Chef Johnnys Food Facts and More

What to do with Apricots?

2012-02-01T07:16:00.007-05:00

APRICOT HORSERADISH SAUCE

2/3 cups of prepared horseradish sauce
3 Tablespoons of APRICOT SAUCE (see recipe)

Combine and serve over broiled salmon or smoked salmon.

APRICOT CHERRY SAUCE

3 cups Apricot Preserves
½ cup dried apricots, halved
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup light corn syrup
2T Blackening Seasoning

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until begins to simmer. Remove from heat and serve over pork or chicken. May make ahead and keep refrigerated.

Possible Listeria Contamination

2012-01-27T19:47:00.002-05:00

Michigan
Firm Recalls Salad Products for Possible Listeria Contamination
01/27/2012 06:24 PM EST

18th Street Deli Inc., a Hamtramck, Mich., establishment,
is recalling approximately 118 pounds of julienne salad products with turkey,
ham and hard-boiled eggs. The salads contain eggs that are the subject of an FDA
recall due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

Follow Me on Facebook

2012-01-24T10:12:00.001-05:00

Follow me on facebook and get a 30% discount on Hongar Farms infused balsamic vinegars in quart plastic bottles.

How about a Raspberry?!

2012-01-23T08:00:00.002-05:00

These tiny berries are packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants to protect the heart and are one of the most nutritious fruits. Raspberries are the seventh highest fruit on the ORAC scale. Raspberries also contain high levels of ellagic acid, a compound with anticancer properties. They are also high in vitamin C and fiber and contain good amounts of iron. They do not keep long so should only be picked when ripe.

Rich in Vitamin C

2012-01-22T13:36:00.006-05:00

Strawberries are very high in antioxidant activity and are extremely rich in vitamin C that helps to boost the immune system. They also contain other antioxidant phenolic plant chemicals such as antyocyanins and ellagic acid which can block cancer cells. When choosing strawberries, look for the plump and glossy berries. The dull ones are usually past their best nutritional life. Smaller strawberries tend to have higher levels of ellagic acid concentrated in the outer layer and they have more flavor.

Potential Salmonella Exposure

2012-01-20T10:56:00.001-05:00

Winn-Dixie Issues Voluntary Recall On LEASA Brand Sprouts Due To Potential Salmonella Exposure
01/19/2012 12:15 PM EST

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc., today announced an immediate Class I voluntary recall of all LEASA Living Alfalfa Sprouts sold in the 6 oz. package with a UPC code of 7546555912. According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), the product is potentially contaminated with Salmonella, an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

Iron Deficiency and Your Diet

2012-01-08T13:36:00.007-05:00

Today a young man at my church and I were discussing anemia and his wife's battle to overcome it while not eating much red meat. I hope this helps the many who have the same battle with iron deficiency and anemia. There are several negative effects of iron deficiency and most are due largely to the impaired delivery of oxygen to the tissues and impaired activity of Iron containing enzymes in various of the bodies tissues. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia in additional to many other issues such as learning disabilities, impaired immune functions, and decreased energy levels. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. However anemia is the last stage of iron deficiency. It is recommended that the daily iron intake should be 10 mg in men and 15 mg for females. There are two kinds of dietary iron, "heme" iron and "non-heme" iron. Meme iron is that iron that is bound to hemoglobin and myoglobin. It is found in animal products and is the most efficiently absorbed form of iron. Non-heme iron is found in plant foods. Non-heme is poorly absorbed.

Here is a list of selected foods, in milligrams per servings, that contain iron.

Clams, cooked, 3 ounces 23.8 mg

Sirloin steak, cooked 3 ounces 2.9 mg

Lentils, cooked, 1 cup 6.6 mg

Tofu, firm, 4 ounces 6.6 mg

Quinoa, cooked, 1 cup 5.3 mg

Pinto Beans, cooked, 1 cup 4.3 mg

There is another cause of iron deficiency that is caused by a seficiency of any of servral vitamins and minerals. The most common are vitamin B12 or folic acid. It has been determined that the highest groups of the US population with liron deficiency are infants under 2 years of age, teenage girls, pregnant women, and the elderly. Your diet affects your iron levels and the ability of the body to obsorb the proper amounts of iron. Learn other factors that may cause this deficiency and anemia and change your lifestyle and diet.

Arthritis and the Effects of Fats and Diet

2012-01-07T19:29:00.007-05:00

Are your joints out of joint? Is arthritis pain and swelling in and around your joints causing you daily discomfort? There is a connection to arthritis and fat that can be controlled by diet. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system, instead of protecting the body, begins attacking the body. When these attacks happen, it causes swelling of the membrane that lines the joints. Eventually the swelling eats away at the joints' cartilage.

A diet of low saturated fats reduces the body's production of protaglandins, hormonelike substances that contribute to inflammation. A low-fat diet may hinder the communications sent by the immune system, thereby interrupting the body's inflammatory response and helps the joints to heal. If you want a very simple way to reduce your intake of saturated fats...just don't add them to food and foods you eat.

Simple ways to reduce fats include replacing butter, sour cream, and cheese with their lower-fat or fat-free counterparts. The fat that does help with relief is the omega-3 fatty acids you get from primarily cold water fish like Spanish mackerel, trout, and salmon. The omega-3 fatty acids reduce the body's production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, both substances that contribute to inflammation. There are other specific food items that switch on the body's inflammatory response. Those items include wheat, dairy foods, corn, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and eggs. Knowing which foods, if any, to avoid can be difficult. Keep tract of what foods you eat just before each flareup of your arthritis. Avoid those and log your eating habits and find what does and does not cause flareups. After you have an idea on what foods cause flareups, stop eating them for 5 days to see if those are what are causing the problems.

Remember, fats and your diet can affect your arthritis.

A Calorie Sinkhole!

2011-12-14T10:52:00.006-05:00

Starbucks® Zucchini-Walnut Muffin
Next time you think of healthy and a muffin comes to mind...think again. Starbucks Zucchini-Walnut Muffins are giant calorie sinkholes-they pack in the calories but somehow still leave your stomach grumbling. This muffin from Starbucks® seems healthy enough, boasting both zucchini and walnuts, but don't be fooled by its veggie-based name. This morning baked good has close to 500 calories and 28 g of fat. Next time you want a "healthy" breakfast, try a fat-free yogurt, a banana, and a decaf Starbucks coffee. If you have any good low fat, low calorie breakfast ideas, share them by posting on this blog.

40% DISCOUNT ON SAM'S SMOKER PRO KIT

2011-12-08T14:10:00.005-05:00

SPECIAL DISCOUNT ON SAM'S SMOKER KIT UNTIL DECEMBER 22nd.

40% discount by using promo code...SMOKERPRO when checking out.
CLICK HERE TO GO SHOPPING!

Smoking with Sam's Smoker Pro

2011-11-30T18:56:00.005-05:00

Tonight's grand dinner. Marinated boneless country pork ribs in World Harbor's Mojo marinade then put on grill with Sam's Smoker Pro and Cherry wood chips. Final glaze with Hoboken Eddies Hukilau Hannah Teriyaki & Ginger Sauce. OMG! Grilled Sweet Potaotes on the side. World Harbor's and Sam's Smoker available on our site at: http://shop.chefjohnnysproducts.com and Hoboken Eddie's at http://hobokeneddies.com

Canned Pumpkin Voluntary Warket Withdrawal

2011-11-28T19:34:00.008-05:00

Giant Eagle Canned Pumpkin Media Statement

Contact:
Consumer:
Rob Borella
412.967.3637
Robert.Borella@gianteagle.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 23, 2011 - Giant Eagle, Inc. performed a voluntary market withdrawal of all Valu Time brand canned pumpkin purchased on or after August 30, 2011, as well as all Food Club brand canned pumpkin purchased on or after October 28, 2011. These brands are produced by Topco Associates, LLC.

The market withdrawal was performed out of an abundance of caution as a result of the product not meeting quality standards. While Giant Eagle is not aware of any immediate health concern, the company is working with Topco to further investigate the situation and wil notify customers if any additional actions are warranted as a result of these efforts.

Customers should not consume these products in any way, or anything in which they were used as ingredients, and should dispose of the product.

Customers are invited to receive a full refund, complimentary pie, or replacement ingredients, from any area Giant Eagle, Inc. supermarket.

Ocean Spray Recall

2011-11-28T09:37:00.005-05:00

Ocean Spray Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Original Flavor CraisinsÃ‚Â® Dried Cranberries and Bulk Dried Cranberries Sales
11/26/2011 12:10 PM EST

Ocean Spray today announced it has taken the precautionary measure of voluntarily recalling certain production lots of its Original Flavor CraisinsÃ‚Â® Dried Cranberries product in 5-ounce, 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages as well as bulk sweetened dried cranberries in 10-pound packages due to the possible presence of very small hair-like metal fragments that are unlikely to cause consumer injury. To date, the company has not received any reports of consumer complaints relating to this recall.

Great Cole Slaw Recipe

2011-11-26T18:04:00.003-05:00

PINEAPPLE COLE SLAW

1 can chunk pineapple, reserve juice
1/4 pound green cabbage, shredded
1/2 pound carrots, shredded
1/4 pound red cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup sunflower seeds, lightly toasted
2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted
1/4 teaspoon salt

Drain pineapple, saving 2 tablespoons juice.

In a bowl, combine pineapple cabbage, carrots, and sunflower seeds.

In separate bowl mix fat-free mayonnaise, orange juice, pineapple juice and salt. Pour over salad mixture, toss, and chill.

A Great Gift for the Holiday!

2011-11-21T18:58:00.003-05:00

Sam's Smoker Pro™. Heavy duty Stainless Steel top and bottom. Winner of the 2003 Hearth & Home Magazine's "Vesta Award" for New & Innovative Technology for Barbecue Accessories! Sam's Smoker Pro™ kit comes with the smoker, easy install and remove tool, and a sample bag of wood chips. Within a few minutes the Sam's Smoker Pro™ will fill your grill with the unique wood grilling flavor you deserve. Convert Your BBQ Grill, Gas or Charcoal to a Real Wood Fired Grill MORE FLAVOR THAN CHARCOAL withing minutes with Sam's Smoker Pro™! CLICK HERE!

