Category Archive for ‘Food’ at Laptop Television Mom

Archive for the 'Food' Category

WINOS pick of the week: 2007 Nemesis

2007 Nemesis

My husband and I recently invited our friends over for a wonderful evening of home-cooked food, a beautifully set table, dozens of lit candles, great conversation and amazing wine. One friend took this opportunity to introduce us to a wine we’d never heard of, but certainly a wine we will enjoy again.

When our friend handed us the bottle of 2007 Nemesis, we couldn’t take our eyes off the bottle. The beautiful blue label is striking against the dark glass, and we immediately realized it’s a wine we had never seen before. It turns out the wine is from Paso Robles, Calif. and is bottled by Linne Calodo Cellars. It’s 82 percent Syrah, 12 percent mourvedre and 6 percent grenache. And (you know this is coming) it’s 100 percent delicious.

Quite honestly, this wine was a pleasant surprise, especially since I rarely choose a bottle of Syrah. It’s hard for me to describe the flavors in this complex wine, but I can tell you it tasted awesome with brie and red meat. I found flavors of deep, rich berries and a smooth, almost sweet flavor. I read one review that said the wine almost tastes like blueberry cheesecake, and in a weird way, I can see that. Regardless, this wine has a unique flavor that is immediately drinkable and just delicious.

Suddenly obsessed with the wine, I checked-out the winemakers, Linne Calodo Cellars. I was so happy to discover the winery is family-owned and a sustainable business, which is “environmentally sound, economically feasible and socially equitable.”

The 2007 Nemesis can be purchased online at Paso Wines or by contacting the winery HERE to check availability.

Photo Credit: PasoWines.com

Published

Stacy Libby

on January 21, 2010

in Food and WINOS Pick of the Week

. 0 Comments

Dear Girl Scouts: “Thank U Berry Munch!”

Since launching this site, I have had some dream opportunities in my life. I have interviewed celebrity chefs, A-list journalists, television stars, and even First Ladies. It’s mind-boggling that this former journalism student turned mom-blogger can have such opportunities, even 20 years after graduation.

All that said, every once and a while, I receive an opportunity that makes me giddy. Thanks to the power of Twitter (and the Girl Scouts in Garden City, NY, I was offered the chance to test and review the newest Girl Scout Cookie, just pulled out of the oven this year, called “Thank U Berry Munch.” (Um, you had me at Girl Scout Cookie.)

While I was excited to test-drive the newest treat, I must be clear about my loyalty to the Thin Mint and Samoas (which are called Caramel deLights in Northern California). I buy boxes and boxes of those cookies as soon as I see Girl Scouts in front of my Safeway grocery store. Honestly, I can eat an entire sleeve of Thin Mints in one sitting.

My family shares this love for Girl Scout Cookies (adding Lemon Cremes to my husband’s list of favorites), so we decided to make this taste-test a multi-generational experience. Today’s taste-testers are: LTV Mom, LTV Dad, LTV Kid (age 5), and our Granny (age 90). Here’s a recap of our taste buds:

LTV Mom: Thank U Berry Munch is a shortbread cookie with tiny bits of dried cranberries. I equate the cookie to a Pecan Sandie, with cranberries instead of pecans. I expected the cookie to be chewy, but it’s nice and crunchy. Honestly, the cookie is better than I expected and paired nicely with a cup of tea. Thumb’s up!

LTV Dad: Excellent. This cookie has nice flavors, in fact, better flavors than some other Girl Scout cookies. I still prefer the Thin Mint, Somoas and Lemon Creme. [Note: he made this statement as he reached for a second helping of Thank U Berry Munch.]

LTV Kid (age 5): Very good, and I love it til my heart.

Granny (age 90): Very good! Very! Very excellent! This is my new favorite. My daughter was a Girl Scout.

I am happy to report the Thank U Berry Munch cookie was a big hit in my family. While it did not displace the Thin Mint or Somoas, it certainly is a welcomed addition to our annual Girl Scout Cookie feast!

