Mar 20 2009
Mar 02 2009
A Nod To National Noodle Month

March is National Noodle Month, and it seems pretty fitting since the flu has been going around where I live, and Chicken Noodle Soup is the best cure for that (and the common cold) that I know of!
Read all about National Noodle Month here.
And don’t miss two great Peet’s roasts that are going, going, and soon to be gone. Click here for more info.
Jan 30 2009
Coffee Tidbits
If you’re in the market for hot drink glasses, we’ve got you covered.
And speaking of hot drinks, ever wonder how competitive baristas are? Well, wonder no more, because, apparently, there’s a competition where they prove their (hot) stuff.
And if you’re in the mood for small batch roasted coffee, here’s a Northern California company doing it right.
Jan 14 2009
Let Your Fingers Do The…Cooking?

Get this–there’s a new “Dinner Spinner” iPhone app from Allrecipes.com, the world’s #1 food site.
Top features include:
- Search for meal ideas from thousands of Allrecipes.com’s most popular recipes
- Access detailed ingredients, cooking instructions, nutritional information, photos, ratings and reviews
- Give your iPhone a shake to watch the Dinner Spinner in action and generate dinner ideas for you
Allrecipes’ Dinner Spinner also lets you share recipes with home cooks just like yourself for affordable and convenient meal solutions.
For more info, click here.
Jan 05 2009
New Knives Anything But Dull
My husband and I treated ourselves to some new kitchen gadgets for Christmas, and among our finds were some new Cuisinart knives for the kitchen.
The first time I used this one (see photo below), instead of chopping cabbage it was like I was slicing through melted butter.

Apparently, I’ve been using dull knives–FOR THE PAST SIX YEARS.
Not anymore, though, as I also got this.
Now I just need safety gloves, and I’ll be set!
Dec 30 2008
Spend 2009 With The Food Network

This January, Food Network pumps up its primetime lineup with three series premieres full of fun-filled food entertainment!
First, Guy Fieri returns as host of Ultimate Recipe Showdown as a new batch of home cooks step up and put their prized personal recipes to the “ultimate” test, premiering Sunday, January 4, at 9pm ET/PT.
Then, course-by-course eliminations leave one chef standing in Chopped, hosted by Ted Allen, premiering Tuesday, January 13, at 10pm ET/PT.
Finally, The Next Food Network Star season four finalist and charismatic foodie, Adam Gertler, attempts outrageous food-related jobs on Will Work for Food, premiering Monday, January 19. at 8:30pm ET/PT.
Ultimate Recipe Showdown – Season Two
Premieres: Sunday, January 4th at 9pm ET/PT
With more than 12,000 recipes submitted from home cooks across America, Ultimate Recipe Showdown returns for another season of delicious competition as the top 24 contestants battle head-to-head for national glory. Hosted by Guy Fieri (Diners, Drive-Ins &Dives; Guy’s Big Bite), the series features six categories: Comfort Food, Burgers, Cakes, Hot and Spicy, Desserts, or Hometown Favorites. Each week, the judges crown an “ultimate” winner who receives $25,000 and the chance to have his or her recipe featured nationwide at T.G.I. Friday’s® restaurants.
Chopped
Premieres: Tuesday, January 13th at 10pm ET/PT
Passion and expertise rule the kitchen on the fast-paced new series, Chopped. Hosted by Ted Allen (Food Detectives), the series challenges four up-and-coming chefs to turn a selection of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary three-course meal. After each course, a contestant gets “chopped” until the last man or woman left standing claims victory. Each week, a rotating panel of culinary elite judges including Alex Guarnaschelli, Aaron Sanchez, and Geoffrey Zakarian will decide whose dishes shine the brightest and award the winner $10,000.
Will Work for Food
Premieres: Monday, January 19th at 8:30pm ET/PT
Adam Gertler shared his humorous take on food throughout season four of The Next Food Network Star. Now, he pairs his comedic timing with an adventurous spirit in the new series, Will Work for Food. The series exposes Adam to the world of little-known food jobs as he fearlessly puts his life – and mouth – on the line to try them all! Whether taking honey from three million bees, sculpting ice with a chain saw, foraging for truffles, or digging a wine cave, Adam will do anything in the name of food.
Dec 22 2008
Christmas On Top Chef New York

Last week on Top Chef: New York, Christmas came early for the chefs, as the Quick Fire involved cooking for television host, author, and magazine publisher Martha Stewart. Once again, Ariane took the prize for another simple yet tasty dish.
Then, for the challenge, the chefs had to use their skills to give back to the community by catering a Christmas cocktail party hosted by special guest judge, actress and foodie Natasha Richardson, for amfAR, the foundation for AIDS research.
While Hosea won, Eugene, Melissa and Jamie were at the bottom. Luckily, the judges showed mercy and let everyone stay to cook another day.
Check out Gail Simmon’s blog about this episode here.
Looks like Christmas Week the show is not airing a new ep, so be sure to check your local listings so you won’t miss the next new episode.
Dec 15 2008
How Does Your Herb Garden Grow?
This is the top of my list of gadget that I neither need nor have space for, but want anyway, of course!
The new AeroGarden SpaceSaver 6 Elite is a 6-pod garden that features high-efficiency lighting and quiet, low maintenance advanced growing system and a 24-hour light cycle for faster growth.
It’s on sale for $149.95 here. Or you can get it at Target for $149.99.
Dec 10 2008
Coffee On My Mind
As the weather gets colder, it only makes sense that I’m craving hot java, right?
But it seems that there are some people who think differently when it comes to coffee.
Here’s a story about jewelry made with coffee beans.
And another about java fuel–for cars.
It’s that outside-the-box thinking that’s going to change the world, one bean at a time!
Dec 01 2008


