Bocuse d’Or USA
31 Jan 2012 3 Comments
in Around Town, Gourmet, What I think... Tags: #bocused'or, #bocuseusa2012, bocuse d'Or, CIA, culinary, culinary institutte america
This past weekend I had the privilege to have attended The Bocuse d’Or USA held at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y. The competition is one of the most rigorous culinary events of its kind, where it is determined who will represent the USA in the next annual International Bocuse d’Or, held in France in 2013.
KitchenAidUSA is one of the sponsors, and they graciously extended an invite with VIP tickets to this spectacular event. The competition took place in the CIA gymnasium. Each team worked within the beautifully built Manitowoc Kitchen centers, and had a total of 5 1/2 hours to prepare and present their dishes. The competitive menu consisted of River & Glenn Cod and D’Artagnan Chicken – the aromas that filled the stadium were intoxicating, I wish I was one of the judges.
The competition was intense – teams preparing their dishes in front of a flurry of onlookers, media bustling from one kitchen to the next, and the stadium seats packed with students and team supporters. It felt like a rock concert for chefs! The judges consisted of an array of renowned American culinary talent, such as chef Thomas Keller (The French Laundry, Per Se) who has been president of the American team since 2008. Daniel Boulud (Daniel, New York) Chairman, Bocuse d’Or Foundation and Jerome Bocuse (Les Chefs de France, Epcot, FL) Vice President, Bocuse d’Or and son of the French chef Paul Bocuse who established the Bocuse d’Or contest in 1987.
The talent that graced the kitchens this year already have an incredible list of credentials, some having competed in the Bocuse d’Or in previous years, like this years Gold winner… Richard Rosendale, executive chef of the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., wining with his commis, Corey Siegal. Silver went to Jeffrey Lizotte of Restaurant ON20 in Hartford, Conn., (from my neck of the woods); and Bronze went to William Bradley, an instructor at Le Cordon Bleu College in Cambridge, Mass.
I feel fortunate to have experienced this exciting competition and to have been surrounded by such impressive company. I’m hoping that one day you get to experience this unique and tasty affair.
Oatmeal Lace Cookies
15 Dec 2011 9 Comments
in Around Town, Bake, Cookie, Gourmet, Sweet Tags: lace cookie, Lace cookies, oatmeal, oatmeal cookie, oats
Here is the lovely – delicate – chewy – sweet lace cookie recipe I promised to post from the NYC Cookie Swap, the spectacular fundraiser event to help Cookies for Kids Cancer.
Oatmeal Lace Cookie
Here’s what you’ll need…
Makes 30 to 40 cookies
6 tbsp salted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oats, chopped
1/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 tablespoons corn syrup ( I used Lyle’s Golden Syrup)
dash of salt
Preheat oven to 425
Melt the butter in a saucepan, set aside. In a food processor, pulse the raw oats into tiny pieces. Combine all ingredients – the butter, sugar, oats, flour, baking powder, heavy cream, corn syrup and salt into a bowl, mixing until all ingredients are incorporated.
Using a measuring teaspoon, scoop a spoonful onto a baking sheet. Be sure to space several inches apart, about 3 inches to prevent cookies from merging together.
Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cookies have spread and beginning to brown around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet. Remove with a metal spatula and serve!
You can add a center filling, like raspberry jam or chocolate (white, dark or milk) and make a sandwich. These little sweets are quick and easy to make and oh so good!
Pie Party Live
18 Oct 2011 20 Comments
in Around Town, Gourmet, Pie, Serendipitous Adventures, Sweet, What I think... Tags: #piepartylive, nyc food bloggers, pie
This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending my very first food blogging event at Pie Party Live. Hosted by the talented Jackie Gordon of The Diva that Eat New York and the equally gifted Ken from Hungry Rabbit, kudos to this duo for a hugely successful and fun event.
Jackie & Ken
Held at Rodeo Bar who served up some incredible dishes to nibble on, as well as offering the space for our fabulous party. Another round of thanks to Gareth of Dub Pies – for the tasty and savory pies.
Rodeo Bar Menu
Pie Party Live united pie lovers and bloggers alike. Access to this pie inclusive event was merely to make or bring a pie. Any kind of pie would do. It could be sweet or savory. So you make a pie, share it with the guests, make some great new friends and taste glorious magnificent pies. How sweet! Here’s a peek at the tantalizing pies on display at the Pie Party Parade.
Pie Party Live
The best part for me was finally meeting all the incredibly talented food bloggers that I have followed for years. I think I had a twinkle in my eye for most of the afternoon. In a way it was like meeting celebrities, since my only connection with these extraordinary foodies was through a virtual screen; either through reading their blogs, watching cooking videos or referring to their cookbooks.
