If I can't go to the ocean, then the ocean must come to me.

Just in case I wake up and don't feel like going anywhere the lobster can come to me.  I can order all of this for the bargain price $159 (for two people) from MaineLobsterDirect.com:

1 Lobster per person (Avg. weight 1.35 lbs.) 
8 oz. of Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque each
1 lb. Clams, Mussels or 1/4 lb. Shrimp Cocktail each
3 Maine Red Potatoes or 1 Ear of Fresh Corn each
4 oz. Jewell Island Cheesecake each & Lemon, Butter, Sea Salt
1 Set Shell Cracker/Seafood forks for every 2 people
Bibs, Wetnaps, Gift Message, Cooking Directory 
All Packed in a Blue Enamel Lobster Pot with Seaweed

The convenience of eating this while in my pjs and the possibility of an afternoon nap - priceless.

(note: husband hint)

Beach Blanket Blues

I like the beach, except for the sand and my inevitable sun burn. My skin gives the impression that it will tan easily, not so. As for the sand, it's so gritty and gets into everything. Perhaps, like is not an accurate description for my feelings about the beach.

Well, I do like outdoor concerts and as you well know good food. Next weekend (September 5th & 6th)Long Beach will hold its 30th Annual Blues Festival. You can bring a blanket and your own food or you can buy food from a vendor at the festival. Delicious food and music, all while I lay on a blanket, does it get any better than that? Hopefully there aren't too many lip smackers there (or with me) flapping their jaws over the music.

kitschy kitchen

I think "cute" always helps. I don't particularly love cooking, but I enjoy the creative aspects of cooking, watching others enjoy what I have made and (of course) eating. When the things around me are cute it generally makes things more fun. These tools may make my kitchen sufferings less traumatic.

1. measuring spoons
2. measuring cups
3. apron
4. kitchen timer

National Waffle Day

Here's one more national holiday that I can get behind. I am not a fan of breakfast food, mainly because I don't like eggs. But waffles are ok with me. The perfect waffle has a crispy outside and a spongy inside. Waffle toppings are hugely important, fruit and real whipped cream are my preference. I don't like syrup that is too sweet and it must be poured with restraint. Otherwise I feel like I am having syrup with a side of waffle. Also, I don't like butter on my waffles, the taste gets lost under the syrup. If all of my very minor issues can be achieved then waffles are delightful. (Needless to say I don't have waffles that often.)

Here are a few waffle recipes from epicurious.com. Don't get scared away by the titles, the recipes are simple to make and the results are wonderful.

belgian buttermilk waffles with glazed bananas
crispy waffles with salted caramel coulis
lemon-poppy seed waffles with blueberry sauce
spiced waffles with caramelized apples

corny, but in a good way

The weather lately has been strange for the summer season. I have worn a sweater nearly every morning and evening for the last week. I think this soup is a great idea for two reasons. The first is, corn is in season and the second is, soup is great comfort food during cold weather.

Sweet Corn & Parsnip Soup

(Organic Panificio Cafe)

Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 6 to 8
Note: Adapted from the Organic Panificio Cafe.
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
1 cup diced onion
1 stalk celery, chopped
5 cloves garlic, smashed
3 sprigs parsley, plus chopped parsley for garnish, divided
4 sprigs thyme
1/2 bay leaf
3 cups (1 pound) fresh, sweet yellow corn kernels (from 5 to 6 ears)
1/3 pound peeled and trimmed parsnips, coarsely chopped
2 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon cracked white pepper, plus more to taste
6 to 7 cups milk, more as desired
Raw sugar, to taste if desired
Mascarpone, for garnish

1. In a 4-quart, heavy-bottom soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Saute the onions, celery and garlic along with the parsley sprigs, thyme and bay leaf until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Stir in the corn, parsnips, 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and continue to saute until the parsnips are tender, 20 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Purée the soup using an immersion blender, or in stages using a standing blender, then strain.
5. Adjust the seasoning to taste and sweeten if desired with raw sugar. This makes about 7 cups soup. 6. Serve warm, with a small dollop of mascarpone and a sprinkling of chopped parsley.

(Refer to the LA Times website for more information and the complete story)

"Ice cream cravings are not to be taken lightly."

