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

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.

Grilled Cheese Magic

I missed the 1st 7th Annual Grilled Cheese Exhibition a few weeks ago and have been riddled with guilt and regret ever since.  I must make it next year.  I must!!  

The guilt coupled with my hunger (I haven't had breakfast yet) has sent me on a search through the Food Network site.  I don't like eggs or sausage so that pretty much rules out breakfast food.  Then I saw this picture and accompanying recipe, the clouds opened and angels were singing.  This is too good to pass up, a grilled cheese sandwich with brie, goat cheese, green tomatoes and bacon.  Anything with two different cheeses and bacon can't be bad.  In all likelihood this is a food that is either really good or really bad, there is only one way to find out.  I am off to the store now or to work which will pay for the cheese and bacon.

A New Wing Recipe

Yet another case of hungry eyes, Bobby Flay's Throwdown and wings.  The wings look delicious and Bobby's recipe is highly rated on the Food Network website.  With Memorial Day coming up I think I might have to give it a go.  

I usually make my own concoction which I have named  "Smokin' Hot Wings" which involves a dry rub of chili powder, brown sugar and other unnamed ingredients and smoking instead of frying.  I may make both but I have a feeling it will come down to how hot it is and if I want to cook outside, inside or both. I am sure my family, upon reading this and finding out there are other options, will insist on having both. Pushy monsters!

Hungry Eyes

There are (many) times that I sit, watching television, hungry (note: hungry is in bold which means that this is serious business).  At times such as these, my favorite thing to watch is The Food Network.  Giada , although a bit smiley, always makes really tasty looking treats (and all of her recipes that I have made have always been really good) OR Bobby Flay's Throwdown OR Barefoot Contesssa OR Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (The bonus with DD&D is that I can plan the best road trip in the history of America.) OR.........you see where this is going.    

I have to say, on a related but different note, I just can't trust a skinny cook.  I can't.  Shifty and Sketchy.  I need to see that the cook LOVES food to the point that they can't eat it in a moderate fashion.  If you are passionate about something are you really able to restrain yourself?  (Sorry Sandra Lee.)  You don't have to be a contestant on the Biggest Loser but a little fluff goes a long way.  My other Food Network irritation is Rachel Ray, she seems like a sweet lady but everytime she tastes something she must close her eyes as she says "MMMmmmmmmmmmm......."  Yes, it really does go on that long.  I CAN'T TAKE IT.  Also, just say extra virgin olive oil. Please.  For the love of all that is good and kind in this world. Saying "EVOO" doesn't save that much time.

Anyhow, after having sushi for dinner which isn't as delicious when you eat it at home.  Then what I have named, "Hungry Eyes" set in.......Bobby Flay...... Throwdown.....Fried Chicken and Waffles.  What!  So Yummy!  I can almost, very nearly, taste all the wonderfulness.  So wonderful, just ask everyone crammed in to the dining room.  I must have this magical fried chicken.  I hear that this chicken is spicy and the flavored syrup that is poured over it takes it to a whole new level.  Yummmm....   (Bobby made Fried Chicken and Wild Rice Waffles with Pink Peppercorn Butter and Maple-Horseradish Syrup .)