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Thursday, January 31, 2008

SUPER BOWL!!! Countdown....

Don't stress over the party food.....Check in with us tomorrow for a great SUPER BOWL Lineup of awesome dishes and appetizers!

STAY TUNED - YOU WILL LOVE THE LIST!

PANTRY and FRIDGE Necessities

Courtesy of Rachel Ray we no longer after to wonder what the perfect PANTRY should consist of:
Check out her guide to the can't do with outs in the fridge/pantry/etc. Thanks RACH we love you!
BASIC PANTRY
SPICES
- bay leaves
- black pepper
- cayenne pepper
- chili powder
- curry powder (or paste)
- dried oregano
- dried thyme
- grill seasoning such as McCormick Montreal Steak Seasoning
- ground cinnamon
- ground cumin
- paprika
- poultry seasoning
- red pepper flakes
- salt
IN the Fridge
- capers
- carrots
- celery
- dijon mustard
- eggs
- flat-leaf parsley
- hot sauce (everyone likes different levels – pick one you like)
- ketchup
- mayonnaise
- milk
- Parmigiano Reggiano
- soy sauce
MISCellaneous Pantry Items
- baking potatoes (such as Russet or Idaho)
- extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
- garlic cloves - lots!
- lemons
- limes
- nuts (almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts)
- pasta
- peanut butter
- pure maple syrup
- roasted red peppers (12-16 ounce jar)
- Spanish or yellow onions
IN The Cupboard
- beef stock (canned or boxed)
- chicken stock (canned or boxed)
- diced tomatoes (canned)

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Double Recipe Day

Sorry I didn't post for a couple of days - today's my BIRTHDAY, SO LET'S CELEBRATE ... with a couple of scrumptious recipe ideas to try. Please note all recipes on the blog are taste tested personally by our finnicky family!!! So you can rest assured the recipe has been checked out! :)

Ranch Chicken Loaf
If ground chicken isn't available in your grocer's meat case, ask to have some chicken ground; they'll happily do that for you.
INGREDIENTS
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup ranch-flavored tortilla chip crumbs
3 Tbsp. salsa, or 1 Tbsp salsa juices, if do not care for onion/tomatoe/cilantro
2 Tbsp. ranch-flavored salad dressing
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 lb. ground chicken
Optional – add some chopped flat leaf parsley (great way to sneak in some veggies, plus adds great flavor)
PREPARATION:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, tortilla chip crumbs, salsa, salad dressing, chili powder, and cumin. Add chicken and mix gently but thoroughly. Shape into loaf on slotted baking pan or broiler pan.
Bake at 350 degrees F for 1 hour, until internal temperature registers 175 degrees F. Cover with foil and let stand for 10 minutes. Slice and serve with sour cream and more salsa. Inspired by or directly from Rachel Ray show.

AWESOME CHICKEN BBQ
(Talk about another great gift idea – bottle your own bbq sauces!)
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 Tbsp orange juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp liquid smoke
1/2 tsp dry mustard powder
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 (3 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into 8 pieces, or use boneless chicken breasts,
but cook time may be less.
1. Preheat oven to 375°F OR prepare a grill (brush lightly with oil).
2. In a large bowl, stir together all ingredients except the chicken. Reserve 1/3 cup of the barbecue sauce; set aside. Add the chicken to the remaining sauce in the bowl, turning to coat.
3. (covered, if grilling) for 40 to 45 minutes or until cooked through, basting with the reserved 1/3 cup sauce after 20 minutes. Inspired by or directly from Paula Deen's Sons collection.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

SEX and Baking!

GOT YOUR ATTENTION, RIGHT?? Well if my "You TUBE" videos don't show the latest Paula Deen exclusive, or Giadi on the beach - make sure to search "YOU TUBE" yourself. Paula incorporates many sexy innuendos into her baking lessons - she is hilarious. If you have never seen her in action, catch the new "Paula's Party," on the food network. Giadi de Laurentiis also likes to take her cooking out on location and show experiences, ie - jet skiing in South Beach, or showing the historical side of an area she involves in the cooking. With a family background in film it's no wonder, not only is she real pretty, she knows how to bring film creativity to her cooking style! GO GIRLS!!! Now we need the men to step up and bring a bit more sex-appeal to their cooking, huh? HOW about it TYLER, Bobby, and MR. Dinner Impossible, or ??? any new cooks waiting in the wings for the challenge? I know - maybe the Deen brothers?

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Spices and Containers

Well we need some ideas here for containers for all these rubs and spices! Some great places to look: Crate and Barrel, The Container Store, and Ikea. All have websites under the same name. From tupperware, to old-fashioned spice jars, to tins, and tins with clear lids - all make great containers to store or give. Add a label and your in business too! Have fun experimenting with spices and herbs - they all have a different and unique flavor to add to food.
Now here is a great way to combine flavor without constantly opening 3 different spice containers -
House Seasoning:
1 cup sea salt
1/4 cup pepper
1/4 cup garlic powder
AND if you like to use onion powder alot too, then add
1/4 cup onion powder too!
Makes 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cup, so share some! Enjoy! :)

Friday, January 25, 2008

KID FRIENDLY CLASSIC

OVEN S'mores

Ingredients
6 graham crackers
1 bag mini marshmallows
3 (1.55 ounces) Hershey's Milk Chocolate Bars, split into 2

Instructions
Split graham cracker into 2 halves. On top of graham
cracker squares place mini-marshmallows. Place under broiler for a few seconds
to toast. Remove and place 1/2 of a Hershey bar on top of marshmallow. The
heat from the marshmallow will melt the chocolate bar. Place other 1/2 of graham
cracker on top. Press lightly to flatten marshmallows. Makes 6. MMmmmm...

Quick & EASY spice rub

As promised here is a rub for everyone to try:

Sweet and Zesty use on everything from fish, shrimp, pork chops, beef, turkey, and chicken - it's very versatile.
Make some extra and spread the love to friends and family:
Gift label should include: Rub about 1 tbsp on each cut of meat, cover, let stand in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Grill or sear for about 2 minutes ( for thin meats) or until done. Keep in a cool, dark place - will last for 6 months.

2 TBSP Brown sugar
2 TBSP Onion powder
2 TBSP garlic powder
2 TBSP paprika or smoked paprika
3 TBSP ground cumin
1 TBSP ground corriander
2 TBSP chili powder
1 TBSP salt (use sea salt - naturally less sodium)
Yield: about 1 cup ENJOY :)

Thursday, January 24, 2008

RUBS

RUBS AND EVOO are a great combination to any meat! THEY tenderize the meat, add full flavor, and do not take hours or overnight to marinate! Rubs are easy to make, easy to make extra and have on hand for next time with a little container and a sharpie or dyno label maker. ALSO RUBS make excellent gift especially using cool containers and labels! Without comprising the meats taste and/or adding salt - one can take trips around the world using various spices and herbs to create meat dishes from around the globe. More coming ON SOME exciting and special rub recipes! See you tomorrow on the FOOD NETWORK FAN RECIPE CLUB!

CHECK BACK OFTEN!! :)

Hoison BBQ KABOBS

NOW here is a tasty fast dish to make tonight! PLUS GREAT SUPERBOWL idea!

Buy steak in chunks or buy a 1 inch thick steak and slice into cubes yourself.

Place near even size cubes on a metal skewer til just touching and load up 4 skewers (or more, may need extra sauce though)
You can salt the meat with sea salt prior to brushing with sauce.
brush with sauce made as follows:
1/3 cup ketchup
2 tbsp hoison sauce
pinch of pepper
Broil skewers for 4-5 minutes, then turn over and broil for another 4-5 minutes until desired doneness is reached.

Salsa:
Make small chunks of 1/2 cup each of cucumber, red pepper, and combine with 1 cup small chunks of pineapple and add 2 tsp of rice vinegar and 1 tsp of pineapple juice if using canned pineapple, stir to coat all.

Place hot skewers on a platter and top with salsa and then some cilantro for a beautiful, festive, dynamic, and fresh presentation.
May be served with white rice or a teriyaki rice. ENJOY :)

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

What's for dinner?

WHAT"S FOR DINNER 2NITE? SEE Below:
Buffalo Chicken Chili Mac
Good enough for the olympic team in training - Good Enough for you and your family! CREATED FROM THE MOST POPULAR DOWNLOADED RECIPE on The Rachel Ray Show Website! WATCH daily 9am-10am on Channel 2 CBS!
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
2 pounds (about 4 to 6, depending on size) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small bits
1 large carrot, peeled and finely chopped
1 large onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, finely chopped
5 large cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chicken stock
1/4 to 1/2 cup hot sauce, depending on how hot you like it
1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
1 pound whole wheat elbow macaroni
1/2 cup pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
2 scallions, root ends removed and thinly sliced
To make cutting the chicken easier, place it into the freezer for about 15 minutes until it firms up slightly but isn’t frozen through. This will let you cut it up quickly into small pieces.

Preheat broiler and place a large pot of salted water over high heat to bring up to a boil for the whole wheat elbow macaroni.


Place a large pot over medium-high heat and add 2 turns of the pan of EVOO, about 2 tablespoons. Add the chicken bits and brown them, about 5-6 minutes. Add the carrot, onion, celery, garlic, paprika, bay leaf and some salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the veggies, stirring frequently, until tender, 3-4 minutes. Add the chicken stock and scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add the hot sauce and crushed tomatoes, and bring up to a bubble. Simmer the chili for 8-10 minutes to let the flavors come together and thicken it slightly.


While the chili is simmering, toss the pasta into the boiling salted water and cook until al dente according to package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it into the chili, then transfer everything to a casserole dish. Sprinkle the cheeses evenly over the top and place it under the broiler until the cheeses have melted and the top is golden brown, 2-3 minutes. If desire - sprinkle with scallions.

Cooking MAGS

Enjoy your favorite Cooking Star in the Magazines too! ALSO get involved and become a powerhouse member to the cooking magazines online site! www.everydaywithrachaelraypowerhouse.com/ Is a great one to get involved in- you can get fun new recipes, win prizes, be rewarded, and know you are contributed to an awesome site!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

NEW CELEB FOOD Happenings!

Did you catch the new "THE Sugar Cup" as presented on the Rachel RAY Show. Dancing with the Stars Cohost and now Dance WARS Host, Drew Lachey's wife, Lea and her mom, have started a LA Hot Spot Haven for sweet treats and made their hit Oatmeal creme sandwiches Rachel's snack of the day! Drew and Lea are believed to live in the Corona, CA. area - let's hope the couple decide to open up shop in the town which has made a huge leap from small time race town to big time executive haven and golf town in the past 20 years, and still growing! GOOD Luck Lea and Drew! Good Luck Carrie Ann too!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Food for CHARITY

Well we can all think of ways to celebrate with food! Food is every where and it makes a meeting, a family gathering, the SuperBowl - it's always about the food, right? Well, what about those who don't have the means to cook a great meal, those who are homeless, or can't afford food, and these folks with children! Well lets find and post ways to give to those less fortunate. One way is through www.CHARLIESLUNCH.com Please take a minute to read the heartfelt Christian message that stands behind this website and give today! They badly need your support - fundraising can be teamed with your child's school through a simple act of collecting change each day for a two or four week time period. Or how about having the office match your donation. We can all find some spare change to give! If you have a charitable site that helps with those in need that help with food programs, well we want to hear about them - post and share your story today!

Monday, January 14, 2008

Quick Cooking 2NITE

Thanks to RACHEL RAY and her amazing daytime TV show website - Dinner can be quick and easy - so can the shop list!
Grab a 1 1/2-2 lb Top Sirloin steak, gather up some great seasonings: Marjoram, Grill Seasoning, and Smokey smoked paprika and head to the kitchen! Here comes some:

Hungarian Style Steak

Mix 1 tbsp each of the grill seasoning and paprika with 1 tsp Marjoram (or use 1/2 tsp Oregano) and rub this mix on both sides of the Top sirloin, place under the broiler for 6-7 minutes each side and Wallah dinner is ready. Let meat rest for a bit before cutting into so not to dry it out. Add your favorite sides or visit Rachels site for some inspiration. She paired this with brown buttered gnocchi, and some sauteed onions, garlic, and red peppers - on the show just last week - looks delicious!

Smells great! Making this right now! We are making the peppers/onions and some 4 cheese smashed potatoes. Enjoy!

YOU TUBE and COOKING

What a great way to catch your favorite celebrity cook in action or heck why not try your hand at making a cooking demo video, check out the new video section links on this blog - some are hilarious! Big thumbs up for Rachel in December with the underwear modeling! Plus I believe more celebrities should do their version of so you think you can cook? What do you all think? Plus we need another season of Hell's Kitchen and Kitchen Nightmares! Check out the videos - some great recipe ideas throughout "YOU TUBE."

Sunday, January 13, 2008

KIDS!!!

Well, As Rachel Ray would say.... KIDS ROCK!!! Yes they do!
Kids are awesome, talented, and full of energy! Energy that we many times need to direct!
So why not direct them into the kitchen and instead of them asking what's for lunch, or dinner for that matter - let them help and eventually do dinner!

That's right! No matter if they are 2-102 we can all learn, we can all help, and we can all do dinner!

Cooking is every subject matter as far as teaching goes - so let's making teaching ROCK! Have fun!
Think about it - Cooking is Math, Science, Reading, English, History, Art, Spelling, Photography, well it can even be about Religion, Spanish, German, Swedish, Italian, and experiences.... you get the idea! Cooking creates a tangible metaphor and helps explore a very diverse teaching world that will open up many doors! Try IT!!! Just COOK or BAKE with your kids today! :)

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Welcome

Welcome to the new site for all Food Network Fans. A creative home where everyone of all ages can share helpful hints for cooking, or sharing recipes, or even fun ideas for kids!

The hopes for this blog is to create a fun-loving environment to share favorite recipes, kitchen tips, information on kitchen gadgets, and dish information on all your favorite Food Network favorite celebrity chefs, did you know information, and more.