L.A. Girls DO Cook

All in a Days Work

2012-01-29T14:12:00.000-08:00

I planned to post something for you on Friday but I was so busy with an event on Thursday evening and conference on Friday I'm just now getting to it. Thursday evening, I sponsored a reception for A Connected Affair, Women in PR BootCamp Summit. The reception was held at the Terrell Moore Art Gallery in Downtown, Los Angeles. The event was planned by YES Productions & Concierge and The Kartel Company. The evening was was intimate, full of electricity and the perfect place to connect with women putting action behind their words when it comes to building a business that thrives in this economy. The BootCamp Summit was geared towards PR and Event planners with the purpose of going over all the details of planning special events and obtaining sponsorship. I was able to attend a portion of the Bootcamp which focused on event sponsorship. I am so happy to have found the Women in PR organization. they are an amazing resource from PR professionals as well as entrepreneurs who handle their own PR. The organization fosters growth and encourages it's member's to give back in the rapidly changing world of public relations. Although I could only attend for 2 hours, I picked up so much information to use for many of my upcoming LA Girls Do Cook events. This year is all about growth and taking calculated risks to get my business to the next level. I was able to meet some amazing Publicists who work are responsible for a host of Celebrity hosted red carpet events. I even met someone from the Food Network. I often have Chefs and other entrepreneurs asking me the steps on how to work with celebrities or get press. It's by knowing the right people, building lasting relationships, strategy and a lot of prayer. Out of this event, I met a dozen publicists who work with celebrities and some of the most sought after brands. Did I mention I have a tasting scheduled Thursday for one of the publicists clients who will be having a major party in Vegas?!!!! I can't wait to blow the client away with my food and presentation. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to get paid to do what I love and to be able to make others feel special. I've gotta run but I want to leave you with a few pics from past events. Next week I'll post the albums so you can view the complete gallery. When I receive my pictures from A Connected Affair event from my Photographer, I'll post them.

Much Love & Light,

Chef Ameera

Belly Fat Busters

2012-01-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

Can you believe there is only one week left in January? That's right, the month is almost over and before you know it summer will be here. You know I'm right. For those of you who have made the resolution to work out and get in the best shape of your life, don't forget that nutrition is more important than exercise when it comes to weight loss. If you want results fast, there are certain foods you should eat that help melt belly fat. If you want it keep it little in the middle, incorporate the following foods in your daily diet.

Protein Powders - These amino acids can be found in many forms. Try thinkThin meal replacement bars which contain 20grams of protein per serving, are gluten-free and have 0 grams of sugar! The best think of all is that they taste amazing.

Apples- They are packed with fiber and have the ability to fill you up and alleviate hunger pangs.

Avocado - excellent source of fiber as well as mono-saturated fats. Your heart will love the healthy fats and it does wonders for the skin.

Green Veggies - Packed with vitamins and minerals, these superfoods are also loaded with fiber to fill you up with fewer calories!

Green Tea - Rich in antioxidants, which speeds up metabolism. Drink plain for the best results. It raises the rate of burning calories about 6 percent.

Fish - Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids is one of my favorite choices. They help regulate stress chemicals that lead to fat abs.

Just remember, balance is everything. Never deny yourself something, just eat it in moderation. If you have to lose weight in a short amount of time, I would suggest you eliminate some items to get the weight off faster. Until next time, stay focused on your goals.

**Giveaway**

Please join be as I guest blog on Sandra's Easy Cooking, Friday, January 27th. We're talking getting healthy and I'm giving away 2 cookbooks to help you on your mission.

xoxo,

Chef Ameera

Dragons and Egg Rolls

2012-01-23T14:53:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year! Today marks the start of the Year of the Dragon, otherwise known as Chinese New Year. According to an old chinese proverb, all creations are reborn and renewed so today marks a day of change. I have always been fascinated with the Chinese culture, especially the food. I have been making egg rolls since I was 9 years old and decided to share my recipe in honor of this lunar occasion. The sweet chili sauce became a staple in my house about 6 years ago, there's nothing like some sweet heat. Enjoy the holiday and recipes.

xoxo,

Chef Ameera

Ingredients:

25 Spring Roll Wrappers ,defrosted at room temperature for 30 minutes

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup of cool water

Oil, for frying

1 pound ground pork

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon cornstarch

freshly ground black pepper

2 garlic, chopped

½ head of cabbage

1 carrot, shredded

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

4 fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded

1 tablespoon peanut oil

½ tablespoon Chinese rice wine

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/2 teaspoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

For the filling, in a bowl combine the ground beef, garlic, cornstarch, and pepper together. While it develops flavors, grab another bowl and shred the cabbage and carrots. Slice the mushrooms into a fine dice.

