Food Network Stars — Those I Love and Those I Hate

Food Network Chefs I Can’t Get Enough Of….

Guy Fieri – where do I even really begin with Guy? I love.. love… LOVE… Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. Anyone that has come across me over the years knows my obsession with him and with the show. HOW the hell he’s not already due for a Gastric Bypass is beyond me but god blessed him with great genes that enable him to eat the world’s best comfort food… every day of his life. What a rough life right?

Paula Deen- Can I sit here and say I try out her godforsaken recipes? No, No I cannot. But what I can say is that she’s completely comfortable with herself and proud of her artery clogging/ truly Southern recipes and dishes. If any of you have been longtime readers of my blog you know I made a post one time about “Paula Deen Trying to Kill Us” – better known as P.D.I.T.T.K.U — anyway, I think if she were to cut her butter requirements in 75th’s? I’d be willing to try some of her recipes… Love her cooky self regardless.

The Neely’s- WHAT AN ADORABLE COUPLE – I envy their loving relationship more than the “homecook” food they produce on the show. The reason they’re on my list is because they’re newbies but are so adorable and have great chemistry together on the air that can’t be “directed”.

Ina Garten- Is it bad to say I have a HUGE girl crush on Ina? I grew up spending my summers in the Hamptons — aka I grew up with Barefoot Contessa within walking distance. She is an inspiration and should be given tenure on the Food Network as of…. right this instant.

Food Network Stars That Need To Be Exiled

Rachel Ray- I KNOW I am not alone on this one… everything about her drives me nuts still, after all of the years I’ve been a Food Network fan. She talks too much, uses slang that no one thinks is “cutesy” and wears jeans and snug sweaters FAR too “snug” for her physique. It’s time you and the hubby relocate to France, buy some berets, and order some croissants and be done with us Americans.

Emeril Lagasse- GAG ME WITH ONE OF HIS SPOONS PLEASE. Emeril, you’re not quirky, nor are you really interactive with the audience that is told when to clap on command to your “BAM!” usage. It was funny I’m sure when it began in like….. 97′ but now it’s overdone and just because you sprinkle Paprika on Fish does NOT automatically mean I will be excited to try your recipes.

Sandra Lee- I don’t get her…. I just don’t get her. She takes bowls of Cool Whip, plops the contents in bowl, and “decorates” the sides of the bowl with Nilla Wafers and I’m expected to swoon over her recipes? I don’t think so. I understand that everything is “Semi Home Made” but it just doesn’t do it for me…. I think either you’re going to spend the 30 minutes in the kitchen making an easy home made pasta, or you’re going to buy a pre-made cake. Don’t waste 30 minutes of your time making something that looks like a child in Kindergarden made it during recess.

Post 390 Review

There are a few places in Boston that I’ve come to love and go back to year after year. While sometimes they disappoint and other times they wow me, I still go back — regardless. Some of my favorite restaurants in Boston are as follows: Hammersley Bistro, Davio’s, Avila, Mistral, Grill 23 & Bar, and Sunset Cantina/Brown Sugar (Boston University hangouts/guilty pleasures).

While I rarely branch out to unknown territory, I had to try Post 390 — after all of the odd ads found in Boston Mag/ Improper Bostonian as well as the buzz my friends/ co workers have made about the new restaurant. After a lovely yet warm/sleepy version of The Nutcracker with my mom on Thursday night, we made our way to Post for a late 10pm dinner at Post.

I didn’t think I’d ever be in agreement with the Boston Globe Food Reviews, but I have to admit, they’re quite spot on with their Post review.

