Cooking Single in the City

Holy Crepe...Crepes ARE For Kids!

2010-06-22T11:40:00.000-07:00

This week got off to the perfect start by watching last week's episode of Next Food Network Star, only to be followed by this week's (gotta love TiVo)! However this time, the experience was a tad bit different--unlike my night on the town at the NFNS Los Angeles Viewing Party with the actual contestants at South in Santa Monica, I was at The Bates watching "Sweet to Savory Carnival" with my girlfriend and her kids. They were an easy sell--all it took was the first few minutes of the second episode and they were hooked. So off we were to a great beginning...kids-n-all! Giada had already proven herself kid-worthy to watch with Gracie, who is not-yet six years old. With Joshua, 10, jumping in feet first into our food network telie feast, he decided that not only does he love to eat food, but that it looked easy enough to make, asking us if we could make crepes the next day. "Can we make crepes tomorrow?" is the question that continued on and on for the next few hours.

Although Aunt Cyndi was left to watch all four + one family friend the following morning, Missy gave Josh "thumbs up" if I felt okay with it. That being said...Joshua braved his first cooking attempt in the kitchen making crepes a la Giada (minus the raspberry-filling), leaving us all a little sweeter in the mouth! With his fave chefs being Flay, Giada and Guy, we're pretty much on the same page when it comes to sharing the tube...not too shabby for summer-fun-n-food...I have a feeling we're gonna be doing a lot of clean-ups in the kitchen!

Josh in Action:

Josh's tasting the goods:

Raspberry Filled Crepes (Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis)
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:20 min
Level: Easy
Serves: 12 crepes
Ingredients: Crepes: •4 eggs •1 cup whole milk •1/2 cup all-purpose flour •1 tablespoon sugar •1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt •3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 12 cubes •1 cup raspberry jam •1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Whipped cream: •1/2 cup heavy whipping cream •1 1/2 teaspoons powdered sugar •1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

For the crepes: Preheat the oven to 150 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a blender, add the eggs, milk, flour, sugar, and salt. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth batter. Preheat a 10-inch nonstick crepe pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 cube of butter to the pan. When the butter has melted, add 1/4 cup of batter and quickly tilt the pan to form an even coating of batter on the bottom of the pan. Cook for 1 minute until set and slightly browned. Using a heat-resistant spatula, carefully loosen the sides and gently flip the crepe over. Cook for 1 minute. Repeat with the remaining butter and batter. In a small bowl, mix together the jam and vanilla extract. Using a 1-teaspoon measuring spoon, spoon 2 teaspoons of the jam mixture into the center of each crepe. Using the back of the spoon, spread the jam evenly over the crepes leaving a 1/2-inch border. Starting at the nearest edge, roll the crepes into tube shapes. Arrange the crepes on the prepared baking sheet and place in a warm oven, for up to 20 minutes, until ready to serve.

For the whipped cream: In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Continue to beat until the cream holds stiff peaks. Transfer the crepes to a serving platter and sprinkle with vanilla sugar. Serve with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Vanilla Sugar: •2 cups sugar •1 vanilla bean Add the sugar to the bowl of a food processor. Using a paring knife, slice the vanilla bean in half, lengthwise, and scrape out the seeds. Add the vanilla seeds to the sugar. Pulse 10 to 15 times until the vanilla and sugar are combined. Cut the empty vanilla pod into 1-inch pieces and add to a glass mason jar. Add the vanilla sugar to the jar and seal. Shake the jar before using. Yield: 2 cups

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/raspberry-filled-crepes-recipe/index.html

Until next time,

Bon Appetit!

Cyndi, 41
Anaheim Hills, CA

Cooking Under theTuscan Sun...

2010-06-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

...was a LOT of fun! Singles drizzled in from a long week's work, only to find themselves with the likes of others, who, like them, were ready to take on the challenge of home-made pasta, along with some staple Italian dishes, of course. The verdict? Delicioso!

Please note: I only including the recipes for Panna Cotta, Sicilian Meatballs and our 15-Minute Tomato Sauce (simply amazing); however, ify ou'd like to give our Caprese Salad or homemade pasta-making a shot, email me at cookingsingleinthecity@gmail.com for the recipe--we're more than glad to oblige.

Recipes - Cooking Under the Tuscan Sun

Sicilian Meatballs (Courtesy of Bon Appetit)
Ingredients: 2/3 cup breadcrumbs 3 tablespoons milk 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1 large egg 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 pound sweet Italian sausages, casings removed 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted 2 tablespoons dried currants or cranberries Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly oil baking sheet. Mix crumbs and milk in medium bowl; let stand 5 minutes. Mix in Parmesan, onion, basil, egg, garlic and pepper. Add sausage, pine nuts and currants; blend well. Using wet hands, form mixture into 1 1/4-inch balls. Place on baking sheet. Bake until meatballs are light brown and cooked through, about 30 minutes. Add to sauce. Serves 3-4.

15 Minute Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
2 tbsp olive oil
2 minced garlic cloves
1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
28 oz can crushed tomatoes
salt to taste
fresh herbs (basil, oregano, or coriander)

Directions:
In a large heavy saucepan, add the olive oil, garlic, pepper and onion.
Cook over moderate low heat for 5 minutes, or until fragrant.

Add a 28 oz can crushed tomatoes. Simmer and stir for 10 minutes.

Season with salt and your favorite chopped fresh herb. (basil, fresh oregano, or fresh coriander.) Fresh Herbs make a big difference in quality and flavor.

Note: You can make a large batch and freeze sauce in portion sizes in plastic bags. If you freeze the sauce right after you make it, you will capture the flavor.

Panna Cotta (Courtesy of Gourmet)

Panna cotta, a molded chilled dessert popular throughout Italy, is easy to make and can be prepared in advance. It looks and tastes wonderful with ripe red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries, or sweet cherries.

Ingredients:
1/2 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 1/2 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon cold water
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup half and half
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:
In a very small saucepan sprinkle gelatin over water and let stand about 1 minute to soften. Heat gelatin mixture over low heat until gelatin is dissolved and remove pan from heat.
In a large saucepan bring cream, half and half, and sugar just to a boil over moderately high heat, stirring. Remove pan from heat and stir in gelatin mixture and vanilla. Divide cream mixture among four 1/2-cup ramekins and cool to room temperature. Chill ramekins, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight.
Dip ramekins, 1 at a time, into a bowl of hot water 3 seconds. Run a thin knife around edge of each ramekin and invert ramekin onto center of a small plate.
Yield: Serves 4

There Are So So Sooooo....

2010-05-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

.....many singles out there! Tall, skinny, short, stout, lean, blonde, bald, brunette, tan, white, olive, young, old and the list goes on and on. It's the weirdest thing, because though we apparently don't stick out like a sore-thumb, we are huge community...not to mention a hot commodity! LoL

But we're out there...alone...trying to find our other half. Singles connections, singles events, match.com, eharmony, christian cafe...you name it, we're there...and there are THOUSANDS upon thousands!

For those of you privileged enough to not be in this category...keep your eyes opened...and keep us in mind when a fitting potential comes your way. Keep our business cards on-hand...if you don't have mine, let me know! ;-)

Just sayin'...

Until next time,

Bon Appetit!

Cyndi, 40 & SINGLE

Umm...Where Can I Find...

2010-04-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

...some really nice cookware, cooking utensils and toys at a really great price? Funny you should ask (or did you?)--Sur La Table is having their annual cookware sale with items at 20 - 40% off!

http://www.surlatable.com/category/id/104534.dohttp://www.surlatable.com/category/id/104534.do

Don't live near one? No worries, just click away and cook until your heart is merry and bright!

I also have personal Pampered Chef consultant who allows me to throw some GREAT catalog parties just so I can pick and choose some new knives and other toys....oh what fun!

Suzie Genin, Pampered Chef Consultant -- smgenin@yahoo.com

Until next time...Bon Appetit!

Lots of Laughs in Last Night's Singles Cooking Class

2010-04-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

...okay so yes, it's been a while--and we're so very sorry! We've been working tirelessly on many projects...all surrounding this one, of course. :)

So, we had our first official cooking class last night--and oh what fun! With the aromas of onions on the grill, and whafs of seared salmon floating beneath my nostrils every few seconds, this bunch was brave--so willing to jump in and try new cooking techniques, and had the humor to match! Thank you to everyone who came. Thanks to Andrea Clever, our lovely Chef -extraordinaire and co-host, Jacob Gardner, it proved to be more than what any of us had imagined!

Singles, be sure to challenge yourself to try these recipes at home...With the exception of the flourless chocolate cake, these recipes are designed to serve no more than 2...so if you need to double for four+, go ahead and do so!

I'm celebrating the birthday of one of my best friends...think I'll surprise with our flourless cake! :-)

Bon Appetit!

Andrea & Cyndi
Cooking Single in the City, Orange County

Spring Salad with Blood Orange Vinaigrette

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced shallots
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon grated blood orange zest
1 cup freshly squeezed blood orange juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons Champagne vinegar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

spring mix
strawberries
candied pecans
Chevre (french creamy goat cheese)

Directions:

Set an 8-inch saute pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the shallots and cook, stirring often for 1 minute. Add the garlic and orange zest to the pan and continue to cook for 30 seconds. Pour the orange juice into the pan and raise the heat to high. Bring to a boil and allow the juice to reduce by 3/4, about 8 minutes. (The mixture should be thick and syrupy.)

Pour the warm orange mixture into a medium bowl, and add the mustard, honey and vinegar. Season with the salt and pepper and whisk to blend. Stir vigorously and slowly drizzle the oil into the bowl as you whisk. Set the vinaigrette aside as you prepare the salad.

Slice strawberries and set aside. In a bowl, combine spring mix, strawberries, Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spoon in 1 tablespoon of the vinaigrette and toss lightly. Add more vinaigrette if desired. Crumble goat cheese and sprinkle along with pecans on top of salad and serve.

Roasted Asparagus

Ingredients:
1/2 lb. fresh asparagus
Good olive oil
Kosher salt, plus extra for sprinkling
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Break off the tough ends of the asparagus and, if they're thick, peel them. Place the asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, then toss to coat the asparagus completely. Spread the asparagus in a single layer and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Roast the asparagus for 25 minutes, until tender but still crisp.

Rice Pilaf

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1/2 shallot, thinly sliced

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 2/3 cup basmati-style long grain rice

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Directions:

Melt the butter with the shallot in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Season with the salt and pepper and cook until the onions are soft, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and stir until coated with the butter. Increase the heat to medium-high. Let the rice cook until toasted, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes more.

Stir in the broth, bay leaf, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer over low heat, cover, and cook until all the broth has been absorbed by the rice and the rice is tender, about 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the heat and let set for 5 minutes. Discard the rosemary and bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Seared Salmon with Sauteed Red Onion Marmalade

Ingredients:

• 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• Olive Oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 tablespoon oil

• 1 red onion, cut into 1-inch dice

• 1 1/2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 1/2 tablespoons red wine

• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 tablespoon butter

• Chive flowers, as garnish

Directions:
Season the salmon with salt and pepper on both sides. Make 2 or 3 slits across the skin of the salmon. Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Just as the oil begins to smoke add the salmon, presentation-side down and cook for 4 minutes. Lower the heat and cook the salmon all the way on the same side, about 10 minutes - it will cook from the bottom up. During the last 30 seconds or so, spoon some of the oil over the top of the salmon to help cook it through.

While the salmon is cooking, make the sauce. In a stainless steel saute pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon butter and the oil. When the butter is melted, add the onions and cook until translucent but not browned, about 6 minutes, stirring constantly. Season with salt and pepper. Deglaze with the balsamic vinegar and red wine. Add the thyme and cook until the liquid is almost completely reduced, about 3 minutes. Add the cream and bring to a simmer. Cook until the cream is slightly reduced and starts to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful as the cream could boil over at this point. Once the cream is reduced, remove the thyme sprig. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining butter.

Spoon the onion marmalade onto plates. Top with the salmon and garnish with chive flowers.

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Chantilly Cream and Raspberry Coulis

Ingredients:

• 5 ounces dark chocolate, chopped

• 5 ounces butter, cubed

• 5 eggs, separated

• 3 ounces granulated sugar

• Powdered Sugar, for dusting

• 1 cup frozen raspberries

• sugar to taste

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line an 8” cake pan with parchment paper. Spray the inside of the pan and the top of the parchment paper with cooking oil spray; set aside.

Combine Chocolate and butter in a bowl. Place over a sauce pan with simmering water and gently melt them together.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and 1 1/2 ounces of sugar together until well combined.

Whisk in the chocolate mixture and set aside. In a mixer bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, whisk eggs until foamy. Drizzle in the remaining 1 1/2 ounces of sugar and whisk on medium speed until all the sugar is incorporated and the whites form soft, glossy peaks.

Gently fold the whites into the chocolate mixture.

Pour into cake pan and bake for 25-40 minutes. Remove the cake from the oven and ket cool completely on rack.

Meanwhile, blend frozen raspberries and sugar in a blender. Add sugar to taste. Strain raspberry blend through a strainer and set aside.

Whisk the cream, sugar, and vanilla in a mixer with whisk attachment until soft peaks form. The cream should hold its shape but still be satiny in appearance. It should never be grainy. Serve and enjoy.

Additional resources:

Dolce Pastries: http://www.dolcepastries.com/

Olive Oil: http://www.oleaessence.net/

Free cooking utensils: Pampered Chef consultant - Suzie Genin - smgenin@yahoo.com

Cooking Utensils: http://www.surlatable.com/

For those of you who haven't done so yet, join us on facebook or on www.cookingsingleinthecity.com.

