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Paleo Lifestyle – Pumpkin Walnut Muffins

Published on August 27, 2012, by in Recipes & Food.

My muffins! I added pumpkin seeds.

So Bryan came home in July talking all about something called Paleo.  I was skeptical but listened.  It is basically a diet that allows food that a caveman would have access to; lean meat and protein, fruit, vegetables except for starchy ones, nuts (in moderation), healthy fats, etc.  No processed food.  No sugar.  No flour.  No pasta.  As a confessed sugar addict, I agreed to try it with him.  We haven’t looked back or even missed anything we eliminated.  Even our elementary school age kids are jumping on board.  Now, I admit, the first 4-5 days without sugar and unhealthy carbs was really hard.  I was probably miserable to be around.  But after that, all cravings went away.  I have tons of energy and feel so much better.  Headaches – gone!  Sluggishness – gone!  Grouchiness – gone!

The best part of it all, I am down 15 pounds in 6 weeks.  Bryan is down almost 20.  We even went on vacation for a week.  It was effortless!  I did have to re-learn how to cook.  I emptied the pantry and started over.  Almond flour replaced flour.  Stevia and raw honey replaced sugar.  Coconut oil replaced canola oil.  I have found many new paleo recipes and blogs. One of my favorite recipes for breakfast is this one for Pumpkin Walnut Muffins at Carrots n’ Cake.  We devour them!  The freeze wonderfully too.  Just microwave for 20 seconds and you are ready to head out the door.

Simple ingredients

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Food Network’s Chopped – Best Interview for Up and Coming Chef Stars!

Published on May 25, 2012, by in Star Chefs.

 

 

Everyone who knows me knows that I am a huge fan of Food Network’s Chopped!  I never miss a show.  The show fascinates me, but not just because these amazing chefs are cooking such appetizing meals out of the most unusual ingredients, but also because the character of the chef tends to shine when under pressure.  Since I read people and help them be successful for a living, the social aspects of a show like this draws me in hook, line and sinker.

During an episode of Chopped, four chefs are challenged with cooking a meal out from an unknown basket of extremely diverse ingredients within a very adventurous timeframe.  After each course (appetizer, entrée and dessert), one is eliminated.   In some dishes the elements just don’t come together into a cohesive dish.  In others, a basket ingredient might have been forgotten.  But in my opinion, the most common reason is that a chef is eliminated is that their ego got in the way of their success.  Their true character comes out when put under that kind of stress.  In my observations, the overtly cocky ones never win.  Does the network do this by design?  Who knows, but I have to say it might be a genius way for them to find their next, most appealing stars!

Let’s take two of my very favorite up and coming chef personalities, Madison Cowan and Michele Ragussis.  What do they have in common?  They both are creative, fabulous chefs.  They both are up and coming stars.  And they both won Chopped.  What sets them apart from the rest of the chefs out there aspiring to become part of the family of chef stars?  The answer is simple – humble charisma.  They are confident in their abilities yet they don’t come off as arrogant.  They are easy going and put a viewer at ease.  They have the keen ability to make a viewer want to hang out with them and be buds!  This is a gift that no normal interview pulls out of a candidate.

Madison Cowan on Chopped

Michele Ragussis on Chopped

Since his first episode of Chopped, Madison Cowan has gone on to become the first ever Chopped Grand Champion.  He was a victor on Iron Chef America and he now stars on BBC America’s No Kitchen Required.  Shortly after Michele kicked some Chopped butt, she was casted on Food Network’s Food Network Star!  It seems as if Chopped has found a way to interview their next food personality without even knowing it.  I am huge fans of these two and follow their success and it all started from Chopped.  Chopped has become the stepping stone for chefs to take their career to the next level.  What a great concept!

Chopped airs on Food Network TV on Tuesdays 10p.m./9c.

Following Michele Ragussis:

Following Madison Cowan:

 

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My Open Letter to Los Vaqueros Restaurant

Published on May 25, 2012, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Out And About in DFW, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

Dear Los Vaqueros Team,

We chose your restaurant as the venue for my daughter’s college graduation party for the good food, eclectic atmosphere, good location and the ability to accommodate our numbers, all of which you delivered.  What we didn’t expect was the exceptional experience that came with it!  The garden was not only beautiful but was also so comfortable to all of our guests.  Plus, you can’t really go wrong under the trellis covered with beautiful flowers.  But what really delivered was the over-the-top service that we received throughout the 4 hour party.

The beautiful garden at Los Vaqueros

Every time I turned around, someone from LV was doing something to make the day very special for my daughter!  Our bartender was so personable and funny, the staff who helped set up bent over backwards to get us whatever we needed to decorate and then there was Tony!  Oh Tony, what did he not do is the question!  He treated my family like he was hosting his own family.  He checked on everyone to make sure they had all that they needed and was so warm to everyone.  He made sure that I had something to drink at all times since I was running around greeting and visiting with everyone.  When he realized that I hadn’t eaten, he made sure that I did.   It is always the little things that matter in an experience and these details were the ones he never missed.  Thank you Tony for all that you did.  You totally rock!

Bryan w/ Tony, best server ever!

Thank you to the entire Los Vaqueros gang.  We are definitely huge fans for life!

Love,

Lara Morrow

Ashton - my beautiful college graduate!

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Review – Fort Worth Food Truck Park

Published on May 2, 2012, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Out And About in DFW, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

The food truck industry has fascinated me for several years now.  For a long time, the craze hadn’t moved north of Austin but over the past few years, I’m excited to say, that it’s beginning to migrate.  First it was a few trucks on Magnolia in Fort Worth.  It quickly spread to the college campuses and in December of 2011, the Fort Worth Food Park was a welcome addition to the Fort Worth food culture.

Saturday, after convincing my husband I wasn’t taking him to the food court in the mall (he was struggling to grasp the concept), we headed to just North of the West 7th District to scope out this hidden gem.  My only instructions were that it was directly “behind the Target SuperCenter”.  Bryan wasn’t too thrilled when I literally led him through the back alley of Target, dumpsters and all.  So for all of you looking for it, it is on the street behind Target!   2509 Weisenberger Street, FW 76107 to be more specific.

Walking into the park

Don’t let the address fool you.  Yes, this is an industrial business street complete with warehouses protected by chain link fences.  The block of cars lining the street and filling the parking lots led me to believe we were close.  We were.  You can park anywhere along the street except for the parking lot directly across the street from the food park with the sign that says you will be towed.  They must mean business because the food park has a sign upon entrance reminding guests not to park there.  Although the location might sound odd and all being on an industrial street, the circle of trucks create a secluded area around the picnic tables that feels more like you’re hanging out at picnic tables in Luchenbach, Texas, with Waylon and Willie, than in between warehouses.  I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it for myself.   The place is even equipped with really nice bathrooms – not port-o-potties!

Communal picnic tables for dining.

Very clean and nice restrooms.

We decided to get something from each truck so we could try everything.  Of course we got a burger and fries from Fred’s Truck Wagon.  They were juicy and tasted like they came off the backyard grill.  The Weiner Man offered such a scrumptious hot dog.  They all looked appealing but we got the plain one with just cheese, mustard and onion.  Boy ‘o boy was it really good.  This dog was all about the bun.  It sure did seem home made to me.  It was a brioche type bun with a yummy buttery crust.

Burger and hand cut fries from Fred's Chuck Wagon.

Probably the best hot dog I've ever had - The Weiner Man.

The complete shock of the night was how much we both loved Good Karma Kitchen.  Neither one of us have ever been big on vegetarian or gluten free food.  This place turned us around fo’ sho’!  The bean and soy crumbled faux “beef” nachos were better than some Mexican food restaurants.  We inhaled them.  If there hadn’t of been so much more food to try, I would have gone back for more.  I am now a huge fan.  I’ve heard they have great tomato soup so I will have to go back soon to try it.  The street tacos from Salsa Limon were a real treat and were so fresh with their cabbage and cilantro slaw.  We sampled the chicken and the beef on mini homemade corn tortillas.  The Munch Box was only serving menu items with pork belly, not my favorite.  We decided to give the pork belly lettuce wraps a try anyway.  The flavors of sesame oil, soy and cilantro melded so well together.  I would have loved them if they weren’t full of pork belly so I just ate around it.  They came in a cute, little box.  Yes, I am a marketers dream come true!

Bryan at Good Karma Kitchen. Yum!

The scrumptious nachos from Good Karma Kitchen!

In line at Salsa Limon

Street tacos from Salsa Limon.

Pork belly lettuce wraps from The Munch Box - Cute box huh?

There was one disappointment of the evening, the red velvet cupcake from Red Jett Cupcakes.  I was thinking to myself, “For $3 this small cupcake better be heavenly.”  It was far from it.  The cake was very dry and crumbly.  The frosting was a perfect cream cheese variety but without a nice moist cake, it doesn’t quite do it.  I ate the frosting and threw away the cake.  Can’t let a perfectly good concoction of butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar go to waste!  There has to be a cupcake sin against it.  The friends whom I told about my cupcake experience were surprised.  They said that it must have been an off night for them.  I’m not sure if their word is enough for me to try it again but I might.

My red velvet cupcake wasn't so velvety.

Bottom line, I am definitely going back.  I missed Lee’s Grilled Cheese!  I heard that their Back Breaker Sandwich is a must.  They are definitely “on a roll” with what they have going on here.  Aaahaaa!  I crack myself up.  Since we visited, an article about the truck park was published in 360 West Magazine.  The park is opening a cantina at the end of May.  It will offer beer and wine, some even being local micro-brews.  When it opens, the current BYOB policy will cease.  In the near future a second park is scheduled to open in Fort Worth’s Northside.  I think the food truck craze is here folks!  Make sure you stop in and try something you haven’t tried before!

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Exploring Dallas Farmers Market

Published on April 5, 2012, by in Out And About in DFW, Recipes & Food.

A day at Dallas Farmers Market

Springtime in Texas can bring many things, especially allergies, but the thing I look forward to the most is the feeling that everything is new and fresh again.  Gone are the cozy days of soups and stews and in are the evenings of al fresco dining with fresh new vegetables and fruits.  Cooking is lighter, fresher and more colorful.  It is this time of year that I begin to get envious of the parts of the country that have small markets and produce stands on the side of the road.  The Dallas/Fort Worth area is full of people rushing on crowded highways from work to home and back again.  Most of us find it an inconvenience just to get out of the car for an errand.  If grocery stores had drive through lanes, I am sure they would be 20 cars deep during afternoon rush hour while the parking lot remained empty.

So when Saturday comes in the spring, a trip to the Farmer’s Market isn’t just in store but is also a relaxing and welcoming stress reliever.  The Dallas Farmer’s Market is hidden in the heart of downtown Dallas.  Just a few blocks off the highway is a hidden treasure of products hauled in by local farmers.  It was here that I tried one of the best apples I have ever tasted, the size of a small cantaloupe and juicier than citrus!  The farmer was luring in the crowd by cutting off slice after slice of mouthwatering fruit.  I bought more than I could ever eat but I didn’t care.  They were to die for.  I felt what Snow White must have been feeling when she couldn’t resist.

Best apples ever!

These people were so great and friendly!

This is just ONE of the booths!

There were several open barns full of bays of farmers and their particular specialties.  The colors were so vibrant that they almost look like I altered them in Photoshop.  None of them are, I guarantee it.

The beautiful bounty at my fingertips!

Ahhh the warm roasted peanuts!

One barn houses vendors selling homemade specialties such as tamales, chocolate, olive oil, ice cream, cheese and more.  You can spend an afternoon wandering the grounds and sampling great food.  I loved talking to the people who grow the food everyday, listening to their stories and suggested recipes.  Most prefer to not alter the food much at all explaining that a little bit of salt and olive oil can enhance but not drown.   Bryan and I ended up filling a huge cart with my treasures!

Big, open barns for easy wandering.

Ain't No Mo' Butter Cakes

Chicago Style Deli

Texas Olive Oil

For those of us in Tarrant County, it seems like quite a trek over to Dallas just for a Farmer’s Market but you won’t be disappointed.  Sure it isn’t for running quickly to just “pick up a few things”.  It is more of a destination.  Wear something comfortable, bring your reusable canvas bags and make a day of it.

Located at the intersection of Pearl and Taylor.

Loaded up with goodies and ready to go home!

Almost looks fake, doesn't it?

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Bizzi’s Bistro in Hurst Texas

Published on April 3, 2012, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews.

 

Margherita Pizza at Bizzis. Forgive the camera. Yes, I am the only person on earth with a Blackberry still!

I desperately wanted to love Bizzi’s Bistro so badly and for so many reasons. It is close to work. The small town of Hurst needs a good place to chill and relax without the craziness of a chain restaurant. The bistro is a thing of the past in the forever growing metropolis of Tarrant County. I was craving it. I heard about it through a co-worker and anticipated visiting for months before actually going. I think I worked up high expectations in my head that led to a big disappointment.

Bizzi’s is located in an early 80’s or late 70’s small office or apartment building. I really expected the interior to have been transformed into a quaint wine country type experience but it turned out to be very sterile and plain. It couldn’t have been further from my expectations. In fact there weren’t many updates at all. The white tile floor and walls didn’t provide much character. Think of it as a tiled office with tables, a glass cheese display case outside the kitchen door and a bar off to the side. The tables were beautifully set, the menu was detailed and appealing and the wine list was fairly good. The vibe of the place just didn’t mesh. It reminded me of the fellowship hall at my small town church growing up with a tiny kitchen behind a single door. The one thing that I couldn’t get over was the very strange smell. It smelled of old office building or nursing home. It engulfed me the minute I walked in and didn’t fade. The fact I was the youngest patron in the room (in my mid 40s) just emphasized the source of the smell.

Now let me say that the food was amazing. The pasta was made from scratch, the flatbread pizza was so crisp it reminded me of an artisan cracker and the cheese selection was superb. Their frothy signature cocktail made from rose’ and whipped cream flavored vodka was unique and very addictive. The service was phenomenal. We were a huge group with many orders and demands. Our two servers kept up with everything successfully. I wish that the food was enough to bring me back but for me the ambiance makes an entire meal. It is all about the environment and I didn’t feel this one. I really hope that this mom and pop place can survive. Some candles and Febreeze would do wonders!

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Restaurant Review – Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine

Published on January 22, 2012, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

Bryan and I accidentally stumbled on Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine when my husband was looking for a new place to enjoy for a special anniversary. We hadn’t heard much about it but the menu was so appealing, we were instantly drawn in. We researched Chef Jon Bonnell and it appeared that he was quite the accomplished chef.

If you are wondering what “fine Texas cuisine” refers to, let me simply explain. Texas cuisine is most anything that can be killed on a deer lease in Middle of Nowhere, Texas; deer, elk, rattlesnake, pigeons and quail. Don’t let the rustic nature of the game deter you from trying this fabulous restaurant!

Pulling up to Bonnell’s, it doesn’t look like anything special. It is a stand alone building on the side of the highway in South Fort Worth but we were quickly engulfed in the warmth and hospitality that has obviously been set as a standard by Jon Bonnell himself. It is an older building but it only adds to the cozy appeal. The natural, cozy ambiance is due to the dark wood trim, brick walls, old western photos and memorabilia. The dining room is separated into intimate sections by an X formation of half plank and half glass walls through the center of the room. While there is the feeling of privacy in each nook, there is still a feeling of openness provided by the glass design.

Bryan and I snuggled into a perfect table in the back of our nook. We ordered a bottle of Terrazas Malbec as we decided on how to split up our meals so we could have the best sample of the menu. This malbec was smooth and light. It was a great buy at just $36 which was the restaurant markup price. I put it on my list to stock up on at home.

The menu offers a create-your-own combination appetizer which is the perfect way to go. We were able to sample the calamari (a must have for Bryan), the elk tacos, crispy Bandera quail legs, Texas shrimp and creamy grits and the Oysters Texafeller. I loved every bit. I (more…)

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Heirloom Tomato Pie from Food Network Magazine

Published on January 4, 2012, by in Recipes & Food.

My tomato pie!

I found this recipe for Heirloom Tomato Pie on the cover of a summer 2011 issue of Food Network Magazine.  It was almost as pretty as a piece of art.  I immediately had to try it.  I am not much of a baker so I thought this might help me move from savory over to the pastry side of things.  I had a blast making it and it was DELICIOUS!

After several glasses of wine one night I obviously wrote Food Network Magazine about my pie making experience because while glancing through the October 2011 issue I saw my name in the comments section.  Yep, I drunk emailed.    This is probably the only time Pinot Noir and the internet was a good idea!

My 15 seconds of fame!

Here is the recipe.  It is really easy and very impressive. 

1 refrigerated pie crust

2 pounds heirloom tomatoes

1 large onion; sliced

¾ cup of shredded manchego cheese

¾ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup mayonnaise

3 tablespoons of bread crumbs

1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/4 cup of fresh chives, chopped

1 teaspoon diced garlic

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

Slice tomatoes thin and toss with 1 tablespoon of kosher salt.  Place in strainer to drain in sink for 30 minutes shaking every few minutes.  This will remove the extra liquid from the tomatoes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Roll out pie dough and place in greased pie dish and press into dish. Pinch edges around the  pie for decoration.  Fill the pie crust with dried pinto beans or pie weights.  This will keep the crust from rising in the middle of the pie.  Bake for 20 minutes.  Remove from oven and cool.

In saute pan, saute onions and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until soft and translucent.  Set aside to cool.

In bowl mix shredded cheeses, mayonnaise, bread crumbs, garlic, chopped herbs, 1 tablespoon kosher salt and cooled sauteed onions.  Spread cheese mixture into baked pie crust.  Rinse tomatoes and shake off water.  Layer tomatoes on top of cheese mixture.  Bake for 50 minutes or until tomatoes brown.

Cool and slice.  Heaven!!

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WordPress Hacking Upsets My World!

Published on November 21, 2011, by in Recipes & Food.

I cannot fathom the type of person who would spend their spare time writing code containing malware that would eventually destroy a website that someone, a perfect stranger, has dedicated the past two years of their life to.  What kind of gratification that brings is beyond me.

The fortunate thing was that my husband was able (after 2 weeks of very late nights) cleaning up The Weekend Entertainer which has now been approved by Google as back to being safe!  The unfortunate thing is that in order to do so, every last post, comment and picture had to be deleted!  The past two years of my hobby is gone.  Luckily I saved most of my writing so I will try to rebuild.  This must be what a house fire victim feels like.   Should I rebuild it?  Will it ever be the same?  Should it be the same?  Where on earth do you start?

After the anger and grieving of sorts, I decided that it was too important to me and way too much fun not to.  So, bear with me while I try to rebuild.  Thanks!

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Restaurant Review – Farpointe Cellars

Published on August 11, 2011, by in Fort Worth Restaurant Reviews, Tarrant County Restaurant Reviews.

This fabulous little location called Farpointe Cellar Wine Bistro is difficult for me to blog about. In a way I don’t want anyone else to discover it because I want it to be all mine! But I have to. It is such a rare find in our area. It is the neatest, little spot in Southlake Texas!

I met some co-workers there last night to wish a dear friend goodbye and good luck on her next endeavor. I walked up under the arbor that covered adorable bistro tables and immediately knew it was going to offer a little something different, lagniappe, a little something extra. I literally stopped in my tracks and inhaled with surprise as I looked around the tiny, quaint place! If I could own anything in the world besides a dive restaurant or B&B in the mountains, would be a little wine place like this one. An ample bar for the size of the place was nestled in the corner while every other corner was full of cozy furniture set up in conversation style pods. There was even a wine box of blankets to snuggle up with. I fell in love immediately and insisted it would be a regular place to visit from now on.

We instantly flopped down into one of the groups of fat, cozy chairs and ordered flights of wine. Each flight is 3 heavy pours of varieties of related wines. I got the white wine flight. This flight consisted of Giocato Pinot Grigio 2009 (Primorska, Slovenia), Cliff Lede Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Napa Valley, California) and Ferraton Pere & Fils La Matiniere 2009 (Northern Rhone, France). All were very good.

They serve a smorgasbord of pairings to go with your wine to include cheeses, meats, olives, breads, crackers and even chocolate! We were able to pick something for everyone since the let you create your own platters. The goat cheese selection is magnificent! The fig and honey flavor was fought over.

Overall, this was the perfect place to enjoy our time with each other as we reminisced over good times that we wouldn’t forget. The Bistro is next door to the Farpointe Cellar Wine Store that offers a wonderful selection of wines for any taste or budget. Located on Southlake Boulevard just west of Southlake Town Square, it is right in the heart of the hustle and bustle but nestled back from the road in the trees. Stop by! You will be really glad you did.

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