Marcels Quantum Kitchen-Weird Science Food Guy

You know I'm a foodie person with my own food blog and all (still working on fixing it up) and you all know how I love (or rather obsess-hey it's a fine line) over alien like tech-y stuff so I'm so excited with the premiere of Top Chef Marcel's Quantum Kitchen food show on the Syfy Network tomorrow 10/9 Central! I'm sure most of you have seen the sneak  peeks that have been airing lately and I'm totally hooked already. I'm looking forward to seeing what masterpiece recipes he can concoct with modern day technology along with quantum physics theories to back him up. Be sure to catch this show if you can. Stay beautiful!   XOXO

Marcels Quantum Kitchen Series Premiere 3/22/11 Syfy Network 10/9 Central PM
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SUPER SIZE ME! Starbucks Trenta Coffee-Good Idea?

 

It's about that time for something to discuss in the girl forum and today it's not about a beauty product or fashion item but more of a health issue. Starbucks Trenta is here! 31 ounces of pure java bliss! Now as a coffee addict this news actually made me giddy but not everyone agrees with the Starbucks brand for the excessive serving amount being sold as a heath risk. The criticism is that the size is larger than the capacity of the human stomach. Understandably this makes sense as reason for concern but personally they don't know the capacity of caffeine my body can handle. All jokes aside, I think I can run on caffeine, sugar and air alone some days...not really healthy. I know... Whether you are a coffee drinker or not it's always good to be cautious of what you ingest. And I'm not so much opposed to this as other fast food munchies and believe it or not fast food isn't even on my radar. I can't even remember the last time I bought actual junky food as a meal, thank goodness for my culinary skills as I prefer to prepare my own food fresh & from scratch. Now if I could only stop with the caffeine... Full article on consumer and media criticism can be found here. Written for Yahoo news by Vanessa Evans. Any thoughts or feelings on this or other excessively portioned unhealthy food products sold? Feel free to read the article then discuss your opinions on this subject just remember no foul language is allowed. Stay beautiful! Stay healthy! XOXO

Full Article From Yahoo News Here

Healthy Diet Tips From Nutrition Twins

January is all about a healthy start to new eating habits and they had this helpful little segment on Good Day New York this week. I was waiting for them to add the video to the website before posting about it and it's up now so thought I would pass the information along to you guys. This segment is more about helpful hints to keep the weight off rather than a full blown dieting menu or starving yourself  plus they are very easy,  good for you tips to add to your daily routine. They also had a great segment on Live with Regis & Kelly but that video is no where to be found. A great hint from that segment which I find true is to eat an apple before your lunch so you'll eat less calories after wards. I'm hoping to do more posts on fitness & health so stay tuned and be healthy. Have a great weekend. Stay beautiful! XOXO

Below is a summary of tips that the Nutrition Twins talked about:

1.Don't skip carbs. Many people vow to do this thinking it's the answer healthy carbohydrates to give you long lasting energy and keep you lean and on track. Baked potato is great because super-satisfying and you get entire 5.3 ounce potato for just 110 calories. And 45% DV for vitamin C to help fight colds. Just watch you top it with--go for salsa, lemon and pepper, Mrs. Dash, nonfat greek yogurt or nonfat sour cream.
2. Focus on what you can/should eat, not what you shouldn't. Focus on eating FAT FIGHTIN' PHYTOCHEMICALS -so eat Berries, Blood Oranges, Red Grapes Japanese researchers may have identified an antioxidant found in certain fruits and vegetables that could fight fat in two ways. These contain an anti-obesity compound, the phytochemical C3G that was found to increase production of "weight loss" hormones in the body. (We'll go into description if time)
3.Choose the right snacks to outsmart hunger and to keep you on track. Instead of snacks that are full of air and high in calories and leave you hungry with a big waistline Go Pistachios-full of fiber and protein for satisfaction. They're "The Skinny Nut" -you get 30 nuts for 100 calories (most other nuts, get just half this many)BOWL OF PISTACHIO NUTS AND OTHER NATURAL SNACKS THAT FIT THE CATEGORY
4. ALLOW YOURSELF A SMALL PORTION OF A TREAT, so that you don't feel deprived. THIS WILL KEEP YOU ON TRACK or something that really feels like a treat but is healthy-any treat for roughly 100 calories, 4 Hersheys kisses, The 100 calorie muffins that we mentioned, hot chocolates, etc
5. A new way to think of exercise? Movement is the key-too many people make the mistake of thinking that even though they haven't exercised all year, now they need to start running for an entire half hour. This set them up to hate exercise and quit. Instead, the success story is one that is realistic, start by just being more active-try Walking 15 minutes out your front door and back or jump rope most important to make it routine. Eventually you'll get better and you can run.

Tea Time With Versace & Friends

 

                                             So how was your day Donatella?

