Italian Burger

While living in Italy for 3 months, one thing I began to crave was a BURGER!! Now, while I'm home, I miss the Italian flavors that I became so accustomed to having every day. So, I decided to take the flavors of Italy and put them into a burger! Watch the video below for my recipe!

Ingredients:

Ground Beef

Shredded Parmesan

Mozzarella; sliced

1 head of Radicchio; sliced

Balsamic Vinegar

Brown Sugar

Salt and Pepper

Butter; melted

Basil; chopped

Tomatoes; sliced

Buns

Lemon juice

1/2 Mayonnaise

3-4 tablespoons Sriracha 

zest and juice of one lime

Process:

For the spicy mayo, mix the mayo, sriracha, salt/pepper, and the zest and juice of one lime; set aside

Saute the radicchio in a skillet with salt and pepper. Add the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to taste and the juice of one lemon

For the patties, melt the butter and add in the chopped basil for flavor; set aside

Mix ground beef, parmesan, salt/pepper and form into patties.

Brush butter on both sides and toss on the hot grill for about 3 minutes per side

Brush the butter on both sides of the buns and grill those as well

To assemble, put the spicy mayo on both sides of the buns, add the meat, a bit of radicchio, then a slice of mozzarella, a slice of tomato, and the other bun!

Chicken On The Barbie

When you think of Australian cuisine, what are your first thoughts? This was mine:

Well, I have to say...when I was invited over for an Australian BBQ, I had my doubts. But, I have to say, I was definitely in for a treat.

The meat of choice was chicken! And, my host was making it the way his dad had made it (kind of sort of). He marinated the chicken in a combination of soy sauce, chili sauce, garlic, & ginger.

Then, he threw on the "barbie"! A lot of the delicious marinade fell to the bottom of the pan so be sure to dump the rest on once the chicken is on the grill!

The chicken was served up with a light salad that had tomatoes, cheese, and light vinaigrette.

I was in charge of the wine selection (of course)! So, I asked my friend at Oak Cliff Cellars what he would recommend. I went with the zinfandel, a nice light red that complimented the BBQ chicken perfectly!

A delicious summer dinner and a wonderful memory :)

Strawberry Salsa with Grilled Salmon [VIDEO]

I am FINALLY starting a video blog! It's definitely way over due...

For my first video recipe, I decided to do something pretty simple but packed full with flavor! It's a strawberry salsa with grilled salmon. Fast, easy, and great for summer.

For the print friendly recipe, click here

This is a work in progress...and it's definitely difficult to shoot yourself cooking! But, it's a start! I hope you keep up with "Foodie For Fun", try my recipes, and let me know what you think!

Buon Appetito Ya'll ;)

The Taste

Yes...I auditioned! And here's what went down..

I had applied a few weeks before the auditions and wasn't planning on attending because A) they were in Austin and B) I never got a confirmation.

WELL...the Thursday before the auditions I get a call. They asked if I was planning on coming. Of course I said yes (while thinking to myself "oh crap!"). I hung up. They called back and said I was getting a "front of the line" pass and to bring my BIG personality!

Friday, I called into work. NO WAY was I going to be able to prepare something and go to work that day. The plan? To make pulled pork tacos with a chilled corn salad and leave at 6:30 am Saturday morning in order to be there by 11:30.

NOTE: You had to bring your dish ready to plate. NO heating anything up. Nothing. So, I had to think of something that traveled well and was edible at room temperature.

I literally spent ALL day in the kitchen. First, I started the pork butt. I seasoned it with lime zest, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper. Then, roasted it low and slow for about 9 hours until it was like butter! For the corn salad (original recipe here), I changed it up and grilled the corn. Delicious! I decided the taco needed a little something spicy. So, I made an avocado and sriracha crema with lime juice. To garnish, I did pickled red onions that were pickled with sliced jalapeños and garlic. I also added a sprig of cilantro (which I hunted for all day Friday...there was no fresh cilantro to be found!), some lime juice, and a dash of fleur de sel ;)

Now, the important part (so I thought) were the tortillas! Normally, I would serve these with corn tortillas and warm them up. But remember...no warming! So...I decided to just go with the corn tortillas and forget it.

Friday morning, everything was ready and my mom and I set out on our adventure! Oh wait...I forgot the cilantro! So, we stopped at HEB in Waco. Then...my mom spots it...."HOT TORTILLAS". We race to the counter. They have WARM tortillas that are half corn and half flour. PERFECT.

We get to the audition in time. There were maybe 10 people lined up. I get my front of the line pass and wait for them to call me in.

We were called in in groups of 8. They said "take everything out of your coolers but don't start plating". Then, "take the lids off but don't start plating". Finally, "Ok 3 minutes to plate starting now". Don't panic. I'm not sure how they liked it...I keep replaying it all in my head. Who knows?

At any rate, it was a good experience and a lot of fun! Especially the lunch and cocktails post audition at Elizabeth Street Cafe (definitely recommend!).

So, suffice it to say, even if I don't get cast, it was a great experience!

Mercy Street Lunch

Cooking for a crowd is a challenge. If you have not done it, I suggest trying it -- just for the experience!

This week, I did a mini cooking demo and prepared lunch for 45 people at Mercy Street. It was definitely interesting considering the fact that A) I drive a Fiat so it was hard to fit everything in my car and B) I work full time...

So, the goal was to demonstrate and serve a meal that was a healthier version of some of their favorite foods. I did a take on fried chicken and mashed potatoes.

I served up breaded and baked chicken with a chilled potato salad and coleslaw (without mayo!). The funny part was that the oven was too small for all the chicken! So, we ended up pan frying it anyways...

Chicken:

Ingredients:

Chicken Breast

Mayo (olive oil or eggs work as well)

Bread Crumbs

French Onion Soup Mix

Process

-Preheat oven to 350

-Mix bread crumbs and soup mix together

-Slice (or pound) chicken breasts (this allows for faster cooking time and they go farther!)

-Dip chicken in mayo (or eggs/olive oil) and coat with bread mixture

-Bake on cookie sheet or in a baking dish (9x13) for 30 minutes

To pan Fry:

-Heat skillet on the stove with a drizzle of olive oil. 

-Cook chicken for 5 minutes (more or less depending on size) on each side

Potato Salad:

Ingredients:

2 1/2 pounds potatoes (any variety)

1/3 Cup Olive Oil

3 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar

1/3 Cup finely chopped red onion

1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard

Salt and Pepper to taste

1/4 Cup Chopped Parsley 

Process:

Quarter potatoes and boil (no need to wash or peel

Strain and once cool enough to handle, peel off skins

Mix together everything for the dressing and toss over potatoes

Coleslaw:

Ingredients:

1 Package Coleslaw

1/4 cup Apple cider Vinegar

Juice of half a lime

2 Tablespoons honey

2 Tablespoons Chopped Cilantro

2 - 3 Tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Clove garlic; chopped

Salt & Pepper to taste

 *best if made ahead

Process:

Mix it all together!

It's not easy to talk, demo, and cook at the same time! Not to mention trying to be fun and interesting! But, I'm learning more every time and it's always a blessing to be able to serve in the community :)

Summer Salads

The Texas Summer is upon us! If you're like me...you want sides that are either A) light or B) cold. Nobody in their right mind wants to eat something HOT! So, this week on Good Morning Texas I whipped up three delicious summer salads. And guess what...there are NO leafy greens!

You can watch my segment here and scroll down for the recipes!

Here are my versions on a few classics!

Up first is potato salad but without the mayo (who wants that when it's hot anyways)! Doesn't it look delicious?

It's basically a German inspired version of our American classic. Use roasted (or grilled) potatoes. While the potatoes are roasting, crisp up a package of bacon and caramelize half of a yellow onion. Once the bacon and onion are ready, add in brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and dijon mustard. Toss your potatoes with your vinaigrette. Add salt and pepper to taste and top with chopped dill and parsley! Delicious warm or room temperature! I served it with sloppy joes and it was a hit! Click here for the recipe.

Next up, is a twist on pasta salad! This one is a Mediterranean Orzo salad. Light, fresh, and easy!

All you do is make the orzo according the box instructions (tip: use chicken broth instead of water for more flavor!). Then, add in EVERYTHING else! Tomatoes, red onion, olives, artichokes, feta cheese, parsley, salt and pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. The end! I fell in love with orzo about a year ago when a friend made it at dinner. He literally just put everything that he didn't use for our fish and green bean side dish into the orzo and it was delicious! This is just my version. Try it and create your own! Here is the recipe.

Last up is fruit salad! I get SO tired of just plain old fruit in a plain old bowl. Get real. It's boring. You got to think outside the box!

Mine calls for watermelon, cucumbers, peaches, jalapeño, mint, agave, and lime juice. I serve it up with whipped cream and crushed up pistachios for a salty crunch! Try adding mangos or strawberries! Or maybe radishes or avocado. Combine veggies with fruit...it's ok! Click here for my ingredients and then make your own version!

NEW RESTAURANTS IN DALLAS: TOP INDUSTRY PICKS

I have recently started contributing to Foodable TV! I am very excited to be writing articles for them and hosting segments for Side Dish!

My first article has been posted! Want to know where you should be eating NOW? Click here for the top new restaurants in Dallas!

(Stephen Pyles; Courtesy: Dallas Observer)

(Chef John Tesar; Courtesy: Facebook)

(Michael Martensen; Courtesy: Eater Dallas)

(Chef Jon Stevens; Courtesy: D Magazine)

Giving Back

As much as I love to eat and cook with my friends and family, nothing compares to being able to share that passion and help others.

Mercy Street in Dallas is always in need of food and meal preparation and I absolutely love helping! They located in West Dallas and believe in building relationships with the younger generation and building up strong Christian leaders in the community.

On Tuesday nights, they hold their middle school Bible study and I volunteered to prepare dinner (about 30 people). I tried to think of something that was semi-healthy, full of flavor and easy to put together!

So, I decided on pulled pork tacos with a cold corn salad. The night before, my mom helped prepare the pork. We got a 9 pound bone-in shoulder. Fat side up, we packed on the seasoning! Cilantro, lime zest, salt, and garlic and roasted it all night.

For the salad, I just tossed together corn, black beans, sliced grape tomatoes, roasted habaneros, diced red onion, lime juice/zest, olive oil, salt and pepper. We served it with big slices of watermelon and that was it!

My friend Maria came with me and I could not have done it without her! We can't wait to do it again soon :)

A Weekend in NYC

A few weeks ago, my brother and I spent a long weekend in New York City! This was my third time but, it was his first. He LOVES anything vintage. So, I planned our entire trip around all things old! From what we drank to where we ate, there was a definite theme! Don't we look cute? ;)

We arrived around noon on a Friday and immediately dropped our bags off at the apartment. (tip: use airbnb...you will save A LOT!) Then, top on my brothers list of "things to eat in NYC" was a Lox bagel. Before leaving, I had created quite a lengthy list of restaurants/bars/shops...etc. For Lox Bagels, I had decided that Tal Bagels was the place to go! By chance, we just happened to turn a corner on our way to the metro stop and there it was!

Of course this was not enough for lunch! We needed pizza! I don't remember where we stopped...but does it really matter? It's NYC after all...

Unfortunately, it was a torrential down pour that day...but we were determined!! On my list, was Eataly! I had to see it! And we made it! It was EXTREMELY crowded and we didn't actually get anything. But, it was definitely fun to see :)

After that, we headed back to the apartment to start getting ready for our first night on the town! But, alas, we were still hungry! We turned the corner and just happened to pass No 7 Sub...another spot on my list! The sandwiches are what I would call...hangover food. Just weird! I got the broccoli with lychee  and it was good! Other sandwiches include anything from cauliflower to fritos...go with an open mind!

That night, we went to the oldest restaurant in NYC...21 Club! Originally, we were going to go for the "Pre Theater" dinner menu. It's a GREAT deal. You make your reservations no later than 6:30 and you get the prix fixed menu for $42. But, we decided to just hang out in the bar and watch people. It was so fun talking to our waiter about how he had waited on Grace Kelly, Humphrey Bogart...where they sat...what they drank...the history behind this place is well worth the visit.

Next up, we stopped in at The Carnegie Club - a cocktail and smoking lounge. This was definitely a great find! They had live jazz music, great wine, and of course...cigars! It was a big hard to find but the speakeasy-type feel with the leather sofas, book cases, and old photos made it feel like a movie set! And...I smoked my first cigar!

At this point, we were pretty much exhausted. So that's where our night ended. Bright and early the next morning, we were at the Empire State Building! Of course, you have to do that! Here's my tip: buy your tickets online! You can use them WHENEVER! But, get there at 7:50am. Yes...it's early. But, you don't wait in line!

Then, we just wandered Manhattan! We did take a look into Katz's Delicatessen. But, the crowd is just not worth it! It is definitely a must see but, go down the street to Russ & Daughters...it's also famous and not as crowded!

That evening, we stopped at a cool spot for a drink called Middle Branch. A friend of mine in Dallas recommended it and it's definitely cool! Be sure to have the address or you might miss it!

Then, we started making our way down to PDT (Please Don't Tell). Earlier that day, we called about 70 times and FINALLY got through to make a reservation. They only accept reservations by phone starting at 3pm the day of. So get your speed dial ready! But, before we went there, we had to eat dinner! We found a great place called Cafe Orlin...a little Mediterranean and a little Indian!

Once we were fat and happy, we walked down the street to PDT! Its located inside a Hot Dog shop. Yes...a hot dog shop. You go in, then step into a phone booth, dial 1 and the other side of the booth opens into the bar!

And don't forget...the drinks are great! A bit pricey...but totally worth it! It's all about the experience :)

And so ended our second night. Early the next morning, we went to the 9/11 memorial. It's very moving...and a must see if you haven't yet. While down there, we walked along Wall Street and to Battery Park to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty.

From there, we walked to lunch at Beauty & Essex. This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in New York. It's another one that you might miss if you're not looking carefully! You walk into a pawn shop in a not so good part of town and then into the beautiful restaurant! My brother and I ordered the Lox Pizzetta, Turkey Meatballs, and Lobster & Chorizo Hash.

From here, we made our way to Grand Central Station. This was my first time to see it and it is absolutely beautiful!!

That night, we had reservations at The Raines Law Room...another speakeasy! Unfortunately, it was so dark inside that I was unable to get a good shot. But...you MUST GO! Again, have the address out or you will miss it! You walk down stairs and ring the door bell. Inside, it's not like a typical bar. You actually don't even see one! You're seated on chairs or couches. Each spot has a door bell on the wall next to it. When you're ready to order, you ring it!

Our flight left the next afternoon. So, we spent the morning wandering as usual. Then, I found this great spot for lunch called Gazala's. It's delicious mediterranean food! We sat outside and soaked up the NYC sun before heading home...

And there you have it! NYC in one weekend!

A few other spots we hit up:
The Strand Bookstore
Other Music
Limelight
Chinatown
Hell's Kitchen Flea Market
Times Square
Rockefeller Center
Radio City Music Hall
Greenmarket at Union Square

New Lighting Equipment

I recently invested in some lighting equipment! Check out a few of the shots below!

I am SO excited!! Need a few shots?? Email me :)