(43-104) Check Her Out...

If you've ever read "The Bumpy Ride" before, then you know that I am a BIG fan of food related shows.  In the past I've mentioned "Top Chef," "Master Chef," "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," "The Amazing Food Truck Race," and "The Best Thing I Ever Ate;" just to name a few.   And tonight, I want to write about a Chef that regularly appears on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate"; "Chopped," as well as on her show "Alex's Day Off," on The Food Network.

The Chef that I'm referring to is Alex Guarnaschelli.  Alex  is the executive chef at Butter restaurant in New York City; and I first became aware of her on an episode of "Iron Chef America," a couple of years ago.  Alex is an Italian American, New Yorker, who received her culinary training in France.  I love to watch Alex because she is an ample sized woman who loves food and makes no apologies for it.  There's something about the tone of Alex's voice that I find captivating and I thoroughly enjoy her vivid descriptions of the food that she prepares as well as the food that she eats.  Just as Renee Zellweger told Tom Cruise in "Jerry Maguire," "You had me at hello;"  Alex had me, when she said "Breakfast is only complete if you are feeding yourself while you're cooking;"  while she was making this outrageous bacon, which can be seen in the clip that I've provided, from "Alex's Day Off."

Because I'm such an Alex fan, I DVR her show; in which she frequently cooks her favorite comfort foods.  I watched the latest episode today while I was emptying my dishwasher and even though I'm not a lasagna fan; she enticed me to want to make a lasagna the next chance that I get.  I've actually never really eaten lasagna because I don't like Ricotta cheese; but Alex made hers with fresh Mozzarella and Parmesan; so this lasagna was one that I could really take a bite of.  As if the Lasagna recipe itself, wasn't enough; Alex also made chocolate pudding from scratch.  What I find most amusing about this is that when I was comprising my "100 MORE Random Things About Me" list, I was going to mention that I love the kind of chocolate pudding that you cook and refrigerate as opposed to the  liquidy kind; but because I didn't think that I could phrase it right, I left it off.  Now today here's Alex, cooking up EXACTLY the kind of pudding that I love; so phraseology aside, I just had to mention it.

I think that it's safe to say that I like to watch TV personalities that I can relate to.  People that I could see as my friends; and that's definitelyy the case with Alex.  If you've never watched her show before and you give it a try or attempt one of her recipes; please comment or email me and let me know what you think. Also, if you've been to Butter or you go in the future; I'd love to hear about that too.  Honestly, I think she's got a lot to offer and she's too good to miss; so in the interest of (say it with me,) "The Greater Good;"  check her out.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-28) Reality Check

As promised in my August 22 post "Hot & Huge," I'm coming right back atchya with the second part of my TV tutorial.  I've already covered the scripted shows that I've been watching, so now it's time for a reality check.  Fan of the written word that I am; I feel slightly guilty admitting that I watch far more reality TV than scripted TV but I suppose in all fairness that there are more reality programs on in the summer than new scripted programs. 
While thinking about the reality shows that I am currently watching, I realized that I can break them down to 2 categories; 1.  Shows about food and 2.  Shows about New Jersey.  I could just as well say that the 2 categories are 1.  Shows that I love and 2.  Shows that I love to hate or hate that I love.  I know, I know, if you hate it; why watch it - I'm right there with you but it's like a car wreck, you just can't look away.  As much as it repulses you, there's something compelling about it; and that's exactly how I feel about "Jersey Shore," "Jerseylicious," and "The Real Housewives of New Jersey."  Oh where do I begin?  First and foremost, let me say that I don't advocate that you watch any of these Jersey shows; and yet I can't stop myself.  "Jersey Shore" and "Jerseylicious" are guilty pleasures indeed.  I watch these shows thinking that the majority of these people look like such morons; they're petty and small and superficial and those are their good qualities.  Maybe I watch because their stupidity makes me laugh and because their lifestyle is SO different from what I've become accustomed to in Arizona; and yet parts of it are like a slice of home.  Now, if you haven't heard of or seen either of these shows, don't be alarmed.  "Jersey Shore" is in its second season on MTV and it's basically like the "Real World" but with an entire cast of  20 something Guido's and Guidettes.  I first started watching this show during a marathon last summer, and OK I got hooked.
"Jerseylicious" is on E;  it's about a hair salon in New Jersey and for the most part their isn't anything wrong with this show, EXCEPT for the most obnoxious, self-centered, conceited, hairstylist EVER - Tracy!   Tracy is dating the ex-boyfriend of makeup artist Olivia and she is bound and detemined to make Olivia's life a living hell.  Tracy is mean and annoying and I can't wait for someone to put her in her place.
Lastly, I've been dancing around it in a couple of blogs now, so it's time for me to discuss my discord with "The Real Housewives of New jersey."  I was a fan of this show last year; but in the same type of way that I enjoy my other Jersey shows; it's just a barrel of unexpected surprises.  Now last season the housewives proved themselves to be a little over the top and this season they've gone right over the top and off the deep end; ESPECIALLY Theresa Giudice.  Last season Theresa looked like a kind hearted ditz who thought money grew on trees.  This season she continued to flaunt her expensive tastes despite the fact that her husband has filed for bankruptcy.  I for one don't understand how if you've filed for bankruptcy you throw a christening for a baby that's equivalent to a big, east coast wedding.  How you go on a trip to Italy and a cruise while you're there and take not only your family of 6 but all 4 in-laws as well.  Now OK, I'm not naive; maybe just maybe Bravo (their network) paid for these things, but if that's the case; I sure would like them to say so.  I could go on and on and on with my criticism of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey;" sans redhead Caroline Manzo of course; but instead I choose to focus on the positive; so let's move on to FOOD!

