In terms of illness, what’s worse than the stomach flu? If I wasn’t afflicted with it just this past week, I could think of lots of things. However, since it’s still so fresh in my mind, I’d have to say nothing. Great balls of fire, people. NOT FUN. Add insult to injury – Haley got it, too. But wait, there’s more! Paul was out of town on business (which was cut short, due to my inability to function and feed our kids.)
It is at this time I would like to thank my friend Christy for listening to me die a slow death on the phone, and a huge thanks to Cathy for the speedy market run and Ginger Ale that followed.
48 hours later, life went back to normal. And just in time for Haley’s 4th birthday party, which I think went off without a hitch (other than the ringing in my ears.) Anyone?
Anyway, this was the first thing I made upon getting my appetite back. It’s from one of the special edition Cooking Light magazines that sister Jen sent me a while back. It was also highlighted with a color-coded sticky, including notes (tell me we’re not related…)
Beans? Check. Corn? Check. Tortillas? Check. Parsley? Check. Monterey Jack with Jalapenos…uh…where the hell do you find that? How about Pepper Jack instead? Check. Leftover rotisserie chicken? Well, of course. Check, check.
Easy and fast. Sweetness from the toasted corn and some heat from the cheese. Delish. And honestly, I preferred it without the chicken.
Print this recipe.
Dear Readers,
Remember me? Tuna fish. I used to have those really great commercials back in the 70’s, with the catchy jingle “Yum yum Bumble Bee, Bumble Bee tuna.” I was fun. I was popular. You loved me.
I miss those days.
Now it seems I just sit on the grocery shelf, day after day, waiting for you to stop, pick me up, and place me in your cart. But, alas, few of you ever do.
I’m starting to develop a complex. What is it? Am I not pretty enough? Do you have a thing against using a can opener? My odor too strong? I’ve heard that Matthew McConaughey smells, but nobody seems to stop using him.
Listen, I’ve been misunderstood. I know I contain some mercury, and so, ya, I’m not entirely safe for pregnant women, nursing women, and young children (in large amounts, anyway.) But what about the rest of you?
Don’t you know that I’m 1) high in protein, with almost no fat, 2) contain essential amino acids that the body requires for growth and maintenance of lean muscle tissue, 3) a good source of heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, 4) super inexpensive – ideal for today’s depressed economy, and 5) just like cookies, perfectly fine consumed in moderation.
Okay, I realize mentioning myself in the same sentence with cookies is a stretch, but I’m desperate.
Check me out in this incredibly tasty grilled sandwich. I’m loaded with personality, combined with cannellini beans, mayo, onion, and topped with cheese, leafy greens, and tomato.
Come on. Let’s hang out. For old times sake.
Hopelessly, Wishfully, Respectfully,
Tuna
Print the recipe (adapted from Heart-Healthy Living)
My favorite smaller food-related news stories and products that made it in under the radar:
Comical Flowchart: You dropped food on the floor. Do you eat it?
Funny McDonald’s job application.
Coca-Cola “Happiness Machine” (2 Minute Video) – swap the Coke for Pepsi & it’s a regular afternoon at my house.
‘Willy Wonka’ Characters: Where Are They Now?
The 9 most terrifying attempts to improve popular foods.
How long past the expiration date is food safe?
Waffleizer, a blog completely devoted to waffles.
The McNugget meltdown—and 6 more fast-food freakouts.
100 Cupcakes Game – how many can you get right?
Need to dry out your cell phone? Try uncooked rice.
How to get a man excited about chicken: It’s the presentation.
A lot of death: Taco Bell founder at 86, McDonald’s Quarter Pounder creator at 81, and Pez exec at 87.
Food Product Find: Animal-Themed Chopsticks for Kids.
Food Product Find: Now your kids can eat the crayons. And you can, too – Luxirare’s Edible Crayons.
Food Product Find: Mix Stix, if you like music and mixing food.
Food Product Find: Hanger Tea, teabags in t-shirt shape with tiny clothes hangers.
