Opera in the Whole Foods Produce Department

Olive opera.
Sure, some people turnip their noses at it.
But, a little free concert at the produce stand?
Can't beet it.

From the Baltimore Sun:
There was romance among the rutabagas this afternoon in the Whole Foods grocery store, passion among the persimmons. Five singers from the Washington Opera's young artists program took to the aisles of the Harbor East market at 1001 Fleet St., disguised in the black aprons and black caps normally worn by employees of the market. Above, Jesus Daniel Hernandez and Jennifer Waters sing to help promote their concert with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Lettuce enjoy!
 

Why Some Florida Strawberry Farmers Are Destroying Their Ripe Strawberries

This is disgusting. According to ABC News, Florida strawberry farmers are destroying their crops which are ripe and ready to harvest. They feel the price of strawberries is too low to bring to market.

After watching the video below...
What's YOUR take on the story?
Leave a comment below~

Thoughts?

How I Save Money - Tip 1

I'm known by many for my frugal ways.
And, I'm getting frugaler.
(And, I'm verbing things willy-nilly, apparently.)

But, that's how I can walk out of my local Jewel Food Store with $163 of groceries having spent only $37.

I've been doing this long enough that it comes second nature. And, it's fun. So fun, in fact that when the Catalina machine at the check out prints my "Get $5 off your next shopping trip" coupons it pumps up my heart like a slot machine paying off.

It's adrenaline producing.
And, puts more money in my pocket.

So, I thought I might share a couple of my tips. These aren't a secret - loads of people shop this way everyday. You can find books, internet sites...heck Nightline did a feature just last week.

So here's today's tip.
Until your a pro, manage your time well by shopping at only one store.
Why? Well, many reasons.

First, you get to know the layout of the store. For a while there I was shopping regularly at a local Dominick's store and two Jewel stores. And, I started getting confused. I would walk right up to where I expected to find the Home Run Inn pizzas that are on sale and instead found Cool Whip. Dang. One store means I can get in and out quickly - even if I'm filling my basket to the rim.

Disclaimer: I'll go to a second location of the same store if there's a fantastic sale which is giving back free money coupons in the Catalina machine and the shelves of the first store are bare. Yes, you can get a rain check for the bare shelves, but you can't ever recoup the lost "free $5 off next shopping trip" coupon.

Second, you get to know the staff. Which checker is speedy. Which one LOVES that you have coupons because she uses them, too! (Score!) You build a trusting relationship with the service desk folks so that when you bring something to their attention they don't just look at you like your scamming the place. (They know you are simply trying to get the most out of their ads.)

Third, and most importantly, you save time. A full pantry and freezer is nothing if you don't have time to share a meal with your family.

Lastly, you get the most bang for your buck if you shop the same chain regularly. Why? Well, sometimes Jewel offers "$3 off your next purchase of $30. And, those coupons usually expire quickly. Well, if I choose to go to Dominick's the following week, I've lost out on the $3 coupon. (I mean, there's no doubt I will spend $30.)

Even more lastly...you get to take advantage of deals like the one pictured above. "Buy a Jewel gift card for $250 and get another card for $20." Or, buy $300 and get $30. Really? 10 percent right off the top? I'll take that. After all, my store of choice is Jewel anyway.

I love saving money.
Check back for additional tips soon.

Did YOU Sign the Petition? Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution

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Did you catch the sneak preview of Jamie Oliver's new show?
It's called Jamie's food Revolution and is running on Friday nights.

According to Jamie:

I believe that every child in America has the right to fresh, nutritious school meals, and that every family deserves real, honest, wholesome food. Too many people are being affected by what they eat. It's time for a national revolution. America needs to stand up for better food! You live in an amazing country full of inspirational people and you have the power to change things. With your help, we can get better food into homes, schools and communities all over America and give your kids a better future. Sign the petition to save America's cooking skills and improve school food. It could be the most important thing you ever do for your family. America's health needs you now!

You can sign Jamie's petition which he wants to bring to President and Michelle Obama.

It states:
I support Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution. America's kids need better food at school and better health prospects. We need to keep cooking skills alive.

If you like Food Revolution, you might enjoy Jamie's Fowl Dinners, too.

I'd love to know!
1. So, are you willing to be the 44, 694th person to sign (as of this writing)?
2. Do you pack a lunch for your kids or do they eat at school?
3. How do you think your child's school food offerings differ from your own?