Although it has been a very cool summer I am still in the mood for ice cream. (Not that my ice cream mood has anything to do with the seasons, weather or climate.) I have thought about bringing my ice cream maker to work (with pre-chilled ice cream custard) and making ice cream for everyone. It is a good plan in theory. but I don't feel like the follow through on the weekends or evenings. But if I ever do the ice cream, gelato and couple other wonderful summertime dessert options are in the running.

All can be found at epicurious.com.

1. Frozen Lemon Gingersnap Pie
2. Honey and Thyme Ice Cream with Candied Thyme
3. Lemon and Amaretti Semifreddo with Raspberry Sauce
4. Zabaglione Gelato

(title quote by Betsy Cañas Garmon)

To Do Trip: Chicago

Another trip that is on my "To Do" list is an extended weekend spent in Chicago. It is true, it is not such an exotic locale but I think there are some interesting things to see and do, beyond The Oprah Winfrey Show.


Affinia Hotel Chicago
A highly rated (at least on the internet) boutique hotel. Between their offers of six different kinds of pillows and the "Experience Kits", I can't see how this place could be anything but wonderful. (One kit of interest is the "Walking Tour Kit" - includes an iPod Shuffle or Nano loaded with Affinia playlists; City Walks deck of cards; city guidebook featuring popular walking tours; StreetWise city map; pedometer; and towel.)


Puck's at the MCA - Wolfgang Puck's restaurant inside the Museum of Contemporary Art. Sunday brunch is supposed to be delightful.


Buddy Guy's Legends - Blues Club and Restaurant
Crab cakes, barbecue ribs, po'boys and the blues. It would be impossible for this not to be wonderful.


The Bristol - A Neighborhood Eatery & Bar
Two dishes that say it all (for me):
1. Pan Roasted Halibut, Parisian Gnocchi, Snap Peas, Cracklin’
2. Duck Fat Fries, House Ketchup, Garlic Aioli


The Publican -
The to die for dish is supposed to be their pork rinds. Strange I know but it's worth a go. The menu lists the farms and areas that the menu items are from. (lots of fish and pork)


Chicago Food Tasting & Cultural Walking Tours
Food tastings, enough for lunch, from historic "mom and pop" specialty food stores and one-of-a-kind ethnic eateries while viewing Chicago's historic architecture. The tours are only three hours long and suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Plus the guides give restaurant recommendations.


Architectural River Tour
90 minute narrated cruise on the Chicago River where you can view over 50 architecturally significant sites.


Museums in the Park - (video review from Ovation TV (link)
Adler Planetarium
The Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago History Museum
Dusable Museum of African American History
The Field Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Science and Industry
National Museum of Mexican Art
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
Shedd Aquarium

my kind of super bowl

When I was younger my mother would take me to The Hollywood Bowl to listen to the Los Angeles Philharmonic rehearse. (I think it was every Wednesday during the summer.) It was wonderful introduction to music and it was free. I loved it, except the walk from the parking lot up the hill to The Bowl. I am sure that it isn't much of a walk at all but one of those things that seem so much bigger and arduous when you are small. Every year I plan to go to a concert at The Bowl, I even look at their schedule of events. Every year life gets in the way. Of course another drawing point of going to a concert is you are encouraged to picnic. The Bowl has a collection of restaurants, Patina, on site where patrons are able to order a picnic lunch/dinner to eat during a concert or before. Some Hollywood area restaurants make box lunches that can be brought in for a picnic meal at The Bowl. I may need to go to a series of concerts to taste all the options, for purely investigative reasons, of course.

Upcoming Concerts at The Hollywood Bowl:

August 23rd - Smooth Summer Jazz
August 26th - Dizzie Gillespie All Star Big Band
September 9th - Natalie Cole
September 16th - The Killers
October 16th - Maxwell

Yummy Possibilities:

Tavern - (take away menu & regular menu available online) They offer a Southern-style picnic box ($25 per person) with two pieces of juicy buttermilk-fried chicken (thigh and leg; all-white meat is $5 extra) and a vibrant succotash-inspired salad. For dessert, cornbread and a peach or blackberry crumble come direct from the in-house bakery.

Street - (owned by Susan Feniger of The Border Grill and Cuidad) The menu is a bit hard to describe due to the wide variety of menu items. They serve "street food" from around the world (inspired and as interpreted by the chefs). (It is probably best to just visit their website.)

something's fishy

My goal this weekend was to limit going out to eat (including drive thru/fast food), it all sounds like a good idea in theory. Today I made my new favorite cheap sandwich, peanut butter and honey with whole grain bread, chunky peanut butter and orange blossom honey. The honey is sweet but not overwhelming like jam or jelly.

Then I had a vacuum sealed packet of white, chunk tuna with shredded cheese and sun dried tomatoes (similar to a suggested recipe on the back of the tuna packet). I thought that I was doing pretty well with my choices, they were healthy and cheap. Yeah great thinking, except there must be some type of horrendous chemical reaction that happens when peanut butter and tuna are combined. Before I was done eating the tuna, I started feeling hot and queasy. Now my body aches and I am awaiting the third and most dramatic wave of symptoms.

One thing is for sure, it wasn't the peanut butter and honey sandwich. Maybe the tuna was good too and I have a summer flu. Only time will tell, among other things.

state of emergency

It is after 1 a.m. and I really and truly want chocolate. If this goes on much longer I don't think I can be held responsible for my actions. I don't have any chocolate on hand because I didn't buy any. This type of emergency occurs quite often, it's a measure of self sabotage/control. Tonight, my craving is quite specific. See's Candy, dark chocolate covered English walnuts. I could eat them by the vat. (Which is why I don't have any here.) But there is good news, I can order a custom assortment from See's Candy website. Oh joy! The bad news is they don't have a delivery time line like Domino's pizza. (Wouldn't that be a great idea? A candy home delivery service? Or how about a grown up ice cream truck, that would serve gelato and custom mixed ice cream?)

let's chat in the hat

I am not a bar or club person and never have been. I really don't like to dance; I truly believe that people are watching (as well as, capturing all my awkwardness on their iPhones ready to upload to youtube) and giggling at my lead-foot, lumbering dance"moves".

I like tasty food (fancy isn't required) and a fun dining environment. I prefer a place where occasional loud laughter doesn't cause anyone to turn around and stare. Not at me, of course, I am talking completely hypothetically and about my "friend". It is better that I stay seated, eat and try to contain my "friend's" laughter.

Henry's Hat might be my dream come true, yummy, affordable food and a "game menu" that I can order board games to play at my table. (there is a bar with numerous televisions for people who wish to partake) The only thing I can see might be a problem, in looking at the pictures, is that there doesn't look to be to a lot of comfortable seating. I am willing to sacrifice myself to find out.

(photo credit)

just a little corny

The term "junk food" doesn't mean that food isn't really delicious or that it can't be made with healthier ingredients and still taste good.

recipe: baked mini corn dogs

always bring a banana to a party

I was a guest at a gathering where bananas with chocolate syrup and peanut pieces were served as the dessert. When I was handed this "dessert banana" I nicely thanked them but was screaming on the inside, "What the hell? Whose tick-tacky cheapo dessert idea was this? Why even bother?" But it had chocolate syrup poured over it and I was out of options so I tried a little bit. You know, desperate times. But it was wonderful, an orchestra in my mouth. Who knew? Plus it's healthy and inexpensive. You really can't ask for more, unless you're asking for seconds.


Recipe:
choco banana pops

(The bananas that I make are simply peeled bananas with chocolate syrup poured and peanut pieces sprinkled over it; no freezing. This recipe is a little but fancier and surely party worthy.)

great balls of fire (or at least near it)

I went to my friend's 4th of July bbq yesterday and it was fun, as always. There were all sorts of goodies, delicious artichoke dip, triple fudge brownies, mini cheesecakes and other mind numbing creations.

At my own gatherings and the speed at which people scarf down food, I think, finger foods are the way to go. Bite sized food is easy to eat when talking to people, cuts down on wasted food, is easy to serve and prepare ahead of time. If I can bbq bite sized treats it's even better, I can keep the mess outside.

