The Gourmet Review

Mis-Quote????

2011-10-15T13:06:00.001-07:00

I have posted five quotes for the season.... that is the only hint, can you name all five?

Who said it? What Movie?

2011-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

I tell you right there I saw blood on the bottom of her shoes, not exactly blood, it was gore, hanging there like a runny nose.

Who said it? What movie?

2011-10-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey.

Who said it? What movie?

2011-10-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

Listen to them. Children of the night. What music they make.

Who said it? What Movie?

2011-10-15T12:58:00.000-07:00

I dunno what the hell's in there, but it's weird and pissed off, whatever it is.

Who said it? What Movie?

2011-10-15T12:54:00.000-07:00

I met him, fifteen years ago. I was told there was nothing left. No reason, no conscience, no understanding; even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, good or evil, right or wrong. I met this six-year-old child, with this blank, pale, emotionless face and, the blackest eyes... the *devil's* eyes. I spent eight years trying to reach him, and then another seven trying to keep him locked up because I realized what was living behind that boy's eyes was purely and simply... *evil*.

It's Always Sunny......

2011-10-15T12:44:00.000-07:00

It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia...

It only took me 6 seasons and the advice from one person to watch an episode of this brilliant comedy. I had heard of the show before, but I am not a big sitcom person, I don't like to invest my time in something that can be canceled on a whim, give me a movie, it has a beginning, middle and end. I hate the cliff hanger, and especially, "on next weeks show", if you have it done already show it, don't make me wait. ANYWAY.... I watched on episode of this show and was kinda repulsed, hooked, intrigued, and sad.. Is this really what TV is? I watched a couple more and laughed but also I feel kinda bad because I want more...This characters in this show are disgusting, loathsome, degenerate, shallow and most importantly just like every person in the world, except that they don't hid who they are. At some point in your life you feel just like each one of these people. Granted you will never admit it to anyone, but REALLY!!!!! Give it a chance, I am not going to say anymore, but it is the longest running comedy sitcom on basic cable, so that must tell you something.

Adele 21

2011-10-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

I have owned this album now since the day it was released, I have yet to listen to the whole album as it "haunts" me. Beautiful, moving, touching, emotional,goose bump causing soul that makes me mourn for her lost love, this is what immediately comes to mind when I listen to her music. Adele is so masterful at writing lyrics; that when she is singing it feels as if she has just written the song before it leaves her lips, it is as if she is reliving each lyric as it happens. I am not sure why I haven't finished the album, but I was almost upset that the first couple of songs on the album were ballads. I was looking for the up-beat songs that were on the first record, (search blog Adele)but now that I have listened to the first couple of songs, I am almost ready to go journey back into the mind and soul of Adele.

Who Said it? What Movie?

2011-03-26T09:25:00.001-07:00

"This is a nice little something that you are almost wearing."

Restaurant Reviews

2011-01-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

So recently I have moved to the beautiful wine country in the bay area of California. I am now lucky to have some of the most interesting cuisine and wine available to me. I don't have the most experienced palate with wine or food for that matter. I do enjoy eat food and cooking it (as you can tell with my previous entries). I am fortunate enough to have someone who also enjoys wining and dining as much as I do. So I have decided to start a review of some eateries that we have been visiting. I am not here to sway your opinion of your favorite restaurants, just giving our experience.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

2011-01-09T10:17:00.000-08:00

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 pound cream cheese, softened
2 sticks butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Directions
4 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

Chopped pecans and fresh raspberries or strawberries, for garnish

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla together until smooth. Add the sugar and on low speed, beat until incorporated. Increase the speed to high and mix until very light and fluffy.

Garnish with chopped pecans and a fresh raspberry or strawberry.

This is Paula Deen's Recipe from Food Network, Made them last night and they were delicious.

Gourmet Review 9/10

Who Said it? What Movie?

2011-01-09T10:11:00.000-08:00

You know, a bar offers all kind of things other than alcohol

Hmm. Really? Like what?

Women, nacho grande platters, the fellowships of fascinating individuals like Warren here. Alcohol is just a lubricant for all the individual encounters that a bar offers.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

2010-12-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

I have been a fan of NOIR films for several years, although at first I didn't know what type of movie I was watching. Noir movies, have thier own characteristics that make them a great movie. There is always a sultry heroine and usually a murder or a plot twist that makes them distinctive.

