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Happy Holidays!

Bobby Flay Shares His Grilling Tips and Recipes

by Joi on August 26, 2010

Planning on grilling out this Labor Day weekend? Many people wouldn’t think of having it any other way. I’ve always thought of Labor Day weekend as kind of a farewell to summer as we welcome autumn, so grilling out seems only fitting.

One of the best-known TV personalities, and one of the reasons we needed the phrase Celebrity Chef in the first place, Bobby Flay (who has opened his first steakhouse, Bobby Flay Steak, at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa) is eager to share his tips on how to become a grilling pro just in time for Labor Day.

Grilling tips from Bobby Flay – does it get any better than that?

Bobby Flay shares his nine best tips, tricks and techniques, in addition to his delicious Ribeye & Anaheim Chile Quesadilla that will wow guests and have everyone licking their fingers.

Here are Bobby Flay’s grilling tips and recipes. Enjoy!

DON’T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE GRILL

A grill is just a source of heat. Just like a stove, it is very user-friendly.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT GRILL FOR YOU

Charcoal or gas. Both give excellent results, so choose the one that best suits your style of cooking.

GIVE YOURSELF ROOM

Don’t underestimate the importance of having enough room to work. Grilling is much more relaxing when you are not trying to juggle a whole collection of plates and bowls as you do it. If your grill doesn’t have enough workspace – and they almost never do – set up a table right next to your grill.

ORGANIZE & PRIORITIZE

Organize your tasks: plan a menu, make lists, do the shopping. When it’s time to hit the grill, get everything out in front of you: food, spices and tools. Everything you are going to need should be within easy reach.

MAKE SURE IT’S HOT

Most of the time, I grill over high heat. I like things to move fast. I like the sound and smell of a very hot fire. I gravitate towards dishes that you can get on and off the grill as quickly as possible. After a while, you’ll know without thinking about it how hot the fire is – high, medium-high, etc. Until then, you can use the time-tested method of holding your hand 4 inches above the grate and seeing how long you can keep it there. It may sound a little dangerous, but you’ll pull your hand back at just the right moment.

◦ High: 2 counts

◦ Medium-high: 4 counts

◦ Medium: 6 counts

◦ Medium-low: 8 counts

◦ Low: 10 counts

KEEP THE LID CLOSED WHEN COOKING ITEMS THAT TAKE LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES

Items like ribs, whole chicken, bone-in chicken breasts, etc.

DON’T PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD

The more you touch the food on the grill, the more it will stick and begin to fall apart. Brush your burgers, fish, vegetables with oil and season with salt and pepper and place on a hot grill. Don’t touch it for at least 2 minutes! It needs to form a crust so that it can naturally pull away from the grill. If you begin to turn it before the crust has formed, it will stick.

DON’T FLATTEN BURGERS, STEAKS & CHOPS WITH THE SPATULA

It will only press out flavorful juices and cause flare-ups. Flip the food only once if possible.

GRILLING MEAT: WHEN IN DOUBT, IT’S BETTER TO UNDERCOOK THAN OVERCOOK

You can always put food back on the fire if you need to.

RIBEYE & ANAHEIM CHILE QUESADILLA RECIPE

Serves: 4

Marinated Ribeye:

8 Cloves Garlic, finely chopped
2 Anaheim Chiles, stems removed and coarsely chopped
3 Tablespoons Oregano, finely chopped
1/2 Cup Canola Oil
1 (1-1/4 inch thick) Boneless Ribeye (about 1 lb)
Salt and coarsely ground Black Pepper

1. Stir together the garlic, chiles, oregano and oil in a medium baking dish. Add the steaks and turn to coat in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 8 hours.

2. Heat grill to high. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30 minutes before grilling to take the chill of it. Remove from the marinade and season liberally on both sides with salt and pepper. Grill the steak on both sides until golden brown and slightly charred and cooked to medium-rare (130 degrees on an instant-read thermometer) – about 9 minutes. Remove from the grill and let rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 minutes. Slice into ¼-inch thick slices.

