tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421Mon, 28 Nov 2011 01:13:38 +0000Eat and DrinkLa Cucina ItalianaHow ToButtermilk BiscuitMartha StewartguacamoleCinco de MayobiscottiHome-made ButtermilkBon AppetitLiving Fully Through The Love of Food.http://www.tablefuel.com/noreply@blogger.com (Mariel)Blogger97125TableFuelhttp://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-1472773646506933844Sun, 24 Jul 2011 20:02:00 +00002011-07-24T15:11:03.382-05:00 Finally I have my appetite back. I don't know where it went the past couple months, but can honestly say it feels really good to get back into the kitchen. Perhaps I fell in love for a quick minute, and forgot about food... or perhaps it was the excitement of summer, and wanted to keep trim. But this past week, I feel like myself again - back to eating out, testing recipes, working out and http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/07/banana-bread-with-cinnamon-crumble.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-1891234357070846018Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:53:00 +00002011-07-08T08:02:33.874-05:00This was my second time attending the annual Chefs in Shorts in Boston, MA, which took place Friday, June 24th at the Seaport Hotel. The event takes place rain or shine and chefs from at least forty restaurants in Boston cook-off their tastiest restaurant dishes, with proceeds going to the Greater Boston Food Bank. With a live band, sponsored wine and beer companies such as Harpoon, and tons of http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/07/chefs-in-shorts-2011-boston.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-749503639770321184Wed, 06 Jul 2011 14:02:00 +00002011-07-06T09:02:26.340-05:00If you ever attempt to make a homemade pizza, attempt this recipe! It's always ridiculously good, and I think it's the combination of fennel and brie. Just delicious. The pizza crust you can buy as dough in the refrigerator section of grocery store - not everyone carries it, but our Turco's makes it fresh. Otherwise you can make your own, but that would be more time consuming. Recipe can be http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/07/tarragon-pizza-bianca.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-5576407251593511600Sun, 03 Jul 2011 17:45:00 +00002011-07-03T12:45:29.959-05:00Whenever I travel to Boston, I make my brother take me to Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge. Not only is it a one-stop shop for buying speciality cheeses, cured meats, local and imported produce, gourmet chocolates, awesome baked goods, artisanal beer and estate wine, but also carries the most special products that are hard to find. The cheese department alone is a wonderland of the most fresh, http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/07/formaggio-kitchen-cambridge.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-3451380600359262924Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:15:00 +00002011-06-23T20:17:13.346-05:00Recipe taken from Spice cookbook, by Ana Sortum of Oleana, Boston. Kunafe recipe (featured in Spice), made by pastry chef of Oleana and Sofra bakery, Maura Kilpatrick. The kadafe ingredient (shredded phyllo dough), can be bought at a Middle Eastern grocer.  Once prepared cold, the ingredients of mozzarella and kadafi are combined in 9 inch or 15 inch dish. Champagne or Pressecco is http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/06/kunafe-with-champagne-cardamom-syrup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-7395043884739411875Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:04:00 +00002011-06-20T12:10:25.404-05:00Recipe by Silvena Rowe, chef of Quince, London. Click here for recipe. This recipe goes very well with meats and cheese, or grilled vegetables. The only ingredient used that is hard to find are the black sesame seeds. I bought mine at a Middle Eastern grocer. Whole Foods might sell them. I noticed also after baking, my spirals were coming undone. Make sure to pierce dough well before baking, http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/06/cilantro-scallion-bread.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-5508164502083855501Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:16:00 +00002011-06-20T11:10:38.704-05:00Nibbles: Double-creme Stilton with Farmers Market Apple Peach Honey Herb Spiced Olives Aged Gouda and Brie Market Bing Cherries Dinner: Cilantro-Scallion Bread Little Gem, Feta, and Cumin Salad Grilled Chicken with Za' atar (all above recipes courtesy of chef, Silvena Rowe of Quince, London, Bon Appetit July 2011) Roasted Corn, Avocado and Cilantro Salad (recipe from Martha Stewart Living, Junehttp://www.tablefuel.com/2011/06/fathers-day-menu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-243773705520591774Mon, 13 Jun 2011 20:16:00 +00002011-06-13T17:54:19.465-05:00For days I've been reading Ana Sortun's cookbook (of Oleana in Boston), Spice. It's one of those cookbooks you read, and everything looks absolutely divine - but making the dishes is another story. As an Eastern Mediterranean cookbook, most of the recipes require certain spices and ingredients that are hard to find. But the cookbook is still a wonderful read - very informative of where the disheshttp://www.tablefuel.com/2011/06/moroccan-tagine.