The True Beginnings of Coffee

2011-11-16T16:25:00.009-05:00

The goats were behaving strangely. Instead of calmly foraging for food, they were running around, leaping up in the air, butting heads. The shepherd boy in 8th-century Ethopia, on the east coast of Africa, was worried. What could have caused this? When it continued the next day, he watched them closely and saw that they had found something new to eat; the small red berries and glossy green leaves of a strange tree. After they ate the berries, they started dancing and doing what for goats passes for singing--bleeding. When the goats showed no other effects from eating this strange, new food (like falling over dead, which the boy was afraid of), he tried some, too. He liked the way they made him feel.

Wow, what a story of the true beginning of coffee. Does this sound like you in the morning or maybe in the late afternoon after visiting your favorite cafe?

Cuisine and Culture. A History of Food and People. Wiley Publishing

Jamaican Jerk BBQ Ribs

2011-11-10T17:02:00.011-05:00

Jamaican Jerk BBQ Ribs

INGREDIENTS

4-5 lbs. country style ribs (10-12 ribs), cut into individual rib portions
1 bottle WORLD HARBORS Jamaican Style Jerk Marinade &Sauce
Available at Chef Johnny's Products CLICK HERE

DIRECTIONS
Parboiling ribs in a microwave speeds up cooking and allows marinade to form a shiny, crisp exterior without charring.

Place ribs, meaty side down, in a 9 x 12 microwave-safe pan. Cover loosely with waxed paper and microwave at full power for 8 minutes.

Turn ribs over and microwave another 8 minutes. Drain.

Brush WH Sweet ‘n Sour or WH Jamaican Jerk Sauce to coat ribs evenly.

Grill over medium-hot colas for 8-10 minutes, basting and turning until the last 5 minutes to allow a shiny crust to form.

Serve with a side dish or warmed sauce for dipping.

NOTE: You can cook chicken breast on the bone this way. Cooking times will be the same

recipe
nutrition
info...
Per serving: 450 calories, 34g protein, 35g carb, 19g fat (7g sat. fat), 120mg chol, 660mg sodium, 0g fiber

NEW...Fat Free Marinade!

2011-11-01T11:04:00.005-04:00

World Harbors® Island Mango. Take your family on an island getaway! This marinade will give them a refreshing mango sensation that will take their taste buds on a tropical journey! Contains Mango Puree, Distilled Vinegar, Sea Salt, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Canola Oil, Dried Onion, Spices, Dried Red Bell Pepper. FAT FREE 16oz

Go Here to purchase and see more FAT FREE World Harbors marinades and sauces!

Maple-Mustard Grilled Chicken

2011-11-01T09:02:00.005-04:00

MAPLE-MUSTARD GRILLED CHICKEN

Yield: 4 Servings

Ingredients:

½ cup Dijon mustard
½ cup maple-flavored syrup
2 T white vinegar
4 chicken breasts, boneless-skinless
Vegetable cooking spray
½ tsp ground pepper
½ tsp sea salt flakes

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a small bowl, stirring well, set aside.
Coat the chicken lightly with cooking spray; sprinkle with pepper and salt. Coat grill rack with the cooking spray. Place chicken on rack and grill uncovered, 15 minutes, basting with mustard mixture. Turn chicken, and grill 15 minutes additional minutes or until meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of chicken registers 165 degrees. Basting often with mustard mixture. Serve with grilled squash or other vegetables and rice pilaf.

Salsa You Will LOVE!

2011-10-31T11:34:00.007-04:00

PINEAPPLE-CUCUMBER SALSA

Yields: 3 ½ Cups

Ingredients:

1 20oz can pineapple tidbits in juice, drained
1 ½ cups cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
1/3 cup purple union, finely chopped
2 T sugar OR Splenda
3 T fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
1/8 tsp dried crushed red pepper

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; serve immediately or may be covered and chilled. Serve with grilled fish, chicken, or pork.

Per ½ Cup: Calories 54, Fat 0.1G, Carbohydrate 13.6G

APPLE & PEAR SLAW...In Perfect Season!

2011-10-22T17:03:00.005-04:00

APPLE & PEAR SLAW

12 Servings

1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoon brown sugar
4 teaspoons poppy seeds
1 teaspoon Rosemary Sea Salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cups Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced (about 1 large apple)
4 cups pear thinly sliced (about 1 large pear)
2 (12-ounce) package cabbage-and-carrot coleslaw

INSTRUCTIONS:

Make-ahead tip: The dressing can be made up to one week in advance; cover and chill.

Slice the fruit, and toss it with the coleslaw mix and dressing in the morning.
1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Combine apple, pear, and coleslaw in a large bowl; stir in dressing. Chill up to 2hours.

The Chef's Hat...Toque!

2011-10-21T16:50:00.003-04:00

The original Chef's hat was a floppy style of hat. Later cardboard was put into the hat to make it stand tall. The toque is supposed to have one hundred pleats, to represent the minimum number of ways a good chef can prepare eggs. The Culinary Guide, master chef Escoffier lists 202 ways to prepare eggs, excluding omeletts, which are another 82 recipes and a not that "using the basic recipe for Omelette Norvegienne it is possible to produce an almost infinite number of variations of this type of omelette.

Miracle Noodle

2011-10-13T11:51:00.006-04:00

Have you heard about the new "Miracle Noodle"? If not, here it is. What a great new product to help many of us lose weight and control our carbs in our diets.

Here is the news...

* made of naturally water soluble fiber with no fat, sugar, or starch.
* contain zero net carbohydrates and zero calories, no gluten -made of a healthy natural fiber called Glucomannan.
* wheat & gluten free and kosher.
* Easily absorbs the flavors of any soup, dish, or sauce.
* are instant and come in a variety of styles
* have shown beneficial effects backed by medical studies for Type II Diabetes, Constipation, Obesity, and Cholesterol!

No gluten, No fat, No sodium, No sugar, No Calories...No GUILT!

To get information on purchasing the "Miracle Noodle" visit our e-store: http://shop.chefjohnnysproducts.com/

Zucchini Season is Here...What do I do with all of these zucchini's?

2011-09-13T09:38:00.003-04:00

ZUCCHINI GRATIN

Serves: 2

1 lb Zucchini, grated (3 ½ to 4 cups)
2 Tbl Grated Parmesan cheese
Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
2 tsp Olive oil

Place the grated zucchini in a microwavable dish. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Drain off all water as soon as removed from microwave. Spread half the zucchini in a shallow ovenproof dish. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with remaining zucchini and finish with Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle olive oil on top. Place in preheated 400 degree oven for 5 minutes or until cheese melts. This makes a great side dish for broiled fish or chicken.

2011-09-13T09:18:00.002-04:00

Is Frozen Food Safe?
According to the USDA, Food stored constantly at 0 °F will always be safe. Only the quality suffers with lengthy freezer storage. Freezing keeps food safe by slowing the movement of molecules, causing microbes to enter a dormant stage. Freezing preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and foodborne illness. This is how most restaurants reduce their food costs by freezing foods to extend the safe usable life of most foods. If you have questions on how to reduce your foods costs at home, send me an email or post a question on the blog.

MASON JAR SALAD DRESSING

2011-09-10T16:53:00.002-04:00

MASON JAR SALAD DRESSING

Yields 2 Cups

1/3 Cup Granulated sugar
1tsp Salt
1tsp Paprika
1/3 Cup White vinegar
1 Cup Vegetable oil
1/3 Cup Ketchup
1 tsp Fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 Dashes of HOT SAUCE

Combine sugar, salt and paprika in a glass-canning jar. Add vinegar, screw on lid and shake. Add oil; 1/3 Cup at a time shaking between additions. Add ketchup, lemon juice, and hot sauce; screw on lid and shake. Refrigerate and chill until ready to serve. Shake well to remix prior to serving.

New Partership

2011-09-08T16:23:00.004-04:00

We are now a partner with a promotional company offering "FREE Restaurant Placemats" and business promotional items. Here are two web sites to visit.

http://splashdesignz.logomall.com/

http://www.placematsandmore.com/

Wow, a Great Summer Salad!

2011-08-30T16:45:00.003-04:00

Chipotle ham Salad

Ingredients:
4 lbs Smoked Pit Ham, diced
1 pt. Extra Thick Mayonnaise, blended with 1 tsp ground Chipotle
2 to 3 oz Sweet Pickle Relish
1 to 2 oz Prepared Mustard

Mix the mayonnaise and ground chipotle together. Combine the ham, chipotle mayonnaise, relish, and mustard and mix well. Adjust the seasoning with pepper to taste. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later. Great over bed of baby leaf lettuce; on toasted English muffin; or as a Croissant sandwich.

Georgia peach season is here!

2011-08-27T12:24:00.001-04:00

Living in Florida gives me the opportunity to get nice Georgia peaches when they come in season. There are many roadside vendors selling this suculent gift of the late summer. For the past several months my wife and I have been on a "life style" change. Loosing weight and getting healthier. The makers of Splenda has several recipes that are only low in sugars and fat, they are quite good. Here is one I found that is perfect for the Georgia peach season.

Double Crust Peach Cobbler
From the Kitchen of Splenda

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 20 minutes
Makes: 9 servings

Ingredients
refrigerated pie crusts 2 sheets
sliced fresh peaches ( about 5 pounds whole) 10 cups
SPLENDA No Calorie Sweetener Granular 3/4 cup
all purpose flour 1/4 cup
pineapple juice 1/4 cup
butter 2-tablespoons
almond extract 1/2 teaspoon

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly spray an 11 x 7 x 2 inch baking dish with vegetable cooking spray.

Unroll one pie crust round; cut to fit bottom of dish. Place in prepared baking dish. Bake crust for 10 to 12 minutes or until browned. Set aside.

