More catching up to do.....
Tuesday I was up and out of the house by 9am. Went to Whole Foods to buy meat and seafood. I had gotten some of the groceries Monday at Trader Joe's so shopping Tuesday went quickly. I got all the way to my client's house and realized I forgot to bring containers! I couldn't believe it. Thank goodness most of my meals were salads, so I could put them on regular plates in the fridge! After I was done with my personal chef gig, I made 20 discs of pastry dough for my mini Tarts due Thursday. 1 1/4 cups of flour, 1/4 tsp salt, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 stick of butter and three tbsp of ice water whooshed in a food processor. It went quickly and I soon had 20 pastry disc chilling in the fridge. The dough needed to chill because of the butter-you need that to make sure the dough is flaky. A little TV then bed.
Wednesday I was up early to take the garbage can out. Jordan got back to Reno about 10am. It's nice to have him back. I cleaned up then rolled out my pastry dough, cut out 2 1/2 inch circles with a round ring, then snapped sides in them to hold in the filling. I blind-baked the dough then let them cool. I did take a lunch break so I could eat. I then whipped up a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream for the filling. On top of the cream, I put blueberries on some of the tarts and raspberries and strawberries on some of them. They were very cute! And, of course I forgot to take pictures! What a dope! Oh, well,,,, I finished the tarts about 8pm. Jordan made dinner that night!
Thursday, I did manage to sleep in some but had to get up to deliver my tart to SCOR. When I arrived, I did get some help carrying the 20 boxes in, but no one seemed to know anything about the marketing plan. It gave me a little scare! I did have the date and time down correctly! I did relax some after the tarts were delivered but couldn't take too long, w had company for dinner. Jordan's insurance man and his wife. Nice couple. I made Mediterranean pork chops, grilled fennel salad, a rice medley, curried crab bites and a lemon blueberry tart. Yum on it all! Everyone seemed to have a nice time, so that's good!
And now in bed, I'm exhausticated! Time to sleep. Good night!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Jordan left early this morning for San Diego. I slept in just a little longer. I fed the cat (what we jokingly call second breakfast just like in Lord of the Rings), ate my breakfast, then talked to my mom.
After that, I called and talked to the people at EdibleReno-Tahoe to see about advertising for myself and for the dinners Jan and I are planning. Jack, the woman I talked to had a lot of good advice for Jan and I. Jaci was also impressed that I was going to be selling cookies to Thunderbird Lodge. She thought that was quite a coup! She did feel Jan and I were under charging for our dinner and thought $80-$125 a better price. Se then sent me a link to check out advertising prices. It's expensive to advertise! I emailed the link to Jan, then went to have lunch with Ric at Arlington Gardens (no surprise there!). They do ok at lunch.
After I got back home, I talked with Jan about pricing, advertising, the wind, liability and tents. A lot needs to come together if we're going to go ahead with plans for a farm to table dinner. It will all work out. I did develop a menu for the first dinner though: Roasted tomato Soup with a dollop of mint pesto, Tunisian Vegetable Salsa with grilled flatbread, Greek salad, grilled lamb and grilled chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, herbed vegetables, Orzo with asparagus and almonds, Olive Oil cake with Candied Oranges and Macerated Fruit with Vanilla Cream. Sounds good to me!
I made the Olive Oil Cake to give to Michael tomorrow. I'll try a piece of it myself to make sure it will work for the farm to table dinner. It looks nice!
I had dinner with Janell at Eclipse Pizza. It wasn't as good as I remember it being. Just ok. We sat outside. Sure was windy! When I got back home, I didn't have the energy to make dough for the mini tarts so I'll have to start that tomorrow morning. It needs to be chilled for at least an hour. So I read some of my book, watched a little TV and talked to Jordan. It took him 10 hours to get to San Diego! He had dinner with his sister and some of her friends, then he'll head up to USC in the morning. Apparently he got an email from his boss at UNR telling him the Dean had written an email Sunday at noon stating everyone at the Bureau had until 5pm Monday to had in their resignation or plans to retire. Doing so would mean that the people who resign would have another year at UNR but the money comes out of a different account than the normally budgeted state account. Seems crazy to me and very cruel on the Dean's part to put down that ultimatum on such short notice. Then Jordan found out the Dean isn't even around Monday thru Thursday of this week! Like I said, crazy!
But now it's time for bed so I'll stop talking about UNR before I get too riled up, lol.
After that, I called and talked to the people at EdibleReno-Tahoe to see about advertising for myself and for the dinners Jan and I are planning. Jack, the woman I talked to had a lot of good advice for Jan and I. Jaci was also impressed that I was going to be selling cookies to Thunderbird Lodge. She thought that was quite a coup! She did feel Jan and I were under charging for our dinner and thought $80-$125 a better price. Se then sent me a link to check out advertising prices. It's expensive to advertise! I emailed the link to Jan, then went to have lunch with Ric at Arlington Gardens (no surprise there!). They do ok at lunch.
After I got back home, I talked with Jan about pricing, advertising, the wind, liability and tents. A lot needs to come together if we're going to go ahead with plans for a farm to table dinner. It will all work out. I did develop a menu for the first dinner though: Roasted tomato Soup with a dollop of mint pesto, Tunisian Vegetable Salsa with grilled flatbread, Greek salad, grilled lamb and grilled chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, herbed vegetables, Orzo with asparagus and almonds, Olive Oil cake with Candied Oranges and Macerated Fruit with Vanilla Cream. Sounds good to me!
I made the Olive Oil Cake to give to Michael tomorrow. I'll try a piece of it myself to make sure it will work for the farm to table dinner. It looks nice!
I had dinner with Janell at Eclipse Pizza. It wasn't as good as I remember it being. Just ok. We sat outside. Sure was windy! When I got back home, I didn't have the energy to make dough for the mini tarts so I'll have to start that tomorrow morning. It needs to be chilled for at least an hour. So I read some of my book, watched a little TV and talked to Jordan. It took him 10 hours to get to San Diego! He had dinner with his sister and some of her friends, then he'll head up to USC in the morning. Apparently he got an email from his boss at UNR telling him the Dean had written an email Sunday at noon stating everyone at the Bureau had until 5pm Monday to had in their resignation or plans to retire. Doing so would mean that the people who resign would have another year at UNR but the money comes out of a different account than the normally budgeted state account. Seems crazy to me and very cruel on the Dean's part to put down that ultimatum on such short notice. Then Jordan found out the Dean isn't even around Monday thru Thursday of this week! Like I said, crazy!
But now it's time for bed so I'll stop talking about UNR before I get too riled up, lol.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Ah, oh, I need to catch this blog up!
Friday morning I met with Sophia, a graphic designer about coming up with a logo and also about packaging my cookies, as I'd like to start selling them around. She was quite nice and just starting out on her own. She we have that in common. She told me to think about it but after thinking all weekend about it and talking with Jordan, I am going to pay her to help with a logo design and to help me out on packaging.
Friday for lunch, I met Jordan's friend and insurance guy, who is part owner in the Old 395 Station in Washoe City, about halfway between Reno and Carson. It's a convenience store that has a small deli, nothing special. I guess all three owners would like to see the deli portion expand and get better. Jordan's friend, John Rice, wanted me to take over the deli completely, but I have to tell you, I cannot see myself running a deli or convenience store for the next few years. And there are already people leasing the store and taking care of things so they would have to buy into all this. I did end up telling him I would help them develop a new sandwich menu and make suggestions for upgrades to their small work space, but that was it. A consulting job versus deli girl. He seems to think that might work. I'll let John deal with it and see if he gets back to me. He and his wife are coming for dinner Thursday. Maybe he'll have something new then.
Jordan and I grilled pork chops on the grill Friday evening. I marinated them in a jerk mustard sauce. They were good. Add some mashed potatoes and some brocolini, and you have a meal!
