Johnna's Pick of the Week (Travel Edition): Giordano's, Chicago

Ever tasted something that made you feel instantly in a state of pure bliss?? Well, this is the feeling JKGF got when tasting Chicago's world famous stuffed pizza from Giordano's...tingles literally ran down the spine! Giordano's has made it's mark as "The" pizzeria to go to when visiting Chicago and wanting to indulge in Chicago's world famous deep dish pizza (*Upon taking this trip, JKGF received numerous recommendations on this spot when looking for the best deep dish pizza in Chicago).

The Low Down:

It took the cooks about 45 minutes to an hour to make the pizza and bring it out...we must say, it was definitely worth the wait;-) The pizza's all start out with a thick deep crust, then the center is filled with pretty much whatever you like (*spinach, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, etc.) and mixed with mozzarella cheese, and the top layer is a thick tomato sauce....is your mouth not watering yet?!? This pizza, by itself, is worth a trip to Chicago! (*Side note: JKGF definitely recommends a summer trip to Chicago at least once in life...this is an awesome city with sites and food for days!)

Extra Incentives:

To make a dieters matters worse (*for those thinking you can avoid this calorie unfriendly binge by not being in Chicago), if you can't make it to Chicago:-(...you can order this pizza online and they'll deliver it to your front door!! (*Although we at JKGF seriously recommend a trip to Chicago...)

Go and enjoy Chicago's finest deep dish...but as a WARNING: Don't go to hungry because it WILL take 45 minutes to an hour for you to eat. Other than that...just Eat!

Picture source: http://www.giordanos.com/stuffed.php

The Caesar Salad

The Caesar Salad

Fresh ground pepper
1 garlic clove (crushed)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 coddled egg (cooked for 1 minute in shell)
3/4 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 head of Romaine lettuce (chopped into salad form)
1/2 cup croutons
1/2 lemon
Shredded Parmesan cheese

In a bowl, combine the pepper, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, egg and mustard. In another bowl add the Romaine lettuce; add in the croutons. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the lettuce and mix. Add in the egg dressing and mix well. Sprinkle any remaining croutons on top of salad and sprinkle on the Parmesan cheese to taste; add a dash of pepper. Serve!

*Johnna's tip: Caesar salad is soo simple to make and is a great side salad to take to work or to have as your main lunch dish. JKGF posted a salad today and yesterday because salads are great foods to make during the summer when its hot and you really don't feel up to cooking over a hot stove. They are simple and easy to make and give you energy in all this heat! Make them to your liking and see how much breezier you feel when the heat is pouncing in on you;-)

Picture source: http://whatscookingamerica.net/Salad/CaesarSalad.htm

The Fruit Smoothie (Non-Alcoholic)

Drinks on Me:

The Fruit Smoothie

3 oz. low fat vanilla ice cream
Crushed ice
Equal parts of fresh strawberry's, bananas and mango's (chopped)

In a blender, blend all ingredients together; blend well. Serve.

*Johnna's tip: This is a great post workout drink. Smoothies are so apart of the eating/drinking world right now because they provide nutrients and make for a good breakfast or snack instead of indulging in junk. Decorate the rim of your glass with your favorite fruits and enjoy!

Food.Fun.Stuff: Happy Hour with a Pinch

Happy hour is one of the best parts of being an urban professional. Many cities have an array of bars offering the best drink and food specials that a foodie could dream of. They compete with one another to see who can draw in the best after work crowds with the best specials. JKGF is a proud and true member of the Happy Hour club ("HHC"):-) As a member of HHC and devotee to delivering the best food news around, JKGF did a small poll to see what was hot in the city (Washington, D.C.) right now for happy hours. Check out what we found:

1. The Outdoor Lounge

Lima- Lima's outdoor couches on a warm summer evening make you feel like your chillin' at home with a couple of your friends while taking "some" back. The "Patio Menu", as they call it, is made up of an array of eclectic Latin infused dishes and works perfect with a Don Julio tequila mix drink after a hards day work. Try the air out here, it's reaaal coool.