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit: www.GirlScouts.org

Published

Stacy Libby

on December 6, 2009

in Food, Laptop Television, Project Runway and Trying to be Cool

. 3 Comments

Next Iron Chef: Chef Jose Garces

Iron Chef Jose Garces

It’s no secret that I am a Food Network junkie. I’m addicted to the network’s line-up of foodie shows including Food Network Challenge, Next Food Network Star and Chopped. But, I have to say, my recent interview with the Next Iron Chef was a highlights for my blogging career.

If you are new to Food Network and the Iron Chef franchise, The Next Iron Chef is a TV show that has ten super-star chefs competing to achieve the status of Iron Chef. The few who achieve this status then cook and compete against the best chefs from around the world on the show Iron Chef America. The dramatic show features “kitchen stadium” (which is a completely tricked-out kitchen), a surprise theme ingredient (which ranges from eggnog to eggplant), and lots of drama (including a time-clock and feisty judges).

The winner of this season’s Next Iron Chef is early-season-favorite Chef Jose Garces, an Ecuadorian-American who was raised in Chicago and owns famed restaurants in both Chicago and Philadelphia. A handful of bloggers were invited to speak with Chef Garces the morning following his victory, including yours truly. Here is a snapshot of the conversation:

Q: I am a big fan of Chef Freitag and was disappointed to see her leave so early. Whose early exit was most surprising to you?

A: “Chef Appleman was most surprising to me.” Chef Garces said that Appleman was a strong chef from the beginning, and then added he was both “surprised and alleviated” when Appleman was cut from the show.

Q: There are moments when the “secret ingredient” is unveiled and I think to myself, “I would never eat that!” Throughout the season, what secret ingredient or menu-theme made you cringe?

A: Chef Garces quickly pointed to the episode where the Chefs had to cook with challenging ingredients including un-laid eggs, stinky tofu, dried grasshoppers and duck tongue. He reminded us that this episode was all the worst ingredients rolled into one heinous menu. [LTV Mom: I would rather cut off my right arm that eat those dishes.]

Q: Whose food would you most like to try?

A: Chef Garces said, “Chef Mehta’s food… I never got to try his food!” Note: Chef Mehta and Chef Garces competed head-to-head until the show’s finale! [LTV Mom: I am heading to NYC this week and hope to try Chef Mehta's Graffiti.]

Q: What’s the most important thing you took away from this competition?

A: Chef Garces said, “The show triggered my creative juices, I proved to myself that I can cook on the fly.”

Q: What was your favorite gadget in Kitchen Stadium?

A: Chef Garces likes the “blast chiller” which helps you quickly chill food. [LTV Mom says "I want one too!"]

Q: How will you be preparing your Thanksgiving Turkey this year?

A: I was shocked to learn that even Chef Garces will brine and fry his turkey this year. He says, “the product comes out the best.”

Q: Last and most important question: Chef Garces, you are from Chicago, so I have to ask: Cubs or Sox?

A: Cubs! [LTV Mom: Go Cubbies!]

At the end of the day, I have to say Chef Garces came across as a very kind, hard-working, down-to-Earth person. I hope to dine at one of his restaurants in the near future. In the meantime, I will root for him during his premiere on Iron Chef America on Sunday, January 17.

– LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Food Network

Published

Stacy Libby

on November 30, 2009

in Food, Laptop Television and Trying to be Cool

. 2 Comments

WINOS Pick of the Week: 2006 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon

: 2006 Ghost Pines Cabernet Sauvignon

It’s time for a look at the new wines appearing in my wine-fridge. My husband and I have been wondering the aisles of CostCo looking for new — but not overpriced — wines to try. We recently stumbled across a 2006 Ghost Pines Cabernet. And it’s good.

We had never heard of Ghost Pines before buying a few bottles, but the Web site leads me to believe it’s owned by Louis M. Martini Winery in St. Helena. The online retail partner The Barrel Room calls the winemakers “young” and “hot-shot” so I’m not sure who they are. But their Cab is delicious.

The 2006 Cab is drinkable now, no need to cellar this one. It’s tasty with hints of jam and berries. It’s not a peppery or earthy Cab, so I have been drinking it without meals (just a little bite of salty cheese.) I think this Cab would be good with a medium rare filet mignon, but I say that about every red wine I enjoy. At the end of the day, we found a wine that will please most red-wine fans and we proudly serve it to our friends. It’s not too overbearing, it’s just smooth and tasty.

The Ghost Pines cab sells for about $23 at The Barrel Room. We found it at CostCo and Safeway for a lesser price of about $16. I see the winery also bottles a Chardonnay and a Merlot, but have not tried them yet.

As much as I enjoy the wine, I absolutely love the tagline: “Sonoma Spirit. Napa Elegance.” (Yes, I love Sonoma for is down-to-Earth goodness.) The label tells me the Cab is 72 percent Napa County, 28 percent Sonoma County. I think it’s 100 percent tasty.

– LTV Mom

Note: Following the new FTC rules, I’m going to confirm the opinions are my own and I bought this wine all by myself! And yes, I am more than 21 years old (just barely).

Published

Stacy Libby

on October 6, 2009

in Food, Laptop Television and WINOS Pick of the Week

. 0 Comments

Reality TV: the Cake Show Bake-off

Cake Boss on TLC

When it comes to topics for reality TV, you can take your pick. You can find show about fashion, real estate, decorating, cooking and even hair styling. Recently, there has been an explosion of shows about cake decorating. When it comes to watching these shows, I see two major themes: cake decorating competitions and a sneak-peek into a bakery. Here’s a look at my favorite cake-shows, as well as a nod to my ultimate favorite.

Cake Boss on TLC — Yes, this is easily my favorite cake show on TV. The show Cake Boss highlights a family-owned bakery in New Jersey run by Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop in Hoboken. The show has a fantastic cast of characters, including Buddy, four older sisters, three brothers-in-law and cousins galore. Buddy is the heart and soul of the show. He is a hard worker, joker, comedian, and artist. The cakes that come out of this bakery are absolutely beautiful… but the beauty of the show is the love of the cakes, the heart (and heat) of the family, and the hilarious dialogue. Set your DVRs now.

Ace of Cakes on Food Network — This is another show that takes us behind the scenes of a too-cool bakery, but this time we are in Maryland. Chef Duff of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore is this cool, super-tattooed chef who makes masterful cakes representing icons from Wrigley Field to a family’s much-loved bulldog. Duff is charming, but his cast of supporting cake artists don’t hold a candle to the artists at Buddy’s bakery. That said, my kid’s birthday cakes don’t hold a (birthday) candle to Duff’s masterpieces.

Ultimate Cake Off on TLC — This show is a cake-decorating competition show, and it’s pretty good. Each week, three accomplished cake decorators go head-to-head to create amazing cakes based on a common theme in just nine hours. (Point of reference: some of Duff’s cakes take 29 hours!) I’ve seen pirate cakes and shark cakes… all better than the cupcakes I made last weekend! This show provides great insight into the heart, soul, heartache and expertise it takes to reach this level of cake design.

Food Network Challenge “Last Cake Standing” — Food Network Challenge has many different types of challenges, but I love the cake contests. It’s the show’s first-ever elimination style show, and is my favorite of the competition-style cake shows. Hand’s down, the best part of the show is the celebrity judge Kerry Vincent who brings a silver tongue, quick wit, amazing eye for detail, and signature headband to every show. Kerry demands each cake artist brings an amazing level of professionalism to each design, and those of us who watch the shows are the ones who benefit.

At the end of the day, I am hooked on my cakes… have I missed any other good shows?

– LTV Mom

Photo credit: TLC

Published

Stacy Libby

on September 8, 2009

in Food and Laptop Television

. 2 Comments

“Top Chef Masters” Finale

Celebrity Chef Rick Bayless and LTV Mom

Even this long-time fan of Top Chef was dubious when I heard there would be a “celebrity Chef” version called Top Chef Masters. The Top Chef series makes for great laptop television, so I tuned in while I worked and blogged. Well, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the show. Like all good reality TV, the competition started with 24 Top Chefs and whittled its way down to the final three Chefs. The winner will be named this week on Wednesday, August 20 on Bravo.