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is one of those few noir films that add a touch of comdey that blends well with the noir. Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer star in this film that was released in 2005, (it was supposed to be a comeback vehicle for Robert Downey Jr.) The movie also features the very seductive Michelle Monahan. The movie is written and directed by Shane Black, (also wrote the Leathal Weapon series among others)

I am not going to give away the plot, but I will say Check it out. It is funny, a little murder mystery, descent acting, and a great story.

Gourmet Review 8/10

Who Said it? What Movie?

2010-12-28T17:28:00.000-08:00

I appreciate this whole seduction thing you've got going on here, but let me give you a tip: I'm a sure thing.

John Cusack

2010-12-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

Normally, I don't write about particular actors, but I am going to incorporate this into some of my favorite movies from this actor. I have been watching John's movies since I was a child. Some of my favorite movies from the 80's happen to star or feature a young John. "Sixteen Candles" is the first movie that I remember seeing him in. He may have played a small role in the movie but definately stood out. He continued to play some smaller roles, but started gaining starring roles in movies such as, "One Crazy Summer", "Better Off Dead" and then went on to star in one of the most beloved romantic comedies of the 80's "Say Anything".

As John started to mature and grow into more adult themed movies his acting skills grew with him. Not only can he star as a hitman in a movie but he can be totally charming as well.

I do believe that John is an underrated actor in Hollywood. Not only is he very talented but he has sisters and a brother that is also in the acting profession. His sister Joan has starred with him in several movies (including Sixteen Candles), I do believe that they bring out the best in each others acting abilities.

Check out my favorites, Sixteen Candles, One Crazy Summer, Grosse Point Blank, Identity, Hot Tub Time Machine.

Gourmet Review 8/10

Peppermint Patties

2010-12-15T14:27:00.000-08:00

3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp mint extract
1/4 cup liquid egg white
8 oz of dark chocolate
1tbs cold water
1tsp veg oil

mix powdered sugar in mixer with mint extract and liquid egg until dough starts coming together add water until dough is stiff. Roll dough out onto powdered counter into a log about 1 inch in diameter. Cut dough into inch pieces and mold into a disc shape. Line on parchment paper covered sheet pan, let sit for 3 hours to dry. If dough gets sticky powder your hands with sugar.

In a glass bowel mix chocolate and oil together and put over a pot of slowly simmering water until it melts stirring occasionally. Chocolate will be smooth and shiny. Dip your patties into the chocolate half way and return to parchment paper to dry. Personally I like mine straight from the freezer but it is your choice.

Gourmet Review 7/10

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

2010-12-15T13:41:00.000-08:00

Tis' the season I guess... I thought that I would write about my favorite Christmas movie ever. It's a movie that has stuck with me through the years and still holds as one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen.

NL Christmas Vacation is the third installment from the Griswold Family,, Clark (Chevy Chase) Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo)Cousin Eddie(Randy Quaid genius in this role) The Griswold family has had one crazy adventure after another. This movie show's what it's like to have a real family gathering for the holidays. The people you really don't want to have around (family,, you know the ones that I am talking about) The comedy in the movie is harmless and sometimes over the top,albeit gut busting. Every time I watch this movie I laugh like it is the first time that I have seen it.

This is a movie that I can watch any time of year during any season and it is appropriate for a laugh. This is a great movie for the family,, although a bit suggestive but totally worth the watch.

If you like this adventure with the Griswold's you have to watch the first outing National Lampoons Vacation.

Gourmet Review 10/10

Who Said it? What Movie?

2010-12-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

Where do you think you're going? Nobody's leaving. Nobody's walking out on this fun, old-fashioned family Christmas. No, no. We're all in this together. This is a full-blown, four-alarm holiday emergency here. We're gonna press on, and we're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny f^%$ing Kaye. And when Santa squeezes his fat white ass down that chimney tonight, he's gonna find the jolliest bunch of assholes this side of the nuthouse.

French Apple Tart

2010-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

For the pastry:

* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 12 tablespoons (11/2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced
* 1/2 cup ice water
For the apples:

* 4 Granny Smith apples
* 1/2 cup sugar
* 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) cold unsalted butter, small diced
* 1/2 cup apricot jelly or warm sieved apricot jam
* 2 tablespoons Calvados, rum, or water

Directions

For the pastry, place the flour, salt, and sugar in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade. Pulse for a few seconds to combine. Add the butter and pulse 10 to 12 times, until the butter is in small bits the size of peas. With the motor running, pour the ice water down the feed tube and pulse just until the dough starts to come together. Dump onto a floured board and knead quickly into a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.