Food Product Find: Herb-Saver, keeps herbs fresh for 3 weeks.
Food Product Find: Helvetica Cookie Cutters.
On my first date with Paul, he proclaimed his undying love… for Old Dutch Dill Pickle Potato Chips. He yammered on about how they’re the best chip ever and how he couldn’t find them anywhere in Sacramento. I, of course, was smitten, and wanted to impress him. The next day I went online, and lo and behold, found a place that would ship out an entire case. Shortly after receipt of this amazing bounty of chips, he actually proclaimed his undying love for me. So, thank you Old Dutch.
Another thing – he loves dill pickles, in general. And so do I. Warts and all. And like most of my hand-held food victims, I like to chew off all the skin, until I’m left with an uneven mess, and then devour the remains. My sister, Jen, does the same thing. Paul thinks we’re both disturbed.
What does this have to do with the featured recipe, you ask? Well, not a whole lot, except it includes dill pickles. The flatbread also has Caesar salad dressing, pastrami, onion, and swiss cheese. Sounds sort of gross? Oh no, no, no. So not gross. So good. So very, very good.
Print this recipe (adapted slightly from Raley’s)
Good: eating peanut butter right out of the container with a spoon.
Bad: discovering your child has a peanut allergy.
Ugh.
Yep. Haley’s allergic to peanuts. Instead of boring you with all the details, though, and droning on about how much it stinks, and how concerned we are, I will just say we’re dealing with it and life goes on.
To prevent me from turning fully gray overnight with worry, my friend Christy gave me a dose of perspective with this: “at least she doesn’t have a debilitating disease like Cystic Fibrosis.” Very true.
She also told me about SunButter. It’s sunflower seed spread, just like peanut butter, but made from roasted sunflower seeds. Who knew? (Well, apparently everyone but me. I really need to get out more.) Oh, and it turns out, it lives on the same shelf as peanut butter…which is also next to the cashew and almond butter. (It’s like I stumbled upon the land of pureed nuts!)
But today, kind readers, we will focus on SunButter. It’s made in a peanut and tree-nut free facility, so if you, or someone you know, has a peanut allergy, this is a wonderful substitute. No, I am not suggesting you eliminate peanut butter from your cupboards. Just another option. Another wonderful option.
Let me be clear, however – just as peanuts are to peanut butter, sunflower seeds are to sunflower butter. If you don’t like sunflower seeds, you won’t enjoy this.
I love sunflower seeds…so pass me a spoon.
I used it on apples with granola. Mmm mmm.
…a S’more version. Heaven sent.
And a sandwich creation with toasted cinnamon raisin bread and bananas. Lick-your-fingers-good.
Want to try some? Well, I’ve got a truck load of sample packets to give away thanks to an inquiry by yours truly, and a very kind Justin who answered the call. Awesome.
Leave a comment by 1/24 at 9am (CST) and I’ll send you some.
UPDATE 1/26: The samples were mailed out today. (If you didn’t leave your e-mail address, than I was unable to contact you to get your shipping info!)
January 18th, 2010 in
Food For Thought,
Non-Dairy,
Salad,
Sandwiches/Wraps/Flatbread,
Treats,
Vegetarian | tags:
peanut allergy,
peanut butter substitute,
SunButter,
sunflower butter,
sunflower seeds |
45 Comments
I didn’t want to spend the money at Random.org for 33 contestants, so I had Haley draw names out of a hat. Real scientific, I know. But random, nonetheless!
I scored a second plate, so there are actually two winners. Surprise! The lucky ladies are Jessica and Andrea. Congrats!
Thanks to everyone for playing and coming up with such clever face ideas – I wish I had a plate for all of you. Truly.
Some random facts about Paul:
1. He can write legibly with both hands.
2. He has been using the same alarm clock for 21 years.
3. He was the lead actor in five college theater productions.
4. He will drink any kind of milk; whole, 2%, and skim.
5. He humored me by sitting through the entire DVD Brady Bunch television series. (Now, that’s love!)
and…
He is the best gift-giver.