Post’s perks: Location, vibrant bar scene, great late night spot, solid Roasted Lemon Chicken and Shrimp Linguine entrees

Post’s downfalls: Extremely rushed service, lackluster if that appetizers (i.e. steer clear of the Caesar Salads and French Onion Soup), buzzing environment that distracts from any chance of a “relaxing/enjoyable” meal

Overall, I’d suggest you go to Post if:

1) You’re on a first date … and not interested in hearing what your date has to say

2) You want a “quick bite” either before or after a night out — and not looking for a quiet ambiance

3) You’re 25-30, female, and looking for a young professional hookup

Post 390

406 Stuart St.(Clarendon St.)

Boston, MA 02116

(617) 399-0015

www.post390restaurant.com

Ode To The Whoopie Pie

A year back, I was in a local grocery store at home and came upon these two large “Nilla wafer” like cookies with vanilla frosting wedged in between. My inner fat kid came out, and I had to purchase one… within two minutes the cake was gone. I wanted to know more about these delicious treats. I soon came to find out these were known as“Whoopie Pie’s” – it was only a matter of months before these pies, which were big back in the Retro Days, made a big time comeback in 2009.

New York Times picked up on the trend and wrote a NYT Food & Wine article on the reinvented dessert treat entitled, “Whoopie! Cookie, Pie, or Cake, It’s Having Its Moment”. They mention the cakes root’s within the context of the story then go on to discuss the modern day bakery shops throughout the US that have taken hold of the trend and found ways to re-invent the once outdated dessert. “Labadie’s Bakery, in Lewiston, Me., which sells whoopie pies as big as 16 inches across, claims to have sold them since 1925.” They also mention the very popular Magnolia Bakery’s best selling Maple-Cream Icing Sandwiched between Brown Sugar cakes.

Within the past few months, bloggers across the country have taken the notion of the traditional “chocolate cake/vanilla icing” Whoopie Pie’s and radically altered the dessert. From Pumpkin Spiced Pies to Peanut Butter, the variations seem to be never ending. These desserts, which usually run from anywhere between $3-6 depending on the bakery/ recipe’s ingredients are sure fire bets for holiday time favorites.

Gourmet’s 2003 (they were clearly ahead of the time) traditional Whoopie Pie Recipe:

For cakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup well-shaken buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg

For filling

• 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/4 cups confectioners sugar
• 2 cups marshmallow cream such as Marshmallow Fluff
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Make cakes:
Preheat oven to 350°F.

Whisk together flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl until combined. Stir together buttermilk and vanilla in a small bowl.

Beat together butter and brown sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer at medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes in a standing mixer or 5 minutes with a handheld, then add egg, beating until combined well. Reduce speed to low and alternately mix in flour mixture and buttermilk in batches, beginning and ending with flour, scraping down side of bowl occasionally, and mixing until smooth.

Spoon 1/4-cup mounds of batter about 2 inches apart onto 2 buttered large baking sheets. Bake in upper and lower thirds of oven, switching position of sheets halfway through baking, until tops are puffed and cakes spring back when touched, 11 to 13 minutes. Transfer with a metal spatula to a rack to cool completely.

Make filling:
Beat together butter, confectioners sugar, marshmallow, and vanilla in a bowl with electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 3 minutes.

Assemble pies:
Spread a rounded tablespoon filling on flat sides of half of cakes and top with remaining cakes.

Celebrity Sports Couples- Hits and Misses

So the Tiger Woods Scandal prompted me to think more about the various celebrity sports players and their significant others. I will tackle the Tiger relationship first and then weave of celebrity sports couples that have been hits as well as those that have clearly been misses.

Exhibit A- Here’s the thing with this relationship. She’s DROP DEAD, and he looks somewhat deranged. No offense to anyone who finds him aesthetically pleasing. I do not. While he is a MULTI millionaire golf prodigy, I don’t think he had any right cheating on his wife — let alone with multiple women.

Exhibit B- Derek Jeter and Minka Kelly- Well, I hate John Mayer immensely, therefore, I had to hate Minka when they dated. Now that she’s moved on and I like her character on Friday Night Lights, I give this relationship two thumbs up.

Exhibit C- Jessica Simpson and Tony Romo- I really don’t even know where to BEGIN with this situation.  Dear Jess, he NEVER liked you… He thought you’d be a cute blonde to have as arm candy for a hot minute. That’s about it. In every photo, he was staring at ANY THING else in the vicinity, except for you. In addition, you became known as his “Bad Luck Charm”. Why are you so suprised it ended? I’m not.

