In case you didn't notice, I love to cook. I especially love to cook on the grill. I have two cast iron grill pans (large and small) that I use for cooking indoors on the stovetop.
But my all time love is grilling outdoors. I did that a lot when I was living in my house. But when I sold my house and moved into a rental apartment, I was crushed when I saw the big "NO CHARCOAL GRILLS" sign in the rental office.
What do you mean "No Grills?" Grilling is the all-American pass time. I would grill even in the rain.
But the fire marshall prohibits charcoal grills on the balconies that are made of wood.
So who's bright idea was it to build a balcony out of wood? Concrete is much better.
But I was determined to not let this be the last word.
After doing research and visiting Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, Wal-mart and Fortunoff, I found my answer to the "No Grills" restriction.
Electric grills. I am not talking about the George Foreman Grills. I'm talking full size electric grills.
Home Depot, Wal-mart and Lowe's carry electric grills that can be converted into a conventional charcoal grill and smoker. Wal-mart also carries a smaller electric grill in case your balcony is small or if you don't want to deal with a full size grill. The retail price is $35 to $60.
Now my outdoor cooking traditions will continue. If you live in an apartment complex, check with your rental office first before you purchase your grill.
Happy grilling.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Organic foods for pets
I am not a big fan of pets. I don't think that carrying a tiny dog in a designer bag is "Hot." And watching a kitten play with a ball of yarn doesn't do much for me either. So why am I talking about it in "Food for Thought?"
A co-worker and I were talking about organic foods and she mentioned that she gives her dog organic dog food. WOW.
She also mentioned that since feeding the dog organic dog food, her pet has appeared to be more healthy, more active and the dog's overall appearance has changed.
After thinking to myself, "What kind of herb has she been sauting?" I begin to wonder, could organic food be as healthful to pets as it is with humans?
Shopping in the supermarkets now, it is a lot easier to find organic products. So should you change your pet food to organic or do you think it is just another fad?
Has anyone else noticed a change in their pets since changing their diet to organic foods? Drop me a line or two and share your thoughts with others.
A co-worker and I were talking about organic foods and she mentioned that she gives her dog organic dog food. WOW.
She also mentioned that since feeding the dog organic dog food, her pet has appeared to be more healthy, more active and the dog's overall appearance has changed.
After thinking to myself, "What kind of herb has she been sauting?" I begin to wonder, could organic food be as healthful to pets as it is with humans?
Shopping in the supermarkets now, it is a lot easier to find organic products. So should you change your pet food to organic or do you think it is just another fad?
Has anyone else noticed a change in their pets since changing their diet to organic foods? Drop me a line or two and share your thoughts with others.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Simon Super Chefs Live!
Simon Super Chefs Live! returns to Menlo Park Mall, noon to 5 p.m. May 20. The event is a day-long celebration of food, cooking and entertainment.
Chef Daisy Martinez, host of PBS-TV's "Daisy Cooks!" will be cooking her signature Latin-style dishes and signing copies of her cookbook.
Local restaurant chefs will entertain the audience with a round-robin cook-off. The cook-off will conclude with the presentation of the Simon Super Chef Crystal Award to the winnng chef. Bill Boggs is the host.
The event is free. Menlo Park Mall is at Route 1 and Parsonage Road in Edison.
Chef Daisy Martinez, host of PBS-TV's "Daisy Cooks!" will be cooking her signature Latin-style dishes and signing copies of her cookbook.
Local restaurant chefs will entertain the audience with a round-robin cook-off. The cook-off will conclude with the presentation of the Simon Super Chef Crystal Award to the winnng chef. Bill Boggs is the host.
The event is free. Menlo Park Mall is at Route 1 and Parsonage Road in Edison.
Light Up Your Grill
The weather will be getting warmer soon. That means it's time to get those charcoal grills ready for some serious outdoor cooking.
If you're looking to create some new dishes for your outdoor feasts, Weber has just published a new book titled "Weber's Charcoal Grilling: The Art of Cooking With Live Fire," by Chef Jamie Purviance.
Published by Weber Grills and Sunset Books, the book contains 115 recipes developed specifically for the charcoal grill. Recipes include 'Slow-Grilled Tequilia-Citrus Chicken Thights,' "Veracruz Scallops with Cool Green Chile Sauce,' and 'Mussels with Tomatoes, Scallions, Garlic and Butter.'
The cost is $19.95 and is available at most bookstores.
If you're looking to create some new dishes for your outdoor feasts, Weber has just published a new book titled "Weber's Charcoal Grilling: The Art of Cooking With Live Fire," by Chef Jamie Purviance.
Published by Weber Grills and Sunset Books, the book contains 115 recipes developed specifically for the charcoal grill. Recipes include 'Slow-Grilled Tequilia-Citrus Chicken Thights,' "Veracruz Scallops with Cool Green Chile Sauce,' and 'Mussels with Tomatoes, Scallions, Garlic and Butter.'
The cost is $19.95 and is available at most bookstores.
Who's Cooking in the Kitchen?
Have you ever watched a cooking show on the Food Network and said to yourself, "One day I am going to go to that chef's restaurant?"
I've said that many times and one day I will. But I was just wondering, "When does a celebrity chef actually cook in the kitchen?"
Bobby Flay, at last count, has two restaurants in New York, one in Altantic City and one in Las Vegas. Plus he appears on the Food Network's "Iron Chef America," "Throw Down With Bobby Flay," and "Boy Meets Grill."
And even though I think Tom Colicchio is too cute to be sweating over a hot stove, when does he get a chance to cook at any of his restaurants in New York, San Francisco or Las Vegas, when he is busy taping Bravo's "Top Chef?"
I guess when I do make a reservation at a restaurant with a famous chef, I should first ask, "Who's Cooking in the Kitchen?"
I've said that many times and one day I will. But I was just wondering, "When does a celebrity chef actually cook in the kitchen?"
Bobby Flay, at last count, has two restaurants in New York, one in Altantic City and one in Las Vegas. Plus he appears on the Food Network's "Iron Chef America," "Throw Down With Bobby Flay," and "Boy Meets Grill."
And even though I think Tom Colicchio is too cute to be sweating over a hot stove, when does he get a chance to cook at any of his restaurants in New York, San Francisco or Las Vegas, when he is busy taping Bravo's "Top Chef?"
I guess when I do make a reservation at a restaurant with a famous chef, I should first ask, "Who's Cooking in the Kitchen?"
Monday, April 2, 2007
Celebrity Chef Sightings
Would you like to know where your favorite celebrity chef will be signing copies of their books? Bobby and Jamie Deen (Paula's baby boys) will be signing their new book "The Deen Brothers Cookbook," 6:30 p.m. April 13 at Book World in West Caldwell and 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 14 at Wegman's in Woodbridge.
Giada de Laurentiis will be signing "Everyday Pasta," at noon April 5 at Williams-Sonoma at the Mall at Short Hills and 7 p.m. April 5 at Barnes & Noble in Freehold.
Lidia Bastianich will be signing her book "Lidia's Italy," 7 p.m. April 11 at Barnes & Noble in Freehold and at noon May 9 at Williams-Sonoma at the Mall at Short Hills.
Giada de Laurentiis will be signing "Everyday Pasta," at noon April 5 at Williams-Sonoma at the Mall at Short Hills and 7 p.m. April 5 at Barnes & Noble in Freehold.
Lidia Bastianich will be signing her book "Lidia's Italy," 7 p.m. April 11 at Barnes & Noble in Freehold and at noon May 9 at Williams-Sonoma at the Mall at Short Hills.
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