The Delicious Life of Holly Pinafore

Rustic Red Potato Soup (Low in Fat and Calories)

2009-10-11T11:07:00.016-04:00

I won't lie to you: the potato is a starchy veggie, which means it's high in carbohydrates. But it's also loaded with vitamin C, vitamin B6, tons of potassium, tryptophan (for boosting your mood) and anti-cancer properties. That's a good enough reason for me to eat potatoes...at least once in a while. People pack in the calories not from the potatoes themselves, but by adding saturated fats like butter, cheese, heavy cream and oil.

I'm revamping the potato's reputation by sharing my hearty potato soup, a recipe you can feel good about for all the right reasons. Low in fat and calories but high in flavor, it's perfect for a chilly fall or winter day. I like to serve it in a mug, take it outside and enjoy it on my front step while the wind licks leaves off maple branches. You'll be licking the bowl.

Here's what you need:

2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
5 large celery stalks plus the celery leaves, all chopped

Why celery leaves? Celery leaves add great flavor and aroma to any soup. Never throw them away! Keep them in a zipper bag in your freezer.

6 or 7 medium-sized red potatoes, cubed
Extra virgin olive oil
4-5 cups cold water
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp. fresh nutmeg (grind whole nutmegs if you can find them; they're much more flavorful than the ground nutmeg that's been sitting on your lazy Susan for years)

Why nutmeg? Nutmeg really enhances the flavors of the vegetables and hums a note of autumn. It's perfect in any creamy soup.

Here's what you do:

Heat a large pot on the stovetop (medium-high heat). Drizzle olive oil in the pot. Make sure it's enough to lightly coat the bottom (about 2 tablespoons).
Add carrots, celery, celery leaves, onions, salt and pepper and sauté until veggies start to become translucent. Add your water to the pot and bring to a boil.
In a separate pot, boil your cubed potatoes. After about 15-20 minutes, test one potato by piercing the center with a fork. If the fork comes out easily, the potatoes are done.
Drain the potatoes and add to the soup. Add more olive oil, a pinch of salt, fresh black pepper and nutmeg. Put the lid on top and allow everything to simmer for about 30 minutes.
Here are your options: a) Puree the soup with a hand blender, b) carefully pour half of the soup into a blender/food processor then pour it back into the pot for a half-smooth, half-hearty consistency, c) leave the soup as is and do not puree it, or d) puree all of the soup until it's completely smooth. I like mine half and half--a little bit smooth and a little bit chunky so I get nice, rustic spoonfuls of the veggies. It looks pretty, too. The choice is yours.

Finish the soup with a sprinkle of nutmeg and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately!

Enjoy,

Simple Apple-Pumpkin Soup

2009-10-08T08:41:00.016-04:00

Last night around 9 p.m., I stopped at the grocery store to pick up a can of pumpkin. I was determined to make a gluten-free pumpkin pie or some kind of pumpkin-based muffin. But this morning, when I opened the can, the pumpkin puree panned me:

"Why do most people think I'm only good for making pies, cakes and muffins? To hell with the bottom rack. I want to get out of my (pie) shell and into the pot; to be hot-hot-hot on the electric stage--the stovetop."

Alright, fine. My pumpkin didn't yap at me. I guess it was my own internal voice telling me not to typecast this favorite fall food...not even for tradition's sake.

So instead, I attempted to make a pumpkin-based soup with apple cider and other autumn spices. The result? Sweet and savory success.

Apple-Pumpkin Spice Soup

What you need:

2 1/2 cups plain pureed pumpkin
3 cups apple cider
1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock (less if you want a thicker soup)
1/2 tsp. nutmeg (and more for sprinkling at the end)
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. allspice
1/2 tsp. garlic powder (optional, but it nicely balances the sweetness)
1 tsp. salt (always taste before adding more than you need)
freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. olive oil
roasted pumpkin seeds (for sprinkling on top

TIP: Adding an onion to any soup will make it so much more delicious. You can put a white or Vidalia onion, whole, in the soup pot and allow it to simmer until it softens and starts to expand.

If you want to double the recipe, just know that for every 1 cup of pumpkin, you should add about 1 cup of cider and 1/2 cup of chicken stock.

Combine all ingredients in medium-sized saucepan, cover and bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, then serve and top with pumpkin seeds and a sprinkle of nutmeg, if you'd like. If you want to get fancy, you could garnish with an apple slice, but it's fine the way it is.

The Great Pumpkin would absolutely approve!

(Had to show you the black bowl...thought it was so "Halloweeny.")

Fresh Fish with a Basil-Grapefruit Twist

2009-10-01T18:02:00.009-04:00

I dedicate the following recipe to all you girls and guys who live alone and limit yourselves to frozen dinners. Too lazy to cook? This meal requires minimal effort and few ingredients. No excuses! It's time to treat yourself to a light, fresh white fish with a citrus-herb vinaigrette. If you score a date, just double the recipe and uncork a bottle of fruity white wine. This is one summer supper that's perfect for fall...and for falling in love.

Orange roughy, my favorite fish, doesn't bear much significance to its name; it has a white flesh with a soft texture and buttery, clean flavor. Each filet has only 80 calories and 1 gram of fat, so it's perfect if you're watching your figure.

I start by grilling an orange roughy filet on my mini indoor grill then dressing it with my special vinaigrette. You'll be amazed at how easy this is.

Here's what you need:

1 orange roughy filet (if you can't find orange roughy, cod is a good substitute)
1 handful fresh basil leaves
juice and flesh of 1/2 grapefruit (save the other half for garnishing)
extra virgin olive oil
sea salt
fresh black pepper

Here's what you do:

Grill your orange roughy filet on your mini indoor grill (such as a George Foreman grill) for about five minutes (if frozen, cook until fish is firm to the touch and slightly golden on the outside. Don't have a grill? Brush the fish with olive oil and bake it in the oven at 450° for 8-10 minutes. Top with grapefruit-basil vinaigrette (see below).

Grapefruit-basil vinaigrette:

In a blender, food processor or mini chopper, pulverize the basil leaves with the grapefruit juice, about 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. If you want a thinner vinaigrette, add more grapefruit juice and a bit more olive oil. Simply drizzle the vinaigrette over the fish and garnish with some more fresh basil. You can serve this over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula, but it's good enough to plate on its own.

Once you make this dish, you'll never cop out with a Cup O' Noodles again.

Go Green: Get a Canteen!

2009-09-29T14:00:00.005-04:00

Help keep the earth green while keeping the green $tuff inside your wallet. Switch to reusable water bottles today.

Refill not Landfill, a campaign to reduce the waste of disposable water bottles, reports that eight out of ten of these mass-produced water bottles wind up not in a recycling plant, but in a landfill. Something must be done about this.

In the meantime, you can help prevent landfill overflow by filling up a stainless steel canteen and take it with you wherever you go. You can find ones with cool designs on Sigg USA's Web site.

You don't need to munch granola and hug a tree to go green. Unless, of course, you want to.

Hold Me, Thrill Me, TEAse Me

2009-09-15T20:01:00.009-04:00

While walking near Grand Central, I spotted this mannequin, clothed in Lipton tea bags. Astonishing, eh? All I 'gotta do is tell everyone in Midtown there's free tea and she'll be nude. Eek!

Well, that's the blogworthy photo of the day. Just thought you'd be interested.

"Shock-the-Pants-off-Your-Man (or Woman)" Sauce

2009-09-03T10:00:00.015-04:00

There's nothing sexy about brown rice pasta (when you can't have gluten, there aren't many options). But cloak it in a warm, spicy red sauce and it's like slipping into a smooth, silk gown and saying, "Look at me, baby. Give me a whirl. Give me a twirl with your fork."

Today, I took Grandma's meat sauce recipe and va-va vamped it into my own version of smoky arrabiata with bits of shredded pork tenderloin. That's right. Mama's got a brand new man-grabbin' sauce.

Arrabiata means "angry" in Italian, but this crushed red pepper-and-tomato sauce is the gastronomical equivalent to world peace, or simply, make-up sex.

Try this recipe tonight. It'll blow stars out of the sky, and absolutely, positively stun your guy (and if you're a guy reading this, make the sauce for your lady and you'll have an Herbal Essences commercial waiting to happen).

What You Need:

2 cans crushed tomatoes (preferably from San Marzano)
1 large white or Vidalia onion, diced
1 fresh pork tenderloin--1 lb. (can serve up to 4 people)
1-2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (or more)
fresh basil (dried, if you must)
fresh parsley
1/4 to 1/2 cup red wine (good, drinkable quality)
brown rice pasta (or any other pasta if you're not gluten intolerant)

What To Do:

In a large sauce pot over medium-high heat, sear your pork tenderloin in olive oil and brown it on all sides.
Then, you can choose to: (a) wrap the tenderloin in foil and bake at 325° for 45 minutes per pound or (b) set the tenderloin aside to rest, then add to sauce in a few minutes so it cooks in the sauce for a few hours. Choose (a) if you're short on time.
Add a bit more olive oil, then add the onions and some of the red-pepper flakes. Allow the onions to become soft and translucent.
*I don't use garlic in this sauce. To me, there's nothing too romantic about garlic breath on a date night. But if you must, you can add a few crushed garlic cloves to the onions as they're sweating in the olive oil.
Grandma's Tip: Chew on sprigs of fresh parsley to neutralize garlicky aftertaste.
In order to de-glaze your pan, turn down the heat and pour 1/4 to 1/2 cup red wine in the pot. Turn the heat back up.
Add the tomatoes, basil, parsley and a few more red pepper flakes (if desired).
Cover and simmer on medium heat, stirring occasionally.
You may allow the sauce to simmer while the pork bakes, and then once the pork is completely cooked, shred it and add it to the sauce.
OR let the seared pork finish cooking in the sauce for 1-2 hours on medium low-to-medium heat. It will become tender and fall apart in the sauce.
Cook your pasta in boiling water until al dente (about 12 minutes).
Ladle some of the sauce onto a skillet over medium heat, adding the cooked pasta and a bit of the pasta water to prevent it from sticking. Then toss in some extra basil and parsley. To make it hot-hot-hot, sprinkle even more pepper. Mix everything together, then turn off the heat.

Serve on a clean, warm plate with a glass of red wine. Jaws (and perhaps pants) will be dropping right about now.

A Tasty Tomorrow

2009-08-30T10:47:00.018-04:00

Mañana Mexican Restaurant

27 East 61st Street

New York, NY 10021

(212) 752-8900

info@mananarestaurantnyc.com

If you've got a case of the blues (or the mean reds) today, you'll be soothed by the colors, sounds and flavors of Mañana.

Reportedly inspired by the collaborations of native Mexican "Mama" Enriqueta Mendez and Chef Omar Luna, Mañana, Spanish for "tomorrow," boasts some fab Latin food, upbeat salsa music and of course, their signature lime-and-orange margaritas that'll drive you back to the future for more.

In November 2008, Serafina owners Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato opened Mañana in the former space of their now defunct Vietnamese eatery, Lollipop. Yet the new, sultry Latin lounge is a sure-fire winner, doubling as a fun family restaurant and hip nighttime party scene.

What I love about Mañana is its cozy-yet-sexy atmosphere with exposed brick walls, Aztecan designs, warm orange lights, and a zesty yellow back bar that shows off tequilas, wines and other top-shelf liqueurs.

I stopped by for lunch a few days ago, thinking I'd be "tasting" some Latin cuisine. Tasting. Yeah. Right.

I scooped up (chowed down) some of the heartiest, freshest guacamole with some warm, homemade blue and yellow corn tortilla chips. The clean, pungent taste of cilantro, lime, avocado, tomato and onion with the shattering of tortilla chips in my mouth was one I had to repeat again...and again...and again. It's a good thing I decided to walk instead of taking a cab.

And then came my entree: the Ceviche Trio--a fun presentation of four square ramekins brimming with shrimp, salmon and bass...and more of the addicting tortilla chips, off which I could feast day and night. The seafood, cured in the secret tangy lime-and-salsa marinades, broke apart easily with a fork. The shrimp was soft and delicate to the bite, not rubbery or chewy like some I've tried at other places. It was glorious.