"Potato Cheese Soup"

2010-01-14T23:27:00.000-08:00

- 6 Potatoes (peeled and sliced)
- 2 Onions (chopped)
- 6 Cloves of Garlic
- Chicken Stock (to cover potato's in pot)
- 1/2 stick of Butter
- 1/2 cup of Milk
- 1 package of Bacon (cooked & crumbled)
- 1 8 oz package of Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
- Cilantro for garnish
- Tabasco Sauce

Place potatoes and garlic in a large pot with chicken stock & boil for 15-20 minutes, until tender. Add the 1/2 cup of milk to the potatoes 5 minutes before end of cooking time.

In a separate large skillet over medium heat, saute onions in the butter for about 8-10 minutes.

Remove potato's and garlic from pot and place into food processor. Add 2 cups of broth to the potatoes & pulse until potatoes are broken down (you want them somewhat chunky). Add onions & butter to potatoes and pulse. Finally add your cheese & bacon to the processor and pulse. Serve in a large bowl and garnish w/ Cilantro !

If you like some HEAT...add a couple of dashes of Tabasco Sauce - Enjoy !

"Spicy Shrimp"

2010-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

- 2 tablespoons Dried Rosemary
- 2 teaspoons Dried Thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon Fennel Seed
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 6 cloves of Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Celery Seed
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- 2 quarts Chicken Broth Low Sodium
- 8 oz Clam Juice
- 6 oz Tomato Paste
- 1 stick of butter
- 1 cup White Wine
- 1 1/2-2 pounds Raw Shrimp peeled & deveined w/tails
- French Bread or Sourdough Bread for Dipping

Partially break up the rosemary, thyme and fennel seed with mortar and pestle or whatever you have handy. Place all ingredients, except wine and shrimp in a large pot. Simmer for about 30 minutes, then add white wine. Continue to simmer for a total cooking time of no more then 2 hours. I would suggest cooking for at least 1 1/2 hours.

Just before serving, add raw shrimp. Simmer stirring until shrimp is done, about 2-3 minutes. Cut bread into one inch slices & place into large basket or bowl for dipping.

Each bowl should contain a serving of shrimp and a lot of broth. The dish is eaten with your fingers...soak up the broth with the bread and enjoy !

"Carnita Taquitos & Spicy Guacamole" - Delisciouso !

2010-01-11T18:16:00.000-08:00

"Carnita Taquitos"

- 4 lb Pork Shoulder
- 4 cups Chicken Broth Low Sodium (hot)
- 2 tablespoons Cumin
- 2 tablespoons Garlic Powder
- 2 tablespoons Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Chile Powder
- 2 teaspoons Ground Coriander
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Lime (extract juice)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 bunch Cilantro
- Corn Tortillas

Add hot chicken broth to Crock Pot. Add spices and lime juice to crock pot and and mix well into chicken broth. Add pork shoulder to crock pot. Add cilantro to pork 1 hour prior to being completed, for extra flavor. Cover and cook on high for 6-6 1/2 hours. Remove the meat carefully from crock pot and lay out on a cookie sheet. Separate the fat (discard) from the meat and shred pork w/ a fork. Spread out on cookie sheet and pour some of the juices from crock pot over the meat. Bake in the oven at 450 degrees for about 20-25 minutes until meat is brown and crispy.

Heat Tortillas (no more then 6-8 at a time) in a damp paper towel and microwave for 35 seconds (this will make the tortillas easy to work with). Add a large tablespoon of pork filling to the tortilla then roll into a flute like shape; place into heated oil seam side down and fry until golden brown about 2-3 minutes. Place on paper towel to drain.

"Spicy Guacamole"

- 3 Avocados (halved & seeded)
- 1 Lime (juiced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
- 1/2 Onion (diced)
- 2 Roma Tomato's (seeded & diced)
- 1 Serrano Chile (seeded if you want less heat & diced)
- 2 tablespoon Cilantro (chopped)

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado and lime juice, toss to coat. Using a fork add the salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, and mash together. Add in the onions, tomatoes, serrano chile, cilantro, cover and place in refrigerator for 30 minutes until ready to serve.

Girls' Night In?

2010-01-05T23:42:00.000-08:00

So, a night at Kel's proved to be more than magnificent! I'd say one of the many perks to still being single (even at 40), is that you can just "up and at it" to your girlfriend's place for din-din with "the girls!" It's true, our Kels is no longer single. Well, she's single as in not-yet-married, but still, no longer S-I-N-G-L-E, as in...awkward first moments on your first few dates, always saying the wrong thing when he says the right, and lonely late nights talking to no-one but your dog before going to bed.

Not that I'm bitter or anything...it's just nice to be able to visit with your girls every now and then. So as far as I'm concerned, even though Kelly's got a man, she's still one of the girls! :-)

This night proved to be NO different. The girl threw down. She invited us over for laughs and catching up...but this is nothing new. In the summer, she has over her place for some pool-time and nite-time jacuzzi-relaxation. She pulls out all of the stops as she hollers, "Girls! Dinner is ready!" just when the stomach begins to growl. Dinner at Kelly's can be anything from bbq'd chicken and hot-dogs (for our single gal-pals with kids)...but tonight was a far cry from my little friends of Hebrew National. She did not hold back any flavor, preparing for us artichoke spinach dip of the BEST kind...this was an appetizer, of course.

Though she created a delish Steak Escafia, my portion of dinner was Chicken with this creamy delicious Blue-Cheese (I think) sauce slightly tarted to make your mouth water even at the sight of it! As a side she went with a baked potato, being mindful of my dislike of the pork-factor--at least when it comes to eating. :-) She fired up some green beans, pulled out our favorite sodas and we were ALL in seventh-heaven.

The stuff was so good that my roomie grabbed the recipe for her sauce...so it looks like I will be happy at home and when at Kel's!

Once again, the evening proved to take us until a little after midnight. That's not hard to do when you get a group of gals together who just need to unwind with true friendship, conversations that breathe some life in ya and just have some good ole fun!

Thank you, Kel! Once again, you've outdone yourself...we love you terribly and can't wait until the next time! My house and 'cuzzi, perhaps?

Recipe to follow in next blog. :-)

Until next time,

Bon Appetit!

Cyndi, 40

Anaheim Hills, CA

The BOMB "Spinach Artichoke Dip"

2010-01-05T18:47:00.000-08:00

Let me start by saying, "By far the BEST Artichoke Dip out there" !

Yes...I must be a little insane to pass this Recipe on, but I want others to experience the Joy, Love & Deliciousness of this dip. I have had numerous opportunities to share this w/ my friends & family and it never disappoints. I guarantee you haven't tasted better...

Spinach Artichoke Dip:

- 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach
- 3/4 stick of butter
- 1/2 white onion (chopped)
- 8-10 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 2 8 oz cream cheese (cut into cubes)
- 1 16 oz sour cream
- 1 cup shredded Romano cheese
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cans Artichoke Hearts (Artichoke Bottoms & Quarters work well chopped)
- 8 oz grated Monterrey jack cheese
- Tabasco Sauce for taste 8-10 drops

Cook frozen spinach according to package directions, drain well (this is key). In separate nonstick pan, melt 3/4 stick butter. Saute garlic & onions in butter until clear. Add ingredients in the following order (mixing well after each one); Spinach, Cream Cheese, Sour Cream, Romano Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Artichoke Hearts. Add 8-10 drops of Tabasco. Mix well and place in microwavable dish. Top with 8 ox grated Monterrey jack cheese. Microwave on high for 15 minutes.

Serve with tortilla chips...you can tell me later how much you enjoyed this !!!

"Steak Escoffier (Escoffia)" Melts in your mouth.....

2010-01-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

Can you say a little piece of "Heaven" ? This is truly one of those recipes that will stick with you forever, it's so delicious, it literary melts in your mouth, you can't help but let out a "Big Happy Sigh" when you taste your first bite !

This has been a "Top Secret" recipe of mine that I created from a favorite dish of a local Restaurant my family & I used to dine at. The restaurant is long gone, but the memory of this dish lives on...enjoy !

Steak :

- Rib Eye Steak
- 2 slices of Bacon
- Sea Salt for seasoning
- Ground Black Pepper for seasoning
- 2 toothpicks soaked in water 20 minutes to prevent burning on grill

Escoffier (Escoffia) Sauce :

- 1 pkg Crumbled Blue Cheese
- 1/4 cup/stick of Butter
- 6-8 Garlic Cloves Peeled & Minced
- 1 teaspoon Orange Extract

Season both sides of the steak w/ salt & pepper wrap bacon around the steak and hold in place with toothpicks; cover and place in refrigerator for at least 30 Min's. Preheat grill; and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side for medium rare, longer if desired.

In a sauce pan, saute butter and garlic on low for about 3 minutes. Add crumbled blue cheese making sure you are stirring constantly until blue cheese and butter meld together. Add orange extract and stir well. Note: butter will separate from blue cheese sauce, just keep stirring until it melds together again...pour over steak. Also, great over vegetables and potato's !!!

Bon apetite !

Kelly, 40-somethin'
Fullerton, CA

"Eating Jamaican Style"

2010-01-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

I love to cook and I especially love any food that has some kind of "Heat". I discovered something wonderful called "Jerk" Seasoning many many years ago and have been a big fan since. The spices & herbs bring out some wonderful flavors in any meat you choose to barbecue ie steak and chicken are my favorites. It's something everyone should discover for themselves; thou it's not for the faint of heart...your taste buds will explode in a good way ! Here is one of my favorite recipes to cook for myself that is quick & delicious...

"Jerk Chicken Kabobs" & "Cilantro Rice"

Jerk Chicken :

- 2 chicken breasts (boneless; cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes)
- 2 Bell peppers; Red, Yellow or Green (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 1 Red Onion (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- Button Mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons Jamaican Jerk Seasoning
- 2 cups of Lite Italian Dressing

Marinade chicken in 2 tablespoons of Jerk Seasoning & 1 cup of Italian Dressing for about 30 Min's in refrigerator. Place vegetables into a resealable plastic storage bag with 1 cup of Italian Dressing shake well to coat all veggies; refrigerate for 30 Min's as well.

Thread your chicken onto a metal skewer and thread your veggies onto their own separate skewer; by doing this you will have more control of the cooking time/heat. Chicken should cook for 15 - 20 minutes on medium heat, turning once. The vegetable skewers should be turned often, every 2-3 minutes so they do not burn.

Cilantro Rice :

- 1 cup White Basmati Rice
- 2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
- 4 Garlic Cloves mashed to release oils
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 2 cups Water (use same cup you measured the rice in)
- Cilantro for garnish

Saute garlic/oil in deep frying pan on low heat, add 1 cup of rice and saute for a few minutes just enough that the rice turns translucent (about 2-3 minutes). Add 2 cups of water (make sure you use the same cup you measured the rice with - very important) stirring well. Add 2 cubes of chicken bouillon, stir until cubes dissolve. Bring rice to a rapid boil for about 1 minute & cover pan w/ lid and turn down to low about 2-3 on stove, cooking for 10 minutes. After complete remove lid and wipe off condensation before you place lid back on. Chop up fresh cilantro and sprinkle over the top of the rice and serve.

Enjoy !

Under the Tuscan Sun

2009-12-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

Hmmm...wow--I can't believe that Christmas is just around the corner and what a day today has been!

Let's see. It's now Thursday...and although I had planned on doing nothing today but slightly prepping for a two-day shoot my company will be filming, that is exactly what I didn't end up doing. I actually spent the ENTIRE day preparing for our shoot.

Before I realized it, it was already almost 8:00 p.m. and I still hadn't eaten yet. No bueno. How do you say "quickie"?

I say spinach, tossed with shredded carrots and Persian cucumbers drowning in Trader Joe's Goddess Dressing; Only to be followed with Pasta Primavera made with shallots, mushrooms, squash and you guessed it...Tofurkey Italian Sausage. Mmmm good!

Because the night's a little cold and soon-to-be wet, nothing warmed me up more than this steaming hot melting pot of Italy! The perfect answer to a day drowned in trying to locate all but two cables, putting together production schedules and call sheets while texting my director all day due to him being on-set. Ahhh...sit back, inhale and indulge.

Until next time...and I hope it's before the end of the year...

Bon Appetit!

Cyndi, 40
Anaheim Hills, CA

Don't Cry For Me Argentina...

2009-11-11T11:30:00.000-08:00

Outdoor barbeque's are nice--down right fun, to be honest...but no one does it right like the Argentinians! You haven't had a bbq, until you've feasted at an Asado! This past Sunday night was no different. To honor a birthday and the arrival of an out-of-towner, my best friend and her hubby threw a little gathering in their backyard.

Quincho

El Gaucho -- Chimi Churri

Gaucho Grill

Although I hadn't realized that there'd be more than a handful of married-couples, I decided to invite a sweet friend of mine....who, like me, was in dire need of something out of the ordinary. The Argentinians did not disappoint. They never ever do.

Grease, Greece...and More Gris

2009-09-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

So yes it's true! A little music goes a L-O-N-G way! Meaning to be up to good, I threw on a little Grecian music early in the a.m. to get my artistic juices flowin'! It did a little more than just that, in that somehow the Mexican breakfast bug hit me...hard. The problem is that first-off, there was nothing Mediterranean about my meal, and secondly, I wasn't even at home. Not to worry. Sure sign of a true girlfriend? Having the ingredients needed to cook the meal you are craving! LoL. Okay so that's not a definition of a true friend...but it sure helps, none-the-less.

The wonderful thing about this particular morning is that there were not one, but a group of three of us all in the mood to dance, eat and chatter over Donut Shop Coffee (thanks Coffee People!), homemade tortilla chips, guacamole spread (yes, spread), tortillas and papitas! This meal was enough to throw anyone over...over their waistband, anyways. :)

So outdo ourselves we did! All through my 20's I never quite understood the joy of making something you were gonna polish off in less then 20...now, it's a totally different story! When the two of us making brunchfast were done, the three of us served ourselves our portions, sat ourselves at the granite counter, let out a sigh as we took our seat on the barstools and ate 'til our hearts were full of love, joy and the slight feeling of remorse that's just enough to let you know you ought not eat this way at least for the remainder of the day...or what entire day of Gray that would turn out to be. Even with the sun shining in all of her glory!