Pie Party Foodies
I made some new friends too. It’s the best part of getting together with folks that share the same interests, wrapped in great food! The event was a whirlwind to me, it went by quickly and sadly I spent very little time with any one individual. I wanted to be sure I had a chance to meet everyone as brief as it may have been. I’m grateful I met all these wonderful people… Jackie, Ken, Tara, Monique, Kate, Abby, Brian, Pam, Grace, Maria, Jennifer, Dana, George, Debra, Lilliana, Jennifer, Louisa, Carol, Gail, Kamran, Wendy, Miranda, Veronica, Winnie, Katy, Lisa, Serena, Emily, Angela, Wendy, Justin, Alissa, Simon, Sarah, Margaret, Leslie, Kathy and Melissa. It was really nice meeting all of you!
Now onto the pie…
Apple Dulce de Leche Pie & Cupcake Pies
For Pie Party Live I made a sweet pie. A recipe adapted from Recipe Girl, her spectacular Apple Dulce de Leche, the flavor combination is incredible. It was the perfect choice, plus I had dozens of apples leftover from apple picking.
(I will be posting my version of the Apple Dulce de Leche pie and cupcake pies in the next few days).
Pie Party Live Sweet & Savory Pies
My favorite part is preparing pie dough. I tried Sylvia’s perfect pie crust adapted from Tasty Kitchen. I really like this recipe, it has a great taste and simple to make. It was perfect!
Pie Party Live Savory & Sweet Pies
Pie party doesn’t end here – there were door prizes galore including a Kitchen Aid Food Processor, a months supply of Driscoll’s Berries, a Scharffen Berger gift basket, a Bake-ware bundle from Chicago Metallic Bake-ware, a pie from Ivy Bakery, a Reci-tee from The Diva That Ate New York, a Cuisinart Toaster Oven Broiler and a smorgasbord of cookbooks. One of which my sweet husband Jeff won – a copy of the The Weekend Baker from the lovely Abby Dodge.
Everything was perfect, the pies, the people and the day. Absolute perfection! I look forward to the next Pie Party Live and visiting with my new friends.
Summertime Cruising
03 Aug 2011 4 Comments
in Appetizers, Around Town, Farm, Food, Gourmet, Grill, Main Dish, Serendipitous Adventures Tags: Canning, grilling, pork lion, shish-kabob
My cousin Al invited us to a cruise party this past weekend. Wondering what a cruise party is? It’s a pool side party serving up a smorgasbord of food all day long – minus the ship. We couldn’t have asked for a prettier day. The sky was blue as far as the eye could see, the pool’s glistening waves tempting us to jump in; and the occasional cotton candy cloud rolling by giving just enough shade when we needed it most. Life is SWEET!
Summertime - Pool - Palm Tree - Patio
Al certainly picked the perfect time to have a cruise party – smack in the middle of a heatwave. It’s been hot! It’s been hazy! It’s been humid!
There’s somethings about Al you need to know… he throws the best parties! I rarely miss one unless I’m out of town. The man is brilliant when it comes to cooking and menu planning – decorating and designing are second nature to him. He built the fireplace below and restored much of the furniture in his home. I adore his home with it’s cozy and inviting presence, you feel as if your wrapped in a warm cashmere throw, it’s beautiful and easy to relax in.
Home Decor - Canning
There’s also a garden and greenhouse. Did I mention it’s a very large and beautiful garden. Filled with incredible luscious vegetables that we consumed for dinner. I have dibs on the pumpkin blossoms!
Greenhouse Garden
I’m willing to share the cucumbers, leek flowers, herbs and loofah gourd… really! Just think of all the wonderful recipes you can create to eat and pamper yourself, like making your own loofah or leek flower soup.
Cucumbers - Leek Flowers - Loofah Gourd
Here’s whats left from last years harvest of canning. I’ll have some chili peppers please!
Canning
The menu Al planned included appetizers like chips and homemade salsa, tomato caprese, mozzarella wrapped in prosciutto, antipasto salad and grilled shrimp.
Grilled Shrimp
Lunch was served buffet style with potato, pasta and cole slaw salads along side an assortment of sandwiches on homemade bread. Gawd was that bread good!
Homemade Bread
Al was hard at work on this dinner menu marinating the pork in a lemon and parsley sauce. The chicken and beef in a teriyaki and Italian sauce while they rested within mason jars for 24 hours, rotating them every 8 hours. Dinner was exciting, we got to thread our own shish-kabobs!