I also enjoyed my sampling of the Grilled Chicken Tortilla Salad--starring the thin slices of grilled chicken coated with a smoky yet slightly sweet spice rub (I detected chili powder and maybe a hint of brown sugar), it featured mandarin oranges, shredded tortilla chips, and romaine lettuce.

My only problem? I can't control myself when you place too many tortilla chips in front of me. Especially when they're that damn good.

I left feeling satisfied and slightly tipsy from my margarita, ready to salsa aimlessly through the streets of Manhattan for the rest of the afternoon.

The Scoop on Mañana Restaurant:

Price Range: Moderate

Dress Code: Casual

Reservations needed? Only for large parties

Safe for those with Food Allergies? Yes. Several gluten, dairy and nut-free items on menu. Just inform your server ahead of time.

Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 p.m.-Midnight, lounge open until 2 p.m.

Subways: N, R, W to 5th Ave/59th St. & 4, 5, 6 to Lexington/59th

Cups of Creativity

2009-08-26T12:33:00.027-04:00

listen to the sound

of the teapot as it sings

water leaps inside

(All photos and haiku courtesy of Alexis Siemons)

I swore I’d boycott tea for at least a week after my cell phone slipped out of my hand and plunged into a cup of steeping Earl Grey. A few hours later, I discovered Alexis Siemons’ teacups.

These fun-yet-functional drinking vessels are hand-printed with haiku Siemons designed while drinking and thinking about tea.

A Philadelphia native passionate for prose, her imagination has been brewing since childhood. She says, “I would always sit at the end of the dock, writing and thinking I would someday become a poet.”

For years Siemons has been crafting haiku, jotting details in her journals, saving folded fortunes from Chinese restaurants and arduously studying the cadences of the English language.

In college, Siemons designed her own major—communications and culture. After loads of courses in creative writing, the history of the English language and graphic design, she became an active freelance writer.

During an assignment with a tea corporation, it dawned upon Siemons to write poetry on porcelain cups.

Siemons says,

“I feel very fortunate to have discovered a way to artfully blend two passions in my life: tea and writing. In the process of writing the haiku, I learn more about tea itself as I observe its creative complexities.”

(Featured above: Alexis Siemons)

Her haiku are nuggets of imagery; most are simple day-to-day reflections that make you smile, some stimulate the brain when you wake up in the morning, amuse you when you get bored in the afternoon and relax you when you’re ready to sleep at night.

“There is an art to tea that maintains a balance of tradition and creative freedom. I feel that the haiku cups achieve that harmony, as the structure of the traditional Japanese poetry and the physical cup itself blend with my imagination as I write about the beauty of tea.” ~Alexis Siemons

As reflected in her designs, tea inspires moments of creativity. Time to write a meaningful phrase and sip a cup of a good brew require the same quiet contemplation.

She adds,

“I savor the few moments in which I carefully brew each pot. Within that time, I allow my mind to wander and then express those thoughts in a haiku. My hope is that those who sip their favorite blend from my cups will enjoy those few peaceful moments as they read the haiku.”

A former coffee drinker, she now drinks tea and only tea. Siemons loves the floral taste of Jasmine tea and the nutty flavor of Genmaicha (green tea combined with roasted brown rice) and a nice cup of masala chai. She says, “The spices are incredibly warming. Sometimes I add agave syrup and milk, but most of the time it’s delicious, plain and simple, as it is.”

Although she admits she’s no tea PhD, she spends much of her free time researching and reading about its historical traditions and trans-cultural tea drinking ceremonies in order to pour her heart into her work.

Her lovely custom-made teacups (and coming soon, her unique antique cups and mugs) are microwave and dishwasher safe. She will inscribe them just for you, a friend, or anyone else you’d like to send it to, with a memory, a quirky detail, 17-syllable story or any other personal touch based on the information you provide for her.

sugar bowl haiku:

You are my sugar

And the honey to my tea

All the sweets I need

creamer haiku:

Don't worry my dear

No crying over spilled milk

Be glad it's not tea

Set available for $27 on Siemons' site, Teaspoons and Petals.com

In the words of Alexis Siemons, “steep. breathe. read. enjoy.”

Visit Teaspoons and Petals to see her latest designs, or shop her etsy store now!

Be Gorgeous, Dah-Ling, at Any Age

2009-08-25T13:39:00.014-04:00

Remember that makeover show on TLC called Ten Years Younger? If you don't, picture this: one woman stands, sans makeup, in a soundproof box where streetwalkers stare and yap about her freckles, frizz and flab. Yikes!

Yet soon enough (you can exhale now), members of the Glam Squad come to her rescue. They take her for Lasik eye surgery and throw out her retro Coke-bottle specs. They bring her to a cosmetic dentist who caps her teeth with veneers, then send her for a $900 glycolic acid facial peel, a collagen lip injection, a new wardrobe, a makeup lesson with cosmetologist Damone Roberts and a coif by Jenn Macdonald, the beautiful, sassy stylist with hair the color of maraschino cherries.

Thanks to proud commercial sponsors who forked over big funds to The Learning Channel, the former damsel in distress is now a diva. Just before the credits roll, she looks in the mirror and cries joyful tears of disbelief. Another happy ending.

We love it; we cheer for this Cinderella and praise the Glam Squad for a job well done. In reality, though, many working-class women can’t afford a pair of half-priced Naturalizers, let alone a glass slipper (for whatever that would cost). Some feel old enough to be the Fairy Godmother, or grandmother, for that matter. And most don’t have the time, money or guts to get their sunspots zapped by what looks like a Taser.

For many middle-class ladies over 30, though, looking ten years younger is an important factor in feeling good—emotionally and physically. Are you one of these?

According to Patrick Shin, M.D., of Bridgeport Hospital in Bridgeport, Conn., “One of the things that comes to mind regarding the connection between emotional well being and physical health is the release of endorphins,” otherwise known as chemicals in the brain, often found in narcotics, that bring about feelings of happiness and reduce pain.

Dr. Shin says even a simple makeover can do the trick. Here’s the simple logic: looking young tricks your body into feeling young—feeling good about yourself. And feeling good makes each day more rewarding.

But Stacey Hollander, L.C.S.W., a psychotherapist who specializes in women’s issues such as body image and self-esteem, says,“it's nice to pamper oneself, but […] it's got to be for the right reasons. It's a great addition to already feeling good about oneself, not in order to feel good about oneself. Feeling young should come from the inside out, not the outside in.”

Many people agree. Regina Smith, a 33-year-old writer and professor of literature currently studying Contemplative Psychotherapy at the University of Naropa, says, “I’m not sure why we’re all so desperate to hide our imperfections. I don’t think makeup is very necessary, but I like to vary my appearance. I like to put on disguises for fun and for mood enhancement.”

Some evidence does suggest a correlation between looking young and feeling good.

True beauty doesn’t necessarily equal physical attractiveness and youth; it's often synonymous with the possession of sangfroid, a word defined by author and radio personality Barbara-de Marco Barrett as “self-possession under stress,” or grace under pressure—knowing how to deal with day-to-day stress without letting it run you down. This is actually a trait that many women gain with experience (i.e. as the years pass).

Regina says,

“I listen to podcasts of Tara Brach, a Buddhist teacher out of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington, and that helps me to remember myself. I listen to Joyce Meyer, a Christian preacher who gives me tough love pep talks of staying on the right track. I enjoy Bikram Yoga and going out dancing. I spend time with good friends. Mostly, I help other people whenever I can, however I can. That helps me to remember the purpose of my life.”

Regina believes the key to feeling young is to keep a balance between internal and external beauty: “to stay active, eat well, sleep well, feel passionate about some part of our lives.”

She adds:

"I think nice clothes are wonderful. I think we need to surround ourselves with kindred spirits. I think we need to cultivate the inner diva as much as the outer one. Without doing these things, we lose ourselves in the messages of the media which say that you have to be young, thin, rich. I think when we take care of ourselves from a more holistic standpoint, we nourish ourselves, and we feel like we matter.”

What are your thoughts on this topic? What does beauty mean to you? Let's hear it!

Good Eating and Drinking Habits from Artist Jill Seale

2009-08-25T08:56:00.000-04:00

There are times when we could all use some divine intervention in the kitchen. Thanks to Jill Seale, we can count our blessings.

A few years ago, Seale designed "Nun for the Road," a group of sassy sisters featured on dessert plates, coasters, napkins, cheese spreaders, hors d' oeuvre trays, notepads, magnets, aprons and tote bags. You can find them in houseware stores and on the internet.

This holy order includes sisters Mary Culinary, Mary Mesquite (with her spatula, in front of a smoking barbecue grill), and other rebellious ones (clenching their cocktails as if they were heaven-sent) such as Mary Martini, Mary Margarita, Mary Mai Tai, Mary Merlot, Mary Mimosa, Mary Manhattan and Mary Cosmopolitan.

There's even a Sister Mary Immaculate dish towel and soap dispenser!

Oh yeah, let's not forget the Sister Mary Menopause mug. What a great gift for the mom whose insults and hot flashes are neverending.

And now, Seale has a whole line of napkins including "Ale Mary" (a nun raising her beer mug with delight) and "Ninety Nun Bottles of Beer on the Wall."

Even if you're not religious, you've got to laugh.

I didn't include any photos because Seale doesn't want anyone to electronically copy them. That's okay, though, because you can view them right on her website.

Also, you can buy some of her products here.

I have the coaster set, and I absolutely love it.

If you buy the dessert plates, you may wonder whether glomming a huge piece of Devil's Food Cake is just as sinful when served on the image of Sister Mary Immaculate. You'll just have to examine your own conscience.

;) Holly

Party Like a Pop Song from the 80s

2009-08-09T21:17:00.014-04:00

My first attempt at Guitar Hero was a total epic failure. On the easy setting. When I bombed every note of Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion," my friends were on the floor laughing, practically in puddles of their own pee.

I was...confused.

But when you stick me in a nightclub and throw me an inflatable guitar, the result is electric music and amped hair. I suddenly belong in Whitesnake.

Embarrassing? You might say so. On the other hand, as one person pointed out, "Better a blow-up guitar than a blow-up doll."

Once in a while, just let it all go. Forget about the others. Be wild. Be free.

Goodness Grapeness

2009-08-08T09:56:00.018-04:00

If you plan a road trip through Pennsylvania via Interstate 80, be sure to pack a corkscrew. There are more vineyards than rest stops along the way. Or so it seems.

At 11 a.m., after spending six hours on this incessant superhighway scrunched in the back of our friend's Jetta, my gal pals and I were ready to break for food. While passing through Clearfield County, we found not a restaurant or snack shop, but a sign for wine tastings at the Starr Hill Winery in Curwensville. We looked at each other: do we dare?

Ten minutes later we arrived at Starr Hill, a homey, cheerful nook in Clearfield County where Ken Starr and his family produce more than 30 different types of wine. Mr. Starr, an ebullient, twinkly-eyed winemaker since 1952, greeted us and gave us a tour of his fermenting and bottling cellar. Here, he explained the vinting (winemaking) process in molecular terms. Groggy from our long ride and half-blitzed from sniffing the air, we couldn't remember one thing this kind man said.

And it was no surprise to hear Kenny Loggins' "Danger Zone" drifting through the air just as we walked back upstairs to taste the wines. Unlike many oenophiles, we refuse to spit vino unless it tastes like vinegar...so you could only imagine the "danger" we faced with the slew of budget-friendly, award-winning wines that lined the shelves in front of us.

I was practically waltzing on the moon with a sip of their Traminette--a delicate white with a note of pear and a honey-like finish ($10 a bottle, by the way). And then there was the Steuben, a pink-colored wine with a floral bouquet and a grapefruit finish. This one deserves its own welcoming party when you bring it home. It was obvious, from the first few I sampled, that the Starr family specializes in younger, sweeter wines than oakier ones aged for longer periods.

I expected a nostalgic hint of Welch's grape juice from the Concord, but was let down by the overly syrupy flavor that blunted the grapey taste I craved. Oh well. Can't win 'em all.

One of my favorites was the Nikki Rosé, named after Ken Starr's young granddaughter who accidentally hand-picked a mix of the wrong grapes. Yet they blend miraculously well. After one sip, I said, "This is what you call a 'happy accident.' " A little bit sweet with a slight floral note, it looks like a watercolor sunset. It makes you realize that some screw-ups are simply successes in disguise.

With that thought, we purchased our favorite wines and hopped back into the Jetta, singing 80s and 90s pop songs, searching for a place to eat.

Visit the Starr Hill Winery Web site for information about tastings, wine selections, gift baskets and more.

A Little Something to Eat in 90-Degree Heat

2009-08-05T08:30:00.001-04:00

On a day like today when I'm dripping with sweat, the last thing I want to do is turn on an oven. Who wants to eat a heavy meal in this kind of weather, anyway?

To go light and easy, I have the recipe for a maple-ginger balsamic chicken salad I dreamt up and actually tested a few minutes ago. It'll take you about five minutes to prepare, and you'll gobble it up in two. It's that good.

For a single serving, you'll need:

Grilled chicken strips--about four of them equal one breast (I recommend Trader Joe's brand, already sliced and prepackaged for you in the refrigerator section. If you can't find a Trader Joe's in your area, Purdue grilled chicken strips will work okay, too)

A bag of pre-washed spring mix (use as much or as little of it as you like)

1 sliced green pear (put about 1/4-1/2 of it into the salad)

1 small orange, cut into sections

For the dressing, whisk together:

3-4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon crushed ginger
1 teaspoon olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
dried basil

Drizzle over the top of the salad and toss with kitchen tongs. Double the recipe if you're serving two people, triple it for three, and yada yada yada.

For the perfect dinner drink, add two fresh strawberries to a 6 oz. glass of chilled riesling. I recommend the Australian brand Yellow Tail because it's cheap (about $7-10 a bottle), fruity, and pretty darn good. The notes of pear and orange blossom will compliment the fruit and chicken in the salad.

Try it tonight!

;) Holly

A Revolution to Remember

2009-07-14T14:22:00.007-04:00

On Independence Day, my friend Christina invited me to her cousins' house for a low-key night of wine and beachside fireworks. So, of course I wasn't prepared to get bonked on the head and chased for no apparent reason by a ten-year-old armed with sparklers and a taser-like object--a "God Bless America" laser toy with potentially lethal effects when swung around by a sugar-high tween on a mission to give me a panic attack.

And I REALLY wasn't prepared for late-night American Idol Karaoke Revolution, a game on the Nintendo Wii in which "judges" rate your vocal performance of pop hits.

When my turn came, I tried to sing Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop Till You Get Enough."

I failed. Miserably. When you get booed by a simulated Paula Abdul, you know you suck.

But Christina's triplet cousins (the savviest 12-year-olds I've ever met) and my 10-year-old attacker belted out "Eye of the Tiger" and received rave reviews from computer clones of Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul...and even Simon Cowell.

HOW IS THAT FAIR!?

Blog of the Month: Fabled Notions

2009-07-12T18:55:00.011-04:00

On Friday night, my longtime pal Ryan and I rocked out to fabulous dance mixes and timeless Michael Jackson hits. If Jacko ever saw Ry bust moves during "Thriller," he'd definitely be proud.

But there's so much more to Ryan than just good moves and GQ looks. He's an uber-talented philosophical poet who will undoubtedly take the win on Def Poetry Jam one of these days. His blog, Fabled Notions, is my pick of the month. And it's not just because he's my pal.

Notions features reviews of hot new music artists, inspiring thoughts for everyday life, and poems peppered with crisp imagery and deep emotion. Check it out today! http://www.fablednotions.blogspot.com

P.S. My hair is NOT red. I don't know why the photo came out that way, but it almost makes me want to run wild and get a few cherry-colored streaks.

What do you think?

"It's Your Life, Make it Work!"

2009-06-29T13:14:00.007-04:00

When it comes to that four-letter word (WORK), we could all use a nudge in the right direction. Especially when we want to find a meaningful job (or better yet, a vocation), in this murky economy.

Life coach Clare Harlow, MSW, is here to pull you through the tough times while keeping you focused on finding your dream career.

With over ten years of experience in business, health care and non-profit organizations, as well as in fundraising and volunteer training, Clare's life goal is to help you fulfill yours. After just minutes of speaking to her, you'll feel a whole lot better about whatever employment (or unemployment) situation you're facing.

Clare offers personal and group coaching as well as classes and workshops on Career and Life Planning, Communication Skills, Stress or Time Management, and People Reading using the DiSC Personality Profile.

Her six-week, small-group teleclass currently costs about $197, with an optional six-week follow-up for $120. Visit her Web site for more information or email her at clarehl@juno.com.

Zap Stress Now

2009-06-23T11:00:00.014-04:00

Previously, on The Delicious Life, I wrote:

Sometimes, when we hear someone say "stress," our skin begins to tingle. Imagine the Wicked Witch of the West repeating this onomatopoetic word with her half-snarl, half-smile and arched eyebrows. She wriggles her gnarly green fingers at you. "Stressssss, stresssss, stresssss," she says, her upper lip curled and touching the tip of her unmistakeable aquiline nose.

Bearing the same surname as the ever-popular Medicine Woman, licensed naturopathic physician Dr. Diana Christoff Quinn is here to help you (and me) melt that stress witch for good. No water required.

The current president of the Michigan Association of Naturopathic Physicians and member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, Dr. Quinn has her own practice in Ann Arbor, MI, called Naturopathic Women's HealthCare.

Dr Quinn says:

We all have stress in our lives, and often there is little we can do to decrease the stress load we face on a daily basis. Yet it is imperative to create space and time to decompress from the stress that builds up in the body and mind, as holding on to these tensions can quite literally make us sick. Below is a simple relaxation exercise to help let go of the stress of the day. Also helpful are meditation, guided imagery or visualization exercises, and journaling to emotionally 'decongest.'

Here are her tips for banishing daily anxiety. Try them before work, on your lunch break, when you get home in the evening or any time you need to refresh your mind and body.

Progressive Relaxation

Take about 15-20 minutes to do this basic but essential relaxation exercise every day, or when you feel tension in your body and mind.

Deep abdominal breathing: lying on your back, rest your hands on your belly. Take deep, regular breaths so that your hands move up and down with your belly with each breath. Take a moment to regulate your breathing so the out-breath is a beat or two longer than the in-breath.

Starting with your feet, clench your muscles tightly and hold for 30 seconds. Then relax the muscles, exhaling deeply while letting go of the tension in your body. Progressively clench and relax the following muscle groups:

Feet

Calves

Thighs and buttocks

Abdomen

Arms and shoulders

Neck and face

Finish the exercise with a deep abdominal breath.

For more information about Dr. Diana Christoff Quinn as well as her practices, visit her Web site:

www.naturopathicwomenshealthcare.com.

Be well!

Gulp & Go

2009-06-18T08:24:00.012-04:00

"If you hold on tight to what you think is your thing you may find you're missing all the rest." ~Dave Matthews Band, "Best of What's Around"

When I was younger, my mother, a hospital technologist famous for in-depth dinner conversations about gastrointestinal procedures, would often serve up the saga of my birth along with pork chops and potatoes: "In the womb she almost strangled herself with her umbilical cord...she wouldn't let go," she'd say.

As much as I wanted to bury my face in the salad and hide my head in the peas, I can't help but think how my life brims with symbolism; how I wanted out before giving the daylight a try. How I held on so tightly to the thing that connected me to Ma, afraid to let myself breathe on my own.

Yup. You guessed it. I've done a lot of holding on...and a lot of choking. But you can't really taste life when it's stuck in your throat or clamshelled between your sweaty palms.

Holding on: I didn't give up the baby bottle until my fourth birthday. After Ma begged me, I slowly, reluctantly lowered it into the trash. I let the rubber nipple slip through my stubborn little fingers. Bye bye, ba ba. I did it, but the process was like dipping my toe in a pool of lava.

Choking: When I was ten, I won the fourth grade spelling bee and qualified for the local competition. My fear of screwing up felt like thousands of tiny red ants crawling through my veins. I told my friend to take my place.

Can you spell q-u-i-t-t-e-r? I can.

I'm young, but I've already skipped a LOT of fun events and missed a lot of opportunities because I was afraid of looking like an idiot or failing while trying. Sometimes, I still have to force myself to unwrap those same stubborn fingers from the situation and let it slide away.

If you're like me, you'll pace around your apartment with the object in your hand (the thought in your mind) before you can finally come to terms with chucking it in the trash and walking out the door to enjoy the rest of your day. But, like I learned in one of my journalism classes, you've got to "gulp & go;" you force yourself to do the thing you fear. The first time, you feel the lump in your throat. The second time you do it, it starts to break up and fizz away like an Alka Seltzer tablet. And you do feel better fast.

Maybe your "thing" is a fear, obsession or false self-identity you've clung to for years. Whatever it is, now's the time to write it down or draw a picture of it (think kindergarten here!) and let it dissolve like sidewalk chalk in the rain.

Wisdom, Please!

2009-06-12T06:54:00.007-04:00

(Photo Courtesy of Rachel Snyder's Blog, rachelsnyder.wordpress.com)

For every letter of the alphabet, there's a word to sate your hunger for hope.

My junior year as an undergrad, I found Rachel Snyder's Words of Wisdom for Women at Barnes & Noble. Unlike the oodles of banal self-help books that elicit the eye-rolling reflex, this one genuinely stops you amid life's chaos. It forces you to smile. It helps you to breathe.

A woman who reports selling shoelaces in her local shopping mall, Snyder ties humanity to divinity by lacing this lexicon-of-the-soul with thought-provoking phrases. Each page brims with honest, simple-yet-challenging metaphors and meditations to guide you through the day.

Words of Wisdom is an active approach to life's obstacle course, or labyrinth...or however you picture it. Snyder gives us no excuses. If we hit a wall, she tells us to turn around and find another way out. What have I learned? When in doubt, act out. I mean that, of course, in the most positive sense.

Here's a sample page:

Sift

Imagine all the possibilities of your life in one large, glorious pile. Now start sifting. Painstakingly examine each grain, each morsel. Do you want it? Need it? Does it serve you? Decide what stays, what goes, what gets folded in together. Sift slowly and mindfully. It may take months or years. Or your entire life. Once you've sifted things into neat piles, start the process all over again. Sift and resift, sift and resift. Wheat from chaff, sand from jewels, truth from illusion. Let the insignificant details fall through to the ground, leaving what's solid, what matters, behind.

Visit Snyder's Blog: http://rachelsnyder.wordpress.com

This is a great gift for a friend or for you. The book sells for about $7.95 at Barnes & Noble. You can find it for less on Amazon.com.

Enjoy & Be Well!

Holly

Sharing the Ruby Slippers

2009-05-27T13:01:00.006-04:00

(Image courtesy of the National Museum of American History)

Sometimes, when we hear someone say "stress," our skin begins to tingle. Imagine the Wicked Witch of the West repeating this onomatopoetic word with her half-snarl, half-smile and arched eyebrows. She wriggles her gnarly green fingers at you. "Stressssss, stresssss, stresssss," she says, her upper lip curled and touching the tip of her unmistakeable aquiline nose.

I'm not talking about Elphaba, the likeable, redeemable heroine in Broadway's Wicked. I'm referring to Judy G's nemesis--the Wicked Witch probably responsible for snagging the brain, heart and courage from respectable men now known as the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion...the Witch whose shade of 1939 Technicolor seasickness makes me cringe...the Witch who could probably beat ET in her rage-induced bicycle ride through the clouds. Just when you think she melted, she's freakishly back to life like a regenerated earthworm. Forget Dorothy. She wants to make YOUR trip down the Yellow Brick Road a living hell.

In case you're not good at deciphering symbols/metaphors, the Wicked Witch = stress/mean people/unpleasant daily events that try to sneak in and mar our mood. The Yellow Brick Road is, well, the path down which we travel in life.

Too deep for you? Fine. I'll shut up.

In simple terms, sometimes when we think we've learned to banish stress, it somehow bounces back into our lives. We think we're having a good day when suddenly something goes wrong. We think we know something and we read something ELSE that tells us "we're misinformed."

People make comments about the way we live our lives and we flip out and take it personally. At work or at school, we're expected to do a million things at once, and often, to "get it done YESTERDAY." We turn on the television and read the news but get depressed after 15 minutes of robberies, shootings, and stories about poverty, abuse, and people who are just plain ticked off at the way our society runs. If only we could click our heels during tough times and find ourselves in the Bahamas (or perhaps just the mall). But it's not always that easy.

So...how do we silence all the outside voices (and sometimes the crazy ones inside our heads) to find a nugget of peace? I'd love if you could share your "Ruby Slippers" with me--your tips on how you banish or attempt to banish stress in your life, how you keep that pep in your step or how you "ease on down the road" each day. Once I read some of your ideas, I'll post some of mine. I'm curious to read what you've got to say. Let's share our advice here and try to make the most out of our often chaotic (but nonetheless meaningful) walk down the road of life.

;) Holly

Over-Exercisers Anonymous?

2009-05-27T12:30:00.006-04:00

OK, we all want to look fabulous in the teeny weeny bikini (well, duh!). Especially us overachievers. But sometimes, we take unhealthy measures in order to get there. I'll admit it...I've done it. And I know a lot of friends who have, too. Yet I realized if I continued to overexert myself, I'd really destroy my body.

Believe it or not, long bouts of strenuous training (2 or more hours) have not been proven to serve better than 45 minutes to an hour of moderate-to-high-intensity exercise. In fact, overtraining can cause physical staleness, psychological distress (e.g. depression and anxiety), chronic fatigue and infections.

It's often a good idea to give our body 24 hours of rest after a super-high-intensity workout. Our muscles need that recovery period.

We've got to understand the line between high intensity exercise that's GOOD for us and the punishing workouts that constitute self-abuse. We can look good and feel good without spending hours and hours at the gym. Let's find the balance.

Click here to read an article from the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA)'s online magazine about overtraining, or copy and paste http://www.protraineronline.com/Apr-May09/article1.cfm into your browser.

Stay tuned for some feel-good demo exercises to help sculpt the body!

Enjoy and be well,

Holly

Pop to It

2009-05-17T11:38:00.006-04:00

Last night, while everyone else my age was probably binge drinking at the bar around the corner, I sat in front of the TV eating unlimited amounts of Trader Joe's Olive Oil Popcorn, sipping orange juice-seltzer spritzers, and watching "Lockup" on MSNBC, a show about the toughest-of-the-tough inmates at maximum security prisons. Too lazy to pick the scattered kernels off my floor and out of my hair, I conked out on the couch.

The next time you're in the mood for a snack, reach for a bag of this gourmet-style popcorn, or just make your own. Pop a bag of plain microwave popcorn (butter free), drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and try to stop yourself from finishing the whole thing. Want to make it sweet? Pour plain popcorn onto a baking sheet, drizzle with honey, agave syrup or maple syrup, sprinkle with cinnamon and a dash of salt, then toss with your hands. It's a simple but really satisfying snack.

Stop buying the processed stuff that's soaked in hydrogenated oils and butterfat. Make your own fresh popcorn.

;) H

Brace Yourselves...I'm Back!

2009-05-16T13:09:00.008-04:00

I've finally managed to fix up some fabulous gluten-free, wheat-free, dairy-free fare using fresh fruit, veggies, protein and grains. Let's just say I've got a few tricks up my sleeve.

Please try my comforting "superfood" soup to knock out toxins and take your tastebuds to a whole 'nother level. It's so simple...you can even make it in an electric "hot pot" in a college dorm room (that's what I used to do).

Here's What You Need:

3-4 cups chopped asparagus

2 chopped white or sweet Vidalia onions

1-2 chopped green bell peppers

3 ripe, medium-sized tomatoes

1 tbsp dried basil

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

salt to taste

black pepper to taste (if desired)

Fill a large saucepan with all ingredients and enough water to cover everything.

Bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for up to 2 hours. Serve over cooked quinoa for a delicious balance of complex carbs, protein, and veggies.

Did You Know?

Quinoa are the seeds of a grain-like plant known for its high protein content. Not only does it contain calcium and magnesium, but it's a great complex carbohydrate alternative to brown rice. It's high in lysine, an immune-supporting amino acid and vitamin B6, a likely mood booster.
Onions are packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer properties. They're best for you in the raw form, but cooked onions are great, too.
Asparagus is high in nutrients and vitamins such as vitamin K, which helps the body absorb calcium.
Green bell peppers help cleanse the liver and may help lower high blood pressure. They contain lots of vitamin A and C as well as potassium.
Tomatoes are high in lycopene, a cancer-fighting antioxidant.

So, eat up and be well!

;) Holly

Nightmare on I-80

2009-04-22T19:12:00.007-04:00

By Guest Blogger Christina Kae

"When I recently planned a weekend getaway for Holly and myself, no one could possibly imagine what lied in store for us as we attempted the twelve hour drive to Michigan, a.k.a. the second friendliest place on the planet next to the North Pole. We anticipated a relaxing and liberating adventure as we made our way to Ann Arbor for some good old family fun..."

Read the rest of the adventure by visiting Christina Kae's blog, The Marvelous Misadventures of Everyday Life.

This Just In...

2009-04-22T10:39:00.005-04:00

Alright, ladies & gents. I have some shocking news. Yesterday I was diagnosed with a severe allergy (food intolerance) to gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, almonds, peanuts and tons of other foods. From this day forth, Holly Pinafore must go gluten, wheat and soy-free. This is very difficult for me to do. But please don't abandon me! This blog will focus primarily on wellness, positivity and of course, self-enjoyment for all people.

Sometimes, change is a good thing. In this case, I think it's a GREAT thing. The new lifestyle is going to be a challenge for me, but I'm going to do it! I will continue to video blog about my travels and daily musings, so please visit me!

;) Holly

Coconut Fantasy at Ferrara

2009-04-04T03:19:00.014-04:00

La Bella Ferrara

195 Grand St.

New York, NY 10013

(212) 226-6150

www.ferraracafe.com

Despite all the talk about the tiramisu at Ferrara Cafe, this world-famous, 117-year-old espresso bar offers an impressive list of toothsome Italian treats. But if you're in the mood for something light and cool, try the gelati or fruit sorbets. My favorite, the coconut sorbet, is so delicate and sweet with tiny flecks of coconut to add complexity to the smooth texture. Whether you live out west by the beach or in a chilly, drab city, this stuff really does soothe your brain waves and bring you to (in the words of 1980s Madonna) La Isla Bonita. I felt closer to the tropics with every dreamy spoonful. Sadly enough, when I licked the last few driblets from the bowl, I had to face facts: my imaginary tropical vacay was over. And I can't afford a real one.

Regardless, life is sweet.

Watch and enjoy!

Debbie Broadway Steals the Show at Puglia

2009-04-04T00:19:00.015-04:00

Tonight, at my beloved Puglia Ristorante, I had the pleasure of chatting with Debra "Debbie Broadway" Ente, a spunky, sassy Brooklynite with some serious pipes. Come visit the restaurant on Fridays and Saturdays to hear her croon. I especially love her fun, upbeat rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow."

Debra Broadway sings (with Jorge Buccio on keyboard)

Puglia Ristorante

189 Hester Street (at Mott Street)

New York, NY 10013

A Pub to Bear in Mind

2009-03-20T09:05:00.009-04:00

In my opinion, besides the Great Lakes and great people, Michigan should be known for three things: stellar universities, awesome U of Michigan blue and yellow pasta, and the Grizzly Peak Brewing Company of Ann Arbor. Let me tell you...there's a lot to roar about.

With cozy coppery lighting, pressed tin ceilings, exposed brick walls, rugged wooden tables, outdoorsy paintings reminiscent of the Adirondacks and toothsome meals large enough for two, it's no wonder Grizzly Peak was rated Michigan's best date place of 2006.

If you stop by for lunch with friends, be sure to order different items and share. That way, everyone can savor the flavors of this first-rate Northern pub. Prices are reasonable: $3-7 for appetizers, and the most expensive lunch item is about $11 for a shrimp or steak salad.

Be sure to try the following:

Cheddar & ale soup with thyme: Creamy and comforting, you can feel the endorphins rushing with every smooth spoonful. The complimentary warm, sweet golden loaf of bread is perfect for dunking.

Baked mac & cheese: Al dente elbow pasta saturated in a blend of three sharp, white cheeses and scattered with truffled herbed bread crumbs. It makes the boxed stuff shudder.

Beer-battered fish & chips with jalapeño coleslaw: Fish & chips always remind me of Frank McCourt's novel Angela's Ashes, where the narrator recalls the time he stole a drunk guy's fish & chips off the floor of a pub. He was so hungry that he licked the crumbs and salt off the paper. I thought my friend would have a similar experience at Grizzly Peak; the beer-battered walleye with crispy fries could have an entire novel chapter dedicated to it. With a slight crunch and a sudden juicy explosion from the moist, mild fish, our taste buds were able to appreciate the complexity of the golden ale batter. Perfect with malt vinegar and a sprinkle of salt.

Grilled Vegetable Dagwood sandwich: Toasted Italian crusty bread, fresh mozzarella, arugula, zucchini, tomato. Normally, I despise mayo, but the cool pesto dipping aioli was a perfect balance for the crunchy bites of bread and vegetables, and the fresh basil.

It wouldn't be fair to judge this place on a few menu items, but then again, if these dishes were that good, I can only imagine the rest-- from the pizzas to salads to ribs, burgers and even the beer!

Visit their Web site. If you stop at the restaurant, be sure to drop me a line. I want to know how you like the beer (shame on me for not sampling)!

;) H

Off to See the Lizard

2009-03-19T07:32:00.009-04:00

On the way to Michigan, my friend Christina and I stopped in Ohio to meet our high school pal Tiffany. After getting lost (to say the least) in a not-so-lovely section of Cleveland, we finally wound up on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. It's a spunky street with lots of adorable boutiques, coffee shops and bars.

If you're ever in the area, I definitely suggest one place: the Winking Lizard Tavern.

With old-fashioned cherry wood wall panels, antique beer decor, an unfinished wood floor, lots of neon bar lights and ubiquitous flat screen TVs, this 6th of 13 Winking Lizard franchises is an old-world gastropub with a young, hip vibe from its locals who call it "The Wink."

The Wink serves over 90 different types of ale from all over the world: Belgium, Mexico, England, Germany, the Czech Republic and of course, the U.S. You can sign up for the World Tour of Beers 2009. When you've sampled every one on the list (obviously not in one sitting unless you're the Hulk), you'll receive a coveted Winking Lizard Jacket. A well-deserved honor, indeed.

Don't drink beer? They do have a moderate wine list including humble-but-drinkworthy labels like Yellow Tail and Pacific Peak.

They've got some fab grub, too: personal pizzas, slabs of St. Louis ribs, gutsy burgers and crispy fries (with the option of seasoned steamed veggies for calorie counters), salads, robust wraps and more great bar fare. My black bean veggie burger was savory, hearty and healthy with very little oil served on a nutty wheat roll with lettuce and tomato. Of course, I had to dip it in the Winking Lizard signature BBQ sauce--smoky, sweet and tangy all at once! This is the kind of stuff you swirl your finger in when the fries are gone. Oh yeah.

For the best deal, stop by at Happy Hour between 3p.m.-7p.m. Monday through Friday. You'll get $1.00 off every 22 oz. draft beer as well as $4.25 Margaritas.

As always, you can help yourself to endless fresh popcorn from an old-fashioned circus machine.

That's a darn good reason to smile.

DON'T FORGET: When you walk in, look for Lucy, the live-in lizard, under the UV lights of her glassed-in tropical playground. Rumor has it she's over 70 years-old. Check her out yourself: get there while she's still kickin'!

Visit their site for more information.

Yum is the Word!

;) Holly

Winking Lizard Tavern

1852 Coventry Road
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118-1682
Phone: 216.397.8380
Fax: 216.397.8730

Store Your Tofu the Right Way

2009-03-09T08:11:00.000-04:00

If the block of tofu in your fridge has taken a turn for the worse, there's not much I can do. But I can help you prevent your fresh tofu from turning blue.

In just 37 seconds, you'll be a pro at storing this lean, mean protein source.

Be sure to put a lid on your tofu container, too. I forgot to tell you that in the video.

;) H

Another One Bites the "Crust"

2009-02-23T10:35:00.005-05:00

Hey,

Just stumbled upon a fab food blog: http://anotheronebitesthecrust.wordpress.com

Check it out! Some of the best food photography I've seen.

Take a peek!

;) H

A Meal to Celebrate YOU

2009-02-21T07:52:00.008-05:00

I'm watching the lovely Nigella Lawson on Food Network. She just said, "I love puttering around in the kitchen making bowls of food that make life that little bit sweeter." She read my mind.

My birthday is Sunday, but since most people work on Monday, I decided to cook a casual Friday night dinner for five close friends. I even opened a bottle of wine, although I struggled, as usual, to remove the freakin' cork.

Not one of them showed. I'd been stood up! After a few minutes of stomping around my kitchen, thinking, "How can they have the AUDACITY to abandon me?" I actually giggled: my food sure looked good, and I'd get to enjoy this delicious feast with zero interruptions.

I lit a candle and decided to celebrate myself...by myself...with a stellar dinner, a cake-scented candle and a mellow glass of zinfandel. Here's what I cooked:

Butternut Squash Pappardelle with Pignoli Nuts

Serves 4, or makes 4 fabulous meals for those who fly solo.

1 bag pappardelle pasta (I suggest Trader Joe's organic whole-wheat pappardelle)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cups fresh or frozen butternut squash
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tbsp agave nectar or maple syrup
sea salt and pepper as desired
pecorino romano cheese

Here's how it goes:

a) Add your squash to a hot pan with a tablespoon of olive oil. If squash is frozen, add 1/2 cup of water. Cook on high heat until squash softens, then lower the heat. Keep stirring with your wooden spoon to make sure it doesn't stick to pan. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and agave nectar/maple syrup. Set aside and leave on low heat until pasta is done.

b) Boil your pappardelle for about 6 minutes in salted water. You want the pasta al dente (please), not soggy.

c) Using tongs, transfer your cooked pasta to the pan with a bit of the pasta water so the pappardelle don't stick together.

d) Stir pappardelle into squash mixture, drizzle more olive oil, grate pecorino romano cheese and sprinkle toasted pignoli nuts over the top.

You get sweetness from the squash, a buttery flavor from the pignoli nuts, and a savory taste from the cheese. Perfect harmony.

Before blowing out my candle, I served myself a wine glass full of whipped cream and strawberries.

I ate the rest of the pasta for (yes) breakfast this morning. Perfect comfort food without all the fat! I didn't use a stitch of butter.

Here's why this dish is good enough to celebrate you:

Not only does it taste luxurious and wonderful, but butternut squash packs all kinds of benefits for your immune system and heart. It's also full of dietary fiber.

The whole-wheat pappardelle is loaded with protein (11g per serving as opposed to only 7 for a white pasta), fiber, and carbohydrates (those will really help me with my butt-kickin' weight training and cardio!)

The benefits of olive oil are already a given. Good for your heart, good for your skin, good for your mood!

Cinnamon helps to lower blood sugar, so it's ideal for diabetics.

Agave nectar, as opposed to sugar, is low glycemic: it keeps your blood sugar at a stable level. But the rich, sweet taste is unparalleled--oh so comforting.

Pignoli (pine) nuts: When you look at the label, the fat and calorie content probably makes you think "STAY AWAY!" But what you might not know is that pignolis are high in B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. They may even help suppress appetite. When used in moderation, they're fine!

This is the ultimate "thank you" dinner to your body for keeping you alive and well!

Yum is the Word.

;) H

All About Salad at Centro

2009-02-08T07:22:00.018-05:00

Centro Restaurant & Bar
1435 Post Rd.
Fairfield, CT 06410
(203) 255-1210

Last weekend, Mom and I sauntered into Centro not knowing what to expect. Wondering whether we could get a table at 7:30 on a Saturday night, we searched for someone to scribble our name on the waiting list. Mission accomplished. While we stood in the take-out foyer, the sight of the food in the glass showcase—the orecchiette pasta caked with coagulated pink sauce next to the chicken florentine with its yellowy twinge—made me cringe. Think pot-luck picnic lunch left in 90-degree heat for eight hours. I know...I made the same face you're making right now.

Here's the good news: The food you get when you sit down is actually worth celebrating with a fat glass of merlot. So is the inviting atmosphere: mustard-colored walls, pine branches draping over high arcs, yellow ochre lighting...Okay, so I wasn't transported to Tuscany, but for Downtown Fairfield, I couldn't complain.

Served in a warm, honey-colored bowl, the roughly-chopped fennel with grapefruit, oranges, and candied walnuts in a light, citrus-basil vinaigrette was prime pick as a starter. It doesn't get any better than bitter grapefruit, sweet orange, and salty-sweet walnuts charged with the freshness of basil. A flavor explosion that had me spooning out the remaining droplets of vinaigrette. The fennel could have been more delicately sliced for a more ethereal feel on the tongue, but I could understand the whole rustic quality they attempted to convey. Or were they simply pressed for time? Either way, my taste buds couldn't tell.

For dinner, I ordered the Spinach-Goat Cheese Salad, which would have been even more delightful had the waitress heeded my kind request for dressing on the side. I wasn't going to sit there and grunt; I was too hungry. Nonetheless, I was pleased with the fine combination of baby spinach leaves glossed with a light balsamic vinaigrette, with the tangy-fruity combination of sun dried tomatoes (too thinly julienned and a bit too oily), roasted red peppers and marinated eggplant (again, a bit oily). But the prize of this plate was the lushly warm, creamy goat cheese encased in a Panko breadcrumb crust. The crackling sound of my fork breaking through the delicate ball rendered a pavlovian response: I drooled.

Mom, who changed her mind three times and almost made me rip the menu out of her hand in a hypoglycemic rage, finally ordered the thin crust pizza Margherita. This was probably the best $10 she'd spent in a long time. Despite the sallow, starchy tomatoes on top, the supple yet crispy crust, garlic-charged mozzarella and freshly chopped basil = total redemption. Perfect for two to share with a salad and a few glasses of wine.

I left Centro well-sated and serene, ready to flip off my boots, flop on my couch and giggle at Lucille Ball stomping on grapes through the TV screen.

I'd go back again. For sure. I just hope they clear out the day-old pasta in the front foyer. At least for the sake of those who judge a restaurant within seconds after they enter it.

Check out their Web site, www.centroristorante.com, for more details. They do catering and have a reasonable To-Go Special: Homemade pasta & sauce with Caesar salad, brick-oven bread and marinated olives...$15.95 for 2 and under $30 for 4. That sounds like a delicious deal to me. If you happen to try it before I do, let me know the verdict!

;) Holly

Serafina Pasta Sauce Behind the Burner

2009-01-27T18:04:00.011-05:00

(Photo courtesy of www.behindtheburner.com)

Grandma would whack me with the wooden spoon if she knew I made pasta with jarred sauce. HowEVER, she'd make one exception...

As you may already know, I'm a fan of Serafina Broadway, the famous Italian eatery in Midtown Manhattan. If you've never been there, I feel bad for you. Luckily enough, you can get your paws on a few jars of the same lip-smacking pasta sauce they serve at these fine Serafina restaurants.

The sauces sell for at least $10 a jar on the west coast. Sign up for Behind the Burner and get THREE jars for $19.99. Trust me. It IS a big freakin' deal:

http://www.behindtheburner.com/deal/5

Mix it with cooked pasta on your stovetop, mop it up in your plate with fresh bread or sneak a finger-lick when no one's looking (I didn't say I do that...). Your friends will think you're the savviest saucier in town.

Economically challenged as I am, I do allow myself a minor splurge once in a while. This one is definitely worth it.

Yum is the Word. Period.

;) H

Breakfast at Tiffany's, Dinner at Holly's

2009-01-23T22:25:00.008-05:00

Early in the morning, in honor of dear Miss Audrey Hepburn, I'm trekking to 727 5th Avenue in my long white coat (in lieu of a little black dress--frostbite's not sexy) to eat the rock-solid granola bar that's been in my pocket for a month and sip my decaf coffee from McDonald's, longingly eying the array of exorbitant diamond jewelry.

Then, after gratuitously depressing myself, I'll eventually snap out of it, go home, and cook my friends a fab meal for under $15. Don't believe me? Wait and see. I give new meaning to the words "stock" and "market" (of course, you do realize I'm referring to the chicken stock I purchased from the supermarket...)

New York Power Trip

2009-01-22T09:29:00.023-05:00

Here I am, just in case you thought I fell off a cliff like some wicked witch in a Disney film, never to be heard from again. Actually, I just moved into my first apartment and have been sitting on my hardwood floor, nervously munching on Kashi crackers and sucking on sugar-free Fudgesicles while waiting for the rest of my furniture...and my high speed Internet connection.

In the meantime, I've been scouring Manhattan for a part-time office job to help pay my $150 organic food bill, and not to mention, my rent. Two days ago, I headed to Midtown for (dun dun dun...) an interview.

After a five-minute interrogation by a security guard who practically made me late for my appointment, I ran to the elevator. In a fifteen second gasp from the first to the seventeenth floor, I tried to pull a Clark Kent, but my transformation to Supervamp didn't happen in a flash; I kicked off my running sneakers and socks, wiggled my icy feet into my black stilettos, slid into the corner and smacked the ground like Jill in that damn nursery rhyme. Of course, instead of tumbling down a hill onto some schmuck named Jack, I landed on my grungy, wet pair of Nike Shox. Even better.

Nobody saw my derriere hit the floor--except, probably, the somnolent watchmen, at that point wide awake and in stitches, watching me from fuzzy, black-and-white screens somewhere in that gargantuan Seventh Avenue building. In three seconds, I got up, dusted the street crumbs off my butt, re-applied my lip gloss and strutted to the office. I felt more powerful than ever (now if only I get that job...).

The empowered feeling fizzled when I got home and tripped--again--over the pair of red shoes I'd previously flung near my door.

Holly

"Resolution Solution"

2009-01-03T21:19:00.006-05:00

Put down the leftover fruitcake. Get rid of those snowman-shaped sugar cookies that are, by now, hard enough to give you a snaggle tooth like Lloyd (Jim Carrey) in Dumb and Dumber.

Take a two-minute break from whatever you're doing. Get on the floor and try the following workout. It will help kick-start your metabolism and boost your mood ASAP.

Enjoy, baby. And kick some butt, will you?

;) H

Long Year, Shortcake

2009-01-01T15:48:00.017-05:00

Sometimes, the worst feeling in the world isn't whether you'll be able to squeeze into your slinkiest party dress, but that you won't be able to get out of it. After all the New Years Eve nibbles at my sister's party, I was almost certain that I'd get stuck--and that everyone would know me as that girl in the jungle print dress--until 2010.

You see, I needed a little something to soak up all the alcohol. When I peeked into my sister's fridge, I had a hunch that the blank cardboard box on the top rack contained a celebratory cake. I felt like Britney Spears in the Curious perfume commercial; I put a finger to my lips and asked myself, "Do you dare?" I imagined all the world's nutritionists running toward me in slow motion, shouting, "Nooooo! Waaaait! Donnnnnn't!" in warped voices.

The imp on my shoulder said, "Hell yes." I obeyed the latter.

Maia, my friend's cousin, fled to the scene. Until this point, she'd been mixing orange soda with chardonnay (she swears it's dreamy). All I had to do was look at her twinkling eyes to know that she was equally intrigued. The suspense of the mystery dessert was making her crazy.

The second I lifted the lid, I nearly heard the Alleluia choir's hymn of joy. I, the girl with the wild hair and jungle dress, was ready to snatch my prey. I furtively cut a slice of the triple-layered, butter-yellow sponge cake with its wheel of fresh strawberries and turrets of whipped cream. And then Maia and I attacked it, leaving streaks of frosting on the black glass plate.

Unlike most cake I've had, this one didn't sink in my stomach like the heft of a cathedral hymn. It was more like a light piano tune that made me want to dance around the room in a frilly yellow dress. Each velvety bite with its cool, white whipped topping reminded me of the cake you'd serve on the cusp of summertime or at a sixteenth birthday party--flirty, fun, and on the verge of seduction.

It was my last lick of 2008, celebrating my successes and absolving all the absent-minded messes I've made. This was one sweet acquaintance that will never be "forgot."

P.S. By some divine intervention, I managed to break free from the dress, throw on my sweats, swap stilettos with sneakers and run (I mean RUN) to the gym the next morning.

Welcome, 2009!

;-p Holly

Let Loose, Add Juice!

2008-12-31T14:02:00.013-05:00

As I sit here snowbound in the living room with plastic multicolored clothespins in my hair listening to my grandma sing "We Will Rock You" to my two-year-old nephew (God help me), I can't help but think about what to drink at my sister's New Years Eve party.

Hmm...here's an idea: the other night I combined some of my favorite Carlo Rossi Paisano (fruity red table wine) with pure cranberry juice and some of my little nephew's apple banana juice.

You've got to try this. Always use 100% juice--the REAL DEAL--never the juice cocktail that has way too much sugar and a wretched aftertaste. Serve in a punch bowl with some fresh cranberries and diced granny smith apples. It'll be a huge hit at your New Years Eve bash. Or on chilly afternoons like these when you just need a little somethin' somethin' to warm you up.

Yum is the Word,

P.S. Don't make fun of the clothespins in the hair; they're a totally fab way for an economically challenged girl to sculpt her curls ;-p

HAPPY NEW YEAR! BE SAFE, and, as always, BOOZE WISELY!

My Attempts to Avoid the Jingle Jiggle

2008-12-19T13:43:00.007-05:00

Will it be a holly jolly Christmas, or a jolly Holly one? I hope not the latter.

With all the cheery people practically shoving forks between my lips--my fault for not resisting--you'd think the pounds would pile up like the snow outside my window (it looks like the sky is weeping powdered sugar). It's time to, as my grandma says, "nip it in the bud." I've got to stop noshing on empty carbs.

I do give myself credit, though. I have been working especially hard to burn off all my holiday treats. My knees are screaming from the three rounds of Turbo Jam I just completed. I don't mean to sound like a walking infomercial, but that workout is pretty butt-blastingly amazing: a mix of kickboxing, aerobics and martial arts. Intense, to say the least. But oodles of fun.

If you don't feel like spending any money on gym memberships, exercise videos, or the Wii Fit, I've got some fun ways to burn calories around the holidays. You can a) run on your treadmill like the Gingerbread Man darting from a hungry human, b) get on your hands and knees and crawl around your house to search for all the itty bitty pine needles that scattered from your tree, c) race raging shoppers through department stores during last-minute sales, d) lug heavy presents up your stairs, e) stir thick chocolate cookie batter to pump up your biceps, or f) shovel snow.

If I have to deck my halls with workout gear and sweat like a melting snowman to prevent myself from looking like Kris Kringle on steroids, so be it. I have no problem dancing around my room and rocking out to Burl Ives and Brenda Lee. Oh, come on...you know you do the same thing when nobody's around.

Happy Holidays!

;) Holly

Shop Till You Pop

2008-12-10T10:56:00.007-05:00

(Image courtesy of AllBrands.com)

What do you do when your stocks tank? Go crazy and join the spending circus.

My Aunt Darlene was a finance major in college. She constantly talks about ways to save money, and would be the first one to sport a bracelet with the letters WWSS (What Would Suze (Orman) Say?).

So, what does she do? She goes and buys an old-fashioned Circus Cart Popcorn Maker (see photo above). The thing, made from flimsy metal, stands adjacent to her kitchen table in all its Ronald McDonald-red glory. Next thing you know, she'll be riding to the supermarket on a unicycle. It would surely save her the ethanol after paying $200 for a corn-popping product, anyway.

Hah.

I don't care how well this kitschy contraption works (yes, it does the job).

Give me Jiffy Pop and call it a freakin' day.

First Thai-mer

2008-12-10T06:39:00.012-05:00

Yum Yum Bangkok

650 9th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Btwn. 45th & 46th St.

(212) 262-7244

(Photo courtesy of Shanna Ravindra, New York Magazine/www.nymag.com)

I'm thoroughly ashamed to say that until Sunday night, I was a Thai virgin. Don't knock me for it. Just be glad I finally got into the groove...and loved it.

All thanks go to my friend for dragging me to Yum Yum Bangkok in Hell's Kitchen (there are a few of them on the same street--this one's the least upscale).

I obviously can't say if this is the best Thai place out there because I haven't been around. So, I'm sure there are others just as great if not better. But wait a second and listen to my schpiel about it, will you?

The oceanic slideshows that stream from multiple large-screen TVs, the thinly rectangular, ember-colored ceiling lights, the steely gray overhead tunnel tube (the kind in your basement), and the timeworn exposed brick walls make it intimate and cozy rather than stuffy and pretentious.

(Photo courtesy of Shanna Ravindra, New York Magazine/www.nymag.com)

When the staff decides to do a little soundtrack switcheroo, this place will become the perfect first date spot: the song "It Must Have Been Love, but It's Over Now " played twice in a row. It was, however, germane to our conversation about my friend's past relationships.

All that aside, everything else was top-knotch. To start off, I ordered a lychee sangria. It had a pale yellow color and a sweet pear-like flavor with a tangy grapefruit finish from the naturally sweet and tangy lychee fruit. My friend got the Thai iced tea: chilled black tea with a smidgen of sugar and cream. Who knew?

Here's the scoop on the rest of our meal:

Appetizer: C hicken satay skewers with two sauces on the side: a light peanut one and an almost translucent one that had cucumber bits floating on top. Forgive me: I cannot, for the life of me, remember the taste. All I know is that the first was better. It didn't have the gluey consistency like some other poor excuses for dipping sauce. It was just enough to give the tender chicken cubes a gingery peanut glaze. Not too sweet, not too spicy.

My entree: Chicken and broccoli with my flavor of choice. I picked the oyster sauce out of the 14 others on the list (ginger, chili, red curry, green curry, tamarind, and more); I couldn't resist after watching Ming Tsai do a veggie stir fry with the same stuff a few days ago. For the first two bites, the soft chicken morsels had a really pungent, slightly briny taste with sharp burst of raw garlic. But on the second bite, it got much, much better-- incredible umami flavor. Don't ask me how such a quick taste turnaround is possible. I don't know.

His entree: The pad thai: soft rice noodles, ground peanuts, bean sprouts, shredded carrots, and bits of fried egg saturated with a salty, sweet and savory light brown sauce. I tasted it; it lacked the spicy Thai element for which I'd prepared myself, but I didn't mind.

Our meal, drinks and appetizer included, came to about $30. Not bad, eh?

One Warning: If you go to Yum Yum to celebrate a birthday, be prepared for the uber-creepy rendition of Happy Birthday that pipes through the surround-sound system (imagine a mega-choir of five-year-olds crooning the tune. It's equivalent to a live episode of Barney).

Your guest of honor will want to duck and hide under the table. I know I would.

Nonetheless, Yum Yum's the Word (you knew I'd say it),

Holly

Prices: Not bad. Most expensive menu item costs about $11 $5 for the lychee sangria.

Suitable for all ages.

Gameday Galavanting: Bar XII

2008-12-08T22:21:00.007-05:00

Hey, I'm back!

After being sick with a horrible cold for the past two weeks, I had to get a little fresh air.

To kick off a fabulous Sunday afternoon, my friend Eddie and I went searching for a good sports bar to watch the Giants game. After trekking through the tundra of New York City (me--the gloveless, scarfless genius, wearing ballet flats instead of warm boots like every other sensible Manhattanite), we finally took shelter at Bar XII on East 34th Street.

Although the deeply tinted windows made us think the place had probably been euthanized due to the recession, we took a chance and went inside anyway...just to see if it was still alive.

It sure was: under the Tabasco-colored ceiling tiles, 20 and 30-something-year-old football fans (mostly guys with a few girls like myself) gathered around huge flat screen TVs, jeering at the Eagles, cheering for the Giants and eating haute-looking hot wings cloaked in a deeply red-orange sauce--served, of course, by 18-year-old-girls in tight little referee costumes.

I knew I'd be getting my grub on all day, so I tried to be good by ordering a veggie burger on whole wheat bread. I prepared myself for the worst: a greasy Boca burger on a slab of commercial, knock-off "wheat" bread infused with the sneakily sweet high-fructose corn syrup that I never fail to detect on the first bite. Yet at Bar XII, my veggie burger was very warm (steaming, actually--almost burned my tongue) and served with lettuce, tomato and red onion between two slices of bakery-fresh grain bread with a honey-golden color. Alongside it was a heap of thin, crispy steak fries with a subtle, savory seasoning. Still can't pinpoint what it was.

But man, in that veggie patty, which was about the same circumference as my face, I could taste the crunch of fresh peas and sweet carrot. I demolished the whole thing (and no, Philly fans, I will not compare it to the way the Eagles destroyed the Giants). Washed it down with a Coors Light on tap, too. While I love my cocktails, I couldn't resist a nice cold one!

Ah. Beer and football. Sometimes, it's just what a girl needs.

More to come.

;) Holly

P.S. This place is worth trying. I'm pretty tired tonight, so I'll let you check out their menu. $8-10 for lunch items and $6 for dessert. Oh yeah, for all those interested, there's Beer pong and happy hour, too. Gotta smile at that one.

Magnolia Bakery: Hyped Up, but Worth a Lick

2008-11-11T18:20:00.032-05:00

"Cupcakes are the opiate of the people."
~What Karl Marx would say if he were alive (and in New York City) today.

Magnolia Bakery
200 Columbus Avenue (at 69th Street)
New York, NY 10023
(212) 724-8101

If you're wallowing in Wall Street woes and desperately aiming to escape the stench of your rotting retirement funds, then you might shimmy over to Magnolia Bakery on Columbus Ave., where sweet air swirls with serotonin and half-orgasmic sounds of patrons (many of them probably premenstrual, depressed, or filling some serious relationship voids with baked goods) licking crumbs off their lips.

Camera-clad tourists peer through the front window, practically drooling (see Exhibit A below, lady in the bottom left-hand corner) as a guy with a red bandanna artfully slathers red velvet cupcakes with thick, white frosting. I'm not sure whether they're gaping at him or the cupcakes.

Magnolia just might be a hedonistic haven for the goodhearted, hardworking girlie who has barely satisfied her snack craving with the wood-and-soot-flavored braid of dough otherwise known as the New York Pretzel...

Indeed, the place is adorable in all its kitschy-sweet bliss. Take, for example, the "I [cupcake] NY" t-shirts that sway on their overhead hangers as if to mutter, "You know you want me on your body."

The shiny pressed-tin ceiling reminded me of a chocolate bar wrapper, and the mosaic of blue-and-white floor tiles, some arranged in the shape of daisies, harked back to a vintage-style ice cream parlor from my childhood. And what's not to love about the walls lined with 1940s and 50s style plaques dazzled with phrases such as "10 Cakes Husbands Like Best"(not that we really give a flying cupcake what husbands like, but still...)?

Of course, the fresh cupcakes practically begged me to take a bite. But since there's nowhere to sit, my former college roomie and I snuck into a nearby Starbucks and shared one while chatting about careers and relationships. I swear it was like a scene in a chick flick.

Aww...look at those purdy pastels. Sorry about the crappy-resolution Blackberry photos.

While the chocolate-frosted vanilla cupcake was certainly fluffy and moist inside, it wasn't significantly better than the Duncan Hines ones my mom used to make for my school bake sales. Although very satisfying, the frosting on Magnolia's mass-produced cuties had a slightly synthetic taste. If squintingly sweet is what you want, that's what you'll get.

For $2.50 a pop, and $3.00 for what I call "commodity cupcakes" (i.e. their sinful-sounding maple cream cheese-frosted ones), you could just as easily splurge on a Cinnabon big enough to share with three of your friends. Or you could instead indulge at one of the two Buttercup Bake Shops, which I have yet to try.

Still, there's got to be a good reason for the anaconda lines that swoop around Magnolia.

Other bestsellers include mini apple crisps, peanut butter Heath bar blondies, individual pumpkin cheesecakes and mint chocolate pudding pie. There's also the creamy, mellow-yellow banana pudding laced with vanilla wafers and real banana slices, the maple-cream cheese Whoopi Cookies, or the Hummingbird Cake with pineapples, bananas, and pecans. But $48 for a 3-layer, 9''cake? Let's get serious here, baby.

Maybe their slogan should be "Forget your troubles, come on get fat n' happy as your wallet thins out."

Still, my friend Jess gushes about their red velvet cupcakes and swears they're the best in the world. Too bad the only ones left when we went there were for someone else's special order.

If you've had an amazing experience at Magnolia Bakery, please let me know. I'll go back to try whatever sweet you suggest the next time PMS rolls around.

Magnolia Bakery, the third of its kind, opened on Oct. 8, 2008 near Rockefeller Center.

Other locations:

1240 Sixth Avenue (at 49th Street), New York, NY 10036
401 Bleecker Street (at West 11th Street), New York, NY 10014

Overall Grade: B+

Here's the Nay and the Yay:

Nay:

Nowhere to sit
Bland, somewhat watery cappuccino (about $3.50 for a small)
Overly-sweet frosting (but that's definitely your call--it just might suit your taste buds)
Exorbitant cake prices

Yay:

Inundated with endorphins
Heavenly scent
Cute decor
Super-friendly barista
Warm and cheerful staff
Variety of desserts

Is yum the word? You go there and report back to me.

Get there from Grand Central Station:

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A Midtown Night's Dream

2008-11-07T13:21:00.027-05:00

(Image courtesy of mikeeatsfood.blogspot.com)

Serafina Broadway
Midtown West
Dream Hotel
210 W 55th St at Broadway
New York, NY 10019
(212) 315-1700

www.serafinarestaurant.com

In all its swanky splendor, it's no coincidence that Serafina Broadway is located on the first floor of a hotel with the name Dream. This famous restaurant was definitely on my mind as I drifted into REM sleep the other night.

The half-haute, half-homey hotspot, one of Vittorio Assaf and Fabio Granato's four chains, features primary colors and gorgeous, unique designs by renowned New York architect David Rockwell. Red-and-orange tongues of stained glass fire radiate the walls, along with swirly blown glass chandeliers, bright yellow pillars and, of course, the mirror mural of Marilyn Monroe who greets you behind her sunglasses with a coy wave as you walk toward the back of the restaurant. Unfortunately, I failed to check out the ladies' restroom (what was I thinking?!), where Federico Fellini films are supposedly projected onto the floor.

I didn't miss out, however, on the cuisine. When you haven't eaten all day in order to prepare yourself, who really cares about anything else?

I'll give you the whole dish-by-dish description of what my friends Divya, Caroline, Jamie, Molly, and I shared...

After sipping some champagne, we ordered the following:

Goat Cheese e Spinach Salad: baby spinach with warm goat cheese medallions, pine nuts, honey, and balsamic vinaigrette. I could have eaten this and only for the next three days. I wish I could have copped this creamy, sweet and zesty vinaigrette recipe from the chef!

Margherita Pizza: This was easily one of the best thin-crust pizzas I've had in a while: nice and hot with air bubbles near the crust and a slightly charred bottom characteristic of most brick oven pizzas. Just the way I like it. Perfect balance of marinara, mozzarella and olive oil. Oh yes, and they make the mozzarella with fresh milk every single day. That's a pretty big deal any which way you slice it.

Focaccia Di Sophia al Tartufo d'Alba: Who is this Sophia character, by the way? She's as much of a mystery as Serafina's special recipe for these delightful, show-stopping bites. Tartufo d'Alba, or White Alba Truffles, are highly expensive, crazy-shaped wild mushrooms (about $249 per ounce!) that grow in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The Greeks and Romans believed them to have aphrodisiac qualities.

Maybe that's why the first nibble of these thin, truffle-filled focaccia squares was equivalent to a first kiss. After a simultaneous crackle-crunch and slightly doughy bite, a warm, soft, fluffy surprise (with the pronounced flavor of roasted garlic) oozed down the sides of the flatbread focaccia, making a mess of my fingers. I tried to be polite, but it just wasn't happening. I felt like a toddler.

I have to show you this:

Spaghetti with clams: My grandfather's favorite Christmas Eve dish has become one of my top picks, too (well, at least Serafina's rendition of it has): rustic-chopped tomato sauce with fresh parsley bedizened with in-shell clams that reminded me of little open mouths. I certainly had no problem opening mine to taste! Pasta was perfectly al dente.

Our server, who was a wee bit absent-minded, forgot to put in our order for the Cornish hen, so we ordered the Chicken Paillard instead. Once I had a bite of this thin, tender char-grilled chicken breast, served with fluffy, rustic mashed potatoes, sauteed escarole and endive leaves along with green beans and carrots, she was forgiven. At least, to some extent.

Tuna and salmon tartare: A beautifully crafted tower of raw tuna and salmon drizzled with peanut oil. This was my first time having tartare; it had a clean flavor and really delicate texture. Pleasant.

Spinach ravioli: Mini squares of al dente pasta, piped with ricotta cheese and spinach in a butter-sage sauce. Little pockets of delight.

Dessert: We sampled each other's desserts, such as the airy and sweet apple pie with vanilla gelato, berry tart, crepes with Nutella, cappuccino, and the inevitable chocolate souffle (drooling with chocolate sauce, moist and warm and vulnerable inside--fantastic).

I forgot to tell you that on the way to Serafina, I limped through Midtown in the rain, my stomach growling, my 3-inch stilettos getting stuck in every metal grate on the street (as usual), and the wind mangling the top of my cheap blue-and-white-striped umbrella into a funky cone-shaped object. On the way home, I was so tired from noshing that I slumped on the old belching leather seat on the train and almost missed my stop!

But the food, overall inviting mood and smashing decor were worth the trip. Both ways!

Was yum the word at Serafina Broadway? Absolutely.

I apologize that I don't have more pictures...technical difficulties once again :(

The Scoop:

Date Place? Yup.

Group Place? Yup.

Need Reservations? It depends. Maybe on a Saturday night.

Good for Kids? I don't see why not.

Dress Code: Dressy-Casual

Price: $7-20 for appetizers, $10-25 for pizza, $11-$27 for entrees.

Wait staff: As I said, our waitress wasn't great, but it wouldn't be fair to judge everyone by a single staff member. We were received very hospitably.

Overall quality of food: Heartbreakingly good. Especially the Focaccia di Sophia.

Get There from Grand Central:

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'Cips of Bliss

2008-10-22T20:06:00.029-04:00

Cipriani Downtown
376 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012
Located between Spring & Broome St.
(212) 343-0999

One of my favorite Billy Joel songs is "I've Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway." But at one particular posh lounge-eatery on West Broadway, mega-mega-watt bulbs beam like perpetual spotlights. Clearly, this place has nothing to hide, except maybe the secret to making the best peach cocktails on earth. But I, Nancy Drew of the Food & Wine World, managed to find out a few things...

Cipriani Downtown, home of the Bellini concocted by Giuseppe Cipriani in 1943 Italy, is one of Manhattan's foremost celebrity, supermodel and socialite hotspots. I just had to stop by Tuesday night to scope out the scene and 'do my thing.

Although I didn't see Victoria Beckham or Nicole Richie, who apparently frequent the place, I did sit near a 6-foot woman, about 90 pounds, who blabbed on her Blackberry in French and toyed with the gold fixtures on her brand new Louis Vuitton. Oh yes, and some blonde, wan-faced woman I know I'd seen on TV before sat at a table outside in her tawny fur coat sliding cucumber slices between her collagen-plumped lips.

I stood at the over-crowded bar in my glory munching on crispy, lightly-battered fried calamari and nibbling on tomatoes with fresh basil and mozzarella...with about four Bellinis lined up in front of me, stirred up and poured by bar master Charles Nemeth.

After chatting with Charles for a bit, I found out that he wanted to open up his own bar and thought his job at Cips would be temporary. Fourteen years later, he's still there on Mondays and Tuesdays, treating every customer like a celeb--even if they're not J-Lo or Marc Anthony. He is not your bottle-flipping mixologist who dreams up exotic drinks on the drop of a dime. Instead, he plays it old-school--simple and classy--by wearing the signature white jacket and tie, and by using only fresh, natural juices in his cocktails. He whips up each Bellini, for example, with prosecco (Italian sparkling wine) and frozen pureed peaches from France. That's it. And he pours his vodka from a frosty, scalloped glass pitcher--straight from the freezer. Chic and elegant.

Everyone else on the staff was great to be around, too, from the bald waiter who joked that the flaming crêpes à la crème had previously snuffed out his hair, to the blonde barmaid who kept pouring me Italian spring water and squeezing lemon on my calamari.

This place is all about hospitality. At $18 a Bellini (don't shriek), you get what you pay for.

But please, you've got to stop by at least once. Even if it's only for one drink. You never know, you just might catch a glimpse of George Clooney...

Above all, there's just something so special about the "original" Bellini. It's a bubbly, sweet, pink celebration in a glass. On a Tuesday night after a long, hard day at work, it's even sweeter.

Cheers to you!

;) Holly

Directions from Grand Central Station:

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Not Another Ramen Noodle No No: Pre-Prep Dinner the Daisy Way

2008-10-07T21:48:00.024-04:00

(Photo courtesy of www.daisymartinez.com)

I've never met Daisy Martinez, but after watching her PBS show Daisy Cooks! I feel like we were BFF in some other lifetime.

She's so down to earth and her recipes are simple yet sincere. I just want to be her friend so badly! Am I pathetic? (You don't have to answer.)

If you're thinking about what to make this week and don't have a lot of time to cook (whether you live alone or with a large family), watch this video. It's a special segment from "Food University."

Today's Lesson:

Prepping your weeknight dinners a few days ahead will erase any after-work urge to crack open a package of Ramen or some processed product laced with monosodium glutamate, high fructose corn syrup, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, and all other nauseating, unpronounceable polypeptides (or whatever the heck they're called...chemistry was never my forte).

Her food's personality comes close to hers: colorful, comforting, bubbly and warm.

Enjoy.

Grandma's Sunday Gravy...Up Close & Personal

2008-10-06T12:40:00.010-04:00

Look for Grandma's "Don't You Dare Call It Sauce" gravy recipe in the sidebar archive titled "On the Back Burner, But Still Worth a Taste."

I've been having technical difficulties and couldn't include my whole virtual tutorial. Sorry--Blogger.com needs to work on some major uploading issues!

But here's a clip. Enjoy it.

For a healthy variation, substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey, serve it up with some whole wheat pasta, and you've got the perfect feel-good, lazy weekend dinner. Don't forget the table wine! For this meal, I recommend Carlo Rossi paisano, an inexpensive, fruity table wine (about $12 for a 4 liter jug at PremierWines.com !).

You can put the gravy into a plastic container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Yum is the Word.

Adventures at Puglia...Once Again

2008-10-04T00:41:00.020-04:00

Let me count tonight's consumption of calories at my favorite restaurant in Little Italy...

...or not.

Looks like I'll be doing two rounds of Billy Blanks butt kickin' Boot Camp tomorrow.

I'm not complaining. It was totally worth it.

With me is Vinny, the most popular waiter in the joint.

Come have a few laughs with me (and my former college roommate Jessica, who can be heard laughing in the background)!

Warning: these videos are extremely silly, totally unscripted and totally unprofessional.

Enjoy!

Unfortunately, I didn't get to go into the kitchen this time...

The "pillowy soft" bread and liquid gold (a.k.a. herb-infused olive oil).

The escarole and bean soup was the best $6.95 I spent in a long time. It was a meal in itself.

The soft cannelloni beans melted in my mouth with the strong, sharp Pecorino Romano and bursts of fresh basil with every spoonful of escarole. Delightful.

I did NOT order this. Vinny surprised us. I believe it's called a banana "Xanga"--FRIED banana cheesecake (I know...I should go to confession).

It actually looked like phyllo dough and was filled with warm, gooey bananas foster on the inside...in the martini glass was a scoop of vanilla ice cream doused with banana liquor and drizzled with chocolate syrup).

Ethereal as it was, I had to call it quits after a few bites (I had to save room for my almond cappuccino from Ferrara's).

Singing in the background is the famous Jorge Buccio who had a cameo in Big Daddy (see my previous post on Puglia for more info!). I tried to zoom in on him for you.

Want to have a good time? Stop by this place!

And come back here for more silly dining adventures with me and my equally flighty friends.

;) Holly

Behind the Burner: Your Backstage Pass

2008-10-03T17:37:00.016-04:00

Newsflash!

I've got your secret sneak-preview pass right here for Behind the Burner, a new website that's set to launch at the end of this month.

Here's a video clip of Behind the Burner CEO / host Divya Gugnani and Top Chef Season One Winner chef Harold Dieterle of NYC's Perilla restaurant. He's making spicy duck meatballs. As dicey as that may sound to you, just wait 'till you see how yummy the finished product looks. You'll be pleasantly surprised.

Divya Says: "He starts with the best Fossil Farms meat and couples it with an unsuspecting hot sauce to give dinner a real kick. We think his charm and his dish are tied for first place."

Watch and learn, baby. Watch and learn.

Make sure you sign up to receive updates at the home site: http://www.behindtheburner.com/. It's an invitation-only arena that offers tricks, tips, and techniques on everything you want to know about the foodie world. You'll learn how to create NYC chef-inspired dishes and find out where and how to buy the exact ingredients these supreme culinarians use in their recipes!

Yum's the Word. Now go and spread it!

Holly

The Perfect Pea Soup

2008-10-01T20:05:00.012-04:00

It's storming outside and there are mosquitoes suctioned against the window, wishing they could get a bite out of me (hah! they wish.). I'm sitting here safe, dry and satisfied from a bowl of the most soothing homemade pea soup. It sure beat the hell out of the Campbell's stuff I spit out at age five.

Beth, a dear friend of mine, made it last week and put it in the freezer. I just took it out, defrosted it, and enjoyed some by myself at the dining room table. It was her mom's recipe. No funny or nostalgic story about it. Just the soup. Plain and simple.

I swirled my spoon; it was the exact color of the Green-Yellow Crayola crayon, thick and silky from the pureed peas with little salty, chewy, delicate bites of Carnation Pink ham and soft Vivid Orange carrots cut into tiny rounds.

A simple work of art. Humble and comforting.

I don't know why, but each bite made me think of my childhood--of mom feeding me warm soup, of me drawing pictures on construction paper and scribbling with crayon on the bias until the entire side wore down to the wrapper and my middle finger was squished and waxy from all my hard work.

I'll spare you the sappy sentimentality by venturing over to the kitchen so I can get a first-class view of the lightning show outside.

In the meantime, here's the pea soup recipe, just in case you're all alone on a rainy night and want, like me, to re-imagine the days of your innocence--when you had two teeth and felt the warm soup (or baby food) slide over your gums (NOT to ponder what it'll be like when you once again have no teeth and can only eat pureed food...we have good dentists nowadays, so that probably won't be an issue).

Bethy's Mom's Pea Soup

What You Need:

2 bags green split peas
1 white onion, diced
2 russet potatoes (baking potatoes), diced
1/2 lb. baby carrots, cut into small rounds
1 ham bone, and any remaining pieces of non-fatty ham
Extra cubes of ham, if you want (leftover works best)
8-10 cups of water
salt and pepper

What to do:

Soak split peas for 2 hours, then rinse
In a large soup pot, add the diced ingredients, the peas, the ham bone and the water
Boil everything together
Simmer for 4 hours

You can freeze this for up to 2 months, but trust me...it'll be gone before you can say, "Buon Appetite."

:) Holly

A Foodie's Favorite Soap

2008-09-26T21:39:00.009-04:00

Since 1999, husband and wife Carl and Peggy Manthei, founders of the Blue Heron Soap Company, have been whipping up--by hand, mind you--some of the richest, yummiest scented body bars. They use only food-grade oils (olive, palm and coconut), skin-clearing essential oils (such as tea tree and lavender), and natural fragrances.

Flavors...I mean scents...include almond oatmeal, anise, key lime, anjou pear, lemon and honey, pink grapefruit and tarragon, cinnamon, mandarin orange, avocado mint and spiced apple.

The almond oatmeal is my favorite; it smells just like marzipan and its smooth, froth-like lather gets rid of dirt and dead skin. This stuff zaps the blues, too.

Carl and Peggy also make other non-food scented soaps, reminiscent of everything from the wilderness to the sea to a flower garden on a spring morning.

Best of all, they're adorably packaged--tied with ribbons and garnished with relics from nature (i.e. a tiny pine cone sits atop the earthy, fresh-scented gunflint soap).

At $6 per bar, they last a long time and are totally worth every cent.

There's also free shipping for orders $36 and up. You'll want to stock up.

Bottom line: Blue Heron's honest-to-goodness soap stirs up an olfactory sensation in the shower.

And that, to me, is a delicious thing.

Visit their site and buy some. You're going to get hooked. I don't lie about these things.

Now This, My Friends, Is the Food of Love

2008-09-21T09:23:00.016-04:00

Puglia Ristorante

189 Hester Street

New York, NY 10013

212-966-6006

Here I am with my fresh-from-the-kitchen focaccia panini from Puglia Ristorante. If this isn't hedonism, I don't know what is. These one-of-a-kind sandwiches, layered with slices of tomato, fresh basil, mozzarella and sauteed broccoli rabe (there are others on the menu, too) are smokin'. But they're only available at lunchtime, so stop by if you're in the area from around 12-3 p.m.

They serve crispy yet pillowy soft bread every day, with herb-infused olive oil for dipping.

Their entrees make you want to belt out "That's Amore." I suggest the eggplant parmigiana (thinly sliced eggplant dipped in egg and breadcrumb then fried and layered like lasagna, oozing with soft and steamy mozzarella and dribbles of their secret recipe marinara)...and the gnocchi (the ultimate comfort food: chewy nubs of potato-based pasta cloaked in a sharp basil pesto sauce).

Everything comes to your table fresh from the Garafolo family cucina, where the same humble, rustic meals have been crafted with love since 1919.

Their fruity, homemade red wine is about $14 a bottle, and worth walking 14 miles just to sip. Make sure you have a ride home, though. If you're like me, a few sips will put you in a state of giddy euphoria and eventually, a glass or two will knock off your stilettos.

Case in Point:

This is what you do, in a state of tipsy disbelief, when it's all gone.

Note: Get there on a weekend to sing The Napkin Song along with Jorge Buccio, the accordion-playing Elvis impersonator who has a cameo (inside this restaurant!) in the movie Big Daddy with Adam Sandler. It's the date scene with Sonny and Layla where the camera pans past some woman feeding a very corpulent man...Sonny says he thinks the guy ate his last girlfriend.

The Scoop:

Prices: Appetizers range from $5-12

Entrees range from $10-30

Dress code: Totally casual

Noise level: Extremely clangorous if you go on a weekend. If you're a bit stodgy, stay away. Stay far away.

Fun level: Never ends.

Get there from Grand Central:

View Larger Map

I've Got the Jam...

2008-09-21T00:02:00.008-04:00

...and it's not the kind you spread on toast.

Here's this week's aural morphine. Turn it up LOUD!

DJ Cool Smooth - Genie (Vocal Radio Edit)

This is the stuff I rock out to in the kitchen. It doesn't matter if you're Mario Batali or Joe Schmoe. Turn up this tune and you'll have a blast whether you're making buckwheat pappardelle or artificial chicken Ramen.

;) Holly

Bingeing on Fun at the Big E

2008-09-20T11:12:00.024-04:00

Although the Big E or ESE stands for Eastern State Exposition, this fifth letter of the alphabet stands for much, much more.

The annual festival, held (as always) in Springfield, MA, was an endorphin-raising, kaleidoscopic smorgasbord of northeastern excitement with lots of entertainment, and of course eating.

Put it all together and what have you got? Euphoria. And empty pockets by the end of it all.

Twenty minutes after our entry tickets were ripped and our hands were stamped, my friend and I already had bags stuffed with goodies--handmade soaps that smelled like the Adirondacks, balsam pine incense, a copper beaded handbag, a silk shawl with a peacock design, a set of essential oils and shea butter lotions...the list goes on.

Jewelry and other accoutrement vendors were ubiquitous. Colossal pavilions and historical buildings were packed with people within butt-bumping distance, giving live and interactive infomercials about the Shammy "Sham Wow!" dust cloth and demos of the world's greatest cheese grater, others giving electromagnetic stress-reliever consultations, analyzing handwriting, shoving spoons of Italian ice and maple cotton candy into our mouths. Oh, and I'll never forget the old saleslady (with lips like Tweety Bird) who scribbled waterproof color-changing lipstick on my friend's fingertips.

There were lots of things I didn't buy but wish I did. See below!!

Self explanatory ;)

Again, self-explanatory if you've seen me after one glass of Shiraz.

All that was fun. But after shopping like two squirrels searching for the last acorn on earth, our stomachs started to growl. So off to the food stands we went.

Let's just put it this way: if I received even a half a cent for every calorie at this fair, I could buy Donald Trump, Bill Gates, Google, Yahoo!, and a few oil reserves in Saudi Arabia. And I'd still have leftover change.

But nobody's counting.

A few of the Big E's famous delectable, deep-fried diet busters include wide paper boats overflowing with crispy crinkle-cut fries and golden-battered tempura veggies, smoked turkey legs the size of my arm, volcanic baked potatoes brimming with steaming cheddar cheese, hot apple crisp, apple pie and apple cider served by cheerful men and women who probably spent the last ten years of their lives perfecting the recipes but are now literally rolling in dough.

For dinner, we stopped at the Danny's Little Taste of Texas stand next to the Connecticut state pavilion and shared a baked potato topped with buffalo meat. Yup, you read it! Not buffalo as in buffalo chicken wings. Real buffalo. I was iffy at first, but fell head over heels at the first mouthful. Is that wrong of me?

Either way, it was blogworthy. Similar in texture to pulled pork (stringy consistency), it had a soft bite and was savory from the barbecue sauce in which it was smothered. Yeeee haw!

I'm going to have to take a trip to South Windsor, CT to get some more! Anyone wanna come?

Oh, Lord. Dessert consisted of the ambrosial cream puff. These massive pastries, piped with what looked like clouds and tasted like eternal salvation, were served by ladies in white hats and smocks who smiled the way I imagine angels do when they greet you in heaven. They were probably high off the same intensely sweet aroma that lured us to the stand.

Have you ever, in your entire life, seen anything this gigundo?

There were lots more good eats and sights to see, but if I go any further, I'll be writing the script for a two-hour Food Network special on state fairs.

Yum is totally the word.

Holly