Heat a wok over high heat. Add the peanut oil and swirl to coat. Toss in the beef and stir-fry until no longer red, about 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, push the meat to one side of the pan. Add the cabbage, carrots, ginger and the mushrooms and stir-fry about 2 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Add the rice wine, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil and black pepper.Mix together ingredients in the wok stir-fry for another minute. Remove and transfer filing to a baking/cookie sheet and spread out to cool. To help remove some of the extra juices, place a folded dish towel under one end of the baking sheet. Let cool for 10 minutes.

After eliminating all of the extra juices, use paper towels to blot the filling to rid of extra oil or juice. It’s time to wrap your rolls. Add no more than 1 ½ tablespoons of filling (click here to see an example from a trusted source) and roll tightly. You must make sure there are no open gaps or you will have greasy rolls!

As you roll, keep them in a neat stack covered with parchment paper. I like to stack as I roll and use parchment in between the layers. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can use wax paper.

Fill a wok 3 inches of high temperature cooking oil. Heat the oil to 350°F. Place the egg rolls gently in the oil to prevent hot grease from splashing (I’ve been burnt plenty of times!), frying no more than 4 at a time. Cook just under 2 minutes and drain on wire rack.

Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

Ingredients:

1/2 cup rice vinegar

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup water

3 Tbsp. fish sauce

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ tablespoon red chili paste

1 tablespoon cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Directions:

Over medium-high heat, Place all ingredients, except the cornstarch mixture in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium and let mixture reduce by half. Reduce heat to low and add the cornstarch mixture. Stir to incorporate and continue stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and enjoy.

Happy 2012! New Year, New Beginnings

2012-01-15T12:30:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish all of you a Happy New Year! May this year be filled with tons of positive energy and many blessings. 2011 was a year of growth and i'm ready to put action behind all my goals I have set for 2012. Trying to find the balance with work and blogging is a major one. When I'm cooking back to back for weeks at a time, it's a struggle to come home and take pretty pics of food! my kids don't even care what the plate looks like, they just want to be fed. If you haven't written down your goals, I suggest you do so. Once you write it down, it sends a message out to the universe saying you are ready for your dreams to manifest themselves. Over the next week and beyond, I'll be sharing pictures from my past events that I have catered and have attended. Until next time, be inspired...

xoxo,

Chef Ameera

Our Entertainment Extravaganza!

2011-12-05T22:45:00.001-08:00

Ladies, if you really want to learn how to roll out the red carpet and have your friends completely jealous of your hosting skills, then this is the event for you! Fellas, If you want to impress the girl of your dreams, then we're here to answer your prayers! On December 16th, LA Girls DO Cook will be hosting "Candor, Cocktails, and Culinary Concoctions" at the Pottery Barn in Beverly Hills! While the housewives may not be there, we have some standout culinary celebrities bringing their flair, charisma and whimsy to this much anticipated event!

We're excited to announce renowned Chef Ameera will be our guide through the world of Culinary Concoctions. She brings her fun and outgoing personality to the panel and is the mastermind behind the seemingly simplistic yet mouth watering dishes that she will create and demonstrate for the event.

We're thrilled to bring Alie 'N' Georgia on board for this night of creativity. Featured on many a blogs, and even the food network. They are known for their unique mixology methods. We guarantee that they will bring things to the table that you have never seen before! Plus they are as sweet as pie and double the fun!

We are ecstatic to have booked Carlos Rios for this event also! Carlos is an expert on party design! His goal is to leave you with some party tricks so that your the setup and execution for your party is functional, fashionable, and classically elegant.

We just can't contain our excitement for this event! We have many more surprises n store, but we can't just give all our goodies away on this blog! Be sure to check out the event schedule for Pottery Barn for more information! We hope you are as rev'ed up as we are! It is definitely going to be an event to remember!!!

YOU Are The Best Investment You Can Make

2011-11-28T10:46:00.001-08:00

The true mark of an LA Girl is that she is fierce, sassy, and sexy at all times. Many women struggle with different aspects of their health. We are so immersed in caring for others that we neglect ourselves ( it's our amazing selfless nature). Don't put yourself on the back burner. If you want to continue caring for your loved ones and taking care of those around you, you have to take care of YOU first. It is not selfish, it is a reality. The best investment you can make is within yourself! So to prepare you for this self care regimen L.A Girls Do Cook is happily passing along our tried and true mini check list of things to aid you on your road to healthy.

1. A Mental Diagnostic- Many women spend very little time figuring out what exactly is causing their decline in health. For example, for many women it is overeating (ourselves included). Have you ever thought about why you overeat? Is it out of nervousness or social courtesy? Did someone tell you as a child to always finish your plate because other starving children would appreciate it more? Whatever the reason is for your ailment, many times if you give it some thought, you can pinpoint the culprit of your stressors. It is a great starting point! We suggest journaling to track your feelings and habits when you engage in unhealthy activities like over eating.

2. An Appointment- Don't do it alone! There are huge advantages to seeing a medical professional to help in your journey. They can give you insight on what kind of legwork you have to do to remedy the problem. In the case of overeating, they can formulate a diet regimen for you to follow to attain your goals! The care plan is completely tailored to you, and is much safer than taking another person's word for it.

3.Commitment to a Routine- Do you ever watch horror films and there is always that one character who doesn't stick to the plan and their fate goes horribly awry? This is not the type of situation. Your habits are your habits and they take time to break, so give yourself wiggle room for a period of adjustment (be sensible). Make up your mind that you are going to put you first! Stick to the plan! The impending results will create a desire to continue in your routine.

There are infinite possibilities in you for displaying your best self! The world deserves a chance to bask in your presence while you are radiating your most attractive, positive energy! That's what being an LA Girl is all about!

Top Reasons Why You May Not Be Invited To Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T15:08:00.001-08:00

Ever wonder why your crazy aunt who wears the Christmas bell sweaters at Thanksgiving gets invited to dinner and you're last to know or not invited at all? Well LA Girls DO Cook is here to let you know that it takes more than your pretty face to be a favorable guest. We have some guest tips that is sure to have you looking like the classy rock star that we know you can be for these festive holiday occasions.

1. RSVP!!! We can't stress enough the importance of how this common courtesy not only plays into the perception what kind of guest you are, but it allows the host to know the quantity of preparation required for the evening.If you're bringing a guest make that known too! It's rude to show up and take Grandma Eunice's plate and leave her with nothing to eat.

2. Timing is Everything- If the get together time is listed at 6pm, don't show up at 7:30 when the food is ready to be served. You're completely undermining the deeper purpose of socialization that Thanksgiving gathering stands for. The food is not the reason for the gathering, the people are.

3. Offer to Bring Something- We don't care if it is napkins, or your finest port wine, make it known that you wish to be a contribution to the occassion and not just leech off the host's efforts. The key word is OFFER. Don't force your offerings upon the host. Your intention may be just enough.

4. Dress Like You Have Sense- This is not the club, nor are you applying to be a nun. Wear something comfortable and casual. Traditionally appropriate attire consists of skirts just above the knee or dresses at the calf. Rule of thumb: It is better to over dress for the occasion than under dress.

5. Please and Thank You's - These simple words were taught when you were 5 years old, yet the magic of them never ceases. Use them often and sincerely.

6. Offer to Assist in the Clean Up- The worst thing a guest can do is dine and ditch. If you have to cut the evening in that household short, offer to clean up along the way by at least collecting the plates after the meal. There is always something that can be done to aid the host.

7. Let's Talk Turkey- Let's NOT talk about politics, religion, or re-live the drama cousin Archie caused some 3 years ago. The conversation should be light, positive, and uplifting. The host puts a lot of work in to making the day into a positive memory. The only pot stirring should be the one in the kitchen.

8. Don't be that Lingering Guest- Don't be the straggler guest that won't leave well after the group has gone ( unless you're helping to clean up). The host is tired and will most likely entertain your lengthy stay out of obligation. Don't force yourself on anybody. Leave graciously and in a timely manner.

You can be the life of the party... these tips just help make sure you get invited back to the next party. CHEERS!

Slay Those Love Handles, One Holiday Meal at a Time!

2011-11-19T16:29:00.000-08:00

Summertime is gone, school is back in session and the holiday season is upon us. Holidays and delicious food goes in tandem, so how do you navigate through the sea of decadent treats and emerge from the holiday season victorious and slim? To keep your body in summer shape implement a few simple changes and you'll see a difference in your waistline.

Eat Breakfast - I know you've heard it before, "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!" Well, it is! Eating your first meal early prevents "starvation eating" and revs up your metabolism.

Increase your Veggie Intake - Vegetables fill you up without increasing your "Bottom Line". Strive for eating two to three cups daily. Try veggie patties instead of a regular meat pattie! You can season it to your liking.

Use a Smaller Plate - The only thing that should be stuffed is the turkey! Using a smaller plate helps with portion size control. It can even serve as a great gift idea for your friends. See if you can start a healthy trend among your loved ones. Note: This will not work if you vertically pile the whole buffet onto this small plate.

