Food.Fun.Stuff.: Because We Love You!

After talking with a few close friends, JKGF discovered the need to talk about FIBER. Not enough of it in our diets! People think that by eating healthy, they will automatically pick up the nutrients their bodies need. This, however, is a huge myth. Eating the right foods, with the right amount of nutrients, specifically for our purposes here, fiber, is what counts in the balancing of a diet. Here's a brief list of those foods high in fiber to get you started on your road to becoming healthier, happier and sexier;-):

Fruits:
Apples with skin
Raspberries
Blueberries
Strawberries
Oranges
Bananas
Raisins

*How to get these in your diet? Chop some up for breakfast in the morning, it's a good way to start the day.

Grains, Cereals & Pastas
Whole Wheat, cooked Spaghetti
Oat bran muffins
Oatmeal
Brown rice
Whole wheat or multigrain bread
Bran flakes
Rye bread

*How to get these in your diet? Make some spaghetti with the pasta or add the brown rice as a nice side dish with a few sprinkles of parsley on top.

Nuts & Seeds
Cooked Split peas (*Is anyone else thinking of split pea soup right now??...We're just saying...)
Cooked Lentils (*Ummm and lentil soup perhaps??....)
Cooked black beans
Vegetarian Baked beans, canned & cooked
Almonds
Pecans
Cooked Lima beans (*Not our faves, but if it's for a good cause, why not??)

*How to get these in your diet? Well, uhh, let's see...split pea soup, lentil soup, black beans and tomato salad, baked beans (*recipe found on JKGF)...the list goes on & on with nuts, they go with and are in almost everything...

Veggies
Cooked artichokes
Boiled broccoli
Cooked sweet corn
Cooked brussel sprouts (*Brasserie Beck in D.C. makes the best version we've ever tasted;-)
Baked Potato with skin
Tomato paste
Raw carrots

*How to get More of these in your diet? Brussels sprouts with butter or a butter alternative is deelish. Tomato paste helps in making that spaghetti sauce with the whole wheat pasta. Take the raw carrots and have them with your favorite dip;-)

Hope this helps in getting to that healthy, fiber-filled diet;-) Enjoy and tell us how good you feel in a few months by implementing a few more of the treats listed above into your diet.

Picture source: http://recipes.howstuffworks.com/fiber-facts.htm

Balsamic Chicken

Balsamic Chicken

2 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. garlic (minced)
1 package chicken thighs
1 package frozen spinach
2 1/2 balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup chicken broth
1 cup chopped tomatoes with juice
2 tbsp. parsley

In a skillet, heat the oil. Add in the garlic and cook 2-3 minutes; add in the chicken and cook until done on each side (*should be browning); remove the chicken and set aside. Cook spinach according to package directions and add to the pan; stir in the pan and remove from pan; set aside. Lower the heat and add in the vinegar and chicken broth; stir being sure to scrap all ingredients from the bottom of the pan into the mixture. Add in the tomatoes and bring to a slight boil; cook for 5 minutes. On a plate, stack on the spinach, then the chicken and top with the tomato/vinegar mixture plus the parsley. Enjoy!

*Johnna's tip: If you want to add a starch to this try orzo or some brown rice.

Picture source: http://allrecipes.com/Cooks-Profile/Photo.aspx?photoID=74047

Drinks on Me: Frozen Banana Daiquiri (Non-Alcoholic)

Frozen Banana Daiquiri

1 part banana nectar
1 part lemonade
1 part limeade
Ice

In a blender, combine all ingredients. Drink!

*Johnna's tip: Garnish with some shavings of chocolate for even more flavor...Enjoy!

Picture source: http://www.montegobayidaho.com/index.cfm?page=gallery

Food.Fun.Stuff.: Random Food News

So it looks like the candidates in the November 2008 election are leaving out an important issue plaguing the "Crystal Pepsi" drinking community. Take a look at this photo.

*Yet, another laugh for the day...

Picture source: http://www.sogoodblog.com/

Laugh for the Day: Interesting Food Gifts

Try giving this to your significant other as a bday/vday gift...

BBQ Flavour Worm Crisps or Chocolate Covered Ant Biscuits OR Cricket Lollipops....

Not sure if the night will go as expected...lol...