Combine peaches, SPLENDA, flour, pineapple juice, butter, and almond extract in a large Dutch over; bring mixture to a boil. reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes or until peaches are tender. Cool slightly. Spread peach mixture over baked crust.

Unroll remaining pie crust round, cut into 1-inch strips. Arrange in a lattice design over peach filling. Bake 15 additional minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Serve warm.

This recipe, when compared to a traditional recipe, has a 15% reduction in calories, a 24% reduction in carbohydrates, and a 48% reduction in sugars!

Total Calories 330 per 1/9 serving size
Total Carb's 46g
Total Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 7g
Sugars 18g
Taste...100% Good!

I'm NOT Lovin' it!

2011-08-02T11:17:00.003-04:00

Well, the biggest story in the “kid and food” world yesterday was an announcement by McDonald’s USA of its plan to improve the Happy Meal. Rolling out in September, Happy Meals around the country will start to contain a smaller serving of fries (1.1 ounces down from 2.4 ounces) and will now automatically contain a bag of apple slices (without a caramel dipping sauce.) Two bags of apples and no fries will be available upon request. In addition, the meals will also offer a new fat-free chocolate milk along with 1% plain milk.

Somehow this does not seem to be enough to slow down childhood obiestiy. We need additional education for not only our children, but, more importantly the adults and parents. Adults lead the way for nutrition issues in our youth. I am as guilty as the rest for years of fast food and junk going into our home and on our dinner table. It is time to learn to cook at home and teach our children and grandchildren about cooking and nuitrition.

2011-07-29T10:49:00.003-04:00

Saw this one and it is a winner on hot summer days! Add some iced tea on the side and it is magic.

Summer Cobb Pizza

Ingredients
1 (11-ounce) can refrigerated thin-crust pizza dough Cooking spray 1/4 cup (1 ounce) crumbled blue cheese, divided 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided 2 slices applewood-smoked bacon 8 ounces skinless, boneless chicken breast cutlets 1/2 cup quartered cherry tomatoes 2 tablespoons chopped red onion 2 cups lightly packed mixed baby greens 1/2 cup diced peeled avocado Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 425°.
2. Unroll dough on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray; pat dough into a 14 x 12-inch rectangle. Lightly coat dough with cooking spray. Bake at 425° for 8 minutes or until golden. Remove from oven; sprinkle evenly with 2 tablespoons cheese. Set aside.
3. Combine oil, vinegar, mustard, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl; stir with a whisk.
4. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove bacon from pan; crumble bacon into oil mixture. Wipe pan clean with paper towels. Heat pan over medium-high heat. Coat pan with cooking spray. Sprinkle chicken with remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken to pan; cook 4 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from pan; chop into 1/2-inch pieces.
5. Add chicken, tomatoes, and onion to oil mixture; toss gently to combine. Add greens; toss gently. Top crust evenly with chicken mixture, avocado, and remaining 2 tablespoons cheese. Cut into 8 pieces.

Kathryn Conrad, Cooking Light
AUGUST 2010

2011-07-21T09:45:00.002-04:00

This morning at 4:30am woke up from a sound nights sleep to the noise my cell phone alarm singing. Quickly we had our first cup of coffee and ran out of the house to go to the top of the 65 ft tall bridge connecting the Kennedy Space Center with the mainland of Titusville, FL. Just a few minutes before 6am two sonic booms rang out shaking the souls of the thousands of other crazy people on the great span of the bridge. We witnessed the space shuttle Atlantis making its final landing at the Kennedy Space Center. This was the end of USA’s shuttle program. Just moments before its landing, the International Space Station, glowing like a bright white star, few overhead to bid the shuttle fair well. What a moment. God Bless America!

NASA Photo of Atlantis July 21, 2011 landing.

Olives...A member of the fruit family.

2011-07-14T08:46:00.000-04:00

Olive are a member of the fruit family and grow on trees that were first cultivated over 5,000 years ago in Syria and Crete. In the 1700's, monks brought olives to Mexico and then to California by way of missions. The first cuttings of olive trees were planted in 1769 at the San Diego Mission. The commercial cultivation of California olives then began in the late 1800's. Today, California over 100,000 tons of olives are produced each year.

Worth the Eating!

2011-07-13T08:38:00.001-04:00

Eggs...High in Fat but High in vitamin benefit.

Even though egg yolks contain fat, the also contain vitamins A, B, D, and E. There are 6 grams of fat per egg, but, the other benefits make it worth the eating.

Missing the POP?

2011-07-12T08:25:00.002-04:00

Your popcorn won't pop? The usual reason that popcorn does not pot enough is that it is too dry. Simply soak the kernels in water for 5 minutes, drain them, and try again. Here is a tip that I learned from my grandmother. An almost certain way to make them pop is to freeze them and pop them while they are still frozen. My grandmother just stored her popcorn in the freezer until she was ready to pop.

Clear as Crystal!

2011-07-11T08:06:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have air bubbles in your ice cubes and wonder how you can make them like the ones you purchase at the convenient store? Well now you can do just that, air bubble free ice cubes. All right, here is what you do. Next time you want to make crystal clear ice cubes, boil the water first, pour it into the tray, let is cool to room temperature, and then put in in the freezer. Magic...No Bubbles.

Possible Listeria Contamination

2011-07-07T10:07:00.003-04:00

Hawaii Firm Recalls Convenience Meals for Possible Listeria Contamination

Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-047-2011 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

WASHINGTON, July 6, 2011- Warabeya U.S.A., Inc., a Honolulu, Hawaii establishment, is recalling approximately 1,550 pounds of convenience meals that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

"10.3-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN FRIED CHICKEN BENTO"
"11-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN TERIYAKI CHICKEN BENTO"
"10-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN BREAKFAST SCRAMBLE BOWL"
"17.75-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN BIG BENTO"
"7.25-ounce packages of "7-ELEVEN LITTLE SMOKIES SNACK PACK"

Each package includes a best eaten by date and time of "06/30/11 11:30 AM". The packages also bear "EST. 12444" or "P-12444" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The products were produced on June 28, 2011 and distributed to retail stores in Hawaii.

The problem was discovered as a result of microbiological testing conducted by FSIS and may have occurred as a result of the products becoming cross-contaminated through contact with a food scale pan. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

Follow us on "twitter" for instant updates on recalls, recipes, and food tips. @thechefjohnny

This should scare you!

2011-07-07T09:00:00.000-04:00

How much sugar is there is common candy bars? Well, I will tell you that I really love a good Milky Way bar. Make me want to think twice.

Percent of sugar by weight:
Candy corn: 89.6%
3 Musketeers: 76.8%
Milky Way: 71.6%

Oreo cookie: 39.4%

Got milk? Next time I get a sweet tooth, give me an Oreo cookie and a glass of fat free milk.

Is Raw Sugar Raw? Or just cost more!

2011-07-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

Raw sugar, despite its name, is almost exactly like refined white sugar. Don't be fooled by its color or name. Raw sugar is partially processed and a little molasses is left on the surface to give it that light brown color and the grains are often larger. There is no advantage in using raw over granulated sugar. And guess what? The price is often higher than that of granulated sugar. And did you notice the labeling of raw sugar? "Natural" All sugar can be labeled with the term "Natural". This is just a marketing trick to make you think that it is more healthful than it really is. So next time you want to purchase sugar and think of "Raw"...think again!

Maritime Services Available

2011-07-05T15:47:00.004-04:00

For the past eight years, we have been training the ServSafe® course to stewards and cooks, as well as other aspects of safe, efficient, and cost effective galley operations. Our firm also assists in the updating and development of Steward Department Operations Policy Manuals and Steward Crew member handbooks using the current FDA Food Code. Training food safety to the maritime steward department takes more than being proficient in the training process. Knowing the maritime industry, understanding the steward department’s everyday operation and applying sound food safety principles to address the on-board challenges is critical to proper training. If your maritime company needs on-board or on-shore food safety training, contact us at 321-567-4644.

Fat Matters...Really

2011-07-05T14:15:00.003-04:00

Have you ever tried to use reduced-fat margarine, margarine spreads, and whipped butter? Well, fat matters...really. You should not use these because they have too much water and air in them. This will cause your cakes or cookies to collapse or flatten out. Always use the type of fat called for in the recipe. NEED RECIPE HELP? HAVE A FOOD SAFETY QUESTION? E-MAIL US AND ASK THE EXPERT!

One Food Pyramid is OUT!

2011-06-03T08:37:00.002-04:00

Choose My Plate.gov

After twenty years of the old icon of healthy eating--the food pyramid—is now ancient history. The US Department of Agriculture calls a “monumental effort” to improve the nation’s diet amid the obesity epidemic, the government has dished up a new plate-shaped graphic. This comes as part of the Obama administration's effort to slow down the obesity epidemic in our nation and reduce health care costs. Will this be easier for the consumer to follow and change eating habits? Let's follow this major change in the way we try to eat a more balanced diet and in the long run improve our health.

Balancing Calories
● Enjoy your food, but eat less.
● Avoid oversized portions.

Foods to Increase
● Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
● Make at least half your grains whole grains.
● Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.

Foods to Reduce
● Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals ― and choose the foods with lower numbers.
● Drink water instead of sugary drinks.

Other advise the new system suggests is that we as consumers learn to read the product nutrition labels on the foods we buy. This alone is a great way of reducing our sodium and fat intake. It is also a good way of learning what is a portion and how portion control will change our eating habits. We have a complete training program just for learning how to read a product label. What requirements the FDA puts on manufacturers for the use of "Reduced Fat"; "Low Fat"; "Trans Fat Free"; and more. For more information or questions on food labels, contact us via email. Comments on this posting are welcomed.

2011-04-27T09:31:00.002-04:00

COBB SALAD

Serves 4

1/2Cup Old Fashioned “Red Dressing”
6 Hearts of Romaine lettuce, shredded
1Cup Cooked diced Chicken or Turkey breast meat
2 Tomatoes, diced
1 Avocado, diced
2Tbs Cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4Cup Shredded Colby cheese
1/4Cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese

Prepare “Red Dressing”.