Shish-kabobs
There was so much good food that I’m posting one recipe only, and that was the party goers favorite “Pork Lion Shish-Kabobs”!
Here’s what you need to marinate the pork lion:
3 lbs pork lion, trim fat, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
1 cup lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tbs parsley finely chopped
2 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp ground pepper
Place all the ingredients together in a bag, jar or container mixing well. Refrigerate and allow to rest for 24 hours. Heat grill, thread skewers with pork and desired vegetables — we used red – green – yellow peppers, leeks, mushrooms, broccoli and tomato’s. Place shish-kabobs on grill, thoroughly cook until meat has reached tender perfection.
I think you’ll love these.
After filling ourselves with all the incredibly good food, good coffee and yummy brownies, we ended the evening with a midnight swim.
We Don't Skinny Dip We Chunky Dunk!
If you would like to find out more about Al and his business you can visit his site at The Border Group. Here you can learn more about local real estate, home staging and decorating and other ideas to make you home more beautiful.
Smile And Have A Vegemite Sandwich
25 Jul 2011 4 Comments
in Around Town, Food, Gourmet, Holiday, Love My Local, Photography, Serendipitous Adventures Tags: australia, boston, nyc, philadelphia, vegemite
Vegemite & Crackers
I’ve not been around for quite some time — taking a very much needed break from the inter-web. As fluent as I may think I am with computers, apps and new technology, my head was beginning to feel as though it was half baked; coupled with a nasty virus that made its way through a twitter link to my hard drive, I was forced to take a sabbatical! In hindsight I’m pleased, though on the day I discovered the virus I was in full panic mode. My computer would need to spend time at the repair shop and me, well I would have to improvise with what I had – an iPhone.
Silly stuff I do with my iPhone while playing with my photography apps.
Destroy Boredom
It’s just as well… since my cousin was visiting from Australia and we were about to embark on a sightseeing adventure. Our holiday started in Pennsylvania — making our way to the historical sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Thank you founding fathers and mothers for our independence.
Amish Country - Intercourse PA
Next was Amish country, I ‘m amazed at how incredibly manicured the Amish keep farm lands without modern day technology. By the way they make really good whoopie pies, be sure to have one during your next visit.
The kids enjoyed the petting zoo at Kitchen Kettle Village where they got to take pony rides and feed the Llama and Goats.
Does this filter make my teeth look big?
This is Chloe – I want to set her free, bring her home and let her graze on hay all day.
Chloe
Later we stumbled through NYC, discovering some of the best shopping and restaurants, and eating some of the best desserts – walking it all off during the adventurous trek over the Brooklyn Bridge.
Brooklyn Bridge
Our last stop was Boston. I could really live here — it’s absolutely gorgeous! We shopped on Newbury Street, visited historical sites and ate loads and loads of good food. We were so exhausted by the end of the trip that it took two days to recuperate.
Boston Harbor
When my cousin arrived she brought Australian crackers and Vegemite. So we did what any Aussie would do…
Vegemite
We made a proper cup of tea and spread Vegemite atop of our crackers. I’m told when I was young and living in Australia I ate Vegemite daily. I thought perhaps absence would make the heart grow fonder… but I was wrong… Vegemite is a taste one must acquire. It’s loaded with essential vitamins, like vitamin B; though it’s still not enough to persuade me to smear it on bagels, vegetables or crackers.
I’ll stick to granola, like this amazing Early Bird Brand gathered in Brooklyn. This is my kind of snacking.
Early Bird Granola
We had a great time with my cousin while visiting family and friends. I’m looking forward to one day going back to Australia on holiday to experience the food and culture there, explore Queensland, Kata Tjuta, Ayers Rock, Blue Mountains, Victoria and NSW. I’m back to work, fully rested and computer de-bugged… the Land Down Under will have to wait… for now.
Robert Treat Farm
21 Jun 2011 10 Comments
in Around Town, Farm, Farmers Market, Markets, Serendipitous Adventures, What I think... Tags: Community Supported Agriculture, CSA Programs, Farm, Farmers' market, Robert Treat Farm
Robert Treat Farm
For generations Robert Treat Farm has been providing locals with it’s fresh and delicious produce plucked straight from their 30 acres of luscious Connecticut soil.
Greenhouse Robert Treat Farm
The farm is owned and operated by Mary Treat and the Treat family and has been serving Milford residents for more than 60 years.
Yellow Rose
Visitors are encouraged to take self-guided walks through their amazing colorful greenhouses, which are full of the most amazing selection of flowers.
