Addicted to the Food Network!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!



Happy Halloween!
Hope fully I look more like Iron Chef than Swedish Chef from the Muppets!
Anyone else dress up like a chef/Food Network celebrity?  

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Every Day with Rachael Ray

One of the things I love about Rachael Ray is how she turns your favorite food into something else. She can turn your favorite dip into a burger, a mac & cheese or in this case, a pizza! Spinach-Artichoke French Bread Pizza! This is a recipe from her magazine I have been meaning to try for a long time, and I don't know why I waited so long!  It is everything you love about spinach-artichoke dip, spread on a loaf of french bread, baked until bubbly, and turned into a perfect finger food for watching football!

{Crispy, crunchy, creamy deliciousness}


Thanks Rachael, you've done it again!
xoxo,
H

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Are you Next Iron Chef?

As excited as I am about the Next Iron Chef Superchefs (SO EXCITED!), it has been brought up by quite a few foodies lately that now that we have a whole series dedicated to picking Iron Chefs, it has lost it's credibility & prestige. I tend to agree. If we keep picking new Iron Chefs, then we will soon have 20 and it will loose it's status. On the other hand, I still watch and did I mention I am excited about the Allstars competition starting this Sunday, October 30th???


{Marcus Samuelsson, Anne Burrell, Robert Irvine, Geoffry Zakarian, Beau McMillan, Michael Chiarello, Chuck Hughes, Elizabeth Faulkner, Spike Mendelsohn, Alex Guarnaschelli.}

So many stars! I can't possibly pick a favorite!

So what are your thoughts? Are you done with the Next Iron Chef? Are you excited like I am? Any early favorites? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Food Truck Frenzy!

If I can't be on The Great Food Truck Race, then I am glad I can at least attend a Food Truck Frenzy by the Gourmet Truck Expo. Tonight they were in my 'hood, so I stopped by to see how much trouble I could get into. In comparison to the last one I attended in Boca, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found: Surprisingly short lines, great prices, large portions and tasty food! I highly recommend attending these types of events with a group of friends, buy a large sampling and all get to taste a little of everything. Since I was flying solo,  I tried as much as I could:





Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be on the elliptical for the next three days!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Mile High Tailgate

2011 Tailgate #5
Theme: Denver

These themed tailgates are getting harder and harder! What does one make for a Denver themed tailgate? Mile-high something? Tebown steaks? Denver omelets? We went with the Denver Omelets. Not an easy task for a rookie tailgater...luckily we are seasoned pros! 2 grills, 2 pans, 3 omelets with potatoes and toast later...

All this for one perfect plate:



Add in some mimosas and you've got another successful tailgate!
(although I'm still trying to walk that plate off!)

Saturday, October 22, 2011

Diners Drive-ins and Dives Tour: Flakowitz of Boynton

It's been a bit since we hit a DDD joint, so yesterday Amanda and I hit up Flakowitz of Boynton, as seen on DDD: Biscuits, Bagels and BLTs.  Odd choice for a Friday night, yes, but we are food geeks like that! Flakowitz is your classic Jewish deli, complete with Challah on the table:


And all the basics you would expect from a Jewish deli:

{Hot Brisket sandwich with all the fixings}

For the price, Flakowitz is a good deal. I had all of this plus a drink and dessert for about $11. Way too much for even me to eat! Nothing was particularly good, but not particularly bad either. Honestly, the best part was the pickle! I also missed out on the last black and white cookie by one person in the bakery. :( At least Amanda got a little cake for her belated birthday!

{My foodie partner in crime!}

All in all, an OK DDD trip this time. Amanda had the Louisiana chicken grill and raved about it. I guess I should have stuck with what they are known for: bagels and Matzo ball soup. Next time!

Anne Burell Book Signing

My favorite way to spend a rainy Florida day? Why, Food Network Chef Stalking of course! And this week I had the pleasure of meeting none other than Anne Burell. Her first book, Cook like a Rock star is now out so she is out promoting it. Waiting in line, I had plenty of time to read through it, and it is like having Anne right there in the kitchen with you. It is well written and full of her personality. You can just imagine her standing there in her skirt, shaking her spiky hair and yelling "Big Meat"!  The title is perfect for her, by the way. As she was getting ready to come out to start signing books, they played at little Def Leopard Pour Some Sugar on Me for her to come out to. Fun!
When it was my turn to meet her, I asked her the same question I ask all of the chefs I meet: Whose Food Network Show Do you Watch? Anne, in her rock star way, looks me at me dead serious and says "None, I know how to cook!" WOW! Imagine the shock and awe on my face! I too know how to cook...I watch for ideas and inspiration. She recovered by saying that she will be watching the upcoming Next Iron Chef (which she is on, of course!) It was then time to take a photo, sign my book and move along...

{everyone say "Big Meat!"}


{Best inscription ever!}



Monday, October 3, 2011

California Dreamin'

This one is simple. When preparing a San Diego themed lunch, one thing and one thing only came to mind. Fish Tacos! Being that San Diego is just a hop, skip and a jump from Mexico, they are abundant in the area. There are many different types, but I prefer the crunchy, spicy, cool combo in my tacos. Luckily I have been holding on to this recipe courtesy of Ingrid Hoffman for Food Network Magazine since November 2008! It combines everything I love about fish tacos and it was simple to prepare to boot!


{Winner, winner, fish taco dinner}


As Ingrid would say: Simply Delicioso!