This salad may be made in larger amounts and assembled in a large plastic storage container to take to a picnic or store until served in your refrigerator. If you are serving individual serving, assemble in a large bowl.

Start by placing the lettuce in the bowl or container as a base. On top of the lettuce base arrange in strips across the lettuce all of the remaining prepared salad ingredients (except dressing). Apply dressing and serve.

© Chef Johnny’s Products LLC 2001

Great Pie for Easter Dinner

2011-04-20T18:42:00.003-04:00

BAY BRIDGE SUGAR PIE

3 T butter
½ C flour
1 C Light brown sugar, well packed
1 C milk
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 C Pecans, chopped
1 9 inch pie shell

If you are not good at making a home made pie shell, buy one at the store. Bake the pie shell and allow it to cool, set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar, flour and butter. Beat the egg adding the milk. Add this mixture to the creamed sugar. Transfer this mixture to a 2-quart saucepan and over medium heat, cook until thickened, stirring constantly. When thickened, remove from heat and cool. After cooled, add the vanilla and pecans. Pour into the prebaked pie shell and place in refrigerator for several hours. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

This is one that I enjoy eating while sitting by the bridge in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi watching the shrimp boats.

© Chef Johnny 2000

Turmeric Recalled Due To Excessive Lead Levels

2011-04-18T08:45:00.002-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 15, 2011 B&M, Inc. Conducts Voluntary Nationwide Recall Of 6 Lot Numbers Of Archer Farms Ground Turmeric Due To Excessive Lead Levels. B&M, Inc. of Mount Vernon, Missouri is voluntarily recalling Archer Farms Ground Turmeric sold at Target stores in glass bottles with a net weight of 2.6 oz. (74g), due to elevated levels of lead. Lead can accumulate in the body over time. Too much can cause health problems, including delayed mental and physical development and learning deficiencies. Pregnant women, infants and young children especially should avoid exposure to lead. People concerned about blood lead levels should contact their physician or health clinic to ask about testing. This voluntary recall is a result of notification from B&M, Incorporated’s supplier that the Ground Turmeric they provided contained excessive levels of lead. The Archer Farms Ground Turmeric was distributed nationwide to Target retail stores located in the following states from June, 2009, to February, 2010: AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, and WI. The product is identified at the retail store level as Archer Farms Ground Turmeric, UPC 0-85239-02612-0. The lot numbers included in this recall are 1740901A, Best By 6/23/2011; 2180902A, Best By 8/6/11; 2780906A, Best By 10/5/2011; 2920903A, Best By 10/19/11; 3060903A, Best By 11/2/2011; 0071003A, Best By1/7/2012. The lot numbers and Best By dates can be found on the bottom of the bottle. No other Archer Farms Brand spices have been affected by this voluntary recall.

How Sweet It Is!

2011-04-10T17:41:00.004-04:00

LOW COUNTRY SWEET POTATOES Serves 10 to 12 4 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2 inch pieces 6 T butter, this is one you do not substitute with margarine 1/8 C light molasses 1/8 C honey ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp nutmeg In an 8 qt stockpot, place the cut sweet potatoes with enough water to cover and cook to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a slow simmer, cover and cook 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender to the fork. Drain well and return sweet potatoes to the stockpot to hold warm. Use a 1 qt saucepan and add the butter over medium heat. Cook until browned, not burned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat. With and old fashioned hand potato masher, mash the sweet potatoes while adding the brown butter, molasses, honey, nutmeg and salt. Mash until smooth. © Chef Johnny 2001

Top of the Salt List

2011-04-06T15:01:00.003-04:00

Here's a popular dish that is at the top of the salt list for daily sodium equivalent.

Ruby Tuesday Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta
3,933 mg sodium
1,086 calories
63 g fat

Sodium Equivalent: 11 Large Orders of McDonald’s French Fries

Somebody needs to tell Ruby Tuesday that to make “Mediterranean” pasta, you don’t need to actually boil the noodles in Mediterranean seawater. Ruby Tuesday makes only one pasta dish with fewer than 2,000 mg of sodium (almost an entire day's worth!), and it has only two pasta dishes with fewer than 3,000 mg. Do you have an alternative dish with lower sodium? Post it and share with others.

Pickled Red Onions

2011-03-04T09:08:00.006-05:00

Here is one that you want to make for this summer's hot dog season.

Pickled Red Onions

1 small white or sweet yellow onion

1 small red onion

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup distilled white vinegar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 tsp. celery seed

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

Cut onions into thin slices and place in a non-reactive (glass) shallow dish. In a bowl whisk together vinegars, sugar, 1 tablespoon sea salt flakes, celery seed, and red pepper flakes until sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour vinegar mixture over onions; stir to evenly coat. Cover and set aside at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Top your summer hot dogs with this and enjoy!

Southern Crabcakes

2011-03-03T17:05:00.004-05:00

Crabcakes...Southern Style

Yield: 4 servings (serving size: 1 crab cake and 2 tablespoons rémoulade)

Ingredients
Crab cakes:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/2 pound lump crabmeat, shell pieces removed
1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimiento, drained
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise
2 teaspoons 2% reduced-fat milk
1 teaspoon capers, chopped
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 small garlic clove, minced
Preparation
To prepare crab cakes, heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Combine breadcrumbs, onions, crabmeat, and pimiento in a medium bowl. Combine mustard, juice, salt, and egg, stirring with a whisk. Add egg mixture to crab mixture, tossing gently to combine. Divide crab mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a 1-inch-thick patty.

Add crab cakes to skillet; cook 2 minutes. Turn cakes; reduce heat to medium. Cook 3 minutes or until golden brown.

To prepare rémoulade, combine mayonnaise and remaining ingredients, stirring with a whisk. Serve with crab cakes.

Is This the Best Burger in America?.

2011-02-23T12:49:00.004-05:00

It's half beef and half beyond belief.

I researched and found that this is a modest but ever expanding four-shop Umami Burger chain, has rethought every element of the hamburger experience. The Umami Burger, is Adam Fleischman's cross-cultural merger of Japanese ingenuity and American know-how.The bun. The meat. The ketchup. The toppings. Even valet parking. At the original Umami Burger joint on La Brea, 900 square feet of utter simplicity across the road from a Goodwill store, every burger comes with parking, the ultimate in West Coast customer service.

If you are one of many people who have never heard of Umami, here is a brief definition of how this so called "fifth taste" is all about.

What exactly is umami? Taking its name from Japanese, umami is a pleasant savoury taste imparted by glutamate, a type of amino acid, and ribonucleotides, including inosinate and guanylate, which occur naturally in many foods including meat, fish, vegetables and dairy products.

Umami increases palatability, salivation, and can reduce considerably the use of salt without compromising taste acceptability. It can be especially useful to improve the palatability of foods low in fat or rich in vegetables. Moreover, recent research suggests that umami substances can improve protein digestion and absorption of essential amino acids. Some population groups, such as the elderly, whose taste and smell sensitivity is impaired by age and multiple medications, may benefit with umami. The loss of taste and smell can contribute to a poor nutritional status increasing their risk of disease. This may be the next way of helping our aging Baby Boomers to still have the appetite they need to assist them maintain good nutrition.

Try this on a burger!

2011-02-20T17:30:00.003-05:00

CUBAN AVOCADO
MAYONNAISE Chef Johnny

¼ cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Light Cuban Rum
1 ripe avocado, roughly mashed
1 Tbl Extra Virgin Olive Oil
½ tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp sea salt flakes

Place lettuce on a muffin, tomato slices on top of the lettuce
Crab cake on top and dollop of avocado may as garnish
Try this on a burger on a Kaiser Roll.

Waitress gets 7 years for poisoning salsa!

2011-02-14T09:44:00.002-05:00

U.S. News
Published: Feb. 10, 2011 at 7:06 PM

KANSAS CITY, Kan., Feb. 10 (UPI) -- A suburban Kansas City, Mo., woman was sentenced to more than seven years in prison for poisoning salsa at a Kansas Mexican restaurant, prosecutors said. Yini De La Torre, 20, of Shawnee, was sentenced to 87 months after pleading guilty to conspiring to tamper with a consumer product.

In her plea, she admitted that while working as a waitress at the Mi Ranchito restaurant in Lenexa she twice added pesticide to salsa she prepared, the Shawnee Dispatch reported. She agreed to cooperate in a case against her husband, Arnoldo Bazan, set for jury trial April 4. Bazan worked for the Mi Ranchito restaurant in Olathe until June 2009, when he was suspended.

He allegedly thought the restaurant chain's owner was responsible for his suspension and for the theft of Bazan's vehicle, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said. The couple allegedly hatched a plot to get even by poisoning patrons of the restaurant, Grissom said.

About 50 Mi Ranchito customers became ill, with some going to hospitals, after eating tainted salsa, which investigators found to contain methomyl, a highly toxic insecticide sometimes used on alfalfa.

It is unreal what some people do and unknown why they do what they do. Similar to putting out computer viruses. Harming people you don't even know for your own self satisfaction. Scary. Add your comments.

United Grocers Recalling White Bread

2011-02-02T14:07:00.000-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 28, 2010 —(COMMERCE, CA) — Unified Grocers is recalling Mariegold Baking White Bread (24 oz) and Vallarta Premium White Bread (24 oz) because they may contain undeclared milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk may run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Mariegold Baking and Vallarta breadsare distributed by Unified Grocers and other distributors to select independently-owned and operated retail grocery stores in Southern California, Arizona and Nevada.

The following code dates are affected by this recall: Feb. 2, Feb. 3 and Feb. 5.
(The product’s code date can be found on the plastic tab that is used to “close” the bag.)