No, not because the gifts are sparkly, or large, or expensive. It’s because the gift always has attention and careful consideration behind it.
Unemployment left our wallets pretty thin last year, so we made a pact not to exchange holiday gifts, and just make it all about the kids. Totally fine. But he got me a little something, anyway. And it’s THE greatest gift ever. I was about to get all up in his face for ignoring our agreement…but then three seconds passed and I went back to loving the Hell out of my gift!
It’s a Food Face plate – a high quality ceramic plate, mid-sized, food-safe, imprinted with a blank face to build upon. Plus, check out the box it comes in, adorned with 11 sample faces to inspire you and get your creative juices flowing.
These are some of the faces I made up over the last couple of weeks:
Heath, The Hippee
Gil, The Islander
Aldo, The Italian
Whitey, The Albino
Bert, The Crossdresser
And contributing to the silliness, my kids have made several. These are my favorites:
Haley’s:
Pete, The Teenager
And Trevor’s:
Pig-Pen
Fun, right?
Psst. Hey you…with the kids…grandkids…or young nieces and nephews – this is a fantastic way to try some new foods on the youngsters. I certainly wouldn’t have been so opposed to peas as a child, if I got to pretend they were someone’s hat first.
Now’s your chance to win one. I contacted the makers, Fred and Friends, to see if they would donate one for a lucky reader, and they much obliged. (A special shout out to Ulla Kyling at Anne McGilvray & Company, for her kindness and pointing me in the right direction. And an even bigger shout to Jason Amendolara, the man who designed this brilliant plate, for actually making it happen.)
Most importantly, if you don’t end up winning, you can still purchase this plate. For only $10! Click here for a list of retailers who carry it. And lemme tell you, there are so many other amusing products at Fred and Friends, that you should set some time aside to peruse their entire catalog. I already have a wish list started.
Which ingredient/s or cuisine would you use to make a face? Leave a comment on the blog by this Saturday, 1/16 at Noon (PST) and a winner will be randomly selected. Don’t want the plate, but still have something to say? All nice comments are welcome!
Update 1/17: This giveaway is now closed – the lucky winners are Jessica and Andrea. Congrats!
It was one year ago today that I joined the food blogging circus. In some ways it flew by, and in others, it felt like time stood still.
2009 dealt us unemployment (shock), trying to sell our house (continuing nightmare), and two deaths in the family (tragic.) Needless to say, we won’t miss last year. But Very Culinary – the little food blog that could – was a highlight that got me through some hellish days.
May seem silly, and even downright ridiculous, considering how much I have to be thankful for: adorable kids (biased), selfless husband (he really is), the most supportive family ever (for real), and everyone is healthy (whew.)
And I am thankful for all of that. Of course.
But what would a cake be without the icing? You all are my icing. Fo’ shizzle.
Thank you to everyone who follows me, who comes for a visit and returns for seconds, who leaves a comment, who sends me private e-mails with absolute heart-warming props, and thank you to everyone who passes my blog along to others.
I appreciate you more than you will ever know.
Sniffle. Sniffle.
Okay…ahem…. When you have a blog, sometimes it’s fun (and interesting) to see where your traffic comes from. I have an analytics program installed on the computer that allows me to do just that. Here is a recap of 2009.
The most popular recipe posts (based on page views)
1) Praline Crunch Bars 2) Balsamic Lemon Chicken 3) Sweet Potato and Corn Bisque 4) Potato Latkes
The most clicked on recipe posts (from search engine keywords)
1) Apple Cranberry Crisp 2) Prosciutto Wrapped Scallops 3) Halloween Brownies 4) Shrimp Stir-Fry
A few of my own personal favorites (due to subject, recipe, or both)
1) Sour Cream Peach Pecan Pie 2) Emma Krumbees Apple Orchard 3) Pumpkin Muffins with Cranberries and Pecans 4) Eggplant and Basil with Israeli Couscous
Most popular “Let’s Dish” discussion series
1) Early ‘Baby Seating’ at Restaurants 2) Will Work For Food 3) Hospital Food 4) Turning Chicken Shit Into Chicken Salad
What a long and wild ride it’s been. Here’s hoping 2010 brings us warmer weather, a sustainable income, lively conversation, and more great food!