So glad we did it--I think we even shared a little with Nikki.! Good thing, too. Looks like she may be put down to sleep next week...Cancer. She will be missed. Tremendously.

Until next time...let your dogs enjoy what they smell you cookin...give those sweet babies a little meal-lovin'!

Bon Appetite!

~Cyndi, 40

Guacamole Spread (Serves 2 - 3)

Two just-ripe avocados
Salt
Pepper
Garlic Salt
Trader Joe's Salsa Verde
1 Tsp. Mayo
1 lime or 1/2 lemon

Mash avocados until it is soft/spread-like
Dash in the salts and pepper to your tasting
Add Trader Joe's Salsa Verde (or La Victoria's Green Salsa) to your liking
Add your Mayonnaise, then squeeze in your lime for the finishing touches

This gauc spread is so good, you'll never want to go "chain" again!

Enjoy...

Link to "Donut Shop Coffee" (to be used with Keurig Brewing Systems):
http://www.coffeepeople.com/

media-match this!

2009-06-25T13:25:00.001-07:00

Lights! Camera! Action! Always wanted to work in the media-industry but just too afraid to step out and try? Maybe like thousands, you've been laid-off? Worked as a gaffer now ready to embark on DP? A production coordinator ready to produce? How about having never worked in the industry but yet you're ready for something with a little more of a "buzz" in your day? Perhaps media-match is just what you've been looking for! Posting everything from a p.a. to animator or producer, this website might have more for your money.

http://www.media-match.com/jobsboard.php

In their own words media-match is..."Your one stop resource for television and film production jobs! The following openings have either been posted directly by one of our 20,000+ employers, or pulled from various sites around the web (and remember, many employers contact our users directly without advertising their positions at all)."

I'm actually gonna give it a whirl, myself. We'll see what (if anything) we can conjure up. And if not, it was always fun building yet another online profile!

Feel free to spread the word...If I have my info all in order, I think you might even be able to sign up for a free account at the freelancer registration page to get started!

http://www.media-match.com/jobsboard.php

In the meantime, I've got some cooking to do! LoL...

Until next time enjoy a walk in the rain and forget about the coiffeur!

~Cyndi, 40
Madison, WI

Shake, Rattle and Roll...

2009-04-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

So many questions after our most recent rolling earthquake. I hear things like "Why would you want to live in California?" "Aren't you afraid of earthquakes?" "I'd rather live somewhere where we at least have tornado-warnings, unlike where you live and it just starts to shake." Well, truth be told, we live where we want to live. Some of us live where we do because of comfort. Others because of cost. Some live where they do because they want to be close to family. Others? For work. Me? I'm here because I'm called to live here...at least for now. So until I hear different, Southern California'll just have to the good times roll!

On this particular Thursday where at least two earthquakes hit us (though I only felt one), I should have known there was something in the air when I woke up craving a shake! Not an ordinary shake--but one made up of a splash of apple juice, a banana, frozen strawberries and other assorted berries. I did manage to pull out the honey, but it was so sweet, there was no need. I know myself well enough to know that when I wake up with that kind of hankering, I gotta make it work! Thursday's shake sent me to another world--at least where my tastebuds were concerned.

It was actually the perfect way to start my day, waking up to a view of greenery brushing the outside windows, french doors inviting me to the pool-in-view. Michael Buble and the like was swooning to me as I looked down to not one, but two
tails-wagging...both apparently ready for their breakfast, besides!

This was a day to be remembered.--it may have even been perfect, though this day took me to Irvine, Tustin Hills, Anaheim and then home to Fullerton, all in one day. There were meetings, plans, prayers, exhorting, sharing...all of which was a joy to be a part of...all of which are of the utmost importance in my life. Of the many treats life has to offer, this day was special in that I was right where I was supposed to be every minute of that day, earthquake included. You just can't put a price on a day like that...it tastes too good to be true, and yet I know that for me, this is only the beginning.

Until next time, look into a nearby estate sale, you never know what jewels you might find!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Fullerton, CA

Berry-N-Banana Shake
1/4 cup of apple juice
1 banana
1/4 cup of frozen strawberries
1/8 cup of frozen assorted berries
(Although I didn't use any ice, if it's too sweet, added ice suggested)

Lemon and Oranges and Lime...Oh My!

2009-04-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Ever just have one of those days where although you had "other" things planned, every thing turned out exactly the way you know they were meant to turn out? W-o-w. Well today that was my day and the only thing I can say is...amazing.

In all my 40 years of living I can honestly say that there have been days, weeks, years even where I have toiled and spun my wheels only with NOTHING (of importance) to show for it. LoL. Sad, but oh so true. Lately, my life has been anything BUT that, and for that, I'm grateful. My hands are to the right plow and not building in vain--who has time for to labor for that which profits nothing? Not me. At least, not any more. :)

Today was incredible, and as I made my way through Fullerton's chaos of today's heartbreaking news, I wound up home right when I was supposed to be. With fifteen minutes to eat, I quickly pulled out the extra-firm tofu, a carrot-broccoli mix a lemon and some evo. Much to my delight, an avocado was not too far away, so this managed to make the cut, as well! Stumbling upon my only bottle of Perrier with Lemon, this lunch was sure to be a citrine-extraordinaire...and delish it was! Not bad for a grocery-purchase costing me a little under $7...and guess what? I've got at least two more meals to get out of it (today's was actually my second)!

Hitting the mark on time, the dishes were a cinch and so out the door went I...a day like this is truly one to not be forgotten. And now I prepare for night-night...as we will be filming all day. I have a feeling tomorrow's meal-preparation may not fare out to today's...but do not be mistaken, tomorrow will be a great day, indeed!

Ingredients:
1/4 of Extra Firm Tofu (Fresh & Easy)
1/4 bag of Brocolli-Carrot Mix
EVO to tasting
Garlic Salt and/or Lemon Pepper
1 Lemon

Until next time...love the person you want to be mad at...you never know what tomorrow holds. My condolences to the Adenhart family and friends who tragically lost their O.C. loved ones with such a bright future ahead of them...truly candles in the wind. (http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4055343)

As I sit here writing in a building looking at the intersection where this tragedy occurred, Bon Appetit is not fitting...so tonight I only bid you a Good Night, sweet friends.

~Cyndi, 39
Fullerton, CA
(Corner of Lemon and Orangethorpe Ave.)

Dinner and a Movie?

2009-04-03T21:01:00.001-07:00

There's nothing I dislike more than biting into a potato that is still somewhat hard at the core of the bite. Well, there may be things I dislike even slightly more than that in the eating arena, but tonight, this was the case. After a long week of writing, phone calls, emails, meetings, casting calls and more meetings, I finally plunged into the sofa this evening realizing that it was Friday night and that Ms. Thing had no plans! Much to my joy, I decided to get all dressed up with nowhere to go. Well, nowhere to go, anyways.

Managing to scrunch my long-fro into a frenzy with the only mousse I believe in (Schwarzkopf), I threw on some dressy jeans, boots, a vintage sweater, topped off with a scarf, sweet fragrance and huge earrings before darting out the door and down the street bouncing to Fred Hammond! After my one-stop in preparation for tomorrow's night's post-Iglesia event, I was actually looking forward to the $1 salad from El Pollo Loco, when much to my delight...Panda Express. Easy there--I know this is not a favorite for many, but tonight it hit the spot served fresh, hot and tasty! Did you know you can order an a la carte item for $3? Now that's what I'm talking about...it's all in the "know"! If you haven't tried their Eggplant Tofu, I would urge you to do so. Also, another treat I saw steaming through their glass window was their Potato Chicken--a specialty apparently served to honor the Chinese Holidays...so when you see it, eat up!

So now, here I sit. Relaxed. Happy. Content (Gone are the days where my pants know that I am finished with my meal before I do!). The only thing missing? (You might ask--or maybe you didn't...) Regardless, the answer to that question would be candlelight. I struggled between the joy and the sad reality I'd be enjoying dindin a la solo with them lit, so I opted on some Hillsong, Eartha Kitt and Dinah Washington to make the difference for the lack of my lighting ambiance. What a different a day makes...and the difference is you.

Until next time, take the time to schedule absolutely NOTHING on a weekend night. But you better hurry...you never know--it might be the only time in a long time a treat like this comes your way!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Long Beach, CA

Since there's no recipe, per se, tonight I thought I'd include a silly video from me
to you (You can relax, it's only 45 seconds long) LoL! Warning: Please note that I had Laryngitis for almost a week and am still on Amoxicillin and therefore do not look camera-ready. :)

My fave mousse can be found: http://www.schwarzkopf-professional.com/

Tonight's dinner prepared by: http://www.pandaexpress.com/

Artists found on: www.itunes.com, www.pandora.com and/or www.amazon.com

Perhaps you can still try out an online-recipe of either dishes mentioned above and let me know if it worked for you!

Try a Little Tenderness

2009-03-30T19:55:00.001-07:00

Leading a very busy life has it's disadvantages, but let's face it--it has some perks, too! The last month has been extremely busy. We'll just leave it at that. Attending meetings for everything from curriculum to songwriting, production and worship, about the only thing I had extra time to do was to catch a cold--not once but twice. :) What perks? You ask. Well, in the middle of all the business is just the wonderful sense of peace. A quiet that can only come from being in the presence of One. And this is what keeps me going, keeps me creative, keeps me whole.

One of these days, in particular, I had fifteen minutes to rush home, make dinner, eat and head back out. Thank God for good and faithful--Trader Joe's. I managed to grab a four bags--one from the freezer and three from the fridge--and voila, dinner was served! A huge fan of frozen and plastic-bagged items due to cooking for one, I had Tofurkey Italian Sausage, shredded carrots, melange trois and a bag of ready-made salad. Not only did I make killer time, the meal I ate was so delicious it had me begging for more...only to be denied.

Next time you're in a crunch, see what goodies you have in your fridge. Until then, take inventory of your cupboard...you'd be surprised at what a little investigating does.

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Fullerton, CA

Tenderness in Ten

1/3 bag of Ready-Made lettuce

A few pinches of shredded lettuce

Tofurkey (grilled in EVO)

1/8 cup of Melange Trois Peppers (Includes Red, Yellow and Green Bell Peppers)

Heat EVO in pan, adding Melange Trois mix. Once mix has been half-way grilled, add Italian Sausage Tofurkey. This should take a total of four minutes. When finished, add grilled items to salad-combo. Serve and enjoy!

Crumble Me Timbers!!!

2009-03-11T20:29:00.000-07:00

Moving, moving and more moving--so busy I haven't HAD time to cook, play, visit with friends...or much of anything else, let alone BLOG. Well hmmm...I actually did squeeze in some time for a trip to Atlanta, GA where my mom, sis and I were treated to authentic Cuban Food ala my Aunt Sonia! Her food filled me to my inner most belly. THAT, in itself, is a whole other entry. Since the last posting however, I think I've moved, not once, but twice. Now that the move has been completed, I just need the motivation to unpack, yet again. Until that happens, boxes will remain to be the first thing I see in the morning.

Needless to say, cooking has become quite an art when sharing a cocina chiquita with the "lady of the house" (who I'm beyond blessed to share with).

With my finances becoming a tighter by the week, I realized that I just around the corner from a sweet little place that had been music to my ears since the day I'd heard of it--Fresh & Easy! One should be so blessed to have one so close. And if you happen to be near one, take advantage of it! I spent no more than $25 on food that lasted for TWO weeks! Now I am truly a Trader Joe's die-hard, so let's not be mistaken about that. But I recommend a visit to this green little store.

With a hankering for a taco salad, I created one that had my stomach begging for more, minus the after-meat-stomach-upset--I made this bad boy with meatless groundround (by Morning Star Farms). Anyway, it was really good so I thought I'd share! Yes, I could have added more..a WHOLE lot more (cilantro, beans, olives, etc.), but remember folks, mama is on a BUDGET. ;)

Ingredients:

Any loose dark leafed lettuce - 2 cups
Meal Starter Griller Crumbles -- 1/2 bag
Lawry's Taco Salad Seasoning -- 3 TBSP.
4-Mexican Grated Cheese -- 4 pinches
Salsa -- TBD
Restaurant-Style White Tortilla Chips -- 2 cups
1/4 cup tomatoes
Creamy Cilantro Dressing -- TBD

Directions: Add seasoning to crumbles once grilled. Once finished, combine all ingredients and mix to a tasty perfection.

Until next time, try something new with folks you've thought about getting know, but just haven't had the "time" to get around to doing it!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Fullerton, CA

Links:
Fresh&Easy: http://www.freshandeasy.com/?gclid=CIy1rcK7nJkCFShRagodo3NODA
Morningstar Farms® Meal Starters™ Grillers™ Recipe Crumbles™: http://www.seeveggiesdifferently.com/products.aspx?coid=2359&family=366994

Tea for Two...

2009-02-11T00:40:00.001-08:00

So yesterday proved to be the perfect day for two friends to depart from O.C. into historic Pasadena. Granted it's only 30 minutes away or so, it was sad to think I rarely visit the home to the Bruins' cleats due to my newly fitted O.C. leash. Although we rarely visit, it was the perfect day, indeed. There was my sweet friend, Francesca, our English Tea treats and rain that sang for the couple of hours we caught up over Peach-Apricot and Ginger Peach teas. Interestingly enough, we realized that the last time we had tea together was at a four-star hotel in Paris, France almost five years ago...yikes! Regardless of where we last had tea, we were having tea yesterday, where every table of friends seemed to be enjoying conversations with sounds of a flowing fountain and elegant piano melodies echoing behind.