Tell us your thoughts??

Picture source: http://www.therandomshop.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5

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

ACKC (Artfully Chocolate Kingsbury Confections) of Alexandria decided today was a good day to hand out some free chocolate samples. Go by and enjoy tastes of cocoa from the rest haven for chocolate.

The Where: 2003 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA (703) 635-7917
The When: Today @ 6:30 pm

**Also, their sister store is located @
1529C 14th st. NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 387-COCO

Picture source: http://thecocoagallery.com/index.php?cPath=22&osCsid=3c81f5fbc60d4b4d9a864273c2d0590d

Feta Cheese Burgers

Feta Cheese Burgers

1 lb. ground chicken breast
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper
8 tbsp. crumbled feta cheese
Hamburger buns
Chopped olives

Preheat the broiler. Combine the chicken, oregano, garlic powder, feta and pepper. Divide mixture into hamburger patties and broil for 8-10 minutes on each side. Top with olives and serve.

*Johnna's tip: JKGF recipe circa August 26, 2008 should be added as a topping for these burgers...the roasted red pepper flavor mixes well with the salt coming from the feta cheese. Good company for these burgers are: corn on the cob, a Greek style salad or some fresh cut french fries (*recipe found on JKGF July 10, 2008 "Fresh Cut French Fries").

**Good grilling option.

*Picture source: http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/Courses/his452/fetawars.html

Drinks on Me: The Chocolate Milkshake (Non-alcoholic)

The Chocolate Milkshake

5-6 spoonfuls vanilla ice cream
2 tbsp. chocolate syrup
1/2 cup milk
Chocolate shavings

In a blender, add in the ice cream; add in the syrup; use a spoon to mix just a little before turning on the blender. Add in milk and blend ingredients together. Pour in a jar; shake ingredients together and pour in your favorite ice cream shake glass; top with chocolate shavings; Indulge!

*Johnna's tip: Lighten the ingredients up with low fat to no fat supplements. Add toppings such as chopped nuts, whipped cream and cherries.

Picture source: http://www.recipezaar.com/68683

Food.Fun.Stuff.: OMG! HiLaRiOuS...

The Laugh of the Day

Talk about impersonations on a cake...now whose idea was this one?? LoL. Thank you friends @ So Good blog for sharing what you discovered @ Cake Wrecks. Both hilarious, funny blogs showing how weird the food world can get, please check them out JKGF readers;-)

All-In-One Roasted Red Pepper Dipping Sauce

All-In-One Roasted Red Pepper Dipping Sauce

13 oz. roasted red peppers (drained)
1 cup low fat sour cream
2 tbsp. low fat cream cheese
1/2 cup fresh basil
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

In a food processor, puree the roasted peppers, sour cream, cream cheese, basil, salt, pepper and garlic powder together until smooth. Serve.

*Johnna's tip: For those who are not a fan of the kitchen or the kitchen isn't a fan of you, this is the perfect quick fix recipe. It is a healthy snack that makes the non-cook and the cooking persons lives that much easier. Serve it with lime tortilla chips (*it gives it a tasty little bite), your favorite crackers or pita bread. Also, this is the perfect spread for burgers and sandwiches. Make a nice batch and create a variety of uses for it during the week...Enjoy!

Picture source: http://allrecipes.com/Cooks-Profile/Photo.aspx?photoID=58932

Drinks on Me: Vodka Twist (Alcoholic)

Vodka Twist

6 oz. cranberry juice
6 oz. pineapple juice
4 oz. vodka
Ice

In a cocktail shaker, shake all ingredients together over the ice. Strain into a serving glass, Enjoy!

*Johnna's tip: Adjust the vodka to your taste buds and tolerance...too much vodka, if you can't handle it, can turn into a bad next morning:-( (*Luckily JKGF has a hangover remedy...check it out by typing in "hangover" in the search box in the top left corner of this blog and click "search blog"...the entry is dated "May 6, 2008")

Picture source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:WarehouseSpirits.JPG

Food.Fun.Stuff.: Update on the Summer Salad

Update...

Here's the Shrimp and Crab Summer Cocktail Salad that made the cut onto the Key Ingredient (*circa August 20, 2008;-).