Mariegold Baking White Bread – 24 oz (UPC# 0-25202-78011-6)

Vallarta Premium White Bread – 24 oz (UPC# 6-65782-00082-4)

Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination

2011-01-18T08:56:00.001-05:00

MS FISH CORP 808 ALABAMA AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11207 is recalling Ossie’s Schmaltz Herring due to Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail, or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems.
Ossie’s Schmaltz Herring is packed in a 12 oz plastic container coded 2/0311. It is a product of USA. Product was distributed throughout New York State

How do you cook one of these!

2011-01-08T17:22:00.003-05:00

Out today for a nature drive and saw an armadillo. Anyone know how to cook one of these? How do you say Florida Roadkill?

No Meat Veggie Chili

2011-01-06T15:02:00.002-05:00

VEGGIE CHILI

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours, 18 minutes
Yield: Makes 15 servings (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

Ingredients
• 2 large carrots, diced (1 cup)
• 2 celery ribs, diced (1/2 cup)
• 1 medium-size sweet onion, diced
• Vegetable cooking spray
• 2 (8-oz.) packages sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 large zucchini, chopped (1 1/2 cups)
• 1 yellow squash, chopped (1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon seasoned pepper
• 1 (8-oz.) can tomato sauce
• 3 cups tomato juice
• 2 (14 1/2-oz.) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 (15-oz.) cans pinto, black, great Northern, or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
Preparation
1. Sauté first 3 ingredients in a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add mushrooms, zucchini, and squash; sauté 3 more minutes. Add chili powder and next 2 ingredients, and sauté 5 more minutes.
2. Stir together tomato sauce and tomato juice in a 6-qt. slow cooker until smooth. Stir in diced tomatoes, next 2 ingredients, and carrot mixture. Cover and cook on LOW 8 hours.

One of the worst dishes in America!

2010-12-29T23:50:00.003-05:00

Denny’s is selling a Fried Cheese Melt—A classic grilled cheese sandwich that has extra cheese, in the form of fried Mozzarella sticks. Can you believe this creation? Almost as bad, if not worse, as a bacon wrapped, deep-fried hot dog! What have we come to as a society? I admit, I too have eaten deep-fried hot dogs, but, that was years ago before I was enlightened to the value of good nutrition. Let me know what you feel was the most Outrageous New Food Creation for 2010. Share if you dare!

Salmon with Super Glaze!

2010-12-26T16:55:00.001-05:00

Mango-Peppadew-Balsamic-Glazed Salmon

Peppadew Mango Salsa and Benissimo’s Barrel Aged balsamic vinegar blend together to make an exciting a twist to the sweet and sour flavor profile that has pleased diners for years.

1/4cup Peppadew Mango Salsa
2 tbl Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp minced ginger
1/4tsp minced fresh garlic
1/8tsp salt
2 6oz portions salmon filets, skin removed

Heat oven to 425degrees F. Line shallow baking pan with foil; spray with a cooking spray.

In a small saucepan, heat salsa, vinegar, ginger, garlic and salt over low heat 3 to 4 minutes or until slightly thickened, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; cool slightly.

Place salmon filets on baking sheet; top with the glaze.
Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until salmon just begins to flake.

Hash Brown Potato Breakfast Casserole

2010-12-21T16:07:00.001-05:00

Make a hearty breakfast casserole with hot pork sausage, cubed hash browns, eggs and shredded cheese. Top with picante sauce and sour cream for Tex-Mex flair.

Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients

* 1 pound ground hot pork sausage
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 2 1/2 cups frozen cubed hash browns
* 5 large eggs, lightly beaten
* 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
* 1 3/4 cups milk
* 1 cup all-purpose baking mix
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon pepper
* Toppings: picante sauce or green hot sauce, sour cream
* Garnish: fresh parsley sprigs

Preparation

Cook sausage and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat 5 minutes or until meat crumbles. Stir in hash browns, and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until sausage is no longer pink and potatoes are lightly browned. Drain mixture on paper towels; spoon into a greased 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Stir together eggs, cheese, and next 4 ingredients; pour evenly over sausage mixture, stirring well. Cover and chill 8 hours.

Bake, covered with nonstick foil, at 350° for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 to 15 more minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from oven, and let stand 5 minutes. Serve with desired toppings. Garnish, if desired.

Southern Living, DECEMBER 2003

Slow Cooker Magic!

2010-12-17T17:09:00.001-05:00

CREAMY CHICKEN

AND HAM MEDLEY

1 can (4oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
1/3 cup margarine or butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 ½ cup milk
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Dash of ground red pepper
2 cups chopped cooked chicken
2 cups chopped cooked ham
2 packages (10 oz each) frozen puff pastry shells, baked
Paprika

Melt margarine in Slow-Cooker, stir in flour. Stir in remaining ingredients with the exception of pastry shells and paprika. Cook on Low until thickened, stirring after every hour. Ready to serve after 2 ½ hours.

Bake pastry shells as directed on package. Spoon chicken and ham medley into pastry shells and sprinkle with paprika. Serve immediately.

Just the Best Brownie Ever!

2010-12-16T19:41:00.002-05:00

I just found this recipe in a great cook book "Best of the Best Cookbook Recipes" (Food & Wine Books). When I lived on the Gulf coast of Mississippi I enjoyed many recipes that some of my friends and co-workers shared with me. There is nothing like sharing recipes with others, here's one for you all!

CREOLE BROWNIES

Makes 2 dozen

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
9 ounces bittersweet chocolate (66 to 72 percent) coarsely chopped
2 sticks plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon kosher salt

Praline Caramel

1 1/2 cups pecan halves
1 cup water
1/4 cup honey
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 cups packed light brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Line a 9-by-13-inch pan with parchment paper. Leave paper overhang sides about two inches.
2. Make the brownies: In a medium bowl, whisk the flour with the cocoa powder. In a heatproof medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, combine the chocolate and butter and cook until softened. Remove from the heat and stir until fully melted.
3. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the granulated sugar with the eggs, vanilla and salt at high speed until pale and thick, about 2 minutes. Add the melted chocolate and beat at low speed for 1 minute. Using a spatula, fold in the flour mixture. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 18 minutes, until the brownies are just set and the surface is slightly cracked. Let cool. Lower the oven temperature to 350 degrees.
4. Make the praline caramel: Spread the pecans in a pie plate and toast for about 10 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Let cool, then coarsely chop the pecans. In a medium saucepan, mix the pecans with the water, honey, brown sugar and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook over moderate heat until the caramel is thick and dark, about 35 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla.
5. Pour the caramel over the brownies, spreading it in an even layer. Let cool until set, about 2 hours. Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the brownies out of the pan. Lightly spray a sharp knife with cooking spray before cutting the brownies.

This recipe and others from the cook book by David Guas and Raquel Pelzel.
About the authors:
The International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) has named DamGoodSweet by David Guas and Raquel Pelzel a 2010 Cookbook Award Finalist in the American category and Baking and Dessert category for the 2010 James Beard Foundation Book Awards.

Recall of Walnut Products Because of Possible Health Risk

2010-12-14T09:48:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - December 10, 2010 - Tropical Nut & Fruit of Charlotte, NC, is voluntarily recalling all its products containing walnuts supplied by Atlas Walnuts, LLC after November 16, 2010 because they have the potential to contain Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

The recalled products are sold in retail stores nationwide, distributed to manufacturers, and distributors.

Contact:
Tropical Nut & Fruit of Charlotte, NC
800-438-4470

A Great Day for a Drive!

2010-12-11T21:55:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to pass along one of the shots we took during our Saturday drive through the Merritt Island preserve in Titusville, FL. There are no words to describe the day. Just blessed!

Butter...Rum...Yum Yum!

2010-12-09T15:03:00.001-05:00

HOT BUTTERED RUM

1 lb butter
1 lb light brown sugar
1 lb powdered sugar
2 Tbl cinnamon
2 Tbl nutmeg

Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl and beat with whisk until fluffy. Stir in one quart of vanilla ice cream; barely softened.
Place in a large freezer container and keep in the freezer until ready to serve. To serve; add 3 Tbl of the mix to each cup of hot water or coffee.
Add your favorite rum to taste.

“This is Jacki’s favorite drink on a cold winter’s night.” Chef Johnny

Old Florida Town Charm

2010-12-05T21:00:00.003-05:00

Jacki and I have been many places and seen many interesting things. Today we saw the charm and history of an old Florida town. Not just any old town, the oldest town in America...St. Augustine. This beautiful town is filled from corner to corner with homes and buildings that give it a feel that is only found in St. Augustine. There is a look of old Florida, New Orleans, San Juan, and the influences of the English, Spanish, African American, and Henry Flagler. Its a city that is a culinary dream for those who enjoy a full spectrum of cuisines. No matter what cuisine you choose, fresh seafood is part of the fare. Our visit, though short, was no exception to the rule of fresh seafood. We had a late lunch at a local independent seafood diner that featured local shrimp. A full plate of tender and perfectly deep fried shrimp in a almost parchment paper breading was served with a traditional creamy Cole slaw and hush puppies. And not falling short to the South tradition, a baked sweet potato completed the dish. There are many different offerings in St. Augustine, but, one is a place everyone must take time to visit. The fort of Castillo de San Marcos’, constructed in 1672. We were lucky to arrive just in time for the firing of one of the canons that helped in the foundation of America. The trip to St. Augustine was like a walk back in time and was one that we hope to make again and again now that we live in Florida.

Living on the Florida coast!

2010-11-30T18:58:00.003-05:00

One of the things I really love about living on the Florida coast...the seafood! There are several seafood stores that feature fresh, local caught, seafood. Today was just one of those days that an over powering urge came over me to have some local fare. Not just to go out to eat, but, go to a market and pick out the fresh whole fish and cook it. This is the Yellow Eyed Snapper season and today there were several whole fish available at the local market. I quickly picked out out and had it filleted. According to the clerk, who also filleted the fish, it was caught on Monday. Pan fried and served with a mix of brown Jasmine, white Jasmine, and wild rice with a side of asparagus. Oh yea, also had a local naval orange to finish the meal. Living on the Florida coast has its advantages.