2. The Dark Flashing Lights

Tattoo Bar- This is where your days been long and hard and your in need of some GM Shots and Captain Morgan on a low budget. The GM shots are $5, Belve for $7 and Captain for $5...sounds like our kinda spot! But they keep you full and happy with such treats as the "Knee High" (shrimp basket) and the "Fishnet Stockings" (Cajun fried fish basket)...we love, love, love the names of their traditional bar food dishes! Another reason this dimly light drinking haven is good for happy hour is because it is from 5:30-9:00 pm (Tuesday-Friday), so for all the late workers...you have time;-)

3. Tequila and Senoritas

Ceiba- Right in the middle of the city is planted a tequila lovers dream. Some of the best Latin American cuisine in the city mixed with good drinks and a hip atmosphere equals double the pleasure. Monday thru Friday, Ceiba offers $5 drink specials from 2:30 pm-10:30 pm! How is this possible that there is not a line out the door of this place everyday of the week?? Even if your not the biggest drinker in the world, the food specials should encourage a trip or two to this spot. Complimentary appetizers are served with the drinks at the bar. Mondays and Tuesdays are our favorite days: Mondays=Mini Pressed Cuban Sandwiches and Tuesdays=Grilled Chorizo Sausage and a Chimichurri Sauce...is it Monday already?!?

During this last days of summer, enjoy the perks of living in the city life...find a good happy hour!:-)

Picture source: http://www.tattoobardc.com/gallery/main.php?g2_itemId=1205

Shrimp+Crab= Summer Cocktail Salad

Shrimp+Crab= Summer Cocktail Salad

1 head of lettuce (chopped)

10 cooked shrimp (chopped)
1 lb. crab meat (cleaned and picked free of shells)
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1/4 cup shredded carrots
1 tbsp. sliced green onions

Combine all of these ingredients together in a bowl.

Now for the Dressing:

1 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/4 tsp. grated lemon zest
1 tbsp. fat-free mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp. olive oil

Mix all ingredients together; mix well. Add to the shrimp/crab mixture; mix well. Top chopped lettuce with mixture; serve.

*Johnna's tip: Crab and shrimp are the perfect summer foods. They are light and healthy and when combined with the right ingredients, they add just enough flavor and meatiness to a dish. Serve at your summer cookout as a side dish or make as a lunch meal that you take during the week. During the summer with all the hot heat, the less you have to slave over a stove, the better;-) Enjoy!

Picture source: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1108286

Creamy Wine (Alcoholic)

Creamy Wine

1/2 scoop of softened vanilla ice cream
1 part gin
2 parts chilled white wine

Mix together ice cream and gin. Add in the white wine and stir in well. Serve in your favorite wine glasses.

*Johnna's tip: This is a cool twist on wine. It adds the perfect summer flavor with the ice cream and intoxicates you just enough with that touch of gin. Serve with your favorite fruit lining the rim. Enjoy!

Food.Fun.Stuff: $1.50 Dulce De Leche Caramel Cheesecake

The Cheesecake Factory is making your sweet tooth dreams come true. Tommorrow (*July 30, 2008) they will be selling all of their cheesecakes for $1.50 (*dine in only) in commemoration of their 30 year anniversary (1978). This price is the original price of the cheesecakes when the factory first opened and now they range between $6-$9 (*kinda wish it were 1978 again...). If you have never indulged in the cheesecake at the Cheesecake factory, take advantage of this opportunity! The cheesecake is not only super delicious but you're guaranteed to eat some there and definitely have left overs for later off one slice;-) Swwweeettt!

Soooo you should try the:

>Dulce de Leche Caramel Cheesecake
>Chocolate Oreo Mudslide Cheesecake
>Chocolate Chip Cookie-Dough Cheesecake
>Fresh Banana Cream Cheesecake
OR
>Fresh Strawberry Cheesecake

Picture source: http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/locations.htm

Food.Fun.Stuff: Been to any new restaurants lately??

