stomach tube because the inside of his mouth was irritated and eventually became completely broken down. I fixed fried and scrambled eggs and grits and many other soft foods. For him, the spicier the better. When he could no longer tolerate that, I went to fruit smoothies as well as veggie smoothers paying special attention to nutrition. Processed foods tend to have a strange taste to people going through treatment so taking the time to make homemade soups, etc. is definitely worth the effort. By the way, he is now two years out and the cancer is gone. I wish the best for you and your mother.
Served: My Waiter Peeves
Although I have never worked in a restaurant, I have respect for those who do. I am overly polite and appreciative when receiving good service. I have been in the company of other people who are, in fact, rude to waitors because they are basically rude and uncaring. Unfortunately not everyone has good manners and good people skills. I believe people who are rude to the service industry are low class, insecure people who enjoy the act of bullying.
I enjoy having a waitor who gives his/her name when they approach my table. I am not, however, inclined to introduce myself. I don't think it is necessary unless I dine there often.
Not often, but I have, after tasting the newly opened bottle of wine, refused it because it did not taste right. When you order a bottle of Silver Oak 1998 you know right away if it has not been stored properly. Another bottle was brought to the table and it was perfectly fine. It's not the restaurant owner or the server's fault.
It took this lousy economy...
I cook meals at home most every day. The real advantage, along with saving money, is that you "control" what you are eating. You know how much salt, sugar, butter, and oil you are using. Cooking at home is so much fun for us because my husband insists on being my sous chef and he does the cleanup! Doesn't get any better than that. Americans need to get back to the basics and in so doing can revisit the old family recipes and give them a "healthy" revision. No matter how challenged our economy is at the moment we live in the greatest country in the world.
What to make with a food processor?
I make homemade doughs in mine....for pizza, calzones and stromboli! You can make the perfect pie crust, too! When making tomato sauces I use mine to puree the tomatoes....gazpacho...gosh, the list goes on. You will discover the many valuable uses this machine provides. Happy Birthday and jump right in. It's big fun!
Describe your Presidential Candidates victory meal !
@ beth1 Good bead on that Beth. Palin is in the land of God's country. For McCain...he is an Arizona guy where salmon and king crab is not a "fresh" state for seafood. That's why I went with the veal....my husband is a retired 30 year naval captain aviator and I really appreciate navy families!!
Soup "Season"
Our personal favorite here in northern Virginia is "Italian Wedding Soup" made with homemade chicken broth, onions, escarole and lots of small hand rolled ground veal balls. I drop a small cheese rind in for added flavor. I serve it pipping hot and sprinkle a good quality aged cheese and drizzle olive oil over the top. Yum!!
Should Mercury-Filled Canned Tuna Be Legal?
How about the Tongol Tuna in a can packed in olive oil? The italians produce an excellent product. In the jar it can be a bit pricey. In the can from Trader Joe's it is reasonably priced. Any mention of high mercury levels in that product or would it be considered the same? Curious.
Cheese Please
GranaPadana Regi/Parma, aged Provolone and aged Cheddar. When I am entertaining I buy a soft cheese, a semi-soft and a hard cheese. The best mac and cheese has been made with all of the leftovers!!
What's the Best Cheese for Cheeseburgers?
It has to be French Doux de Montagne cheese. It says so here Pork cheeseburger with avocado :-)
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
I like Anne Burrell. I like her show. The only complaint I have is that the show is entirely too short. A note to Food Network; most formal classes last forty-five minutes to an hour. Why? Because it is hard for anyone to absorb a useful amount of information in a shorter period of time. It is VERY hard for a teacher to deliver a useful amount of information to students in a shorter period of time.
Those complaining about Ms. Burrell's style should go out and find out what it is like to actually live a real life. Most of what I have read has been limp-wristed twaddle.
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
cant keep straight what the h... she'd doing.
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
watched this show for the first time today. it was the episode with grilled salmon and lentils. i was horrified. twice she dipped her spoon in the lentil pot, tasted, and then returned the drippings in the spoon to the pot. then she tasted a last time and returned the entire spoon to the pot. i will never eat anywhere she cooks. i do not understand how the producers would let that air. disgusting...