Saturday morning I did some clean up and pruning in the front yard. If I don't hear from Calvin soon, I'll start doing some of the yard make over myself. I honestly think we could qualify for the HGTV show "Desparate Landscapes", lol! The yard is slowly starting to look better. I ended up getting my arms all scratched up, though, and filled the garbage can so now I'll have to wait until Wednesday trash day to get it emptied and start again.
Janell and I went out to lunch at "Fatburger" on North McCarran. The burgers were pretty good. They even make small 2 1/2 oz burgers, which work well for me. Lots of fries though! Janell and I could have split some. After lunch we stopped by Home Depot so I could check out plants and rocks.
Saturday evening we had chicken with an apricot/olive sauce. Very nice! Same recipe as I used for my client's dinner last week.
Sunday we got up early and drove out with Janell to our friends Jan and Jim's house for breakfast. They served bacon, sourdough pancakes, fruit and eggs. The ranch is gorgeous, especially with everything blooming! Lots of people, lots of fun. Jordan, Janell and I stayed later than everyone else because we got into a discussion with Jan about doing dinners out at the ranch. Jan and I share equally in this, but I do the cooking. It's based on the farm to table philosophy where all the food is locally grown or raised. It could turn out to be fun!
After we got back into town (Jan and Jim live out behind Bordertown, north of Reno), I worked on menus and recipes and spent some time gathering the paperwork I need for Tuesday. Nice relaxing finish to a beautiful day!
Tomorrow I start baking the 240 mini tarts for SCOR. Should be interesting!
Friday morning I met with Sophia, a graphic designer about coming up with a logo and also about packaging my cookies, as I'd like to start selling them around. She was quite nice and just starting out on her own. She we have that in common. She told me to think about it but after thinking all weekend about it and talking with Jordan, I am going to pay her to help with a logo design and to help me out on packaging.
Friday for lunch, I met Jordan's friend and insurance guy, who is part owner in the Old 395 Station in Washoe City, about halfway between Reno and Carson. It's a convenience store that has a small deli, nothing special. I guess all three owners would like to see the deli portion expand and get better. Jordan's friend, John Rice, wanted me to take over the deli completely, but I have to tell you, I cannot see myself running a deli or convenience store for the next few years. And there are already people leasing the store and taking care of things so they would have to buy into all this. I did end up telling him I would help them develop a new sandwich menu and make suggestions for upgrades to their small work space, but that was it. A consulting job versus deli girl. He seems to think that might work. I'll let John deal with it and see if he gets back to me. He and his wife are coming for dinner Thursday. Maybe he'll have something new then.
Jordan and I grilled pork chops on the grill Friday evening. I marinated them in a jerk mustard sauce. They were good. Add some mashed potatoes and some brocolini, and you have a meal!
Saturday morning I did some clean up and pruning in the front yard. If I don't hear from Calvin soon, I'll start doing some of the yard make over myself. I honestly think we could qualify for the HGTV show "Desparate Landscapes", lol! The yard is slowly starting to look better. I ended up getting my arms all scratched up, though, and filled the garbage can so now I'll have to wait until Wednesday trash day to get it emptied and start again.
Janell and I went out to lunch at "Fatburger" on North McCarran. The burgers were pretty good. They even make small 2 1/2 oz burgers, which work well for me. Lots of fries though! Janell and I could have split some. After lunch we stopped by Home Depot so I could check out plants and rocks.
Saturday evening we had chicken with an apricot/olive sauce. Very nice! Same recipe as I used for my client's dinner last week.
Sunday we got up early and drove out with Janell to our friends Jan and Jim's house for breakfast. They served bacon, sourdough pancakes, fruit and eggs. The ranch is gorgeous, especially with everything blooming! Lots of people, lots of fun. Jordan, Janell and I stayed later than everyone else because we got into a discussion with Jan about doing dinners out at the ranch. Jan and I share equally in this, but I do the cooking. It's based on the farm to table philosophy where all the food is locally grown or raised. It could turn out to be fun!
After we got back into town (Jan and Jim live out behind Bordertown, north of Reno), I worked on menus and recipes and spent some time gathering the paperwork I need for Tuesday. Nice relaxing finish to a beautiful day!
Tomorrow I start baking the 240 mini tarts for SCOR. Should be interesting!
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday I went to lunch with Kasia to Rose's, a sandwich restaurant in Reno. They have been around for over ten years but there was a for sale sign in front of the building! Apparently they plan on keeping the restaurant open but perhaps at a new location. I guess all things change...
I talked with Sonja, who is in marketing, I'd guess you'd say, about packaging my cookies. We are meeting tomorrow morning at Java Jungle to talk. We'll see what she has to say/suggest. I don't have a lot of money, so this may be a long term project.
Today Jordan and I are going to take a look at a convenience store deli down in Washoe Valley. It's owned by a friend of his who wants to improve the deli so that people WANT to stop and get something to eat there. It would be a convenient stop for those people going to and from Carson City as well as hikers/bikers, etc. We'll see what it looks like.
Otherwise, there is yard work in my future. The yard is looking very sad and neglected and I have yet to hear from Calvin to see when or If he plans on coming to do the yard. I'll come back and catch you all up on the deli at Washoe City!
The gas station/deli is in Washoe City and run by an older couple who says their daughter is the manager of the store. They are a nice couple and do a nice job, albeit simple. Nothing wrong with that! I told Jordan I would feel like Walmart coming in to take over their deli. Jordan and I are meeting John R tomorrow for lunch to talk about all this and find out the real story behind akk this!
I talked with Sonja, who is in marketing, I'd guess you'd say, about packaging my cookies. We are meeting tomorrow morning at Java Jungle to talk. We'll see what she has to say/suggest. I don't have a lot of money, so this may be a long term project.
Today Jordan and I are going to take a look at a convenience store deli down in Washoe Valley. It's owned by a friend of his who wants to improve the deli so that people WANT to stop and get something to eat there. It would be a convenient stop for those people going to and from Carson City as well as hikers/bikers, etc. We'll see what it looks like.
Otherwise, there is yard work in my future. The yard is looking very sad and neglected and I have yet to hear from Calvin to see when or If he plans on coming to do the yard. I'll come back and catch you all up on the deli at Washoe City!
The gas station/deli is in Washoe City and run by an older couple who says their daughter is the manager of the store. They are a nice couple and do a nice job, albeit simple. Nothing wrong with that! I told Jordan I would feel like Walmart coming in to take over their deli. Jordan and I are meeting John R tomorrow for lunch to talk about all this and find out the real story behind akk this!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
June 21, 2011
Monday was spent working on the computer again, looking at recipes, menus, answering emails (the doctors office love their lunch Friday-yeah!), etc. I did run some errands, bought a Stanley Mobile Work Station at Walmart to make schlepping all my chef stuff easier. Not a terribly exciting day, but then again, the days can't all be exciting!
I went over Michael's this morning after shopping at Whole Foods. I got everything all set up and unpacked everything, then realized the stove top didn't work. So I packed up everything, called Michael and came back home. Just this once, I made meals in my kitchen, then took them back to his house and put them in the freezer. I double checked the stove top again and wouldn't you know--it worked!! Oh, brother! Good for Michael anyway, he won't have to have the repairman out tomorrow. And hopefully it will work next week, lol. I made a Warm Tuscan White Bean Salad, Panzanella (a Tuscan bread and tomato salad), Chicken Piccata, Orzo with Tomatoes and Parmesan, Saloon Sweet Bourbon Salmon and a Orecchiette Pasta Salad with Grilled Steak. Hope he likes it all!