Anaheim Chile Vinaigrette:

3 Large Anaheim Chiles, grilled, peeled, seeded and diced
4 Cloves of Roasted Garlic, peeled
3 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
3 Tablespoons Fresh Lime Juice
1 Tablespoon Honey, or more if needed
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper
3/4 Cup Canola Oil
1/4 Cup chopped fresh Cilantro

1. Combine the Anaheim chiles, garlic, vinegar, lime juice, a few tablespoons of water, honey, salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth.

2. With the motor running, slowly add the oil until emulsified. Add the cilantro, blend 5 seconds longer. There should be flecks of the cilantro in the vinaigrette.

Quesadilla:

12 Flour Tortillas, 6-inch in diameter
1-1/2 Cups grated Monterey Jack Cheese
Marinated Ribeye slices, from above
6 Ounces Soft Goat Cheese, crumbled
3 Green Onions, thinly sliced
Canola Oil
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper
1 Teaspoon Ancho Chile Powder
Cilantro Leaves, for garnish

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place 8 tortillas on a flat surface and divide the Monterey Jack, some of the beef, goat cheese and green onion among the tortillas (in that order); season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Stack the tortillas to make four 2-layer tortillas and top each with the remaining tortillas. Brush the tops of the tortillas with canola oil and sprinkle with some of the ancho powder. Carefully place on the grill, ancho-side down and grill until lightly golden brown – about 2 minutes. Flip the quesadillas over, close the lid of the grill until the bottom of the tortillas are lightly golden brown and the cheese has melted. Remove from the grill, cut into quarters and top each quarter with some of the Anaheim vinaigrette and garnish with cilantro leaves.

ABOUT BOBBY FLAY STEAK:

Bobby Flay puts his avant-garde touch on the quintessential American entrée with his first ever steakhouse, Bobby Flay Steak at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. Showcasing a variety of regional steaks prepared with zesty rubs and seasonal ingredients and a special Lobster Bar that features fresh lobster creations, Bobby Flay Steak was designed by David Rockwell to present a chic, comfortable steakhouse that complements the exciting backdrop of Borgata.

ABOUT BORGATA HOTEL CASINO & SPA:

Located at Renaissance Pointe in Atlantic City, Borgata features 2,000 guest rooms and suites; 161,000 square feet of gaming; 182 gaming tables; 4,100 slot machines; an 85-table poker room; 11 retail boutiques; 6 acclaimed fine dining restaurants by renowned chefs; 6 casual dining options; a 54,000 square foot spa; 70,000 square feet of event space; 4 signature nightlife experiences; and parking for 7,100 cars. The resort also features Atlantic City’s first cosmopolitan hotel experience, The Water Club at Borgata, with 800 guest rooms and suites; a 36,000 square foot spa; 18,000 square feet of meeting space; 6 designer retail boutiques; and 5 heated indoor and outdoor pools.

Dan’s Chocolates has Back to School Deliciously Covered

by Joi on August 18, 2010

Good ol’ Dan’s Chocolates – they think of everything. Don’t get me wrong, like any self-respecting chocoholic, I’d love them even if they thought of nothing. Fortunately, though, they’re as clever as they are Heavenly.

Dan’s Chocolates has every occasion you can possibly imagine, as well as some you may not have thought of. Their outstanding chocolate candy will be delivered to you (or your lucky recipient) in a great-looking box – ready and willing to celebrate whatever occasion is at hand.

The box above is the Back to School Chocolates and can you imagine the look of sheer joy on a student’s face when you surprise them with this box of deliciousness – or even when you have it shipped to them? The THANK YOU’s would never stop.

Back To School Chocolates

Chocolate truffles delivered directly to you.
We can make chocolate delivery anywhere in the USA.
A 1 pound box includes 36 truffles or 16 1 oz bars.

Back To School Chocolates – About this Gift Box

Dan’s Chocolates makes this great chocolate truffle gift box for students returning to school or college. 36 fresh cream truffles will not be forgotten easily. The school bus design is printed on the box cover.