Bloom
Flowers
You can tour the garden center where you may just be inspired to create your very own vegetable or herb garden.
Herbs at Robert Treat Farm
Shop the gourmet farm store that carries local Connecticut milk served in glass bottles, farmstead cheeses, fresh eggs and locally harvested honey.
Farm Store
Your invited to “TREAT” yourself to the weekly farmers market, and indulge in local favorites such as Big Green Truck, Scratch Baking, Gambardella’s Wholesale Fish and Hidden Acre Farms just to name a few of their incredible vendors.
Soffer Farm Natural Eggs
It’s a great way to support the local farmers and their sustainable agriculture while enjoying quality goods and giving back t o the community.
Garden Center
The Woodmont Farmers Market runs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 6:30 from July 6th through the end of September.
Robert Treat Farm Stand
If you’re interested in becoming a member of a CSA program, don’t pass up this great opportunity. What is a CSA, you may be asking? CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture”, a program where your local farmer offers “shares” to the public.
CSA Farm Share Program
Robert Treat Farms offers a membership basket with seasonal produce during the months of June through October. Imagine enjoying daily picked vegetables straight from the farm to your table.
Squash
You can choose from a variety of different programs like a Full Share, Half Share, Single Share and more. To inquire about membership, click here to download a Farm Share application RTF CSA.
Flower Garden Robert Treat
I visit the farm on a weekly basis, whether it’s to pick up their fresh mozzarella from the farm store, fresh cut flowers for the home or gardening supplies.
Hanging Baskets Flower
They have reasonable prices, excellent quality products and a very conscientious and courteous team who are always helpful and knowledgeable.
Robert Treat Window Box
Robert Treat Farm is a must visit for locals and travelers alike.
Tarry Market – Purveyors of Fine Foods
14 Jun 2011 6 Comments
in Around Town, Gourmet, Markets, Serendipitous Adventures, What I think... Tags: Bastianich, Mario Batali, Tarry Lodge, Tarry Markey, Tarry Wine
We recently took a day trip to Port Chester, NY – our old stomping grounds. Affectionately known to the locals as “PoCho”, this old-world village is deep within a stunning rejunification, attracting shopping centers, movie theaters, and waterfront condos. The most recent additions lining the downtown streets are the triptych empire from Batali and Bastianich’s culinary fusion.
Tarry Market Clock
The successful launch of Tarry Lodge restaurant has paved the way for Tarry Wine and Tarry Market. I’m thinking, with the re-emergence of this quaint village also brings with it a new nickname – “Po Lita”!
Tarry Market
Residing in an old elevator factory, Tarry Market is located on the corner of Main and Mill streets, conveniently next to Tarry Lodge . The updated decor has old world Italian charm, featuring exposed ceilings and beams, stone floors, antiques scales, rustic crates and large inviting bay windows, enticing passers-by to come in and take a look.
Tarry Market Italian Shop
The Italian market has a butcher shop where the meat is supplied by Pat La Frieda, known as the wholesale meat purveyor to the star chefs, offering dry-aged prime beef, rabbit, duck and cured meats like the salumi.
Butcher Shop
The cheesemonger displays an array of formaggi, like aged Parmesan and mozzarella di bufala, ready for the pairing of a great wine next door at Terry Wine.
Bufala
Upon entering, you are greeted with the espresso bar lined with a wide selection of coffee, desserts and gelatos.
Espresso Bar
What has me most impressed is the Fresh homemade pasta selection.
Pasta, Pasta and more Pasta
Reminiscent of an Italian country villa, the market boasts flavors such as squid-ink pasta, goat cheese and chive agnolotti, duck liver or veal ravioli and one of my personal favorites, pappardelle.
Pasta Counter
Moreover, the market specializes in fresh oven-baked artisanal breads and the shelves are lined with authentic Italian groceries - some that may have been previously hard to find, but no more.
Coffee
What could be better, well, I’ll tell ya… pretty soon Tarry Market will begin to produce their very own sausage on premises. As the spring approaches, homegrown fruits and vegetables plucked fresh from the roof-top garden will be sprouting out of the cupboards. Currently the market buys locally grown produce, cheese and milk.
Purple Artichoke
I adore this small town with it’s metropolitan city landscape tied together with the backdrop of the Connecticut countryside. It’s like getting a little taste of both worlds, well, actually now you can even get a taste of Italy here.
On our next visit, I’ll be sure to pay homage to Mr. Batali by donning my signature crocs as well.