It seems like only recently I've heard quite a few ladies inquire about the afternoon-teas I've attended, as they've never been. (At least it's not someone asking me what a "sidewalk cafe" was...that actually happened to me this past year!) Still in total disbelief that they'd never experienced the joys of tea, I thought I'd throw out two of my favorite places I visit for "High-Tea" or "English Tea" (within the U.S. parameter, of course) in the event it is true.

Tea Rose Garden: http://www.trosegarden.com/ You can order an actual "tea" menu with corresponding sandwiches, fruit, scones and tea-of choice or you can order a la carte.

The Four Seasons Tea Room (Sierra Madre): http://4seasonstearoom.com/ My girlfriends took me out for tea here after my trip to the tattoo parlor some several years ago. An afternoon of tattooing and tea-ing...simply marvelous!

Because I enjoy attending (and also throwing) tea parties, I've decided that I'm going to venture out in obtaining the help of Rent-A-Tea-Party, a company that provides everything but the food (although from what I hear, there may be a menu in the "near" future!). http://rentateaparty.blogspot.com/2008/10/coming-soon.html and/or http://www.rentateaparty.com/

I have only a few tea cups, but it looks like the price is right to rent out the appearance of owning all of the little dainty-do's that would make an antique store sit up straight! SO that's exactly what I'm going to do...rent a tea party! I'll let u know how it goes and what treats I decide to put on the menu...I can hardly wait!

Until then, treat yourself and a friend to tea...it'll do your heart some good.

~Cyndi, 39

Fullerton, CA

P.S. Though I've had the privilege of enjoying high tea in San Francisco's The Fairmont, the "High Tea" next on my list is at The Ritz Carlton!

A Little Fishy?

2009-02-08T23:42:00.000-08:00

I have been moving. This is the main reason it has taken me over a month to post what, three entries? Four, at best. Although I still remain living in the same beautiful city within Orange County's parameters, this last move has taken me about three weeks to just feel like I'm somewhat back to normal again. I know they say that moving is one of the most stressful events in a human life, so why I've felt the need to move six times within the last two-and-a-half years is beyond me! One thing I've noticed, however, during this last move that consisted of all two miles, is that I haven't had the time to cook. That being said, I've had to get creative with food that is tasty, cheap and quick!

This particular morning's choice was none other than Lox and Bagles. Although I'm a bigger fan of it enjoying this tasty little dish while dining out, I have to say that the dish I made at home was not too far off! (I still think one of the yummiest lox and bagel experiences I had was in Austin last year during an all-girls weekend where we came from the ends of the U.S. to meet up with a friend who lives there). She decided to spoil us by curing the Salmon herself. Although I have to say I would not be quite so daring, she did it wonderfully, sending me back for seconds and thirds (not that that's too difficult a thing to do in the first place).

This time, however, I decided to use a cream cheese I picked up from Trader Joe's--bad move. That was probably the only regret, as the cured Salmon (Lox) and capers literally melted in my mouth, while tastes of garlic and onion nicely mixed in my mouth with every grind.

For those of you foodies, this one's a cinch. I thought I'd share it anyways, as I think I had my first fill of this delish treat only four or five years ago--how did I live without it?!?

I think I have an idea, but I'll choose not to share out of sheer embarrassment for some the "creative" fish dishes my amazing mama somehow conjured up!

Recipe:
Bagel of choice (for me it's usually Onion, Everything, or White)
Capers
Diced onions
Cream Cheese
Cured Salmon

If you have never tried this, give it a whirl. Come on you despisers of fish...just this once...you won't regret it (no matter how raw it looks)!

Until next time, rekindle an old friendship this Valentine's Day...it might add an extra Christmas card this season, but what that's what life is made of!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Fullerton, CA

A Night to Remember!

2009-01-18T18:37:00.000-08:00

Wow. Has it been over three weeks already? I'm just now realizing that I haven't had an entry since the last day of last year. Sad--as there have been quite a few lovely cooking moments, stories and recipes. I have taken the pics, so we'll just need to play "catch-up"! I hope you don't mind...I may have to go from most recent back...yup, that's exactly what I'll do!

So the week before last, my girlfriend (and client), Gianna, decided it would be fun to have an all girls' night at her house for the Golden Globes (GG at G's) she called it (she's cute like that) in the beautiful hills of Sherman Oaks. Oh what a night! Although five were invited, there were four--the evening unfolded even better than what we saw on the red-carpet!

First to arrive, she greeted me while in the middle of making not one, but two appetizers. Yowza! Her first dish, Artichoke Jalapeno Dip was almost ready for the oven and already smelt absolutely divine. We began our evening toasting to a glass of Cava--if you enjoy champagne, this is nice. I believe she said she picked it up from Whole Foods.

While the dip was melting with all of it's madness, she pulled out one of my all-time favorites anyway anyhow...avocados and made guacamole--superbly delish! Additions to the menu of delights that evening included a mac-n-cheese(a recipe from Shape) which I was glad to have tasted, but I'm still not sure nutmeg was the way to go...and believe me, I am a huge fan of the meg. I do give Ms. Maya two-thumbs up for bringing something new to the mix (and of course we're ever grateful it was from Shape). Our evening came to a close with none other than strawberry shortcake (Brynn was cute enough to bake it in a heart-shaped pan) and chocolate-cupcakes with strawberries on top. This night was a night fit for a queen...and thus the four of us enjoyed every minute of every bite of every gown that walked the plank!

I'd have to say that the banter and critiquing of the gowns was far more entertaining that the networks had to offer...and really, what was E! thinking with their "play-by-play" blue markings on the gowns!?! I mean seriously, I love Ryan Seacrest--I think we'll be great friends some day, but as far as taking the award, so not fitting for an evening such as that! I think we laughed until our pants couldn't take it anymore...from what I understand, those events are the type where it's legal to be catty, is that right? (Yes, I asked for forgiveness when all was said and done.)

Needless to say, it was another successful night in the land that never goes to sleep...and I was glad to be a part of it!

Until next time, spruce up something normal with something fun...go ahead, make their days (and yours)!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Fullerton, CA

Recipes:

*Artichoke Jalapeno Dip (Coming soon...)

*Gianna's Guac (Coming soon...)

*In Shape (I think the one we had that evening was a little different as it favored us with Cauliflower):

Ingredients
1 12-ounce box of uncooked elbow macaroni
1/3 cup reduced-fat sour cream
1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 12-ounce can evaporated fat-free milk (or 1 1/2 cups nonfat milk)
4 ounces (1 cup) reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons bread crumbs, dried
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

DirectionsPreheat oven to 350°F. Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain and reserve 1/3 cup of the pasta water. Transfer pasta to a large bowl. While pasta is still hot, stir in sour cream, reserved pasta water, and diced tomatoes. Set aside. Scald milk by heating it in a medium saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles appear around the edges. Add cheese, mustard, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer, stirring constantly, until cheese melts. Fold cheese mixture into the pasta and transfer to a casserole dish (mixture will be thin but will thicken as it bakes).Mix together bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle over pasta.Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Party Like it's $19.99...Fast and Easy New Year’s Eve Party - DailyCandy

2008-12-31T10:19:00.000-08:00

So I tried to share today's posting of Daily Candy Los Angeles, but for some reason, the link posted isn't quite pulling up the article...so back to the good old fashioned way!

"Count down to a very good time.

10. Assemble all elements of this miraculous hangover cure.
You’re gonna need it.

9. Turn leftover wrapping paper and tape into a pile of festive toppers.

8. Hit up the Joan’s on Third freezer for mini meat pies and tiny cheese puffs and Trader Joe’s for buckets of meringues, big and small.

7. Put your hands together and make some noisemakers.

6. Give three cheers for Empire City punch, cinnamon caipirinhas, and the Cuzco fizz.

5. Consult the white porcelain god of a different kind: Fill the tub with water and fortune-telling fish.

4. To really let your hair down, you’ve got to put it up.

3. Cue the music (hello, Miami, Chicago, SF, Dallas, Philadelphia, and London megamixes).

2. Show off your new moves.

1. Happy New Year!"

http://www.dailycandy.com/los_angeles/article/40380/Party+Like+Its+1999

With the whole Martinelli's craze, many of you can probably skip past #10, however I found this article to be quite fun & creative...even for those party-poopers who've decided to bring the New Year in solo. So now I'm off to look for some unused wrapping paper, for some cute party-popper hats for tonight's festivities!

One that I'll add to Daily Candy's list will be to squeeze in some "me" time today by visiting a favorite nature-spot (which in my case would be the beach) to reflect on '08, let go of the bad, knowing that tomorrow I can start anew! And it can be anything you want it to be, why? Because it's YOUR life!!! Whether it's ditching a toxic relationship, making more time for God, eating better, being on time, exercising, being kinder, saying no, taking better care of yourself, watching less T.V. or spending more time with family, say goodbye to the old you, and put on the new! Here's a great blog to help with your new goals (notice I didn't say resolution?). Take charge of your life...and get to it!

http://reachyour2009goals.blogspot.com/

Until my next meal-centered story, try to bring in the New Year with the ones you love...oh and if you're gonna drink, please don't drive!!! Feliz Ano Nuevo!!!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Fullerton, CA

P.S. For those of you who haven't heard of Daily Candy, it's a fun insider's guide to the haps in the Metropolitan areas (I even subscribe to the ones for places I like to travel like New York and London). If you have kids, enjoy a good deal or like to travel, they carry special editions for travel, deals and kids...at least check it out--it's FREE! It's a fun way to start your day...after your morning devotions and work-out, of course! Here is a link to join in the candy-fun!

http://www.dailycandy.com/subscribe/?sel=4

Noodles and Noodles of Fun!!!

2008-12-29T10:56:00.000-08:00

Although there are many sweet things life has to offer, none are as sweet as reconnecting with an old friend for the first time. Elizabeth and I met in Tulsa during our first year of grad school almost twelve years ago (we were in seminary, actually) and from the first time we met, it was on! She was fair-skinned, quiet and from Nashville. I was olive, loud and from L.A.. They say opposites attract and in our case, this couldn't be more true!

Although we both were living in our places when we met, we'd just end up staying over each-other's places as many evenings usually turned into a slumber party with friends, so we just decided to become roomies, which is what we ended up calling each other, "roomie" (which later turned into "vroomie"...long story). In those three years of school, we had way too much fun!

Of course we shared in the normal girlie things that college girlfriends do--late-night studying-n-snacking, all-night prayer (we were in seminary, remember?), typing procrastinated term-papers, crying over heartbreak, doing the newest workout-craze, going on shopping frenzies (which on our budget was mostly at consignment shops), eating at country diners (and I do mean country), having snowball fights, taking a plethora of pictures, dancing in the rain (we washed our cars in the rain at least once) to even dating brothers (the Anderson boys...LoL). Regardless of what we did, there was always laughter and tummy-aches to the umpth-degree. This was no ordinary friendship, it was a friendship destined for lifetime--you know the kind you see on T.V., only in our case, it was real!

I know most don't intend to lose touch, but between graduating, changing states, email addy's and upgrading to new cell phones, I guess sometimes it's bound to happen. That's what happened with Miss Elizabeth and I--over time we managed to lose contact. So what a surprise to have received a phone call from her earlier this year when I was (again) living in Tulsa, after having moved back there from L.A. just the year before. She said she found a contact # for me after "googling" me on the net. In her case, that was great news. In general, that's scary, although I have to admit, I searched for her, as well, but to no avail. (I'd be able to find her now that she's on facebook!)

Having moved back to Nashville after graduating from ORU, she is now in So Cal, married to a Navy Chaplain and has two beautiful daughters. Much to our delight, Elizabeth and I now find ourselves now living in the same state sunny state of California, with a little more than one hour between us. Having just moved back from Tulsa myself a little over a month ago, I squeezed in a few days to visit her in the San Diego area, where we were able to pick up in no time, sharing stories, looking at old pix, indulging in movies and cooking (and eating) as frequently as possible! It was just what the doctor had ordered--we didn't even get out of p.j.'s except to shower...it was r&r at it's finest.

Although her hubby is also a professional chef, she admitted that she enjoyed cooking with me, even in my amateur-stage. Cooking with Elizabeth came with ease, as we've both since grown from our microwave dinner days. Our last night neither of us were in the mood to grocery shop, so we found a way to conjure a tasty, but simple dish, Spaghetti Primavera. We served it with a simple salad, adding only carrots, onions and a balsamic viniagrette. To compliment the meal, Elizabeth treated us to Castle Rock, a smooth Pinot that I will enjoy yet again. This meal was easy and simply delish...down to the last gulp.

Ingredients:

Olives (I prefer green)

Onions

Red Bell Peppers

EVO

Lemon

Noodles (I prefer linguine)

While allowing the noodles to boil, I sauteed the vegetables in some extra virgin oil with garlic salt. Once both the veggies and the noodles were ready, drain the noodles, placing them back in the pot to add extra virgin oil and lemon for seasoning. Veggies can be added to the pot, or placed on top of the noodle, depending on your preference.

Needless to say, there are more visits to look forward to. Yes, I know it's true that the single is more than likely the one to do the driving...but aren't old friendships worth it?

Until next time, take the time to find an old friend...there's no friend like 'em.

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Los Angeles, CA

Ways to reconnect with old friends:

http://www.facebook.com/

http://www.myspace.com/

http://www.reunion.com/

http://www.classmates.com/

Feliz Navidad!!!

2008-12-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

Now that I'm stuffed from eating Maxine's tamales (recipe and pix to be posted at a later time), I thought I'd pop online as I've been surfing the net now for about an hour. Still not married at 39 and with my immediate family all of state, this Christmas season was bound to be a little bit different.

