Archive for February, 2008

Great Balls ‘O Dough

Posted by Candace on Friday, February 29th, 2008

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This Daring Baker challenge was a wonderful one! I was seriously hoping it wasn’t a sweet one, as I’m still battling the last few holiday pounds. Our lovely hostesses, Breadchick Mary of Sour Dough and Sara of I Like to Cook chose bread… and just happened to pick my most favorite, French Bread. It just so happens to be one of my favorite chefs too, Julia Child. So from the beginning, I was doubly excited about the challenge. I followed the recipe to the letter, and chose to do Petit Pains (or boules?) instead of baguettes, as I just made baguettes a few months ago.

The recipe came along very nicely, but did take about 8 hours to complete in one day. Next time, I would probably try to stretch this to two days, and retard the dough overnight in the refrigerator. I started very early in the morning, and since I’m such a darn good wife, I actually kneaded the bread by had to avoid waking my sleeping husband with my loud mixer. I should be sainted, right? I haven’t made bread by hand in over 8 years, as I always use my Kitchenaid mixer. It was surprisingly calming to stand in my pajamas, kneading the dough while drinking my morning coffee. Quite peaceful. However, next time… I’ll continue using the mixer!
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February 29th, 2008 by Candace / Filed under Bakery, Daring Bakers / 37 Critiques

South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Posted by Candace on Monday, February 25th, 2008

This weekend was the South Beach Wine & Food Festival. Unfortunately, it was the hottest day of the year so far… I think a record high of just shy of 90 degrees. However, even with the extreme heat, I had a absolute blast at the Grand Tasting. I’ve been wanting to go for many years, but have always had scheduling conflicts or the events were sold out. This year we planned early, and bought tickets shortly after they went on sale.

Stephan was concerned that there wouldn’t be enough food and wine for all the people, but definitely changed his mind the minute we stepped into the Grand Tasting Village. Being newbies at this event, we didn’t plan too well, and I was completely stuffed after about 15 minutes. Sheesh! I totally should have paced myself! We were passing one fabulous restaurant after another and I kept saying… OMG! I HAVE to try this! From tiny Kobe chili dogs to tuna tartare to oxtail risotto, there was every type of food imaginable. Unfortunately, I didn’t think of writing down which food was offered by what restaurant… but everything I had was fabulous!
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February 25th, 2008 by Candace / Filed under Food Events, Kitchen Gossip / 14 Critiques

Wok This Way!

Posted by Candace on Friday, February 22nd, 2008

Yeah, I know, cheesy title! I really did use my wok, though. :) This is an easy recipe, because it uses basic ingredients, things I usually have on hand, other than a few extra veggies. Its also very quick cooking. Start your rice when you start chopping veggies. By the time you’re finished stir-frying, the rice is cooked and ready to go. You’re eating in 20 minutes!

I have to tell you… I’m uber excited about my weekend because its the South Beach Wine and Food Festival… and yours truly is going to the Grand Tasting!!!! The Forge, Touch, and Blue Door in the Delano (where my hubby proposed) are among some of the amazing South Florida restaurants who will be offering samples of their wares. There will also be many chefs including Masaharu Morimoto, (AKA The Iron Chef) Bobby Flay and Tyler Florence from the Food Network that will be there for seminars and book signings. I am just beside myself with excitement! Thank goodness I have my own personal paparazzi with me (isn’t it great to marry a photographer?) so I’ll have photos to post next week.

I would love to go to all the events, especially the Interactive Cooking Lunch with Ming Tsai (big sigh…) but everything sold out quickly. I have been a huge fan of his for many years. When I was in Culinary School, we had to write about who we looked up to in the industry. I chose him because at the time, he had a show called East meets West. What a coincidence, that’s what I am… Japanese and American… get it? Anyway, in writing this story, I decided to send Ming an email and ask a few questions. Honestly, I never expected to hear back from him. One day… maybe a month after I had written him the email, I came home to a message on my voice mail. It was MING TSAI! Not his assistant, not the assistant to his assistant, but the real deal. He left me a very long message thanking me for the email and answering my questions. Embarrassing confession: I kept that voice mail for at least 2 years, and played it back often. I’m such a dork, I know.
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February 22nd, 2008 by Candace / Filed under Asian, Chicken, Dinner / 9 Critiques

The World’s Most Expensive Dessert

Posted by Candace on Thursday, February 21st, 2008

When I worked as a pastry chef, I was once asked to put an engagement ring in a dessert.  It was on top of a chocolate bombe (half-circle) that was then encased in spun sugar.  Tooootally fancy pants… and the perfect dessert to use for a romantic proposal.  Of course, as it left the kitchen, I had to follow it and peek at the couple and see the proposal.  Thank goodness she said yes! 

Check out some of these ridiculous desserts I found on the Forbes Traveller website.  I’ll take this one with the 4 carat diamond, please!  :) Here’s a link to the slideshow.expensive-desserts-01-d2.jpg

February 21st, 2008 by Candace / Filed under Kitchen Gossip / No Critiques

Tuxedo Strawberries

Posted by Candace on Monday, February 18th, 2008

In planning our Valentines day dinner, I decided to go somewhat healthy for our dessert and chose chocolate dipped strawberries. But of course, being me, I had to make them fancy with the tuxedos. I stood in my local grocery store for about 5 minutes with two boxes of strawberries. One box consisted of two pints for $4 of regular strawberries, the other was a mere (perfect) dozen ones with the stem still on. That one was $10. I was so torn… should I spend $6 more for a fraction of the strawberries simply to have the stems? The frugal side of me took over, and I bought the less expensive ones. If I had to go back, I’d say screw it and spend the other 6 dollars! The stem really does help with the dipping process. So the moral of the story is… if you’re planning on taking the time to do tuxedo strawberries, don’t cheap out… buy the fancy strawberries with the stems!

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February 18th, 2008 by Candace / Filed under Sweet Tooth / 11 Critiques
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