Mama knows best!

So this weekend I have a catering gig. I did what I always do and called mom to give details and get advice. She remembers "the little things" and knows a few tricks of the trade herself. I needed to go to my personal heaven (AKA East bay restaurant supply) so she joined me on this excursion and our 30 minute drive was a lot of her talking and me listening. Typically my mother won't waste a breath on things of unimportance so when the topic of hot dogs came to her mind I knew it would be an "Interesting" Diatribe. She asked me:
"Lydia, what do you do with the extra hot dog buns you get in the package?"
I responded:
"Let them mold."
I hate to waste but it's an honest answer. I never use them. Guilty as charged. So began my mothers uses for those two annoying extra buns and now I share with you!

1. place buns in cuisenart and mix until crumbled. Toss in olive oil in a small bowl. Saute on low heat until crispy. Breadcrumbs are complete! Use to bread pork-chops, chicken, meatloaf or save for the top of a cassarole.

2. Let buns dry out. (but not mold) use as directed for base of a savory or sweet bread pudding.

3. Open face your buns. Drizzle with olive oil. Add dried oregano, crushed garlic, salt and pepper. Place in oven at 350 for your own personal garlic bread!

So there you have it! Now with this wisdom theres no excuse for any waste or any mold! ;)

"You don't know how good you have it!"

Time to get semi-sentimental. . . . . At work today I had the lovely opportunity of talking to two women with a lot of history. One 71 years old and the other 72, both grew up on farms. One in Kansas and One in Texas. Although they lived states apart the similarities of their livelihoods were amazing. Almost in unison they exclaimed to me "you don't know how good you have it!" After our talk I realized just how good I really do have it. In their young lives if you wanted butter you churned it. If you wanted milk you milked it. If you desired fried chicken for dinner. . . well you get my drift! I loved hearing stories of homemade bread only on Saturdays, and the joys of getting to help mom wring the laundry. One of the ladies was however a bit taken aback from my reaction to her stories. Shocked in fact! I said I was jealous. That's right, I'm jealous of what she assumed as mediocrity. Although I realized I do have it pretty good with the luxury of a baker right down the street, How much more do we appreciate food that we have made ourselves. The act of knowing WE completed the process. It feels better, tastes better, and betters others when we share what we have done. With this I encourage you to take the time to make something yourself today. Don't ask for help, and then share it. You will be left with much more than you expected, I promise. :)

meaty.

When I was in high school I had many difficult classes. In College they became even more difficult. Little did I know that the most difficult class I would ever take in my life would be at Culinary school. Butchery. Weird right? Who would have thought the most challenging point in my academic career would be breaking down a lamb. It's tough! It's also becoming one of the most popular and sought out culinary classes in the nation right now. This meaty art is on the rise, and as much as I am one to take a challenge I don't think I want to go back to butchery days at school. Which leads me to the fine appreciation I have developed for the butcher. Creating a great cut of meat and obtaining the knowledge of said cut is something to be sought after. If you live in the San Francisco bay area here's a link to an upcoming class! Hat's off to you my fellow meatheads.

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!!