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-9059865225589012137Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:37:00 +00002011-06-08T15:37:56.041-05:00 Picture taken from Martha Stewart Living, June 2011. Shame on me, I've been so lazy about not getting into the kitchen - my baking education is lacking big time. I've put work first and enjoying the beginning summer days by keeping the oven off and my body slim (haha). I did though, take a minute to finally read Martha Stewart's Living, June 2011 Issue, and of course she did a few pie recipes.http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/06/let-summer-begin-with-pie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-287845706197679459Thu, 05 May 2011 12:09:00 +00002011-05-05T07:10:12.620-05:00As soon as the Royal Wedding cake designer was announced, I immediately researched the baker and had to get the cookbook. Chosen by the bride, Kate Middleton, Fiona Cairns, a Leicestershire based cake designer, would be responsible in designing a towering, fondant masterpiece for a royal event in history. To see pictures of the Royal Wedding cake, please check out the article posted from http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/05/lovely-fiona-cairns-royal-wedding-cake.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-4211408458948986215Tue, 03 May 2011 19:36:00 +00002011-05-03T14:36:50.868-05:00 Picture: James Hill for The New York Times I do believe in my past life I might have been British. Seriously. Since working at Paul Smith on 5th Ave, while home from college break (12 years ago?!), I've been crazy about the culture, people, and country. So you can imagine the week leading up to the Royal Wedding was a huge deal. From the excitement in the countdown to planning what to make forhttp://www.tablefuel.com/2011/05/royal-wedding-treat-croissants.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-3007183271931533484Tue, 26 Apr 2011 20:51:00 +00002011-04-26T17:04:07.741-05:00 It is important as an artist, or cook, to have inspiration. Whatever that maybe - without inspiration, life can get dull, and the creative process can get stale. While living in London a few years back, most of my time when not in the studio, was spending long hours in bookshops - endlessly searching for the next best thing in food, the best food photography, and the most inspirational cookbookshttp://www.tablefuel.com/2011/04/donna-hay.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-2104312199111259245Tue, 12 Apr 2011 21:56:00 +00002011-06-12T13:05:10.321-05:00First it was England, now it's the Southwest. Inspired from the atmosphere, weather, people, laid-back environment, food, art, culture, and restaurants - a trip to Arizona, and god I miss it already, has been a refreshingly awesome experience, and I'm here to recommend the places to eat in Scottsdale and surrounding area. The Mission Located in Old Town Scottsdale. Built right next to the http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/04/scottsdale-arizona-food-recommendations.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-5943687583799287071Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:58:00 +00002011-03-29T14:07:22.914-05:00Buttermilk BiscuitHome-made ButtermilkMartha Stewart At least once a month I bake buttermilk biscuits. In fact, I'm sure I've blogged about it in the past. Making these delicious, soft, buttery creations is so easy for me now, I rarely have to use a recipe. And I love how my father says I must have a little of my Scottish grandfather in me (who apparently always baked the traditional Scottish scone). Today though, I used one of my favorite http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/clinton-street-bakery-buttermilk.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-5041442979905727902Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:50:00 +00002011-03-28T13:11:06.262-05:00This was definitely one of those weekends that called for peace and quiet, relaxation, good food, and a yummy bottle of Cabernet. What does a single girl cook herself when in doubt? For me, it's mini-pizzas on whole wheat pita bread, made with anything left-over in the fridge. Plus, I get to stay in with the dogs, and enjoy as much free wine as I like. This Saturday, I created my own mini-pizza http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/saturday-night-truffled-broccoli-rabe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-2379701625133591826Sun, 20 Mar 2011 23:12:00 +00002011-03-20T18:16:55.378-05:00 Picture taken from bonappetit.com After a long weekend, the one thing that became therapeutic and comforting, was making this Thai curry dish. Not a long prep-time, but yes, a lot of chopping. Was all worth it. The recipe, Thai Shrimp-Halibut Curry, was taken from this month's, Bon Appetit magazine (April 2011), and will definitely be a keeper. I've tried many curries before, but this one http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/thai-shrimp-halibut-curry.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-8485264785504262864Wed, 16 Mar 2011 22:40:00 +00002011-03-16T17:40:47.585-05:00 Tuscan Almond Cookies. Picture from La Cucina Italiana website. I am so disappointed. Finally was able to try the Tuscan Almond Cookies (biscotti), above, from La Cucina Italiana magazine, but unfortunately, I'm tempted to throw the batch out. They are flavorless and boring. I'm still on the hunt for a true Italian authentic biscotti recipe - although, everyone seems to like mine already, whathttp://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/tuscan-almond-cookies.