Have you bought any Jersey Fresh produce yet? I visited my local grocery store and picked up a few ears of yellow/white corn and some Jersey tomatoes and it reminded me of why I love New Jersey so much.
Nothing beats the fresh produce that Jersey dirt produces.
So with that said.. stock up on Jersey produce for the holiday weekend and for a little while, forget about the high taxes and even higher car insurance.
Happy Memorial Day!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Recipe Contest
Sagra Cooking in Easton, Pa. will conduct a recipe contest as part of their "The Next Food Network Star Sweepstaeks" promotion. Sagra is looking for great barbecue chicken recipes, desserts and appetizers. Recipes will be judged on originally, creativity, taste and presentation. Entries will be accepted through June 13. Winners will be notified no later than June 16.
Three finalists will prepare their dish before a live audience at Sagra Cooking on June 23. A panel of judges will select the winner and the audience will have a chance to vote for their favorite too. Winners will receive first prize of $100; second prize $50; and third prize $25. The grand prize winner will also be hired as a guest chef at Sagra Cooking to teach others how to create his or her favorite recipe.
Sagra Cooking offers cooking demonstrations for private groups, culinary team building as well as specialty foods and their own blend of spices, cookware, children's baking kits and gift certificates. For information call (610) 438-4838 or visit www.sagracooking.com.
Three finalists will prepare their dish before a live audience at Sagra Cooking on June 23. A panel of judges will select the winner and the audience will have a chance to vote for their favorite too. Winners will receive first prize of $100; second prize $50; and third prize $25. The grand prize winner will also be hired as a guest chef at Sagra Cooking to teach others how to create his or her favorite recipe.
Sagra Cooking offers cooking demonstrations for private groups, culinary team building as well as specialty foods and their own blend of spices, cookware, children's baking kits and gift certificates. For information call (610) 438-4838 or visit www.sagracooking.com.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Gardening
It's the second week in May and I still have not planted my tomato plant. Why? It's too cold.
The thought of planting my Sweet Williams and San Marzano when the weather isn't just right seems cruel. But sitting on a sunny window sill isn't a good thing either.
So, out on the balcony they go. I hope they don't freeze.
I am also planting herbs. But of course, they will do just fine on the window sill.
I am interested in finding out how others do with gardening in places other than a backyard.
If anyone has tips to share on patio and balcony gardens, feel free to let the readers know about them.
The thought of planting my Sweet Williams and San Marzano when the weather isn't just right seems cruel. But sitting on a sunny window sill isn't a good thing either.
So, out on the balcony they go. I hope they don't freeze.
I am also planting herbs. But of course, they will do just fine on the window sill.
I am interested in finding out how others do with gardening in places other than a backyard.
If anyone has tips to share on patio and balcony gardens, feel free to let the readers know about them.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Electric grills
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.
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.
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.
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