What's Your Favorite Cake?

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Some friends and I got to talking about cake. Someone mentioned that honestly, unless the cake is amazing...or horrific...no one remembers wedding cake.

I think that's probably true. I'm not a cake lover. I can count on one hand any amazing cakes I've tasted. And, only one was at a wedding. In this case, the bride came to the table and said, "Please, take the time to try the cake. I truly think it's delicious."

I did. It was.
And, I gladly took a piece...or two home.

But, I want to open this up to all cakes.
Cupcakes, too.

For me, the frosting and filling can be amazing, but if the cake is dry and tasteless, I'd rather skip it. But, a truly moist and flavorful cake - yum. Someone once showed me how to make a french buttercream. Wow - that was fabulous!

And, I'll admit it. I don't like cupcakes.
Strange, huh?

So, I'm wondering...

What is the most amazing cake you've ever eaten?

If you could design your own cake, this very minute, what would it be?

What is your least favorite?

FDA's List of Company Recall Press Releases of Products Containing Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)

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So glad you joined us!

You may remember that back on March 4th I posted about the voluntary recalls that the FDA had announced regarding possible salmonella contamination in Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP). HVP is in many foods so it was just a matter of time before the recalls grew while investigations of sources expanded.

Here is the FDA's List of Company Recall Press Releases of Products Containing Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein.

Click HERE to go directly to the FDA.gov site for details on any of the items listed below.

March 2010

* March 16, 2010 - Barcel Announces Voluntary Recall1

* March 15, 2010 - Produce Valley, Inc. Initiates Voluntary Recall Due to Possible Health Risk Associated with Recalled Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) by Basic Food Flavors, Inc.2

* March 12, 2010 - Emmi - Roth Käse USA Announces Recall of Spreadables brand Crab Creole and Shrimp Scampi Cheese Spreads3

* March 11, 2010 - McCormick Recall Due to Possible Health Risk from HVP Ingredient Expands to Include Additional "Best By" Dates4

* March 10, 2010 - Quaker Snack Mix Baked Cheddar Voluntarily Recalled Due to Possible Health Risk5

* March 10, 2010 - Austinuts Of Dallas, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Honey Mustard Pretzels6

* March 09, 2010 - Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Press Release7

* March 09, 2010 - Nutritional Resources Announces a Nationwide Voluntary Recall of Healthwise Cream of Mushroom Soup Due to Possible Health Risk8

* March 09, 2010 - Olde Westport Spice Announces a Voluntary Recall of Garden Harvest Special Blend Seasoning9

* March 08, 2010 - GNS Foods Voluntarily Recalls Snack Mixes Containing Honey Mustard/Onion Pretzels from National Pretzel Co. associated with Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP) recalled by Basic Food Flavors, Inc. because of the potential Salmonella contamination.10

* March 08, 2010 - Herr Foods Inc. Recalls 'Herr's Cracked Pepper and Sea Salt Flavored' Kettle Style Potato Chips Because of Possible Health Risk11

* March 08, 2010 - Publix Issues Voluntary Recall on Four Seasoning Mixes12

* March 05, 2010 - Fresh Food Concepts Announces a Voluntary Recall of Spinach Dips Due to Possible Health Risk13

* March 05, 2010 - Ventura Foods, LLC Voluntarily Recalls Seven Varieties of Its Dean’s® Dip Products As A Precautionary Measure14

* March 05, 2010 - Mrs. Gerry’s Kitchen Press Release.15

* March 05, 2010 - Concord Foods Recalls Concord Foods Seasonings Mixes because of Possible Health Risk16

* March 05, 2010 - National Pretzel Co. Announces Precautionary Recall of Honey Mustard Onion Seasoned Pretzels Because of Possible Health Risk17

* March 05, 2010 - McCormick & Company Initiates Recall Due to Possible Health Risk from HVP Ingredient18

* March 04, 2010 - Orval Kent Food Company, Inc. Voluntarily Recalls Culinary Circle Dips Due to Possible Health Risk19

* March 04, 2010 - Creative Contract Packaging Corporation Recalls HERB-OX® Bouillon Products Because of Possible Health Risk20

* March 03, 2010 - Earth Island Announces Voluntary Recall On Select Follow Your Heart Products That Contain Natural Flavor Because Of Possible Health Risk21