Check us out!

Food.Fun.Stuff.: The List

If JKGF wasn't one of your favorite food blogs before and you love a good happy hour, then now is the time you will fall deeply in love with this website (*That is...if you're in the DC area...) One of the best list that could've come to the DC area is here...the ultimate happy hour list! It's complete with *the happy hour location, *the day of the week to go there, *the phone number, *the times and *the deals. There are over a hundred listings so we couldn't post it here. BUT shoot us an email and we'll forward you "The List";-)

Picture source: http://www.topnews.in/health/too-much-beer-may-prompt-pancreatic-cancer-onset-22679

Food.Fun.Stuff.: Publicity Stunts

It's been a good week in the news for JKGF:-) DC's premiere website for food and entertaining, DC Foodies, mentioned us here. In its "Weekly Blog Round Up" JKGF was mentioned for its participation in the upcoming DC Food Bloggers Challenge alongside some of the areas top food bloggers. The countdown for the challenge coming soon!

Picture source: http://www.thefreedictionary.com/honorable%20mention

Johnna's Pick of the Week (Travel Edition): Tao (NYC and Vegas)

Tao (New York, NY)

Asian food with a fun twist. Decor that plays with the senses. The trendy and fab crowd. And drink concoctions galore. Tao has become a staple in New York as well as its sister restaurant in Vegas. Visitors to these cities often frequent Tao because of its reputation for a good time and flavorful foods. JKGF was on the scene to celebrate a birthday and can now vouch for this restaurant being very group friendly (*Many restaurants have not mastered the whole group dining concept...) The restaurant staff was very accommodating (*as our birthday girl, yours truly, was 2 hours late!) and provided a creative little twist on the birthday cake for the bday girl (*They brought out a fortune cookie the size of your head! It was deliciously filled with a mousse, topped with a few swirls of chocolate syrup and surrounded by fruit;-) Stop in Tao for that special occasion or for a meal before a night on the town...Enjoy!

Our favorites: The Hong Kong XO Shrimp with the long beans and Jasmine Rice and the Thai Crab Cakes with Mango Chile Sauce (*Warning: Crab cakes are pretty spicy.)

Things to avoid: Velvet corn and crab soup with crab stick (*They would've been better off calling this cream of corn...)

The Where:
Tao New York
42 E. 58th st.
NY, NY 10022
(212) 888-2288
http://www.taorestaurant.com/

Tao Las Vegas @ The Venetian
3377 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89109
(702) 388-8338
http://www.taorestaurant.com/lasvegas/

Picture source: http://www.yelp.com/biz/tao-new-york-2

Fried Oysters

Fried Oysters

1 pint oysters (drained)
Salt (to taste)
Cayenne Pepper (to taste)
2 qt. vegetable oil
3/4 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup cornmeal

Sprinkle pepper and salt on oysters. Combine flour and cornmeal; roll the oysters in the mixture and set aside. Heat a pot of oil to about 375 degrees and add the oysters to the hot oil; fry until golden brown about 2-3 minutes. Let drain on a plate covered with a paper towel. Serve hot.

*Johnna's tip: Fried oysters are so easy to make and are absolutely delicious! (*Note: They are not diet friendly, but can't you splurge occasionally on something this good??) Serve with your favorite hot pepper sauce and enjoy the finger licking good delicacy.

Picture source: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipes/gallery/0,28548,1705280_1520921,00.html

Drinks on Me: Iced Morning Caffeine (Non-Alcoholic)

Iced Morning Caffeine

3 oz. espresso coffee
3 oz. whipping cream
Sugar (to taste)
1/2 cup Ice

In a blender, blend all ingredients together. Drink:-)

*Johnna's tip: This is a good breakfast drink on the go. Make this one of your morning habits if you're in to caffeine in the a.m.;-)

Picture source: http://www.infusioncoffeeandtea.com/menu.cfm

Creamy Lobster Ravioli

Creamy Lobster Ravioli

1 20 oz. package lobster ravioli
1 16 oz. sun-dried tomato Alfredo sauce
3 tbsp. white wine
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1 tsp. garlic (minced)
1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
Grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley (chopped)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Pour Alfredo sauce into a pot and pour the white wine in the Alfredo sauce jar; cover and shake. Add the white wine mixture to the Alfredo in the pot. Stir in the tomatoes, basil and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes until bubbling to show it's heated. Toss the pasta with the sauce and add in the shredded Parmesan cheese; toss. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh parsley. Serve warm.