Because JKGF is in the expansion phase of being more than one place at once, we need your help in finding out good food all over:-) For all our readers, if you go to any new restaurants that you want the world to know about shoot us an email so we can alert everyone to your awesome food experiences. Thanks for reading and eating good food:-)

Picture source: http://world-map.nl/

Grilled Tuna Steaks

Grilled Tuna Steaks

4 (7oz.) tuna steaks; about 1" thick
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
1 tbsp. grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Prepare the grill. Rinse and pat dry the tuna. In a bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Pour over the fish and cover with plastic wrapping; marinate for 45-50 minutes in the refrigerator. When the grill fire is ready, drain the tuna and place on the grill; grill the steaks 4" from the heat, 3-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Stick a fork in the steaks to make sure they are flaky and done. If there's anymore marinade you can top the tuna with it or you can leave off, serve!

*Johnna's tip: Tuna steaks are great grilling options. They are a quick and healthier option than some of the other heavier meats generally cooked on the grill. Their taste is soo filling and distinct from the canned tuna that it can be served with just about anything. These go well with, but not limited to, some mashed potatoes (*see JKGF Holiday cooking for this recipe) and/or grilled asparagus.

*Johnna's tip, tip: Have fun with other veggies too while your standing at the grill. Throw on (on the grill) some zucchini or green/red/orange peppers or some onions...whatever your favorite veggies, add them to the top of the steaks for fun decoration and tasty flavor.

Picture source: http://www.mccormick.com/recipedetail.cfm?id=1003

Caribbean Cyclone (Non-Alcoholic)

Caribbean Cyclone

1/2 banana
1 dozen fresh strawberries
8 oz. pineapple juice
1 tsp. sugar
Crushed Ice

In a blender, blend all ingredients together well. Pour and serve!

*Johnna's tip: Perfect summer drink! Also, this is a good post workout drink...be healthy and drink good juice:-)

Food.Fun.Stuff: Restaurant Week! For Everybody!

Sooo... good news! Restaurant weeks are exploding across the nation as we wrap up what JKGF would call a nice, mellow, chill, etc., etc. summer. Check these out if your in these areas:

New York City> July 28-August 1, 2008
Baltimore> July 26-August 3, 2008
Houston> August 11-August 17, 2008
Atlanta (Midtown Restaurant Week)> August 23-August 30, 2008
South New Jersey> July 27-August 1, 2008
New Orleans> July 1-August 31, 2008
San Francisco (Heirloom Tomato Week)> August 14- August 24, 2008
Miami (Spice Restaurant Month)> August 1-September 30, 2008

All of these have awesome places to eat and restaurant week is just another excuse to indulge yourself in these many delicacies;-)

Picture source: http://metronautical.wordpress.com/

Food.Fun.Stuff: Restaurant Week!

So one of JKGF's favorite weeks of the year is this week and it's happening in Bethesda, MD. This week (July 28-August 3) is Bethesda's restaurant week. Restaurant week means $12-$20 2-3 course lunches and $35-$35 3 course dinners...we are running with our bags! Restaurant is a great way to get a taste from the restaurants you were either hesitant about trying and didn't want to waste your money on a meal you wouldn't like or to get a taste of a restaurant that was way above your spending habits. In a few weeks, Washington, D.C.'s restaurant week will be in effect and basically the same rules apply. JKGF is recommending that every reader commit to eating at at least one new restaurant. Reservations are recommended...it makes the experience just that much more ...hmmm...delicious!