Jordan and I went to Walden's Coffeehouse to hear Andy Carey talk about anthropology. Walden's is doing a science Tuesday. Andy talked about gender differences around the world. Very interesting! Afterwards Jordan and I had leftover beef with mushroom gravy, bean salad and broccoli. All good. I had made Michael Strawberry Shortcake and kept two of the shortcakes for Jordan and I. We had those for dessert tonight. Tasty! Real old-fashioned shortcakes! Yum!
And now, time for bed. Oh! Thunderbird Lodge did decide to sell my chocolate chip cookies in their gift shop. Hooray!! The gift shop opens the first of July. Things are moving forward! :-).
I went over Michael's this morning after shopping at Whole Foods. I got everything all set up and unpacked everything, then realized the stove top didn't work. So I packed up everything, called Michael and came back home. Just this once, I made meals in my kitchen, then took them back to his house and put them in the freezer. I double checked the stove top again and wouldn't you know--it worked!! Oh, brother! Good for Michael anyway, he won't have to have the repairman out tomorrow. And hopefully it will work next week, lol. I made a Warm Tuscan White Bean Salad, Panzanella (a Tuscan bread and tomato salad), Chicken Piccata, Orzo with Tomatoes and Parmesan, Saloon Sweet Bourbon Salmon and a Orecchiette Pasta Salad with Grilled Steak. Hope he likes it all!
Jordan and I went to Walden's Coffeehouse to hear Andy Carey talk about anthropology. Walden's is doing a science Tuesday. Andy talked about gender differences around the world. Very interesting! Afterwards Jordan and I had leftover beef with mushroom gravy, bean salad and broccoli. All good. I had made Michael Strawberry Shortcake and kept two of the shortcakes for Jordan and I. We had those for dessert tonight. Tasty! Real old-fashioned shortcakes! Yum!
And now, time for bed. Oh! Thunderbird Lodge did decide to sell my chocolate chip cookies in their gift shop. Hooray!! The gift shop opens the first of July. Things are moving forward! :-).
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
It's hard to believe it's almost the end of June! Where does the time go?
I spent a good share of today pricing cheese trays, deciding what to put on those cheese trays and also pricing for fruit and veggie trays. Actually Target ended up being a good source for pricing! Not everyone puts prices online, they want you to call. I decided to offer a three cheese tray of one soft or fresh cheese (like Camembert or goat cheese), one hard or firm cheese (like Gouda or Manchego) and one blue cheese. I would also incorporate either fresh seasonal fruit or dried fruit and some nuts. I also came up with cheese trays of all French cheeses, all Italian cheeses and all Spanish cheeses. Pricing them all is where Target came in handy, lol. They had pricing online for a small tray (8-12 people), a medium tray (8-16 people) and a large tray (16-20 people). And depending on what and who you read, you could provide guests with either 1-1.5 oz of cheese all the way up to 6 oz of cheese per person! Such a range. And it depends on whether or not the cheese is for a cocktail party or appetizer or main course. Lots of information out there, you just need to sort through it all. We did cover cheese in school and covered offering a small variety of cheeses. Cheese and fruit can also be considered a dessert course.
I also emailed pricing for chocolate chip cookies to the ladies at the Thunderbird Lodge Historical Society to see if they still were interested in selling my cookies up at the Lake. The cheese tray quotes were for them also as they asked me about doing a little catering. We'll see what happens there. It seems that people have good intentions about working with me but don't always follow through with their plans or don't end up calling. It has been interesting doing all this. And I am very thankful for the support I get from friends and family. Otherwise it is easy to get discouraged by lack of business.
I made a chocolate Bundt cake last night with chocolate chips to take with me to the BBQ tonight at Kasia and Gary's. I drizzles Chocolate Ganache over it this morning in lieu of either frosting or chocolate whipped cream. Janell just called to ask about the time of the BBQ and asked if I was bringing anything. I told her chocolate cake. She asked if I was bringing vanilla ice cream. I told her no, but that she could bring some ice cream. So I guess she's gonna do just that. Chocolate cake and ice cream is always a good combination!
Jordan just got home from his long bike ride, the cat is sleeping next to me on the couch, classical music is playing in the background, and it's a sunny, quiet day. All is well at this particular moment.
I spent a good share of today pricing cheese trays, deciding what to put on those cheese trays and also pricing for fruit and veggie trays. Actually Target ended up being a good source for pricing! Not everyone puts prices online, they want you to call. I decided to offer a three cheese tray of one soft or fresh cheese (like Camembert or goat cheese), one hard or firm cheese (like Gouda or Manchego) and one blue cheese. I would also incorporate either fresh seasonal fruit or dried fruit and some nuts. I also came up with cheese trays of all French cheeses, all Italian cheeses and all Spanish cheeses. Pricing them all is where Target came in handy, lol. They had pricing online for a small tray (8-12 people), a medium tray (8-16 people) and a large tray (16-20 people). And depending on what and who you read, you could provide guests with either 1-1.5 oz of cheese all the way up to 6 oz of cheese per person! Such a range. And it depends on whether or not the cheese is for a cocktail party or appetizer or main course. Lots of information out there, you just need to sort through it all. We did cover cheese in school and covered offering a small variety of cheeses. Cheese and fruit can also be considered a dessert course.
I also emailed pricing for chocolate chip cookies to the ladies at the Thunderbird Lodge Historical Society to see if they still were interested in selling my cookies up at the Lake. The cheese tray quotes were for them also as they asked me about doing a little catering. We'll see what happens there. It seems that people have good intentions about working with me but don't always follow through with their plans or don't end up calling. It has been interesting doing all this. And I am very thankful for the support I get from friends and family. Otherwise it is easy to get discouraged by lack of business.
I made a chocolate Bundt cake last night with chocolate chips to take with me to the BBQ tonight at Kasia and Gary's. I drizzles Chocolate Ganache over it this morning in lieu of either frosting or chocolate whipped cream. Janell just called to ask about the time of the BBQ and asked if I was bringing anything. I told her chocolate cake. She asked if I was bringing vanilla ice cream. I told her no, but that she could bring some ice cream. So I guess she's gonna do just that. Chocolate cake and ice cream is always a good combination!
Jordan just got home from his long bike ride, the cat is sleeping next to me on the couch, classical music is playing in the background, and it's a sunny, quiet day. All is well at this particular moment.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday I was up early once again, putting together things from the list I had made Thursday evening. Not much room for error when you're trying to impress someone! I was at Nothing To It just before 9am but the kitchen guys were not there, so I sat at one of the outside tables and waited. Raul got there about 9:10am. I got started on my Orzo first, then put together my salad, then started making beef kabobs. Two guys came in who had a 10am meeting with Jay, but they arrived first. So they asked me lots of questions, then wanted one of my cards. Finally Jay came and took them outside. I got a call about 11am from Karen, one of the women from the doctor's office. Se wanted to know if I needed tables and was I bringing them? She also asked a question about my "people". No "people", just me. And tables? I hadn't thought about tables! Ended up, the office had tables and tablecloths which they were kind enough to set up for me. Debbie, the office manager and her staff were very helpful. I did finally get to the office at 12:30pm, after I stopped to pick up a bag of ice for the bucket of soda. Debbie and one of the office girls helped me unload the car and take things upstairs (it helped that I had bought a cart to help haul things around!), then helped me get set up. I made sure everything was there, then left so I could get started on my afternoon gig.
I did a charity dinner for Reno Silver Blades that started at 5:30pm. Thank goodness someone else was taking care of the meat, so all I had to worry about were side dishes and dessert. Ric had decided cookies would be the easiest so I made Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies, Cranberry Dark Chocolate Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies and Kalua Brownies. My friend Laura told me "I make Kalua.". I told her I know, I used your Kalua, lol. She laughed. I also made Warm Tuscan White Bean salad, Mediterranean Hummus with crostini, Caponata (eggplant) and Phyllo cups filled with marinated artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes (all ground down in a food processor). I was feeling I should have made more but we had enough food, and two other people brought food-a watermelon salad and a Peruvian chicken dish with rice, so all was good. I was exhausted by the time I got home!