I do have to say however, that singlehood during the holidays definitely has it's pluses (although I haven't always felt that way). This year took me to more intimate settings with friends, who like me, are solo-ing it up for the holidays! Yesterday's morn took me to a lovely champagne brunch with my girlfriend, Brynn, on the Marina in Long Beach--cute little diner--Schooner or Later, where I ended up stuffing myself with a short stack of pancakes, hash browns and turkey sausage (I am a firm believer in having both the sweet and salt to balance out a meal!) So now I sit here all alone in raining off-and-on-again Anaheim. Because I'm not much in the mood for dolling up for dinner, Marley & Me with an ex in L.A. is still a possibility, although I must say that at 4:36 I'm a still in p.j.'s and am still a little sleepy.

Truly this Christmas has been one of the most heart-warming and coziest I've yet to experience. I did realize however, after entering a contest to win a date with Bromance's Brody Jenner a little bit ago, (the invite came from an e.l.f. makeup e-mail I received), that I am truly bored. LoL. Sad, but true. Despite the gatherings, shopping, selling (on ebay) and Christmas services, I did manage to find one hour to bake a batch of Chocolate Chip cookies. All of that to say...no real recipe today except the recipe of love, joy, memories, laughter and sharing this Christmas season!

Until next time, love on those all around you--you never know what strangers are facing in life.

Bon Appetit!

With love,

~Cyndi, 39
Anaheim, CA

P.S. Oh yeah, for those of you in the SoCal area, here is the website for a meal on the marina:
http://www.schoonerorlater.com/

Oh...and for all of you dog-lovers, if you haven't read the book, Marley and Me, this movie is a must! http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/marleyandme/

Peace!

Ratatouille???

2008-12-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I have love, love, loved the rain that has finally kissed us with it's sweet lips. Surprisingly, this morning's rain came with some pretty fierce wind, which having just moved here from Oklahoma (where the winds come crashing through the plains), it somewhat threw me for a loop. After enjoying the sounds of rain from inside the house while working in the garage, I decided I wanted nothing more than to eat something warm and somewhat soupish. Unfortunately I have not done a whole lot of shopping since my move back, leaving with me no choice but to doll up an organic can of beans.

This week was kinda tough in that I had a whole lot going on! I had to relinquish the love of my life, Luke, to an adoptive parent who could give him a home, as I am still looking for mine and I staying with friends. My other Beagle, Tulsa, is staying at a bachelor pad with some friends of mine who I've known for a very long time. The plan is for Tulsa and I to move into our new home within a month. Until then, I continue unpack, sell, post pix on ebay, craigslist and whatever else I need to do to get rid of the thousand-and-one things I own!

Today was no different. I spent the first three hours of my day, entering in ISBN's of the over 500+ books I own to see who'll buy them back from me. When the hunger struck, I was ready to more than ready to eat! The nice thing is that it took me about five minutes to concoct this bad boy. The bad news is...that it was beans. With too much time on my hands today, I took a minute and a half to film the goods. Beware, I have absolutely no makeup on, was still in my p.j.'s and had no intentions of getting dolled up for a bowl of beans! Here you go...

Recipe:

1 Can Organic Pinto Beans

1 -2 tsp. of Garlic Salt

1/4 tsp. of Black Pepper

1/2 cup of vegetables (carrots, broccoli, onions, green and red bell peppers)

1 Tbsp. of Cilantro (not included on video due to having none in the fridge:o)

2 Tbsp. of grated Cheddar Cheese

2 Corn Tortillas

*As an extra garnish/flavor, add green chile-salsa.

Directions:

Add beans to pot, adding all seasonings and vegetables. Bring bean-mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. When finished add cheese on top. On a separate burner, warm up two tortillas as "bread" item. Serves One (which is good when you're eating a whole can of beans) ;)

There is a not-as-cheesey version of this bean bowl, at el pollo loco http://www.elpolloloco.com/ except it's called a veggie bowl (I think), which is no longer on the menu, but still available. On a side-note, their loco-salad is the best $1 salad I've ever eaten...must be the cilantro dressing and the tortilla chips!

Until next time, turn on those tree-lights--they warm my heart...every time.

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Fullerton, CA

Not So Krafty, Afterall...

2008-12-11T00:18:00.000-08:00

Not quite recovered from my cross-country move back to Cali a little over a week ago, I opted to not start singing in the choir until January. Because I was free, I was able to babysit for The Bates--Is it really even babysitting when the kids are four and older? Oh well, it seemed that the cooking duties would be easy enough as Missy was boiling some water for their Kraft Mac-n-cheese--an oldie but goodie--as I was entering their kitchen! "Easy enough," I thought. Confidently...I might add. This easy task was however, no small job.

After being told that the mac needed to be "extra" cheesey, I thought "Well, cheese is my speciality...that should be a breeze!" I was wrong, however, when not one, but all three winced at the sight of my freshly-grated cheese melted in with the regular mac-n-cheese. Convinced that they would change their minds after tasting what I thought was the perfect bite of mac-n-cheese, I prodded them to at least taste it. This pic says it all...

This bubble-bursting experience pointed me to the Kraft website (http://www.kraftfoods.com/) to see if there is a recipe that I actually would like to master that is kid-friendly, yet pleasing to my palate, as well. I guess I hadn't mastered the art of cooking with cheese afterall...oh well. Well at least Kraft had some great recipes of the week, not to mention their holiday meals and videos.

Until next time, if you haven't already, watch a classic feel-good Christmas movie...it'll warm the soul!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Oceanside, CA

P.S. Due to the lack of enthusiasm about my mac 'n cheese, there'll be no recipe in this entry! :)

Local Lentils

2008-12-03T21:10:00.000-08:00

Well...on a whim, I decided to finally visit the Culver City Farmer's Market after being in Culver City for three+ years. I went with no intentions, but I came across this bag of lovely organic lentils. It happened to have a recipe, so I decided to see what ingredients I could buy there at the local market. Turns out I was able to buy almost everything, minus the watercress, chicken broth and the crushed-red pepper.

It was very easy to make. Took me just about a half-hour...mmm...maybe a little bit more. It didn't take me very long to cut everything...that's for sure. It was fun trying a new recipe using all local and organic ingredients. What's more is that I was able to share this yummy new "comfy" dish with my girlfriends (who were in their p.j.'s of course). I hung a wreath on my door and enjoyed this hearty soup with my girlfriends to kick off this Christmas season!

The kitchen smelled sooo good!

Savory Lentil Soup:
1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
1 Fennel bulb, chopped
1 Large onion, chopped
1 Large carrot, chopped
2 Salk celery, chopped
4 medium Italian plum tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 Bay leaf
10 Cups Chicken Broth
1 bag (16 oz.) dried lentils, rinsed
2 Cups coarsely chopped watercress
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in sauce-pan over medium heat. Add fennel, onions, carrots and celery. Cook until tender. Add tomatoes, garlic, red pepper and bay leaf. Cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add broth and lentils. Heat to a boil. Cover and cook over low heat 25 minutes or until lentils are done. Discard bay leaf. Stir in watercress. Cook 2 minutes. Serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

This dish is perfect for a cold, winter night.

Until next time...go local, people!

Bon Appetit!

~Maya, 34
Los Angeles, CA

Babysitting-Turned-Baking!!!

2008-12-02T23:35:00.000-08:00

So nearly three weeks later I am finally posting the pix-n-a video from the night my nephew, Micah, and I baked sugar cookies. I cannot tell you how many times I hear single friends of mine complaining about how they can't (or don't) get to do fun things with little ones since they're not yet parents. What do I say to that? That I'm sure there are plenty of little ones in or around your life some way or another to shoot that theory right out of the water! Now granted I do tend to lean on the complaining side of not being married for laborings sake, but even that has it's place.

Now I realize that some may not be as blessed as I have to a handful of nieces and a nephew to enjoy such things with, but if you have no friends in your life with kids, feel free go out of your way to spend time with those who may need you in their lives. There are tons of programs through communities, local churches and various organizations (Big Brother, etc.) where you can invest into a little one's life, making a difference, while having the time of your life!

With the Holidays around the bend, I had initially planned on baking from scratch while in Madison a few weeks ago, being between a mild case of the flu and leaving for Minnesota the next morning, I opted for the cheater's version--a batch of sugar cookies in a package right out of...you guess it--Target! If you are interested in making a batch from scratch, my dear friend, Peppercorn Press, has a great recipe: http://www.foodbuzz.com/recipes/645528-a-sugar-cookie-with-a-secret

(Micah and his Sous Chef, Emeril the Elephant, pre-Baking mode--He calls him "Heneral")

We were certain to have a night of success as my sister and her hubby courageously invited me to both, babysit and bake with Sir Micah, as they had plans that evening. Rather than opting for another uneventful evening in front of the tube, I thought we should be a little more creative and help this handsome tyke get his hands on some baking-action! Not only were the cookies yummy and buttered (and don't forget fatted) to perfection, they were a hit with Micah, his mom and dad!Click on arrow to watch our "virtual" directions....LoL...enjoy!

Micah and Auntie Cyndi...he made sure I had some form of "chefery-garb" on me and and so felt the need to lend me his hat...

I know, I know...we shoulda at least cut some cookies with a cutter. But since I was visiting, the only cookie cutter I had brought with me in my travels, was a Martini Glass cookie cutter for a girlfriend of mine....maybe next time!

Until next time, look for coupons to help out with your christmas shopping and put on your face for good cheer! Oh yeah, someone had asked me abou cutlery--HSN just happens to have a fairly good deal on a set of Wolfgang Puck knives for $32.90 (for the unemployed or financially strapped, they accept this in two payments, as well: http://kitchen-dining.hsn.com/wolfgang-puck-5-piece-cutlery-set-with-1-year-gourmet-magazine-subscription_p-4496608_xp.aspx?rdr=1&sourceid=EMTSb20081129&cm_mmc=EMAIL*TS*EMTSb20081129*4496608

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Ontario, CA

A LIttle Somethin' To Make You Melt...

2008-11-23T15:38:00.000-08:00

One of the things I enjoy most about traveling to towns and places I've formerly lived, is visiting with old friends. New friends are wonderful, but there's nothing like the old! Though this trip is mostly to gather all of my belongings to transport back to Cali, more importantly, it's to say hello or good-bye to old friends. That being the case, despite all the tasks unchecked in my Franklin Covey Planner, I've managed to squeeze in time (home-time mostly since I don't have a car) to catch up and visit with some old friends--Thursday night was no exception. My old roomie, A.J., had me stay at her place a couple of nights, where we had Ellen, the leader of my old book club, The Tulsa Chick Lit Meet-Up, over for dessert.

So Ellen is the kinda of girl who can eat pretty much whatever she'd like because she is a runner (as it should be for those who exercise), so I thought to make a quick little treat--Strawberries, Bananas and dipping chocolate, one treat clearly not in need of an actual recipe. :) Fruit was sliced with ease and the chocolate was microwaveable and ready in no time (yes, it's ghetto, but it's quick and it works. Besides, my fondue set is in Los Angeles!) Regardless of the presentation (or lack there-of) they were overjoyed at the choice, leaving no fruit or chocolate behind. While A.J. enjoyed her introduction of Rojo Mojo, a Shiraz I had never had before, I opted to sip on an oldie but goodie to compliment my ghetto-fabulous-fondue dish--Elysium, a light dessert wine that is so sweet, there really was no need for chocolate. Oh, who am I kidding? There is always a need for chocolate!

Trust me when I say I didn't pull out all of the stops on this one. And rightly so! I had just moved my furniture out of my first roomie's (Scott's) house, then somehow managed to load and unload all of my belongings in storage, solo. (Why do we insist on driving and transferring all of our belongings from one place to another, to another, to another?) I cannot tell you how many times I have moved and every time I think I have got to get rid of all of this! This time will be different. So, my last stop before arriving at A.J.'s was to pick up my long, lost love--Luke, my Beagle of three years. With my best friend at-hand, along with a night that was chilled to perfection, with company and dessert so-sweet and entertaining chatter, there was a moment where I thought to myself, "Life really doesn't get much better than this." It was friends, it was relaxing...it was perfect. What more could a girl saying goodbye to her former hometown ask for? Well that night I'd have to say not much more. But today, I'd have to say I need at least an extra day this week in order to get everything done. It'll come together...it always does.

Until next time, make some time for the old and try something new...it just might surprise you!

~Cyndi, 39
Tulsa, OK

Kids in the Kitchen?

2008-11-20T08:37:00.000-08:00

But of course! So yes it's true....I've been touring the States. By touring I do mean visiting, celebrating and babysitting family in Madison, WI, Minneapolis, MN and now I'm officially in Tulsa, OK, where I'll be heading off for California once I gather the rest of my belongings, get my dog, Luke and sadly say my good-byes to friends and family here. Blogging has been a little difficult (to say the least), not to mention cooking. I've yet to post pix from my baking experience with my three-year-old nephew because the USB cord to upload the pix is in my room back in California. Yes, smart move, indeed.

Because we had such a great time baking his sugar cookies, I thought I'd look around Tulsa to see what cooking classes they offer for the youngens in this very quaint and cozy city. My sis, now a Tulsa local (but an "East-Los" native), pointed me to The Savory Chef. If I can convince my girlfriends to have dinner here tomorrow night rather than go out to eat, we shall. Otherwise, I thought I'd post their link so those of you in T-Town might have a chance to try your hand at some fun cooking classes: http://www.savorychef.com/

Too bad my niece isn't old enough--they have a cooking class for the 8 -11 year olds in December. Well, I won't be here anyways. If you do have kiddos, take a minute or two to check out local cooking classes for them...who knows, they could be the next Giada or Single Guy!

In Ya Garden?

2008-11-13T08:23:00.000-08:00

Okay so maybe not in yours, but in a garden...for those of you who enjoy watching the Food Network as much as I do, their Barefoot Contessa, Ina Agrden, will be doing a book-signing at William Sonoma tomorrow (the 14th) in Santa Monica at noon. Although I realize this narrows the RSVP's to a bare minimum, but for those of you in the area needing to switch up your lunch plans, what a great way to do it...don't forget to visit their clearance section!