Exhibit D- A Rod and Kate Hudson- Kate has the ODDEST choice in men, I cannot figure her out. She goes from liking men with longer hair than hers, to non funny comedians such as Dax whatever his last name is, to A ROD? Once a cheater, always a cheater in my mind. But in all honesty — maybe she just needs some brown sugar lovin?

Exhibit E- Hillary Duff and Mike Comrie- Hm… do I like him more than Joel Madden? Yes, Yes I do. I like Hillary better sans the “faux punk rock Disney look” she tried to pull for a few years. I don’t know if this one’s a brain trust, seeing as that the hockey men I know aren’t but hey, I’m sure he treats her well. He got her a Mercedes last year for her birthday – I’d like one too Mike, Ok? Great thanks.

Beauty Products I Swear By

I’m a tomboy at heart, however, I do have products I have used for YEARS and swear by. While I require a whopping 20 minutes (including a shower) to get ready at night, these products are ALWAYS staples in my bathroom. Thought I’d share.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE DEFRIZZ SERUM

I use this on my hair before I blow dry and after I towel dry it. It helps to smooth my hair while I’m drying it as opposed to having a huge frizzy mane after I “attempt” to do my hair. B&B products are amazing — their “Rich” Shampoo and Conditioner are great picks too.

AVEENO ULTRA- CALMING DAILY MOISTURIZER

I have INCREDIBLY sensitive skin so I need the most BASIC, least fragrant daily moisturizer for my face to keep it from not becoming irritated. I’ve used Aveeno for years and have NO complaints — fore warning, it is a bit pricey. At $17 dollars a bottle, I suggest you trying someone else’s before hand if you’re not sure whether or not you’d like to purchase one for yourself.

ROSE BUD SALVE BALM

I use this on my hands, and on my lips — it has multi functions which is what I love about it. The perfume aspect is GREAT — wonderful non invasive scent. It also is a wonderful lip balm to throw in your bag. At $6 you can’t really go wrong.

AUSSIE’S 3 MINUTE MIRACLE HAIR TREATMENT

OMG I have to gush about Aussie– trust me I’ve used every high end hair product under the sun but Aussie shows every brand up, with each and every product I try. It is UNREAL how effective and INEXPENSIVE their products are. I can’t get over it. GO BUY THIS NOW for creamy hair.

CHANEL NAIL POLISH

It’s SO worth the price for a nice bottle of nail polish — while there are some great inexpensive options such as Sally Hansen’s Quick Dry Nail Polish, I suggest you splurge and get a nice bottle.

FREDRIC FEKKAI SHEA BUTTER HAIR MASK

I’ve been a client of Fekkai since I was old enough to get my hair cut and this product has been a staple of Fredric’s since he opened his hair salons. Get it now. Sephora offers a lot of great Fekkai products.

Smitten Kitchen Recipes I MUST Try

I love Smitten Kitchen Food Blog.. it must be in my top 10, without a doubt. Here are a few photos and titles of recipes I will be trying within the next month I am home and scratching my head with what to do with myself…. NO more papers or exams, at home, AKA I will be baking and cooking immensely. GET READY TO SALIVATE…

BRAISED BALSAMIC BRUSSEL SPROUTS WITH PANCETTA

Thank you for combining two of my ABSOLUTE favorites… Balsamic Reduction and Brussel Sprouts — I’m sure these are so highly addictive. My mentality with sprouts are as such… they’re a VERY healthy veggie, regardless of the amount of butter you may or may not lather on top!

HAMANTASCHENS

We used to make these Passover Treats at my day school, except mine looked NOTHING like these, nor did they taste as good I’m sure. I love the fruit filling in the center and the never ending options for the fruit filling.

SUMMER PEA AND ROASTED RED PEPPER PASTA SALAD

I am such a sucker for pasta salads — I love heating them up with a quick chicken dish, or even having it cold with some Feta sprinkled on top… This one specifically caught my eye for its incorporation of peas and orchiette pasta, YUM.

ASPARAGUS, ARTICHOKE, AND SHIITAKE RISOTTO

Risotto + Artichokes + Mushrooms + Asparagus = WHY are you asking any questions? GO MAKE THIS RIGHT NOW. You literally cannot NOT like this dish. I guarantee it.

THE BEST BIRTHDAY CAKE

My family isn’t big on getting or making me birthday cakes, but I assure you — If I wanted one, they’d buy or make me one… depending on my own preferences. While I HATE chocolate itself, and prefer white ‘fake’ chocolate, I would love a crisp and clean yellow cake with chocolate icing and mutli colored “sprinkles”.

CREAM CHEESE POUND CAKE AND STRAWBERRY COULIS

Whenever I go out for dinners, my typical after dinner order is as follows: a nonfat cappuccino and any dessert that incorporates cake and strawberries and whipped cream. While this dish is lacking the whipped cream, the cream cheese incorporated into the pound cake is a good runner up.

Glee, Oh How I Love Thee

In my Communication Theory class a few weeks ago, my professor asked us to watch a few clips of the new hit show, Glee, and define the various high school stereotypes that were presented… Of course you have:

The dumb, somewhat attractive, somewhat not Jock….

The hot, knocked up cheerleader who can’t hold a tune or making one convincing line within the show…

The large and extremely talented black girl who can go head to head against Jennifer Hudson no doubt…

The troubled wheelchair boy that has such a great, raspy, dark singing voice….

The geek girl who is in reality extremely hot under her “nerd facade”….

The “bad boy” whom actually knocked up the cheerleader, as opposed to the jock (sporting a mohawk mind you) …

The gay guy with the diva attitude and the unaccepting father…

What I love most about the show is its ability to turn all of the typical stereotypes on its head. While they do have concrete roles they play within the typical high school setting, their actions and behaviors veer very far from what you’d expect. In addition, the musical aspect of the show is unbelievable… From Kanye’s Gold Digger to Sisqo’s The Thong Song, they incorporate a musical- like quality with new age/ old school music into the sitcom. I’m not used to watching a TV show then hearing the characters begin belting out Cher. I LOVE every minute of it.

My favorite character is Lea Michele, who plays Rachel Berry, the talented yet very geeky girl in the Glee Club. There’s something about her character that’s so genuine it’s almost alarming. She has the best set of vocals in the bunch, and in my mind is the most attractive. She shows her insecurities throughout the show as well as her confidence in her singing abilities. I hope she wins an Emmy for her role.

I also love Matthew Morrison, who plays Mr. Schuster on the show. He’s sexy in a geeky, teacher-like way and can’t belt out a tune like the rest of them. While I think his temptations veer him off course at times, he loves his wife and his Glee Club more than anything else.

 

Rihanna – My Ultimate Girl Crush

I rarely day dream about women – most of the time they upset me. When it comes to Rihanna, however, I think about her and her style on a daily basis. Not to mention the fact that her new CD is UNBELIEVABLE.  Through her trials and tribulations, Rihanna has overcome and risen above if anything. From her top chart songs including “Russian Rihoulette” to “Hard”, she is knocking it on vocally and dressing edgier than ever before — I can’t wait to see what else she pulls out from her bag of tricks.

Her tattoos amaze me… I secretly want 10, but, I am a pansy. So instead I will day dream about Rihanna’s instead. I absolutely love the stars they are so artsy and supernatural. I love them. The only one I’m not quite a fan of is her gun on her side? But hey, I can’t relate to her state of mind at the time she got it inked onto her, so I won’t judge.
Her whole “I’m Michael Jackson, but hotter and less creepy look” works… very well. I dig the whole ensemble she’s been continually showing on the red carpets and out to dinners lately — while the gloves aren’t my favorite, she can so rock the men’s MJ (if you will) blazers.

Style Trends I’m Drooling Over…

Before I began this blog, I was a huge fashionista…. I took and created my OWN “upper level” Fashion Illustration and Design courses in my high school, won Best Dressed Superlative, and even went to University of Delaware originally for PR in Fashion. My have things changed…. I will say, however, I do sometimes get swept back into my love for fashion and all things trendy. While my daily attire doesn’t branch far off from yoga pants, my old school nikes, and a wrap of some sort, I do TRY sometimes, and when I do? I look darn good. I thought it’d be fun to do a little fashion round up, pointing out some of my favorite trends…

ALL THINGS GLITTER- The only department I’m a sucker for Holiday Season is with my adoration for the Starbucks cups, New York Window Decorations, and all things GLITTER (in both clothing and makeup). MAC makes this orgasmic Gold Eyeliner, I MUST HAVE IT NOWWWW…. I ran into Eva Mendes pictures from the AFI Awards recently. If I could text her right now I would and ask her where she got the dress, I need it immediately.

PERFUME RINGS- I am such a sucker for perfume in general, I also tend to over use it — I wake up, spray some, then throughout the day, squirt some here and there… hence why I am currently staring at THREE EMPTY MARC JACOBS PERFUME BOTTLES, sigh… tear. Anyway, I love rings and love the accessibility of these perfume rings. They’re adorable looking and secretly carry your perfume? I’m such a fan.

TIE DIE JEANS- I think I love and hate this style trend, I get it — you can afford $500 tie died jeans, and it is reminiscent of your younger years but is it necessary that all celebs carry themselves like MK Olsen?!? I like the concept, light washed tie died jeans are hot, but at the same time I’m hating the “I’m not a fashion follower when in reality I really am” look.

METALLIC EYE SHADOWS- This look probably makes a world of difference for people with smaller eyes. My eyelashes, however, are about a foot in length so I would try this look solely because it’s warm and inviting. I think these bronze eye lids could really transform a dull black cocktail dress outfit to a show stopper.

BOXY JACKETS WITH MISMATCHED TEES- I love boxy jackets because they can be dressed up or down — I think it would be so hot to pair one of these jackets with ripped up jeans and boots. It could also look great dressed up maybe with Harem Pants? The possibilities are endless, as are the mismatched tees you could pair under neath them.

My NYC Weekend Getaway….

I don’t think of myself as a square, but I’m beginning to think I am…. The hotel I stayed at for the weekend, Ace Hotel, located on West 29th & Broadway was most definitely an eye opener. Once I got settled in, however, and had a few Vodka Soda’s with my friend Tracey the place grew on me. By this morning when I checked out I was somewhat sad… I will miss waking up to people still up partying and blasting techno jams at 9 am. Think faux prescription glasses, “man purses”, esoteric drink menus, and a whole lot of swank.

Okay, I am really bad with directions and got lost trying to find this Meat Packing Hot Spot, but luckily I eventually found it. I am in love with that area of the city — I was never too familiar with it, nor did I ever really venture there until now. From now on I will be… It’s “hoppin” as my mother likes to say. Dinner at One Little West 12th was enjoyable — atmosphere was great, seats were perhaps a bit too close for comfort but the dishes were all solid — I had the Roasted Pear and Beet Salad with a light Vinaigrette and Goat Cheese for an appetizer, and had the Pan Roasted Chicken with a Sweet Potato Puree and Fig Compote with a Cider Reduction. I’m not a fan of figs, but besides that I really enjoyed the dish.

My other dinner was at Inoteca Liquori, a bustling Italian restaurant located on 3rd and 24th. I was NOT  a fan of the atmosphere, but the food was pretty good. I wouldn’t say the restaurant was a STAND OUT, but it would be a nice booked meal for a fun, lively, Italian dinner in the city. The one perk to the restaurant? For an appetizer, dinner, two glasses of vino, and a cappuccino it was 31 DOLLARS. Where can you honestly find deals like that nowadays?

The last stop on my little excursion was at The Other Room, courtesy recommendation of my new NYU friend Oliver. The Other Room, located in the West Village on Perry Street, was so warm and inviting I couldn’t even believe it. It sucks you in from the outside, really. The bar featured a series of esoteric beers and wines to choose from, comfy booths and tables, and an overall chic and ultra relaxing environment.

What a great weekend…. Until next time