The Next Food Network Star

July 28, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

My wife and I got hooked on this dog gone show. We tivo’d and watched each of the last 7 or 8 episodes. Who would of thunk that a cooking related competition like this would be so damn interesting to watch?

At any rate, we watched the finale last night with popcorn in hand. (Fortunately we didn’t catch the news of who won beforehand caused by some screw up at the network that caused the winner to be leaked via their Website ahead of the show.) After watching each contestant bomb under pressure and the limelight and then viewing the final edited clips produced we were as torn as the judges surely were between the three finalists. It was a toss-up for us.

Although we like all three of the contestants and truly appreciate their dedication to food and their profession, we found all them a bit lacking as TV personalities coupled with the lack of an interesting theme for a show that would draw us to watch from time to time. Having said that we are very glad Aaron won the contest. We think his background can be parlayed into an interesting show if they get him out of the kitchen and interacting with peeps. Perhaps a show in Camden NJ and other rough patches of urban America where he can help inspire some folks to get into cooking some bold food!?

Some media snobs are choking on their brie covered triscuits because a hospital chef was chosen as the winner of this culinary competition…. We say Aaron is not a “hospital chef”! Aaron is a man that chose to become a professional chef earlier in his life. His path in life led him to become a hospital chef. Little doubt Aaron was doing what he had to do to feed his family and survive, all the while sticking to his dream!

Aaron proved once again that big bold dreams can come true.

Congratulations Aaron! Good luck with The Food Network! We’ll watch!!!

Here’s a short Food Network video (3:42) recapping the finale:

______________________________________________

Next Food Network Star Finale Recap

YouTube Preview Image

Jamie Oliver Close Up

February 9, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

This visit with Jamie Oliver by New Zealand TV gives us a glimpse into what makes this special chef unique. His garden is to die for and has provided inspiration for me to give my own garden a try once again. He offers some important advice on how to put together a great salad as he effortlessly pulls together what is certainly a delicious and unique salad.

YouTube Preview Image

Even more special then his food is his heart. In 2002, he combined his two ambitions: to open a top class restaurant and to give disadvantaged youngsters a chance to gain professional culinary training. Five years later, Fifteen is still achieving both, improving and expanding all the time.

Above: One of the fifteen success stories.

Jamie Oliver doing what he loves.

Jamie Oliver’s Wild Rocket and Chili Spaghetti

February 9, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

This is not your mom’s spaghetti! Although I don’t like anchovies (understatement of the day!) the fact that he adds some in this bold recipe doesn’t scare me one bit. Looks absolutely delicious and costs practically nothing to make. Give it a try and let us know how it goes.

YouTube Preview Image

Hot Chili Peppers

February 2, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

Nina Simonds, owner of Spices of Life, teaches us most of what we need to know about chili peppers in a minute and a half. So next time your mouth is on fire you’ll at least be able to explain what caused the pain to those people laughing at you.

YouTube Preview Image

New Onion Won’t Make You Cry

February 2, 2008 by · Leave a Comment 

Apparently scientists in New Zealand and Japan have been trying for some time to develop an onion that won’t make you cry when you slice it. On Friday (02-01-08) the lead scientist announced that they have finally succeeded. Using biotechnology they have figured out how to switch off the gene behind the enzyme that makes us cry.

Don’t throw those tissues out just yet however, because the discovery could take some time before it actually leads to changes in the onions you get from your local onion growers. Your excuse for crying in the kitchen is safe for a short while longer at least and perhaps longer if you buy the good old fashioned onions we all cry over.

Click here for the full article on tear-free onions.

Learn to Read German Wine Labels

December 8, 2007 by · Leave a Comment 

As in Burgundy, Germany’s vineyards were identified by Cistercian monks. The results: precisely defined vineyards and layers of classifications. Alison Napjus, Tasting Coordinator for Wine Spectator, offers some instruction to help you decode the labels and enjoy the noteworthy wines of Germany. (Tasting Coordinator!? I want that job!) (3:51)

Takoyaki

December 8, 2007 by · Leave a Comment 

Executive Chef Paul Rinehart shows us how to make takoyaki (aka octopus balls) for something besides a burger next time you have some friends over for a ball game. (2:16)


[/metacafe]

Lamb Sliders

December 8, 2007 by · Leave a Comment 

Better Beer Food shows us how to make lamb sliders. The video is less than 2 minutes and contains no talking. Grab yourself a good beer and give it a watch.



How To Make Lamb Sliders That Go With Your Beer – video powered by Metacafe

Everyday Gourmet – Mediterranean Pasta

December 6, 2007 by · Leave a Comment 

Chef Stuart, from Mobile Alabama, whips up a healthy Mediterranean pasta dish in this video (9:47). This recipe looks like a perfect dish for either a large family or for those who like to cook for 6 and have leftovers for days… : ).

Chef Stuart’s ‘Everyday Gourmet’ internet TV show is becoming the Sophisticated Soul show. We’ll keep you posted on it’s launch. Enjoy the video!

YouTube Preview Image

Choosing the Right Champagne for the Occasion

December 5, 2007 by · Leave a Comment 

For most people champagne is a special treat offered to signify a special event like marriage, retirement, a New Year or some other significant life event. So choosing a champagne is worth learning a little about. There are some excellent online resources to get you started in the right direction:

Champagne Reviews by Libation Unlimited offers reviews of true champagne produced in Champagne France.

Wine Spectator offers an online community of wine lovers were you can learn about wines, including sparkling wines. Join the over 11,000 other members and your bound to find some helpful answers to your questions.

Epicurious has a helpful section of articles on pulling off a great holiday party in their entertaining section.

No Merlot offers a robust sparkling wine review category worth visiting even though some of the reviews are as aged as fine wine.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect bottle of champagne for your special occasion be sure to watch the video on ‘How to open a bottle of champagne‘ in our video section.