My favorite smaller food-related news stories that made it in under the radar:
Colorful guide to when fruits and vegetables are in season.
California restaurants can’t use trans fat as of Jan. 1st.
StillTasty.com launches an Apple iPhone app.
Coco the Clown and the creator of Ronald McDonald dies.
Survival tools for the deskside lunch.
The reason Americans are so fat.
Have a surplus of backyard garden produce? Post a free ad to sell, trade or give it away.
General Mills reducing sugar in kids’ cereal (Well i’ts about time!)
Michael Ruhlman’s ‘Ratio’ becomes an Apple iPhone app.
Gordon Ramsay & the producers of The Biggest Loser, are casting amateur chefs for a new cooking show.
The 10 Craziest Food Phobias.
The 10 Best Cookbooks of 2009, according to Serious Eats.
Food Product Find: 3-Tier Oven Companion. Perfect for next year’s holiday feast.
Food Product Find: Odor absorbing Splatter Screen.
Food Product Find: Brownie Bites Mold.
Banana Accessories. Who knew? SLICER, CLIP, and BUNKER (for this last one, the comments might be better than the actual product.)
Happy New Year, everyone! Be warm. Be safe. Be good.
I swear I’m going to write about chicken, and fish, and soup, and pasta again. Promise. But I figure the holidays aren’t really over until the New Year. And what’s one more pound gained this season in the name of a really great cookie?
This was the first year we introduced Santa Claus to the kids, and while it went right over Trevor’s head, Haley embraced the concept immediately. She wasn’t scared to sit on his lap, wasn’t nervous about telling him what she wished for, and was so excited to help me make cookies on Christmas Eve. As the final batch was done cooling, I left the ultimate decision in her hands of how many cookies to leave out on the Santa plate. She deemed 11 the perfect amount. So, 11 cookies it was.
These are my new favorite, courtesy of Natalie’s Killer Cuisine. Super soft and sort of creamy, just the way I prefer. But what might appear as your basic chocolate chip cookies (yummy), actually have a secret ingredient that sets them apart – vanilla pudding mix (yummier.) Not only could we taste the vanilla pudding, but apparently the other added benefit is that it helps the cookies stay fresh longer. (I wouldn’t know. If anyone can make these last more than three days, I’d like to hear about it.)
I used a combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and white chocolate chips, which gave it another layer. Next time, I’m going to break into my stash of butterscotch chips. No doubt those will be awesome, too.
Curious what Santa thought about them? Well, all 11 cookies were gone when the kids woke up in the morning. Haley said, “Wow. Santa was hungry.”
Ya, that was it. Santa was hungry.
Print this recipe.
Here are some questions I have been asked, via e-mail, since the beginning of the year. Are you curious about something? I’ll be nice if you will. Make contact.
What was the hardest thing you had to learn about cooking?
Timing. How do I get the pork breading to stay crispy while the broccoli continues to cook? How do I keep the peas from getting cold since the fish isn’t done baking? How do I develop self-control and not finish off the last two brownies while I’m waiting for the water to boil? (Who am I kidding…I would just eat the brownies and not worry about it.)
Timing takes a lot of practice and being extremely organized is essential. I never start making any meal until all of my ingredients are prepped and in place.
You’ve mentioned your dogs in some posts. What kind?
We have two, 10 year old spoiled Beagles. I have more pictures of them than my kids and food combined; gracing the labels of Jones Soda several times. Ginger is a princess, while Ebi has gender identity issues.
What are some foods you always have in your pantry?