* March 03, 2010 - Reser's Fine Foods Inc Press Release22

* March 03, 2010 - Homemade Gourmet Voluntarily Recalls "Tortilla Soup Mix" Because of Possible Health Risk23

* March 02, 2010 - Tim's Cascade Snacks Recalls 'Hawaiian® Kettle Style Potato Chips - Sweet Maui Onion' and 'Hawaiian- Sweet Maui Onion Rings' Because of Possible Health Risk24

* March 02, 2010 - Castella Imports, Inc. Conducts Nationwide Recall of Castella Chicken Soup Base Because of Possible Health Risk25

* March 01, 2010 - Heartland Foods, Inc. voluntarily recalls Coarse Ground Black Pepper because of possible Salmonella Contamination26

* March 01, 2010 - T. Marzetti Company Announces a Voluntary Recall of Dips Due to Possible Health Risk27

February 2010

* February 27, 2010 - Kroger Recalls Two Onion Soup & Dip Mixes Due to Possible Health Risk

Again, click HERE to go directly to the FDA.gov site for details on any of the items listed above.

Food For Thought
Are any of the items listed above currently in your pantry?
When speaking of "Food Safety" what concerns you the most?
You can comment below.

10 of My Favorite Things - Kitchen Version

First, have you seen our...

"Tasks That Take 31 Minutes or Less...

To Make Your Life a Little Easier!"

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So glad you joined us!

It's Favorite Things Friday over at A Few of My Favorite Things and this is a new feature. We all know what it's like to try something new...and wait for the response. So, here's mine.

A while back, I did a list of 10 of my favorite things - and they haven't changed! So, here's a re-run. Hope you enjoy it!

I figure if Oprah can have a list, I can, too.
So, here are 10 kitchen items things that I truly love.

Dawn Direct Foam
I truly love this stuff. It's not a traditional dish soap that you pour into water to produce bubbles. Instead you squeeze it onto a damp (but not sopping wet sponge) and scrub your wet dishes. It's dissolves grease like magic and gets the orange stains out of your plastic ware! The less water you use the better. And, one soapy sponge will clean lots of dishes. Then simply rinse everything off. Be sure to get all the foam off.

It's a whole way of doing dishes. And, it's really worth the try. Just do NOT think use it like regular dish soap. It's not the same. It's BETTER!
Leifheit Pro Line Stainless Steel Cherry/Olive Pitter
I pit a lot of olives and this is a lifesaver. I can pit a pound of Kalamatas in no time flat. It can supposedly be used for cherries, too, but I haven't tried that. Now, I will offer a disclaimer that folks have reported that the pin falls out. (Maybe the small cherry pit makes the pit hit off-center?)

I can absolutely say that I have pitted more than my fair share of large pitted Kalamata olives and my pitter is in perfect shape. (Oh, and the pitter comes with a little plastic "closer" that keeps the pitter, well...closed. Perhaps the pin can get damaged by leaving the pitter rolling around in their drawers?) I swear by my olive pitter.
Citrus Squeezer
I bought some generic yellow one from Linens and Things and I love it. But, if I had to buy one again, I would prolly try this Norpro Stainless Steel Press. One quick squeeze and your done. (You place the citrus half in upside down. Then when you squeeze, it turns the flesh and rind inside out.) Whether it's orange juice for cookies or lime juice for mojitos, my citrus squeezer gets a lot of use. (I first saw one on chef Rick Bayless' TV show. Thanks, Rick!)
Microplane Stainless Steel Zester
From orange, lemon, and lime zest to nutmeg, and chocolate, this little zester is a handy-dandy multi-tasker. While you *could* buy a microplane with a handle, this model is my favorite.

Why?
Bbecause if you are grating, say nutmeg, and you want to measure it, simply slip the plastic cover on backwards. The filings will fall into the plastic sleeve. Then you can just slide them into your measuring spoon. Granted, I don't often get the urge to measure my nutmeg, but I like the ability to do it if the mood strikes. *wink*
Half-sheet pan
At the suggestion of Alton Brown, I bought my first half-sheet pans at my local commercial kitchen supply store. They were 5 bucks each. Three years later they are still going strong. Love 'em. I can bake up a whole pound of bacon to a perfect crispness on these. Yum.