Today was spent running errands with Janell, then working on pricing for cookies and cheese platters for Thunderbird Lodge. It seems I won't make a lot of money selling cookies but it's a start. And I love to bake. And you never know what this might morph in to. I did take a nap with the cat in the afternoon! There is a show on The Cooking Channel called "Bitchin' Kitchen" with Nadia G. Pretty funny actually but don't be fooled, she is definitely a chef! Just not your mamma's chef. Worth watching at least once if you get The Cooking Channel, lol.
Jordan was gone most of the day and when he got home we went to Moxie's for dinner. It was quiet there and our waiter said a lot of people had gone to the rodeo. I had forgotten it was rodeo this week! Jordan and I shared a salmon dish, just ok. The mixed vegetables, however, were very good. It was a late dinner so we both came home tired.
Tomorrow is another day! Happy Father's Day to all you dads!
I did a charity dinner for Reno Silver Blades that started at 5:30pm. Thank goodness someone else was taking care of the meat, so all I had to worry about were side dishes and dessert. Ric had decided cookies would be the easiest so I made Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies, Cranberry Dark Chocolate Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies and Kalua Brownies. My friend Laura told me "I make Kalua.". I told her I know, I used your Kalua, lol. She laughed. I also made Warm Tuscan White Bean salad, Mediterranean Hummus with crostini, Caponata (eggplant) and Phyllo cups filled with marinated artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes (all ground down in a food processor). I was feeling I should have made more but we had enough food, and two other people brought food-a watermelon salad and a Peruvian chicken dish with rice, so all was good. I was exhausted by the time I got home!
Today was spent running errands with Janell, then working on pricing for cookies and cheese platters for Thunderbird Lodge. It seems I won't make a lot of money selling cookies but it's a start. And I love to bake. And you never know what this might morph in to. I did take a nap with the cat in the afternoon! There is a show on The Cooking Channel called "Bitchin' Kitchen" with Nadia G. Pretty funny actually but don't be fooled, she is definitely a chef! Just not your mamma's chef. Worth watching at least once if you get The Cooking Channel, lol.
Jordan was gone most of the day and when he got home we went to Moxie's for dinner. It was quiet there and our waiter said a lot of people had gone to the rodeo. I had forgotten it was rodeo this week! Jordan and I shared a salmon dish, just ok. The mixed vegetables, however, were very good. It was a late dinner so we both came home tired.
Tomorrow is another day! Happy Father's Day to all you dads!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
I was up early so I could get to Nothing To It by 9am to start my prep for my luncheon tomorrow. I still had to buy the meat for the kabobs and just decided to get it at Whole Foods. They do have really nice meat, fish and poultry! I managed to get to NTI by 9:30am (it still is a chore to get all packed up and get the car loaded) and cut up my beef, put it in Baggies, added the marinade and put it in the fridge. It should marinate for 24-36 hours, so it will be ready tomorrow morning. Then I sliced veggies for the kabobs and for the Orzo I am making as a side dish.
My friend Stephanie, who lives in Baltimore, called me on Skype from Italy. She has been house sitting for friends for the last month and has two weeks left before it is time to come home. Most be rough! She and her husband are thinking about moving to Italy but for now it is enough to go once a year for a month or two. Stephanie is a graphic designer who does marketing. So she can basically work anywhere. It was a nice break in the day.
Then it was on to more shopping to buy the things I need for the Silver Blades dinner. I spent the afternoon baking for the luncheon and for Silver Blades. I made brownies from scratch (Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies). You bake them in a half sheet pan but they started to overflow and caused a lot of smoke. I quickly cleaned up the mess but not before setting off the smoke alarms, lol, and scaring the cat! They turned out fine, thank goodness. The rest of the cookie making went without a hitch.
I am in bed early tonight because tomorrow is a big day. And I am tired-it's been a long couple of days! All good.
My friend Stephanie, who lives in Baltimore, called me on Skype from Italy. She has been house sitting for friends for the last month and has two weeks left before it is time to come home. Most be rough! She and her husband are thinking about moving to Italy but for now it is enough to go once a year for a month or two. Stephanie is a graphic designer who does marketing. So she can basically work anywhere. It was a nice break in the day.
Then it was on to more shopping to buy the things I need for the Silver Blades dinner. I spent the afternoon baking for the luncheon and for Silver Blades. I made brownies from scratch (Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies). You bake them in a half sheet pan but they started to overflow and caused a lot of smoke. I quickly cleaned up the mess but not before setting off the smoke alarms, lol, and scaring the cat! They turned out fine, thank goodness. The rest of the cookie making went without a hitch.
I am in bed early tonight because tomorrow is a big day. And I am tired-it's been a long couple of days! All good.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Wednesday,June 15, 2011
Tuesday I was up early getting ready for my Personal Chef gig. I usually shop at Whole Foods and I did most of my shopping there Tuesday, but would you believe Whole Foods had no green beans?! I had to get them at Trader Joe's. A mi or set back. I make N Orzo, Green Bean & Red Onion Salad with a vinaigrette dressing; Roast Potato, Green Bean &Basil Salad, Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Grilled Lamb Salad with Goat Cheese and Braised Chicken with Apricots and Olives. It turned out well. Since I had already baked the Chocolate chip cookies my client wanted, I made Eton Mess. Eton Mess is softly whipped cream mixed with meringues and diced sweetened strawberries, served in as lovely a container as you have, then topped with more strawberries. Yum!
Jordan and I had the grilled Lamb Salad for dinner also with goat cheese, tomatoes, onions and croutons with an olive vinaigrette dressing. It turned out nicely.
Today, I had another interview with the Standards of Excellence Appliance group. The company chef was here to cook for an event this evening. Her name is Rachelle and she was very nice, friendly and helpful. She was making appetizers for an event this evening so we talked while she worked. Hard to tell what will happen with that.
After lunch, I met Jordan at the business offices for Thunderbird Lodge. They are a non-profit and so are always looking fir ways to make money. I left cookie samples and it looks like they are interested in selling them up at the Lodge in Inlcine Village. I need to put pricing together for cookies as well as some catering options. Cool, huh? Better get busy!
I ended up going back to Standards of Excellence so I could see what Rachelle was doing. It turned out to be a monthly meeting for the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). I didn't get out of there until after 8am! But I did get to help the chef and meet a few people. Laurie said they would be in touch, so again, we'll see!
Leftovers for dinner then bed for me. I have a busy day ahead tomorrow!
Jordan and I had the grilled Lamb Salad for dinner also with goat cheese, tomatoes, onions and croutons with an olive vinaigrette dressing. It turned out nicely.
Today, I had another interview with the Standards of Excellence Appliance group. The company chef was here to cook for an event this evening. Her name is Rachelle and she was very nice, friendly and helpful. She was making appetizers for an event this evening so we talked while she worked. Hard to tell what will happen with that.
After lunch, I met Jordan at the business offices for Thunderbird Lodge. They are a non-profit and so are always looking fir ways to make money. I left cookie samples and it looks like they are interested in selling them up at the Lodge in Inlcine Village. I need to put pricing together for cookies as well as some catering options. Cool, huh? Better get busy!
I ended up going back to Standards of Excellence so I could see what Rachelle was doing. It turned out to be a monthly meeting for the NKBA (National Kitchen and Bath Association). I didn't get out of there until after 8am! But I did get to help the chef and meet a few people. Laurie said they would be in touch, so again, we'll see!
Leftovers for dinner then bed for me. I have a busy day ahead tomorrow!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Today was mostly spent on the computer, working on recipes, gathering, sorting and going over tomorrow's list of recipes for my personal chef day and my lists for Friday. Nothing To It ok'd my using their kitchen again, for which I am grateful.
