But It’s Just So Preeeetty!

Target has done it again. They’ve already laid claim to approximately $100 per month of my money, but now they’ve gone and put the nail in the coffin by offering several new lines of products that I already love: Caldrea and Miss Jessie’s, in addition to some brand new ones.

Yes, my kitchen-lovin’ friends, there is now a cookware line designed by miss Giada deLaurentiis herself.

Now I know what you’re thinking. And you’re probably right that this particular line of cookware is no better than the Cuisinarts or Calphalons of the world, but….it’s just so gorgeous!  {I can’t believe I just called cookware “gorgeous” but I did.  I gasped when I saw the aisle in the store.} I can’t wait to get my hands on some of the tools. I’ve got my eyes on this Stainless Steel 14-piece Knife Set:

and this Cast Iron Panini Pan with Press:

There’s a cute video of her introducing her line here {boo, Target, for not letting people embed.}

There are also food items available as well, such as dried pasta and infused oils.

Well done Giada.

Meals on Wheels: Food Meets Social Media

Have you looked up and down your street lately? Chances are you’ve seen at least one food truck – the hottest sensation in the food industry right now.  I love the concept behind these trucks: they’re mobile; bring a variety of foods to areas that might be lacking; affordable and fast; and “mom and pop” owned.

Near my building at work, we have very few lunchtime options.  It’s quite sad, really. And bizarre since D.C. is obviously a cosmopolitan city.  It just happens to be the particular area it’s located in, I suppose.  Imagine my delight when I peeped a food truck in the neighborhood last week. And, oh my, there was a line wrapping around the corner waiting! The food truck is run by Eat Sauca! and their concept of “Eat the World” combines food, music, travel, technology and design into a globally inspired dining experience. I saw another one yesterday – Fojol Brothers – which is a “Traveling Culinary Carnival.” Things are definitely looking up around these parts!

Of course food trucks are by no means brand new – they’re modeled after cities that have used them as a part of their cultures for decades.  But, what makes these new-wave food trucks unique is the fact that they’re connected…using social media to build their customer base and to stay in touch with their loyal followings.  My favorite example of this is Curbside Cupcakes, a mobile cupcake company, that tells its customers about their whereabouts using Facebook and Twitter.

The perfect meeting of food and social media…right up my alley (pun intended).

Check out this Yelp listing of mobile food eateries in Washington, DC.

Bring It On, Rach

I could give Rachael Ray a run for her garbage bowl.  She might make 30-minute meals, but I’m the queen of 20-minute meals. The window of time I have between when I walk in the door from work and when my middle child is going to pass out from hunger is slim. And so I’ve perfected the art of the quick meal.

Case in point: today I made 3 meals for a friend of mine who just had twins that haven’t made it home yet because they’re still in the NICU.  She’s exhausted and busy going back and forth to the hospital all while pumping and taking care of her older son. So, while I’m crazy busy, in comparison I really have it easy. And so I said I would bring her a few meals to get her through the week.

Now, about that “crazy busy” thing; this morning at 7am, I was in the car on my way to interview Hill Harper (yes!) for an upcoming Mamalaw project.  Then it was onto Chatterbox’s school multicultural festival. After 2 hours of ring tosses, bouncehouses and overpriced sugary snacks, we went to eat and then finally made it home. That left me with about 2 hours to grocery shop and throw together a few meals from my friend. I ended up making Sausage Penne with Vodka Sauce; Grilled Garlic-White Wine Marinated Tilapia with Corn on the Cob and Green Beans; and my infamous Taco Casserole and Yellow Rice.  And I did it all while watching my kids play on the deck and making dinner for my own clan.

What ‘chu got on that, Food Network?

It’s Tea Time

I have a thing for tea parties. Well not, you know, that Tea Party, but the sugar cubes, silver tea service, fanciful hats sort of tea party.  Spring Teas are a cornerstone of southern living, and by golly doesn’t it just happen to be spring! I feel a pot a’ brewin’…

Here are some of the lovely novelties on my tea party hostess list:

Save the date: your invitation is in the mail.

The Cinco de Mayo Meal That Never Was


I had big plans. I was going to make fish tacos, beef empanadas, my signature guacamole and sangria. But then life happened. And so the kids ended up eating leftover spaghetti (much to their delight), hubby ate a meatsauce sub, and I munched on chicken nachos (made with leftover rotisserie chicken from Boston Market) and homemade sangria – at least I did get to that! It was (is) delish. I improvised a lot and even threw in a frozen lemon Italian ice cup, strawberries and ginger ale.

Happy Cinco.

In the Flesh: Ree, The Pioneer Woman



Yesterday my sister and I trekked from DC to Fairfax, VA (in rush hour traffic) to fight for a parking space, scoop up green tickets (which meant we were in the second to last group), and wait FOUR HOURS in line to see the incomparable Pioneer Woman.  Not only are this woman’s blog aesthetic, off-the-wall humor, and cooking skills what make me devour her posts, but the mere fact that she began blogging in 2006 – back when Mamalaw began – and is now a veritable celeb brings to life the amazing possibilities that this blogging thing presents.

She was patient and good-humored and took her time to chat and take pics with each and every one of her admirers. I don’t know that I would be still smiling after signing 400 names and listening to people tell me how much they loved my chicken spaghetti recipe.

But she was. And so was I.

Social Media Maniac Tool for May: UStream

This month, the new social media tool I’m going to be taking for a spin is UStream. I’m obviously behind as this site is showing up everywhere! From Kandi Burress to Ashton Kutcher to P. Diddy to Tori Spelling, it seems like everyone is jumping on the live streaming bandwagon.

Do you UStream?

Girls’ Night Out Recipe: Italian Flatbreads

Last Friday was Moms Night Out with my mothers’ group.  We all got together at my girlfriend’s house for an Italian-themed potluck.  As soon as I got the Evite for the event, I knew just the dish to bring: Flatbreads made with the ingredients that Mezzetta sent to me to try out.  They came out great!

Ingredients:

Naan (I used a combination of plain and garlic from Trader Joe’s)
Fresh Mozzarella (Trader Joe’s sells it pre-sliced – yea!)
Fresh Basil Leaves
Mezzetta Roasted Red Bell Peppers
Mezzetta Artichoke Hearts
Mezzetta Italian Homemade Style Basil Pesto
Prosciutto Slices
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
Kosher Salt

Step 1: Toast the bread


Step 2: Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt


Step 3: Add toppings (These pics are actually misleading. Wait until you are ready to serve before adding the basil…I was rushing to get to the party and found that out the hard way!)

I also made some topped with prosciutto and cheese and roasted bell peppers and cheese.

Step 4: Bake until the mozzarella is nicely melted and add the basil leaves

Bellissimo!

The flatbreads were a hit.  They went perfectly with the salad, pasta, Italian wines and tiramisu that were served.  Thanks to Mezzetta for letting me sample the products.