Head over to Dan’s Chocolates and enter Back to School Chocolates in the search box.

While you’re there, check out the other amazing gift boxes and gifts. There’s a Back to School Teddy Bear with chocolates that I have both eyes on….If I can just convince the husband I don’t have to go back to school to get it…

Positively Ingenious Shopping Bag for Mothers

by Joi on April 26, 2010

The Reisenthel Mother Child Shopping Bag (Red), above, is one of the most ingenious, clever, and downright adorable things I’ve seen in a while. I’m addicted to shopping bags because I’m addicted to the prospect of living green and saving our world and animals from the evils of plastic and wastefulness.

I’m addicted to straight-up adorable things because I’m a girly girl.

This Mother-Child shopping bag speaks to every corner of my heart. Available in 4 colors (red, sand, navy blue, and kiwi green), this would make an outstanding gift for any and all mothers you know.

Product Description:

Because the little ones are always proud to give the grown-ups a hand, the MotherChildBag by Reisenthel® is equipped with an extra handle to allow allow them to help Mom or Dad carry home the shopping. Another bonus? They’re so engrossed in the task that they stay close to their parents in jostling crowds.

Features:
• Safe shopping for parents and children
• Tear-proof polyester fabric
• With extra handle to grip and help carry
• Eye-catching front print
• 1 inner pocket with zip fastening
• 1 interior mobile phone storage pocket
• Bag can be slung over the shoulder with 2 long handles

Size: 17 1/3″tall x 17″wide

Reisenthel Mother Child Shopping Bag (Red)

Sweet! Personalized M&Ms for Mother’s Day

by Joi on April 7, 2010

Too cool. Too cute. Too clever. You know what that means… It’s perfect for mom! M&M’s have made their popular, personalized candies for quite a while now and everyone loves them. (Seriously, how could you not love M&M’s?)

They’ve come up with something extraordinary for all the mothers of the world, though. You can select from an endless variety of colors, add personalized messages, and even upload a face to create special gifts for your mom – or for to fill candy dishes in her house for an outrageous surprise. Imagine HER face when she picks up a bite of candy only to find YOUR face looking back at her.

Click the ad below for more information.

Affiliate Banner / 10% off - Mothers Day

Corn Pudding: A Perfectly Delicious Easter Recipe

by Joi on March 29, 2010

Corn Pudding Recipe: An Ideal Easter Casserole

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1/2 cup finely chopped green pepper
2 TBS margarine
1 (17 oz) can creamed corn
1 (8 oz) can whole kernel corn (drained)
1/4 cup flour
4 eggs, beaten lightly
1 (13 oz) can evaporated milk
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
dash nutmeg

Saute onion and green pepper in margarine until the onion is tender – about 8 minutes.

Mix both cans of corn (remember to drain the whole kernel corn), flour, and eggs in a medium bowl. Stir in the onion mixture, evaporated milk, salt and pepper. Pour into ungreased 1-1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with nutmeg.

Place casserole dish in a large baking pan and fill pan half way up the side of the casserole dish with hot water.

Bake at 325 degrees for 75-80 minutes or until center is set. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Yield: 8 Servings

Ronald Reagan’s Favorite Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

by Joi on February 14, 2010

One of my favorite human beings, let alone Presidents was President Ronald Reagan. He was one of a kind and I’m not sure there’ll ever be another like him. The country fell in love with him and for good reason. His charm, personality, and sense of humor made him a force to be reckoned with and they made him always appear to be larger than life.

The recipe below is reportedly a favorite of this great American and would be perfect for a President’s Day supper – or any day for that matter… it sounds delicious!

Ronald Regan’s Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Serves 4 as an entrée, or 6 to 8 as a side dish

1/2 pound macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1 egg beaten
3 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup warm milk
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Pinch of paprika

From White House Cookbook, Revised and Updated Centennial Edition by H. Haller and V. Aronson

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
Add macaroni to 2 quarts of boiling salted water and cook for 10 minutes.
Drain well in a colander. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
Stir in butter and beaten egg. Add 2-1/2 cups of the grated cheese.
In a small bowl, combine milk with salt, mustard and Worcestershire sauce.
Spoon macaroni and cheese into the prepared casserole. Pour milk mixture over and sprinkle top with the remaining cheese.
Sprinkle with paprika. Bake on middle shelf of preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until macaroni is firm to the touch and the top is crusty and browned.
Serve at once, either as a light entree accompanied by a hot green vegetable and a crisp salad, or as a side dish with Hamburgers or Meat Loaf.

Thomas Jefferson’s Beloved Monticello Muffins

by Joi on February 14, 2010

According to Monticello.org, this muffin recipe was often used, and loved, by Thomas Jefferson and his family. This would be a wonderful recipe to make tomorrow morning – very fitting for President’s Day, wouldn’t you say?

If you’re a history buff like me, you’ll definitely want to click the link above and visit this very informative and beautiful site.

Recipe for Monticello Muffins

4 cups of flour
1- 1/2 packets of yeast
1 -1/2 cups water
cast iron griddle

Silver flatware Jefferson brought from France; photograph by Edward Owen Mix flour, yeast, and water. Dough will be very sticky. Coat your hands in flour before kneading the dough. While kneading, continue to add small amounts of flour to the dough until the stickiness disappears and the dough becomes more solid. You may find you add as much as 1/2 cup more flour during this process.

Put the dough in a large bowl, cover with a towel, and leave in a warm place overnight. The dough should more than double by morning. The underside of the dough may be a bit sticky — if so, knead it a bit more. Using your hands, shape the muffins into small golf-ball sized balls. Set the muffins aside, cover with a towel, and let rise for an hour.

Preheat ungreased griddle over medium heat. Add shaped muffins to griddle and cook for about five minutes on each side.

The muffins will look like biscuits on the outside and English muffins on the inside. Serve immediately. Makes two dozen small muffins.

On Monticello.org, you can even find the Jefferson Family’s Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe!

Jimmy Carter Pudding Recipe For President’s Day

by Joi on February 13, 2010

Monday is President’s Day and what better way to celebrate than by making a dessert or dish named in honor of a president?! I’m going to post a series of recipes over the next few days with President’s Day in mind. I’m beginning with someone who has possibly served our country even better after leaving the White House than the time he was in it.

President Jimmy Carter is what I like to refer to as a “quality human being.” His dedication to serving and helping others is an inspiration to everyone the world over. This recipe is for Jimmy Carter Pudding – an outstanding dessert for President’s Day or any other day.

Jimmy Carter Pudding Recipe

1st Layer:
1 cup flour
1 stick butter
2/3 cup salted, chopped peanuts (where the dessert gets its name!)

Mix and press into 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool.

2nd Layer:
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 cup powdered sugar
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup whipped cream

Mix and spread over cooled baked crust.

3rd Layer:
3 oz box instant chocolate pudding
3 oz box instant vanilla pudding
2-3/4 cup milk

Combine and gently spread over the 2nd layer.

4th Layer:
Spread a layer of whipped cream over the pudding mixture and sprinkle with chopped peanuts.

Yum!

Speaking of quality human beings such as President Jimmy Carter, Random Acts of Kindness Week begins on February 15. There is a heart-warming movement gaining momentum that involves seniors. I hope you’ll read more about this Random Acts of Kindness for Seniors on my Self Help Blog. It’s a wonderful idea and the more people that take place, the more hearts will be touched.

Kitchen Gadgets to Fall in Love With This Valentine’s Day

by Joi on February 6, 2010

I’m a sucker for all holidays and embrace them like a 2 year old embraces her favorite teddy bear. Valentine’s Day is a favorite – how could it not be? It’s all about chocolate, love, stuffed animals, chocolate, beautiful flowers, hearts, and chocolate. I’ve rounded up some beautiful kitchen gadgets and what-nots below just in time for this very special holiday. Yes, I said holiday… on account of the chocolate.

These would make very special valentine’s day gifts. Needless to say, they’d also make very special “self to self” gifts. You gotta love those.