Today I couldn't wait to christen my pot so I made Mango Chutney Pork Loin with Sweet Potatoes and Onions. The recipe called for grilling but I roasted it in the oven instead. It turned out so juicy and tender and my roommates gave it 5 stars. The rosemary made the apartment smell divine and it was healthy. Most importantly, it made me VERY happy! Ah, life's simple pleasures.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Le Creuset
Today I couldn't wait to christen my pot so I made Mango Chutney Pork Loin with Sweet Potatoes and Onions. The recipe called for grilling but I roasted it in the oven instead. It turned out so juicy and tender and my roommates gave it 5 stars. The rosemary made the apartment smell divine and it was healthy. Most importantly, it made me VERY happy! Ah, life's simple pleasures.
Friday, January 29, 2010
The 1st Test Nest
Mocktail: Grape Sparks (not worth keeping)
1st Course: Apple and Mesclun Salad with Orange-Ginger Dressing and Homemade Asiago-Pepper Bread
- Dressing was 4 stars – I kept the salad light because of the heavy stuffed pasta main course, but guests thought I could have added more mix ins. The bread was rated 5 stars.
2nd Course: Butternut Squash Cannelloni with Sage-Walnut Cream Sauce (4 stars)
- A sweet and tangy butternut squash filling layered with spinach, rolled and baked. The Sage Walnut Cream Sauce was perfectly complimentary although I’ve made note to add more walnuts. Note: the cream sauce turned a little dark after sitting out so make sure to serve right out of the oven.
Dessert: Tea with Pistachio Shortbread (4 stars)
- Buttery, nutty cookie was a perfect light end to the meal.
Guests also left with a little package of shortbread to remember the evening.
Grilled Monster Pork Chops with Tomatillo and Green Apple Sauce
Cinnamon Raisin French Toast (try the buttermilk French toast recipe with Cinnamon Raisin Bread)
During February I plan to have two Test Nest nights. I’m even going to take advantage of Cupid’s holiday and make sure hearts and chocolate are part of each meal. For some reason, even though I dislike V-day I have lots of heart cookware including cake pans, tartlet and cupcake molds (thanks to making Hilary’s Wedding Cake/Chocolate Cupcake and topping bar) – so I figure I better put it to good use.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Finian's Rainbow
Overall the story is a lame, unrealistic love story (the producers describe it as whimsical) made delightful by fabulous dancing, spectacular music, magical tricks and appealing scenery. The stand out in the cast was Christopher Fitzgerald, who just might be one of my favorite Broadway actors. If he is on the bill you know he will give a top notch performance. As the leprechaun Og, Fitzgerald adds a one-of-a-kind enthusiasm and creativity to the show. His role provides him the opportunity to be whitty, charming and funny, as he does so well. Fitzgerald originated the role of Boq in Wicked and should have received the Tony Award for his role as Igor in Young Frankenstein (he stole the show).
I’ve seen Cheyenne Jackson in a few Broadway shows and so far I enjoy his role on NBC’s 30 Rock. Interestingly enough, I’m not sure he has the skills to be more than the hunky guy – but he does hunky so well that it is good enough for me. His wonderful voice is an added bonus. I enjoyed seeing Jim Norton as a cheesy, happy Irish father versus the scattered old man dropping the F bomb in The Seafarer (for which he won a well deserved Tony Award in 2008).
Broadway is suffering! These shows need to run longer in order to make money (typically 12-16 months to recoup costs of production). The amount of talent that goes into producing these shows is mindblowing and they deserve to stay alive, especially in an economic crisis. Support the arts - go see a show! There are discount tickets (TKTS, Theatermania.com, hitshowclub.com, broadwaybox.com), lotteries and rush tickets (check out regularly updated story at Playbill.com). You can afford it!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Test Kitchen
I've wanted to do something like this for a while but never had the time. Since I'm currently freelancing I have a little more flexibility. I'm going to track all of the recipes in an excel sheet and I think it will be very interesting to see the results at the end of the year. How many Martha Stewart recipes were 5 stars (I swear she never fails me), how many Real Simple recipes did I throw away (usually they are so bland). I might even rate difficulty. I really enjoy creating dynamic menus (it's just so fun to bring out hidden flavors, sweet vs. salty, etc... when putting together a full menu). Maybe I have a nack for it? I figure the test kitchen will help me learn how to better prep and prepare the full menu so that I have meals ready on time. It will help me improve techniques and it's no fun to cook for only me. I love to entertain.
So, I need help deciding on a name for the concept. Here are my top three - which is your favorite?
1) Cuisine a la Mode
2) Test Nest
3) Harlem Kitchen
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Career Transition for Dancers - 24th Anniversary Jubilee
Here is the review for your reading pleasure: http://www.exploredance.com/article.htm?id=2945
Monday, October 26, 2009
Solar Decathlon
20 different universities created concept homes to show how new homes can be constructed with unique and livable architecture while also creating homes with solar roofs and completely efficient systems. Each one of us should try harder to do our part to be more green and make changes in our lives and homes to use less energy. I need to do more.
Click here to see a virtual tour of my favorite home, Alberta.
Also check out this applicable TED Talk about building cities/communities that provide opportunity for innovation. A smart concept to look at for improving the world: http://www.ted.com/search?q=Paul+Romer&x=0&y=0
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Burn The Floor
Burn the Floor is two hours of non-stop beauty, creativity, and daring tricks. Adrenaline packed, all 32 dancers (each with a bio full of various championship titles within the amateur and professional ballroom industry) captivate the audience with fluid transitions between dance forms and dynamic technique. During the length of the show the dancers don't get much time to rest. I'm astounded by their stamina as I'm aware of how difficult it is to dance at their intensity for the duration of this show.
Choreographer and World champion Jason Gilkison starting dancing as a young boy in his grandfather's studio. Less and less we hear of cultural and family traditions such as this being passed down through generations. My parents grew up with Fred and Ginger and followed the same style in their high school dances. I pray this show and the TV shows will help the world move away from the "teddy bear hug" dance forms.
While most of the ballroom dance styles were briefly represented the focus was on the Latin dances. I would have liked to have seen the same intensity that was brought to the Latin choreography displayed in the complexity and grace of the Standard dances - rather than putting the Standard dances on the backseat. There was only one couple whose core discipline was Standard, the other couples were focused in the Latin discipline.
Burn the Floor does reinvent Ballroom - but it is not a typical Broadway show. There is no story line, plot, or script. The show is 100% dance, and to be honest I'm surprised yet ecstatic that the show made it to such a high bill as Broadway. The limited engagement was extended from October to January 3, 2010 - so come to Broadway and watch one of the greatest displays of Ballroom dance to ever hit the stage.