See participating restaurants here: http://dc.about.com/od/restaurants/a/BethesdaRestWk.htm

Picture source: http://blog.karlribas.com/2007/11/i-have-favorite-fork.htm

Food.Fun.Stuff: Under the Weather:-(

JKGF readers,

JKGF sincerely apologizes for the lack of posts over the last week. JKGF was under the weather and is now feeling up to par and of course ready to talk all about food! In the next few weeks you will read about JKGF Pick of the Weeks (as we have some making up to do;-), great recuperation recipes and real good happy, happy hours! Stay tuned:-)

Sincerely,

Johnna Knows Good Food (JKGF)

Picture source: http://akuadablogsendiri.blogspot.com/2008/02/under-weather.html

Simple Salmon Bake

Simple Salmon Bake

4 large white potatoes
2 large onions (diced)
1 (15 1/2 oz.) can pink salmon
4 strips bacon
Dash of black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel and dice potatoes; add onions and potatoes to a pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil; cook until done (DO NOT ADD SALT!). When done, drain the water and add in the salmon; mix well and spoon into a casserole dish. Put the bacon strips on top and sprinkle with a dash of pepper. Bake until bacon strips crisp, about 30-35 minutes. Serve!

Johnna's tip: This is a simple quick fixin' dinner that can be supplemented with many of your favorite ingredients i.e. carrots, bell peppers, etc. Salt can be added for those salt lovers. And serving over rice is not a bad idea as well...have fun with it!;-)

Picture source: http://www.britishpotatoes.co.uk/cajun-salmon-jacket-potatoes/

Irish Coffee (Alcoholic)

Drinks on Me:

Irish Coffee

1 1/2 oz. Irish Whiskey
8 oz. hot coffee
1 dash creme de menthe
1 tsp. brown sugar
Whipped cream

In a blender, combine all ingredients except whipped cream; blend well. Pour into a serving glass and top with whipped cream. Serve!

Johnna's tip: I know, I know...why would you want a hot drink in the hot summer heat?? Well, this is one of those hit or miss drinks that might require you to do some trial and error runs before serving to company. Try making it now so when the fall/winter hits you'll have the recipe down to perfection. Enjoy and always drink responsibly!

Food.Fun.Stuff: The Last Cheap Drug

The Last Cheap Drug: Coffee

In the wake of coffees biggest provider, Starbucks, closing up some of its stores JKGF is concerned about the impact it is going to have on those avid coffee drinkers. Starbucks is in our coffee community the same way McDonald's holds down the fast food chains reining champ title. Now that a nice chunk of its stores will be closing, what is a coffee drinker to do?? That's JKGF's question to the readers of this web page...what do you think avid coffee drinkers of Starbucks will do once the chains began closing in their local neighborhoods? Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing? and what do you think will be the next big coffee chain??

Post your comments. JKGF is interested to hear from any and all!!

Picture source: http://mbf.blogs.com/mbf/2004/09/starbucks_to_op.html

Food.Fun.Stuff: REPOST, REPOST!!

REPOST, REPOST!!

***This is simply a repost on a popular topic JKGF wrote about. JKGF went on another scavenger hunt looking for the best late night spots in the Washington, D.C. area a few months ago and wrote up what was found. Here are the results reposted, Enjoy!

Hungry at 12 am, 2 am, or even 4 am?? Don't know where to go or order good food at this late hour?? Johnna Knows Good Food is on the case and discovered these tasty eateries for a late nite bite in the city

Finals (24 hours everyday)

Georgetown Cafe (D.C)

-Georgetown's cheapest excursion. Omelets, coffee and good company...try it;-)

Steak and Eggs (D.C)

-Small and off the beaten path, Johnna Knows Good Food is a big fan of Steak and Eggs. Perfect when you're in the mood for steak and eggs or just about any other breakfast food.

The Diner (D.C)

-What's your pleasure?? Burgers, breakfast, hot chocolate that makes your mouth water?? A must try while in the D.C area.

Tastee Diner (Bethesda, MD)

-Good ole fashioned diner food. As simple as that.

Bob and Edith's Diner (Arlington, VA)

-With 2 locations, 1 open 24 hours and the other til 1 am on weekdays, this is a staple in the northern Virginia diner experiences. Trying to eat late and sweet but feel good about that diet?? Wheat waffles never tasted so good.

