Cooking Homework: Orphaned Appliances and Unread Books

Nobody puts Breville in the corner.

In October, I introduced the concept of cooking homework. It was a selfishly motivated endeavor to immerse myself in slow cookery but many of you seemed enthusiastic about it. The concept was to give yourself an assignment in the kitchen and then report back with progress. Timing may not be everything but my timing stunk and I checked back with all of you in November right as holiday hell festivities were getting started. Nobody, except me, had done their homework.

Well it’s a new (or newish) year, we’re all back from "winter break" and a new semester is starting. I’ll admit, I have temporarily abandoned my slow cooker and retreated to my cooking comfort zone. Only last week did I do a little rut busting and experimented with some recipes from a beautiful new book "Home Cooking with Jean-Georges". The recipes are manageable but I have to laugh when I see accomplished chef’s concept of “simple recipes”.  Simple to me is fewer than 10 ingredients and does not involve butchering. I cooked Cumin and Citrus Roasted Carrots and the most delicious chicken breasts ever and really enjoyed it. So, your first homework assignment is to cook 1-2 recipes from a cookbook you haven’t used or haven’t used in a while. I’ll continue to cook Jean-Georges but also plan to make recipes from “Appetite For Reduction” from the author of Veganomicon and “Healthy Hedonist” from one of my favorite chef’s Myra Kornfeld.

After the cooking homework I clearly need some photo homework

Assignment #2 refers to the photo above.  I’m very fickle in the kitchen and with the arrival of the slow cooker and the Vitamix my beloved Breville juicer (in addition to being fickle I’m a bit of an appliance whore, there are worse things right?) has been orphaned. With Organic Avenue opening just a few blocks from my house, I haven’t exactly been juice-deprived.

Can you name the blogger at the register purchasing everything in sight?

 Their Green Coco juice awaits me after a run or barre class while my loyal juicer sits in the corner tucked behind Nespresso. It took some good old-fashioned guilt to get through to me. I was talking to a friend about kitchens and the items we use every day and she said, “well I keep my juicer out because I use it daily.” “You really make a juice every single day?” I had to clarify. “Every day she insisted”. I love the ideal of juicing again (maybe not daily) and also don’t really think anyone needs to spend $10 for greens in a pretty bottle.  Assignment #2 is to revisit a neglected appliance. Whether it’s the blender, waffle iron or even your oven, change things up and maybe you’ll like it.

Mark your calendars, assignments are due a month from today or Friday 3/2. Class will be in session by 6am but you can “hand in” your work any time that day.

What do you think you’ll do for each assignment? Any great cookbook discoveries or new appliances you’d like to mention? Are you more of a cookbook or appliance whore?

Did I mention the NY Giant's Toaster? It's my son's, I swear. Go Giants!

Big Blue not Big You Super Bowl Menu

Game over, just hoping this would deter you

There are times we skip on Super Bowl guidance but that will not be happening for Superbowl XLV1 (forty six in case your Roman numerals are failing you). With the Giants playing, many of our clients will be celebrating and this makes us more nervous than the game itself. Carolyn is going to give you a game plan, study these plays.

Come Super Bowl Sunday, there are two givens the Giants will be winning and most Americans will be eating. If you’re like us, you’re way more into the food stats than the football ones. As much as I love avocados, the 26 million of them consumed on Super Bowl Sunday is overkill. Imagine a 40-inch layer of guacamole across the field in the Superdome (we had to include the New Orleans somewhere in here). Then there’s the 28 million pounds of potato chips which lined up could span almost 1.5 times the distance to the moon and 1.25 billion, yup billion, chicken wings. This all gives new meaning to the word “super bowl” and explains why 7-eleven reports, a significant increase in antacid sales on the Monday after the Super Bowl.

It makes me chuckle that "Patriotic" choices like nachos and the giant preservative-filled party subs are some of the worst offenders. If that’s what you’re going to be faced with on game day, check out this article Lauren wrote on food fumbles and MVPs.

 If loaded nachos aren’t your style here’s our “BIG BLUE, not big you” menu (and yes we do know their jerseys on Sunday will be white):


Coughlin Chips and Dip: Laurel Hill Multigrain tortilla chips (on another day try the olive/caper flavor)  with Brooklyn Salsa Company Curry Salsa  (or homemade pico de gallo)

Cruz Crudité: carrot, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, jicama, cauliflower, grape tomatoes with Bobbi’s Black Bean Hummus

Nicks’ Nuts: get your mind out of the gutter; we’re talking about Sheffa Mix or pistachios (~49 in a serving)

Pierre-Paul Popcorn: You know how we feel about homemade popcorn (1 tbs. oil to ½ cup kernels pop covered 3-4 min shaking occasionally), especially with a little truffle salt.

No Fumbles Fries: Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries

Quarterback Quality Cold Cuts: organic, nitrite-free Applegate turkey, ham and 

Manning-worthy Mustard: best stuff ever

No Penalty Pale Ale: Peak Organic Pale Ale. Unfortunately we have to think about pesticides in drinks, too.

Winning Spin on Wings: Enjoying the sweet taste of victory doesn’t mean you should go near the fried wings. A face full of bbq sauce doesn’t look good on anyone. If tempted, this is the one time we think it’s okay to say “what would Giselle do” (WWGD)?  Try these Baked Parmesan Garlic Wings (via Steamy Kitchen) and pair this recipe with Cochon or Crystal hot sauce.


Veggie or turkey chili, Paella, even sushi all work well for Super Bowl spreads. Leave the junky food to the commercials and don't be a 7-eleven statistic next Monday.

What are your favorite Super bowl snacks? Will you be watching the game? Do we dare ask who you’re rooting for?