At the top of my list of food shows STILL, is "Top Chef."  Top Chef is on Bravo,  and in case you haven't seen it yet, I would venture to say that it is the BEST cooking competition show out there.   Also, if you haven't already heard, Top Chef - Just Desserts will begin on September 15 -  what a treat; sign me up!
I've DVR'd but have yet to watch "Master Chef," (on FOX) but I sure plan to.  I enjoyed "The Next Food Network Star," and Aarti WAS my choice to win.  I just watched her first show "Aarti Party" the other day and I found her to be delightful.  I personally have never been a fan of Indian cuisine, but she put an Indian twist on sloppy joes and made some ice cream pops and I was already to give them a try; so I'll stay tuned.
I've also DVR'd but have yet to watch "The Great Food Truck Race," (The Food Network) but I have high expectations of this one.  It looks like "The Amazing Race" but with a huge food component.  I've watched Cupcake Wars; (Food Network)  and even though it's not the best of the food shows, it's still entertaining.  Of course I LOVE Triple D -  "Diner's, Drive-ins and Dives,"  and I never miss an episode of  "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" (both on The Food Network.)  Food glorious food; see what did I tell you; I love everything about it.  I don't just like to eat it; I take pleasure in  watching people cook it, I adore hearing people talk about it AND I've been learning a lot about how to prepare it and where to go get it.

Thank heavens for my DVR; it's probably the most used piece of equipment in my houseright now.  I know from the sound of my two TV posts it must seem that I spend a lot of time watching TV, but the truth is that I DVR the shows that I've mentioned, but there are a lot of days; (especially now that I'm writing ever day) that I don't even turn the TV on.  When I do find the time; the food shows are programs that I watch with my kids; and the Jersey shows are programs that I watch with my husband; and in these difficult times, I think that we can all use some distractions from our own reality.
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

Good Stuff

It's a BEAUTIFUL day in Arizona. It's still quite

warm but not excruciating and you can tell that Fall is on its way. Luis is at work, I dropped Lyndzi at a birthday party and since we're in the vicinity of Wet n Wild, I've brought Nicky and Kelsie over to the water park for an hour and a half while we wait for Lyndzi;(ahh the benefit of season passes.) Not feeling like putting on a swim suit myself, I put on my Queen of TIME MANAGEMENT hat instead because I thought I could use the time to write (excuses ~ BE GONE) and so here I sit, writing away, enjoying the slight breeze, and conjuring up another Bumpy Ride as I move from water slide to water slide with the kids.

Last fall I shared some of my favorite finds of the year in the post "Reasons to be Grateful (and a smokin travel discount opportunity.)" The post was very well received, and so in the interest of (say it with me) "The GREATER good," I have a few new finds / ideas to share.

1. Cinnamon Pecan Special K - I discovered this find a few months ago (when I first thought about writing this post - ahh time;) and I tell ya, I'm IN LOVE with this cereal. For some reason I keep referring to it Cinnamon Pecan Circle K; but nonetheless it's DELISH.

I actually think that I could go on the Special K diet eating this perfect combination of cinnamon, pecans and crunchy rice and wheat flakes. Even if you're not a Special K fan, give this one a try; it's a yummy way to start your day and even makes a super snack.

2. Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos - Now I know what you're thinking; how in the world do I expect to lose weight if I'm eating Doritos? And the answer is "EVERYTHING in moderation." Just because I tell you that I enjoy the Asian inspired, sweet and spicy chip, does not mean that I eat an entire bag in one sitting. Yet, I can attest that a couple with lunch from time to time makes lunch divine. Now you know that I am not usually someone who likes spicy food, but the particular spice of these chips is really different and uniquely pleasant; so when you're in the mood for something different with your sandwich give these delectable Doritos a try and let me know what you think.

