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The OC Fair Culinary Arts Competition Starts Again: Come & Get It.

July 10th, 2013 No comments

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The Orange County Fair starts in just a couple days.  Come & Get It is the theme and today was delivery day — Delivery of culinary, baked goods, confections and sugar arts for the Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair.  My entries were dropped off at the very last minute.  It’s also judgment day, when all is tasted and ribbons are assigned.

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This year my entries included the pictured… Strawberry Stars (in Confections, Jellies), a Tangerine Cream Cheesecake topped with Candied Tangerine Slices (in Cheesecakes, Fruit Flavored and/or Fruit Topped) and Coconut Pineapple Scones (in Bread, Scones or Biscuits).  I didn’t get to try my Cheesecake, but it looked good with the Candied Tangerine Slices.

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The Scones were way too big, but tasted good — They were drizzled with a Pineapple Glaze.

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OC Fair peeps taking in the goodies (below) for you to come and get it (or see it) soon.

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I hope to win a ribbon, or two, or three — See you at the Orange County Fair.

Post Update (07/13/13):  I won a First Place (Blue) Ribbon for the Strawberry Stars only and may be featured in the Orange County Register this weekend.  I was interviewed by a reporter and one of the paper’s photographers took my photo.  We shall see…

Fair Results - Candy

Opening Day at the Orange County Fair with family (below).

Fair 2013 Opening Day

How To Enter A Culinary Arts Competition At The Orange County Fair.

May 18th, 2013 No comments

Division Winner

If you don’t enter, you can’t win.  Why not enter?  Anyone can win a Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair.  The deadline for competition entries is fast approaching.  Do you know how to enter?  Do you know what to do after you enter?  If not, this post may help.

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First, enter (most competitions) online — The OC Fair’s website can get you on the way.

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Go to the OC Fair Competitions’ page to learn ‘How to Enter an OC Fair Competition’.

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When you’re ready to enter, visit the OC Fair & Event Center On-line Entries page (below).

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Entrants are called Exhibitors, thus register as such before entering a competition.

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Choose Department (Culinary Arts in this instance), then Division and Class for each entry.

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Each entry costs $5.00 and one ticket to the OC Fair is presented on delivery day.

Fair Entry Day

After online entry, note delivery date and time and have all goods ready — Learn more here.

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On delivery day you’ll drive onto the fairgrounds, while all is being assembled for opening day.

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Culinary Arts Competition entries are generally submitted at the Exhibit Promenade (above).

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All entries must have a list of ingredients on an index card attached, as shown above.

Fair Entry - CheesecakeShelly's Jellies - GrapefruitRoasted Peach SconesLemon-Lime Jellies

Pictured herein are previously submitted entries and a was-gonna-be entry mishap below.

Entry Mishaps

The above was going to be Tangerine Dream Bars (similar to Lemon Bars), but it didn’t set.

What would've been.

Fortunately most past entries have turned out well — It’s what’s hoped for on delivery day.

Fair Entry - BlondiesFair Entry - ConfectionsConfectionShelly's Jellies

Above shows what YOUR entry/submission should look like, and below shows what it could look like when checking the competition results displayed on opening day at the OC Fair.

Fair Competition Results

It’s exciting to see how well you did or didn’t do — You can’t win ’em all.

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Entering a competition at any Fair makes all more fun.

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June 10th, 2013 is the last day to enter the Culinary Arts Competition (excluding Special Culinary Contests) online — See the Culinary Arts Competition Guidelines for all specifics.

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Guidelines are available for all OC Fair Competitions.

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Come & Get It is the theme of this year’s Orange County Fair.

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Good luck to all!

A Stiffer Culinary Arts Competition At The Orange County Fair This Year.

July 12th, 2012 2 comments

There are more entries than ever at the Orange County Fair this year.

I’m told there are over a thousand entries in the Culinary Arts Competition alone.

Since there’s only one Culinary Arts show this year, the competition will be stiffer than usual.

In previous years there had been two shows, which generally cut the competition in half.

Pictured here are my 2012 entries — An Orange Zest Cheesecake with a Milk Chocolate Ganache, Roasted Peach Scones and Grapefruit, Orange and Lemon-Lime Fruit Bursts.  All have been submitted for judging.  The OF Fair officially opens tomorrow with the results of all.