24 Hours (Weekends)

Kramer Books & Afterwords Cafe (D.C.)

→Daily 1 am; Fri. & Sat. 24hr.

-Location, Location, Location. This place is located directly across the street from the Dupont metro stop. Breakfast, lunch and dinner served everyday until close...whatever fits your mood!

Broadway Diner (Rockville, MD)

→Mon.-Fri. 24hr.; Sat. & Sun. CLOSED

-Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes! The line is out the door on Sunday afternoons... Try at least one of their sweet delicacies on a late night food outing.

Annie's Paramount Steakhouse (D.C.)

→Mon.-Wed. 11:30 pm;Th. & Sun 1:30 am;Fri. & Sat. 24hr.

-Menu options the same as they were 30 years ago. Burgers and fries from a D.C classic.

Midterms (4 am or later-Weekends)

Five Guys (D.C)

→4 am weekends(Wisconsin); 12 am weekends(Chinatown)

-Burgers and Fries. D.C.'s own version of the West Coast's In and Out. These juicy burgers are worth one diet slip up.

Bistro Francais (D.C)

→Mon.-Th. & Sun. 3 am; Fri. & Sat. 4 am

-Mix it up a bit with this French eatery. Try some

Soupe à l’ Oignon (onion soup) or Oeufs Bénédict (eggs benedict with canadian bacon) at this late nite getaway to Paris in D.C.

Julia's Empenadas (D.C)

→Mon.-Th. 2:30 am; Fri. & Sat. 4am

-Quick and to the point. Chicken, Veggie, Fruity Empanada anyone??? Try the veggie, especially after partying at one of the hot spots near one of the 3 Julia's Empenadas locations.

Amsterdam Falafel Shop (D.C)

→Mon.-Wed. & Sun. 2:30 am; Th. 3 am; Fri. & Sat. 4 am

-Adams Morgan. Trying to avoid a hangover. Falafels made quick and easy. Enough said.

Quick Pita (D.C)

→Sun.-Th. 2:30 am; Fri. & Sat. 4:30 am

-Kebabs, spinach pie and falafels make Quick Pita a good pick for late nite eating in Georgetown.

Late Registration (2 am or later-Everyday!!)

The Childe Harold (D.C)

→Daily til 2 am

-All American favorites from the Wild Billy burger to the buffalo wings are the late nite stomachs answer.

Tryst (D.C)

→Mon.-Th. 2 am; Fri. & Sat. 3 am; Sun. 2 am

-Great place to study, read a good book, surf the web (free Internet access) or to just have a quick bite and some tea with a friend.

Buffalo Billiards (D.C)

→Mon.-Th. 2 am; Fri. 3 am; Sat. 3 am; Sun. 1 am

-Voted Johnna's Pick of the Week (December) for the best happy hour and now a Johnna Knows Good Food Top Five in the D.C. area for a great place to have the munchies while in Dupont.

Philadelphia CheeseSteak Factory (D.C)

→Mon.-Th. 2 am; Fri. & Sat. 4 am; Sun. 2 am

-Georgetown's tasty haven for All American late night food.

Old Glory Bar-B-Que (D.C)

→Mon.-Th. 2 am; Fri. & Sat. 3 am; Sun. 2 am

-Cravings for barbecue-anything should be fulfilled here. Ribs, sandwiches, burgers and more!

Orientation (11 pm-1 am closing time)

Zaytinya (D.C)

→Tue.-Th. 11:30 pm; Fri. & Sat. 12:30 am

-Yogurt fries, mezzes and Greek cheeses that will make you think your sailing the Mediterranean Sea. Late nite fine cuisine at its best in the District.

Old Ebbitt Grill (D.C)

→Daily til 1 am

-The oldest saloon in D.C serving up steaks, mashed potatoes and more American favorites.