Roll the dough slightly larger than 10 by 14-inches. Using a ruler and a small knife, trim the edges. Place the dough on the prepared sheet pan and refrigerate while you prepare the apples.

Peel the apples and cut them in half through the stem. Remove the stems and cores with a sharp knife and a melon baler. Slice the apples crosswise in 1/4-inch thick slices. Place overlapping slices of apples diagonally down the middle of the tart and continue making diagonal rows on both sides of the first row until the pastry is covered with apple slices. (I tend not to use the apple ends in order to make the arrangement beautiful.) Sprinkle with the full 1/2 cup of sugar and dot with the butter.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the pastry is browned and the edges of the apples start to brown. Rotate the pan once during cooking. If the pastry puffs up in one area, cut a little slit with a knife to let the air out. Don't worry! The apple juices will burn in the pan but the tart will be fine! When the tart's done, heat the apricot jelly together with the Calvados and brush the apples and the pastry completely with the jelly mixture. Loosen the tart with a metal spatula so it doesn't stick to the paper. Allow to cool and serve warm or at room temperature.

I AM NOT TAKING CREDIT FOR THIS RECIPE JUST POSTING A GREAT ONE FROM INA GARTEN (BAREFOOT CONTESSA)

Gourmet Review (9/10)

David Guetta One Love

2010-12-12T10:20:00.000-08:00

So I broke down and bought I new CD something that I haven't done in years (although I don't count Madonna,, she is just a given) not to get off topic. This album has about 5 tracks that I really enjoy, which is a rarity on an album that I buy. It is full of dance tracks to keep your energy alive, if you are one of those people that listen to the words, take special interest in the song One Love, ft Estelle. I do believe that she has one of the best voices of her generation. David is a talented producer and music mix master. He is working some of the best names in hip hop and rock and has been for a couple of years now. I don't know his history and where he came from, but now I have to interest to learn more.

Gourmet Review 8/10

Who Said it? What Movie?

2010-11-03T17:28:00.001-07:00

How do you know when you are in love?

When all of the songs make sense...

Blue-Nana

2010-10-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Something for the Holidays

Hey guys been busy with some new recipes,,trying some on for size,,,created this one last night.....I do believe that you will love it,,,try it.....

Blue-Nana Bread

2 cups Flour
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves (ground)
1 egg (slightly beaten)
5 tbls fat free milk
1/2 cup butter (don't use margarine, makes it gummy)
1/2 white sugar
1/2 dark brown sugar
1 cup mashed banana's
1 cup fresh blueberries

Sift together dry ingredients (in a separate bowl) Cream butter, sugar, egg, banana until mixed well, don't over mix..... Fold blueberries into wet mixture, then fold wet mixture into dry ingredients, don't over mix should just come together.... Add 1 tbls of milk at a time until it pours well, (should be thick)

Preheat oven to 350, spray two loaf pans with non-stick spray,,bake for 1 hour until a toothpick comes out clean.....

(Tasty glaze)

1 tbls of Orange Rind
2 tbls of fresh Lemon Juice
1/2 cup Powdered Sugar

Mix well and drizzle over hot bread. ( This will crystalize on bread and add a slight citrusy-sweet flavor)

Enjoy,,,Have fun cooking, don't be afraid to try new things.......

Gourmet Review 9/10

Who said it? What movie?

2010-10-28T10:51:00.000-07:00

I do not see plays, because I can nap at home for free. And I don't see movies 'cause they're trash, and they got nothin' but naked people in 'em! And I don't read books, 'cause if they're any good, they're gonna make 'em into a miniseries.

500 Views

2010-10-27T09:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to take the time to thank you all for stopping by my blog and reading what I have to say... I just past the 500 views mark, it has been a little over a year since I started pulling thoughts out of my head and putting them here, I am glad that you have taken the time to read my admissions. Please keep coming back and enjoy.. Thanks The Gourmet Review

Split Pea Soup

2010-10-23T12:02:00.000-07:00

1 bag of dry split peas
1 bay leave
2 cups chopped ham or smoked pork chop or 2 ham hocks
1 cup shredded carrot

Fill large pot with 8 quarts of water add peas cook until peas start to soften.. add bay leave, stir occasionally, about 30 mins later add meat and carrot... continue cooking until all the peas are incorporated together and it is soup....

Serve with fresh cornbread or soft rolls.

Gourmet Review 9/10