The entry submission lines were longer this year, but efficient — See you at the Fair.

OC Fair Culinary Arts Competition: On Your Mark, Get Set, Now Enter.

March 29th, 2011 No comments

You may NOW enter the Culinary Arts Competition happening at the 2011 Orange County Fair.  You have from today until June 1, 2011 to enter online.  Each adult entry is $5, and if under 18 the entry fee is $3 — As a win-win incentive, an OC Fair ticket is provided with each entry.  It pays to enter the contests at the Fair, since it costs a little more to get in.  See you there!

It’s Almost Time To Enter The Culinary Arts Competition At The OC Fair.

March 19th, 2011 No comments
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As Orange County Food Examiner, I reported about new things happening during the Culinary Arts Competition and the Single Day Competitions at the OC Fair this year.  Learn more here.

OC Cupcake Classic Special Culinary Arts Competition Is Happening Soon.

August 8th, 2010 No comments

The OC Cupcake Classic is the last “Special Culinary Competition” you can enter this year at the Orange County Fair.  Entry Forms are due by August 11th and the Competition will be held on Saturday, August 14th, 2010 at 1PM on the Promenade Stage.  Since Cupcakes are so popular these days, the OC Cupcake Classic Competition will be stiff, but if you still want to enter before it’s not too late, email rfontes@ocfair.com.  Good luck to all — We may come and watch.  I’m content with the two 2nd Place Ribbons won in the Culinary Arts Competition, 2nd Show (pictured above).

Second Culinary Arts Competition Fair Submissions Are Due Tomorrow.

August 2nd, 2010 No comments

The Orange County Fair’s Culinary Arts Competition (2nd Show) submissions are due tomorrow and will be on display starting Wednesday, August 4th.  Most 1st Show submissions will be removed from the display cases and replaced with the 2nd Show entries.  Those entering (and all Fair patrons) will be able to see the placement results beginning Wednesday and will be viewable throughout the duration of the Fair.

We’ll be entering Tangerine Coconut Muffins and an Orange Pound Cake.  Pictured are the practice (fine-tuning) results of our Muffins and a Banana Bread Pudding that was going to be entered into the Retro Baker Regatta Competition, if it hadn’t turned out too dry.  FYI: It’s not too late to enter a couple of the Single Day Special Culinary Competitions — Learn more about them here and good luck to all!

Update 08/03/10:  Actual ‘Orange Sparkle Pound Cake’ entry in 2nd Show (pictured below).

Culinary Arts Competition Is Once A Year In OC.

August 11th, 2009 No comments
OC Fair Culinary Arts Competition Ribbons

OC Fair Culinary Arts Competition Ribbons

Does this mean I might know something about which I write?  Although the purple ribbons only mean participate, I’m happy to have them too.  The Orange County Fair left town, but I picked up these ribbons today among the rubble of the broken down rides.  Each year the OC Fair runs a Culinary Arts Competition and sign up is 3 months preceding it.  I finally met the deadline this year for the first time and pleased to report that all (4) entries placed — Not too shabby, though some of my friends say the contest must be easy, HA.

Ambrosia Bundt Cake

Rocky Mountain Orange Cream Pie

Gourmet Nut Clusters

Pretty in Pink Scones

To enter the 2010 Culinary Arts Competition, start checking this website in late April – May 2010 for Home Arts – Culinary information, guidelines, deadlines, etc.  Good luck!

Culinary Arts Competition Results At The OC Fair.

July 11th, 2009 2 comments

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oc-fair-0082The results are in for the first phase of the Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair.  I’m excited to learn that my Ambrosia Bundt Cake won a 2nd Place Ribbon and my Gourmet Nut Clusters won a 3rd Place Ribbon.  Not bad for a first time OC Fair submitter — Two for two.  For the second phase of the Culinary Arts Competition, I’ll be delivering Scones on July 28th, and for the Single-Day LIVE Judging Contest a Pie on July 25th.

oc-fair-0051This day I met Jaqui Dulebohn (Santa Ana), a Division Winner in the Preserved Foods Competition.  That’s impressive!  It means she won a 1st Place Ribbon, then beat out all the other 1st Place Ribbon winners in the Jam’s Division.  Congratulations to Jaqui on her Apricot Jam.  She looks forward to the competition each year.  ALL entries are displayed in the Home Arts Building.  You’ve got to get to the Fair for all the fabulous food and fun.

OC Fair INFO

Competition & Contest INFO

PHOTOS from 2008’s Culinary Arts Competition

The Orange County Fair Starts Soon: More Culinary Contests To Enter.

June 27th, 2014 No comments

Fair Competitions

See what’s cooking at the OC Fair this year: Featuring 23 Days of Iconic Fair food, Celebrity Chefs, Craft Beer & Culinary Competitions and Exhibits — The 2014 OC Fair is cooking up a delicious summer for Fairgoers. From July 11 to August 10, 2014, the OC Fair is serving up summer fun, along with culinary events and new Fair food that are definitely worth the trip.

  • OC Fair Creations (Past Winner)Chicken Charlie is introducing the new-for-2014 Deep-Fried Doritos and Deep-Fried Chicken Skin in addition to his classic favorite fried treats of Oreos, cookie dough and Twinkies.
  • Bacon A-Fair is introducing Bacon-Wrapped Jack Daniels, a unique churro concoction with a little whiskey kick at the end (non-alcoholic). Also, a deep-fried bacon-wrapped turkey leg!Bacon Wrapped Turkey Leg
  • Biggy’s Meat Market is bringing gluten-free options this summer with GF hamburger buns, fries & a newly gluten-free The Big Rib.
  • Texas Donuts is putting a twist on its popular giant donuts with new flavors like Cherry Pop Rocks, Banana Chocolate Cream and Peanut Butter Cup. Also new this year, a Latin twist with the new deep-fried Gansito.
  • OC Fair Foodies, the OC Fair’s food-themed costumed characters, are back this summer. Join Olivia Orange, Cotton Candy Carl, Arturo Churro, Cornelius Corn and Ice Cream Scoop as they delight Fairgoers.
  • $2 Taste of Fair Food, held every Friday from Noon-4 p.m., offers Fairgoers the chance to taste Fair food for $2 per item. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.Fair Competition Results
  • OC Brew Hee Haw, a craft beer roundup, is July 11-13 and will bring some of the best local craft beers to OC Fairgoers for five sessions of beer tastings, demonstrations and exhibits. Visit ocbrewheehaw.com for details and tickets.
  • Celebrity Chefs will bring their colorful cooking skills to The Hangar stage on three Thursdays. Scheduled appearances, include Carla Hall, co-host ABC’s lifestyle series “The Chew” (July 17, 4 p.m.); Roy Choi, founder of the famous Korean taco truck, Kogi BBQ (July 24, 4 p.m.); and Kelsey Nixon, host of her own show, “Kelsey’s Essentials” on the Cooking Channel (July 31, 4p.m.) Free with Fair admission and autograph sessions will follow each appearance. Presented by Vons.Fair Award - Shelly (Borrell) Freis
  • Chef Challenge will put talented culinary professionals in competition against each other with a themed cook-off every Friday at 7 p.m.: July 18 (Earth), July 25 (Water), August 1 (Air) and August 8 (Fire). Free with Fair admission.
  • Special Culinary Contests include Eating Smart Starts Here (July 19), Hot! Hot! Hot! Chili, Wings or Salsa (July 26), OC Cupcake Classic (August 2) and Fairtastic Food (August 9). Registration is the Wednesday before each contest. For a complete list, visit ocfair.com/competitions.
  • Daily Culinary Demonstrations can be enjoyed for free in the OC Promenade throughout the run of Fair. The Bakeology exhibit will highlight the wondrous things a baker can create from just butter, flour, eggs and sugar with daily demonstrations by Blackmarket Bakery chefs. Chef Ray Duey will carve works of art out of fruits and vegetables. Master Food Preserver Ernest Miller will teach Fairgoers how to preserve fresh vegetables, sauces and more. Artist Shaile Socher will create delicate edible sugar art and Cake Decorator Greggy Soriano (July 11-27 only) will make cake go from bland to grand.Fair 2013 Opening Day
  • Award-Winning Wines are available by the taste or glass in the Wine Courtyard throughout the Fair, and on weekends wine-lovers can learn more about the various varietals during the Orange County Wine Society’s Wine Seminars (most require an additional fee).
  • Centennial Farm, the OC Fair & Event Center’s year-round, three-acre demonstration farm is complete with crops, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Fairgoers can check out educational exhibits, agricultural organizations and the fruit and vegetable competitions.

