Addicted to the Food Network!

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Blog of Ten


It's that time of year again...end of the year, heck, end of a decade! Everywhere you look there is a top ten list, best ofs....well, I am no exception apparently! It's the end of a decade, so I, in Rachel Ray style, have compiled a list of my favorites that I have not shared with you yet. Hope you enjoy!


1. Favorite Cake: Raspberry Ripple Cake. With fruit on top, it's almost like not eating a dessert! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/raspberry-ripple-cake-recipe/index.html


2. Favorite Homemade Snack: Granola. All the snack foods I love smooshed together. Thinking about it makes me want to go for a hike right now! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/homemade-cranberry-nut-granola-recipe/index.html


3. Favorite Dip: Rocco's Healthy Artichoke Dip. So simple and always wins raves at a party. And at 17 calories per tablespoon...no guilt! No link, but it's really too simple: drain 14oz can of artichokes, chop and put in microwave dish, stir in 3/4c low fat plain yogurt and 1c fresh parmigiana-reggiano, 2 gloves garlic and 2T fresh basil. Microwave 3 minutes on high. stir. microwave 2 min more. serve with pita chips.


4. Favorite Salad: Village Salad. Here's the thing, I love Greek Salad, but not olives, so this is perfect for me! It's another snap to put together and always wins raves reviews. Chop 8 oz feta, 2 medium tomatoes, 1 lg cucumber, and 1 medium onion. Toss with 1/2c Italian dressing.


5. Favorite Side Dish: Mesa Grill's Southwest Potato Salad. You know I love anything from Bobby Flay, but this is the dish I always bring for a summer BBQ. A lot of ingredients, but soooo worth it! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/mesa-grills-southwestern-potato-salad-recipe2/index.html


6. Favorite Comfort Food: Hamburger Stroganoff. I don't know what it is about it, but every once in a while, I have to have it! http://www.cheapcooking.com/Recipes/hamburgerstroganoff.htm


7. Favorite Quick Winter Dinner: Italian Garden Soup. sshhh. Don't tell anyone it was this simple! Pretend you slaved all day! :) http://recipes.delmonte.com/dlm/Recipe.aspx?id=1102


8. Favorite Alternative to ordering a pizza: Pizza Crudo. I have a new love for chiabatta bread, and I have always been a pizza fan, so this is the best of both worlds! http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipes/rachael-ray-30-minute-meals/Pizza-Crudo


9. Best Burger: Latin Burgers with Caramelized Onion and Jalapeno Relish and Red Pepper Mayonnaise. Doesn't the title sell itself? Meaty, creamy, spicy, trust me, the men in your life will thank you for this one! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ingrid-hoffmann/latin-burgers-with-caramelized-onion-and-jalapeno-relish-and-red-pepper-mayonnaise-recipe/index.html


10. Best reason to run the oven all day: Chianti Braised Short Ribs. You know how much you enjoy that glass of Chianti with dinner?? Well, just think about how good dinner would be if you cooked it IN your Chianti...exactly! http://www.rachaelraymag.com/recipes/rachael-ray-magazine-recipe-index/dinner-recipes/Chianti-Braised-Short-Ribs



Well, that's it folks. Another year, another list, another reason to flip on the Food Network! Happy New Year Everyone! Here's to a fantastic 2010 filled with joy.




Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Hanukkah Happiness


There are many things I miss about living in LA, but one of the biggest ones is living right around the corner from the lovely Sarah. She is not only a friend to the end, but she cooks up a mean Traditional Jewish Holiday Meal. I have come to crave her Brisket the second any holiday comes around. Without her to teach me, I went to where I go for all of my inspiration.....The Food Network, and my gal Sunny Anderson. This brisket is simple and yummy, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/20-clove-brisket-recipe/index.html. I have been eating the leftovers on a baguette with a lovely horseradish sauce, and using the juice as a dip....yum!


Since I have not yet coerced Sarah into giving me her Kuegel recipe, I made some comfort sides to go along with it. What is better than cheesy, gooey, Scalloped Potatoes? http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/scalloped-potatoes-recipe/index.html


or a creamy veggie topped with cheese and crunchy onions? Try this Swiss Casserole: http://www.campbellkitchen.com/RecipeDetail.aspx?recipeId=27341&EID=2624&MID=2948428&LID=1519 (I use the frozen broccoli/cauliflower mix, and omit the carrots....not my favorite!)


I may not be Jewish, but I am a fan of comfort food and Holiday traditions. This is one tradition that I will continue for years to come. Thank You Sarah, for being my friend and my inspiration! XOXO




Tuesday, December 8, 2009

PJs Please!



This past weekend was one of those lazy, rainy weekends that just begs you to stay in your PJs, cozy up with a book or a movie, or in my case, the Food Network! Nothing screams comfort like a big pot of something yummy bubbling on the stove, so here is what I made to comfort my soul and my belly!


First off, a copycat of my favorite restaurant foods, Olive Garden's Pasta Fagioli Soup. All the comfort of going to the restaurant, without leaving the house! I really does taste exactly like the original and it was so easy and quick-cooking. http://www.copykat.com/2009/03/29/olive-garden-pasta-e-fagioli/.


Next up, for those of you who now me, know I love sandwiches....and this one does not disappoint! I am so in love with this sandwich, which is a meal in itself! This Cuban Style Monte Cristo still has my mouth watering for more! http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/cuban-style-monte-cristos-pineapple-slaw/.




Lastly, it wouldn't be comfort with out something sweet to top off your meal, so I made a Pumpkin Bundt Cake. The credit on this one goes to the Libby Pumpkin Bread Kit. It is hard to find, but it makes delicious, moist cake, that is so simple and makes the house smell fantastic!




I hope you enjoy these on your next rainy, lazy weekend. I'm off to dream some more about that sandwich!