Mac-Daddi-Roni Salad

2010-11-29T08:04:00.001-05:00

Mac-Daddi-Roni Salad

Recipe courtesy Guy Fieri, 2007

Cook Time: 15 min
Level: Easy
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients
16 ounces macaroni pasta, 1/4-inch tube
2 cups mayonnaise
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
1 tablespoon white vinegar
3/4 cup minced red onion
3/4 cup minced roasted red bell pepper
1/2 cup carrot, diced
3/4 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup diced Peppadew peppers
1/4 cup minced pepperoncini
1 teaspoons sea salt
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
In a medium pot, boil water and add salt. Add pasta, cook until al dente, and place into an ice water bath.

In a medium mixing bowl add mayonnaise, garlic, mustard, and vinegar. Mix to combine and place in refrigerator to keep chilled while pasta cools down.

When pasta is cool, mix in mayonnaise mixture and all vegetables. Mix thoroughly, season with salt and pepper. Place into refrigerator and chill for 1 hour for the flavors to combine.

Peppadew Peppers available on our Internet store.

Click on Jar!

DO YOU PEPPADEW?

2010-11-27T08:53:00.000-05:00

A great little pepper from South Africa, called a Peppadew, make a wonderful addition to any Holiday meal. Stuffed with goat cheese, or Bleu cheese, or even chopped and added to a salad or on a pizza. This little peppadew pepper adds bold flavor and just a little heat. Available for retail or food service. Go to our web store for retail or email us for food service packaged products.

SNICKERDOODLES

2010-11-26T13:29:00.002-05:00

Snickerdoodles

Yield: 30 cookies

Ingredients
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (about 6 3/4 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Cooking spray
Preparation
Preheat oven to 400°.
Combine 3/4 cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, and butter in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and egg.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt, stirring well with a whisk. Add flour mixture to butter mixture; beat just until combined. Shape dough into 30 balls.
Combine 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small shallow dish. Roll balls in sugar mixture, and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets coated with cooking spray. Bake at 400° for 8 minutes or until tops crack. Cool on pans 1 minute. Remove from pans; cool on a wire rack.

Shoot Them!

2010-11-24T17:39:00.005-05:00

I recently met a gentleman (not sure yet...too soon) ,named Cliff, at a market in Cocoa, FL. He showed me an old cook book and a recipe for Corn Doger's. After doing some research, I found it was a line from the movie True Grit when John Wayne played the part of Rooster Cogburn and used Corn Doger's for target practice. Well here is the official recipe from a 1975 Tennessee cookbook.

I guess if you can't eat them...shoot them!

Corn Doger

2 cups cornmeal 1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. soda 2 tbsp. fat
1 tsp. baking powder Buttermilk to make a rather stiff batter

Combine the dry ingredients, add the melted FAT and buttermilk.
Make into small pones (dogers). Bake in greased iron skillet in
hot oven (450 degrees) until golden brown.
Serve with Southern-style cooked vegetables.

Recipe from Ivola Dement Davidson County page 18
of NAEHE Cookbook from Tennessee to you Knoxville, 1975

Peanut Brittle for Thanksgiving

2010-11-22T20:00:00.002-05:00

Wow. What an easy and great little treat for Thanksgiving Day. Peanut brittle that only takes 25 minutes to make.

Serves 20.

Ingredients:

nonstick cooking spray

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt or sea salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

3 cups salted dry-roasted peanuts

Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and spray a light coat with cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, salt, and 1 cup water. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat and cook until deep golden brown, about 20 minutes. Remove pan frm heat. Stir in butter, baking soda, and peanuts. Stir until mixture is no longer bubbling and caramel is smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to sheet and spread with a lightly greased spatula. Let cool until firm, 15 minutes. Break into pieces. Pass around the fun after the big dinner while the big games are playing.

NOW ON TWITTER

2010-11-22T19:47:00.002-05:00

Chef Johnny now on twitter. FOLLOW ME ON twitter. Click the twitter logo.

A Special Dressing

2010-11-18T13:55:00.002-05:00

SAUSAGE-APPLE-PECAN DRESSING
SERVES 8-10

1 Loaf thick sliced bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 Pound bulk mild pork sausage
6 Slices bacon, chopped
1 Large onion, chopped
1Cup Celery, chopped
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
1Cup Pecans, chopped
2Cups Chicken broth
1Cup Chopped fresh parsley
1teaspoon Rubbed sage
1teaspoon Dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/4teaspoon Pepper

Place bread cubes on a baking sheet and bake at 225degrees for 1 hour. Stirring occasionally. Set aside.

Cook sausage and bacon in a heavy sauté pan until sausage crumbles; drain and reserve 3tablespoons of the grease. Cook the onion and celery in the 3 tablespoons of grease until tender. Add the pecans and cook an additional 3 minutes. Combine the sausage mixture, breadcrumbs, chicken broth and remaining ingredients in a large bowl; spoon into a lightly greased 13X9X2 baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil; bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake an additional 30 minutes.

© Chef Johnny 2001

NEW ITEM...Wild Hibicus Flowers in Rose Syrup

2010-11-17T19:56:00.002-05:00

New item just in time for the holiday party season. 100% natural, sustainably farmed, edible, whole Wild Hibiscus Flowers which are crimson in color hand packed in natural essence of two dozen Bulgarian roses. Serve as a garnish in drinks or in both sweet and savory food recipes. Two year shelf life, 3 months once opened. Both syrup and flowers are heat stable for cooking applications. A gloriously feminine indulgence bursting with Joie de vivre! Contact Jacki @ 321-567-4644 for more information and to place your pre-holiday season order.

Microwave Cooking---Lemon Chicken

2010-11-17T10:48:00.002-05:00

Lemon Chicken…Microwave
Serves 4

1 2 ½ to 3 pound broiler—fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
½ cup lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoon Sea Salt
Garlic powder, to taste
Fresh ground black pepper, to taste

In a 10-inch square, heat-resistant, non-metallic baking dish, place chicken, skin down. Pour ¼ cup lemon juice over chicken.

Heat, covered, on ROAST for 10 minutes.

Turn chicken over and add remaining lemon juice and seasonings to chicken.

Heat, covered, on ROAST for 9 to 11 minutes or until chicken is tender and heated to 165 degrees internally. Serve and garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley.

Chicken in microwave on ROAST are cooked for 8 minutes per pound. The time on this recipe may be adjusted for any weight chicken. Add additional lemon juice if more chicken is used to keep chicken moist and flavorful.

Beach Walking

2010-11-11T18:35:00.004-05:00

Today I am not posting any notices about food bourne illnesses. Or, recalls of tainted foods or mislabeled foods. No industry notices of who is doing what or why. Today I am posting beach walking. Most of you know we moved to Florida and today we found "our beach". Perfect in every way. Few people, lots of birds, and beautiful water. Beach walking...Florida style baby!

2010-11-09T05:59:00.001-05:00

First Starbucks rolled out Via, a line of instant coffee that threatened to undermine the company’s core identity as a premium coffee vendor. Then came the “stealth Starbucks” stores, locations stripped of the company name and logo meant to blend into their neighborhoods. Now Starbucks, a name synonymous with “coffee” in America, has started serving beer and wine in one location and may eventually serve alcohol in thousands of stores worldwide. And all of these developments have happened in little more than 18 months.

All of this reminds me of two brothers in Ohio. One owned a hardware store and the other owned a grocery store. The two stores were across the street from each other and in time them developed a friendly competition that grew into an unfriendly relationship. The brother that owned the hardware was not happy when his brother with the grocery store started selling motor oil for below his cost. Finally the brother with the hardware started selling bananas in his hardware way below cost. The hardware brother became known as the "banana man" for his marketing move. Now that Starbucks, the coffee people of America, is selling wine. How will associate this with the Starbucks famous image? Are they a wine shop or a coffee shop? Why not do what you do best and stick to it? Is the economy making institutions like Starbucks changing to survive? Are tanning beds and a coin laundry service next for the Starbucks venue? Stay true to your trade!

2010-11-08T09:48:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JACKSON, Miss. - November 5, 2010 - Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. (NASDAQ: CALM) today was notified by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) that one of the Company’s suppliers, Ohio Fresh Eggs, LLC, Croton, Ohio, had a routine environmental study sample which tested positive for Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). Cal-Maine purchased approximately 24,000 dozen unprocessed eggs from Ohio Fresh which were processed and re-packaged by the Company’s Green Forest, Arkansas, facility between October 9 and 12, 2010, yet the Company was only notified today. The eggs involved, which were not produced from Cal-Maine flocks, were distributed to food wholesalers and retailers in Arkansas, California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas. There have been no confirmed SE illnesses related to the purchased eggs.

In cooperation with the FDA, Cal-Maine immediately notified its customers and recalled specific Julian dates of shell eggs because they have the potential to be contaminated with SE. The following packages were included in this recall.

In cooperation with the FDA, Cal-Maine immediately notified its customers and recalled specific Julian dates of shell eggs because they have the potential to be contaminated with SE. The following packages were included in this recall.

Product Description Plant Number Julian Date Sell By/Expiration Date
Sunny Meadow Jumbo
UPC Code - 6 05388
71459 6 1457 282, 284 11/07/10;11/09/10
Sunny Meadow Large
UPC Code – 6 05388
71457 2 1457 282 11/07/10
Sunny Meadow Large 18
UPC Code – 6 05388
71461 9
Sunny Meadow Extra Large
UPC Code – 6 05388
71458 9 1457 284 11/09/10
Sunny Meadow Extra Large 18
UPC Code – 8 13905
00120 7 1457 282 11/07/10
Sunny Meadow 5 Dozen
UPC Code – 6 81131
74355 6 1457 284 11/09/10
Sunny Meadow 6 Pack
UPC Code - 6 05388
71462 6 1457 284 11/09/10
Springfield Grocer Medium Loose 1457 282 11/07/10
Springfield Grocer Extra Large Loose 1457 284 11/09/10
Springfield Grocer Large Loose 1457 284 11/09/10
Sun Valley Large
UPC Code 0 33643
00018 2 1457 284 11/24/10
James Farm Medium
UPC Code 0 97009
01083 3 1457 285 11/07/10

Plant numbers and Julian dates can be found printed on the individual cartons. The Julian date follows the plant number, for example P1457-282.

Beach Driving

2010-11-07T19:00:00.003-05:00

Now we have been in Florida for one week. Finally taking a look at the beach and not just a look, a drive! Seeing it is one thing, but, driving a car down the beach while a hurricane is hundreds of miles off shore is another. Huge pounding waves and strong winds brought out the wind surfers. Enjoy!

New Things to Learn

2010-11-01T21:15:00.002-04:00

Well, now that our operations are relocated in Florida, there are new things to learn. Different climate, different foods, etc. Soon I will be trying some of the local foods including the seafood. New recipes coming next week.

RECALL...Hyland's Teething Tablets

2010-10-25T11:53:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Los Angeles, October 23, 2010 - Standard Homeopathic Company, in consultation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is voluntarily recalling its Hyland's Teething Tablets. The company is initiating this recall in an abundance of caution due to an FDA investigation of its manufacturing facility. Hyland’s Teething Tablets are manufactured in the United States and distributed throughout North America.

The Hyland’s Teething Tablets UPC codes included in the recall are:

1. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75041
2. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 250 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75042
3. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75066
4. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 50 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75044
5. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, 145 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 75121
6. Hyland’s Teething Tablets, Clip Strip 6x125 tablets, UPC # 3 54973 35109

Adverse events have been reported but the FDA has said that a conclusive link to Teething Tablets has not been determined. The company, in working with the FDA, has identified manufacturing processes of Teething Tablets that can be improved to ensure uniformity in dosage. As a homeopathic product, Hyland’s Teething Tablets have a wide margin of safety that protects consumers from harm.

After in-depth analysis, a comprehensive review of the company’s adverse event report log, and more than 85 years of safe usage, the company is confident that Hyland’s Teething Tablets are safe for infants and toddlers.

In addition to the product recall, Standard Homeopathic Company is refining its production, packaging and testing protocols. Throughout the process, Standard Homeopathic Company will continue to closely monitor and evaluate the situation and consult with FDA.

Consumers that are concerned about the safety of the product may contact Standard Homeopathic Company for instructions on a refund or replacement product. For these instructions or information regarding how to return or dispose of the product, consumers should log on to www.hylandsteething.com/recall9 or call 1-877-496-5044 (Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time).

Altering Food Tastes

2010-10-25T07:31:00.001-04:00

A noisy restaurant can distract you from your dinner conversation. But all that clatter may also drown out the taste of your food, making it more bland. That's according to a study in the journal Food Quality and Preference. Researchers recruited 48 college students, and fitted them with headphones playing either loud white noise, soft white noise, or nothing at all. Then the participants closed their eyes and chomped on snack foods like Pringles and cookies.

Possible Salmonella

2010-10-20T20:46:00.001-04:00

North Carolina Firm Recalls Ready-To-Eat Pork Barbeque Products Due To Possible Salmonella
Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-055-2010 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

WASHINGTON, Oct. 20, 2010 - The Murphy House, a Louisburg, N.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 4,920 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) pork barbeque products that may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

* 1 lb. and 5 lb. plastic tubs of "MURPHY HOUSE Unskinned Pork with Barbeque Sauce-TEXTURED VEGETABLE PROTEIN ADDED" written in green lettering on the container's top.
* 1 lb. and 5 lb. plastic tubs of "MURPHY HOUSE PREMIUM PORK BARBEQUE-COOKED, UNSKINNED PORK WITH BARBEQUE SAUCE ADDED " written in red lettering on the container's top.

FDA RECALL...

2010-10-18T15:50:00.002-04:00

**CONSUMER ALERT**
Pats Exotic Beverage Recalls "Carrot Juice" Beverage, "Carrot Beet" Beverage, "Carrot Lime" Beverage and "Cucumber" Beverage Due to Possible Health Risk
October 15, 2010 - New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker today alerted consumers that Pats Exotic Beverages Inc., located at 2919 Tiemann Avenue, Bronx, New York, is recalling all packages of "Carrot Juice" beverage, "Carrot Beet" beverage, "Carrot Lime" beverage and "Cucumber" beverage, because the products have been determined to be inadequately processed and may contain food borne pathogens. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL STORY

I've found a completely round egg!

2010-10-18T10:02:00.003-04:00

By Luke Salkeld

After eight years preparing full English breakfasts, chef James Church knows an all-round good egg when he sees one. Which is why he stopped himself consigning this remarkable specimen to the frying pan. Mr Church, 27, spotted the spherical oddity among a box full of otherwise regularly-shaped free-range eggs delivered to the Hotel Bristol in Newquay, Cornwall by a local supplier. ‘I’ve probably cracked at least 100,000 eggs in my time as a chef but I’ve never seen one like this,’ he said. ‘I stood for a few moments in awe. I called everyone in the kitchen over and they stood around it too, because they had never seen anything like it either.’ He says he will keep it in his fridge indefinitely, despite the risk of it going bad and exploding egg cartoon. ‘I’ve put it in a protective case so I don’t get it mixed up with any others by mistake. ‘I managed to save it from the frying pan so I’m definitely going to keep it.’ John Retson, chairman of the British Free Range Egg Producers’ Association, said he was amazed by the round egg. The 58-year-old, who has 55,000 birds at his farm in Perthshire said: ‘I have never seen a completely round egg in my life.’

Asked what might have caused the phenomenon, he added: ‘It might be that when the egg was forming it got held up in the Fallopian tubes. ‘This can be caused by stress or a variety of other reasons. But if it gets held up it becomes misshapen.’ So was it the chicken or the round egg that came first?

Wow, what is that cooking?

2010-10-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Here is a great recipe my Mother used to make when I was younger. It is so good to come home and be welcomed by the smell of cabbage rolls that have been cooking all day. Make a side of mashed potatoes and have some dark rye bread with this one and you've got a real meal.

MY MAMA’S CABBAGE ROLLS

Cabbage, Parboiled to soften and separate leaves.

1 pkg Seasoned Rice, cooked (Garden Blend works great)
½ lb Sausage ground, browned & drained of excess fat
½ lb Hamburger, browned & drained of excess fat
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves of chopped garlic
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 eggs
1 small can of sauerkraut, drained
3 tablespoons of light brown sugar
2 cans (or ½ qt.Jar) seasoned spaghetti sauce

Mix cooked rice and remaining ingredients, except the brown sugar and sauce, in a large mixing bowl. Fill each softened cabbage leaf with the meat-rice mixture and roll. You may hold them together with a toothpick if necessary. Place in the slow cooker and sprinkle sugar over each layer of cabbage rolls. Pour the sauce over the top when cooker is filled with rolls. Cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hrs. Be careful to remove toothpicks when serving.

Make mine tuna!

2010-10-12T13:00:00.000-04:00

Tuna Salad Sandwich

INGREDIENTS
• 1 (6 ounce) can of tuna fish (if packed in water, drain it)
• 1/3 cup of cottage cheese
• 2 Tablespoons of Low Fat Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 purple onion, chopped finely
• 1 celery stalk, chopped finely
• Juice of half of a lemon
• 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• Slices of French bread, lightly toasted
METHOD
Mix all of the ingredients. Serve on toast, either open faced, or in a regular sandwich with lettuce and tomatoes.

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

2010-10-11T08:43:00.000-04:00

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) has partnered with Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution for a $1 million fundraiser designed to highlight the horrors of eating processed food. This Halloween, Sunday, October 31st, visit any Chipotle restaurant between 6 p.m. and closing time dressed as a horrifying processed food product, and Chipotle will treat costumed customers to a burrito made with wholesome, naturally raised ingredients for only $2. Proceeds from the “Boorito 2010: The Horrors of Processed Food” program, up to $1 million, will benefit Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution.

Something new for breakfast!

2010-10-10T10:13:00.001-04:00

SAUSAGE AND RICE CAKES

2 cups cooked white rice
1 egg
1 pound pork sausage

Mince the sausage, add rice and egg unbeaten. Mix well together and form into flat cakes. Brown lightly in butter, being careful to have fat well heated before adding the cakes. Cook slowly.

The little known spice!

2010-10-07T09:21:00.003-04:00

There are many spices used today that most of us have never used or even heard of in the average household. However, some of these spices have been used for hundreds of years in other areas of the world. Here is a fine example of such a spice...TURMERIC.
The name turmeric is believed to have come from the Latin "terra merita" which means merit of the earth. Marco Polo was intrigued by the turmeric he found in Southern China: 'There is also a vegetable which has all the properties of true saffron, as well the smell and color, and yet it is not really saffron'. Lightly aromatic, turmeric smells peppery with a slight aroma of oranges and ginger. It tastes pungent, bitter and musky. Turmeric is much revered by Hindus and is associated with fertility. During Hindu wedding ceremonies, a sacred thread dipped in turmeric paste is tied around the bride's neck by the bridegroom. In Malaysia, a paste of turmeric is spread on the mother's abdomen and umbilical cord after childbirth, not only to ward off evil spirits, but also for its medicinal value as turmeric is known to be antiseptic.

A Worthless NUT!

2010-09-30T18:26:00.004-04:00

College football is now here folks! It really doesn't matter if you are a Falcon, Eagle, Bulldog, Lion, or any other kind of animal, it is college football time. Growing up in Ohio, I can remember every fall when football season started there was a favorite treat served at every Saturday game party. Peanut Butter Buckeyes. Yes, I have heard all the stories about how a buckeye is a worthless nut, but, a peanut butter buckeye is different. All the right flavors to bring back memories of fall in Ohio. Soon, even fall in Ohio will be a memory. But Peanut Butter Buckeyes will remain a constant rich chocolate peanut buttery treat! Here is my recipe for the favorite, not so worthless, buckeye.