Hot Pink Crocs
Photo Journey Friday
10 Jun 2011 1 Comment
in Around Town, Photography, Serendipitous Adventures Tags: B&B Farm, Bruce Park, Kent Falls, Photography, Robert Treat Farm
Robert Treat Farm, Milford, CT
Rober Treat Farm Blooms
Bruce Park, Greenwich, CT
Bruce Park
Farm, Kent Falls, CT
Kent Falls, CT
First Spring Bloom, Larchmont, NY
Spring Blooms, Larchmont, NY
B&B Flower Farm, West Haven, CT
B & B Flower Farm, West Haven, CT
Haystacks, Newtown, CT
Haystacks, Newtown, CT
Hereford Cows, Kent Falls, CT
Hereford Cows, Kent Falls, CT
Pardee Rose Garden, New Haven, CT
Pardee Rose Garden, New Haven, CT
Taste the Love… Rosie New Canaan
11 May 2011 4 Comments
in Appetizers, Around Town, Bake, Gourmet, Love My Local, Main Dish, Serendipitous Adventures Tags: best of ct, Carrot cake, conneticuts best, Rosie New Canaan
When Rosie and Georgie Nammack began their catering adventures in New Canaan, little did the Brooklyn duo imagine becoming New Canaan’s darlings. You could even say that for some time Rosie New Canaan was the best kept secret. They’ve now become the talk of the town… in a good way of course. In the kind where everyone wants to “Taste the Love”, Rosie’s infectious mantra!
Rosie & George Nammack
The results of this eclectic duo’s craft are regional specialties far beyond your traditional café, offering an array of dishes to please even the most discriminating palate. Rosie’s menu boasts a lush and masterful selection of recipes–like Bourbon Pecan drenched Brioche French Toast, Huevos Rancheros, uncommon combinations of breakfast burritos, such as the Superico stuffed with ham and avocado, Louisiana Crab Cakes Benedict and Shrimp and Grits to name just a few.
Rosie's New Canaan
Lunch exhibits equally tantalizing creations with an array of Panini’s, homemade soups, Quiché, the Rosieburger, addictive Fish Tacos, assorted wraps and salads like the Rosie salad loaded with mixed greens, walnuts, cranberries and layers of goat cheese… one of my favorites!
Rosie's Dessert
Though, what may leave you breathless, even panting into a dizzying conundrum are Rosie’s signature deserts. It’s obvious this chef has honed her craft over the years while growing up in a large Sicilian family, further mastering her talent at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Here you can see where Rosie has cultivated and reinvented classics desserts with inspiring seasonal flavors. The counters are laced with enticing sweets, daring you to Eat Dessert First!
Carrot Cake
That’s what I always try not to do! I have been known to start with Rosie’s award-winning Carrot Cake. It’s been the winner of the best Carrot Cake in CT for 2 consecutive years. I think this is the most lovely, scrumptious, voluptuous, decadent sweet dessert EVER! It’s loaded with all things wonderful-like an overabundance of carrot slivers, walnuts, raisins, coconut and a mountainous heap of glorious cream cheese frosting.
If your into that kind of thing, well then don’t hesitate to let this dreamy dessert affectionately nourish your soul.
Rosie's Carrot Cake
And if all the incredible food isn’t enough to lure you into this funky-artsy-eclectic café, perhaps the walls of artwork (for sale) in a gallery setting will. Enjoy relaxing on the lush comfortable pillows while having a fresh brewed cup of coffee, and be sure to visit the adjoined Elm Street Books. For a fabulous Brunch stop in on a Sunday and enjoy great food and live jazz. Whenever you decide to visit, you’ll be happy you did!
Azteca Brownies
05 May 2011 1 Comment
in Around Town, Dessert, Gourmet, Serendipitous Adventures, Sweet, What I think... Tags: Atticus Bakery, Azteca Brownie, Brownie, Chabaso Bakery, Cinco De Mayo
Craving a much desired mid-afternoon pick me up, I dropped into my favorite cafe & bookstore – Atticus Bookstore Cafe.
Atticus Books Cafe The Counter
Here I often find myself drowning in really good coffee, getting lost in unusual books and devouring their famous Azteca brownie within minutes!
See for yourself…
Azteca Brownie
It’s a favorite local hangout for Yale students and locals alike. Always greeted by a friendly staff serving up some of the most incredible sandwiches and desserts in town! And for a good reason… all the bread and desserts are made by the incredibly delicious Chabaso Baking Company . I love their bread… all their bread! And desserts!
Atticus Cafe
Today for Cinco De Mayo, swing by and try their famous “Black Bean” soup and top it off with the infamous “Azteca Brownie”. You’ll thank me and don’t be surprised if you find yourself channeling your inner Lucha lubrie.
