When little bites of heaven come in so many choices.

So you are still trying to slim down from the holidays but there you are, faced with those lovely little tiny treats just waiting, calling you to begin the dessert phase of dinner.  What do you do?  Well I started with the desserts from the top tray and saved the fruit for some other day and then finished with the bottom tray.  The little cups on the end were blueberry cheesecake, chocolate pudding and the yellow ones were mango.  Yes there is heaven on earth if you know where to find it.  Happy eating for it puts a smile on your face.

I know this is a food blog but I can't resist

This is my favorite old side building.  It is on Long Island heading out of Riverhead towards the Hamptons, yes those famous Hamptons.http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2173 .  Long Island was once famous for many things but especially it's Long Island Duck.  Sadly the run off of the duckie dew affected the water table and so went the duck farms and here came the east end wineries.  If you are out on Long Island go see the duck and then go to the Modern Snack bar for a taste of the Long Island Roast duck as mentioned in an earlier post.  Quack.

There is nothing like a chicken fried steak and box fries

The first time I had one was in Houston Texas and the last time was in Price, Utah.  I don't know how healthy they are but once in a while they make lunch fun.  What was unique about this meal was the way the fries were created.  Box fries that were like a bird's nest.  I am glad I took this picture, so I can relive yet another happy lunch.

Lobster the way you like it over two pounds.

In times of winter we think forward to what will be on our plates in the new year.  This is one of the favorites, the two pound lobster.  If one needs a reason to visit the east coast, lobster is one of them.  You can get them shipped but I prefer them fresh. 

GRILLED 12 OUNCE BEEMAN RED WAGYU NEW YORK porcini scented potato gratin, red onion soubise, pinot noir gastrique

This was supposed to be America's answer to Kobe beef, a GRILLED 12 OUNCE BEEMAN RED WAGYU NEW YORK porcini scented potato gratin, red onion soubise, pinot noir gastrique.  Just like cars in the 90's stick with the Japanese model.  At $55 it fell short.  It was good but not Kobe beef good.
The Baby Heirloom Beet Salad organic upland cress,  12 month-aged mimolette cheese, crisp garlic chips was amazing as you can see from the photo.  Out of respect for the restaurant I prefer not to say.  If anyone wants the name of the restaurant, please contact me directly. 

San Francisco Farmer's Market at the ferry building.

We have all heard about them, but here is one of the best in San Francisco at the Ferry Building, the organic farmer's market. //www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/farmers_market.php  They are open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.  When you are done with the outside market be sure to enjoy the inside treats like the cheese shop inside.

If you are ever out east on Long Island on the North Fork a must stop for Long Island Duck is the http://modernsnackbar.com/  If you have room, their pies are truly worth the calories....you can take them home as well.  Peking Duck watch out for here is one true duckie delight.

If you are ever in Philadelphia a must is the http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/  Reading Terminal Market, top photo.  A must stop to say you did it is Geno and Pat's Cheese Steaks.  You go there more for the hype then the flavor.  Better yet is the Whoopie pies which are showing up all over the east coast.

Yanan Bridge Brand Yang Jiang Preserved Beans great for rice or stir fry or more.

Need to add a new flavor to your stir fry or rice?  Here is a sure fire way to do so.  This adds some wonderful seasoning from the world of Chinese cooking in package of ginger with fermented black beans.  If you grill fish as well, add some cilantro with the preserved beans and ginger and enjoy.  A flavor for all ages and tastes.

Petit Fours the joy of dessert.

When you were young and your parents told you Santa Claus was them and you would have to pay your way through college there was one thing which made you happy again.  This was the famous Petit fours.  Not as much in fashion as they once were, but they are still available.  This is one location I use for many occasions. http://www.1-800-bakery.com/newsdesk/Petit_Fours_Delivery_Online.html
Bon Apetit.  If I come across other suppliers during all the food shows I attend, I will let everyone know.