Address:Williams-Sonoma, Santa Monica 1600 Montana Ave., Santa Monica CA (310) 586-1018

Until next time, look for some fun singles cooking classes or cooking meet-up's in your area (I belong to a fabulous group!!!) and email us about 'em!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Madison, WI

Cooking for One? It's Time for Class!

2008-11-12T11:14:00.001-08:00

So now I'm in Madison visiting family for my niece's 1st birthday, and my nephew's 3rd. The nice thing about visiting my sisters who are BOTH married, is that my meals are covered--for the most part. Now, why I'd planned on contributing a few fun dishes to the mix, I realized I didn't pack my usb cable to transfer pix from my camera for posting. :( Until I can get ahold of one, I thought I'd share some cooking classes being offered...just for singles! Rumor has it that I, too, will be holding some singles cooking parties around town..until confirmed, we'll let it sit as a rumor. :) For now, Parties that Cook offers fun classes for singles. If you happen to go, let me know how they work out for ya! I may have to fly to San Fran or Chicago to join in the fun!

Chicago: Cooking Crush - Cooking Class & Wine Tasting for Singles. Thursday, November 20, 2008 @ Just Grapes 6:30 – 8:30 pm. Join us for the launch of Chicago’s Cooking Crush party, a wine tasting and cooking class event for singles! Eligible bachelors and bachelorettes will mingle, while enjoying wine tastes from around the world poured by the aficionados at Just Grapes. Glasses in-hand, we’ll shift into the kitchen, where co-ed teams will cook up a meal of delicious international appetizers and get to know each other between slicing and dicing. $95 per guest. http://www.partiesthatcook.com/events/chicago-cooking-class-events/

San Francisco: Cooking Crush - Cooking Class & Wine Tasting for Singles. Wednesday, January 14, 2008 @ Crushpad Winery 6:30 – 9:00 pm. Join us another spectacular Cooking Crush for singles event at Crushpad Winery in San Francisco. Guests be treated to a tour of the winery, learn key steps in the winemaking process, then mix and mingle over blind wine tastings. Glasses in-hand, we’ll shift into the kitchen, where co-ed teams will cook up a meal of delicious international appetizers and get to know each other between slicing and dicing. $95 per guest. http://www.partiesthatcook.com/events/san-francisco-bay-area-cooking-classes/

Meanwhile while I'm out here visiting la familia, I'm gonna see if I can get my dad to grace us with his cooking for singles-specialties (yes, he is single) and I am hoping to bake with my 3-year-old nephew, Micah (yes, I'm guilty for giving him the gift he was least excited about--a Children's Cookbook, apron, chef's hat and utensil...however we did build a "Chef Le Bear" from Build-a-bear! Pix to be provided at a later time. ;)

Until next time, snuggle with loved ones...it's gettin' nippy out there!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Madison, WI

Brie at Brynn's

2008-11-02T00:09:00.000-07:00

Tonight's post is short and sweet...kinda like the Brie-Dip I concocted at Brynn's late last night. As you know, Trader Joe's is where I shop for groceries. Sometimes I like to visit merely to walk down the aisle, checking out sauces, syrups, jellies and other spreads. What I came across last week was Mango Chutney. Now I know I like the stuff because I've had it on a dish at a restaurant, but prior to eating there, I hadn't even heard of it (I was still in my early twenties at the time), and since then I've only eaten it one other time. That being said, while I was contemplating on which pesto sauce I should get, and thinking if I really needed another strawberry jam, I "stumbled" on the Chutney, remebering I had seen some on previous visits. Now I couldn't honestly tell you what it consists of, but by the end of the evening, I will know what it is exactly and how to make it. This time, I happened to buy it, along with some Brie and peppered-Poppy Seed Crackers. I was going to experiment and try something new!

By the time the trick-or-treaters had died down, I decided it was time to give it a try. I heated the oven at 375, placed the Brie on a cookie sheet and let the oven do some melting. Still in one piece, I took it out, placing it on a plate, took out the Chutney, drizzling it over the Brie (the way you do with salsa over cream cheese) and served our party-of-four a nice little appetizer. The experiment proved to be a delight...and so yes, I will be doing it again within week or two...to not try it would be a sin. Okay, maybe not so short, but sweet for sure!

Until next time, don't forget to fall back tonight...

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Fullerton, CA

Treat, No Trick! (Cooking Solo on Holidays)

2008-10-31T19:42:00.001-07:00

Being that it was Halloween, all of my married friends (and I do mean ALL) had "trick-or-treat" plans with their families, my Halloween dinner plans were to dine solo. Realizing I had began the defrosting process of my Mahi Mahi from yesterday, I decided to head to Maxine's to cook up dindin. With my dog already at her house, I brought the goods to cook and eat before heading off to Brynn's for a chill night of movies with the singles. I think tonight was one of the first night's in a very long time I wish I had my immediate family--immediate being my hubby, my kids and me. Oh well...so here's the treat that took me to yummy-land for about 15 minutes of the evening. I was by myself, filming it myself, while cooking for myself--yes, I was bored. Excuse the poor filming and the mess...my girl had no napkins, no paper towels, no handles on her cookware...and to top it off, I couldn't find a flippin' potholder! Never-the-less, her cozy place and my Mahi-dish had me feeling at ease in no time!

Ingredients:

2 Fish mahi mahi fillet raw (about 4 - 6 oz each)
1/4 teaspoon table garlic salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3 teaspoons Olive Oil
1/4 Bag of Trader Joe's Fire Roasted Vegetables
1/8 Bag of Trader Joe's Asparagus Spears

Pour oil in a large frying pan, seasoning with garlic salt and pepper. Heat over medium-high heat. Cook fish and onion in oil for 3 minutes. Flip fish over as needed to cook thoroughly.
Meanwhile, warm of Fire Roasted Vegetables and Asparagus Spears until cooked well.
When finished, take fish out of pan, adding to vegetable mix. Ready to serve. Serves 1 - 2 portions, depending on hunger level. Tonight I ate it...ALL! :)

Until next time...take a fun pic of you and your loved ones!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39

Long Beach, CA

Barefoot Negrita!

2008-10-26T00:29:00.000-07:00

In an attempt for this Blaxican to recover from last night's babysitting events, I woke up groggy, tight-gutted (from the Tums I took in the middle of the night), with burning eyeballs and in need of something to fix me...QUICKLY! For me that could only mean one thing--I needed to make some breakfast. Though I like to tease the Bates about being their lil' ones nanny (which is SOOO not the case as really Missy and T-Rex are with the kids 24/7), I was left behind as the family of five left for the boys' soccer games. They hadn't even been gone for five minutes when my ingredients were out on the counter and ret-to-go. Maxine called me asking me if I wanted to meet up for some "brekkie" (as Jorg used to call it)...I still say that every now and then...it was cute and kinda stuck with me. Anyhoo...about my morning plans, I was still "contessa-ing" barefoot and in my p.j.'s, crooning to the sounds of Billie, Dinah, Edie and old Blue-Eyes-- yes, I take after my dad (in strained sound, not in musical taste), that I thought it best to stay home.

Though we're both in the same age-range, Max has fed me more times than I'd care to tell...so I won't. But what I will say is that I took this morning's invite as an opportunity to do a little of the same. I was gonna make us another egg-white omelet with Tofurkey Italian Sausage, Melange a Trois (frozen bell peppers) and cheese, served with veggie sausage and tortillas. Of course, she came over with her daughter and Starbuck's in tow, while I was cooking' with my Jazz Classics going, coffee brewing and feet dancin'. Nice thing about this morning was that I still managed to spend time with the hermanas-via-Skype...and get in some good old "girl-time"...really, for this single, it was the perfect way to spend my Saturday morning! She seemed to have enjoyed it as there was none left, but then again, who's looking?

Today's recipe was so simple, all I'm jotting down are the ingredients. It took me about ten minutes in all to make...this morning I just chopped, sauteed and fried until my heart was jumping with sheer excitement. Then, it was time to eat...not bad for a barefootin' nanny!

Ingredients:
Reddi-Egg (Egg whites in a liquid carton/container)
Frozen Bell Peppers
Shredded Mexican Cheese
1 Tofurkey Italian Sausage, sliced
Olive Oil
Side dish: Tortillas and Morning Star Farms Breakfast Sausage

Until next time, volunteer at a local charity...so many things and people need your help!

Cheers!!!

~Cyndi, 39
Fullerton, CA

Wok This Way!

2008-10-23T22:14:00.000-07:00

Never with a dull moment in her home, Maxine couldn't even wait to get me into her home before serving a plate of hot egg rolls...not from the Panda Express, but fresh off her stove! I can tell you that although I wasn't exactly craving egg rolls before arriving at her home, I was more than overjoyed right to the last gulp. Maxine, like any other mom, is a single girl's dream on an afternoon where one's meal hadn't completely been thought out. Now what I'm not saying is to go knocking on the door of a friend who, like you, might be single--especially not if they, who like my Maxine, happen to be a single mom. On the other hand if you're lucky, then you, like me, will enjoy the benefits of having a dear friend like Max.

Since she said they're a "sinch" (or is it "cinch"?), she wanted to donate her quick 20 - 25 minute recipe to our blog so others, like me, could enjoy this simple and fast recipe...enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 dozen egg roll wraps
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
4 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 lb. turkey ground round
2 green onions, cleaned and sliced thin
1 garlic cloves, peeled and minced (or garlic salt if no cloves are present)
1/4 cup cabbage
1/4 bean sprouts
2 - 3 carrots, grated
Olive Oil
1/4 - 1/2 cup of water for corn starch mix and sealing egg roll wraps

Directions:
Heat wok with 3 Tbs of oil. While oil is getting hot, whisk together 1/4 cup water, corn starch and soy sauce. Set aside. Once oil is ready in the wok, add turkey-meat until done. While meat is in wok, grate carrots, cabbage and chop onions and sprouts, finely. When meat is finished, drain. Add your vegetables to meat, adding more oil if necessary and saute. When completed, add your corn-starch mix, making sure not to lose crispness. When ready, turn mixture out of wok, letting cool for a few minutes. If only one wok or fryer is available, reheat to about 375 degrees, to prepare for egg roll frying. While wok is reheating, lay egg roll papers out flat in preparation for filling. On an individual wrapper with one of the corner points facing you, put around 2 - 3 Tbs filling, 1/3 of the way to the opposite point.

Wet any remaining wrapper edges with water, very lightly. Pull the point closest to you up and over the filling, tucking the sides, almost like making a burrito. Repeat until all filling is gone. Fry rolls for about 3 minutes or until golden brown, flipping over. Once removed, drain on paper towels and serve. Set the mood by tuning into itunes or pandora with asian-inspired music and try this new dish while sitting on the floor, candles aglow. I actually have this great Japanese CD by a group named "Bird"...they'd add a nice flavor to your Chinese dish! Oh by the way...this recipe serves 3 or 4.

Until next time, try a little tenderness...

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39 & Maxine, 33
Fullerton, CA

Baguette Up!

2008-10-17T10:47:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing like making lunch at a girlfriend’s who, although is looking forward to the dish you’re preparing, refuses to read your blog. Such is the case with my girlfriend--we'll call her "O". So immersed in her tug-of-war between not one, but two, men, she can only concentrate on such matters one issue at a time.

Destined to make lunch alone while she tottered back and forth on who to call back and what to say, I made my way to her kitchen to make the lunch I'd been craving all week long--a Feta Cheese Sandwich with Basil, Tomatoes, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar on a French Baguette! I love this sandwich for so many reasons--not only is it tasty, but it's an easy-make for that afternoon picnic at the beach. Don't live near one? Okay, a park. But it's very simple to make and easy to pack.

Now back to O--I can't say I don't know where she's coming from...I can remember the times when recapping through my head the last conversation I had with "him", while wondering what my next step should be. "Do I call him?" "Do I wait and have him call me back even though he left me a message?" "Well, if I call him, what do I say if he doesn't pick up?" and then there's "What do I say if he does?"

These are the times I am thankful to be so interested only in writing! Yes, I still deal with the aftermath of relationships-gone-wrong, but the horizon is still, quiet...nice, even. O has told me on more than one occasion she thinks I'm totally shut off to men right now...and for the most part, she's right! Well...at least I'm not shut off to hearing about these things from my girlfriends...she at least had me to bounce these questions off of (not that I was much help). Girlfriends--I've been blessed with the best of them...sisters included. I, in fact, would be a lost cause without them. I think the last phone call I made to a girlfriend while embarking on a date went something like "I've got to use the ladies room in a bad way...what do I do?" Her response to me, "Pull over and use a public restroom." I'm so glad I did. Sad, but true.

Moving on to lunch (bad transition, right?). I'd been craving this particular sandwich for a while now. Perhaps because it's a great summer sandwich--although summer is already past, the sun is still quite warm out here in L.A.. So I stopped by (you guessed it) Trader Joe's to pick up the goods--fresh basil, french baguette, Mediterranean feta and a some boneless chicken (O wanted some protein), then making my way to West Hollywood.

Because O was "starving" as she put it, she had already managed to cook up the fire-roasted vegetables I'm always talking about. I pulled out another frying pan, poured a small amount of olive oil, adding seasoned salt for poultry once the oil was nice-n-hot. Cutting the chicken into smaller slices when the pan was ready, soy sauce was added for a little salty flavoring.