Eat a Small Piece of Fruit Before Bedtime - Use this tip only if you feel hungry before bed; If you go to bed hungry, then your body's metabolism will slow down and save the calories you accumulated throughout the day to compensate for the starvation time during your sleep. Choose your snack wisely! Just because french fries are made from potatoes doesn't means its a go-to snack.

Become Best Friends with Mr. Sandman - Seriously, lack of sleep can increase your appetite which can lead to an extra 500 calories a day. Try for at least 7 hours a night. Nothing is open late except fast food so if you are asleep, you're not binge eating.

Add Vitamin D to your diet - Best known as the "sunshine vitamin" because our bodies make it when exposed to sunlight and it helps to shed pounds. Experts recommend daily supplements of up to 2,000 milligrams. Being active also helps your body process vitamin D more efficiently, so get in the sun and have some winter fun!

Cooking at Home - When you cook your food at home, you control what you are putting into your body. Most restaurants are not calorie conscious and meals tend to be a little bit higher in fat. By bringing out your own inner chef, you're doing your body some good!

Drink Neurotrim - Do you ever walk into the holidays with a strict plan and once you get around all the delectables you can't control yourself? Neurotrim is our standout recommendation against food gorging. It acts as a yummy appetite suppressant and a boost of fiber to your diet! A must have 30 minutes before walking into "Temptation Central"!

Laugh - One more excuse to sit next to that Uncle who makes all the jokes and all the funny holiday stories. A 10 minute round of laughter can shave off 10-40 calories.

Slow Down - The slower you eat, the less food you will consume. Your stomach has stretch receptors that tell your brain when your body is full. It takes about 20 minutes for the cycle to take effect, so savor those holiday flavors!

We love hearing from you! Use these tips and let us know how they are working for you!

TASTE your way through Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-02T13:44:00.000-07:00

It feels like it was just last week I was just giving my Twitfam a weekly countdown until the first day of summer and now that one holiday is here to let us know Summer is about to come to an end! That's right, this weekend is Labor Day and The Los Angeles Times and Food & Wine have joined forces to bring us the ultimate foodie event, The Taste. This 4-day culinary explosion will be packed with everything from cooking demos from some your favorite celebrity chefs, to local restaurants & wine tastings, along with many signature events.

My taste buds are already salivating over Desserts After Dark hosted by Duff Goldman. What do you get when you mix a little bit of childhood nostalgia with alcohol,

you get the first ever "Adult" Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich thanks to a collaboration from The Platinum Blonde Chef AKA Red Velvet Stef from Cupcake Wars and Drunken Udder Ice Cream Company. They will have 2 unique Blonde flavors to choose from during the event.Each one of the 9 events will hosted by some of your favorite food personalities and industry experts.worth of culinary treats. Over 100 exhibitors from Mr. Chow to Fig & Olive and Infiniti will be giving epicureans the best food filled Labor Day experience.

Today I finally feel a bit like my normal self again. recently I suffered a great loss and wasn't sure when I was going to transition back to my usual self. It had a lot to do with me making a conscious decision to have a phenomenal day today, and I am. I'll work hard to get the post-event post up with lots of pics and videos from your favorite personalities. I will be tweeting, posting to FB, and my YouTube throughout the event so if you can't make it out to the festivities, I'll make sure you're kept in the loop :). Sorry for such a long hiatus but..I'm back! Have an amazing Labor Day weekend.

Chef Ameera

xoxo

Bethenny Frankel's Skinnygirl

2011-08-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

Looking for a new daily cleanser? One of our favorite public figures, Bethenny Frankel, most known for her appearance on Bravo's Real Housewives of New york, offers a wonderful cleanse convenient enough for you and your busy lifestyle. Her Skinnygirl line offers everything we are looking for to stay trim! The cleanse is even conveniently packaged to take on the go with you in a tiny packet. Just pour the powder into your smoothie, juice or water, and sip away! So simple yet extremely tasty, so I hear. And don’t worry, this nutrient rich detoxifying cleanse is gentle on your stomach so you won’t be making embarrassing bathroom runs all day. While using this cleanse, make sure you stay aware of all of our daily tips on healthy eating habits by following LA Girls DO Cook or Chef Ameera's Twitter.

And if you’re looking for a low-cal alcoholic beverage for a fun night with you girl pals, Bethenny’s 'Skinnygirl' line just launched its 'Skinnygirl Sangria' this late July/early August; and you all know how much I love my Sangria. Skinny girls all around the world are raving about Frankel's beverage, but I have yet to try it! I can't wait to get some soon and share it with my girls! When I do try the Skinnygirl cleanse and adult only beverages, I will definitely post my reiview here on LA Girls DO Cook.

Check out Bethenny Frankel's 'Skinnygirl' line here!

Daily Cleanse

Margarita

Sangria

Event Planning

2011-08-16T15:40:00.000-07:00

2011 BET Awards

Planning an event can be a bit overwhelming, whether it is an employee event, a product launch or even a special event such as the BET awards. To prepare for events like these, there are some key essentials that anyone planning or hosting an event should tack down to have the best outcome. For starters, you want to make sure the purpose of the soiree is clear and to also build strong client relations in the meantime. In addition to in the flesh communications, there are plenty of networking tools available at your fingertips to jump start on those relations. One of those tools is the ever growing social media platform, which enables you to engage with a wide spectrum of people and expand your relations wherever the internet goes, which could be anywhere in the world! Once that is done, choose a venue that can cater to all your needs. I have learned form personal experience that without organization, everything will fall apart. Stay on task by making a list of everything you need so nothing is left out. Don't forget to plan ahead of time! That way you aren't running around like a mad man trying to cram everything at the last minute. As the driving force behind any great party, your budget is extremely important in ensuring your bash has all the frills and thrills you planned to have. Once you have completed your checklist, conduct a walk through of everything. Once everything is organized and solidified, you can finally get excited! There's nothing like a perfectly planned event full of enthusiasm and great energy. As the host, creating good vibes throughout the room is the best way to thank your guests for attending and the best strategy for being known as a spectacular party planner. Last but not least, don’t stress yourself out too much. Just remember to enjoy each moment you spend planning your bash, even the dull moments. Have fun planning the soiree you've always wanted to throw!

Me at the 2011 BET Awards. Yep, I catered! Great event.

Ok! Magazine Photo Shoot

2011-08-10T20:48:00.000-07:00

Check out these pics from the Ok! Magazine photoshoot 4 days ago with Ashlan Gorse. I catered the food and everyone was loving it. Enjoy the photos!

How about a Mellow Yellow Party

2011-07-26T17:58:00.000-07:00

Looking to plan the perfect Summer birthday party?! Say HELLO to YELLOW! By choosing a colored theme like yellow you can incorporate so many fun ideas and create a blend of warm and sunny vibes for everyone to enjoy!

To prepare for your yellow party send out yellow-themed birthday invitations emphasizing that that yellow is the attire for the celebration too!

Once you begin buying materials for the party, plan around the theme. Buy yellow tulips or beautiful and big sunflowers. You can place these flowers on table tops adding extra beauty for everyone to see.

And you guessed it, the food and beverages will be yellow too, so plan to make some delicious lemonade. You can make all kinds of lemonade from strawberry and watermelon, to a cool minty drink. Mango and pineapple juice might be great additions as well. Beer and wine fit accordingly on the yellow menu, so include those if it fits in with your party. Yellow cakes, yellow cupcakes, and don’t forget those delicious sugar cookies! You can add fruit trays with pineapples and bananas, side dishes of banana pudding, and chips with mango salsa. Sounds tasty, doesn't it?

To add some party favors, get some different sized clear candy jars with yellow ribbons tied around them and fill them with yellow candy like lemon heads, yellow lollipops, sour patch kids, jellybeans, peeps and anything else your sweet tooth craves.

To add some extra fun into the mix, get a yellow piñata and make some yellow cocktails to really get the party started.

Hope this blog post gave you some great ideas for your next fiesta! At my next color coded shin dig, I will definitely let you guys take a look at how Chef Ameera does things by posting pictures and video. I hope Have a great party! Don't forget to share how your event went by sending pictures and video to my email or Twitter. Have a great party!

Trim in the Kitch

2011-07-21T09:15:00.000-07:00

As we all know, its Summer, or what I like to call, "beach body season". It's that one time of year where having the perfect physique truly matters. Although an active lifestlye helps to keep your love handles at bay, a healthy diet plays a huge role in shedding any extra pounds you may be holding on to. For those of you trying to maintain your beach bod for the remainder of Summer, you should definitely consider buying any one of these products to help you stay fit and healthy. Haven't started your "get fit" regimen yet? Don't fret! Start off slow and ease in by changing your diet habits. It may be hard at first, but it's well worth it. Remember, a healthy wholesome diet and a great workout regimen are the keys to reaching your physique's true potential.

P.S.
Follow me on Twitter and check out my cooking tips. Feel free to ask any questions!