I did manage to hang a few pictures in my office today. I hung curtains in there Saturday. So it is looking better. I did not bake today. I made a roast for dinner, topped with an onion/mushroom sauce, baked potato and steamed artichokes. Turned out well, I think. The house Still smells good!
Just a little HS reading then I am off to bed! Nice, quiet day.
I did manage to hang a few pictures in my office today. I hung curtains in there Saturday. So it is looking better. I did not bake today. I made a roast for dinner, topped with an onion/mushroom sauce, baked potato and steamed artichokes. Turned out well, I think. The house Still smells good!
Just a little HS reading then I am off to bed! Nice, quiet day.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
A beautiful sunny day today. "This is the day that the Lord hath made, rejoice and be glad in it.". Good words!
I made chocolate chip pecan cookies this morning, then delivered the Italian Almond Cake with Wine-poached Apricots to Michael's so he can take it into work with him in the morning. Hope Maria likes the cake! I worked on recipes for the fencing benefit Friday evening (it's going to be kinda busy this week!), printed out what I needed for Tuesday (always good to make sure some part of the recipe doesn't any overnight prep!) and gathered more recipes into Shop'n Cook. I did hear back from Laurie at the appliance store. They still want to meet with me Wednesday so we'll see what happens!
Jordan made it home about 11am. He had a good time at his daughter's house. Apparently she and her husband are moving to southern California and buying a business (type to be determined). Best wishes in that regard. It was his grandson's birthday and as part of his birthday party, they took the kids to a trampoline place (I don't know what you'd call a place like that!). Sounds fun. $10 for an hour's time, not bad. He came home and worked on his USC class for a few hours.
Then we took a ride out to Verdi and we took a short hike. Lovely day! Dinner was leftover chicken, rice, broccoli and a salad. After dinner, it was more reading, some looking at recipes, etc. Good thing I enjoy food! And now it's time for bed.
I made chocolate chip pecan cookies this morning, then delivered the Italian Almond Cake with Wine-poached Apricots to Michael's so he can take it into work with him in the morning. Hope Maria likes the cake! I worked on recipes for the fencing benefit Friday evening (it's going to be kinda busy this week!), printed out what I needed for Tuesday (always good to make sure some part of the recipe doesn't any overnight prep!) and gathered more recipes into Shop'n Cook. I did hear back from Laurie at the appliance store. They still want to meet with me Wednesday so we'll see what happens!
Jordan made it home about 11am. He had a good time at his daughter's house. Apparently she and her husband are moving to southern California and buying a business (type to be determined). Best wishes in that regard. It was his grandson's birthday and as part of his birthday party, they took the kids to a trampoline place (I don't know what you'd call a place like that!). Sounds fun. $10 for an hour's time, not bad. He came home and worked on his USC class for a few hours.
Then we took a ride out to Verdi and we took a short hike. Lovely day! Dinner was leftover chicken, rice, broccoli and a salad. After dinner, it was more reading, some looking at recipes, etc. Good thing I enjoy food! And now it's time for bed.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Jordan is off to Sacramento this morning to see his daughter and grand kids. He'll be back tonight. Other than baking my cake (an Italian almond cake), I am going to try and do as little food related business as possible today. Take a break so to speak. Lately it's been all about food-certainly not a bad thing, but you need to break out once in a while!
True to my word, I read my book, cleaned, planted the geraniums I bought the other day, brought out some more deck furniture and moved some things around. Then Janell and I went out to lunch at BJ's over in Sparks. Afterwards, being the big spenders we are, we stopped in Target to look around. I've been having problems with my iPhone lately, being slow and not always doing what it's suppose to so I've been looking to upgrade with AT&T (which you can often do for free when your contract has run out). And I ended up with a new phone AND got a $100 for turning in my old iPhone! Who'd have thought?
I came home and put up the curtains I had gotten a week ago to block out the afternoon sun in my office. When it gets to a certain point in the day, it shines right on my desk and I can't see! Jordan doesn't want regular blinds because he likes looking out the window and seeing Peavine. He can sit at his chair at the dining table and see it. So curtains were the compromise for now, lol.
I made an almond cake that was commissioned for someone's birthday. I'll deliver that tomorrow. Jordan isn't coming back from Sacramento until tomorrow, so guess I'm on my own tonight!
True to my word, I read my book, cleaned, planted the geraniums I bought the other day, brought out some more deck furniture and moved some things around. Then Janell and I went out to lunch at BJ's over in Sparks. Afterwards, being the big spenders we are, we stopped in Target to look around. I've been having problems with my iPhone lately, being slow and not always doing what it's suppose to so I've been looking to upgrade with AT&T (which you can often do for free when your contract has run out). And I ended up with a new phone AND got a $100 for turning in my old iPhone! Who'd have thought?
I came home and put up the curtains I had gotten a week ago to block out the afternoon sun in my office. When it gets to a certain point in the day, it shines right on my desk and I can't see! Jordan doesn't want regular blinds because he likes looking out the window and seeing Peavine. He can sit at his chair at the dining table and see it. So curtains were the compromise for now, lol.
I made an almond cake that was commissioned for someone's birthday. I'll deliver that tomorrow. Jordan isn't coming back from Sacramento until tomorrow, so guess I'm on my own tonight!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Thursday morning was spent (again) on my computer, working with Shop'n Cook, the menu computer program I have now bought to run on the Mac computer Jordan bought. I had lunch with Ric at, yes, Arlington Gardens. He does eat at other restaurants but not much, lol. At 2:30pm Jordan came home from work and we drove up to Lake Tahoe. I am acting as a quasi-event coordinator for him while he is organizing his "My Plan Wildfire Workshop". He is coordinating it between the states of California and Nevada to get one plan or at least a joint plan together for fight wildfires since both states share such large borders areas.
First we checked out Tahoe House, a bakery, deli, gourmet store in Tahoe City, Ca, one of the small villages in Lake Tahoe. They supply the cookies and desserts for the Cal-Neva. The Cal-Neva charges $3 a cookie for snacks in their banquet area so Jordan wanted to see what a $3 cookie looked like, lol. They are large! They weight 5-oz and only cost $1.75 at the Tahoe House.
Next we circled back around the Lake to the Cal-Neva to meet with their Special Events manager, Jim. Seems like a nice man. He's only been in this job 10 days! We talked about what Jordan was looking for in a meeting space, took a look at the guest rooms, the meeting space and talked about food during the meetings. Using the menu options Jim sent Jordan, I had come up with a Thursday morning snack package (the meetings are suppose to start at 10am), a hot lunch at 1pm with two options, Friday breakfast of a small buffet, a box lunch for Friday noon and a Friday afternoon snack. Not only does the Cal-Neva not have a pastry chef (hence the use of Tahoe House for their desserts), they do not have an Executive Chef either. A part of downsizing and economizing in poor economic times. The Director of Food and Beverage runs the kitchen. And the majority of staff at the Cal-Neva has been there for years. Interestingly enough, other than a few slot machines, the Cal-Neva has removed all of it's gaming tables. No explaination as to why. There is a Lake view from all the guest rooms-nice!
After the Cal-Neva, we went over to the Soule Domaine restaurant (not exactly where I remember it being, lol, but they hadn't moved, just my bad memory!). We met with Charlie, the chef/owner about using their restaurant for a Thursday evening dinner for the seminar. We talked to him in the kitchen. Charlie has owned the restaurant for 21 years! It started off as a French restaurant, but has undergone several culinary changes over the years. He was very charming, albeit somewhat distracted by dinner prep. Yes, we could either bring our group of 40 in at 5pm or 8:30pm for a choice off the menu, or we could rent the entire restaurant (a buy out they call it) for about $2300 and he would come up with a special menu for us within that price. I think Jordan wants to offer his workshop people something other than Cal-Neva food during their stay. A smart move, I think. Since the workshop is not until September, we have some time. We did end up eating dinner at the Soule Domaine. The people are very nice, very friendly and the food was excellent! I had a three scallop Appetizer. Jordan had a salad. We both had a little cup of curried carrot soup, then we shared the salmon entree. Like I said, everything was good. The restaurant serves hummus instead of butter or olive oil with their bread, interesting... (I'm pretty much a butter girl, lol).
The day was beautiful up at the Lake and the drive back to Reno uneventful.
Friday morning I was looking at recipes (I have a cake commission to do this weekend) when I got a call from Dr Lynch! He wants me to cater lunch for 35 at his Sparks office. Hooray! Another job! I called Debbie, his office manager, and she already knew what she wanted, lol. Beef kabobs. So that's what they will get: Beef Kabobs, Orzo with tomatoes and Parmesan, a Mixed Greens Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette and "Outrageous Brownies". It is scheduled for next Friday, June 17. Of course that is the same day as the Reno Silver Blades
Charity but the charity is in the evening, so I should be ok. Besides, for RSB I will be rounding out the menu, so I don't have to worry about entrees. Guess I should decide soon, what I am going to do for them!
I ran errands in the afternoon, then had Ric and Andy over for dinner. We had Asian Flavored Beef Skewers, Goat Cheese and Herb Mashed Potatoes, Sesame Roasted Asparagus and Chocolate Mousse with shortbread cookies for dessert. Jordan made cocktails and for an appetizer I made Savory Palmiers filled with ricotta cheese, parsley, Parmesan cheese and prosciutto. Everyone seemed pleased, I got to try some new recipes and we all had a good time.
First we checked out Tahoe House, a bakery, deli, gourmet store in Tahoe City, Ca, one of the small villages in Lake Tahoe. They supply the cookies and desserts for the Cal-Neva. The Cal-Neva charges $3 a cookie for snacks in their banquet area so Jordan wanted to see what a $3 cookie looked like, lol. They are large! They weight 5-oz and only cost $1.75 at the Tahoe House.
Next we circled back around the Lake to the Cal-Neva to meet with their Special Events manager, Jim. Seems like a nice man. He's only been in this job 10 days! We talked about what Jordan was looking for in a meeting space, took a look at the guest rooms, the meeting space and talked about food during the meetings. Using the menu options Jim sent Jordan, I had come up with a Thursday morning snack package (the meetings are suppose to start at 10am), a hot lunch at 1pm with two options, Friday breakfast of a small buffet, a box lunch for Friday noon and a Friday afternoon snack. Not only does the Cal-Neva not have a pastry chef (hence the use of Tahoe House for their desserts), they do not have an Executive Chef either. A part of downsizing and economizing in poor economic times. The Director of Food and Beverage runs the kitchen. And the majority of staff at the Cal-Neva has been there for years. Interestingly enough, other than a few slot machines, the Cal-Neva has removed all of it's gaming tables. No explaination as to why. There is a Lake view from all the guest rooms-nice!
After the Cal-Neva, we went over to the Soule Domaine restaurant (not exactly where I remember it being, lol, but they hadn't moved, just my bad memory!). We met with Charlie, the chef/owner about using their restaurant for a Thursday evening dinner for the seminar. We talked to him in the kitchen. Charlie has owned the restaurant for 21 years! It started off as a French restaurant, but has undergone several culinary changes over the years. He was very charming, albeit somewhat distracted by dinner prep. Yes, we could either bring our group of 40 in at 5pm or 8:30pm for a choice off the menu, or we could rent the entire restaurant (a buy out they call it) for about $2300 and he would come up with a special menu for us within that price. I think Jordan wants to offer his workshop people something other than Cal-Neva food during their stay. A smart move, I think. Since the workshop is not until September, we have some time. We did end up eating dinner at the Soule Domaine. The people are very nice, very friendly and the food was excellent! I had a three scallop Appetizer. Jordan had a salad. We both had a little cup of curried carrot soup, then we shared the salmon entree. Like I said, everything was good. The restaurant serves hummus instead of butter or olive oil with their bread, interesting... (I'm pretty much a butter girl, lol).
The day was beautiful up at the Lake and the drive back to Reno uneventful.
Friday morning I was looking at recipes (I have a cake commission to do this weekend) when I got a call from Dr Lynch! He wants me to cater lunch for 35 at his Sparks office. Hooray! Another job! I called Debbie, his office manager, and she already knew what she wanted, lol. Beef kabobs. So that's what they will get: Beef Kabobs, Orzo with tomatoes and Parmesan, a Mixed Greens Salad with Blackberry Vinaigrette and "Outrageous Brownies". It is scheduled for next Friday, June 17. Of course that is the same day as the Reno Silver Blades
Charity but the charity is in the evening, so I should be ok. Besides, for RSB I will be rounding out the menu, so I don't have to worry about entrees. Guess I should decide soon, what I am going to do for them!
I ran errands in the afternoon, then had Ric and Andy over for dinner. We had Asian Flavored Beef Skewers, Goat Cheese and Herb Mashed Potatoes, Sesame Roasted Asparagus and Chocolate Mousse with shortbread cookies for dessert. Jordan made cocktails and for an appetizer I made Savory Palmiers filled with ricotta cheese, parsley, Parmesan cheese and prosciutto. Everyone seemed pleased, I got to try some new recipes and we all had a good time.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Wednesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday was my all day cheffing job. I tried calling go daddy.com before I left, but the gentleman I needed to talk to did not get in until 10am. Guess that will wait until Wednesday!
I set out for Whole Foods to shop, then headed over to my client's house. It is getting easier to do prep and pack up the car, although there sure is a lot of stuff to pack up! Things like olive oil, vinegar, spices, etc are all things you buy as the "cost of running a business" so all need to packed up for every job. I bought a shopping cart (the old fashioned kind you see little old ladies in Europe dragging/pushing around. Hopefully that will save me a few trips back and forth!
I made the giaudedda first because it was the most time consuming. That is an Italian dish with artichokes, fava beans and potatoes. The potatoes get boil whole, then peeled and sliced into rounds after they cool. The fava beans grow in pods, so those must first be "shucked", then the beans blanched so you can peel off the outer shell portion that is inedible. Then the beans are ready to do what you want with them. The artichokes are also a lot of work. They start to discolor soon after they are cut if they are raw. So you have to trim the artichokes, then cut them in half and dig out the choke. The artichokes then get cut into about one inch wedges. Then they get soaked in lemon or vinegar water to keep them from discoloring. I don't think I took off enough of the outer leaves because there were still some tough leaves in the finished dish. Lots of prep! You then take pancetta that has been cubed and fey it in a big pan. To that you add sliced onions and sauté until soft and starting to turn a golden color. Then add the cut artichokes, cover the skillet and cook for at least 15-20 minutes to soften them. After that you add the sliced potatoes and fava beans and keep sautéing. Tasty, but am lot of work! Next came the Spring Salmon with Pasta Primavera. Easy enough, nice sauce (can't go wrong with a little cream!). Then the Chicken Marsala and Black &White Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Aioli, which is a mayonnaise flavored with garlic and Wasabi paste. I made the Aioli from scratch and listened to Chef Pete instead of Chef Dale. There was a small debate about whether you should make Aioli with raw garlic (Chef Pete) or roasted garlic (Chef Dale). I ended up using Chef Pete's approach. It certainly makes for a stronger tasting Aioli! I had made the Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Monday, so I made it home about 4:30-5:00pm.
Jordan and I had the Chicken Marsala for dinner, served over pasta. Then pie for dessert. Would you believe I mixed up the fillign for the Strawberry-Rhubarb pie and forgot to add in sugar?! What a dope! So I lifted the lid and added the chicken after the fact, lol. Not very chef-like!
Wednesday morning it was hard to get up! Just tired I guess. I answered emails in the morning then dealt with Tomas at go daddy.com and I think, hat my webpage fixed. I had to go through hundreds of images to figure out which ones to use. But I did find some that will work. Hopefully my website (www.April poker night.com) will be finished soon. It took most of the day, however.
I am helping Jordan coordinate a workshop he wants to do in September. I am helping coordinate menus, etc. So tomorrow we are going up to the Cal-Neva to check out their facilities. We will also look at a restaurant called "The Soule Domain" as a possible dinner place. At least the weather has finally turned nice!
I set out for Whole Foods to shop, then headed over to my client's house. It is getting easier to do prep and pack up the car, although there sure is a lot of stuff to pack up! Things like olive oil, vinegar, spices, etc are all things you buy as the "cost of running a business" so all need to packed up for every job. I bought a shopping cart (the old fashioned kind you see little old ladies in Europe dragging/pushing around. Hopefully that will save me a few trips back and forth!
I made the giaudedda first because it was the most time consuming. That is an Italian dish with artichokes, fava beans and potatoes. The potatoes get boil whole, then peeled and sliced into rounds after they cool. The fava beans grow in pods, so those must first be "shucked", then the beans blanched so you can peel off the outer shell portion that is inedible. Then the beans are ready to do what you want with them. The artichokes are also a lot of work. They start to discolor soon after they are cut if they are raw. So you have to trim the artichokes, then cut them in half and dig out the choke. The artichokes then get cut into about one inch wedges. Then they get soaked in lemon or vinegar water to keep them from discoloring. I don't think I took off enough of the outer leaves because there were still some tough leaves in the finished dish. Lots of prep! You then take pancetta that has been cubed and fey it in a big pan. To that you add sliced onions and sauté until soft and starting to turn a golden color. Then add the cut artichokes, cover the skillet and cook for at least 15-20 minutes to soften them. After that you add the sliced potatoes and fava beans and keep sautéing. Tasty, but am lot of work! Next came the Spring Salmon with Pasta Primavera. Easy enough, nice sauce (can't go wrong with a little cream!). Then the Chicken Marsala and Black &White Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Aioli, which is a mayonnaise flavored with garlic and Wasabi paste. I made the Aioli from scratch and listened to Chef Pete instead of Chef Dale. There was a small debate about whether you should make Aioli with raw garlic (Chef Pete) or roasted garlic (Chef Dale). I ended up using Chef Pete's approach. It certainly makes for a stronger tasting Aioli! I had made the Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake Monday, so I made it home about 4:30-5:00pm.
Jordan and I had the Chicken Marsala for dinner, served over pasta. Then pie for dessert. Would you believe I mixed up the fillign for the Strawberry-Rhubarb pie and forgot to add in sugar?! What a dope! So I lifted the lid and added the chicken after the fact, lol. Not very chef-like!
Wednesday morning it was hard to get up! Just tired I guess. I answered emails in the morning then dealt with Tomas at go daddy.com and I think, hat my webpage fixed. I had to go through hundreds of images to figure out which ones to use. But I did find some that will work. Hopefully my website (www.April poker night.com) will be finished soon. It took most of the day, however.
I am helping Jordan coordinate a workshop he wants to do in September. I am helping coordinate menus, etc. So tomorrow we are going up to the Cal-Neva to check out their facilities. We will also look at a restaurant called "The Soule Domain" as a possible dinner place. At least the weather has finally turned nice!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
When we went to sleep it was raining, when we woke up it was raining.... All in all a dreary day until about mid-afternoon. One of my friends sent me an email about trying to start the summer program on a computer and it stalled, like our weather! Lol.
A good day, however, to bake. I made three small pies, two strawberry-rhubarb, one strawberry-mango. Hope they taste good! They are cute. I also made Michael's Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. Holy cow! Very rich! Very pretty cake. We'll see if Michael likes it, lol. I had some fresh pineapple so I made a pineapple coconut cake. Not sure how that cake will taste so we'll see. It was a recipe off the Internet, one of those "dump" cakes. And I am in the process of making Strawberry Jam! (Can't let all those strawberries I bought go to waste!) I have to say though, I'm kinda sugared out after today!
Guess I also need to decide about whether or not the Mac is going to work. Since most of the menu programs were written for PC's, it's harder to find a computer program similar to what I have on my HP computer. Bummer... We'll see what Jordan can do for me as far as the computer goes. He's going to work on it tonight.
Tomorrow is my personal chef day. Good menu coming up: Salmon primavera, Chicken Marsala, Giaudedda (an Italian three vegetable dish), and Black & White Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Aioli. All sounds good!
A good day, however, to bake. I made three small pies, two strawberry-rhubarb, one strawberry-mango. Hope they taste good! They are cute. I also made Michael's Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake. Holy cow! Very rich! Very pretty cake. We'll see if Michael likes it, lol. I had some fresh pineapple so I made a pineapple coconut cake. Not sure how that cake will taste so we'll see. It was a recipe off the Internet, one of those "dump" cakes. And I am in the process of making Strawberry Jam! (Can't let all those strawberries I bought go to waste!) I have to say though, I'm kinda sugared out after today!
Guess I also need to decide about whether or not the Mac is going to work. Since most of the menu programs were written for PC's, it's harder to find a computer program similar to what I have on my HP computer. Bummer... We'll see what Jordan can do for me as far as the computer goes. He's going to work on it tonight.
Tomorrow is my personal chef day. Good menu coming up: Salmon primavera, Chicken Marsala, Giaudedda (an Italian three vegetable dish), and Black & White Crusted Tuna with Wasabi Aioli. All sounds good!
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday already! When you work from home and are not very busy, it's hard to keep track of your days! My last entry was Thursday, so I will attempt to catch up on my blog.
I made ravioli Thursday evening. It goes quickly when you use won ton wrappers. I made a basic spinach/ricotta filling: take 2 garlic cloves and one 10-oz package of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) and put them in a food processor. Pulse until both are finely chopped. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp of olive oil, add the spinach-garlic mixture and sauté, seasoning with salt and pepper and nutmeg to taste, until the liquid evaporates. About 1-2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and 2 tbsp of Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Stir in one large egg into the warm filling. Lay six won ton wrappers on a clean counter, place a scant tablespoon of the filling in the middle of the wrapper. Wet the edges around the filling with your finger, which you dipped in water (have a small bowl of water standing by), then top with another won ton wrapper. Set them aside on a wire rack while you make the rest. This is enough filling for 24 ravioli and takes an entire 12-oz package of won ton wrappers. Bring water to boil in a large sauté pan (this is easier than using a sauce pan when it comes to getting the ravioli out of the pan). When the water reaches a boil, turn the heat down so as to keep the water at a slow simmer, not a rolling boil or your pasta will break apart. Cook the pasta 3-4 minutes or until the pasta becomes translucent. Remove the ravioli with a solid spoon so you get a little of the pasta water with your ravioli as you put them on a plate or in a bowl. At this point, you can simply drizzle the raviioli with a portion of olive oil or butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pepper. Serve immediately. Or you can add the sauce of your choice. Yum!
Friday I made Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies. I tried a new recipe from Ina Garten from the Food Network. They turned out well: nice
flavor, chewy, not too sweet (that's what I like anyway). Friday afternoon, I met my friend Andy Carey for coffee at Walden's Coffeehouse.
He introduced me to the new owners, which was nice. I wonder where they get their pastries, lol?
Friday dinner was we barbequed steak on the grill, had roasted potatoes and asparagus. Yum!
Saturday I spent on the computer. It rained and was generally a dreary day. I picked out a few recipes to try. Jordan wants a pie, he says I never make pie and he loves pie. So I am going to make Grandma's Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (not my grandma, someone else's grandma!)
and trying Ina Garten's Shortbread cookies. But not on Saturday, I need to buy a few baking supplies. And Janell says Walmart has 16-oz
packages of strawberries for $1! I'll do my shopping Sunday. Leftovers for dinner Saturday. That's ok, makes me think about new ways to
prepare what I've already done!