Pulling out the baguette, I cut the ends off as I'm not a huge fan of the butts of bread, then slicing the bread on the side. I poured some Olive Oil on the bread, filling the sandwich with fresh basil, sliced tomatoes and drizzled chunks of feta. Because I love sauce, I poured a nice portion of both, Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar on my plate for sandwich-dipping, and served myself what still remain to be my favorite veggies from Trader Joe's! Lunch was perfect. Okay, well it was missing Perrier with Lemon, so it wasn't perfect, but it was tasty, for sure! I had Trader Joe's to thank for the missing sparkling water--their music is always so much fun, I completely left without it...but I sang my heart out and gave their consumers somethin' to smile about! I know it doesn't look like much (i think the veggies look a little lifeless), but the taste is all that counts!

Until next time...pick up the phone and give an ex a call!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Long Beach, CA

Feta Cheese & Basil Sandwich Ingredients (Takes about 5 minutes to prepare):

1 French Baguette

Leaves of fresh Basil

Thinly Sliced Tomatoes

Feta Cheese of Choice

Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar (Optional, but makes for great dipping with oil)

Let's Hear it for the Boys!

2008-10-16T01:17:00.001-07:00

Ever wonder how some guys just seem to get it all right? They're sweet, they've got the looks, charm AND they can cook, to-boot? There was a time I thought that one out of four was good enough, but seems like nowadays there ain't no point in settlin! If the mug's good to go, then make sure the eateries and everything else follow suit--that was one thing our ex-bachelor, Luis, made sure of!

Making sure he had the dress for success in the kitchen, he called upon our friend, wife and mother of three (with another on the way), Missy Bates of Orange County to help. Using Trader Joe's as her store of choice, her on-camera ease is one sure to help any single with an evening of hosting-at-hand...take notes by clicking on the arrow below!

As the oven is warming up for the toasting of the baguette, don't forget to chill a well-paired bottle of Pinot Grigio, as well. You can pick up a pretty inexpensive bottle at Trader Joe's! For the non-Trader Joe's cities, visit your local super market for your goods. (TJ's link provided below if you're unsure of it's availability in your area). Now for the more skilled of chefs, or for the more-daring, feel free to experiment with some basil and melted mozarella cheese to your liking--I would probably add some balsalmic vinegar somewhere in my recipe, as well. The saltier, the better--at least for my tastebuds, not necessarily for the heart.

Missy's Bruschetta Recipe:

1 Container of Trader Joe's Bruschetta

Olive Oil

Garlic Salt

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees as you get out ingredients for your appetizer.

Slice pieces of entire baguette, placing them on cookie sheet until lightly toasted. Upon removal of toasted baguette slices, lightly brush olive oil on each piece. Sprinkle garlic salt on baguette slices. Use a spoon to spread bruschetta on baguette slices. Eat and enjoy!

Way to go, Luis! Come on boys...time to step it up a notch, or two! Any other gents out there ready to get their hands wet? For those of you feeling like you need a little help out there in San Francisco or Chicago, you've got a chance to jump into a cooking class, feet first, called "Parties that Cook." (Link to be provided at end of blog). The same would be for you, ladies...Chicago's Gourmet Dating event is this weekend, though...so you better sign up quickly!

Until next time...make time for a nearby Farmers' Market...the fall is a great time for a visit!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi,39

Long Beach, CA

Links: http://www.partiesthatcook.com/cooking-classes-san-francisco-bay-area-chicago-los-angeles/

http://www.traderjoes.com/

Amarillo By Morning...

2008-10-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Not a cook?!! Maybe a baker? Definitely an Olympic-worthy left-over warmer...

I told Cyndi that I would need to write for that category! Yes, that's me--that I had the inspiration for a dish was miraculous. It was even a thrill to shop for the ingredients and picture myself, oh so chef-like, putting the ingredients together, spending hours in the kitchen enjoying the creativity and the smells and then when it came to that first bite...
I realized ...chef-like? Was I crazy, I could win "Not Top Chef"! It wasn't all I dreamed it would be and I wouldn't be rushing home to MY leftovers. In fact, I knew I would be desperately snagging money from my "I thought I might get a vacation" fund in my meager budget to buy food I would actually look forward to eating.

It's really bad when you won't even eat your own cooking!! Me...write for this blog? Well, even the worst of cooks eventually hit on recipes that are YUM enough to be remembered and just can't be messed up...I promise I'll bring you those, unless I throw in a Caviar Pomegranate Pot Pie recipe just to see if you remember I don't claim to be a cook!!

Now I have been known to pull off some baking and make a good batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies on occasion-don't snicker- I haven't always loved mine, but they do get eaten. Even a chewy cookie that gets hard in a day is great dunked in milk or coffee!!!

Maxine, you were fabulous and brave to video blog (10/7)...Rachael Ray's a little nervous. Luv Chocolate Chip Cookies & Ghirardelli's, but hmmm...I wondered why I didn't see Cyndi & the kids eating bites of cookie dough and then I noticed you kept the bowl quite close to you. Were you sneaking bites when no one was looking?! HaHa! I usually eat so many spoonfuls that I don't have room for the cooked ones and I learned on Top Chef that the chef always tries the food before it goes out!!

Cyndi, your list of utensils and bakeware was so helpful (10/9), but are you sure I need to buy Thongs to cook with? I don't think Pampered Chef has expanded their line to lingerie or pampering their chefs that much! Are you sure you want people to know that much about your cooking style? You funny, Cyndi, you funny!!

Thanks to Cyndi for the invite to write.

My first blog ever was great fun--looking forward to more & yes you can pick on me, too...

~Lorie, 46
Amarillo, TX

Easy Like a Sunday Mornin'...

2008-10-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

...only it was a Saturday. Of the 39 years I’ve spent being single, one thing’s for sure--I never feel more alive, content even...as when I’m preparing a meal for myself–Dinah Washington never failing me with candles aglow, wafts of a freshly-picked bouquet of flowers, while enjoying a slightly chilled glass of Zin–Cellar 98 to be exact. Saturday morning it happened to be breakfast, which now that I’m thinking about it, is definitely one of my favorite meals to chef!

With Edie’s purring of La Vie En Rose in the background, I can’t help but smile as my sweet Luke is well-aware of the joy that resounds throughout the living room and kitchen, his tail being living proof. I’m not sure why making breakfast makes us so happy, but it does--just something different in the air. Could it be that it’s a new morning, thus making the day’s possibilities endless? While most Saturdays my cooking is for both, my roomie and I, this particular Sabbath is solely for one (although I definitely enjoy the company and laughter that accompanies my usual early morning cooking). This morning I stared in the refrigerator as I chilled in the slightly crisp kitchen while still in my jammies. This coffee is no ordinary coffee–the first time I experienced it, I described it to my girlfriends as a bit of heaven in my mouth...if you like coffee, you haven’t lived a full-coffee-life until you’ve had a cup. The brewing aroma alone leaves me in dire need of that perfect first sip.

Being that I was only cooking for one, I decided that this morning’s beverage of choice would only be the coffee as I couldn’t bear the thought of hosting an entire bottle of champagne avec Orange Juice only for me...although the thought did occur. I think one of things that made this Saturday morning’s breakfast so much fun is that I decided to pull out whatever ingredients I found in the fridge, determining how much to mix in based on my taste-buds, which is pretty much how I cook regardless. Based on what I found, I opted for yet another egg dish–an omelette via egg whites, breakfast potatoes, veggie sausage and once again, the ever-so-faithful corn tortillas.

Now one of things I love most about Saturday morning cooking, is my breakfast potatoes...and according to my roomate, they are quite the deal! The thing I don’t like about making potatoes is that it takes them about 20 - 25 minutes in total, making it nearly impossible to not "snack" before the full course is ready for me to devour. In order to aide in this, I decided to take full advantage of some of the fruit I found–a banana, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapes and an orange, to which I thoroughly enjoyed while preparing the garlic-breakfast potatoes. Starbuck’s has met it’s match–at least in my mouth, it does as my fruit salad was the best I’ve had in a very long time.

What made the morning’s meal easy to prepare was that I had frozen bell peppers & onions already packaged from Trader Joe’s to saute with olive oil as I diced the mushrooms, green olives. The nice thing about using their frozen veggie-mix is not only are they tasty and full of flavor, they don’t go bad or spoil if you happen not to use them for another week or two, unlike what usually ends up happening with my mushrooms. So once my veggies were all goin’, it wasn’t even four minutes before the dish was ready and topped with the cheese of choice, which I had decided would be Sargento’s Authentic Mexican. Of course, I never forget the corresponding carbs, but rather than the usual 7-grain or rye toast, yesterday morning’s happened to be two corn tortillas sauteed (if you will) in a tablespoon of Olive Oil. Maybe most would consider it a "fry", however the way I prepare them leaves them still very soft. My mom would be upset if she knew–she prefers me to warm them up the good ole Mexican way–right on the burner...hands-on! But you know...I just LOVE the grease!!! I know, I know...it’s bad for the arteries. This is something I should be somewhat concerned about seeing as how both of my grandfathers died of coronary attacks. Maybe next week I’ll start doing them mom’s way–which is really my grandma’s if I think about it!

So back to the cheese portion. The nice thing about Sargento’s Cheese is they provide a huge variety of cheese that’s pretty tasty–to which, in many cases I ‘m able to buy three or four at an extremely reasonable price at the supermarket. The other thing I like about this cheese is not only that they have so many different recipes, but there low-fat cheese tastes is faithful to keep the flavor, unlike others I will not mention. That being said, they deserve a little promo! Now I do like deli cheese of course, but this particular morning, the only chunk I found was a little bit of my left-over low-fat Gouda cheese, which had a texture of something almost plastic. That made it to the trash once I realized that I wouldn’t be using it even to throw a last-minute omelette together. From now on, I stick to the real stuff! No diet is worth substituting real cheese for low-fat–especially if you’re a cheese-a-holic like me!

Breakfast was perfect. The taste was amazing with nice flavors of green olives giving it just that right amount of salt. Although I managed to sit it off, breakfast filled me up just right. How do I know that I have managed to make the perfect meal? Because both, my dog and I, retired for a late morning nap, which is exactly what my new diet didn’t need. The dishes? Yes, there were plenty, and they were dirty! Thank God for dishwashers!

Recipes:
Honey-Drizzled Fruit Salad (serves 1 - 2):
Cut and/or slice to your preference. With fruit mixed in bowl, drizzle honey over the top.

1 Banana
½ Cantaloupe
1/4 cup Strawberries
1 Orange
A handful of Red Seedless Grapes
2 Tbsp. Honey dripped on top of the fruit

Cyndi’s Breakfast Potatoes (serves 1 -2):

In a pan, preheat Olive Oil with Garlic Salt and a dash of pepper on med-high. Once potatoes have been washed and peeled (or not, if you prefer the skin), place sliced potatoes in pan, flipping over as needed. Potatoes should be ready in about 8 - 10 minutes. Blot off excess oil and service.

Olive Oil
Garlic Salt
2 or 3 potatoes

Egg-Omelette (serves 1 - 2):

In a sautee pan or skillet, preheat 2 Tbsp. of Olive Oil. Add frozen bell-pepper mix, until thawed. Once thawed, add chopped mushrooms, mixing together until ready to add green olives. Once all are well-sauteed, add egg whites, flipping over as needed. Add cheese to melt before serving.

3 egg whites
1/4 cup of Mexican Cheese
1/8 cup of Mushrooms
1/8 cup of Trader Joe’s Bell Pepper Variety (includes Yellow, Red, Green and onions)
3 green olives
Vegetarian Sausage - Morning Star Farms
Corn Tortillas

Links:
http://www.sargentocheese.com/
http://www.traderjoes.com/

The Morning After...

2008-10-10T15:51:00.000-07:00

No one ever said the morning after would be fun, but this morning proved to be different as I logged on only to find a response to yesterday's entry. There are few things I enjoy more than reading a reader's response to someone's blog--when it's my own, it "ups the ante" just a tad bit more! Okay, well maybe there are more than a few things I enjoy more than that, but I enjoy it never-the-less.

Now I know that a blog is just that--writing or blogging whatever you'd like(in this case, I'd), only hoping to find readers somewhere out there who'll land on, and read your page. But it is after all my blog, and therefore my opinions, which by now I realize not all agree with. After logging on and seeing that Yogiwan took the time to do just that this morning--respond, I decided to do a little research as to who this person (or persons) may be as I thoroughly enjoyed the validity and sincerity of their comment, which in part read:

"...However, there are a lot better venues to acquire really good cookware, appliances and utensils than waiting for them to show up at TJ Maxx. There a number of online retailers offering high quality products (sometimes even the same brands) are very good prices."

Now, I have to not only Yogiwan (who appears to be a husband and wife team--Sandy and Terry) for taking the time to both, inform and encourage beyond the call of duty; but I also must give kudos as I now realize that they appear to be the very thing mentioned in their response--an online retailer who offers "high quality products"...at very good prices. At least that's how it appears to be, by locating their website after googling "Your Smart Kitchen". Now I have been known to have been wrong before (at least that's what I've been told), so please correct me if I am. I take chastisement slightly better than most--but don't push the button too too far, you might not like what you get!

Moving right along, since Yogiwan took the initiative to introduce themselves in response to my entry, I thought I'd dedicate today's entry to them with hopes of sending (what few) readers I may have to their business--cheers to online friendship and collaboration...my sincerest apologies in overlooking this "treasure" of an online retail store in yesterday's blog. While my recommendations were based on my personal experience, I am glad they helped to increase my knowledge by introducing me to Your Smart Kitchen (link provided below), as they've got some great prices on Stainless Steel Tri-ply Cookware Sale, not to mention all sorts of cooking goodies!
I'm all about power to the people, and so it would actually do me good to dig a little deeper in working hand-in-hand with others working hard for their money! I, for one, will be purchasing something from them within the month, and when I do, I'll letcha know how it works out!

Until next time, try to create a dish of your own...and in whatever you do in or out of the kitchen, give it some thought before you do it!

Bon Appetit!

~Cyndi, 39
Long Beach, CA

http://www.yoursmartkitchen.com/

Do You Have What it Takes?