The 2014 OC Fair, themed Summer Starts Here, is July 11 – August 10 and will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Super Pass, Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre and events in The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats, single-day general admission and the popular Super Pass are available for purchase online at ocfair.com or from the on-site Box Office. Free parking and shuttle service are available on Saturdays and Sundays from the Experian parking structure located off the Bristol St. exit of the 405 freeway.   The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com.

Fair Pie Contest

Credits:  Photos were taken during previous visits to the Orange County Fair and text is republished from the OC Fair & Event Center Communications Department.

 

Too Legit, Too Legit To Quit, Hey, Hey: Excellence In Culinary Arts.

August 7th, 2012 No comments

Awe, Home Sweet Home, I end up where I wanted to be, with a Division Win in anything.

At the Orange County Fair in receipt of a Certificate of Recognition for my Confections Entry (Fruit Bursts aka Shelly’s Jellies) in the Culinary Arts Competition.  Thank you very much!

2012 Awards (center) and entries are linked — A hard act to follow in 2013, but will try. 🙂

The Fair Is More Fun (And Costs Less) When You Enter A Competition.

May 8th, 2012 No comments

NOW is the window of time to enter a Competition at the Orange County Fair.

Did you know it costs less to enter a Fair Competition than it does to get in the Fair?

When you enter a Competition, you receive a Fair admission ticket — Enter here.

Do your Tomatoes look better than previous winners (above)?  If so, enter the Garden & Floral Competition.  Have you taken a dazzling photograph or do you paint?  Yes?  Enter the Visual Arts Competition.  Or view the complete list — There has to be a Competition for you.

Bottle Beer or Wine, can Jams or Pickles, or bake?  Enter the Tasty Creations Competition.

More Competition INFO can be read here and the specifics regarding all Culinary Competitions are linked here.  Enter most contests in May and June, and Single Day Contests (in person competitions, shown below) now or after the Fair opens.  See schedule here.  Good luck!

Don’t miss the sign up deadline(s) — You might just win.

The Art Of The Tart & Pie Competition At The OC Fair.

July 24th, 2010 No comments

It’s not too late to sign-up for a few of the Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Competitions — The specifics and more Fair information can be found here.  Today the ‘Art of the Tart & Pie Competition‘ went down with Pies galore, and tomorrow the ‘Chili, Wings & Salsa Challenge‘ happens with an expected 50 entries. 

These live judged culinary competitions happen each weekend during the Fair and start at 1PM on the Promenade Stage — It’s fun to enter and watch.

And it’s tough to choose a winner, but the Judges take it seriously.  Today there were winners in (4) categories, One-Crust, Two-Crust, Sugar-Free and Savory (or something like that).  We captured one of the winners in the Sugar-Free category and luckily got to try her entry pictured below.  She picked its juicy Blackberries by hand, what a treat for us.

Note:  We appreciate the improvements made to the Culinary Arts Program this year.  From the displays, to the stage and general organization, all went up a notch, not that we had any complaints before — It all looks terrific.

Kids In The Kitchen: Food Eraser Collection For The OC Fair Competition.

June 30th, 2010 No comments

The Orange County Fair starts Friday, July 16, 2010.  Little Chef Alexis (aka Chef Lexi) has entered her Food Eraser Collection into the Youth Competition, Junior CollectionsNibbles of Tidbits hopes Chef Lexi gets a Blue Ribbon!  It’s too late to enter the competition now, but you can see the results at the OC Fair — See you there.

OC Fair Culinary Entries Are Due By May 26, 2010: Enter Before Then.

May 18th, 2010 No comments

We’re fine tuning recipes to enter into the Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Competition this year.  Entries are due by May 26, 2010.  You can ENTER HERE.  Other than the photos, we’re not tellin’ more about what we’re working on.  And no, they’re not Lemon Bars above.  It is a competition afterall.

To read about past Culinary Arts Competitions and more, click HERE.

OC Fair’s Second Show Culinary Arts Contest.

July 31st, 2009 1 comment

misc-014My final contest entry of Scones in the Orange County Fair Culinary Arts Competition awarded me a Third Place Ribbon.  I submitted Lemon Zest Scones with a Pomegranate Glaze.  They were good, but I really wanted a bite of the First Place Scones.  And the pictured Chocolate Loaf won the division.  Stop by the Orange County Fair, near the Promenade Stage to view all Second Show entries. 

 

Related Links:

Single Day Pie Competition At The OC Fair.

July 25th, 2009 No comments

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oc-fair-2009-iii-007The Single Day Pie Competition went down today at the Orange County Fair.  Approximately 20 Pies were entered and Ribbons were awarded for Best of Show, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Place, plus 3 Honorable Mentions.  After the judging, FREE Pie was served to the public.  It’s best to be around at that time (2PM each Saturday and Sunday at the Promenade Stage).  During this Contest, I happily received an Honorable Mention for my Chocolate Mountain Orange Cream Pie.  It’s pretty good.  Here’s the RECIPE: Orange Cream Pie Recipe.  Enjoy!

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More Orange County Fair Competition INFO:

The 2017 OC Fair Goes Gourmet And We’re Set To Substantiate That.

July 8th, 2017 No comments

 

It’s my favorite thing at the OC Fair — The FOOD.  And it’s about gourmet food this year.  That’s even better.  It’s reported that ‘The 2017 OC Fair Goes Gourmet’.  See the OC Fair’s official press release below and we at Nibbles of Tidbits will see you at the Fair.  It starts July 14th and we’re ready to taste everything.  I usually enter the Culinary Arts Competitions, but our kitchen is currently being remodeled.  I caught myself thinking up ideas of what to enter this year, but remembered, duh, I don’t have a kitchen right now, and probably won’t for another three to four weeks. You’ll see that here later.  Until then, read what will soon be happening at the OC Fair.

Farm to fork. Artisan crafted. Locally made. Small batch. These words don’t just define a food revolution, they hint at what you’ll find in the culinary exhibits and demonstrations at the 2017 OC Fair. Steal away from the midway for a little while to discover artisans who bring the “Farm Fresh Fun” theme to life. Taste award-winning California olive oil. Sample locally made kombucha. Learn how butchers, bakers and local booze makers are changing the way things are crafted in Orange County and beyond. The culinary team at OC Fair & Event Center has curated a lineup that showcases top local chefs, TV celebrities, cookbook authors and local businesses to help Fairgoers get a taste of what that food revolution is like.

Let’s take a look at what and who you’ll find at the Fair in the OC Promenade Culinary Arts Building:

Pies: Karen Uyeda is a passionate fair attendee and previous OC Fair Blue-Ribbon Winner for her pies. She launched Sweetcie Pie and her business has flourished. Learn her pie-making secrets. July 19, 3 p.m.

Spirits: Brian and Robin Christenson launched the very first craft distillery in Orange County, Blinking Owl. These locavores and grain nerds will teach how they mill, ferment and distill barrel aged whisky and more. They have a great local story to tell. July 22, 3 p.m.

Paella: Junior chef Isabella Vegh is a member of 4-H and a previous triple Best of Class Winner in Preserved Foods and Winner of the Youth Spam Competition. Isabella will demonstrate how to make authentic Paella Valencia. July 20, 5 p.m.

Butchery: Chef Noah Blom of ARC Restaurant, Restaurant Marin and The Guild will give a primal cut butchery demonstration and he’ll share his best tips. Aug. 2, 5 p.m.

Meat:  Executive Chef Melissa Cortina, of Bavette’s Meats and Provisions, attended Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and learned at the hands of master Italian butchers. She will answer questions about buying, using and preparing meat. Aug. 13, 5 p.m.

Bread: Cortina will be joined by former Blue Man Group performer Don Kohler who will demonstrate how to make unique Icelandic geothermal rye bread in your home kitchen. Kohler is now star of Hallmark Channel’s The Home & Family Show. Aug. 13, 5 p.m.

Beer: The first and only non-GMO, vegan-friendly beer, Dr. Jekyll’s Craft Beer, is produced by Tom Costa, an avid home brewer of more than 25 year. Learn how to bring craft beer into the kitchen and onto the plate. Aug. 6, 3 p.m.

Fermented Food: Fairgoers can learn about the health benefits of lacto-fermentation from Dr. Yasmine Mason of Fermentation Farm, and try a free sample of kombucha. Daily

Seasonal: Chef Ernie Alvarado, pictured above, of Urbana is bringing Farm Fresh Mexican-inspired dishes to the table. Find out how he has mastered the use of seasonal produce in his creations. July 22, 7 p.m.

Sweets: Chef Stéphane Tréand will showcase his incredible talents by creating a highly technical sugar sculptor showpiece. July 30, 5 p.m.

Produce: Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Produce is known as Produce Guru. Become one of his followers and increase your knowledge of fruit and vegetables.  July 20, 2 and 4 p.m.

Here’s their Official List of all the Culinary Events and Demonstrations happening this year.

Winning Salad Ingredients Inspired By Blue Apron Meals.

September 27th, 2015 No comments

Winning Quinoa Bean Salad

It was Red Quinoa, introduced by Blue Apron, that inspired me to create the pictured Red Quinoa and Garbanzo Bean/Chickpea Salad, with Shallots, Parsley, Mint, Arugula, Toasted Slivered Almonds, Red Wine Vinegar, Dijon Mustard, Olive Oil and Salt & Pepper.  It was for the OC Fair’s Culinary Arts Competition this year and I won a 5th Place Ribbon for it.  Measurements aren’t listed, because they didn’t need to be submitted — I just fine tuned the combination until it tasted great and now it’s a Salad I’ll forever make in varying combinations, with Quinoa, Beans and Nuts.

Winning Ribbons

I won a second 5th Place Ribbon for a different Salad using Orzo Pasta, Broccoli and Pine Nuts.

Blue Apron Took Me Away: We’re Still Cooking Here (A Lot).

September 4th, 2015 No comments

Blue Apron Meatballs

Fifty-four recipe cards later… We’ve had some terrific meals with Blue Apron.

Salmon Burger

Though I’ve experimented with a lot of different ingredients, thanks to Blue Apron I keep discovering new ones like… Pea Shoots, White Miso Paste, Queso Oaxaca, Arepas, Pearled Barley, Yu Choy, Yuzu Juice, Ramps, Soba Noodles, Castelvetrano Olives and Fregola Sarda Pasta.

Blue Apron Meal

Meals are forever changed knowing these ingredients — Several meals will remain on my menu.

Blue Apron Meal

I now love Red Quinoa, which has been included in a few Blue Apron Meals.  I used it in a Salad I created and entered in the Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair this year and won a 5th Place Ribbon for it.  That recipe will soon be posted on Nibbles of Tidbits.  Check back for that.

Fish Meal

I have posted Blue Apron meal photos on Instagram @ShellyChiliFreis, but for the most part I just want to eat them.  Dinner on my time has been more important than pausing to compose a photo. There is work involved.  The meals don’t make themselves, but they’re worth the time.

Meatballs

Meals pictured from top down — Spiced Meatballs with Garlic Toasts & Summer Squash Salad, Salmon Burgers with Crème Fraiche Sauce, Arugula & Potato Salad, Arepas De Carne Molida with Avocado & Pickled Jalapeno, Chicken Milanese with Summer Corn, Cherry Tomato & Cucumber Salad, Seared Cod with Spring Vegetables & Lemon-Mustard Vinaigrette and Hoisin-Glazed Chicken Meatballs with Zucchini & Brown Rice.  Blue Apron continues to be highly recommended by us.

Categories: Food Pictures & More

Jaunt To Oregon: Postscripts Of Fuzzy Food Afterthoughts.

August 7th, 2013 No comments

Long Beach Airport

Food wasn’t the focus of the trip, just an afterthought while visiting a friend in Oregon.

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I now love Long Beach Airport — It’s nice and small with several good food options.  I had Hummus and Pita Bread while waiting to board the plane, and a glass of Chardonnay while watching the Food Network during the Jet Blue flight.  A delightful start indeed.

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On land in Albany, Oregon.

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Went to a few places, but nothing knocked my socks off, thus provide a general recap of most.