This has got to be the most fun you can have with your afternoon tea! The product design company Donkey Products has put out tea bag cutouts with the likeness of five influential people in the world of fashion that cozily reclines in your tea cup. You can sit back relax and have afternoon tea in the prestigious company of Karl Lagerfeld, Donatella Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, Madonna and yes even crazy Naomi with the Pret-A-PorTea Tea Bag Set. It's like a childhood tea party with imaginary friends except for adults. Hey if some of you guys want to have meaningful conversations with these little celeb baggies I wont judge! Don't you just love it! Stay Beautiful! XOXO

Availability:Donkey Products 7,95 €

Queen City Cayenne Ice Cream

I was watching the Food Network "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" Hot & Spicy episode-hosted by various cooks on the network and this particular frozen gem grabbed my attention-the product:a ice cream with a spicy twist-the flavor-Queen City Cayenne made by Jeni's Ice Cream in Ohio.So I thought I would share this with everyone because it would make a fabulous treat for yourself or guests for summer entertaining.You could covertly present this creamy luxurious goody in crystal goblets without letting your guests in on the secret then watch their faces light up when the first creamy bite hits their tongues.Now I know spicy ice cream is nothing new but all the reviews Ive read about this say it's the best out there because that twinge of spice is completely unobtrusive even for those non-spicy food lovers out there.The inspiration of Jeni's ice creams come from founder Jeni Britton Bauer who wanted to create artisan ice cream with less sugar and more flavor. Plus it's made in Ohio where they have the best cream in the States while Jeni's cows are pasture raised on grass without any growth hormones,antibiotics,herbicides or pesticides.Let me talk a little about the flavor element in Queen City Cayenne:it is a rich chocolate which melts in your mouth to reveal a hint of spicy cayenne and laced with Saigon Cinnamon-which is the strongest cinnamon that has a snap of sweet and spicy flavor to it.The best part is that you don't have to travel to Ohio,it's available to order online! I'm always game for trying new things & a lover of spice so I can hardly wait to try this out.Have a great weekend!
Availability:Jeni's Ice Cream-Your Pick of 4 $48 6 $68 Jeni's Pick $85

Kimono Chocolates

Need another Mother's Day gift idea? How about these exquisitely hand painted kimono pattern chocolates from Joan Coukos of New York's Chocolat Moderne made for Dean & Deluca.The artwork is inspired from vintage Japanese kimonos and filled with ganache caramel or praline in one of six flavors blended all from sweet and savory Japanese ingredients.These dainty little edible trinkets are so pretty to look at you might not want to eat them! Availability: Dean & Deluca $36- 6 ounce size

Piattini Gelato & Brioche

Quite possibly the best gelato in Brooklyn since the days of the Mille Lucci Cafe. Piattini Ristorante in the Fort Hamilton section of Brooklyn is the source.This charming little place specializes in traditional Sicilian cuisine.But the absolute must visit reason would be to sample the exquisite heavenly Pistacchio Di Sicilia gelato scooped & sandwiched into a classic brioche sweet roll mmm! Just like Grandma used to make for us on those hot sticky summer nights to cool us down and the quintessential Italian flavor of choice back then was nocciola-hazelnut-from Mille Lucci.Piattini's rivals the quality as it also makes their gelato fresh on premise in the traditional Sicilian style.Nobody does gelato better than Sicilians and I'm not even Sicilian but from it's origins of ancient time when Greco-Romans used to scoop up ice from the mountains flavoring it with nuts and honey until the Arabic's who introduced sorbet with cane sugar to the Sicilians and revolutionized Italian cooking forever for creating the best frozen indulgence this side of heaven.Now that warm weather has arrived r u u u n, don't walk to visit Piattini.If your not a resident of the New York area let this be a little inspirational idea for a weekend lunch getaway. Prices are very reasonable almost fantastically insane!
Piattini Ristorante:Italian Cuisine-Sicilian
tapas/small plates/wine bar/pastries
9824 Fourth Avenue
Near Marine Avenue
Brooklyn,New York
718-759-0009

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Edible Arrangements for Mother's Day

Since mom's special day is just around the corner I figured I would share a great gift idea with you guys.My mother received this fruit arrangement for Mother's Day last year and it's such a treat.The photo doesn't do justice to the size of the basket or the fruit pieces because it was huge.All the fruit was jumbo sized and very fresh.In her basket there was a mix of strawberry's, pineapple, grapes, etc. The fruit was half dipped in the most wonderful rich dark chocolate and the pineapples come in the shape of flower cutouts.I chose this photo from the site because it's the closest to the one she got.Of course you can customize your own arrangement in baskets or other containers.You can also opt to not have the chocolate,whatever you like.They have flower arrangements as well for all occasions.Basket pictured above $61. Availability:Edible Arrangements $49 and up

