Pick my brain

Lemon, parsley, & parmesan

Sat, 4 Feb 2012 12:09:00 -0600

This month's issue of Real Simple had several great recipes using the powerful herb trio of lemon, parsley, and parmesan. I wanted to try one immediately, so I did!

I went with the roasted chicken & potatoes, and it was super easy and delicious.

For the chicken and potatoes you will need 1 whole organic chicken (3.5 pounds). Note: I used a 4.30 pound chicken, so I simply added more oven time; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, course salt, freshly ground pepper, 1 lemon halved, and 1 pound of fingerling potatoes, halved or cut into thirds depending on size.

For the sauce, you will need 2 cloves of garlic (I used double) minced or grated, 1/2 finely chopped flat leaf parsley, 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 lemon zested and juiced, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan, 1/2 teaspoon of course salt, and a pinch (or 2) or red pepper flakes.

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the chicken breast side up and rub with 2 tables spoons of olive oil. Place parsley and half of the lemon into the cavity and tie legs together with kitchen twine.

Toss the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, drizzle with lemon juice, season with salt and pepper, and scatter alongside the chicken.

Roast for 15 minutes before reducing oven temperature to 375 degrees and cook for 25 minutes. Rotate the pan, toss potatoes, and cook for another 25 minutes or until potatoes and chicken are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165 degrees. Once removed from the oven, let stand for 10 minutes.

To make the sauce, combine the ingredients, and brush onto chicken and potatoes after 10 minutes.

Yum!

Caterpillar cupcakes

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:49:00 -0600

Tonight, I whipped up a batch of cupcakes I've been wanting to make for literally YEARS. I saw Martha Stewart's recipe for caterpillar cupcakes years ago when I received her book on cupcakes as a gift. I thought these cakes were just the cutest, but didn't have any reason to bake them.

When a coworker's baby shower crept up, I volunteered myself to tackle these cupcakes...it was a lot of time and work, but the result was well worth it.

For the Dutch chocolate cupcakes, you will need 2.5 cups plus 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1/8 of a teaspoon of salt, 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons ( 2 1/4 sticks) unsalted butter at room temperature, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 cup of packed dark brown sugar, 3 large eggs at room temperature, 3/4 cup of sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line 28 cups of standard muffin tins and 1 cup of a jumbo muffin tin with paper liners. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Next, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the butter with the granulated sugar until it's pale and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time beating until they are well-incorporated. Next, add the sour cream. Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the dry ingredient-mix in 3 batches, in between additions of the buttermilk, making sure everything is well-combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the muffin tins, filling each of them 3/4 full. Bake, rotating the tins halfway through. The cupcakes are finished when a cake tester comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Let them cool completely before removing from tins.

For the Swiss meringue buttercream icing, you will need 2 1/2 cups of sugar, 10 large egg whites, 4 cups of unsalted butter cut into pieces, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.

Place the sugar and egg whites into a heatproof bowl, set over a pan of simmering water and whisk until sugar has dissolved and egg whites are warm to the touch, about 3 minutes.

Transfer the bowl to a mixer stand and whisk on high until the mixture cools completely and forms stiff, glossy peaks—about 10 minutes.

Next, add the butter, one piece at a time, and beat until it is incorporated into the mix. Continue beating and add the vanilla. Switch to a paddle attachment and beat on the lowest setting to eliminate all of the air pockets, about 5 minutes.

Use a small portion of this icing to ice each of the cupcakes. This will serve as the "glue" for the fondant. Put the extra icing aside.

For the fondant, you can use the recipe you like. This was my first time making and dealing with fondant, so I went with the easiest recipe I could find, which worked out pretty well.

For the marshmallow fondant, you will need 1/4 cup of butter, 1 16-ounce package of mini-marshmallows, 4 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 pounds of confectioner's sugar (divided).

Start by placing the marshmallows in a large microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high for up to 1 minute to start melting them. Add the water and the vanilla to the marshmallows and stif until the mixture is smooth. Slowly beat in the confectioner's sugar, one cup at a time (save 1 cup for kneading) until the dough is sticky.

Rub your hands with butter, and begin to knead the dough. As the dough becomes easier to work with, turn it onto a surface dusted with the confectioner's sugar. Continue to knead until the dough is no longer sticky.

Form the fondant into a ball, wrap with plastic wrap, and put in the fridge overnight.

To decorate the cupcakes, tint the fondant with green gel-paste food coloring and roll out until the fondant is 1/8 of an inch thick. Use corn starch to dust the work area and your hands.

Use cookie cutters to cut a 4 1/2 inch round for the caterpillar head (the jumbo cupcake) and 28 3 3/4 rounds, for the regular cupcakes.

If you haven't already, spread the cupcakes with a thin layer of buttercream and place a fondant round on top of each of them, pressing gently to adhere and smoothing with your fingers.

Divide the remaining buttercream into 2 batches—tint one yellow and the other blue. Pipe polka dots all over the caterpillar body and head, making sure to dot the eyes and a mouth. Use mini-candy canes, pretzel sticks or licorice to make the antennae.