Bar Pilar (D.C)

→Daily til 1 am

-After a show at the Black Cat, your appetite should be ready for Bar Pilar's everchanging menu. Be prepared for anything from their garlic soup to mushroom risotto.

Meze (D.C)

→Sun.-Th. 1:30 am; Fri. & Sat. 2:30 a.m.

-In addition to the free belly dancing lessons on Sunday nights, Meze offers a vast array of dishes when looking for late nite Turkish cuisine in the District.

Stoney's Bar and Grill (D.C)

→1 am weekdays; 2 am weekends

-Traditional All American cuisine from a D.C. staple here since 1968.

Picture source: http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/washington-dc/washington-monument.php

Quick and Easy Chicken Salad

Quick and Easy Chicken Salad

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
1/2 cup onion
1 cup chopped pecans
Mayonnaise
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Dash of garlic powder

Boil or bake the chicken. Run the meat through the food processor. Add in the remaining ingredients with the pecans last and blend well. Serve.

*Johnna's tip: Serve with your favorite crackers or eat by itself. Chicken salad is the perfect summer snack because of how easy and cool it is (*if served cold). It can be served warm or cold, but during the summers its best served cold. Use for last minute get together, a quick dinner/lunch snack or just for a snack while watching your fave movie. Enjoy!

*Johnna's tip, tip: You may add 2 cups of diced apples to this recipe if you are a fan of apples in your chicken salad. JKGF is not the biggest fan of this addition to the old classic, but likes the concept for those that do;-)

Picture source: http://www.agr.state.nc.us/markets/gottoberecipes/apples.html

Party Punch #2 (Non-Alcoholic)

Drinks on Me:

Party Punch #2

2 cans pineapple juice
1/2 can orange juice
1/2 bottle sweet and sour mix
1/8 bottle of grenadine
Frozen fruit
1 lemon
24 oz. ginger ale

In a punch bowl, mix together all ingredients except lemon. Squeeze out the juice of the lemon and then add wedge into the punch bowl; give a stir. Serve!

*Johnna's tip: This is the quick and easy party punch that you've been looking for! It is great especially for those non-alcoholic functions with children or people who don't drink alcohol. Enjoy!

Food.Fun.Stuff: Flamenco, Flamenco!

Cafe Citron, a JKGF fave for their mojitos and good food, is having a dance party tonight. But not just any dance party...flamenco dancers will be performing! On Monday nights, flamenco dancers perform for the crowd and wow everyone with this fun reminder of times spent in Spain. Eat, drink and feel sexy!

Things to try:
>Mango Mojito
>Tex Mex Burrittos
>Jamaican Curried Goat (*tasty!)
>Unsure?? Try the Citron Taster (a little of this, a little of that;-)

Picture source: http://www.cafecitrondc.com/cl_aboutus_n.aspx?index=-1

Good Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Good Buttermilk Fried Chicken

4 chicken breast halves (*JKGF prefers chicken wings but breast are just as good.)
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Garlic powder (to taste)
1/2 cup flour
2 tbsp. vegetable oil (Divided)
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 large onion (sliced)

Heat 1 tbsp. oil over medium heat in a skillet. On a plate combine the chicken, salt, pepper and flour together. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side; remove chicken and pat off excess oil. Remove skillet from heat and add in the buttermilk to the skillet; scrape the bottom of the skillet to mix in the loose brown bits. Add the chicken to the skillet (skin facing up); reduce heat and cover. Simmer about 17-20 minutes until chicken is tender and juices are clear.

In another skillet, heat 1 tbsp. oil over medium heat. Add in the sliced onions; mix to coat the onions with the oil. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until golden brown and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Serve onions with buttermilk chicken. The remaining ingredients from the chicken skillet should be blender together in a food processor or blender and served over the chicken. Eat!

*Johnna's tip: This recipe was inspired by JKGF's visit to Chicago's Harold's Fried Chicken. This is some good chicken!! The recipe above is for those of us who savor the taste for good fried chicken after visiting this Midwest favorite. Now if JKGF could just figure out the recipe for the sauce on top of Harold's Fried Chicken...;-) Any suggestions??

