Unfried Chicken

Tomorrow is Independence Day...on 4th of July, and as far as I'm concerned fried, or grilled chicken cannot be left out. In my case, as much as I would love to get the gas grill going of my family's grill...it's 'not happening'...since I'll be elsewhere, enjoying my celebration with friends, while my daughter and family are still vacationing in Italy.

Chicken is a huge favorite of mine, and the entire family's...can't get tired of it since there are so many ways of preparing it. Frying the chicken is not an option these days for health reasons, so unfried, is the best way for 'fried' chicken lovers. Instead of breadcrumbs, or Panko, I used crushed corn flakes to pat on the chicken.  I got the inspiration from Bobby Deen, Paula Deen's son. Check out his recipe for the...
 Unfried Chicken

Instead of buttermilk, I used Ranch dressing from a bottle, to dip the chicken into, NO Egg whites needed, and I crushed the cornflakes to a finer grade, using a large zip-lock baggie, and just used the heel of my hand to crush it. Also added 1 cup of flour right in the bag, and added the chicken pieces right into the bag. Make sure you tap the crust so it adheres well.

Most importantly, I replaced the boneless chicken thighs like the recipe mentions, and got with the skin, and bone in. A lot cheaper with bone and skin on. I removed the skin, of course. Baked it for additional 10 minutes in the Le Creuset cast iron glazed skillet. I only baked 4 pieces, and will make an additional for the next day, or freeze it!

We have been getting rain, every day...for the month of June...I mean, heavy, heavy downpour! Also there's a Hurricane watch, which may come our way. Watching through the window on the front of the house...there's a cute papaya tree in the middle which is only less than a year old, and it has lots of papaya's...still green, but I saved a large papaya to ripen. We get sunshine every morning until about 2:00PM, then it gets cloudy and the rain starts for over one hour, sometime longer! Cools things down a little, but everything stays so green!

National Flip-Flop Day!

JUNE 20, 2014 – NATIONAL FLIP FLOP DAY

National Flip Flop Day will be taking place on 20 June 2014 – so it's time to get those toes 
exposed and start enjoying summer! 

The day is organized by Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a franchise in the USA that wants us to ditch our shoes and socks and get our flip flops on!

Now in its eighth year this annual extravaganza marks the start of summer, and customers who appear in one of the 300 stores between 2.00pm and 7.00pm in their flip flops get a free smoothie! 

There is a serious side to the campaign though.   The company makes a donation for every customer that wears flip flops to Camp Sunshine.  This special camp was created in 1984 for children and their families who are dealing with life threatening illnesses like cancer, kidney diseases and lupus.
All sorts of support is available at the camp for both children and parents, and with the help of National Flip Flop Day they can continue doing their good work.

To find out more visit the National Flip Flop Day website and get your flip flops on! 

Bride and Bride-Maids wearing flip-flops....love it!

Such a cute and clever idea to offer flip-flops to guests at weddings for their poor, aching, and tired feet...awesome!

for a dressier look...I love these amazing 'fancy schmancy' ones!

 

Old Navy has the best comfortable, and simple flip-flops that you can wear...right here in sunny South Florida, just about every day of the year!

National vanilla milkshake day

While you're frying up some eggs and bacon, we're cooking up something else: a way to celebrate today's food holiday.

Milkshake, rattle and roll - June 20 is National Vanilla Milkshake Day!

The milkshake as we know it was invented by a Walgreen’s employee in Chicago in 1922. He added two scoops of ice cream to a drink called a malted milk. Needless to say, the concept quickly caught on.

By then, vanilla ice cream had already been around for a while. Thomas Jefferson even penned his own ice cream recipe after bringing back vanilla from France in the 1780s.
Making a milkshake is easy, and usually only requires a few ingredients - so quality is key. Even Thomas Jefferson called for “good cream.” A good quality ice cream means you’ll have a thick, frothy milkshake that’s not watered down or icy. And while using fresh, homemade vanilla bean ice cream isn’t a must, it certainly is life changing.

The original milkshakes were actually milk-based alcoholic beverages. They were considered tonics or treats. Adding a liqueur like Kahlua or Bailey’s is a fun way to make a treat enjoyed by kids, adult-friendly. Just make sure you’re over 21.

Classic Vanilla  Milkshake

Ingredients

U.S.

Metric

Conversion chart

• 5 scoop(s) vanilla ice cream
• 1 cup(s) milk
• 1 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract

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Directions

1. In blender, combine ice cream, milk, and vanilla, and blend until mixture is smooth and frothy. Pour into 2 tall glasses.

From Good Housekeeping's Blend It! ©2003 Hearst Books - 


Note: All Photos posted, are courtesy of PINTEREST 

Thank you for all your kind comments, and good wishes, everyone! Hope you're all having a wonderful summer. Stay in touch...love hearing from you!

Hugs,

Elisabeth

U.S.

Metric

Conversion chart

HAPPY EASTER!

photos, courtesy of PINTEREST

WISHING YOU AND THOSE YOU LOVE...

THE BLESSINGS OF A GLORIOUS EASTER:)

HAPPY EASTER! 

Boldog Husvétot kivánok...
az összes kedves Magyar
blogger barátaimnak,
sok szeretettel!

Easter Menu Suggestions...and Awards!

Homemade Garlic Rolls

These amazing homemade garlic rolls, filled with fresh herbs and lots of garlic may not be the appropriate type of rolls for Easter, but I assure you everyone will love it as an appetizer to start a fabulous Easter Sunday early dinner...or lunch

I've had the pleasure of being invited to join in the fun, from two of my lovely and talented food blogger friends, from Hungary, to feature 10 different suggestions from appetizers to desserts for Easter. Petra @ Reformkori Konyha. Also, Katalin @ Katalin Konyhája... were so kind and gracious to invite me that I was so thrilled to participate... I appreciate the offer.

 At the same time I will also mention the sweet award I received from two other talented, friends, that I will pay forward!

I am starting with some appetizers, and make my way to the desserts from my blog!

Arancini di Riso-Sicilian Rice Balls

Arancini di Riso-Sicilian Rice Balls

A closeup of the Arancini di Riso-Sicilian Rice Balls, so incredible, filled with ground beef in sauce, cooked rice, and a cube of mozzarella cheese, breaded, and fried to perfection, served with fresh Marinara sauce. Absolute comfort food for any occasion!

Beautiful Braised Lamb Shank, served over basic Risotto Milanese...my son-in-law Fabrizio's contribution, from Easter Sunday, 2011~

Teresa's Zucchini Quiche

Teresa's Zucchini Quiche...also from last year's Easter. According to Italian tradition...you have to have an egg dish, or at least some type of eggs, for Easter!

Gingered Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu

For Vegan lover's delight...Gingered Soba Noodles with Spicy Tofu. This was awesome...your don't have to be Vegan to enjoy, and really love this dish!

...and for dessert, may I suggest?

Carrot Pineapple Cake

New York Style Cheesecake

Fresh Strawberry Tart

 Angelfood Cake with Fresh Berries

This is the perfect time to mention the awards, that I received...and not passed on. My previous one, from my dear friend Amelia @ Amelia's De-sserts, and another recent one from a new friend,Carmen @ Carmen's Kitchen.

I would like to pass these awards on to Petra, and Katalin, who have invited me to join in the FUN GAME...for the Easter Menu Suggestions. Thank you once again, Amelia, and thank you Carmen!

Thanks to all othes who have presented me with awards, that I have already received in the past. as well!

I would love to link everybody, but again, from Amelia @ Amelia's De-sserts ...presenting these two beautiful awards to Petra, Katalin, and Carmen...incidentally, the roses, I personally "hand picked" from Amelia, and asked her if I could keep it as an award!

Also, the Happy Blogger Award, that I received from Carmen, that is so cute, and I am so honored to have been chosen as a participant to receive this awesome award. Thank you Carmen...again, back to Petra, and Katalin, and Amelia!

Köszönöm szépen Katalin, és Petra, a kedves meghivást, a Husvéti ajánlat játékra...fogadjátok szerettel el, a dijakat tőlem, és adjátok át akinek szeretnétek!

Puszillak!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas... a Restaurant Review!

Wednesday, December 14, at  Cafe Sapori  West Palm Beach, Florida

Undoubtedly, you know the song...but seriously, in case I forget to wish all of my dear blogger friends, a peaceful and Blessed Holiday Season! As far as baking, I'm so not ready, as for Christmas shopping...same issues, but I did make an awesome Chocolate Chip Date Nut Spice Loaf...for recipe, click on to Claudia's blog...my Florida friend, @ What's Cookin' Italian Style Cuisine! She has all the old fashioned Italian style recipes, from her dear mom. and grandmother!

Linking my Chocolate Chip Date Nut Spice Loaf to:
  Full Plate Thursday, 12-15-2011 @ Miz Helen's Country Cottage

 

I was so impressed with this old fashioned Date Nut...(minus the nuts) bread, with chocolate chips, and the dates steeped in Kahlua liquor! ...but as in my case, I had to substitute the Kahlua, for my homemade coffee made instantly, with 3/4 cup cold espresso coffee, 1/4 cup vodka, sweetened with 1 Tbsp. Organic Blue Agave nectar. I added all this to 1cup of halved seedless dates and stored in a Mason jar for overnight!

I remember, Christmas pasts, my Hungarian aunt would make coffee liquor, with vodka, and strong espresso coffee, but it was too sweet, just like any other sweet liquors are. The only time I would have sweet liquors around, if a recipe requires it, but then again...they are way too expensive, and as for vodka, I had to use my son-in-law's, since I don't keep that around, either. I just keep nice bottles of wines...both red, and white! So, now you know what I keep in my liquor cabinet!

Allow me to take you on a fabulous tour and check out the most beautiful Christmas tree...just wait to sample the desserts, as well!

For the past six years, Cafe Sapori has been quite the "spotlight" of Northern Italian cuisine, at affordable prices. It's not often I dine there; even though my son-in-law, Executive Chef Fabrizio, and Francesco, his long time friend own it Can't go there, just unexpectedly, but invitation only...with my daughter Lora, and grandchildren. They are quite busy at this time of the year, and of course during the Florida busy season.

Simple, elegant sign, no flashy neon sign.Tuscan gold color building is easily recognized with beautiful tall neatly manicured shrubs, all around the building, located close to the Intracoastal waterway, which divides West Palm Beach from the island of Palm Beach...an easy access from the Palm Beacher clientele to find the restaurant, as well as the locals.

The entrance to the restaurant is from the side, since it's located on a busy main road...Southern Blvd. It gives you such an incredible feeling with the beautiful green plants, the happy gold color of the building, the Christmas lights festively and tastefully decorated all around!

So here we are...just look at the healthy and vibrant plants literally growing on the wall. (somebody has a green thumb, around here...which is Fabrizio) He has the same method with gorgeous plants at their home.

note: these photos are all taken with my little Canon camera...no flash!

We arrived about 6:15, still early before it gets real busy.
Huge beautiful Christmas tree is the first thing we notice, of course!

I would have loved to dine on the beautiful and charming patio, but my grandchildren wanted to be close to their daddy, popping out from the kitchen to keep checking on use with each portion (I was banned from taking photos of the several courses, so I just sneaked in a few of the most important ones....desserts...yeayyy!)

We were seated at this little corner table...the closest to the kitchen, so my son-in-law could pop in and out to check on us, and the kids couldn't be happier!
(you guessed it, that empty corner seat was mine...no patio for me!)...but all was good. Got a good spot of the entire dining room!

Didn't even have to get up from the table...taking photo of the gorgeous tree from the corner where I was sitting!
I noticed an elderly gentleman wearing a Christmas light garland around his neck, with the lights flashing...again, I was cautioned not only by Lora, but Gabby as well!
"Don't take a picture!)...OK, no picture! It was quite a sight, couldn't take my eyes off the flashing lights around his collar. Wonder how his seating companions put up with the distraction?...eventually he shut the flashing lights off!

Now, if you think I'm kidding...I am not...see the finger of my 10yr old granddaughter Gabby? ...what does that mean, Nonna?..."Stop! or was it wait?)...OK, now you've witnessed it for yourself. Three generations of "bossy" females...seriously. All three of us are so alike...

Took a photo of them anyway...while they were smiling for their mommy, but not for me!

I sneaked a photo of one of the appetizers...what seemed to be sliced salame, sauteed with roasted chestnuts, and the most enticing delicious sweet and savory sauce!


...after this, my camera had to be turned off for the main courses...ordered by my daughter, Lora; but in the meantime, I kept telling her "eat"...why are you eating so slow?...courses just kept coming out, and my grandchildren ate everything that was on their plate!

Desserts are up...no stopping me! Grabbed my camera, and took quick photos! We shared all these amazing desserts...most with various gelatos, and semi freddo, also with a coffee creme brulee which was my favorite!

Gabby's favorite and mine too!

Coffee Creme Brulee...with puff pastry and vanilla cream!

This was a traditional cheesecake, with cranberry sauce, and fresh cranberries, sauteed! Lora's favorite!











 Lemon cake with lemon curd...lemon gelato...yumm!!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

The Haunted Chambers (photo taken with my trusty Canon Power Shot SX130 camera, in this pitch dark)

For the last three years, we have enjoyed a fabulous Halloween celebration, usually the last weekend, before the actual Halloween evening. It is held downtown West Palm Beach at the Flagler Montessori pre-school, that has such wonderful staff, and the little children just love going there. My little 5 yr. old granddaughter just graduated from their pre-kindergarten this summer, and still loves going back there for fun events.

Another scary scene from the "Haunted Chambers"

Also, it's so much safer to attend a party such as this, and will cost you less money! So, for tomorrow on Halloween, the kids will be going "trick-or-treating" in the vicinity of their neighborhood escorted by adults, of course, and making sure to have all their candy examined when they bring it home!

This particular cake was a donation from my daughter's dear friend, Ilaria, who just recently started her baking treats, such as this beautiful Italian Ricotta Cake, decorated with cute little fondant ghosts! Her little daughter, Giorgia attends the pre-school, and she named her business after her: GIORGIA'S TREATS. You can reach her by e-mail, GIORGIA'STREATS@GMAIL.COM if you are in the Palm Beach County area. She is a talented true Italian baker, who has been making the United States her permanent home, for the last 10 years, or so!

More treats, from a local bakery!

They have what they call a "cake walk"...which is held outside, but unfortunately we got rained out by this ongoing remnant of Hurricane Rina, which is not unusual to get in the last week of October! All we got from the hurricane is several days of heavy rain and wind, strong, and lots of it! I feel for you folks up north who are having early snow surprising you at this time of the year. No fun, while your lawns are still green, and your lovely trees with the fall color leaves, to all of a sudden go into "winter wonderland" when you are still enjoying the beauty of fall! Mother Nature sure is temperamental at certain times of the year!

I got permission to take this picture of "Dr. Frankenstein" ...so creative, and funny!

More cakes in a special room, featured. At the end of the event, we were getting raffle tickets, and if your ticket was called, then you can pick any cake of your choice to take home.

Another beautiful cake, from a local bakery!