(link to meatball griller)

Magical Mozzarella Meatball Recipe
(adapted from a "normal" meatball recipe)
(link to original recipe)

• 1 small (6-ounce) onion, grated
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus 1/4 cup
• 2/3 cup grated Parmesan plus 1/4 cup
• 1/3 cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
• 8 ounces ground beef
• 8 ounces ground veal
• 2 ounces smoked mozzarella cheese, cut into 16 (1/2-inch) cubes

Directions:
In a large bowl, combine the onion, 1/2 cup parsley, 2/3 cup Parmesan, bread crumbs, egg, ketchup, garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Add the beef and veal. Using your hands, combine all ingredients gently but thoroughly. Shape the meat mixture into 16 (1 1/2-inch-diameter) meatballs, then make a hole in the center of each meatball and place a cube of mozzarella inside. Reform the meatball so that the mozzarella is completely covered with the meat mixture. Place in griller and grill until done.

Ojos Hambrientos (Hungry Eyes)

It is finally feeling like summer in Southern California and these look muy delicioso. Now I need to find the right person to make them; it will probably be me if I am ever going to taste them. I think I will make a choptle cream sauce by pureeeing sour cream, chipotle chiles, lime juice, New Mexico chile powder, cumin and maybe a little garlic. All I know is if I go through all the trouble to make this and share (out of the goodness of my little, tiny heart) I better not see ketchup anywhere near them.

Recipe: Beer & Chipotle-Battered Fish Tacos

mouth wide shut

I started reading The Omnivores Dilemma last year (about 7 books ago) and what I read before my eventual distraction was interesting enough to make me think twice about what has to happen before food that I buy makes it to my local grocery store. A few times a year I become a (temporary) vegetarian until I crack under the pressure of chicken or a cheeseburger. Now there is a movie coming out, Food Inc. I want to see it and I don't. Willful ignorance. About the film:

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

Featuring interviews with such experts as Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation), Michael Pollan (The Omnivore's Dilemma, In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto) along with forward thinking social entrepreneurs like Stonyfield's Gary Hirshberg and Polyface Farms' Joel Salatin, Food, Inc. reveals surprising—and often shocking truths—about what we eat, how it's produced, who we have become as a nation and where we are going from here.

friends through thick & thin, corners & centers

My best friend and I went to a get-together last week and as soon as we walked in the house we were overtaken by the scent of brownies baking in the oven. I don't care how old you are brownies are always exciting. Although I know my best friend better than about anyone else, except her husband, I didn't know that she is a "corner" and not a "center" person. But there she was with crusty little brownie corners on her plate. It is like I hardly know her at all. Who is this stranger? (I am a center person, mainly because I don't like to eat scratchy things.) I have seen this pan before and always wondered who would ever want a whole pan of those........corners. Now I know.

Comfort Food

I have a love/loath relationship with comfort food.  I love to eat comfort food but have an overwhelming loathing feeling shortly after gobbling it all down.  I don't only eat comfort food when I am sad, why not eat it when I am happy too?  macaroni & cheese (not from the box), mashed potatoes, Costco hot dogs, french fries, the original MC Donald's  cheeseburgers, peach cobbler, french toast, crispy bacon, latkes, baklava, egg rolls, ice cream - need I go on?  (I think you should know as I was thinking about what would be on my comfort food list my eyes were closed.)  But like I said, everything is great until I register what I am really doing and what I really ate. 

Apparently there are foods that can be eaten to help a person feel happier.  Sadly, none of my most favorite foods are part of this list.  Why?  Why?  Why?  I wish I was one of those people who loved healthy food and exercise but no. I love to sleep and eat potatoes.  As an added plus, I am not one of those people whose skinny no matter what they eat.  You know them, they always talk about how "tiny" they are and what a struggle it s finding clothes for their teeny, spindly little bodies.  "I have such a hard time finding clothes, sometimes I have to go to the little girl's section." "Oh a size 0 is too small for me, but I am going to eat an entire pizza when I get home so maybe I should wear a size 0 pair of pants so I have some room to breath."  

I should try to implement some changes in what I eat especially if I will skip through fields of daisies after eating what is suggested.

Foods to Help You Feel Better / 6 ways to add mood-boosting foods to your diet

Food N Mood

photo credit