Sunday we woke up to rain, again! Jordan made breakfast, then I worked on the computer some more. Janell and I went to Target so I could return some blinds, then we checked out Pier One-it's back in town and no longer a franchaise. Then we had lunch at Red Robin-which always makes me think of my nephew, Dylan. He LOVES their Mac&Cheese. I did make the shortbread cookies. They taste good, but as Ric would say, "Lorna Dunn's are better" (or in my case, Walker's). I am trying to come up with a cookie business that will help supplement my income. I still enjoy baking the best!
I did go to Walmart (Janell went home, she had a headache) and sure enough, they had beautiful strawberries for $1!! I bought the rest of my supplies and headed back home. I am making ribollita for dinner. Soup sounded good on a mostly rainy day. Today is Michael's birthday-Happy birthday, my friend! I am making a Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake for him. We both had the same recipe from YEARS ago but didn't realize it until he gave me a copy, saying this was the birthday cake he wanted. The base of the cake is suppose to be a chocolate genoise or sponge cake, but when I looked at the recipe, there was no chocolate in the genoise ingredients!! Imagine my surprise, cause I looked at this recipe several times and this was the first time I had noticed this faux pax! I did, however, find a chocolate genoise recipe that was exactly the same but the new recipe had cocoa powder in it. That saved the day! I'll make the pie tonight and the cake tomorrow. It's suppose to rain again tomorrow. A good day to bake I guess!
I made ravioli Thursday evening. It goes quickly when you use won ton wrappers. I made a basic spinach/ricotta filling: take 2 garlic cloves and one 10-oz package of frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) and put them in a food processor. Pulse until both are finely chopped. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat, add 2 tbsp of olive oil, add the spinach-garlic mixture and sauté, seasoning with salt and pepper and nutmeg to taste, until the liquid evaporates. About 1-2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl, stir in 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese and 2 tbsp of Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasonings as needed. Stir in one large egg into the warm filling. Lay six won ton wrappers on a clean counter, place a scant tablespoon of the filling in the middle of the wrapper. Wet the edges around the filling with your finger, which you dipped in water (have a small bowl of water standing by), then top with another won ton wrapper. Set them aside on a wire rack while you make the rest. This is enough filling for 24 ravioli and takes an entire 12-oz package of won ton wrappers. Bring water to boil in a large sauté pan (this is easier than using a sauce pan when it comes to getting the ravioli out of the pan). When the water reaches a boil, turn the heat down so as to keep the water at a slow simmer, not a rolling boil or your pasta will break apart. Cook the pasta 3-4 minutes or until the pasta becomes translucent. Remove the ravioli with a solid spoon so you get a little of the pasta water with your ravioli as you put them on a plate or in a bowl. At this point, you can simply drizzle the raviioli with a portion of olive oil or butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and pepper. Serve immediately. Or you can add the sauce of your choice. Yum!
Friday I made Oatmeal Raisin Pecan Cookies. I tried a new recipe from Ina Garten from the Food Network. They turned out well: nice
flavor, chewy, not too sweet (that's what I like anyway). Friday afternoon, I met my friend Andy Carey for coffee at Walden's Coffeehouse.
He introduced me to the new owners, which was nice. I wonder where they get their pastries, lol?
Friday dinner was we barbequed steak on the grill, had roasted potatoes and asparagus. Yum!
Saturday I spent on the computer. It rained and was generally a dreary day. I picked out a few recipes to try. Jordan wants a pie, he says I never make pie and he loves pie. So I am going to make Grandma's Strawberry Rhubarb Pie (not my grandma, someone else's grandma!)
and trying Ina Garten's Shortbread cookies. But not on Saturday, I need to buy a few baking supplies. And Janell says Walmart has 16-oz
packages of strawberries for $1! I'll do my shopping Sunday. Leftovers for dinner Saturday. That's ok, makes me think about new ways to
prepare what I've already done!
Sunday we woke up to rain, again! Jordan made breakfast, then I worked on the computer some more. Janell and I went to Target so I could return some blinds, then we checked out Pier One-it's back in town and no longer a franchaise. Then we had lunch at Red Robin-which always makes me think of my nephew, Dylan. He LOVES their Mac&Cheese. I did make the shortbread cookies. They taste good, but as Ric would say, "Lorna Dunn's are better" (or in my case, Walker's). I am trying to come up with a cookie business that will help supplement my income. I still enjoy baking the best!
I did go to Walmart (Janell went home, she had a headache) and sure enough, they had beautiful strawberries for $1!! I bought the rest of my supplies and headed back home. I am making ribollita for dinner. Soup sounded good on a mostly rainy day. Today is Michael's birthday-Happy birthday, my friend! I am making a Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake for him. We both had the same recipe from YEARS ago but didn't realize it until he gave me a copy, saying this was the birthday cake he wanted. The base of the cake is suppose to be a chocolate genoise or sponge cake, but when I looked at the recipe, there was no chocolate in the genoise ingredients!! Imagine my surprise, cause I looked at this recipe several times and this was the first time I had noticed this faux pax! I did, however, find a chocolate genoise recipe that was exactly the same but the new recipe had cocoa powder in it. That saved the day! I'll make the pie tonight and the cake tomorrow. It's suppose to rain again tomorrow. A good day to bake I guess!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday morning I had an interview for a chef position at Standards of Excellence Appliance Store. I would be doing a cooking demo every other month for now although they would like to go back to once a month. I think the woman I interviewed with, Laurie, wants to hire me but I need to meet the corporate chef June 15 for a final interview. I would be paid by corporate also, so I guess I need final approval. After the interview I went to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things. They really do have good prices on things, I need to remember that!
On my way home, I got a text from my friend, Eric, saying he was free for lunch so I met him at India Kabob for their lunch buffet (he said he was REALLY hungry, lol. They have good food there. We talked a lot about fencing, guess Eric had a lot to get off his chest!
After lunch I ran a few more errands and then headed home to make raviolis. They are easy to make using won ton wrappers. I made a ricotta spinach filling, plopped a tablespoon of the filling on a won ton wrapper, dipped my fingers in water and ran them around the edges of the wrapper, then placed another won ton wrappers over the filling. Easy! I made a simple tomato sauce to go over it. Tasty!
Today was a lazy day. I cleaned, worked on the computer (still trying to get my Mac to do what I want it to for my chef business) and took an afternoon nap with the cat (Jordan calls it a catnap). Nothing too exciting, lol. Dinner was pork tenderloin from one of the meals I made for my client. Nice sauce basted on the pork then served with a three fruit salsa. Yum! After dinner I still worked on the computer, trying this and that. Not a total techie yet!
On my way home, I got a text from my friend, Eric, saying he was free for lunch so I met him at India Kabob for their lunch buffet (he said he was REALLY hungry, lol. They have good food there. We talked a lot about fencing, guess Eric had a lot to get off his chest!
After lunch I ran a few more errands and then headed home to make raviolis. They are easy to make using won ton wrappers. I made a ricotta spinach filling, plopped a tablespoon of the filling on a won ton wrapper, dipped my fingers in water and ran them around the edges of the wrapper, then placed another won ton wrappers over the filling. Easy! I made a simple tomato sauce to go over it. Tasty!
Today was a lazy day. I cleaned, worked on the computer (still trying to get my Mac to do what I want it to for my chef business) and took an afternoon nap with the cat (Jordan calls it a catnap). Nothing too exciting, lol. Dinner was pork tenderloin from one of the meals I made for my client. Nice sauce basted on the pork then served with a three fruit salsa. Yum! After dinner I still worked on the computer, trying this and that. Not a total techie yet!
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