Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Have you seen that Reddi-wip commercial, whereas Reddi-wip is offered as “Cream” for a slice of Pie and generic Cool Whip is offered as “Oil” for the same?  Oil or Cream says the waitress.  Cream of course.  Who wants Oil on a slice of Pie?!  If Cool Whip is truly made of Oil, I don’t know.  You may want to research that yourself.  For fun on Thanksgiving, Chef Lexi and I tested Reddi-wip’s marketing campaign by asking each guest if he/she wanted Oil or Cream on their Pumpkin Pie. 

And interestingly some who usually opt for Cool Whip on Pumpkin Pie, chose the Reddi-wip this year.  Hhmmmmm, effective marketing?  It’s not like Cream is tremendously better for you than Oil, but at least it’s what you think you’re getting.  Cream obviously sounds more desirable on Pie (or any dessert) than Oil.  Regardless, our final position is this… Reddi-wip and Cool Whip are fine on occasion, but real Whipping Cream is so much better than both.  Know that it’s convenient too, in that it only takes a few minutes to whip up and can be stored in the fridge a few days.

Top Chef All-Stars started last week and airs again soon (Wednesdays on Bravo TV).  I like Top Chef, but haven’t been riveted by its happenings the past few seasons, though I’ve caught most shows, since they rerun them over and over.  And right now I’m happy to be excited about the show again, because of the All-Stars.  Already knowing the personalities makes it more interesting.  The formula was getting a little boring, although it’s better than most TV programming.  I admit to liking Millionaire Matchmaker and The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills too — That Camille, I can’t stand her, but we talk food here.  Let’s get back to Top Chef All-Stars…

I like Carla.

I like Fabio too — Our Guest Blogger Bonnie recently reviewed his restaurant, Café Firenze posted here.  Last week during Top Chef All-Stars, Fabio was reamed by Judge Anthony Bourdain, who repeatedly said he “hated” his dish.  Trying to be funny, AB was pretty much a dick.  It’s unnecessary to be so dramatically negative, which applies to all judges, and cheers to Fabio for speaking up about it.  He handled himself well.  I probably would’ve cried after putting so much effort into it.

The All-Star Chefs were delivered the ingredients they used and had to pack their knives for and go, during his/her respective season.  Each had to make the dish better or at least passing this time — How fitting.  A perfect first challenge.

Wanted to quickly commentate on the photos and generally about the show, not provide a complete recap — Who has time?  Watch the show.  If further compelled, we’ll weigh in.

Mark your calendar — If local, you’ve got to check out the New Year’s Eve Block Party Preview Event.  It’s scheduled for Thursday, December 16, 2010, from 6 – 9pm at the OC Fair & Event Center, near the Pacific Amphitheatre Box Office.  It’s FREE to get in (and park).  The special preview event will feature music, karaoke and a sampling of gourmet food trucks participating in the New Year’s Eve Block Party event on December 31, 2010.  Food and beverage tastings will be offered for a small fee, varied by truck.  You just need to show up, park, walk up, then decide what to try first and bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the special toy drive to receive $5 off a ticket to the New Year’s Eve Block Party.

Pictured here is a sampling from just one of the 50+ food trucks to be present at the New Year’s Eve Block Party.  The colorful French Toast (above) and Beef, Lamb & Chicken Skewers (below) will be served by Chomp Chomp Nation, one of the newer trucks on the road that’s operated by a proud husband and wife team.

You’ll be able to enjoy the pictured items (and so much more) at the OC Fairgrounds on New Year’s Eve and stop by the Preview Event happening Thursday, December 16th to check out other gourmet food truck options.  You’re sure to find something you’ll love!

And if you like what you see at the FREE Preview Event, why not ring in the new year at the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party?!  There will be a lot going on.  Bring the family, friends, or come alone, as there will be plenty to do, EAT and see.  In addition to the 50+ gourmet food trucks, tribute bands will be playing throughout the evening (Pearl Jam, U2, Oingo Boingo, Led Zeppelin, The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, just to name a few), and there will be dancing, a demolition derby, a comedy hypnotist and a pyrotechnic laser show at midnight, and possibly a few rides – It’s almost the Orange County Fair in December.

PLEASE NOTE – The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party will be different than past NYE events held at the venue, in that it’ll be hosted by the OC Fair & Event Center, not a private promoter seeking all hoochies.  It strives to be family friendly and fun, like a real block party.  Tickets are on sale now.

ATTENTION — If local, the above tickets can be yours.  We’re giving them away on December 20th.  Just leave a comment here or send a direct message to FoodBlog on Twitter NOW and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win them.  And if you reeeeeeaallllllly want them, you may leave a comment or send a direct Twitter message once daily to improve your odds of winning.  Good luck all!

12/20/10 Update:  Congratulations goes to John Lombardo of Huntington Beach — His name was drawn from about (33) who entered to win tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party by leaving a comment here, sending a Direct Message through Twitter and/or Facebook.  Thanks to all who entered.  I hope to see you at the event.

Although the pictured 14lb. Turkey cooked up too dry, it was only $3 and provided a lot of tasty meals.  I think the oven was too hot.  During the holidays, Turkey deals are everywhere.  It’s fun to get a giant Turkey for the price of a Chicken and better yet when it’s cooked well.  Lemon slices were placed under the skin of this one, unlike another Turkey we’ve shown.  Let’s see what happens next time — We try different methods and always shoot for juicy.

Prior to morphatizing the leftovers, we enjoyed the dark meat with Sage Mashed Potatoes (Potatoes, Butter, Sour Cream, Milk, roasted/fried Sage Leaves and Salt & Pepper), Roasted ‘What’s On-Hand’ Veggies (Celery, Carrots, Onions, Garlic and Sage Leaves roasted in the oven with Olive Oil, White Balsamic Vinegar and Salt & Pepper), and Cranberry Sauce made with fresh Cranberries, Water, Sugar and Orange Zest.

Then it’s on to make the Turkey Stock that’s strained through cheesecloth and skimmed of fat.  Prior to its preparation, most Turkey meat is obviously reserved to make the following or whatever YOU want.

We always have a Turkey Sandwich (or 10).  Sometimes it’s only Turkey Sandwiches, because they’re simple and good.  Sandwich variations are endless, but we often find basic the best.

This Turkey Chili was made with roasted and peeled Tomatoes and Chilis (Poblano, Anaheim, Jalapeno), Garlic, Turkey Stock, Chili Spices, drained Kidney and Garbanzo Beans, and large chunks of white meat Turkey.

Turkey Quesadillas with Sharp Cheddar and Pepper Jack Cheese, Salsa and Sour Cream.

Turkey Noodle Soup made with the Turkey Stock and leftover Roasted Veggies (pictured above), that were pureed, then strained to leave behind the Celery fibers – The process produced a flavorful Soup base in which to add Noodles and Turkey chunks.

An attempt at Shepherds Pie in a Mason Jar was put forth with a thickened version of the Turkey Soup (using Arrowroot), minus most Noodles, which was then topped with Sage Mashed Potatoes and Paprika and baked in the oven.

The Shepherds Pie wannabe ended up cooking together.  It was pushed over its fine line of doneness, bummer – There was a moment when it looked great and was surely hot enough to eat.  It should’ve been pulled out then.

Happy Holidays — Give a cheap Turkey a good home, your stomach.

Zespri, thanks for choosing me as a Semi-Finalist in your Kiwi A-Go-Go Bloggers’ Contest — I now live happily knowing that, and enjoy the use of this lovely anatomically correct GOLD Kiwifruit Flash Drive aka consolation prize.  If you don’t know, the gold KIWI differs in shape from the green in that it protrudes slightly at both ends, a fact I haven’t known for long.  Unfortunately I didn’t win the grand prize dream vacation for 4 to New Zealand, but do appreciate having a great shot.  It was fun to think about.

I still like playing The Kiwi Game, the new phenomenon sweeping the nation.