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-3075377105695747856Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:27:00 +00002011-03-16T13:42:05.646-05:00There are people who do actually sign up for a meal at a restaurant that looks good, pay a flat rate, and dine with strangers. I've never had any intention on trying this, but maybe it's not so bad. I would imagine it's like going swimming in cold water. If you tip toe in, it's painful. But if you jump... well you get the point :) Posted today on DailyCandy NY, this new website, Dine With Us, http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/dining-with-strangers.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-8834003560223268381Mon, 07 Mar 2011 19:25:00 +00002011-03-07T14:46:51.597-06:00 Involtini. Picture from Bon Appetit blog. One of my favorite new dishes and tested crowd pleaser, discovered on the Bon Appetit blog, is the Involtini. Like an eggplant rollatini, the involtini is not fried in bread crumbs, but instead the bread crumbs are added to the ricotta stuffing. Created by Chad Robertson of Tartine Bakery in San Francisco, this bakery and cafe has gotten lots of http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/tartine-bakery-involtini.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-5625020381907964754Sun, 06 Mar 2011 20:45:00 +00002011-03-06T14:45:53.285-06:00How wonderful would it would be if fresh squeezed juice was the new rage, and gone were the cupcake days?... sigh. I'd love to try Juice Press, in the East Village, but unfortunately no longer ever in that neighborhood. Have any of you been? I love the feature in the New York Times Style magazine from last week. Click here for the link online. Looks really good!  Juice Press 70 East 1st St. #A http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/got-juice.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-8551555452424455695Thu, 03 Mar 2011 21:55:00 +00002011-03-03T18:50:30.505-06:00 Entrance from street to Caffe Lavazza Lunch - banana with chocolate shavings and pistachio flavored gelato.  Mario Batali himself - center, at the gelato counter. Lovely Italian pastries. Although I wish they had biscotti. Caffe Lavazza coffee bar. Loved the graphic art design on walls. Only a small section of Market - to purchase Italian imported goods. Finally made it over to http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/03/eataly-nyc.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-2825615660635175466Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:43:00 +00002011-02-28T14:17:56.473-06:00During my brother's recent visit to New York I asked him to shoot my Black and White Angel Food Cake from Ina Garten's Cookbook, Barefoot Contessa At Home. I have been anxious to make this cake for my nephew but also because I love angel food cake. This was the first time I've had it with chocolate, I usually just enjoy it plain or with strawberries. But Ina's recipes are always promising and I http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/02/black-and-white-angel-food-cake-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-5419062125772511485Sat, 26 Feb 2011 13:14:00 +00002011-02-26T08:56:14.388-06:00I have lived in New York my whole life. I've worked in Manhattan, lived in Manhattan, and grew up in Westchester County, Ossining, (along the Hudson River) home to the famous Sing Sing Prison, and set location to show, Mad Men. Being a New Yorker, I surprisingly never visit Brooklyn. Brooklyn has changed a lot over the past 10 years. But there are some things that have remained the same, http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/02/enjoying-my-heritage.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-8186086446929616164Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:27:00 +00002011-02-23T16:38:34.510-06:00biscottiBon AppetitLa Cucina ItalianaOne of my favorite things to bake is Italian biscotti. I make a batch every month, just to enjoy with tea, or as a mid-morning snack, but also to give as gifts. Over the years, I've tried many recipes and my favorite is the Anise-Almond Biscotti recipe from the December 1999 issue of Bon Appetit. What I like most about this recipe, is the consistency and texture of the batter. I believe without http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/02/biscotti.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5126517770487998421.post-8374323538003939024Wed, 16 Feb 2011 15:26:00 +00002011-02-16T09:31:20.423-06:00Believe it or not, one of my favorite places to eat is Cheesecake Factory - a popular American chain restaurant. This past weekend, while visiting my good friend in Baltimore, we had dinner at Cheesecake, a really good one too! Cheesecake never disappoints me, the menu stays the same, and all the dishes are prime examples of American comfort food. I never order the cheesecake, because I'm not a http://www.tablefuel.com/2011/02/my-favorite-american-chain.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Mariel)2