National Apple Pie Day

I must agree with Jane Austen -

"Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness."

Go make a pie (ok, or buy one), and be blissfully happy.

Dreams...

If you want to achieve your dreams, you must follow them, and the best way to follow them is not to think about wanting to be very rich, but to think about doing something that you really want to do.
~Jackie Collins, author

Dear Mom

Have you found the perfect solution for you mother on Mother's Day?

No?

Well, don't fret. I've got you covered. If you haven't already, sign-up for my newsletter and receive a coupon towards a Perfect-for-Mom gift.

After all, Mom deserves the best. And that's what we specialize in, the culinary best!

Click below to go directly to my website.

Lima Bean Respect Day

Seriously folks.

Today is a national holiday. You better show your local lima bean some respect!

"A" is for Avocado

We humans have enjoyed a long love affair with the avocado. The first first known evidence of avocado consumption dates back to about 7,000 to 10,000 BC: archeologists found avocado pits in caves, indicating early cultivation.

Guacamole. That's how I like to consume avocados. Everybody has their favorite guacamole recipe, but mine is very simple. I don't want to cover the silky flavor of a good avocado.

First, pick a fine-looking avocado. The skin should be unblemished. The avocado should feel heavy and slightly soft to the touch. Florida avocados will be green with a yellow undertone and California Hass will be purple-black in color.

Scoop out the pit and mash the avocado in a bowl with a fork. Mix with a kosher salt, a tablespoon of salsa, and a teaspoon of lime juice for flavor and to prevent discoloration.

Pair with your favorite brand of tortilla chips or spread it on a turkey sandwich. I guarantee the bowl will be licked clean!

Pasadena Farmers' Market

Come say hello! I will be there 8 to noon.

Happy weekend everyone.

"A" is for Asparagus

Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, Asparagus is a delectable vegetable found worldwide in all types of cuisine.

My favorite way to prepare the spearlike vegetable: drizzle with a little olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, a helping of Kosher salt, and a dash of pepper. Then place the spearks on the barbeque! Make sure you used enough olive oil so they don't stick. Delicious, and done in minutes.

Other fun asparagus facts:

* Purple asparagus originated in Italy and is higher in sugar, lower in fiber, than its green cousins.

* Peru exports more asparagus than any other country in the world.

* Asparagus is dense with folic acid as well as potassium, fiber, thiamin, and vitamins A, C, and B6.

* The asparagus is a member of the lily family.

* When choosing your asparagus, look for straight, green, firm stalks with tips that are closed and either green or purple.

"A" is for Artichoke

Artichokes are a taste treat at any table.

A few fun facts about the first of our favorite March "A" produce:

* Artichokes are members of the thistle and sunflower families.

* California grows the majority of U.S. artichokes.

* Roman naturalist Caius Plinius Secundus dubbed the artichokes "one of the earth's monstrosities." Romans prepared their artichokes with honey, vinegar and cumin.

* An artichoke's antioxidant levels actually increase with cooking! (bonus)

Next up -- how to choose a perfect artichoke and prepare.

Think "A" in March

March is the peak season for three delectable farmers' market staples. Think green and the letter "A"-

Artichoke

Asparagus

Avocado

We are going to have fun with these three....

Did You Know - Peanuts go Waaaaay Back

Did you know that jars filled with peanuts have been found in ancient Incan graves along the western coast of South America.

Peanuts for my journey to the afterlife? Check.

Time

Time is limited, so I better wake up every morning fresh and know that I have just one chance to live this particular day right, and to string my days together into a life of action, and purpose.
~Lance Armstrong: 7-time winner of the Tour de France

Welcome March!

Somehow March arrived. 2010 must be in quite a hurry....

I just learned that March is National Peanut month. A few fun facts about our favorite "nut."

* Peanuts are NOT nuts. They are legumes and grow underground.

* Two of our United States Presidents were peanut farmers: Thomas Jefferson and Jimmy Carter.

* It takes 850 peanuts to make an 18 oz jar of peanut butter.

* There are four distinct types of peanuts: Runners (most commonly used in peanut butter); Virginias (most commonly eaten out of the shell); Spanish (most commonly in peanut candy); and Valencia (less common and sweet!).

* Raw peanuts in an intact shell can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-5 months; 6-9 months in the freezer.

* Peanuts and peanut butter are an excellent source of protein and contain nearly half of our essential vitamins and 35% of essential minerals.

Savory or Sweet, It Mattereth Not

I have crêpes on my mind. Savory, or sweet, they are a taste treat.

The paper-thin pancake originated in Brittany, the northwest region of France. Originally used as a bread staple, crêpes were generally made with buckwheat flour.

Beginning in the early 1900's, crêpes were paired with fillings, both savory and sweet, and the simple staple became a delicious delicacy. From humble regional origins, its popularity quickly spread throughout Europe and beyond.

From the food cart outside the Musée d'Orsay to the popular La Crêperie Café on 2nd Street in Long Beach, it's hard not to love'em.

Quote to Note: Cooking vs. Eating

I love Julia Child. Great chef AND keeps you laughing.

"I was 32 when I started cooking; up until then, I just ate."

Amen sister.

Happy Valentine's Day

and, Why do We Celebrate Valentine's Day?

Good question.

The holiday was established by Pope Gelasius in 496 AD and named after Christian marty Valentine. Thus, St. Valentine's Day.

If we were to get into the details, then it should be St. Valentines' Day (note the change in punctuation?) because there was more than one Christian martyr named Valentine.

Valentine lore has it that the first Valentine's Day Card was sent in 1415 from France's Duke of Orleans to his wife when he was a prisoner in London Tower.

One more fun fact: about 8 billion candy hearts with fun lovey-dovey sayings were made in 2009. Yum!

Foodie Thought

I do love looking up at the stars, but I must say, "amen" to this one -

"The discovery of a new dish does more for human happiness than the discovery of a new star."

- Anthelme-Brillat Savarin

French Gourmet (1825)

National Fettuccine Alfredo Day

The story goes that restaurateur Alfredo Di Lelio developed the deliciously butter- and Parmigiano-Reggiano-heavy recipe in an attempt to bring back his pregnant wife's lost appetite.

It worked. The dish was promptly added to Alfredo's menu.

About a decade later, two famous honeymooners, Mary Pickford and Douglad Fairbanks, happened upon the new pasta dish.

They loved it. The two lovebirds served their new found favorite to other celebrity-types upon their return to Hollywood, and it quickly gained in popularity.

And the rest is history.

Foodie Thought

A foodie thought to consider when baking valentine's cookies this month-

"Everyone is kneaded out of the same dough but not baked in the same oven."

- A Yiddish Proverb

It's Raining, But Not As Much As It Could

It's raining today.

Did you know that Cherrapunji, India claims the title of wettest place on earth? Average annual rainfall of 498 inches per year.

Wow.

Apparently Julia Roberts filmed a portion of her new movie, "Eat, Pray, Love" there ---- and the cuisine may be featured in the movie!

I hope so. Indian cuisine is delectable.

Valentine's Day -- Do You Have A Plan?

Valentine's Day --- it's right around the corner folks.

In fact, it's next weekend. You heard me. NEXT WEEKEND.

If you are in need of a fabulous, wow'em, romantic solution, I've got it for you.

An intimate, made-just-for-you, dinner for two.

And (this is the kicker), you don't have to make it yourself.

I will.

Send me a note - FAST, before I get snagged away - and I will personally craft and create a sumptuous dinner for you and your Valentine.

The link below will launch you to my website and where to contact me.

And, for those of you not yet subscribed to my newsletter, change your ways! Subscribe and receive delicious discounts, notices on up-coming events, and, as always, fun foodie news. www.luciaandcompany.com

A Foodie Thought

A fun foodie thought for the weekend-

“In France, cooking is a serious art form and a national sport.”

- Julia Child

Pasadena Farmers' Market

I will be at the Pasadena Farmers' Market tomorrow morning from 8 to noon.

Come say hello! Have a great weekend.

National Chocolate Cake Day

What a perfect excuse!

Lava, death by, flourless, devil's, molten, torte, souffle, mousse..... the chocolate cake options are endless.

A good friend down in Orange County sent me her favorite chocolate cake recipe. YUM. Top it with your favorite chocolate icing and you're ready to celebrate National Chocolate Cake Day!

CHOCOLATE CAKE

10 to 12 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups sugar
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1-1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup boiling water

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans.

2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.

3. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans.

4. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks,

What is your favorite kind of chocolate cake? Have a favorite recipe you want to share?

Did You Know - New England vs. Manhattan

Don't be a chowderhead! Know the difference between New England Chowder and Manhattan Clam Chowder.

New England Clam Chowder

* Milk or cream-based

* Traditionally includes potatoes and onions, possibly bacon

* In 1939, legislation was proposed in the state of Maine that would make it illegal to use tomatoes in clam chowder

Manhattan Clam Chowder

* Broth-based

* Tomato is added for flavor and color

* Before the early 1900's Manhattan Clam Chowder was referred to as "New York Clam Chowder"

Boldness

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
~ Johann von Goethe

Artistry

If people knew how hard I worked to gain my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful.
~Michelangelo

Food e-News

My most recent newsletter contains lots of great foodie news and great promotions for all subscribers.

If you're not yet subscribed, be sure to do so soon!

And, you can use the link below-

Soup, Winter Vegetable

You know me. I love using the produce of the season.

Even this season.

WINTER VEGETABLE SOUP

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1 medium onion, chopped

1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 large carrot, thinly sliced

1 celery rib, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1/2 lb sweet potato, peeled and cubed (1/2 inch)

1/2 lb Yukon Gold or boiling potatoes, peeled and cubed (1/2 inch)

2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable or chicken broth

1 1/2 cups water

1/2 cup frozen peas

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

DIRECTIONS

* Cook onion with bay leaf and 1/2 tsp salt in oil in a 4- to 5-quart heavy pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add carrot and celery and cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.

* Stir in tomato paste and cook, stirring, 1 minute, then add sweet potato, Yukon Golds, broth, water, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Simmer, covered, until vegetables are tender, about 20 minutes. Discard bay leaf.

* Puree 1 cup soup in a blender (use CAUTION) and return to pot. Bring to a simmer, then stir in peas and dill and cook until peas are heated through, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

RECIPE BY LILLIAN CHOU

SOURCE: GOURMET.COM

PHOTOGRAPH BY STEPHANIE FOLEY

Rewards

The big rewards come to those who travel the second, undemanded mile.

~Bruce Barton, American advertising executive, U.S. Congressman

January - National Soup Month

Did you know that January is National Soup Month?

Makes sense.

The majority of the country is in a deep freeze. Perfect weather for soup.

Good for the soul soup.

Yes, it's a tad bit warmer in my southern California, but I am still excited to indulge.

Please indulge with me....

(On a random side note - Donald E. Goerke, the Campbell Soup executive who brought Chunky Soup to the world, passed away over the weekend. Yet another reason to enjoy a hot bowl of soup.)

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Can you believe it is 2010? It's sounds so futuristic, like we should be driving flying cars.

My first wish for all of my readers: a happy, peaceful year.

My second wish for all of my readers: a year filled with shared culinary fun and learning via my blog.

Thanks for reading in 2009 and here's to a fantastic 2010!