Breville ikon Multi-Speed Juice Fountain


Breville Digital Food Steamer

Zoku Quick Pop Maker


Vitamix 5200


Misto Olive Oil Sprayer

Cusinart Classic Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream, and Sorbet Maker


Oxo Salad Spinner

Chef'n Salad Dressing Emulsifier

Collapsible Silicone Lunch Box

Fathers in the Kitch

2011-06-15T16:04:00.000-07:00

With Father's Day approaching this Sunday, I decided to dedicate a post to all things manly in the kitchen. I found various products from a range of websites and companies that I thought would be great gifts for your husbands, brothers, fathers, and so on. Without further adieu, let's check out those manly gadgets for the kitch!

Scotch of the Month Club

Cigar of the Month Club

iPad Chef Sleeve

iPhone 4G Beer Bottle and Can Opener Case

Meat Branding Monogram Iron In Wood Box Gift Set

Personalized Glass Decanter

Whisky Stones

Hosting a Fab Memorial Day Soiree

2011-05-23T04:00:00.000-07:00


Photo by Hosstess With The Mosstess

Summer is my favorite time of the year! It's officially 29 days until the first official day of Summer and Memorial day marks the beginning of endless fabulous parties. Hostess with the Mostess shared a cute theme and free printables to make sure your party is memorable among your guests. To make sure you enjoy your party and to spend time with your guests, make do-it-yourself stations and let your guests create their own creations. I think themed parties are a lost art and when done right show the passion and sophistication that the host possess. Be a leader among the pack and show your guests how to party.

Along wit the decor, food, and drinks, a lady must dress the part.When you look your best, you feel you best and your confidence will bring all the boys to the yard or keep them there.

Planning a last minute party? Here are a few tips to make sure you and your guests have a fabulous time:

Stick to 1 or 2 signature cocktails and fill in the gaps with wine, beer and fruit infused water
Keep it Simple- The host should only be replenishing, NOT slaving away over a hot stove! Have a spread of assorted cheese, crackers, gourmet chips, dips and finger foods.
If you don't have a DJ, make sure you have an impeccable play list. The music controls the flow of the party. Keep it sexy and skip the Top 40 tunes. Make sure the play list is several hours long and put it on repeat!
Skip the smokey hair and clean-up as you order a few dishes from a caterer or your favorite restaurant. Having a few items catered saves time and your sanity.You'll thank me later!
If your guests ask can they bring something, tell them yes! Have them bring the selected spirit of choice for your themed drink or anything that will keep the party going. If you need extra bites to nosh have them stop and pick up a treat.
Include your guests in on the fun and opt for potluck style party. Your guests will not arrive at the same time so make sure you provide the key items.
Have fun and take lots of pictures. Parties are meant to be enjoyed and we all love looking back on priceless moments.

Photo by weddingpaperdivas

Photo by luciapaul

Photo by Marth Stewart

Photo by cooking

Photo by countryliving

Photo by topicden

Photo by brightboldbeautiful

Looking back on the best Memorial Day parties you've attended, what elements made it your pick for "Best Memorial Day Party?"

A Few Kitchen Tips to save Time & Money

2011-05-22T10:17:00.000-07:00

Photo by Wary Meyer

I compiled a small list of kitchen tips that have been not only helpful to me, but to my friends and family. I few of them might seem familiar and you might know them but, In my experience, we tend to forget the most simple things!

Here ya go:

1. The best time to clean out your fridge is before you go shopping for groceries. You'll know exactly what you need and won't have double items sitting in the fridge.

2. Before going to the store, make sure you have a LIST made from the meals you plan to prepare for the week. Time saver = Yes! Money saver = Heck Yeah!!!!! That leaves more money to save or snag a pair of shoes at the Barney sale!

3. When making your own chicken stock, keep the onion peel on the onion to lend a richer, more appetizing color to the stock. To make the stock fat-free, after it has chilled, skim the fat off the top!

4. You know not to wash your cast iron skillet with soap, right? Just give it a good rinse with water and make sure it’s dry. You want that seasoning to stay on the skillet so food won’t stick to it.

5. Using a digital food scale makes your baking better and faster. If you don't know, I'm not a huge fan of baking because it requires such precise measurements. Using a scale will lead to consistent recipes every single time!

6. Want a 2 for 1 deal out of dinner? Make sure you set aside your lunch portion first before you serve dinner.

7. When juicing, place a trash bag in the pulp collecting receptacle for easy clean-up.

8. Place used lemon peels in the garbage disposal to help clean and freshen your sink.

9. To keep celery fresh, trim it and put it in a container full of water in the fridge. It will last a long time while it’s covered with water.

10. To keeps herbs fresh in the fridge, wash and pat them dry. Place them in a small container fill with water and change the water every 3 days.

I'm always looking for additional ways to save time and money. What tips can you share that save you time and money?