Canned diced tomatoes, rice, pasta, coconut milk, hoisin sauce, beans, Ritz crackers, cereal, semi-sweet chocolate chips.
I have tried to cook some recipes where the prep time was about twice what the book said. How realistic are your prep times?
I base my prep times on how long it takes me to make something. I don’t really know any other way to calculate it since there are so many variables that I can’t answer for someone else; is your kitchen laid out efficiently? Do you have the proper utensils? How long does it take you to chop up a whole onion?
Also, I don’t meander. I don’t even know how to meander. I’m a “let’s get ‘er done” kind of gal.
It sounds like your kids eat everything. Are there ever times when they simply won’t eat what you want them to or won’t eat what you’ve made? How do you handle that?
I should be so lucky for them to eat everything! Generally speaking, yes, my kids are really good eaters. Like a lot of other parents, though, I face the same daily dilemma of what to feed them. If I’m serving something completely new that is questionable, I usually have an easy backup in mind.
Right now, I would give anything for Haley to like peanut butter and jelly. Or allow me to mix things together. (Head, meet brick wall.)
What camera do you use?
When I first started the blog I really didn’t know diddly about taking photos of food, or photographing anything else, for that matter. But thanks to my Dad wanting to upgrade for his own amazing nature photography, I received his Cannon PowerShot A620, and some very useful tips. See, he’s not just good for comic relief.
The camera has helped a lot, but the old saying “tools don’t make the man” is so true. What’s made the most difference is proper lighting. You’ve heard this before, right? The warmth and sunshine from summertime allowed me to relocate outside. Now that it’s cold and snowing, I don’t take as many shots, and hope I get lucky…before my fingers go numb.
It’s a total work in progress. Now, if only I had a room full of accessories to choose from like Martha Stewart!
What would you want your last meal on earth to be?
Like if I was on death row? Easy one – pie.
Do you ever just order a pizza?
Yes! Just the other night, actually. I love pizza. And I love when it’s delivered.
Would you like to lose 100 pounds or win a $25k Rolex watch?
No thanks. I’m good.
Here we are. December. Holiday time. Gift giving time. Spending money time…unless you’re on unemployment (ahem.)
All right. So, maybe you have a job (way to go!), but you’re being very frugal with your money this year. Or maybe you have gobs of money (way to go!), but you still prefer to give homemade gifts. Something that says, “Hey, I actually took the time to make you something. See how much I love you?”
Look no further. Have I got two yummy ideas for you to wrap up. And they’re so easy and inexpensive, you could make a batch for yourself, too. Minus the bow.
Cranberry Almond Bark
You’re familiar with this treat, right? You see it in the Williams Sonoma and Crate and Barrel catalogs every year. Your local market probably sells it. Well, I just discovered how simple it is to make at home. (I know, I’m slow.) Added perk: you can create different dried fruit and nut combinations to suit the recipient’s likes.
If you don’t have any family or friends who like chocolate, than figuring out what to give as Christmas gifts is the least of your worries.
White Chocolate Popcorn with Cranberries and Sliced Almonds
Early childhood memory: my Dad attempting to make popcorn. Result? We sat in the living room and watched the reflection of flames on the refrigerator.
I love popcorn. Air popped or made in oil. Plain or saturated in butter. Big ‘ol tub resting in my lap, while I witness a train wreck of a movie. True.
I think most people either really like popcorn, or they don’t. There’s no in between. However, for those who don’t – melt some white chocolate over those kernels, and they might change their mind.
Notice both these creations include dried cranberries. Coincidence? Not really. That 48 ounce bag from Costco, I bought for Thanksgiving, isn’t going to stay fresh forever.
Print the recipe for the Cranberry Almond Bark (adapted from Taste of Home)
Print the recipe for the White Chocolate Popcorn (adapted from Healthy Cooking)
I grew up confused about the proper way to spell Hanukah Chanukah Hanukkah. (Well, at least that’s one way.) Adding to the confusion, even though the holiday is always in December, it never occurs on the same eight days every year. To top it all off, my gifts were usually signed, “Love Santa.” Seriously. How am I not in therapy?
