It appears that Ingrid Hoffman is on her way to reaching new heights of celebrity chef greatness. The Food Network has just ordered 13 additional episodes of her show Simply Delicioso. Look out Rachael Ray, there’s a new queen of perk in the kitchen. Have you been watching Ingrid? What do you think? I honestly have a little back-up of her episodes on the Tivo right now, but I fully intend to give each its proper due very soon. If you want to check out Ingrid yourself tune in on Saturday mornings at 11:30 AM EST.
I own Cooking Mama for the Wii. I was so excited to buy this game. I couldn’t wait! It was going to be so much fun. And then I played it and I was terrible. Like so incredibly bad that I still can’t create the first meal you’re supposed to prepare (Minestrone Soup). Maybe I’m just really bad at video games? Although my scores on Wii Play would counter that statement. So imagine my surprise when I read that Cooking Mama 2 is going to be released. Do people actually play this game? I’m sure a lot of suckers (like myself) bought it initially but does anyone still play it? Maybe I need some Cooking Mama lessons to truly unlock its “fun” potential?
Yesterday’s QotD (Question of the Day) over at Vox was to outline your kitchen essentials. My list included the following must have items:
Pastene Kitchen Ready Tomatoes – These make the absolute best tomato sauces. Just add some herbs (fresh or dried) a little garlic, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of brown sugar. So good!
Whole Wheat Pasta – Obviously I need this so I can make homemade macaroni and cheese and spaghetti and meatballs.
Feta Cheese – I put feta on everything. But what I really like to do is mix feta and cherry tomatoes into couscous.
Near East Roasted Garlic and Olive Oil Couscous – See above
Newman’s Own Tomato & Basil Bombolina Sauce – This is the only “jarred” pasta sauce I will buy.
Low Sodium Chicken Stock – A must have for soups, risottos, deglazing pans when you’ve drank all the wine…
Arborio Rice – I make risotto a lot, so should you.
Wine, Wine, and more Wine – To cook with, to drink with friends, for decorative purposes — whatever.
Chocolate Chips – Chocolate Chip Cookies are a weekly occurrence in my house.
Good Quality Parmesan Cheese (to grate on everything) – Because my microplane grater/zester needs a daily workout too.