Mother's Run The World

2011-05-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

I just want to say Happy Mother's Day to all my beautiful women who have the most rewarding job in the world. I will keep all of you in my prayers daily and salute you. For those women who are single parents doing it all by yourself, shower your children with love and remind them often how special they are. Now it's time for me to hop in the kitchen and start on some crab cakes and the batter to my Red Velvet Waffles for my friends and family Mother's Day Potluck Brunch. I will take lots of pics for you all and will post the recipe later this week.

Green in the Kitch!

2011-04-22T22:51:00.000-07:00

Being green with envy is not a good look, but being green to help protect Mother Earth is truly something to brag about. Today's Earth Day and my desire to be greener in the kitchen were my inspirations behind this post. Though I may not be the "greenest" person, I am always looking for ways to reduce my carbon footprint. I came across these fab kitchen products and gadgets that are not only chic, but most importantly, eco friendly, which gives them a few extra brownie points! All this green talk has got me thinking, how much could I reduce my carbon footprint in the kitchen if I gave these products a spin?

Happy Earth Day! Stay green!

All Food Recycling Compost Kit with Bokashi

Bagasse Compostable Plates

Counter Bag Dryer

ActiFry

Eco-Friendly Food Storage Containers

On the Go Tableware Plastic Plates

Eco-Friendly Kitchenware Paperstone Cutting Board

It's National Grilled Cheese Month and I'm Hungry!

2011-04-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Buttery crisp country french bread with oozing truffle cheese... I'm now officially hungry and it's National Grilled Cheese month. There are so many sinful combination but truffle cheese will always be at the top of my list.

Inspired by one of the most classic nostalgic treats,, someone came up with The Grilled Cheese Truck which travels around the streets of Los Angeles serving up one of my favorite comforts. The post their daily location on their website and via their twitter feed. If you find that you can't get to a posted location, there is a link where you can get your very own Grilled Cheese truck. I haven't had the pleasure to enjoy the trucks comfort classic but I think I might check them out tonight in Downtown at Artwalk. My mouth is watering for the short rib grilled cheese.

I hope all of you get to enjoy one of my favorite go to foods after a long day in the kitchen add a cup of tomato basil soup and I'm in heaven. I have a ton of work to do and deadlines to meet so I'll share one of my favorite recipes for grilled cheese and tomato soup next week. Until then I'll be working hard living out my dreams and I hope you do to!..Ciao

Start off your day focused and Green

2011-04-12T05:14:00.000-07:00

If you are like me, your day starts early with a jam packed schedule that will leave you drained and sluggish if your body isn't getting the proper fuel. To stay focused and on task with ample energy, I like to start my day off with a delicious green goddess juice.

In addition to fueling your body with the right fuel, you must first feed your mind and spirit with the right information to keep your thoughts positive. You manifest what you have in your life so keep your thoughts positive, meditate, have a vision, focus on it, mix in some positive affirmations, a big dollop of prayer and you have part of the recipe for a successful abundant life. I juggle 2 girls, one a teenager headed to college next year, and a nine year old who thinks the world revolves around her. I want the best for myself and like to lead by example for my little girls seeing me do it all by myself. You have the option to put the ingredients in a blender, which is more filling or juicing them in a juicer. Add this juice to your morning routine and watch your energy level increase while your waistline will decrease. The following recipe yield was from a juicer. Be careful not to get the Chlorophyl directly on your hands or clothes. it does stain. Think of it as a super concentrated grass stain... get the point! This morning, I saw a pineapple and some cilantro I bought last week starting to spoil so I tossed it in the juicer. If I didn't, they would have been in the trash and I don't like to waste my hard earned money. I have been re-training my self not to waste so much food and I've been doing a great job at it. You night be thinking, "I don't have enough time in the morning to juice!" The same applies to me depending on what time I go to sleep so I like to juice the night before so I don't have an excuse and I stay on track. When incorporating something new in your routine, you must plan properly until you have adjusted or will set yourself up for failure and we are winners! Once your start juicing, it will be hard going back to the concentrated juice that is so conveniently available. Believe me, you and your kids will love it. Winning!!!!

Green Goddess
3 Apples
8 leaves collard greens or kale
1 lemon, free of rind and pulp
1 tsp agave(optional)
1 dropperful Chlorogen Chlorophyl Concentrate
Makes 10oz

Feed all ingredients through a juicer I have a Breville Ikon Multi-Speed Juice Fountain which I absolutely love, I like to start with the kale for easier clean-up followed by the apple, then lemon.Add a dropperful of the liquid chlorophyl and stir. Pour in a glass and enjoy your newfound energy.