Half-sheet grate
This grate, obviously, goes with the pans. Perfect pairing.
Digital instant-read thermometer (waterproof)
This isn't the exact model I have, but you get the idea. (I wish mine were waterproof.) If you don't already have one, get yourself a nice digital thermometer with large numbers. This one doesn't stay in the oven - it's more for temp'ing on the fly - like a nice pork tenderloin on the grill. Open the lid, temp it, pull the pork, let it rest, indulge...
Digital thermometer with timer
Again, not exactly my model. But, my model is currently $99 on Amazon. (And, no I didn't pay that. I paid about $25.) This type of thermometer stays in the oven - well, at least the probe end does. You set the temp you want, like 151 for a turkey, and then the thermometer will beep when the temp has been reached. (No, you won't eat the turkey at 151, but carry-over should take it to 165.) There is also a timer and a nice long cord that extends out of the oven and (hopefully) on the back it has a magnet, so you can just *stick* it on the oven while you wait for the turkey to come up to temp. It's a true "Set it and forget it" Ha! :)
Silpat (11-5/8 by 16-1/2 inch)
From cookies, to brittle - I use this almost daily. Forget foil or parchment paper - or those expensive "thermal" cooking sheets. I never made a cookie that tasted good until I used my Silpat. (There's also a knock off brand that works well, too.)

A note about Silpats:
They come in many different sizes - I have found Amazon to be a great resource. Be sure you measure your half sheet pans or cookie sheets to get the best fit possible.
Kitchen Grips oven mitts (Extra long)
These mitts rock. If you've ever pulled a pan with juice to the rim out of the oven, you've wished for longer mitts. These are safe to 500 the company says. (Actually, I found they tend to track/melt the red color onto my pans at about 475.) Even at 475 I can't feel a bit of heat through the glove. They are absolutely wonderful. (Note: Looks like the Kitchen Grips are currently unavailable. But, the Duncan Euro Design, Extra Length Mitts look comparable.)

So, there you have it!
Dana's top 10 favorite things.
Well, kitchen things.
So, what are yours?

Linking to:
The Nester's Favorite Things under $30 party!

Creative Easter Baskets, Unique Cooking Books & Family Games

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If you are new, there are many ways to find out what's cooking.
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(Hey, if your name begins with an E, and your 12, and you have a cat named Tink...no peeking! Close this page - now! LOL!)

This is the first year I'll be helping to build an Easter basket.
And, while I certainly loved getting chocolate as a kid, what I remember most was having a blast getting a new age-appropriate workbooks. They were filled with word puzzles - and had sort of a Highlights feel to them.

So, along with candy I'm trying to think of other things to put in the basket this year.

For example:

a teen/student bible
a Nalgene bottle (looks like he'll be going on his first camping trip soon)
a set of art pencils
Drawing how to books, like How To Draw People
and
The amazing science-behind-cooking book The Inquisitive Cook.

I've also requested a few different camping cookbooks from the library to page through. Titles such as, Things to Do with a Dutch Oven and Cooking the Dutch Oven Way.

Also, I'm looking for unusual board games and card games.
Not like Uno - more like a car driving game I grew up with called Mille Bornes.
You give each other flat tires, and run out of gas - lol!

Has anyone ever played Fluxx?
I'd love to hear what you think of it.
Or, how about this one?
Now What? Senseless Solutions to Strange Situations Game?
It looks like fun.


How are YOU being creative with YOUR Easter baskets this year?
I've love to hear!

Ut oh! Spaghettio Pizza!? And, stuff...

First - A big thank you to everyone who is already
a fan of the new Cookin' At Café D Facebook Page!

You can also finds us on Twitter and follow via
RSS and  using the buttons to the right.

Yes, I'll actually be showing you a Spaghettio Pizza.

No joke.

First, here's  bunch of random stuff I found on my SD card.

Like tamales that Said gave me - out of the blue.
Seriously?

Is anyone else blessed with someone who just knocks on your office door and delivers homemade tamales?? Good stuff. Thanks, Said!

I just love this pic.
It's of a bunch of sandwich wraps that Tom made at work.

Tom put them on the tray and they reminded me of sushi.
So colorful and made with love.

In the opposite ring...wearing red trunks is...
"Completely made without love - Monkeybread!

What?! Seriously, when did Monkeybread become a microwaveable food? Oh, sure, it's to save kids from having to use a sharp - wait...you don't need a knife. It's Pillsbury rolls, butter, cinnamon, and...sugar. Geesh, I suppose it keeps the kids from using an oven. But, that's the only benefit I can see. Oh...wait! Could it be....

