Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Have you seen Soy Chorizo?  Do you like Chorizo?  I love Chorizo, but made the mistake of reading its ingredients one day.  And one I can’t get out of my head is salivary glands.  After reading that I didn’t eat Chorizo for several years.  I’ve since loosened up and will eat it in a restaurant — I just try not to think about it. 🙂

At home I use Soy Chorizo.  It’s almost as good as the real stuff, but the peace of mind makes it terrific.  I’m not grossed out making it and the Chorizo flavor is there.  I bought this one from Trader Joe’s and Mother’s Market has it too.

Here I made Chorizo and Eggs.  I removed the Soy from the casings (plastic) and fried it in a skillet.  It cooks differently than regular Chorizo, since no fat (oil) comes out.  It’s almost hard to tell when it’s done because it doesn’t get much darker.  I cooked it for about 10 minutes then added the Eggs and cooked until done.  I served all in warmed Flat Bread with Sour Cream.  It’s good stuff.

Related Links:

http://www.traderjoes.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=839

http://www.mothersmarket.com/retailer/store_templates/shell_id_1.asp?storeID=EMAF4UHXAMV58MQM1LG58N4W74AAFP7A

I usually don’t advertise advertisements, especially for fast food, but the new Jack in the Box commercial makes me laugh.  It’s the one with the two grown men in a twins baby stroller crying — It’s TOO funny!  Since it was on TiVo we played it several times.  Anyway, now I’m brain washed to try their new product – HA.  Good one J in the B. 

It’s usually not my preferred fast food joint — I might get a Taco from there every five years or so.  The commercial is for their Pita Sandwiches with Chipotle Sauce (aka Pita Snacks).  I tried their Fish Pita Sandwich.  Chipotle anything gets me every time. 

Overall, the Sauce flavor was good, but the Sandwich wasn’t.  It’s basically a Fish Stick hosted in a Pita that’s too chewy and thick for its contents, but I did get it out of my system (no mas) and I can still laugh at the commercial.

While requesting the Pita Sandwich, I saw something unique on the menu, Fried Cheesy Macaroni Bites, which reminded me of something at the Fair.  I had to try them too.  And I have to admit that I kind of liked them.  I couldn’t eat more than 3, since they’re greasy, but good.  And they do have Macaroni and Cheese inside.  I was glad I tried them, since they made up for the other.

Sandwich Proposals:  Serve on Flat Bread, use two pieces of Fish or a larger portion, add more fresh Lettuce and Chipotle Sauce.  Good luck.

Related Links:

http://www.yumsugar.com/1824741

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/544035

http://www.griffineatsoc.com/2008/07/jack-in-box-is-so-cheesy.html

http://www.foodfacts.info/blog/2008/07/jack-cheesy-macaroni-bites.html

My adorable Chef Nieces Bailee and Alexis “Lexi” have taken an interest in cooking.  They recently made the pictured Brownies for their Dad’s Birthday.  They used Pillsbury’s Funfetti Traditional Fudge Brownie Mix.  I’m starting this section ‘Kids in the Kitchen’ for them and other kids who like to cook with their family. 

My Chef Nieces even started their own cookbook — It’s so cool.  They’ve got 3 recipes so far.  And we (mostly them) made Hot Cocoa with Mini Marshmallows last night.  I just heated and poured the hot Milk.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=807

http://bakingbites.com/2007/08/funfetti-brownie-mix/

http://www.nestleusa.com/PubOurBrands/BrandDetails.aspx?lbid=91DF1E8D-9EB4-4382-9F9A-3AD848EED46D

It’s always nice in the Summer to receive Herbs from a Friend’s Garden.  Here’s another creative way to keep them for a short period of time.  It’s fun to open the fridge to see a Cup-O-Herbs, especially if the Herbs have blooms.  This bunch includes Garlic Chives, Rosemary, Basil and Pineapple Sage.  There’s a little water at the bottom of the cup.  It’s like a decoration in your fridge.  I thought about adding a tablecloth. 🙂

But learn something from my unrelated mistake.  You probably wouldn’t notice, but if you do — I should have removed the Tomato Paste from the can before placing it in the refrigerator.  I’ve read that’s what you’re supposed to do.  I was just keeping it for a day, but that’s no excuse.  It’s the bad in the good, the bad and the funny.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=744

This Microwaveable Pot is one of my favorite kitchen tools.  Here I cooked diced Potatoes to soften them up for Corned Beef Hash.  I blanch and cook vegetables in it all the time.  It’s so convenient.  Just add water, microwave desired amount of time, then easily drain the water and eat, or add its contents to a recipe.  