Camarena Taco Truck Launch Party

2011-04-11T15:29:00.000-07:00

On a beautiful sunny afternoon in Hollywood, California the Camarena Taco truck rolled into town to debut their new tequila infused tasty treats created by José Briceño of Rivera restaurant. The menu was nothing short of fantastic: There was much anticipation and a long line to accompany it so I made my way to the bar where I was treated to a Tequila Sunrise. My taste buds just love anything tropical and sweet.

I sipped my cocktail as I waited in line and finally it was my turned to sample the tequila infused treats. I was delighted by each bite but my favorite would have to be the corn flan. What a surprising experience. I do not like flan at all but this unexpected savory dish left me wanting another bite. Too bad we were only allowed one sample. Too appease our sweet tooth, the desserts were also infused with Cameron tequila and were provided by I Heart Pies with three flavors to choose from, I knew I was in for a treat.

Lime, Strawberry, and an Orange chocolate were a taste bud tickling treat and I couldn't help but have a few extra of the Orange Chocolate pie, my favorite. I just love interactive events, it's a way for brands to engage their customers and leave a lasting impression so I made my way over to the photo booth so I could take a piece of the event home with me. The Green Screen had a fun themed set-up and pictures were printed immediately along with options to upload to Facebook and Twitter instantaneously. How about that for branding! Just when I thought the afternoon couldn't get any better, in walks Vikter Duplaix to bless us with his musical talent at the dj booth. I just went to his Kiss and Grind event the night before so I ready ready to hear what music selection he was going to bless the crowd with. Samba, Micheal Jackson, and everything to keep the party going.Great food, amazing drinks, and music that wakes you want to dance as is no one is watching is perfection in my world. To find out when the taco truck will be in your area passing out FREE tacos, check the Camarena Tequila community page.

Modern in the Kitch

2011-04-04T21:54:00.000-07:00

Looking for ways to reinvent your drab old kitchen? Check out these modern kitchen tools that'll knock those traditional ones out of the drawers and cabinets. When it comes to kitchen and dining accessories, I've always had an inclination for all things modern and silver. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my traditional rustic kitchenware, but sometimes I'm in the mood for something in the now. Take a look at the modern kitchen accessories I stumbled upon.

What do you guys think?

Tea Stick, $15

Cheese Slicer, $60

Slow Cooker, $64

Foodpod, $15

Herb Saver, $29.85

Oil Mister, $19.85
Ice Sticks, $22.49

Where has the love gone......

2011-04-04T14:31:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been nearly three months since I've posted...Being a private chef, you cater to the needs of your clients while your needs become secondary. While I absolutely LOVE what I do and wouldn't trade it for anything.... It's definitely been a challenge stealing time away for all of you. I have at least 40 drafts from posts I started and didn't have the time to finish!

Well over the past month my client was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Chicago Bulls and I now have a little time on my hands to share my culinary tidbits with all of you. I'll be posted some of those drafts along with a bunch of new posts to tickle your fancy or at least make your taste buds wiggle.

My mini me has been dying to contribute to the blog so you'll get to meet my LAGDC chef in training soon. She's 9-years old and can cook just like her mama. Check out her skills chopping some italian parsley!

She's just about the age I was when I realized I had an innate passion for food. I would have a complete dinner prepared for my mother by the time she arrived home from work by the time I was 10-years old! I look forward to hearing from you as I show you some of my clients favorite dishes(and not so favorite), my testing of recipes, my must-have gadgets, tips on healthy living, and the best places to dine in LA.

Ciao bella :)

My 5 ingredient fix...

2011-01-10T21:52:00.000-08:00

Westfield Topanga Plaza has got to be one of the luckiest places on earth! No, Disneyland is not located there but they've got the next best thing...at least for your taste buds...ICE CREAM!!!! L.A. Creamery produces the absolute best Fresh,organic, ultra-rich ice cream with no more than 5 ingredients. She sources her products locally and puts tons of love in every scoop that is served. For those of you who will say you that all ice cream is the same please check that rhetoric at the beginning of this post! Let's start with some of the flavours: Brown Butter Pecan, Cookies and Sweat Cream, Dom Perignon, Jack Daniels, Green Tea, and Meyer Lemon sorbet are just a few. I know I had your attention with the Jack Daniels and Dom Perignon! So unique and tasty. I had a single scoop which I split between two flavors(brown butter vanilla bean and green tea).

The store is simple and nostalgic and the employees were very helpful. You can taste anything you want on a cute silver demitasse spoon...I love the touch of class that the L.A. Creamery brand offers. A single scoop is about $3.50 and worth every penny. When you make something with the highest quality of ingredients available, your taste buds will notice. As you can see, even our celebrities are ice cream lovers, they just know how to work it off better than we do, or should I say their trainers do!