*Johnna's tip: Ok. So we know this one is the easy way out (i.e. canned tomatoes, bottled Alfredo sauce...), but we really couldn't help ourselves. This recipe screams delicious and is delicious. We thought really, who wants to slave in the kitchen on a hot summer day for some tasty pasta when they could get pasta that tastes good in about half the time with store brought ingredients??

*Johnna's tip, tip: Umm...and we cheated a bit...well not really cheated...we made this dish based on this recipe found here...But as you can see JKGF added our own little twists and turns to juice things up;-)

Picture source: http://www.peapod.com/

Drinks on Me: The Midori Sour (Alcoholic)

The Midori Sour

3 oz. melon liqueur
1 oz. sour mix
2 oz. sprite
Ice

Add ingredients to a glass and give a stir. Serve in a low or highball glass. Drink responsibly!

*Johnna's tip: The sour mix should be adjusted to your preference in this drink. Between 1 and 1.5 oz. may be added depending on your taste buds.

Picture source: http://www.yumsugar.com/copyright

Food.Fun.Stuff.: Look Who Got Some Publicity!!

Guess who's in the public eye?? You don't have to play the guessing game too long...none other than yours truly was mentioned today on The Back Burner (*The companion blog to Key Ingredient). Check it out here;-)Thank you Haley and the Key Ingredient family!

Picture source: http://www.pickledorf.com/entry13.html

Food.Fun.Stuff.: Go Green!!

"Going Green" is no longer a simple phrase, something you see on t-shirts from the District to Colorado or even buying more organic foods...it's become a total lifestyle change. With this new lifestyle change comes the need for new dining experiences. Some of the Districts best restaurants have not tagged onto the "Going Green" lifestyle changes and their menus offer little options for those wishing to convert. That change we thought wasn't going to come is now here! (*Well in a few weeks...let's just be patient...;-)

Founding Farmers is the name that was given to what might become a "Going Green" foodies new fave dining experience in the District. It boasts "earth-friendly eating" that is sure to meet all the criteria under the Certified Green Restaurant operational standards. Chef Graham Duncan will be leading the pack serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch and Sunday supper.

Soo reason's why JKGF is signing up to be in the line that should be as long as the one the day the new iPhone came out:

1. Only in-season fresh veggies and fruits will be used in all items on the menu
2. Fresh baked biscuits, variety's of pot pies and an in-house bakery...yum... and
3. The Drinks. They have real mixologist who are specially trained and know the chemistry of liquors...and get this...they have organic vodka! (*Talk about a healthy night of food and drinks with the girls)

The Where: 1924 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
The When: Mid-September 2008

Going Green never sounded soo tasty...go, be eco-friendly and of course, Eat!

Picture source: http://www.wearefoundingfarmers.com/

Morning Quesadilla

Morning Quesadilla

2 tbsp. butter
8 eggs
1/2 cup skim milk
4 green onions (diced)
1 jalapeno pepper (*optional) (diced)
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
8 soft flour tortillas
12 oz. pepper jack cheese
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)
Tomato salsa (*Spice level depends on you)
Sour cream
Cilantro (Chopped)

Over medium heat, saute the onions and peppers with butter. Whisk eggs, milk, cumin, salt pepper and a little cilantro together in a bowl; add this mixture to the onions and peppers and turn down heat to scramble ingredients. In another pan, melt some butter and place one tortilla and 1 1/2 oz. of the cheese in the pan. Add in a spoonful or two of the egg mixture to tortilla and cover with cheese and a second tortilla. Cook for 2 minutes per side or until lightly browned and remove from pan. Repeat process for remaining tortillas. Top tortillas with remaining cilantro. Serve with salsa and sour cream.

*Johnna's tip: With breakfast tortillas you can be just as creative as you would be with a fajita or taco of your choice. Make it healthier by using only egg whites, low fat sour cream and low fat cheese. We know, we know eggs have been getting a bad wrap, but this is fun way to twist up your eggs into a good breakfast...you can't feel but so guilty when there's flavors like jalapeno and onions filling up your palate...

Picture source: http://www.aa.com/content/amrcorp/pressReleases/2006_09/18_reaffirm.jhtml

Drinks on Me: Morning Smoothie (Non-Alcoholic)

Morning Smoothie

1/2 banana
3 oz. pineapple juice
3 oz. orange juice
Ice

In a blender, combine all ingredients. Feel refreshed and drink!

*Johnna's tip: Smoothies are a good way to start your day especially where you didn't get a chance to grab breakfast. Mix up all the fruits that you like to make your perfect morning smoothie. Garnish with fruit slices if you want more decoration or you're serving others. Let us know what you think when you try this one;-)

*Johnna's tip, tip: This recipe was posted by popular demand. Many of our readers requested a smoothie recipe that's good after a morning workout and/or for breakfast. Here is your morning wake up call!

Picture source: http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1194618

Food.Fun.Stuff.: Don't Forget!

Cast your vote!

Don't forget to cast your vote today for what should be cooked in the DC Food Bloggers Challenge in which yours truly, JKGF, will be a contestant.

Here's the link: http://capitalcookingshow.blogspot.com/

Also, this link has the stations that you can catch this on...watch, learn and don't laugh (just kidding;-)

Picture source: http://blog.bakerdemschool.org/downey

Stuffy Pecorino Tomatoes

Stuffy Pecorino Tomatoes

8 tomatoes
2 cup orzo (cooked according to package directions)
3 tbsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp. pepper
1/3 cup fresh basil (chopped)
1 tbsp. fresh oregano (chopped)
1/2 cup pecorino romano cheese (shredded)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut off the tops of the tomatoes and clean out the insides. Use about a 1/2 cup of the tomato leftovers and add to the orzo. Combine the orzo, oil, pepper, basil, oregano and pecorino together; set aside. Brush the insides of the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper; place in the oven on a baking dish for 10-12 minutes. Remove from oven; turn upside down to drain and allow them to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Stuff the tomatoes with the orzo filling and warm in the oven for 10-12 minutes. Serve warm.

*Johnna's tip: Stuffed tomatoes are so versatile. They can be served warm or cool. Make this a side salad for one of your dinners by skipping the step at the end (*"(with orzo)warm in the oven for 10-12 minutes"). It's the perfect summer or winter side dish. Enjoy!

**Johnna's tip, tip: Garlic of course should be sprinkled on top. You know JKGF can't do many recipes without at least thinking about adding some garlic;-)

Picture source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Baked-Stuffed-Tomatoes/Detail.aspx

Drinks on Me: Party Fizz (Alcoholic)

Party Fizz

Vodka (to taste...how much is your tolerance??)
20 oz. cranberry juice
4 oz. lime juice
10 oz. water
6 tsp. sugar
Ice

Stir all ingredients in a party punch serving bowl. Serve chilled.

*Johnna's tip: The amount of alcohol is totally dependent on you in this recipe. For those of us who cannot stand the taste of the actual alcohol, lighten up on the amount versus those that love a good vodka twist...well, let's just make sure there's a designated driver;-)

Picture source: http://www.familyoven.com/recipes/search/cranberry-punch

Food.Fun.Stuff.: Good Competition

Oooo, did we mention what great competition JKGF is up against in the Food Challenge??
See below:

>Lauren De Santis of Capitol Cooking:
http://capitalcookingshow.blogspot.com/

>April Fulton of The Food Scribe: http://www.aprilfulton.com/blog/thefoodscribe/thefoodscribe.html

>Stefanie Gans of Endless Simmer:
http://www.endlesssimmer.com/

>Alison McConnell of The Humble Gourmand: http://humblegourmand.com/blog/2008/aug/18/your-vote-matters-which-comfort-food-should-food-b/

JKGF is a fan of all of these foodie sites! Check them out and Enjoy!

Picture source: http://www.tempetrophy.com/

Food.Fun.Stuff.: JKGF and the Food Challenge!

Hey Loyal Readers,

JKGF is pleased to announce that it will be participating in a DC Food Challenge alongside some of DC's biggest foodies (*similar to what you might see on Iron Chef)! Each contestant will prepare the same dish and be judged based on certain categories about the dish. Now this is where you lovely readers come in...we need to figure out what dish?? Visit the link at the top of this post and cast your vote! (*Simply click on the title of this post "Food.Fun.Stuff: JKGF and the Food Challenge!" and this takes you to the voting site:-)

Thank you and stay tuned for more updates on the DC Food Challenge,

JKGF

Picture source: http://www.cookingfor.us/catalog/-c-161_163_191.html

Not Just for Holidays Baked Beans

Not Just for Holidays Baked Beans

1 can Pork & Beans
1 can Hormel chili (no beans)
1/2 chopped bell pepper
1 tbsp. oil
2 tsp. brown sugar
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 finely chopped onion
Salt (to taste)
Pepper (to taste)

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. In a skillet, brown the onions and bell pepper in the oil. Add all the ingredients to a baking dish and mix. Bake for 40-45 minutes. Serve:-)

*Johnna's tip: Baked beans are a great year around dish. They go good with sloppy joe's, BBQ foods or even the turkey at Thanksgiving. They're not just for the Fourth of July cookouts;-)

Picture source: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Down-Home-Baked-Beans/Detail.aspx

Fruit Breeze (Non-Alcoholic)

Drinks on Me:

Fruit Breeze

1 1/2 oz. non-alcoholic peach schnapps
3 oz. pineapple juice
6 oz. cranberry juice
Ice

Shake all ingredients together and serve!

*Johnna's tip: Garnish with your favorite fruits or even better...use frozen fruit instead of ice to keep the drinks chilled...Enjoy!

Picture source: http://www.drinkswap.com/drinks/detail.asp?recipe_id=8238

Johnna's Pick of the Week (Travel Edition): The Ivy

The Ivy, Los Angeles, Cali-for-nia

Star Studded. Literally. The Ivy is the place to see or be seen and is home to LA's celeb elite. It's small and houses enough space for a few of us non-celebs to get in and celeb watch all while dining elbow to elbow with such names as Demi Moore and Eddie Murphy. The celeb's though, are not the only reason to go to the Ivy...it's definitely for the food! The pasta is delicious and this is not one of those places that gives you five strands of pasta for $30 bucks, no you really get your money's worth and are more than stuffed when leaving. The decor is intriguing as well, where the walls are lined with vines and it makes you feel like your in a country garden somewhere with an amazing view and food (*JKGF gives an A+ for the chill environment it offers). Dinner is a great time to go, but we must admit, it will cost you. Don't be surprised to spend a $100 on a meal for 2, but hey, how else would it be...I mean after all it is Hollywood;-)

The Ivy:
113 N Robertson Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 274-8303

P.S. Reason #101 to go to the Ivy...Robertson Blvd shopping;-) Lisa Kline, Kitson, need we say more??...

Picture source: http://www.seeing-stars.com/ImagePages/TheIvyPhoto.shtml

Food.Fun.Stuff.: REPOST-Restaurant Week for Everybody!

REPOST!! This is a repost of all the cities having restaurant weeks in the upcoming weeks...travel, eat, explore;-)

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.: Don't Forget!

The weekend to do list:

1. Washington, D.C. Restaurant Week is still going on!! And today JKGF will be reposting the other cities enjoying Restaurant Week in the upcoming weeks, so stay tuned.

2. 90's hip hop your thing?? Well check out the WhoaDown Festival happening this weekend (*Details in JKGF post on August 5, 2008 "Cookout in the City...Well Not Directly in the City").

3. Other than that, have fun!

Picture source: http://granitegrok.com/blog/plain_politics/

Blue Berry Muffinz

Blue Berry Muffinz

1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream shortening and sugar. Beat in egg. Add milk in alternately with dry ingredients. Fold in the berries. Spoon the mixture into muffin tins. Bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly browned.

*Johnna's tip: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? So why not start with something that leaves a lasting impression on your mind all day by how delicious it is? Homemade, fresh, out the oven, blueberry muffins are ridiculously good! Spread them with your favorite butter, margarine or butter substitute and get ready to start your most fabulous day;-)

Picture source: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/photo/CINNAMON-BLUEBERRY-MUFFINS-1222209