Giada Does San Jose

There is something wrong with waiting for a Food Network chef for over three hours on your day off. However, I had a blast making small talk with suburban mothers and other foodies while waiting to get my copy of Giada De Laurentis's latest cookbook, Everyday Pasta, signed.

All in all it was a surreal experience - after the long wait, I got a quick hello, but let me tell you, Giada has a smile that makes your heart dance (think Hanson's MmmmBop).

Dinner in Three Hours

Yesterday, San Jose was a mild 63º, raining off and on, and so perfect for some slow-cookin'. This meal was exactly what chilly days were meant for.

The Menu:
Zucchini and Carrot Scapece
6 Tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
5 Large zucchini
3 Garlic cloves
1/4 Cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 Cup fresh mint leaves
10 Medium carrots
1/4 Cup red wine vinegar



Tuscan White Bean and Garlic Soup
2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 Shallots
1 Fresh sage leaf
2 Cans cannellini beans
4 Cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
4 Garlic cloves
1/2 Cup heavy cream
1/2 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
6 Slices ciabatta bread
Extra-virgin olive oil


Tagliatelle with Short Rib Ragu
3 Tablespoons olive oil
2 Ounces pancetta
2 1/2 Pounds short ribs
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 Cup all-purpose flour
1 Medium onion
1 Carrot
1/2 Cup fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 Garlic cloves
1 Can tomatoes
1 Tablespoon tomato paste
1 Teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1 Teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 Teaspoon dried oregano
1 Bay leaf
2 1/2 Cups beef broth
1/4 Cup red wine
1 Pound tagliatelle
6 teaspoons shaved bittersweet chocolate

All in all this meal comprised most of my Saturday afternoon and early evening, but the result was well worth the effort. The most satisfying aspect of the meal was the shaved bittersweet chocolate on top of the warm short rib ragu - its subtle taste reminded me of mole, a mexican dish that also uses chocolate, that my granny makes during the winter.


I should also let you know that I will be cutting back on the meals to every other week, instead of every week. Naturally, living on a students income doesn't warrant the luxury of preparing meals every week - so for now, rather than sacrifice the integrity of the meals I prepare, I will just postpone their preparation for a week longer.

Recipes courtesy of Everyday Pasta by Giada De Laurentiis

Books, Cooks and Magazines

Have you ever noticed that when you're completely stressed out you tend to buy in mass quantities? Over the past few days I've accumulated enough books and magazines to warrant a new bookcase. Here is a sample of what I bought:

Books:
How to Put Your Book Together and Get a Job in Advertising by Maxine Paetro.
This book was recommended by C.F @ Deutsch NYC for those interested in working as a creative.








Truth, Lies & Advertising by Jon Steel
Recommended by S.J @ RPA L.A for those interested in strategic planning.










Then We Came to the End by Joshua Ferris
Recommended by L.B @ SJSU for inquisitive minds (it's a novel, a juicy one at that).










Magazines:
V - Spring 2007
It says it's The Biggest V Ever! All I care about is the working Girls spread by Mario Testino - it's fucking brilliant!









V Man - Spring/Summer 2007
I had to. I mean, it's V but with more men.











Ready Made - April/May 2007
They have a pot rack made from a bicycle wheel!











HOW - 2007 Design Annual
It was a bit pricey at $15, but it's like a who's who in the design world + it also has strategies for presenting a winning portfolio - who doesn't want that?





Cooks:
Everyday Pasta by Giada De Laurentiis
The book was my "ticket" to see her at Sur De Table on April 21st - can't wait to gush over her.












Barefoot Contessa at Home by Ina Garten
Seriously - she needs to teach marriage counseling. I'm convinced she's the only woman in America that is qualified to do so - her husband has been madly in love with her for over 20 years and I'm betting her cooking has a lot to do with it.





Dave's Dinners by Dave Lieberman
Can I just tell you that I became totally interested in him for all the wrong reasons. But really now, can you blame me? If you can't answer this - you need to check out his show (even his website is sexy!)

Dinner for One

Nothing says "I love myself" like cooking yourself a delicious meal on a Saturday night. Now, you may be thinking why dinner for one? Well, to be honest, I wanted the entire bottle of Yellow Tail chardonnay for myself. Okay, okay - I lie. Here is important lesson number one: No matter how fabulous the book store is, how many gadgets there are to look at Sur De Table, or how much you enjoy a latte from Peets, you must always remember to invite someone over. Lesson learned.

The Menu:

Roasted Red Peppers & Ricotta Crostini

4 red peppers
1 fresh baquette
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
40 grinds fresh black pepper
1 container broccoli sprouts





Garlic-Sauteed Spinach

10 ounces curly, whole leaf spinach
3 tablespoons evoo
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Salt







Chicken Scaloppine with Lemon-Caper Sauce

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
15 grinds fresh black pepper
Olive oil
1/3 cup white wine
2 tablespoons capers
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1/2 lemon


Optional: Down a glass of wine and pump up some Feist - I think food tastes better if you move your hips as much as possible during the prep.


An hour and three glasses of wine later, you get:



All in all a great meal!

If you would like to be my guest for an upcoming Blog-O-Meal, send me a message - special considerations for those who have a background in shooting food. Until next time!



All recipes courtesy of Dave Lieberman's Dave's Dinners