There should be no confusion, however, about Latkes – or potato pancakes, if you prefer – which are traditionally made for the Passover and Hanukkah holidays.
Fact: they are made from a potato base.
Fact: they are fried in oil.
Fact: they are not healthy.
Fact: my mother rarely made them because of the previous two facts.
Fact: they are beyond scrumptious.
The first day of Hanukkah, this year, begins at Sundown on the 11th, and in it’s honor, I thought I would post my two favorite recipes. (Truly, I think I was just looking for an excuse! And thanks to a request from Lora, we all win.)
Mini Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon and Dill
This version is a more traditional Latke, with the potato and onion shredded. You can eat them plain or add something on top for an extra “wow” factor. My favorite is sour cream, smoked salmon, and dill. But I also love applesauce or pieces of apple. Mama Mia! I could eat way too many of these.
Potato Zucchini Latkes
Now, these guys are made differently than most Latke recipes; the ingredients are pureed in a food processor fitted with a metal blade until they are smooth. They have a nice crispy outer shell, but still slightly soft inside. Plus, the added zucchini is an awesome way to fool yourself into thinking these are actually good for you.
Final Fact: you do not need to be Jewish to enjoy latkes. Oh no. These little bites of Heaven are universal.
Print the recipe for Mini Potato Latkes with Smoked Salmon and Dill.
Print the recipe for Potato-Zucchini Latkes
I’ve been trying out some slow cooker recipes lately. This Creamy Chicken Casserole sounded okay – vegetables, stuffing, chicken. Nothing great, but certainly it had the makings of an easy, tasty dinner. And it looks decent, right?
So, last night I followed the ingredients and instructions to the letter. Took a quick peak now and again. Looked okay. Smelled okay.
The buzzer went off and I lifted the lid.
At first glance, I knew right away I needed a back-up for my kids. I mean, does this look anything like the picture from the magazine above? Does it even look edible?
Um, NO.
Then I took a bite.
It tasted like dirt.
It was so bad, that I immediately had to eat one of these (made earlier in the day) to wash away the insipid flavor. Had they not been within reach, I probably would have settled for a mouth full of soap.
Out of pure guilt and not wanting to waste food (although I don’t even think anyone in a third world country would have eaten this), I placed it all in a Tupperware container (for later?)…at which point, I swear, the plastic wilted. If it could have spoken, I’m certain it would have said something like, “heeelp meee. I’m dyiiing.”
This morning, Paul suggested I let Ebi and Ginger take a stab at it. Surely, they would eat it.
NOT. A. CHANCE. They actually appeared insulted that I would pass something so vile onto them. And I have Beagles – they’ll eat anything!
It was finally put to rest. And I’m sure my garbage can had the same reaction as the Tupperware.
Still unclear about how dreadful this was?
Several years ago, we went to a dinner party. The main course was fairly decent, but the dessert was another story. It resembled mucus with a blue hue. Paul thought it smelled like ammonia. I thought it tasted like an entire box of baking powder. Absolutely horrific. The worst food I have ever eaten.
This dish? Ranks as #2.
My favorite smaller food-related news stories that made it in under the radar:
Very cool slide show: London Skyline with Food.
A real Thanksgiving Letter from a Control Freak.
Gift Guide for Foodies, Coffee Lovers, and Mail-Order.
Check out Alice.com where you can save money on big brand items, by avoiding retailer margin markup. And free shipping.
Guide to restaurants where Kids Eat for Free.
Waste Not: 5 Ways to Use Leftover Bread.
New Find: Never-Stick Brownie Pan.
Office Snack Gourmet turns even the most disgusting vending machine snacks into delicious gourmet meals.
‘Iron Chef America’ Competes at the White House in January.
New Find: Customizable Alphabet Plates.
What a $47,221 lunch looks like.