Here is something everyone should have in their kitchen.  Good with salads when mixed with a fine olive oil and full of many health benefits.  I use it most of the time unless I need to reach for my rice vinegar but this is a story for another day.  You can pick up Bragg's at your local Trader Joe's or online.
Apple Cider Vinegar has been known to:

• Reduce sinus infections and sore throats
• Balance high cholesterol
• Cure skin conditions such as acne
• Protect against food poisoning
• Fight allergies in both humans and animals
• Prevent muscle fatigue after exercise
• Strengthen the immune system
• Increase stamina
• Increase metabolism which promotes weight loss
• Improve digestion and cure constipation
• Alleviate symptoms of arthritis and gout
• Prevents bladder stones and urinary tract infections

Seaweed the new discovery of 2011 and a tasty healthy treat.

 
Seaweed is not for sushi only.  Kelp is the best natural source of trace minerals. It is also a good source of protein and a rich source of iodine and iron, iodine is important for the proper functioning of thyroid and iron is important for blood cell function.

Nutritive Value of Seaweeds : Per 100 gm.

• Vitamin A : 2 I.U.
• Niacin : 5.7 mg.
• Calcium : 1,093 mg.
• Iron : 100 mg.
• Phosphorus : 240 gm.
• Fat : 1.1 gm.
• Carbohydrates : 40.2 gm.
• Protein : 7.5 gm

Ocean minerals, such as iodine, selenium, etc., strengthen the immune system.
Health Benefits of Seaweeds :

• Kelps correct mineral deficiencies.
• A good protective food, valuable in overcoming poor digestion, preventing and overcoming goiter (because it is the richest source of iodine), and rebuilding and maintaining the proper function of all glands.
• Reported to aid in brain development.
• Offsets deficiencies of an inferior diet.
• Kelp helps prevent osteoporosis.
• Beneficial for those suffering from impotence, anemia and emaciation.
• Helps to detoxify the body.
• Helps to increase metabolism.
• May help in controlling obesity because it dissolves fatty wastes through the skin.
• Seaweed bath helps maintain hormone balance for a more youthful body.

I enjoy it in single packets like the one above, which you can get in any Chinatown store or on line.  Be careful since it is addictive.

The new oil for 2011

Want to give your pop corn a new taste for the new year in a healthy way.  Coconut oil is the way.  Nutiva is my favorite source for the oil.  You can get it here or at www.amazon.com.
Here is some information from their web site on the health value of coconut oil.
One of the "good fats", which makes up about 50% of coconut oil, is lauric acid. Lauric acid is a rare medium-chain fatty acid found in mother's milk. It is now being shown to have anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-bacterial, health-protecting properties. Some researchers predict that lauric acid will one day become as well known in health circles as Omega-3 is today.
Enjoy the joy of coconut oil.  check out nutiva's web site  http://nutiva.com/

My favorite holiday food the Yule Log. Try it in the new year.

This has to be my favorite holiday treat.  If you need something to do for the new year, try this treat.

To decorate the Yule Log, you can make mushrooms and leaves using marzipan.

This recipe is a mix of 2 different recipes from Emeril (BAM!) and Nick Malgieri (an awesome cake guy).

Bûche de Noël or Yule Log

Sponge Cake:

1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)

2 tablespoons butter plus 1 tablespoon for the pan

8 eggs

2 cups plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the milk and 2 tablespoons of butter together until scolded (not boiled).
3. Using a mixer fitted with a wire whip, combine the eggs and 2 cups of sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 8 minutes or until the mixture is thick and pale yellow. It will triple in volume.
4. With the machine running, add the heated milk slowly.
5. In another bowl, sift the flour, baking powder and salt together.
6. Fold the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Mix thoroughly being careful not to deflate the batter, until the mixture has no lumps and is smooth. Fold in vanilla.
7. Grease a 1/2 sheet pan (13 x 18 - inches) with the 1 tablespoon of butter. Line with parchment paper and lightly grease that.
8. Sprinkle the parchment paper with the 1 tablespoon of sugar.
9. Pour cake batter evenly into the pan and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are golden and cake springs back when touched.
10. Cool for 2 minutes.
11. Using a thin knife, loosen the edges and flip the cake onto a piece of parchment paper. Replace the parchment in the pan with a new piece and flip the cake back into the pan. When cool, remove the paper.