Shrimp & Farm Fresh Vegetable Stir Fry, Todd English / HSN Green Pan Review

Hi Friends! Today I'm killing 2 birds with 1 stone by reviewing the Todd English Hard Anodized by Greenpan while discussing my latest farm fresh recipe. Talk about a rush hour meal this dish was done in 10 minutes (I chop fast) and partly becuase my Greenpan cooks so well. After fighting traffic I want a quick easy no fuss dinner. Low and behold I have farm fresh zucchini, peppers, onions and garlic in my fridge. A bag of frozen shrimp is a staple in my freezer. I quickly chopped all the veggies and lightly sauteed on high heat in my GreenPan Sautepan. After about 8 minutes I added in the frozen shrimp, put the cover on and in two minutes the meal was done. The zing of the fresh ginger makes all the difference. I had the leftovers for lunch and they certailny taste better the next day.

As for my Todd English Hard Anodized by GreenPan I purchased the pan on a whim from HSN - buy one get one free for $39.99, free shipping and flex pay! How could I say no? The pan is very good, evenly distrubutes heat, sears beautifully for a non-stick pan but (there's always a but) it does not clean as beautifully as shown on tv. Unfortunately, I have some staining in my pan that just refuses to come off- bummer. Otherwise if you can get the same deal I recommend ordering (only if you get the same deal).

Be on Foodnetwork, New Food Blogger Demo Tape

Here's my demo tape for a casting call on Food Network- whatcha think!

Blackstone Steak House Review

Hey friends last Sunday my family and I celebrated my mom’s 65^th Birthday at Blackstone Steakhouse, Long Island. We were a party of 7 so I was able to try many of the dishes. Décor of a typical steakhouse but slightly more inviting with a crackling fireplace and dim lighting.

Since we arrived early for our reservation we started with the Sangria at $15 a glass (slightly pricey for sangria). For starters we ordered the lobster macaroni and cheese it was very rich but not the best I’ve ever had. The birthday girl had a lobster bisque which was slightly overpowered by the dubious amounts of heavy cream. I would have liked to see chunks of lobster in the bisque as well.

Now to the Main course, I ordered the daily special Artichoke Crusted Chilean Sea Bass with sauteed broccoli rabe and tomatoes. It was absolutely wonderful, my taste buds were in heaven. The fish was moist and had a beautiful sear. The artichoke and breadcrumb topping was divine, they really should make this dish a staple on the menu. I fancied a few bites of petite filet mignon but I felt it lacked flavor. In my opinion, definitely stick with the fish at this steak house.

Truth be told we ordered just about every dessert on the menu:

Hot fudge banana split sundae served atop a warm brownie with Praline crunch- devilishly delish. Worth every penny and calorie!

Home made donuts topped with white chocolate shavings and raspberry coulis- good but oily. Although I’m really not a donut person so make what you will.

Homemade Canolis- good but nothing I can’t pick up from a local Italian bakery.

The service was great although it did take about 45 minutes for our food to come out. I would certainly go back to Blackstone Steakhouse as it’s a tasteful place to get together but it ain't cheap. Overall my mom enjoyed her 65^th birthday celebration so the evening was hit. Good Job Blackstone Steakhouse. Happy Birthday Mom!

Vegan Chocolate Shortcakes with Vanilla Bean Frosting and Vegan Chocolate Ganache

One of my favorite clients is vegan. I love preparing fun and fabulous dishes for her exciting events. However this time she threw me a curve ball, the request was for a decadent dessert that had to be chocolate and of course had to be vegan. With the help of vegetable oil, vegan cocoa powder and a bit of vegetable shortening I was able to create my Vegan Chocolate Shortcakes- devilishly delicious and 100% vegan! Who says you can't have you cake and eat it too!

Silent Post for the victims of Boston Marathon

Peace, Love, Forgiveness and Strength to the city of Boston today and all those affected by by the bombings. May we pray for humanity, wisdom and strength. One nation under God.

Italian Easter Bread- Buona Pasqua

Easter has and always will be one of my favorite holidays. Growing up we had the best Easter holidays any child could dream of- candy filled baskets, a feast of lasagna, ham, meatballs and endless desserts. The one dish that made the Easter table so festive was the Easter Bread. We didn’t call it Italian Easter Bread because we are Italian so to us it’s just Easter Bread (there’s no other kind). The best part of Easter for us was the Easter Egg Hunt! We looked forward to that hunt all year long. Novelty eggs filled with pocket change and if you were lucky dollar bills! With that, Here is my recipe for Italian Easter Bread, Buona Pasqua!

1 package rapid dry yeast

2 eggs

3/4 cup sugar

 1 ½ cups of warm not hot milk – appx 105 degrees

1 tsp salt

4 cup all purpose flour

½ cup of golden rasins

Egg wash- 1 egg plus 2 tablespoons of heavy cream

Add eggs, sugar , salt and yeast to mixer fitted with dough hook

Mix 2 minutes add in milk and raisins

Slowly add in flour, you may need to use more than 4 cups depending on humidity. Knead in machine 7-10 minutes or until dough is no longer sticky.

Add dough to well oiled bowl, cover with plastic wrap or dish towel. Put in warm, draft free area to proof, appx 1 hour.

Take dough out punch down and divide into three parts. Roll each part out to form three long ropes. Pinch ropes together at top and braid.
Form a circle and allow to proof 1 hour again
Brush with egg wash

Place dyed eggs into seams of braids and bake at 350 degrees appx 40 minutes or until golden brown.

Ready to Rise

Three Ropes

Braided Bread

Bread Before Rising

After 2nd rising

 

Ready for Oven

Easter Krispy Rice Treats

Easter's almost here , one of my favorite holidays! As kids we had the best Easters, egg hunts, candy baskets, easter outfits & more candy! This year I'm paying homage to a whimisical simple treat your kids& the kid in you will love.... Bunny Krispy Treats!