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Loafers Station is a popular restaurant in Albany — It’s where this lunch is from.

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We had a good cross-section of food… Tacos, a Sandwich and Pizza — Their MENU is here.

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Blackberries seemed to grow freely everywhere.

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I sized up the Culinary Arts Competition at the Linn County Fair.

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It’s much smaller than the OC Fair’s Culinary Arts Competition, but equally fun.

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Also saw Collective Soul, one of my favorite bands playing at the Oregon Fair.

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It was beautiful everywhere in between and around Portland, Albany and OSU.

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My dear friend, Theresa happened to make the best food I had there (above and below).

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Simple and good — Shredded Chicken with Mr. Yoshida’s served on Hawaiian Bread Rolls.

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We took a Pedicab from downtown Corvallis to and from OSU.

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So picturesque everywhere.

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Lunch at Flat Tail Brewing (below).

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The Onion Dip with house made Potato Chips was good, but this one is the best.

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Our Salads were better than good on the other hand, especially The Mash Tun.

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See MENU for more information.

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Moving on to the soon to be filled space below — It’s where Chopped winner, Cody Utzman plans to open Frankie’s Restaurant.  I didn’t see his episode and now want to look for it.

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I like our reflection in the window as we check it out up close — It’s like we’re inside already.

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Oregon is gorgeous!  I barely made the flight back to Long Beach and had to run through the Portland Airport without a minute to spare — It was thankfully Chardonnay time again, whew.

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Where should we eat next time?

Come & Get It For 23 Days: See What’s New And What’s Always There.

July 13th, 2013 No comments

OC Fair Opening Day 2013

It’s All About the Food at the 2013 OC Fair (July 12 – August 11, 2013)

Days of Deep-Fried Food, Celebrity Chefs, Decadent Desserts & Culinary Competitions

Just as dinner bells would call hard-working farmers to the table for meals, the OC Fair is ringing the metaphorical dinner bell for Fairgoers to “Come & Get It” July 12 to August 11, 2013. With plenty of food vendors and culinary activities, the OC Fair has something for every palate. Here’s what the Fair is cooking up this year:

• Chicken Charlie: Chicken Charlie is churning out new food with Krispy Kreme Sloppy Joes, Deep-Fried Bacon-Wrapped Pickles and Waffle Dogs (a hot dog wrapped inside a waffle and all on a stick). Plus, don’t miss deep-fried cookie dough!

• Bacon A-Fair: This year’s new additions at Bacon A-Fair include Truffle Gouda Bacon Fries, Bacon Beer (root beer) and Cheesy Bacon Bombs. Plus, wild boar bacon on a stick will be served exclusively at the OC Fair.

• Biggy’s Meat Market: Channel your inner cave man (or woman) and come to Biggy’s Meat Market for the returning 17-inch The Big Rib plus the new Biggy Sausage, a 2-foot-long smoked sausage on a stick, and the Big Chic, 24 ounces of chicken breast on a stick of course.

• Ten Pound Buns: The mad scientists at Ten Pound Buns have added ground bacon, whipped butter and Nutella on top of their famous sourdough “pizza” for the Bacon Nutella Bun.

• Pink’s Hot Dogs: Long known for their innovative hot dogs named after celebrities, the Ghiradelli hot dog takes it to a new level. It is a beef dog topped with cream cheese, honey mustard, crumbled bacon and dark chocolate.

More New Food: There are new tastes to be found throughout the OC Fair this year including deep-fried strawberries, a macaroni and cheese hamburger, fried bacon ice cream, deep-fried lobster, cream cheese on a stick, mango & chamoy popsicle (spicy-sweet lemon chile flavoring), heart-shaped funnel cake, Dirty BBQ Tasti Chips and more.

OC Fair Foodies: New this year the OC Fair is introducing food-themed mascots including Scoop, Carl, Dip and their foodie friends all inspired by iconic Fair and farm foods such as ice cream cones, cotton candy, corn dogs, vegetables, fruit and more. Costumed characters, plushes and signage will be representing the foodie friends throughout the Fair.

• $2 Taste of Fair Food: Every Friday from Noon-4 p.m., Fairgoers can sample the best the Fair has to offer for only $2 each sample. Fun-sized samples include funnel cake, BBQ tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.