Picture source: http://www.meadowvale.co.uk/Newsletters/October07/October07.html

Sangria, Sangria (Alcoholic)

Drinks on Me:

Sangria, Sangria

1 bottle of red wine
2 tbsp. sugar
1 shot of brandy
2 cups ginger ale/club soda
1 lemon (cut into wedges)
1 orange (cut into wedges)

In a pitcher, add in the wine and squeeze the juice in from the lemon and orange, being sure not to drop the seeds in the mixture; drop the wedges into the pitcher. Add in the sugar and brandy. Chill overnight and add the ginger ale/club soda into the pitcher just before you serve. Drink!

*Johnna's tip: Other fruits can be added into the Sangria. Add your in favorite frozen fruits to the mixture or squeeze in some of your favorite flavored fresh fruits and add them to the mixture;-)

Food.Fun.Stuff: Follow the Yellow Brick Road...to a New Ice Cream Flavor

Ben & Jerry's Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road

In homage to the legend Elton John and his cause (*his AIDS foundation), Ben & Jerry's has created an Elton John-themed flavor of ice cream to be sold for one week only. The proceeds will support his AIDS foundation. The new flavor is made up of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks...yum! Ice cream is soo tasty and why not try something new for a week especially when its for a good cause?? Good causes made the food that much more tastier;-)

The Where: Vermont (*JKGF knows it sucks...it's not everywhere!)
The When: July 18-25

Picture source: http://www.wtop.com/?nid=114&sid=1440859

Chocolate, Chocolate Cake

Chocolate, Chocolate Cake

1 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
5 eggs
2 cups cake flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. soda in 1 tsp. of boiling water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream together the butter, sugar, cocoa and egg yokes. Add in the flour, buttermilk and vanilla. Add in the soda and hot water to the batter. Fold in the egg whites. (*Makes four layers) Pour ingredients into baking dish and bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes or until you can stick a fork in the cake and nothing comes out on the fork. Let cool and add icing (*Chocolate frosting recipe found on JKGF). Serve!

*Johnna's tip: Experiment with your decorating skills by adding trimming or icing gel to the cake for decoration (*found at your local grocery store). This is a fun dish to cook up with the kids...no fancy baking skills needed, just good 'ole fashioned fun:-)

CoCo Delight (Non-Alcoholic)

Drinks on Me:

CoCo Delight

4 oz. cream of coconut
4 oz. coffee
Fresh pieces of chocolate (thinly sliced)
Crushed ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender on high speed for 15-20 seconds; pour in glass; garnish with chocolate pieces and serve!

*Johnna's tip: The chocolate slices add just the right amount of chocolate flavor onto this drink. Co Co. Sala (*JKGF Pick of the Week), in Washington, D.C. introduced JKGF to this concept.

Food.Fun.Stuff. >>>FREE!!!

The Kids Eat FREE:-)

With gas prices at an all time high, it helps out sometimes when the kids can eat free:-) Today California Tortilla (*A kid friendly, cool, casual, fast food eatery) is feeding the children for free! Swing by today, July 15, for a freebie and save some money;-)

More Info: http://www.californiatortilla.com/



Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Tortilla

Food.Fun.Stuff: Wine Tasting For All!

Wine tasting is a fav past time of JKGF, so when the opportunity arose for wine tasting JKGF had to share the news! On August 2, 2008, board the Platinum Eagle Party Bus @ 10 am from the Vienna/Fairfax Metro Station to visit 2-3 wineries in the Northern Virginia area. The lunch stop will be at a local British pub.