They’re so handy — I have two, but want more.  I’ve had them for a few years now and they’ve held up very well.  And I just learned GREAT NEWS, the “Microwave Pot” is still available where I got mine.  They’re so inexpensive too.  I like that.  If you’re interested too, see below.  Happy cooking.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=897

http://www.carolwrightgifts.com/

This visit we tried a couple new items off Pei Wei’s menu, the Vietnamese Chicken Salad Rolls and the Vegetable Fried Rice.  Yawn.  My Mom and I both think that our Fried Rice is better.  That shouldn’t be the case.  And I’ve had better Vietnamese Spring Rolls — It seems like the Rice Paper is too thick or there’s too much of it.  Does Rice Paper vary in thickness?  I don’t know.

Overall, I do like Pei Wei Restaurant.  As previously reported on Nibbles of Tidbits, other items are very good.  I enjoy their atmosphere, the dim lighting, service and comfort.  I’ll go back, but will try something different.

I came across the Peaches and Cream Pops recipe and fell in love with the picture.  It looked and sounded great.  I just had to make them immediately. 

Since I didn’t have actual Popsicle molds, I made mine in small plastic wine glasses generally reserved for a good picnic.  They worked well for this too.  I also used Yellow and White Peaches in mine, and added a little Honey, which is optional in the recipe.

My final picture isn’t as pretty as the one in the original recipe, but they tasted great.  I now want Popsicle molds and I’m inspired to make a multitude of flavors.  I currently have a fresh cut Pineapple on hand.   Hhmmmm, maybe that’s the next flavor.

Here’s the RECIPE and better final picture:

http://eatcaliforniafruit.com/recipes/recipe_Detail.asp?rID=130

It was very good, but more like diced Corned Beef and Potatoes with Onion, Garlic and Salt, rather than “Corned Beef Hash.”  I was watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and saw a similar recipe being made by a featured Diner.  I later looked it up on the TV Food Network’s website, re-watched the video online, and reviewed the posted recipe.  The recipe actually differs from the TV footage, so I prepared my own variation of the two.

I sauteed Sweet Onion, blanched the Potatoes and then combined them with the Onion and Salt.  I fried all a little longer then added the minced Garlic and Corned Beef, and after a few minutes placed the skillet in the oven and baked all at 450° for 15 minutes.  Although it was super tasty, it didn’t stick together like a true Corned Beef Hash.  Perhaps I should have mashed it or chopped all smaller to make it more authentic.  I believe Eggs are optional to this dish.

This recipe is effortless and delicious.  Just rub the Corned Beef Brisket with Brown Sugar and the Spice Mix that usually accompanies vacuum packed Corned Beef.  Pour any 12 ounce Beer lightly over the Brisket and into pot, cover and cook for 2 ½ Hours at 300°.

I like to cook Cabbage and Carrots on the side in a little Butter, Salt and Water, then I add a little Apple Cider Vinegar at the end.  I usually don’t add Potatoes to this dish because they tend to break apart.  I like all pictured with a little Mustard.  It works so well!

They’re somehow comforting and so good, crunchy and warm.  Any size Sandwich will do.  This is just a quick snack.  A small French Roll, shaved Ham, and American Cheese on my George Foreman.  His grill comes in handy, so don’t rule it out.  I want another Sandwich now.

Related Link:

http://www.grillingwithgeorge.com/index.aspx

I’m saving $3 a Cupcake.  The trick is to make them, so I created My Own Cupcake Shoppe.  I’ve tried to make mine better than those previously reported on Nibbles of Tidbits.  Some Cupcakes are better than I’ve purchased, but none as good as the best.  I’m still striving towards that. 

I made all Cupcakes pictured and will post the step by step process when advised that it’s not being published elsewhere.  That’s currently unknown.  Until then, enjoy the concept.  It was fun making them.  Better pictures to be provided in a future post.

So far I’ve made the following flavors:  Orange, Lemon, Lime, Raspberry, Pineapple Coconut, Carrot Pecan, Snickerdoodle, Marble, Bailey’s Irish Cream, White and Milk Chocolate Chips, and Chocolate Mint.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=187

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=12

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=808

http://www.ineedtext.com/index_files/Page2246.htm

Although it was the smallest piece of Swordfish I’ve received in a restaurant, it tasted good — It was topped with a Lobster Sauce.  At first I thought they gave me a Filet Mignon (HA), but then recognized its flavor and texture.  I’d prefer a better cut next time, hopefully. 

The service was excellent and the Cadillac Margaritas were nice and strong.  And we had a lovely spot on the patio overlooking the harbor.  My friend’s Blackened Halibut was perfect.  She had a great cut with beautiful white meat.  I should have taken a picture of the inside.  Overall the experience was a treat on a Saturday afternoon.

Related Links:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/billys-at-the-beach-newport-beach

http://orangecounty.citysearch.com/profile/609767/

http://www.zvents.com/newport-ca/venues/show/29789-billys-at-the-beach

I stumbled onto this blog http://www.deliciousasianfood.com/ and learned that its writer was running a contest.  What fun!  He’s offering a $100 prize too.  Who can’t use that these days?  The challenge is to make one of his recipes and post about it on your blog — Then votes will be collected on his blog.  PLEASE vote for me, Entry #17. 🙂

Thanks for the cool challenge.  I decided to make the Egg Flower Minced Pork Soup, because it has very few ingredients and I’ve never added a minced (ground) meat to a Soup before.  I’ve been excited to make it all week, but finally got the chance up against the Malaysian timezone.  Good thing I picked a relatively easy recipe.

Yum!  It was better than expected.  I did it.  I put the Onions in first, then lowered the temperature to a simmer and added the Pork, Eggs and Green Onions.  It was pretty flavorful.  I will definitely make it again.  Thank you Delicious Asian Food.

PLEASE VOTE for ME – Entry #17 directly below.  Voting is open until 09/09/08 (Malaysian Time).  http://www.deliciousasianfood.com/ 

UPDATE: The Contest is over.  I unfortunately didn’t win, but had fun competing.  THANK YOU to those who voted for me.  I appreciate it.

Contest Information: http://www.deliciousasianfood.com/2008/08/21/100-up-for-grabs/

Delicious Asian Food’s recipe and original post:
http://www.deliciousasianfood.com/2007/05/08/egg-flower-minced-pork-soup/

We had the Agua Caliente Casino Buffet for lunch today.  The food was fair compared to two other Casino Buffets we’ve had this year, but the Desserts were tops.  The pictures will give you a taste. 

We liked the Buffet best at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.  It offered Prime Rib, Carved Turkey, Shrimp, and a great variety of International dishes, Salads and Desserts.  It’s very impressive.  When we hit it everything was fresh.  And the Buffet at Pala Casino Resort & Spa in San Diego County was second runner up.

I wrote a lengthy review about El Matador for Orange County Mexican Restaurants (OCMEXFOOD Blog).  Christian Z’s site has a lot more food pictures.  Check them out.  I just ate there again and had the Chorizo Con Huevos y Papas with a side of Tortillas and good Cadillac Margarita.  I liked it all. 

I’ll tell a semi-funny story about Chorizo when I prepare a Soy Chorizo post.  I don’t wanna think about the ingredients now.  Ciao.  🙂

Related Links:

http://ocmexfood.blogspot.com/search?q=el+matador

I was busy working on many things today, but near one of my favorite Greek Restaurants and had to eat something.  I hadn’t tasted the Moussaka from the Greek Town Grill yet, since I always get the Dolmades.  I wrote about them in a previous post — They’re the best. 

The Moussaka (aka Mousaka) was good, but I have to admit that it didn’t top the one served at Papadakis Taverna in San Pedro.  It’s amazing there.  Both restaurants have tasty Greek dishes — It’ll just depend on where you find yourself.  Greek Town Grill is more casual and both are very welcoming.  The waiters often dance at Papadakis.  It’s a fun atmosphere.

Related Links:

 http://www.papadakistaverna.com/

http://www.greektowngrill.com/

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=92

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moussaka

http://www.restaurantica.com/blog/Shelly-Borrell–A-Food-Writer-in-the-Making/124/

La Siesta Restaurant was working hard, not napping.  They recently catered my friend’s wedding reception and did an excellent job.  The food was very good. 

I had never heard of them before, but I’ve since learned that they’re well loved in San Clemente.  I picked up one of their business cards and it says they specialize in Carnitas.  That’s what I liked the most.  Oh, the reception was very fun too. 

The view from the Ole Hanson Beach Club was spectacular.  It’s a great place for a wedding reception.  La Siesta was set up on the roof.  It’s a winning combination for those looking to tie the knot.  And finally, here’s a picture of the Cake.  It was cool too.  Congratulations Andrea & Mike.

Related Links:

http://www.lasiestasanclemente.com/

http://www.olehansonbeachclub.com/

If you’d like information regarding the Cake, please let us know in a comment.

I finally tried it.  To me it tastes like Cauliflower, but with less flavor.  I didn’t expect that.  It’s a pretty color and fun to try, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it, unless I needed its color contribution to a dish. 

I prepared a dish I make often with Cauliflower.  This time it’s ‘Roasted Broccoflower’ with Lemons, Garlic, Olive Oil and S & P.  It’s so simple and good.  If needed, the exact cooking instructions from a previous post are linked below.

Related Links:

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=121

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broccoflower

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-broccoflower.htm

Lo Siento.  I’m not really sure why I’m trying to speak Spanish right now – HA.  I tried a recipe I saw Rachael Ray make on 30 Minute Meals.  It’s called Potato Salad Fra Diavolo.  The combination sounded really interesting to me, so I made it, but didn’t like it. 

That was a bummer, since I was hoping to eat it for lunch throughout the week.  I followed the recipe exactly, which I rarely do.  I’ll usually change something.  To me, the flavor was a bit heavy and didn’t jive — Perhaps too much Mustard or Fennel, I’m not sure.

I love the TV Food Network and Rachael Ray, but this particular recipe doesn’t work that well, with all due respect.  It’s from Episode#: TM1903.  Has anyone else made it?  If so, I’d love to hear from you.

Here’s a few pictures of my preparation and a link to the recipe so you can try it yourself.  Good luck.

Recipe Links – http://www.rachaelray.com/recipe.php?recipe_id=2055

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/potato-salad-fra-diavolo-recipe/index.html

Most of the appetizers at The Yard House are half price during Happy Hour, which is 3:00-6:00pm (M-F).  It’s a great deal on good quality food.  We got the Crab Cakes, Ham and Pineapple Pizza, Sliders with Bearnaise Sauce and French Fries, plus a Hefeweizen and Dirty Martini.  We liked it all.

Related Links:

http://www.yardhouse.com/flash/default.asp

http://www.ineedtext.com/FoodBlog/?p=1310

Dolcissimo Cupcakes on 19th Street is NO MAS.  I’m not sure if they just moved or closed.  Their website doesn’t currently state.  It just shows business as usual, but their telephone number is out of order.  I’ll update this post later if I get the full story.  It appears the property owners didn’t have trouble securing another tenant.  The sign is already posted — Mazzottis Italian Deli & Catering, which doesn’t sound bad, but I’ll miss those Cupcakes.  I guess it’s another reason to make my own Cupcakes.

UPDATE 08/03/09:  It appears that Mazzottis opened, then closed a few months later.  The space is now occupied by Thai Tastee.

My Nieces made this for breakfast today and sent it to me in an e-mail.  It’s a Strawberry and Banana filled Crepe with Chocolate Sauce.  It looks great — I wish I got to eat it.  Thanks!

Chocolate’s progression on its way to your mouth.  I didn’t get to see the entire process, but the HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE links below will show you more.

Related Links:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vuKL9uesf2c

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate