Posted by Billie-Jean | May 10th, 2010

An Asian Twist on Pizza

I have been experimenting with Pizza.  The other day I was thinking about our yummy Christmas Eve Peking duck dinner with friends.  We had duck 3 ways and it was all so good.  A friend of mine taught me how to do some shopping at the Asian markets and since that time I have been back to buy BBQ soy chicken, bok-choy, pork dumplings, asian crepes etc.  I have only thought of duck in this one dish we had wrapped...

Posted by Billie-Jean | May 5th, 2010

Classic Indian Spices

If you are in the mood to begin a journey into Indian cooking, here are some basic spices that you can fill your pantry with that will cover your spice needs. Find a great spice store and have these spices ready: Cardamoms-green and brown, Saffron, Cassia and Cinnamon, Chilli powder, Coriander seeds, Cumin seeds, Mustard seeds, Poppy Seeds, Tumeric, Garam Masala, Cloves, and Creamed coconut, star anise-just always...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Apr 27th, 2010

Meatball Sandwich

It is important not to complicate a meatball sub.  I say this with absolutely no authority as a meatball sub connoisseur but as a lover of this classic delectable sandwich.  I have often referred to them lovingly as “meaty ball subs”.  I am always looking for a great meatball sub and find that they are a rare commodity where I live.  I decided to make what I consider to be the tastiest meatball sub...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Apr 23rd, 2010

Making your own tortilla strips…delish!

Making crispy tortilla chips is easy.  When you are making tortilla soup, adding them to a salad or just using them for dipping, the flavor of making them at home is authentic and a million times better than store bought chips.  If you have a tortilla press you can even make the corn tortilla from scratch, then there is no comparison as far as the amazing taste. Buy or make 10 corn tortillas, then cut them into...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Apr 23rd, 2010

Tortilla Soup!

Ingredients: serves 6–(print recipe) 8 cups of chicken stock (preferably home made but store bought is okay too!)  Add enough salt to give it some real taste. ½ chicken cooked and shredded or chopped. (Use the one from your homemade stock if you decided to go that route) 10 corn tortillas cut into strips about 2 inches long and the width of fettucini 1 zucchini (optional) 1 carrot (optional) 1 small onion 1...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Apr 22nd, 2010

Green Enchiladas with Beef

On my trip to Albuquerque I not only learned how to spell Albuquerque but  I got to taste some “out of this world” food.  I have never had a chili relleno before and I cannot imagine how I have gone this long without them in my life.  If you have had one in New Mexico then you know of what I speak.  I will call it ‘The Chili Relleno Club’.  I was inspired when I got home to make some of...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Apr 17th, 2010

Acme Cafe Open.

For those of you have been following, the Acme Cafe which I blogged about in January, is now open for the eating.  I have yet to visit, but that is more due to my perfectionism.  I can’t just go and eat the first time, thought must be put into the pictures, writing, experiencing, ultimately allowing enough time for me to blog with profound accuracy hoover as much food as I can in the time between 9 and 3...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Apr 14th, 2010

Best Key Lime Pie

Get ready for a taste treat sensation with this easy to make, fresh, exorbitant , colorful, sumptuous key lime pie!  I got this recipe from an Oprah show, it was featured as the most requested dessert on the menu at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida.  It truly is delish.  When you are juicing the limes, try a citrus press, it will change your world.  You can buy and order one here. Do...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Mar 31st, 2010

Thoughts on Bread Makers….

I use my bread maker every week.  I got this huge piece of equipment as a wedding present 16 years ago.  Interestingly though, I never use it for making an actual loaf of bread but turn it to the dough setting and use the dough for making cinnamon buns and pizza crust.  For all you die hard bakers out there, I know this sounds preposterous, but as a non baker in the “it never turns out” sense of the...

Posted by Billie-Jean | Mar 26th, 2010

Oatmeal-A Forgotten Hero

I love oatmeal.  I didn’t really like it as a child but come to think of it, I am not sure if I am confusing oatmeal with Cream of Wheat, which I dreaded.  I go through breakfast favorites, lately it has been a poached egg on toast but I always come back to oatmeal.  In fact, I just finished eating a bowl of it.   I want to share some information with you about oatmeal, in case you have forgotten about...