There it is, it's Trans Fat Free. Well, now, I guess I want to buy that! We should all buy that!

Moving along...to Grocery store Kim Chee.
(Did I just type that?)
Yes, yes I did.
Wow, and there are PREMIUM veggies in that jar, baby! So, if you find yourself needing a late night fix of Kim Chee, it's only as far away as your local Jewel/Albertson's store!

And, now.

The Pièce de Résistance...

Spaghettio Pizza.

You see, I make specialty pizzas at work. Chicken alfredo with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, Italian beef, meatball sub, mac and cheese.

Lately the fabulous baker boys, Doug and Artie, have been on my case to make Cherrio - I mean, Spaghettio Pizza. I found as many excuses as I could, then finally said, "If you can get Scott to sign off on it, I'll do it." My manager, of course, said that if it will make them stop asking...do it.

So, the following week the guys brought in two cans and asked for one "traditional spaghettio pizza" and one with half pepperoni and sausage. (Eyeroll.)



That's the, er, "traditional" (before cheese) sitting atop my hand-made honey whole week crust. Made with love. lol.

That's the, um, "Meat-lovers spaghettio pizza" sitting atop my hand-made...never mind.

Adding the cheeses.

Our pizza oven, giving birth to the new creation. But, would it taste good?

Well, it received 4 thumbs-up from Artie and Doug...and a 5 from the East German judge, tonight played by Bart.

But, seriously folks...it wasn't horrible. 

 It actually looked sorta, nice.

And, it tasted, (yes, I tasted it) sorta...okay, bland.

But, it looked pretty. Really pretty.

And, it smelled good.

Now the fabulous baker boys want...a Krab (with a K) and cream cheese pizza.

If you need me, I'll be reading Dr. Cloud's book on Boundaries.

So, tell me, what would YOU put on YOUR pizza?

What's the strangest thing you've ever eaten?

Best Sandwich Ever! (imho...)

First - A big thank you to everyone who is already
a fan of the new Cookin' At Café D Facebook Page!

You can also finds us on Twitter and follow via
RSS and Google Friend Connect using the buttons to the right.

Basically, whether you like your updates on whole wheat, Greek toast or rye...we've got you covered!

So, last night I mentioned to some folks that I had a pot of onions caramelizing - making the whole place smell all warm and sweet. I'll let you in on what I was making.

Something sweet, salty, savory...
Right now it's my favorite sammy.
A roast beef sandwich with caramelized onions and Boursin cheese.
Yum!

(Now, I'm *really* very sorry for the bad pic up there. Pictures would turn out so much nicer if I took them in daylight...but most of my shots are at 8 pm. LOL.)

A couple of years ago my friend Karen and her family introduced me to the wonders of Boursin cheese. Are you a familiar? I get the garlic herb one and it's light, creamy...difficult to describe. Sorta like the best garlic cream cheese...or chive...you've ever had. (But, it's quite better than that.)

Anyway, I toss a handful of onions in a pot with some butter and let 'em simmer for an hour or so. Grab some Brousin and smear it thickly on some French bread. Pile some rare ruast beef, and pile on the sweet caramelized onions.

Delicious!
And, so easy!
What's your favorite sammy?
I'd love to know!

Keeping the Faith - My Prodigal...Tables

A while back I mentioned that I have "dontator's regret" over full sets of vintage living room and bedroom furniture.

Most of it was Heywood-Wakfield.
And, not knowing it's value, I just wanted it gone.
(Growing up...I just hated that blond wood.)

Since then, I've been klunked in the noggin by the vintage bug and I would love to have those pieces back. I never thought I would see pieces like that again - or if I did - they would not be at reasonable prices.

I'm so glad I was wrong.
This is close to one of the pieces I would like to get back.
Guess what?!

I found these tables are on Craigslist...for $35!
Nope, they aren't exactly the same.
Actually, they are the sleek shape that I prefer...but the wood is too dark.
So close. (I was tempted to get them.)

I also found these of the dove-tailed variety.

But, alas, these were $325 (for both) and still not quite what I'm looking for.

I'll be patient and keep the faith.
I bet they'll come home - eventually.

Do you have a prodigal piece?
What toy, game, piece of furniture are you hoping to find one day?