Peanut Butter Buckeyes
Yield: 5 dozen

Ingredients

1 c butter
1 pk 16oz powdered sugar
1 12oz crunchy peanut butter
1 block (4oz) paraffin
1 pk 12oz semi-sweet chocolate chocolate

Instructions

Combine butter, sugar and peanut butter in a medium bowl; blend till
smooth. Roll into 1 inch balls. chill. Place paraffin and chocolate
chips into top of a double boiler and melt over hot (not Boiling)
water. Coat balls by dropping one at a time. Place on waxed paper to
cool.

What is your favorite Buckeye story? Post it for others to enjoy.

It's Just Not Natural!

2010-09-27T23:00:00.003-04:00

Ben & Jerry's to drop 'All Natural' from labels.

Mon Sep 27, 6:03 pm ET

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. – Ice cream maker Ben & Jerry's is dropping the phrase "all natural" from all labels after a request from a health advocacy group.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest and the company confirmed the move Monday.

The CSPI told the company last month it should not use "all natural" if products contain alkalized cocoa, corn syrup, hydrogenated oil or other ingredients that are not natural.

Ben & Jerry's, a unit of consumer products giant Unilever, said it's not changing any recipes. It's just removing the label from all products, whether they are among the majority that contain at least one of the ingredients CSPI listed or not.

The Food & Drug Administration has no formal definition for "natural." But it won't object to term as long as products do not contain added color, artificial flavors or synthetic substances.

The CSPI, based in Washington, said the government should define the term.

"The Food and Drug Administration could do consumers and food manufacturers a great service by actually defining when the word 'natural' can and cannot be used to characterize a given ingredient," CSPI Executive Director Michael F. Jacobson said in a statement.

Ben & Jerry's spokesman Sean Greenwood said the change would happen gradually across Ben & Jerry's product line.

The ingredients will be the same ones Ben & Jerry's has always used, but the company no longer wants to battle over the definition of "all natural," which has different meanings to different people, Greenwood said.

"Ben & Jerry's has always been a company that tried to source as responsibly as possible, label our products accordingly and let it all out there for people to see," he said. "But this takes away any misconceptions for people."

Consumer Activists Want Modified Salmon to Be Labeled

2010-09-27T08:38:00.004-04:00

Opponents of genetically modified salmon, as well as consumer activists and environmentalists, told a U.S. Food and Drug Administration advisory panel Tuesday that it would be irresponsible not to require labels on the fish if it is approved for humans to eat.
The American public has the right to know what it is consuming, the speakers said.

What do you think? Should the consumer be told about genetically modified salmon and other foods? Post your thoughts!

Fire Up the Slow Cooker!

2010-09-22T09:54:00.001-04:00

FINGER LICKIN’ CHICKEN

6—8 chicken legs or thighs
3 tablespoons butter or margarine
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 can (16 oz) Italian seasoned tomatoes
1 can (4 oz) sliced mushrooms, drained
½ cup half & half, optional

Rinse the chicken parts and pat dry. In a skillet, melt butter and brown chicken quickly on both sides. Place chicken in slow cooker. Stir together remaining ingredients except the half & half and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours. Just before serving, stir in the half & half. Serve over steamed rice.

Italian Ham & Bean Soup

2010-09-20T09:35:00.005-04:00

”SLOW COOKER SERIES”

ITALIAN HAM & BEAN SOUP

1 cup dried pinto beans, rinsed, drained and picked over
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ pound smoked ham, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium celery rib, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups of chicken broth
3 cups of water
¼ cup tomato paste
1 can (8oz) diced tomatoes or Italian seasoned stewed, drained
½ cup bow-tie or shell pasta
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Soak the beans in a large bowl with enough water to cover them by 2 inches. Let stand overnight, drain any remaining water after overnight soaking.

In a large heavy skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ham, onion, and celery and cook until lightly browned. Add garlic and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Add the chicken broth, stirring to scrape up the browned bits on the bottom of the skillet. Transfer to a 3 ½ quart slow cooker. Add the drained beans, water, tomato paste, and tomatoes. Cover and slow cook until beans are tender, 7 to 8 hours on Low or 4 to 5 hours on High.

Stir in the pasta and pepper. Turn heat to high and cook until the pasta is tender, about 30 to 60 minutes. Serve with crusty bread.

Do you have a favorite slow cooker recipe? Post it here and share with others.

Fall is coming...time to get out the nutmeg!

2010-09-17T10:29:00.003-04:00

In a few days we will have the coming of fall. Yep, a chill in the air and frost on its way. Well, for some. With the changes in the season, nutmeg and mace are the spices of the fall. These two unique spices are from plants that produce the nutmeg fruit. Mace is the lacy covering or aril that surrounds the seed. The nutmeg lies within the shell of the seed. Mace and nutmeg are native to the Moluccas, but are also cultivated in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the West Indies. The fruit ripens six to nine months after flowering, and is usually gathered with in falls to the ground. The outer husk is stripped off and the mace is removed, pressed flat and dried on mats. This process may take as little as two to four hours, during which time the mace retains its scarlet color. Once the mace has been removed, the seeds are dried on trays for four to six weeks until the nutmegs rattle in their outer shell. They are cracked open and the nutmegs removed, then graded according to size and quality. The sizes are graded by size as 80's or 100's and so on, according to the number in the pound. There are many uses for both of the unique spices. Southeast Asia, China and India, both spices are used sparingly. In India they are found mostly in Moghul dishes. The Arabs have long added nutmeg to mutton and lamb, but the Europeans have used nutmeg and mace most extensively in both sweet and savory dishes. The Italians enjoy nutmeg with mixed vegetable dishes, and veal. Nutmeg is widely used in honey cakes, rich fruit cake, fruit desserts, and fruit punch. Other uses of nutmeg is an ingredient in some soaps and shampoos. I personally like it as an ingredient in pumpkin bread or as a topping on a hot buttered rum drink. Fall is coming so enjoy the spice of the season. If you have a favorite use for nutmeg or mace, post it for others to enjoy.

WHAT A PEACH!

2010-09-13T09:43:00.003-04:00

Pound Cake

When I think of fresh peaches I think of a rich, moist pound cake. In Ohio, this time of year, the peaches are coming on and they are some of the best. Nothing goes better than to make a traditional pound cake and top it with fresh Ohio peaches. Here is an easy pound cake recipe.

Flour 4 cups
Baking Powder 1 teaspoon
Salt ½ teaspoon
Unsalted butter 1 pound
Granulated sugar 3 cups
Eggs 8 lightly beaten
Pure vanilla extract 2 teaspoons
Heavy cream ½ cup

Stir the dry ingredients. Position the rack in the oven to the middle of the oven. Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter two 9X5-inch loaf pans and line them with buttered parchment paper. Now sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl.

Making the batter. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed and beat together the butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and lightened in color. This should take about 2 minutes. Add the eggs two at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla. On low speed, add half of the flour mixture and m ix until incorporated. Mix in the cream until blended. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix just until a smooth batter forms. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Bake the cakes. Bake until the top of each cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. About 1 hour. Briefly cool in the pans on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. Remove the cakes from the pans to cool completely. Dust the top of one cake with powdered sugar and slice to serve. Reserve the second cake for another time. Or if you are like our household, this just might be tomorrow’s treat. Post your favorite late summer recipe and share with others.

Eat Bran...Live Longer!

2010-09-10T10:13:00.002-04:00

Diabetics: Eat Bran and Live Longer!

Women with type 2 diabetes might want to consider including more bran in their diet. A new study reveals those who do so have a lower risk of premature death. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to die prematurely and develop heart disease compared to the general population. In type 2 diabetes, the body can't use insulin efficiently to break down blood sugar. Bran is found in whole grains and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Previous research suggests high intakes of whole grains may protect against systemic inflammation and dysfunction of the cells that line the blood vessels. The study, the Nurses' Health Study including 121,700 female nurses, suggest that a potential benefit of whole grain, and particularly bran, is beneficial in the reducing of death and cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients.
This information is from the Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association, May 2010.

Let's Go Nuts!

2010-09-06T11:55:00.004-04:00

Want to lower your cholesterol? New research shows that it may be as simple as consuming more nuts. Nuts are a whole food that have been consumed by humans throughout history and increasing the consumption of nuts as a part an otherwise prudent diet can favorably affect blood lipid levels. This can also have the potential to lower coronary heart disease risk. About 2.4 ounces of nuts a day can reduce the total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood. In most cases the HDL (good) cholesterol shows increases. The good property of nuts is the omega-3's. They thin the blood, helping it to flow more freely and prevent clots from forming and adhering to the vessel walls. Omega 3's also act as an anti-inflammatory preventing blood vessels from becoming inflamed and reducing blood flow. Walnuts are one of the many beneficial nuts that can be consumed that are high in arginine, an essential amino acid. Arginine helps to keep the inside of the blood vessels smooth while it also promotes the flexibility of the vessels increasing blood flow. The top nut and seed sources of arginine in descending order include: watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, walnuts, hazelnuts, and pistachios. Want better heart health...go nuts!

Tomato Salad That's Sure to Please!

2010-08-22T16:48:00.003-04:00

Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Salad

Serves 4

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. On a rimmed baking sheet, toss 3 ounces crusty bread, torn into bite-size pieces (2cups), with 2 ounces of olive oil and season with sea salt and fresh ground black pepper. Spread bread in a single layer and bake until golden brown, about 7 minutes, In a large bowl, combine 3 teaspoons oil, 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar, 1 garlic clove, minced, and 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped toasted natural almonds. Season with sea salt and pepper and stir. Add 2 medium tomatoes, cored and cut into 1/2 inch wedges, 2 roasted red bell peppers, cut into 1/2 inch strips, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley leaves, and toasted bread and toss to combine.

Do you have a favorite summer time tomato recipe, post it and share.