Ginger Drink

What crappy weather,it's really cold out so I'm staying in today just organizing my closet and stuff.Anyhow,someone brought over a box of this awesome Ginger Drink and I had to talk about it. It's actually an instant powder of flavorful ginger already sweetened with added honey and it's so good and so strong! I added a spoon to some green tea and lemon and had two cups already.You can drink it on it's own or with milk or add it to your favorite hot drink for an extra kick.I'm pretty sure if you have a sore throat this potent ginger will clear it it in no time.It was purchased it from our local Asian market the brand is Gold Kili and if you shop around Asian markets in your neighborhood I'm sure you will find it,if not I searched online for a site that you can order it from just click here to shop and it's about $5 for 20 sealed individual bags.The bags are pretty large,if you think it's too strong for one cup you can split it.I used one pouch to make 2 cups so it's economical as well.It's not in a box but a huge sealed bag so if your confused with the order option I'm letting you know that the bag options isn't for one single tea bag but an entire bag of 20. Have a great weekend!

Lobster Sauce Recipe

This isn't fashion but I'm just having my double shot espresso and defrosting my lobster claws and legs that we had for our Good Friday dinner last week.I saved those parts because we just ate the steamed tails with butter along with 7 kinds of different fish so I figured there is no point in wasting all those yummy bits when I can make a great spaghetti and lobster sauce and that's whats on the menu for lunch today.I'm sharing the recipe below for anyone who wants it along with a photo of the Italian Cassata Cake we had on Easter because I grabbed a snapshot before I set the table for coffee and desert. Have a great Sunday :)

Spaghetti and Lobster Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

3 lbs medium lobster { 1 med. lobster is about 1 lb each} or just claws and legs from the lobster.If you use live lobsters please freeze them for an 1/2 to 1 hour before defrosting them and cleaning them.If it's easier for you they sell cleaned or cleaned frozen lobster and claws at the grocery store.

1 stick of cream butter

3 cans-1 lb. each-canned peeled whole tomatoes-San Marzano tomatoes the best or even Hunt's brand.If you want to use sauce instead of the whole tomatoes that's fine but the whole version is fresher.For God's sake don't use that awful sweet Ragu or whatever other icky poo over sweetened initiation sauces out there, make it fresh yourself.

1 cup pure olive oil-make sure you have some extra on hand if the sauce needs it

fresh ground black pepper

kosher or sea salt

fresh basil leaves-optional

1 lb pack of spaghetti-which ever size you like. Barilla brand is a no brainer if you never cooked spaghetti before :)

4 or 5 big cloves of garlic

1/2 cup white wine-optional if you want a little kick to the sauce

red pepper flakes

Before you get started on cooking anything open the can of tomatoes and gently rinse them under cool water to clean out the seeds but don't throw the tomato juice inside the cans away, you need that juice.Then chop them up into really small mashed up pieces {use your hands if you have too} and set aside, if you use the cans already made into sauce skip this part.Then grab a really big sauce pot and add about 1/2 cup of the olive oil and the garlic cloves chopped up big and chunky because they are going to melt into the sauce anyway and saute them until golden,don't burn the garlic! Then add a handful of salt and some black pepper and the red pepper flakes.Gradually add more salt until it's seasoned to your liking and don't forget to taste the sauce every now and then because tomatoes are really sweet and the lobster juice is going to add a lot of water to the sauce. When the garlic is golden add the lobster parts in the sauce pan along with 1/2 cup of white wine and let them saute. If you use whole lobster pull the legs and claws apart before adding them to the pot.Let the lobsters soak up some flavor for a few minutes and then add the stick of butter.Then add the tomatoes and the juice from all the cans along with a half can of cold water from one of the tomato cans.Now add the rest of the olive oil and feel free to add a bit more toward the end of it's cook time if you want a richer sauce but gradually add it in because over time while cooking the sauce may bring out some extra oil to the surface and you don't want an overly oily sauce. Turn up the heat until it boils then reduce to a medium simmer but don't cover the pot! Let the sauce cook for about one hour to one and a half hour until it thickens slightly. Adjust the heat according to your stove top, you don;t want to burn of boil the sauce while it's cooking. Don't cover the sauce because the lobster will release a lot of water into the sauce and you should let the sauce evaporate so it's not all watery. This particular sauce won't be that thick because of all the extra water released from the lobsters.When you think the sauce is about ready depending on how you want it to thicken get another large pot on the stove and add large amounts of salt to it with a drop of olive oil, bring to a boil and throw in the spaghetti which should cook in about 12 minutes. Drain the spaghetti and transfer back to the large pot you cooked it in and drizzle some olive oil on top and mix it through so the strands don't stick together.Remove all the lobster legs and bits from the sauce and serve in another dish and add the lobster sauce to the spaghetti and stir with two forks to coat it completely while saving some sauce on the side to pour on top of the spaghetti. Serve immediately in a large heavy pasta platter.Garnish with chopped basil leaves and fresh pepper and enjoy! Depending on your portion size it should serve anywhere from 4/6 people.

Italian Cassata Cake:click the photo to see the entire cake