3. Wendy's Iced Coffee - Yes, ANOTHER food item; and for this one I refer to my "100 Random Things" post ...#34 - I love iced coffee and even drink it when it's cold. So with that said; on Wednesday I was going to work at soccer registration and I was picking up a quick dinner for my kids but none for me, in the hopes that registration would be too busy to allow me the time to eat. I had planned to have a salad when I was done and so I thought I would just get something to drink for the meantime. I wasn't in the mood for a diet soda or an iced tea and I wanted something more than the bottled water that I'd brought, so I gave Wendy's iced coffee a try and it blew me away. The strong coffee flavor was far superior to McDonald's and I savored EVERY sip. So, if you are an iced coffee fan, I highly recommend this drink. I always order mine light on the syrup because I don't care for drinks that are too sweet. A large drink has 6 pumps of Vanilla, Mocha or Hazelnut syrup and I think 4 is plenty - if ordering a medium, modify accordingly and ENJOY!

And for a bonus plug for Wendy's I'll tell you that if you are stopping by at breakfast time, their biscuits ALSO top Mickey D's. They are BIGGER, less greasy, and taste more like homemade, so ultimately you are getting a lot more bang for your buck by purchasing THEIR biscuit breakfast sandwich. And no, I do not now nor have I ever had a relative who has worked at Wendy's ~ I just like to pass along good info about good stuff, when I find it.

Ok, so if you know me, or have ever read "The Bumpy Ride" before, you know that a close second to my love for food is my love for a GREAT DEAL. So # 4 is more of a tip and it is certainly not meant to insult your intelligence any ~ I'm just passing along an idea in case you haven't already done this yourself; because in the face of this disastrous economy I think EVERYONE deserves to save a little money. So # 4 will be called "The Disconnection threat." In the interest of saving some money any way I can, I was considering switching from my current cable/Internet/phone company to another service. I did some investigating and then I called my current cable etc. provider and to make a long story short, (oh yes I WILL;)

I ultimately got a great discount on my exact same service, by threatening to disconnect my service. Now not only did I get a discount for the upcoming 6 months, but I was told that as that time was coming to an end that I should call back and tell them that I wanted to continue at that rate and I would be able to do so. Imagine that!! So my neighbor is most likely getting the exact same service as me, for several dollars more all because I threatened to discontinue my service - OK works for me. I mean don't get me wrong, I think it's pathetic that it has to be done this way but nonetheless I am thankful for my savings so I thought I would pass along the tip; especially because I just had a very similar experience with my cell phone provider and Yup, I threatened to disconnect and I am now saving well over a hundred dollars on my new phone. SO, if you would like to save some money, I would suggest taking a few minutes and making a call. You don't have to be nasty, remember you get more flies with honey; you just have to tell them that you are going to disconnect, and believe me they won't ever say OK.

Lastly, I would like to share my newest, favorite TV show. Rachel K had mentioned Top Chef to me a number of times, but guess

what; I could never find the TIME to watch it. Well, the kids and I dvr'd the Top Chef Masters marathon and we enjoyed it no end. We may be some of the last people to have caught on to this great show, but just in case a few of you haven't seen it either; I want to recommend taking the time to check out "Top Chef." In our opinion, Top Chef kicks Iron Chef's butt because the challenges are a lot more specific and they are always different. I could go on and on (and you know I could;) and tell you more about why I enjoy this show but let's just suffice it to say, if you fancy the Food Network, Food Challenges, or just shows about Food in general, I think you will really eat up Top Chef on BRAVO, Wednesday nights.

So there you have it; just a couple little tidbits to make life a tad more enjoyable. Like I said in the beginning of this post; Fall is on its way and though that is the time that we usually remember what we have to be grateful for; I say be grateful for life's little delights as you find them. Don't reserve your time for being grateful to Autumn only and in the interest of (say it with me) "The GREATER good" share your finds with your friends ~ I'm always so thrilled when mine share with me. I am grateful to Michelle K for her Dr. Pepper rib recipe as well as her BBQ chicken legs in a bag. I am thankful that I have hardworking friends who inspire me by their success and compel me to pursue my dreams. I am grateful that I still have a job, although I now get paid less to do it. I am thankful for my wonderful children who love me and make me SO proud on a daily basis. I am grateful for my husband who nurtures and loves me more than I usually deserve. I am thankful that soccer season is upon us because I am a total soccer mom and I love to watch my kids play and laugh, not to mention that I thoroughly adore the camaraderie of our league (Yay, USA Soccer!) I am grateful for new friends and new readers, I am thankful for old friends and dedicated readers. I am grateful that Luke proved to the world that "More to Love" actually was worth watching and I am so pleased that he thought not only with his heart but with his head and made the best TV love connection that I have seen in a very long time. And lastly (for now,) I am grateful that all of my favorite TV shows will be back on the air within a matter of weeks so that I will have hours of viewing pleasure and hopefully, some observational humor to share.

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING