Thursday, December 15, 2011

A New Show I Like to Watch

I like watching people cook and this love started with me watching my mother cook great asian meals and in the afternoons watching Julia Childs before my nap. Today, I like watching all things food even when I've been stuffed to the gills. I will watch everything from Bizarre Foods, all things Food Network, Anthony Bourdain's The Layover, public tv cooking shows and now I have also added to my viewing pleasure David Rocco's Dolce Vita show from the Cooking Channel.

What I like most about David's show is how he truly incorporates his culture into each episode, whether it is speaking in his native tongue, featuring his Italian friends/family with their recipes or best of all making everyday Italian food look and sound delicious and easy to make. It also doesn't hurt that David has a soothing instructional voice. With each episode I get more and more excited about visiting Italy some day. Maybe take a culinary tour?

Well, I found this video on YouTube of David making Potato Croquets. Yesterday I watched an episode where he was in the Amalfi coast and he made some meatballs, Polpette Di Peppe, and a very regional old world pasta called Dunderi. Both recipes looked easy to make and probably tastes amazing.

Buongiorno!

For more information on David Rocco's Dolce Vita.



(YouTube via Dysan8003)

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Cinema Sentinel: Waste Land (2010)

Want to watch a film that actually makes sense and is worth the time watching?

I would like to recommend the documentary film, Waste Land. This is truly an inspirational film that documents Brazilian artist Vik Muniz's journey as an artist and as another human being making a lasting impact on others through his craft.

It is an uplifting film and makes you really think about your own impact in this world and what you can do to make it better for another person or persons. I was lucky enough to have this in Instant Play on my Netflix. I'm not usually impressed with the selection of Instant Play movies but when it comes to documentaries, Netflix is quite impressive.

For more on Waste Land.
For more on Vik Muniz.

Hope you had a great day!

Monday, December 5, 2011

How I Could Enjoy Eggnog

My husband LOVES eggnog. It is the one thing he will make a trip to the grocery store for during the holidays. (Back story...going to the grocery store for him isn't his idea of a good time. However for me, I love grocery stores and outdoor markets.)

Anyway, I've had normal eggnog, soy milk eggnog and Southern Comfort Eggnog. Meh. Not really impressed.

But with this recipe, George Washington's Eggnog recipe, I do believe this might be the nog for me. This recipe is via AssociatedPress's YouTube Channel with Chef Lauren Braun Costello (The Competent Cook), owner of Gotham Caterers in New York City.

I watched the video and read some good feedback. Can't wait to try it. Hope you enjoy the video. Merry Monday to you!



(via AssociatedPress)

Friday, December 2, 2011

Traditional Butter Cookies


This recipe today comes from the kitchen of Michelle Gesse via Penzey's Spices' December catalogue. If you don't know what Penzey's Spices is, well it's time you get acquainted with this company and their goods. I've known of them for YEARS, since my days in the midwest.

When I read stories of merchants bringing spices from exotic lands, I imagine being in such a market whenever I visit a Penzey's store. If you haven't been to a Penzey's store, I urge you to make a trip. You will not be disappointed. If the cashier offers you to join their mailing for a catalogue, say yes. Every catalogue features a cook, their passion for food and what recipes they have to share.

I'm so glad I made this recipe for my christmas cookies this year. It will certainly become one of our family favorites. It has the sweetness of a sugar cookie but with a buttery finish and melt-in-your mouth texture. It tastes more exquisite I think than a regular sugar cookie.

The ingredients used are half the quantity of the original recipe. There is also a bit of flavoring I added as a personal preference. Hope you enjoy it!

Traditional Butter Cookies
Recipe and instructions adapted from Michelle Gesse via Penzey's Spices. Yields approx 2 dozen.

1 cup  Salted Butter (softened)
1 cup  Powdered Sugar
2 Egg yolks
1 teaspoon  Vanilla extract (Madagascar vanilla used)
1/4 teaspoon  Orange flavor extract
2 1/2 cup  Sifted Flour
Wax paper
Cooling racks
  • Cream butter until light and fluffy.
  • Add powdered sugar and mix well. 
  • Add egg yolks, on at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • Add vanilla and orange extracts, mix well.
  • Add flour, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. 
  • Divide dough and pat into discs, wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least two hours.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Work with one disc at a time. Lay wax paper and place dough on paper, lay another layer of wax paper on top of dough. Roll out dough to desired thickness and have fun with creating cookie shapes.


Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on your oven. Or bake until lightly golden. Carefully remove cookie and let cool on racks. Decorate cookies with a glaze when warm or let cool completely and have fun!



For more Penzey's Spices.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Fun Christmas Videos

Happy Thursday! I can't believe it but I'm so excited that it's December already. Have you found the perfect gifts for your loved ones? Or are you just going to deliver a lumps of coal this season? Either way, while you are doing all that, hope you enjoy these videos that might get you in the mood, naughty or nice.



(via MuppetsStudio)



(via SesameStreet)

Not a seasonal song, however, I can't help but admire his spirit. Cute kid.



(via brandonator10)

*I removed two videos today (12/02) because they were not playing due to WMG rights. But I posted
The Grinch Song and 12 Days of Christmas. Enjoy!!!