Enjoy!

White bean chili

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 -0600

Last night, I finally got to make a recipe I'd been saving for months now—Paula Deen's White Bean Chili.

For this you will need 1 pound of dried navy beans, 5 cups of chicken stock (I used 6), 4 tablespoons of butter (I only used 3), 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 3/4 a cup of diced onion, 1 1/2 cups of chopped green chiles, 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast finely chopped, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and 1/2 bunch of cilantro leaves, chopped.

Sort and rinse the beans well, cover with cool water and soak for two hours. Drain before putting them in a large pot with the 5 cups of stock. Bring to a boil over high heat.

While you are soaking the beans, I made the rest in my crock pot. I added the chicken, garlic, onion, chiles, cilantro, and all of the spices and the butter in the cooker with my extra cup of stock, on high heat. I let that cook for two hours until the beans were simmering separately, then I added the beans and stock into the cooker and let them sit for another two hours.

The outcome was delicious, served with homemade salsa and corn chips.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (the movie)

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 09:13:00 -0600

Last night, I nearly skipped to the movie theatre to see Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, starring Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks.

I have been waiting months to see this flick, and if I didn't have to be a nice friend, I would have gone to the midnight showing Thursday night, instead of waiting around for married friends.

However, the movie was fantastic.

In most cases, any movie based off a book is disappointing. The vibe from the book can never quite translate into film, or the director might just have a different idea for the film.

That is not the case for this movie.

It is the story of Oskar Schell, who has just lost his father in the 9/11 attacks.

As Oskar is only 6 years old, he goes in search of everything he can find relating to his father, in order to get to know more about him.

While the movie is focused on Oskar's search, the shadow of 9/11 is a sad one. We've seen the images repeatedly, but seeing them on the big screen is nearly impossible to handle, and the packed theatre joined me in many tears.

However, I hate to say that this movie is a sad one, because I did my fair share of laughing—Oskar's character is just as hilarious as he is in the book.

I recommend this movie to ANYONE and EVERYONE. It really is amazing.

The Choir Director

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 08:58:00 -0600

Earlier today, I finished reading a book that was given to me by a coworker with a promise that "it's really scandalous."

I love a good (literary) scandal.

And so, I read "The Choir Director," by Carl Weber.

The Choir Director is the story of, you guessed, it the choir director at New York's First Jamaica Ministries.

Upon the first page, news breaks that the choir director is not only homosexual, but he's been sleeping with the congregation and his wife has pictures to prove it.

The scandal lowers attendance at the church, leaving the bishop to find a new choir director—one that can bring positive light to the church and maybe win some money to help, also.

And so, they go in search of someone to fit their needs, and they are lead to Aaron, who accepts the job (as long as he gets the new Escalade, of course).

But when Aaron comes to town, he causes quite the stir with the ladies—he's apparently the most handsome man on the block.

But his eyes are set on the prize: winning first place at the next choir competition.

However, further scandal swirls the church, only this time, it's in the form of murder.

Who is causing all this trouble at First Jamaica? I just can't spoil it, read if you want to find out!

2012 reading goal: 5/29

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:15:00 -0600

For only the second time ever in my life, I re-read a book.

I know this is something lots of people do all the time. In fact, I've met handfuls of people who make it a habit to read a certain book every year. While there are several books I love, and several books I would love to read again, I never do because there are so many books I want to read, and often, I get anxiety over not having enough time to read all the books I want!

However, I loved Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer and since the movie is coming out this weekend, I wanted to read the book one more time to refresh my memory.

It had been at least 4 years since I read the book and I'm really glad I took the time to visit it once more.

It is the story of a 6-year-old boy named Oskar. Oskar is smart, curious, and absolutely adorable.

When we meet him, he is coping with the loss of his father, who was killed in 9/11. This book was the first book to have 9/11 as part of its plot.

While the setup is sad, the story is really amazing. In attempts to learn more about his father, Oskar goes on a mission. It begins in his father's closet where he finds a key in a small envelope labeled "Black."

He ventures all over New York City, trying to figure out what the key goes to, what it unlocks.

When the local art shop can't help and the locksmith is unsure, Oskar makes a list of every single person with the last name "Black" in the city. He visits every person.

What he discovers is interesting, while at the same time, uncovers a creative love story about his grandparents.

This book truly is remarkable and I cannot wait to see the movie this weekend!

2012 reading goal: 4/29

Steve Jobs

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:14:03 -0600

Yesterday, I finished reading Walter Isaacson's "Steve Jobs," a biography.

When I heard the book was being written, before Jobs died, I didn't have much interest in reading it. Yeah, I'm a Mac. But I guess I didn't know much or care to know much about its creator.

However, I had the opportunity to meet and interview Mr. Isaacson a few years ago. He is a smart businessman, but above that, a fantastic writer, particularly known for his biographies on Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein.

Once Jobs passed, I became more curious about the book. So, I asked for it for Christmas, but didn't get it. Until someone very sweet stepped in and insisted he buy it for me.

I literally squealed when the book arrived at my doorstep.

And I pretty much read it like it was a life source.

However, I will say that whatever sparked my interest in getting this book, I'm thankful that it happened because it's an amazing piece of work.

In 560 pages, Isaacson tells the story of Jobs' life, going all the way back to that of his birth parents, and his adoptive parents. It talks about him going to school, meeting Woz, and the first inventions they created together. It confronts Jobs quitting college and searching for himself in the form of fasts and extreme diets.

And of course, his role at Apple. It goes in depth on all of the Apple computer models, and then Macintosh. It covers the ibook, ipod, ipad, iphone, itunes store...you name it, it's there.

And frankly, I've taken a lot of Jobs' brain for granted. Who knew that someone actually had to think of, create and code "Mac Paint"? I never thought of it. It's just always been there.

The book is objective as Isaacson interviews friends, family, and coworers of Jobs—even ones he'd fired. If you've heard Jobs was an asshole, you heard correctly.

However, the part of the book it explores that most of us didn't know much about was Jobs' battle with cancer. And Isaacson tells this beautifully. The end of the book brought me to tears; something that rarely happens in all of the books I've read.

I'm so thankful I got this book, read it, and thankful for great writers who remind me of the gift only a few have.

I can't wait to pick up more books by Isaacson!

2012 reading goal: 3/29

I'd like to buy the world a Coke

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:29:00 -0600

I was surprised when Darian Chustz, president of Coca-Cola’s Gulf Coast region, agreed to sit down with me for an interview with Dig last July. I knew he was a busy man, so I appreciated his time.

When I arrived at the local bottling company, I was in awe. It was his kingdom, decked out in vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia. I tried to keep my jaw intact as I followed him, known as the “Coca-Cola man,” to his office.

There, we sipped from ice cold glass bottles of Diet Coke—Chustz’s favorite way to drink his soda—and talked about his career, his life.

This morning, I heard the sad news of Chustz’s passing.

I remembered Chustz telling me that his dad died at a young age; Darian was just 42. Because of his father, Darian said Coca-Cola was always a part of his life and held great memories.

Through his hard work, the Baton Rouge economy has benefitted and welcomed the bottling plant into the city; the first Coca-Cola bottler to earn certification in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Although Darian was the man in charge, he was humble and kind. It was important to him that Coca-Cola employees loved their jobs, and he meant it when he said that no job is more important than the other.

He was at the top of his career, and he was happy. He spoke fondly of his wife and children, and my heart goes out to them.

“I have a great balance with my career and home with my wife and our three children,” he told me. “Coca-Cola is it for me. When you work for a company that prides itself on treating people with respect, why would you want to leave that?”

Our community has lost a great mind, and a powerful spirit. I am honored to have met him. Today, I think I’ll sip a cold Coke from an 8-ounce glass bottle. If I could, I would buy the world a Coke, for Darian.

Read my article on the "Pop President" here: http://digbatonrouge.com/article/pop-president-2597/

Honored.

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:11:00 -0600

Last night was the first session of the Advanced Dialogue on Race, a continuation of the previous series I took, Dialogue on Race.

I was shocked and completely honored last night, when my work was quoted in the opening statements. I was then told my article, Talk it Out, would be featured in every booklet for Dialogue on Race participants for years to come.

I had no idea that something of this nature would ever be an accomplishment for me. I love writing, and I work hard at it, but some topics, political ones especially, are out of my league.

I am proud and thankful that something I wrote is good enough to be a part of such a life-changing experience.

Last night, after the announcement, my dialogue-mate leaned toward me and whispered, "You're making history."

"It feels good," I said. And it does. It really does.

Check out the article here: http://digbatonrouge.com/article/talk-it-out-4048/

Snickerdoodles

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:47:00 -0600

During New Year's Eve/New Year's, I lost a bet with a friend. Luckily, we bet over baked goods and not cash.

The prize? Homemade snickerdoodle cookies.

Although I would have loved to enjoy these sweet things by winning the bet, it was fun to bake them for two reasons: 1. I'd never baked them before so I got to learn something new, and 2. I hadn't tasted a snickerdoodle cookie since elementary school...wow, have I been missing out!

For this recipe, you'll need (for the topping) 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. For the cookie dough, you'll need 3 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 tablespoons of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon of light corn syrup, 2 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.

In a small bowl, stir the sugar and the cinnamon together and set aside.

For the dough, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl.

In a separate bowl, cream the butter with a mixer, and add the sugar. Add the eggs, corn syrup, and vanilla, and mix well. Add the dry ingredients in sections, until everything is completely mixed.

If the dough seems too sticky, chill in the fridge for about an hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Roll balls of dough about the size of a walnut and then roll them in the sugar and cinnamon mixture. Place them on an ungreased sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes until puffed up and the surface is slightly cracked. Let them cool on the sheet pan for a bit before transferring to a wire rack.

Enjoy!