What you need to bring??
>$40, which includes the transportation, supplies and cups for your drinks and ice.
>Your own liquor, drinks, etc....it's BYOB;-)

What could throw a munkey wrench in the fun?? No money:-(
>Bring funds for the wine tasting as this is not included in the $40 fee
>You'll need funds for lunch as well (*ranges between $5-$10)

Wine tasting with a designated driver...sounds like our kinda party!! Drink and learn;-)

More event info: http://www.kegbus.com/events/kegbus_events.php?eventid=765

Picture source: http://www.gotexanwine.org/mediaguide/wineimages.html

Quick and Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Quick and Easy Jamaican Jerk Chicken

3 lbs. chicken parts
6 tbsp. Jerk Seasoning (*or to taste)
Butter

Rub the chicken with the butter; sprinkle the jerk season the chicken and rub well. Let it marinate for 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours. Grill or bake in the oven until done. Serve!

*Johnna's tip: Jamaican Jerk Chicken can take waaayyy longer than this, but this is the short version for those of us without a lot of time and in need of that good West Indian flavor. There are more recipes that are more in depth and definitely you can taste the time put into the jerk chicken. Use this when in emergency need of jerk chicken or you just want to do little work and Enjoy!

Picture source: http://allrecipes.com/Cooks-Profile/Photo.aspx?photoID=36661

Rum Punch (Alcoholic)

Drinks on Me:

Rum Punch

2 tbsp. lemon juice
2 cups Rum
2 liters ginger ale
1 qt. fruit punch
1 qt. pineapple juice
Ice cubes

In punch bowl, mix all ingredients together. And there you have it: Rum Punch!

*Johnna's tip: Rum Punch is JKGF's favorite drink of the Caribbean. It is fruity and has just a hint of the Rum flavor for Rum lovers. Best for parties or get togethers:-)

Food.Fun.Stuff: No More Chucky Cheese!!

No More Chucky Cheese!!

Ahhh, the kid's birthday party. The most common place to have the children's birthday party is at none other than Chucky Cheese. Well, to a foodie, this can be a huge disappointment and not something to look forward to, year after year, anticipating a day of cold pizza and crowded indoor playgrounds:-( JKGF went on a manhunt for upgrades to children's birthday parties that are not only satisfying to the child, but to the foodie palate:-) Drum roll please....:


1.Sugar Buzz (Indianapolis, IN)- Cupcakes with sparklers and you make your own sundaes...need we say more??

Why this is good: They have fun face painting, creative games aaannnddd you get to make your sundaes...fun times in Indiana!!

2. Pretend Town (*Children ages 6 and under) (Richmond, VA)- Your children are as safe as can feasibly be at a child's birthday party.

Why this is good? In addition to the fact that is offers one of the safest indoor playgrounds, this place allows you to get delivery from your choice of restaurant as the dining option. Can we say, sign us up now, please??

3. Party Like a Rock Star! (Southern California)-The studio is brought to your house and the kids will get to make cool music and take the actual CD home with them:-) (* http://www.rockstarworkshop.net/index.html)

Why this is good: Since it's at your house, you can make the foods that you like, in addition to the fact that this is a healthier option for the children in attendance... and the kids will be more than entertained!

4. Captain Cooks (San Diego, CA)- This is culinary school for kids!

Why this is good: Well if this isn't a foodies dream, JKGF doesn't know what is. This is the opportunity to share with your children your love of cooking, while introducing them to food in a fun and exciting new way...teach, learn, eat!

5. Marmalade Skies (Austin, TX)-Bring your own food and paint!

Why this is good: Your artistic child will be able to make the total mess they've been waiting to make all year on your carpet in the comfort of an art studio who welcomes paint on the floors! You can bring your own food too, which is another awesome reason to host a party here. *Where you can cook the food yourself, this is always a better option for your little ones;-)

This list is set in no particular order, but lists the top 5 finds for the children's birthday party options that won't make the adult parent sick and disgusted after tasting the cold pizza and stale soda. Smile in adoration at your growing child, get some face paint on you and of course Eat! Enjoy;-)

Picture source: http://www.ace-clipart.com/birthday-clipart-01.html