I caved. . . .

So Ive joined the Youtube cult. I made a video. AND I LOVED IT! So much fun! I hope you all enjoy this tutorial on cutting watermelon as much as I enjoyed making it. (:

It's leeking!! (bad pun I do apologize. . . ok not really! :)

For the most part I am aware of what is seasonal and what is not. But let's be honest, we are not all farmers. I know that spring brings peas, summer brings watermelon, fall brings sweet potatoes, and winter brings fudge.... I mean pears. Today I bring you the lesser known items of the boring month of January. I say boring because there are no fun holidays in January. Accept new years eve and day. . . okay, time to stop rambling. Most seasonal fruits and vegetables are purchased from local farmers due to proximity, price, and quality. Lemme break it down for you. . . .
1. Proximity: When foods are grown seasonally, markets prefer to purchase them locally because it costs them less for they don't have to transport as far.
2. Price: Seasonal foods are typically cheaper, due to their abundance.
3. Quality: It's seasonal! Which by definition means its produced according to when it should be. Therefore it's flavor will be at optimum levels.


As you go down the fresh food isle at your local supermarket, think of dishes to make with this list. I GUARANTEE it will taste better than usual because these foods are actually in season. Happy hunting friends!

Leeks! (get it?! leeking?!)
Avocados
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Celery root
Chicory
Grapefruit
Spinach
Chinese Cabbage
Wild Mushrooms
Fennel (not a fan. . . just thought I'd share. )

Starting this year should be simple right?

As are the top 10 food trends for 2010 provided by Epicurious. This list is perfect! With the economy down, and our pocketbooks empty this list focus on what real people want. Fried chicken, homemade beer, and potlucks top the list and from personal experience these things satisfy my stomach and my bank account. My husbandmanface (as I so affectionately call him <3) and I love to entertain. This past year however we have learned that it is much more entertaining to have our guests bring their favorite appetizer or drink. The things that show up are typically wonderful and surprising. So I challenge you to try it next time! Refrain from the need to control every detail of your soiree and let your friends show you what they are made of! :) Take a look at the list as well, it is quite on point. :)

Where my girls at?! This one's for you!!!

So this past week has been pretty crazy. With the holidays ending, and a fresh new beginning upon us I felt the need to clean. Clean my floors, Clean my cat, Clean my face.... You get my drift. What does this have to do with food you ask? Oh just you wait. I thought what better way to find tips on cleaning that youtube. This is where everyone goes for good, healthy, quality advice on everything right? So as I wrote the words clean, a slew of fascinating viral videos appeared. This one spoke to my Culinary, girly, and weird heart! Cleaning your eye makeup with olive oil. I am all for natural products and cheap. Olive oil has been known for for its INTERNAL benifits, but I was never aware of it's external. So I did it. I tried food on my face and you know what? it really does work. be sure to use a high quality olive oil if you do decide to take the plunge. I personally would steer away from all "infused" oils as well. ie: garlic, rosmary, and the such. Enjoy!!