Cat Cora Book Signing

At the last minute today, I decided to take the trek down to Coral Gables to see Iron Chef Cat Cora at a demo/book signing for her new book, Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist,

and boy am I glad I did! After a bumpy start to the evening (A/C in my car went out halfway through the drive down, then I get to the bookstore and their power was out, so no A/C there either), it turned out to be a lovely evening. A had a nice glass of wine while waiting for the bookstore get everything set up, and browsing the Books & Books store. Then it was time for Cat to get started. First did a little intro to the book:

(Don't know if you can tell, but she is SUPER tiny!)

Then she did a little food demo and question and answer session:

Then it was time for the book signing. She was so gracious and spoke to everyone who came:

Then it was my turn!!!!!

All in all a very fun evening. I will definitely go back next time they have a chef book signing. OK, now, what to make from the book first???

Taco Thursday

Watching a recent Rachael Ray Show episode, I got a craving for fish tacos, especially the ones from Rubio's. Now some of you may be surprised that I actually like fish tacos (since I don't eat most seafood), but in most fish tacos the fish is fried, so I can endorse that! Of course Rachael's wasn't fried, and I was feeling particularly lazy, so this is what I threw together:

The recipe could not be simpler:

Mrs.Paul's Fish fillets

coleslaw mix dressed in lime juice

avocado cream

flour tortillas

Told you it was simple! It hit the spot though, with a little crunch, a little zest and a lot of flavor...As Rachael would say...Yum-o!

Noodle or Nice

Everyone has those foods or flavors that make you think of home or take you right back to childhood. Well, my friend Sheryel is no exception. She was having a craving for a dish called Noodles Romanoff the other day and asked me if I knew what it was...I did not. She explained that it was a Betty Crocker dish that has long been discontinued. The way I pictured it was a noodle with a creamy cheesy sauce. I quickly did a little Internet research and realized that Sheryel is not the only one who reminisces about this dish from their past. I found a lot of copy-cat versions of the recipe and tried it out tonight.

It tastes to me like a fancy mac-n-cheese, but Sheryel will be the judge when I take it to her tomorrow...stay tuned for the verdict!

Did someone say chipotle?

So, anyone who knows me, knows I will try anything with the word chipotle in it. Like the new Cheddar Chipotle Chex Mix, yep, I tried it and it's delicious!! So, of course I was going to love something called Double Decker Chipotle Chicken Club. 

 As Rachael Ray described it "Consider this a meal trapped in the body of a sandwich." It has some of my favorite items in it: Chicken, bacon, avocado and yes, chipotles. *warning* It was quite spicy, so I had to dilute the mixture with double the chicken and mayo. Consider yourself warned!

Mine didn't turn out as pretty as Rachael's,

But I don't care cause it was tasty!

Picky, Picky

Who says you can't go home? Not only a good Jon Bon Jovi song, but also a very true statement. There are a few things I miss about good ole Martin County, FL:  family, old friends, Bono's, and little gems like A Picky Gourmet, a family owned and operated store in Jensen Beach.

They have tons of gourmet foods, wines and special finds. The last time I was there, this sign was out front:

Who would not go in?? Once you do go in, you fall in love though. The owner(?) Brent is super friendly, answers all of your questions, offers suggestions, and will even track down any item you ask for. That kind of small-town service is hard to find these days. The real draw, though, are the Free Wine and Food Tastings offered regularly at the store. These are always packed with loyal followers, but worth the crowds. You always get to try great new wines you never knew you liked! Definitely worth checking out.

Next time you are in the Jensen Beach area, stop by and grab a glass for me, OK?!

I'm baaaaaaaaack!

Hello friends and fans! Sorry for my vanishing act lately...between moving and Internet issues, I have not had the opportunity to blog. Thanks for missing me! :) New kitchen will be up and running shorty and plenty of foodie love to share!
XOXO