• Celebrity Chefs: The 2013 OC Fair presents two shows in The Hangar featuring charismatic celebrity chefs demonstrating their culinary prowess. Scheduled appearances include the owners and chefs of the award-winning La Casita Mexicana Restaurant Jaime Martin del Campo and Ramiro Arvizu (July 20, 4 p.m.) and award-winning chef and owner of Bottega in Napa Valley and Coqueto in San Francisco Michael Chiarello (August 1, 4 p.m.) Free with Fair admission.

• Culinary Presentations: In addition to celebrity chefs, the 2013 OC Fair is also featuring local professional chefs from some of the county’s top local restaurants and other culinary artisans in the OC Promenade. Presentation days and times vary.

• Food Truck Fare at the OC Fair: On top of traditional and new Fair foods, Fairgoers can purchase gourmet fare from their favorite food trucks from inside the OC Fair gates every Thursday from Noon-10 p.m. Access is free with Fair admission and prices for food and drinks vary per truck.

• Kitchen Challenge: Watch local culinary professionals show off their chops and go head-to-head in a series of live cooking challenges set to various themes every Thursday in the OC Promenade: Meatheads (July 18), Time to Make The Donuts (July 25), Firehouse Chefs (August 1) and Vegan (August 8). Winners will receive bragging rights and an award to commemorate their culinary victory. Viewing is free with Fair admission.

• Contests and Competitions: Most of the traditional Culinary Arts competitions have closed their registrations but the Culinary Arts department is again hosting live contests that offer late registration with the Special Culinary Contests held the last four Saturdays, including the popular OC Cupcake Classic on August 3. Registration for these contests is the Wednesday before each contest. New this year is the Salad Daze contest, which is judging for the best picnic-ready salads. For a complete list, visit ocfair.com/competitions.

• Food As Art: Chef Ray Duey is an acclaimed food sculptor who was a gold medal winner from the Food Network’s Challenge Team and will be creating works of art out of fruits and vegetables daily in the OC Promenade. Award-winning Shaile Socher creates masterful floral arrangements out of sugar and will be demonstrating her intricate and dazzling talent in the OC Promenade daily. Demonstrations are free with Fair admission.

• Centennial Farm: Experience being home on the range in this year-round, three-acre demonstration farm complete with crops, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Check out educational exhibits, agricultural organizations and the fruit and vegetable competitive entries. Visit ocfair.com/competitions for details on the Garden and Floral competitions offered.

The 2013 OC Fair, themed Come & Get It, is July 12 – August 11 and brings 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the Toyota Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. Concert tickets, action sports reserved seats and single-day general admission are available for purchase online at ticketmaster.com or from the on-site Box Office. The popular Super Pass, which offers the passholder 23 days of admission, is available for purchase online at ocfair.com from the onsite Box Office.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan at Facebook.com/OCFair, follow them at twitter.com/ocfair or call (714) 708-1500. Also, download the free OC Fair iPhone and Android apps featuring a Food Finder and schedules of events.

Source:  Press Release from The OC Fair & Event Center (above).

Sharks, Bacon Wrapped Hot Dogs And Dinosaurs At The LA Fair, Oh My.

September 24th, 2011 2 comments

Mako Shark, Thresher Shark or Los Angeles County Fair Shark?  They do tricks.  Do you bite?

Opted for a Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog and many more bites.

Smokin’ Meats.

BBQ and Beer.

Sizing up the LA Culinary Arts Competition to see how it compares to the OC.

This Cake is correct and dedicated to all my long time friends — Blessed yes I am.

More Culinary Arts Competition Results — Cakes and Ribbons.

Table Setting Competition Results — I love the Covered Wagon idea.

Moving Dinosaurs — I wonder if they were good BBQ’d by the cavemen.

And Pre-Pulled Pork, Bacon, Carnitas, Chops, Rinds, you get the picture.

Remember all relates to FOOD here, and MILK, one of the best drinks in the world.

Learn how it’s made at the LA Fair aka Pomona Fair.

And had to find the Chuckwagon, the best BBQ Brisket at the OC Fair.

Terri’s Berries is at the LA Fair too, along with much, much, much more — Lots to do and EAT.