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
Just saw this show for the first time today. The fact that I went to the internet to look up Anne Burrell and found this blog is interesting. The fact that I am actually taking the time to post a comment is also interesting. (I think this might be my second post...ever...anywhere.) Anne definitely has a presence and she seems like a very knowledgeable chef. Yes, I was mildly surprised by the phrase, 'cooking the crap out of it' and calling onions 'sweaty'. But hey you know what, not that big of a deal. Believe me, I've heard much worse in a restaurant kitchen, having worked in restaurants for 13 yrs. And 'sweating' the onions is a chef term. Sweaty - not so much, but whatever, no bd. She had incredibly helpful tips i.e. supreming grapefruit - something I had seen before but did not know the term. Great! And also about how to clean the mussels and prep before steaming. Again, very helpful, especially for home viewers. That's why we watch, right? To learn secrets from a restaurant chef. I don't know if the show I saw today was a new or old episode, but there did seem to be a little nervousness which is completely understandable if you are new to the camera. It takes time and with experience, it gets easier. Regarding the set/styling - I honestly think you should put it a restaurant style kitchen, industrial kitchen, or a cooking school kitchen. The show is called, "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef". I think perhaps it would be a more realistic, natural setting for both her and the show itself. Also, dress her in a chef coat or something more simple. The bright colors seem to be forced by someone's vision of ' hey she's got personality - so let's amp that up and put her in really bright colors to go with her bright demeanor and spiky hair!' It's overkill. Her personality comes through on its own - no help needed. The bright wardrobe and garish set actually make the show look cartoonish. Which some people might read as Anne looking cartoonish. Let Anne do her thing and what she is good at. The talent is clearly there. Let her do her thing, get her bearings, and do what she is good at. I will watch again. I really hope the directors take all of these suggestions into consideration. Try an on-location shoot at a restaurant kitchen or her teaching to young chefs. In chef coat, on home turf. It would be interesting to see the difference in presentation. And good luck!
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
So I was reading back through the comments and noticing several posters who said to give this train wreck a chance, maybe she would come into her own. Ummm....nope. This is the weirdest, most annoying show I've EVER seen. The growling, grunting, freaky voice and the calling of oil "earl"? Gross. Her hair looks like she was electrocuted and oddly enough, I keep thinking it's Guy Fieri in drag?!? I find it odd that TFN hasn't looked at the comments here and on their own site and made some changes! I'm not advocating the woman(?) lose her job, but someone needs to help her out. And fast. I see potential if she just TONED IT DOWN about a million degrees. She is so over the top, that it's literally hard to watch. Some of her recipes actually look appetizing, but with all the "noise" and disturbing grandiose, I just can't watch. It's like running nails down a chalkboard. Harsh? Maybe. But....this is THE WORST show on TFN.
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
Sorry, but she's an IDIOT. Yes, she does have some professional cooking techniques (perhaps even worthy of sharing with others) BUT, her one dimensional personality is very off-putting. And note......she NEVER seasons with pepper...you know, just plain black cracked pepper. She uses just tons of salt and red pepper flakes. Annoying to watch her butcher dish after dish. I'd never hire her. Hope her 15 minutes is over soon!
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
I loved her program....I thought she was entertaining and a really great chef.. I would bet Mario Battalli thinks so too......so shes not very polished after what the Food Network has put on the past few months she is a breath of fresh/real chef air.....FOOD NETWORK!!! ATTN!!! if I wanted to watch a bunch of home cooks I could watch myself and my friends... I learned more from Anne than from any of these new supposed stars and have cooked a few of her dishes and they were wonderful
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
Okay. So she isn't Giada DeLaurentis as far as charm factor is concerned, but she is a great chef and terrific instructor. I have made her bolognese sauce many times for many people and it never fails to elicit a response such as "Oh my GOD, this is the best pasta I have ever eaten in my LIFE!" Just keep doing what you do, Ann. I'll keep watching!
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
WOW... I found this blog looking for an Ann Burrell recipe. DAMN, I haven't seen a group of vocal HATERS this big since our Presidential election, and to think that I thought the Sandra Lee haters were pretty united.
Had to sigh-up to post, I can cancel my enrollment now.
Now to return to my favorite seal clubbing blog for a rest. 8~(
Krispy Kreme Bacon Cheeseburgers
They so stole that from an episode of the Boondocks that came out in 2004.
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
I love Ann Burrell!!!! I think she is very entertaining and fun to watch. I find her menu's easy to follow and I'm always eager to try them.
Don't change Ann you are the best!
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
OMG!!! She is so annoying. You can cook and teach ones to cook without all the antics and voice changes in that scary monster voise she switches to. What is that???? Come on. Please, she can cook for us and teach us her skills without all the stupid filler and crazy movements.
Freaky Frozen Food Habits?
@ nightowl - they actually sell that at some places here in Sao Paulo - Bananas covered in chocolate then frozen. Awesome!
Freaky Frozen Food Habits?
@lambowner --- Frozen Dr. pepper! Like a Slurpee!
Yes, frozen cheesecake tastes absolutely divine!
Freaky Frozen Food Habits?
Fruits are very tasty when frozen. Like Nature's Italian ice! Refreshingly sweet and frosty. I loved to snack on frozen strawberries when I was a little girl and a teen. Still do.
Other items that are yummy frozen are many candies, such as York Peppermint Patties. Mmmmmm. And yes, Thin Mint cookies
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
Fair enough, Perky. Just don't be misled. If you knew this woman, you'd eat your words. You're probably right about my bitterness, though. I'll just let it lie there. Good luck to her. We'll all see how she gets on in the future.
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
@newyorkfooddude ~ your only posts on SE have been to slam Anne Burrell. Maybe she is what you say, maybe she isn't. I love what she's been able to teach me and her on air personality is a hoot. I don't know if you have an ax to grind or what, but maybe she found her niche. Most find her tips helpful, even if her idiosyncrasies annoy them. That's more than I can say for most of the FN "stars". I've worked with major A**holes, who totally fool the public with their phony personas. I never saw any need to expose them, or slam them all ovrr the internet. Give your bitterness a break.
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
Everyone's banging on here about Ann being a "Pro Chef", and how she's a great restaurant professional. What separates a Chef from a cook is the ability to lead a group of kitchen staff to believe in your food and produce it faithfully and consistently.
Ann was fired from Centro Vinoteca for making a real mess of the team there, both front and back of house. Her cooks didn't respect her and turned over at a rate you wouldn't believe. She was arrogant and offensive to the service staff, allowed no dietary adjustments, and peered out of her open kitchen, judging and belittling guests, and sniggering at peoples' dress sense or haircuts with her singular floor staff ally. She would not accept constructive criticism, preferring to send out sub-standard dishes than admit she's human and needs help from the experienced crew around her.
Secrets of a Restaurant Chef. The only secrets that this cook, who was fired from her last restaurant, could share, would be along the lines of how to lose friends, a clientele, a reputation for good food, the faith of an entire restaurant crew, and healthy arteries.
There is one, singular useful message that I take from Anne Burrell. Brown food does indeed, taste good, and I remember it every time I cook. As for anything else, let the sycophancy rest. Unless you haven't noticed, no-one's rushing to hire this "Restaurant Chef". Her reputation in this industry is completely shot.
I ate a dog.
i know the american slaughter houses have their problems ie: some animals that make it through still alive to the skinning process or what. for the most part it is not done on purpose , but the asian way korean/chinese they do this intentionaly, face it they are barbaric uncivilized animals
The verdict! Anne Burrell's new show - Did you watch?
Has anyone noticed Anne is the female version of Guy Fieri?
It's somewhat annoying that most of the chefs on the Food Network burn words and phrases out, such as EVOO, sexy - perhaps these individuals are trying just a bit too hard to make it into the "BAM" world.
Anne's intro is much more appealing than when she is in the kitchen. It seems as if she is trying way too hard...
Regarding all of the Bob & Susie comments - these people are quite bland - they could use a bit of Anne's salt & seasoning.
If you can stand more Shamdra Lee news...
@Perky Mac - I don't think they do, and bless them for that.
If you can stand more Shamdra Lee news...
AND FN showed the Kwanzaa cake episode again yesterday.
Have they no shame?
If you can stand more Shamdra Lee news...
AND she's on the cover of Redbook next month. Check it out at www.imnotobsessed.com.
Freaky Frozen Food Habits?
Shelby, you wash your grapes?
Oreos and Thin Mints can ONLY be eaten from the freezer. (My boys were heard apologizing the other day to some friends; for some reason my mom keeps them in the freezer.
My kids have always snacked on frozen grapes, peas and corn. My daughter's roommates are always a little stunned when the buy grapes and she puts them in the freezer.
When they were little I made baby "popsicles" in ice cube trays out of cranberry juice, orange juice, apple juice and some with milk sweetened with fruit juice. They loved the milk ones. (Those weren't mixed, they were individual)
Chocolate must always be frozen and then dipped in peanut butter and eaten.
Perrier frozen in ice trays and used for cranberry juice. YUM.
I didn't realize before this question how many things we freeze and eat frozen.
Good thread!
Recent Posts
Describe your Presidential Candidates victory meal !
Posted by dianeb, September 19, 2008 at 3:20 PM
Grilling with Banana Leaves...delicious, healthy & easy...
Posted by dianeb, August 27, 2008 at 9:42 AM
Who remembers the cooking show "Pasquale's Kitchen?"
Posted by dianeb, August 4, 2008 at 2:00 PM
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The Union Oyster House in Boston has the best lobster rolls. Had one there several weeks ago.