2008-10-09T13:02:00.000-07:00

...to cook up a dish at the drop of a hat? While most married friends of mine would say "of course," I'd have to say that I've got plenty of single friends whose kitchens are barer than a plate of already-eaten bones followed by the feasting of dogs (and I'm just not talking in a "Bachelor pad", either). The thing with singles, is were just happy to host parties, because although we may live or be alone, we really are a fun group of people and love the sounds of other humans in our homes! I've been invited to homes where my single friends were forced to "make shift" in order to create the simplest of dishes--whether for grilling or even a simple saute, although the ingredients were there to eat, the goods needed to cook them on, were not...this ought not be so.

I think it's easy to overlook the importance of these staple utensils for many reasons--some singles eat en route to work, for others, their first meal of the day is lunch, which is generally eaten away from home, and for others, dinner is something that takes place at a restaurant of choice with other single friends. What single wants to spend their hard-earned dollar on household items to cook with? "It's bad enough eating at home alone, but to have to invest in kitchenware, too? I'd rather buy shoes!" (Okay, Carrie Bradshaw...with a room full of shoes and no home to show for it). Yes, I've heard this all too many times before--coming from my own mouth, in fact. What a narrow-minded and pitiful attitude I had...no wonder I'm still single!

Well now that I've slightly matured, one of the things I enjoy most about cooking for one, is the downtime and reflection that happens when I've got something on the fire! However, if I would have never decided to "step out" of my comfort zone, I could never have figured this out. How can you know to do something you've never done? Now mind you, I finally decided to step out into the cooking realm after hearing year after year (from my family) how much they loved that oh-so-abused and not-even-a-little-gourmet Green Bean Casserole that I make for Thanksgiving. Granted the recipe is a cinch, but it was after hearing it time and time again, and after receiving a colander from Dean & Deluca from a client that I decided to give it a go! If you don't already have these items, a quick list needs to be made:

Can Opener (Pampered Chef has a brilliant one that opens cans from the side)
Spatula
Serving Spatula
Garlic Press
Mixing Bowl
Batter Bowl
Colander
Thongs (for the tortilla-fryer...is that even spelled right?)
Food Chopper
Grater
Measuring Cup Potato Peeler
Cutting Board
Paring Knife
Egg Separator* (This was a must for me as I'm allergic to egg-yoke)

So now, we work on stocking our home with these basic utensils that no kitchen should lack, no matter how small it may be (unless however, you happen to live in a kitchen-less-studio, which I, of course, almost had the misfortune of moving into not too long ago). Now here comes the fun part...the stocking, aka SHOPPING!!! Since this is something you might be doing for the first time, I would recommend sticking to buying quality items, but for the lowest available price. Yes,it might be tempting to take a trip to the nearest Target or Wal-Mart and pick up something from Oneida or Farberware...DON'T! My advice would be to save those trips for last. There are several ways you can invest in quality cookware/kitchenware without going any deeper in the hole than our economy has already worked so hard to dig. I will list them in order of what worked best for me--again links to information provided will be included at the end.

1. Get key essentials from Pampered Chef. I know they can be pricey, but what worked best for me was hosting a party. If you happened to be a single like me, who loves to entertain, but has nothing with which to host, you can have on online party. From mine I was able to not only receive desired items at a huge discount, but also was able to receive x-amount in free product, in addition to the option to purchase the month's host' item at a really good price. (Here is where I picked up my paring knife, garlic press, egg separator, cutting board, adjustable measuring cup, mixing bowl and chopper--which is great if you're like me and cry easily at the presence of onions).

2. Another thing that has worked for me is visiting the fancier stores specializing in cooking, such as Dean & Deluca, Williams-Sonoma, Crate and Barrel, and check out their sale and clearance items which can sometimes be over 50% off. Because Dean & Deluca is in New York, I have only visited this store once; however, if you're lucky enough to live there, I'd take a trip right away. For those of you in my Cali shoes, their site has a "sale" section that'll keep you're mouth drooling for hours if you let it.

3. Visit your nearest World Market/Cost Plus, or shop online at HSN where you can find some pretty amazing deals on specialty items and cookware! For example, if it's a you need to start cooking in the right direction, HSN features a bistro-set by Wolfgang - the Wolfgang Puck Bistro Elite 10th Anniversary 7-piece Fry-pan Set, for only $109.90 + shipping and handling. And for those of you, who like me, sit in a budget a little tighter than comfy, HSN gives you the option to make two payments, instead, making this a great investment for any chef-in-the-making!

4. It would also be a good idea to visit a store like Marshall's or TJ Maxx, who often carry overstock pieces from the nicer stores, and allow a little breathing room on the pocket book making lay-away possible for you to launch the new chef-you! If you can pay for everything up front, Ross would also work out!

5. My last recommendation and one of my favorite ways to shop for anything these days, is to visit ebay! I was able to purchase, "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" at an amazing low price! The options are limitless...all at the stroke of a key!

I was going to suggest investing in a cookbook that jives with your taste buds. While some may lean towards Mexican, Asian, Greek or Italian Cooking, there are also some great books catered to grilling, sauteing, vegetarians and the list goes on and on and on--a trip to your nearby Borders might help launch you to your next level of cooking; but if I were you, I might see what online recipes I can find. They're quick, fun to read and free! So what are you waiting for? It's time to get crackin'--holidays are around the corner and you've got meals to make!

Until next time...treat yourself to some Pumpkin Ice Cream--I'm going to!

~Cyndi, 39
Anaheim, CA

Links to cooking resources:

Pampered Chef parties online: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/smgenin?page=home
Online Recipes: http://www.epicurious.com/recipesmenus/quickeasy/recipes
Wolfgang Puck's Bistro Set: http://kitchen-dining.hsn.com/wolfgang-puck-bistro-elite-10th-anniversary-7-piece-frypan-set_p-4358111_xp.aspx?webm_id=0&web_id=4358111&sf=qc&attr=1845&ocm=QC%7C1845&prev=hp!sf!1845&ccm=QC%7C1845

A Single Mom Bakes and Tells...

2008-10-07T11:12:00.000-07:00

For some baking comes easy, for others not so much. Single mom, Maxine Stevenson, shares a quick recipe for that sweet-tooth that may come at any time of your day! Now my suggestion to you would be to take a trip to the market for these ingredients and/or bakeware if you don't already have them--Pampered Chef has some great stoneware (link to where you can order your first stoneware provided below). Of course you can always cheat and bake the cut-n-bake cookie dough already made for you, but why go there if you can at least chef it up on your own with a recipe that'll not only have you eating that soft, chewy cookie (or golden brown) in less than 15 minutes, but will also leave you feeling like a pro! Besides, everyone can always use a little practice in the baking department...and what better way to make amends, say thank you or "wink" at someone, than to bring them a little tray of treats the next morning? Whatever the occasion, click on the arrow below for a sneak peak at Maxine's mad skills baking a batch in her very own kitchen! (Yes, you will hear her love-bugs in this clip...and may even see them!)

Although Maxine's recipe was varied according to her preferences, you can find the Ghiradelli recipe here: http://www.ghirardelli.com/bake/recipe.aspx?id=1045

Maxine's Version of Ghiradelli's Chocalate Chip Cookies (makes approx. 3 1/2 dozen): 1 Bag of Semi-Sweet Ghiradelli Chocolate Chips, 1 cup of soft butter, 1 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 2 eggs, 3 teaspoons of vanilla, 2 1/4 cups of unsifted flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 pinch of salt.

Directions: Preheating the oven to 375 degrees, you will need to prepare your ingredients in two separate bowls. In the first large bowl, you will mix your brown sugar, eggs and vanilla with your already-softened stick of butter. It is important that your butter be at room temperature to ensure ease in the mixing of these ingredients, which you will continue doing until it blended into a nice soft mixture. You will then add the dry-ingredients (of flour, baking soda) into your soft batch of ingredients. Once both sets of ingredients are well-mixed, you can add your bag of chocolate chip cookies (and/or nuts if you desire).

Place the cookie dough on your stoneware/cookie sheet in chunks measured by a tablespoon. They will take somewhere between 9 to 11 minutes to bake, or until your liking...and voila!!!

Stoneware can be ordered online through:http://www.pamperedchef.biz/smgenin

Baking ingredients you should always have on-hand: Flour, Baking Soda, Brown Sugar, Eggs (or egg whites for those who don't like yoke)

Until next time, go out and do a little shopping...and next time, our mom will do a little more telling...

~Cyndi, 39 Fullerton, CA

A Girl's Best Friend...

2008-09-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Trader Joe's! Next best thing to Diamonds--in my book, anyways. I have to say I was rather disappointed in how quick I fell off the wagon with my gun-ho approach to a new me at 40! Oddly enough, I woke up yesterday morning, took my friend's kids to school, and then off to Tom's #4 we went. For one, it is amazing to me how many Tom's there are. Are they all just one big chain? One thing they have in common--the yummiest, fattening foods one can ever find! You can smell the grease as you are exiting the ramp, readying to turn onto their street (which in this case would be Orangethorpe).

I have to say though, I was encouraged as an ex emailed me after reading Sunday's blog forwarding me weight-loss tips via an email article entitled, "A Breakfast Favorite that Blasts Fat?" Wow, so it's come to this. Truly, the man is a gem and is as sincere as he is disciplined. He, in fact, has got to be one of the most disciplined people I know (especially when it comes to staying fit and eating right)! This is the guy who drank Plankton daily when we first met because he's just that healthy Regardless of the juice that contained oceanic-matter in it, the meals we cooked at his place were memorable for sure! So the article revolved around the almighty egg, of course...but had some great lessons to be learned!

Today was much, much better--only I didn't quite make it to the gym. Okay, no "quite's" about it--I didn't make it. Today I have been writing pretty much from the moment I woke up, only making enough room to go with a girlfriend to pick up her son from school, only to find out he wasn't really sick, after all. This was evident in his jumping up and down in the office when she walked in, to which he replied when she questioned him, "It doesn't hurt anymore." Man, do kids have it good!

Breakfast included not one, but two cups of cafecito, a banana and fat-free orange-cranberry cake. Now I don't exactly know how they manage to make it so, but they do. I do realize, however the calories are THERE!

Lunch was completely thrown together with Italian Sausage Tofurkey, a piece of Cheddar Cheese and a drink from Trader Joe's...upon which after consuming, I went back upstairs to write for another five hours. The bad news about being this focused is that I am not getting the chance to play with friends who invited me to say...the beach!

Dinner was nice. If you have a Trader Joe's where you live, you MUST go and see the gold there for poppers such as myself. Not only is their food tasty and extremely affordable, their beverages rate high, both in taste and in the pocket-book, as well. If you do shop at Trader Joe's and you've never had the chance to pick up the Fire-Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Viniagrette, you are missing out! So this was what filled my Tuesday night tummy....the veggies and pretty tasty chicken (already on a skewer) can be found in the frozen section of Trader Joe's. Not too heavy, but tasty, indeed. What I enjoyed most about this evening's dish was the company and the fact that Tums was not an after-meal necessity.

Not sure I'll be blogging tomorrow--I think Wednesdays are definitely my busiest day and night of the week, so we'll see! As you can see, my cooking so far has not been much to boast about...never-the-less, I will include this evening's tasties from Trader Joe's--they are after all, a girl's best friend! Now, can one of my contributing authors post an entry? I fear I may have to actually post a video-blog...uh-oh!

Dinner Recipe:

2 skewers from the Trader Joe's Box of Marinated Chipotle Chicken
1 serving from Fire-Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Viniagrette
1 glass of Strawberry-Banana Juice

Evening Snack:

1 Cup of French Roast Coffee with 1 packet of Sugar in the Raw

~Cyndi, 39
Orange County, CA

Off to a great start!!!

2008-09-28T01:35:00.000-07:00

Trying to relocate my life to Los Angeles has been a major adjustment. For one, I forgot the external pressures of what it means to be a thirty-something-single female in the city of Angels--meaning that my size 10's and sometimes 12's are NOT the norm in a town where thick is not acceptable! While I am preparing the soil for my official return home to Tinseltown, I must now face the hard facts--I can no longer eat breakfast burritos steaming with fried potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, re-fried beans and egg whites with a side of chilied-carrots and a large Coke. It is time to turn to something much healthier on the heart, the body and for now, the ego.

This state of being is somewhat daunting as not only is it my goal to get healthy again, I have got to also shed some pounds and tone--the big 40 is less than one year away, so carbs can no longer be my best friend. I was really hoping that my rejoining 24-Hour Fitness would be sufficient, but let's be real here. There is no way I'll ever be anything less than soft if I continue to eat the ever-so-softening foods--you know the ones...bread, pasta, sugar, deep fried stuff. The ones that make me coo while when we're partying in my mouth, but then are true to form in that the button pops open only too often, afterwards.

So now it looks like we're back to the old. Although many in my world would say to forget the former things of old, the former things for me included the disciplines of eating right, exercising and feeling great! That being said I'm going to have to retrain myself to preparing healthier versions of the dishes that could very easily fill me up for the day! Now keep in mind that while I'm not new to cooking, I'm no Rachel Ray, either. I'm the kind who likes to have the "look" of a chef (whatever that looks like), while not quite knowing for sure how my dish will turn out! This morning's recipe was simple enough, though and proved to fill me to perfection.

Breakfast this particular morning included soy-rizo, egg whites and corn tortillas. A good cup of Java proved that cinnamon rolls as dessert isn't what I seem to think I need as I was beyond satisfied and even more excited that my cargos didn't feel the need to pop open without my permission. This is especially important since breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. Sadly, today's did not include any Mimosa's...

Breakfast:

2 Tbsp. Grape Seed Oil
3-egg whites
1/4 package of Soy-Rizo
2 Corn Tortillas
1 cup of Coffee

-Cyndi, 39
Los Angeles, CA