Emeril leaving the Food Network

Rumor has it that Emeril Lagasse and Scripps Howard couldn't agree on the terms of Lagasse's contract, so he will taking his pork fat and "Blam" elsewhere.
The last taping of his Emeril Live! will be Dec. 11.
I really enjoyed watching his show, and listening to the different music artists that appeared on the show as well. Too bad things couldn't be worked out. I think Emeril made the Food Network what it is today.

Souper Chef Cooking Contest

If you think you have a soup recipe that's worth prizes valued up to $750, share it with Quick Chek. Starting today through Dec. 5, Quick Chek customers will have the chance to put their culinary skills to the test by submitting an original recipe that incorporates one of Quick Chek's 14 fall menu soups as an ingredient to the company's first ever Quick Chek Souper Chef Cooking Contest.
A panel of individuals from the Center for Food Development and Manufacturing Technology at the School for Environmental and Biological Science of Rutgers University will evaluate each "souper" submission based on innovation and originality. Five finalists will be chosen to cook at the cook-off at the company's store at 317 Dunham Ave. in South Plainfield on Dec. 15.
Contestants may enter Quick Chek's Souper Chef Cooking Contest by picking up a Souper Chef mail-in entry form at any Quick Chek location or by going online at wwww.souperchefcontest.com. Deadline is Dec. 5.

Lorraine Bracco comes to Woodbridge

Lorraine Bracco won't be listening to Tony Soprano's problems on Nov. 17. She will be signing copies of her book "On The Couch," and bottles of her wine from 2 to 5 p.m. at Joe Canal's, formerly the Bottlesmart, on Route 1 South in Woodbridge.
If you want to try out her wine ahead of time, run, don't walk, to the store and purchase a bottle for $10.99. If you become a club member, it will only cost you $9.29.

And the Winner Is...

Have you ever watch a television show through it's entire season or a movie that was so good you couldn't wait to see the ending, only to miss the ending because you fell asleep?
I couldn't wait to see the finale to Top Chef. I was going to have a Top Chef party but decided not to because I wanted to see the show without anyone talking through the most important part, the end.
Well, when Padma said, "We will reveal the Top Chef after the break," it was like a hypnotic word because I instantly fell asleep and did not see the ending of Top Chef.
I woke up just in time to see the beginning of Better Half.. are you kidding me?
So I caught the repeat of the show after Better Half went off.
I was sure Casey would win.. but after watching, I knew Dale would win.
I can't believe Hung won!
I just don't understand how the judges come to the conclusion of these reality contests. I think they should have the behind the scenes special so that we can see just how the judges come up with their results.
Go figure.
Anyway, congrats to Hung.

What's in Your Spice Rack?

There's only eight week left before Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season. Do you know what's in your spice rack?
How long has that big container of nutmeg been sitting in the back of all of the other spices?
Is your baking powder, baking soda and cream of tartar fresh?
Don't wait until cooking day before you find out that you need yeast.
It is said that spices should be bought in small quantities. And that you should replenish spices every three to six months.
Another thing that you might want to do is go to that new ethnic market that just opened in your neighborhood. See what kind of spices they have on hand. You might find something that will update the recipes that you've been using for years. Or you may find that certain ingredient that you've been looking for for that recipe you put away a long time ago.
I visited a spice store in Philadelphia that sold smoked paprika and smoked salt. Both are ingredients that go well in a lot of dishes that I make and will never be without.
At any rate, spend some time smelling and asking questions about new spices. It's fun.

Top Chef 3

Well, CJ is finally off Top Chef. Do you think the judges on Top Chef read my blog about CJ? He had some good moments but not lately. Now he can think about his trip to Italy and maybe learn how to make broccolini right. And speaking of cooking. How many times has Brian made a raw fish dish?
Has anyone noticed the reaction that Hung gives any time someone criticizes his dish. The expression on his face, how his eyebrow goes up and how he speaks so fast...I fear he will take one of his chef knives and do a quick chop on someone.
I am seriously thinking that this Top Chef 3 will not produce a real Top Chef, just someone who will fill the job because they didn't have any choice. The only one who may win this is Casey. Does anyone agree?

Top Chef

OK, so Howie finally got the ax. I can't believe it took this long. He clearly was not a person who got along with anyone in the kitchen. And his whining was really getting on my nerves. But I am sure we will see him again.
Now, for the rest of the contestants... why is Hung still on the show? He brags about everything he makes being so good, yet he fails to WOW the judges. And CJ is skating by with OK food, yet he is still there. I just don't get it.
Chef Tom said that to win this competition, the contestants had to create dishes that was unique and original. Yet it seems like as Hung said, the dishes are just a spin of old dishes with a personal touch added. I can do that!
Hopefully in the upcoming challenges, we will see something new in the dishes that the chefs are putting out.
By the way: Is it just me or does anyone else agree that you should put your utensils down first before you put your hands up?