I am happy to say that two of my all-time favorite Chefs are in the finale. Here are the finalists and why I admire them (or at least want to eat their food):

1. Rick Bayless — Frontera Grill

I love Rick Bayless because he cooks the kind of food that I want to make for my family and friends. His fresh approach to Mexican food combines delicious whole foods in a simple, easy and delicious way.

As you can tell from the photo above, I recently met Rick Bayless at BlogHer 09 in Chicago. He was hosting cooking demonstration for the National Pork Board. He made a Chamoy-marinated pork tenderloin with mango salsa. (Visit “This Mama Cooks” for the recipe.) I was so excited to see him cook that I showed up 20 minutes before his presentation began to get a good spot. Well, I did get a good spot even though I felt awkwardly stalker-ish and tried to look busy while Rick prepared his cooking station.

Rick was so nice and humble… and even seemed shy. He kindly posed for photographs and signed autographs. Rick signed one of his recipe cards for my sister (who ADORES Rick), and she is framing the autograph to hang in her kitchen. Of course, if I had been more organized, I would have bought some of Rick’s cookbooks to have him sigh them. Oh well… I’ll have to settle for watching him in the Top Chef Masters finale!

If you are a fan of Top Chef Finale and Rick Bayless, check out Root 4 Rick! Rick is competing for the Frontera Farmers Foundation.

2. Hubert Keller – Fleur de Lys

I love Hubert Keller because he cooks the kind of food I *wish* I could make for special occasions with my husband. His food appears elegant, refined and sophisticated.

I always gravitate to Chef with restaurants in San Francisco because I like to support the food scene in my backyard. But I really fell in love with Hubert’s manner, tone and style. He just seems so refined. And let’s not forget that Hubert Keller also has an entire cookbook dedicated to hamburgers! (Be still, my beating heart!)

Hubert is competing on Top Chef Masters to win money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (And I have requested my husband makes reservations for dinner at Fleur de Lys for my birthday.)

3. Michael Chiarello — Bottega

Of course, there is one more Chef in the finale, and he is Michael Chiarello from Napa Valley’s Bottega Restaurant. I love the fact that Michael is competing for the Clinic Ole Foundation to help Napa Valley’s migrant workers (the backbone of California wine country). Michael has moxie, attitude and good food. But I just want to say to him: “What is my name? And who I am to you?” (Sorry, couldn’t resist!)

At the end of the day, support the Chef or charity that appeals to you and watch Bravo on Wednesday night to see who wins!

– LTV Mom

Published

Stacy Libby

on August 17, 2009

in Food and Laptop Television

. 1 Comment

Comfort Food? Pass the Cream of Mushroom Soup!

Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs

My husband knows when I’ve had a bad day at work. When he walks in the door to find me watching Cash Cab on television while making tater-tot casserole, he knows to stand back. And to pour a glass of wine.

Whether it’s a bad day at work, a cranky client or a pissed off family member, I can count on comfort food to make me feel better. I just dig through my mom’s recipe box to find some good, old fashioned Midwestern food. Green bean casserole, hashbrown potato casserole, broccoli casserole, and (my personal favorite) tater tot casserole are bound to make me feel better.

And what is the common ingredient in all these foods?! You got it, Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup. I always keep a can of the creamy goodness in my pantry. You can’t make a good casserole without the soup!

I love talking about my personal comfort food, so i jumped at the chance to read and talk about the new book from Kate Jacobs called “Comfort Food.” The author says this about the book: “Comfort Food is about the power of food to bring people together and the joys of savoring every bite of life.” How great is that?

This book also gives you a behind-the-scenes look at network cooking shows. If you are a fan of cooking shows, like my personal favorites Top Chef and Chopped, you will enjoy reading about the trials and tribulations of a celebrity chef! (Oh, if I could only have job — and looks — of Padma Lakshmi. I’d be in heaven!)

Food is such a part of my life, and this Iowa transplant always bonds over Midwestern food with other Midwesterners-turned-Californians. Just this weekend, I met a woman from Ohio and we bonded over fried chicken, mashed potatoes and greens beans with bacon. Sigh, I get hungry (and happy) just thinking about the food my mom made!

No matter where you grew your roots, there is always a special recipe of comfort food to calm your fears, fill your belly and warm your soul. What is your favorite comfort food?

– LTV Mom

This post was inspired by Silicon Valley Moms Blog book club selection Comfort Food by Kate Jacobs. USA Today calls the book, “The kind of book you rush home to finish.”

Published

Stacy Libby

on May 27, 2009

in Books, Food and Laptop Television

. 4 Comments

WINOS Pick of the Week: Ksara Chateau 2003

Ksara Winery

I like to write about good wine, but I usually stick to California reds, with an occasional Chardonnay. (Okay, and I’ll uncork a Willamette Valley Pinot or a Tuscan Chianti every now and then!) But when I launched my WINOS Pick of the Week segment, I never imagined I would taste and enjoy a delicious red from Lebanon.

My husband and I recently made new friends through our daughter’s school, and we invited the couple (and their darling daughters) over for a dinner party. Our new-found friends, one of whom moved to the United States from Lebanon when she was 16, brought this wonderful Lebanese wine from Chateau Ksara for us to try. We were excited to sample this wine, totally new territory for us, and we openly acknowledged that California reds are our comfort-zone. That said, we were pleasantly surprised by the wonderful drinkability of this wine. I served it with a goat-cheese appetizer (read HERE for more information), and the flavors of the wine nicely complemented the flavors of the food. It certainly left us wanting more.

About the Chateau 2003: It was a tasty red wine from the first sip. I liked the berry flavors and the smooth texture. The Web site says the wine is good with red meat, and I agree. We followed the appetizers with healthy-sized Filet Mignons and a Tuscan white-bean dish. Click HERE to order the wine and have it shipped to the U.S.

About Ksara wine: Ksara wine is known as “the wine of Lebanon” and the winery is located in Beqaa, Lebanon. The official Web site can be found HERE.

All I can say is this… great wine, delicious food and new friends. What a wonderful evening!

- LTV Mom

Photo Credit: Chateau Ksara

Published

Stacy Libby

on March 26, 2009

in Food and WINOS Pick of the Week

. 2 Comments

Taste This! by Gina von Esmarch

I had the pleasure of testing a new cookbook written by San Francisco-based chef (and mom blogger) Gina von Esmarch. Gina comes from a foodie family; in fact, her grandparents founded, and her family still runs, the famous Aliotos on Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

Gina’s new cookbook called Taste This! is perfectly suited for this working-mom who would love to be on Top Chef, but is content cooking for her family and friends. Gina’s collection of recipes for appetizers, entrees, salads, drinks and (amazing) desserts are both flavorful and (hallelujah!) easy to prepare.

Let me just say this: when it comes to a dinner party, I am an appetizer girl because I believe the appetizer sets the tone for the evening. We always open our best bottle of wine first, so it’s important to serve good food from the moment a dinner party begins. Gina provides some great ideas, here are my favorites:

Red Grapes & Red Onions – roasted grapes and onion, served on goat cheese, with crackers or bread. This dish is super-easy to prepare, with delicious flavors and perfect texture. Rave reviews at my last dinner party! (Recipe is on page 11of the book.)
Cucumber Pillows — cucumbers, bread, spices (think funky finger sandwiches). Light, refreshing and beyond easy to make. (Recipe is on page 15 of the book.)
Parmesan Crisps — bread, cheese, garlic, olive oil. This recipe makes little slices of cheesy-Heaven. (Recipe is on page 21 of the book.)

If you are intrigued, check out posts from other foodies:

Author Gina says: “The goal of Taste This! is simple, bring good food and good flavors back to the table. Whether you are a working parent or a career individual that wants to bring people together at the table, you will find ideas to inspire your inner cook.”

Thank you, Gina. I am inspired!

Click HERE to purchase Taste This! for $30 (includes S&H).

- LTV Mom

Published

Stacy Libby

on March 11, 2009

in Food, Product Reviews and Trying to be Cool

. 13 Comments

Preview: Ted Allen’s Chopped

I wrote about Ted Allen’s new show on Food Network called Chopped HERE, and now I am happy to share a preview clip. Tune in Tuesday, January 13 at 10 p.m./9 CST to watch the debut.

Published

Stacy Libby

on January 13, 2009

in Food and Laptop Television

. 2 Comments