delicious ramblings about spilled milk and cookie crumblings
in a little red tiled town on the beach
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
M&M's are made in China?
....Mars remains confident that none of its chocolate or confectionery products made in China include any dairy ingredients adulterated with melamine and that all of its products are safe for consumption”, the company statement says. - North Country Gazette
Mars North America said in a statement that its operations in China do not get any ingredients from companies found to be selling melamine-contaminated dairy products. It says the Chinese food-safety agency tested samples of Mars China's milk powder suppliers and found them to be free of melamine. - International Herald Tribune
Supermarkets in Hong Kong have also been pulling Oreo's, M&M's and Snickers off the shelves after Indonesia found traces of melamine in those products. - Shanghaist
and, boy...is it "edible", well, rather, "Edible Santa Barbara" One of the newest members of the Edible Community is set for publication in the very near future, the first issue slated for Spring, March 2009.
If you have not yet discovered the growing Edible Communities of local/regional "Edible" magazines and websites, I highly recommend you do.
EDIBLE COMMUNITIES, INC.is a publishing and information services company that creates editorially rich, community-based, local-foods publications in distinct culinary regions throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Through our publications, supporting websites, and events, we connect consumers with family farmers, growers, chefs, and food artisans of all kinds. We believe that every person has the right to affordable, fresh, healthful food on a daily basis and that knowing where our food comes from is a powerful thing. We are a for-profit, member-driven corporation - individuals who own our publications are local-foods advocates and residents of the communities they publish in - a business model that not only supports our values, but also preserves the integrity of our member publications and the communities we serve.
Can an Avocado Festival have an "official burger?"
Well, the upcoming 22nd Annual Avocado Festival in Carpinteria certainly does, as Carl's Jr.'s Guacamole Burger has been named as the Festival's "Official Burger." Carl's Jr. is actually headquartered in the little seaside community just a crow's flight down the 101, so it doesn't come as much of a surprise. But what is surprising is that you can order the Guacamole Burger in 3 different sizes!
Carl's Jr. restaurants are expanding their offerings of Guacamole Bacon Burgers, as the burger has been named the official burger of the upcoming California Avocado Festival.
The Guacamole Bacon Six Dollar Burger was added as a permanent menu item in 2003, and now, customers may order the burger in single, double or Six Dollar sizes. - LABizJournal
Speaking of fierce competition, the California Avocado Commission has their own "avocado burger competition" (in association with Sutter Home...free TShirts to the first 500 entrants) and they profile of Carpinteria Avocado grower, Duncan Abbott, on their website (avocado.org.)
After decades of sustainable farming, he’s seen the power in working with nature rather than against her. So his trees thrive in all-natural compost. His farm creates energy rather than consumes it. And his continued research ensures that the land will stay lush and fruitful for generations to come.
In another life, Duncan worked in the high stakes field of investment banking. But Duncan longed for more; he wanted to work with his hands in the soil in search of fulfillment. Leveraging his opportunities, he moved into real estate, starting with the purchase of his father’s ranch in Carpinteria, California. He traded his high profile lifestyle for the satisfaction of farming Hand Grown in California Avocados.
Mark your calendars for the October 3, 4 and 5. Check the Amtrak schedules and head on down by train...it's a relaxing journey skimming the coast. (Watch for the dolphins off of Summerland!)
Better celebrate and enjoy these green gobs of good before they quite possibly disappear in our drought stricken State.
In a move that will affect crop production across much of the region, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California plans to end its discount program for agricultural irrigation water. The move, expected to be approved in October, will open the door to increased water costs for many Southland farmers.
If adopted by the MWD board of directors, the proposal could reduce food production, as farmers struggle to pay higher water costs on top of soaring costs for fuel, fertilizer and other supplies. - California Farm Bureau Federation
Please buy some Newman's Own products today (and everyday) in honor of the generosity of spirit of Paul.
For 25 years, we at Newman's Own have had a front row seat to watch Paul's entrepreneurial brilliance, humor, and compassion at work helping those in need. Our company motto, "Shameless Exploitation in Pursuit of the Common Good," was Paul's vision for Newman's Own and it is a philosophy we are proud to continue.
Paul occasionally referred to Newman's Own as the "joke that got out of control" and would express astonishment at its success. Despite this humorous approach, Paul was committed to the company's business and to providing top-notch quality – he brought all-natural food products to a wide audience long before it was fashionable. And he was one of the greatest recyclers, giving back to charity all the money he earned from the sale of Newman's Own products.
You might not see him on FoodTV or hawking a line of pots and pans on the shopping shows, like other "celebrity chefs", but Bradley Ogden is a true "big name" in the restaurant/foodie world...and he's bringing the newest of his Lark Creek Restaurant Group Creations (One Market, Lark Creek Inn, Yankee Pier, Bradley Ogden Las Vegas) to the Central Coast.
We've known for awhile that he had plans for a restaurant in our little neck of the world....
Bradley Ogden Heading For Santa Ynez (EaterLA in March) Ogden Partners With Chumash Indians, Mono Taking Shape (EaterSF in March)
but those plans of the restaurant opening are closer to fruition.
Chef Ogden is a perfect fit for the Central Coast, as we tend to be progressive, forward thinking in terms of local, fresh ingredients making all the difference in the world in taste, and so is he.
"Coming from the Midwest, I grew up eating freshly caught trout, free-range chicken and hand-picked fruits and vegetables. As my culinary training exposed me to new techniques and ingredients, I never lost my appreciation for those basic tastes." --Bradley Ogden
Food Gal had a sit down with Chef Ogden about this new venture in his new "hometown."
Q: What will the restaurant be like?
A: It will be about 80 seats with a glassed-in kitchen. When you walk in, there will be French doors that will open up to the lounge-bar area that will have water features, landscaping, and fireplaces. The design will be sort of a light California-Hawaiian decor.
You have one of the biggest agricultural areas in the world here, so sustainable agriculture will be a big part of the menu. It will be influenced by local fishermen and local growers. The wine list will be 90 percent American, up and down coast of California, with a heavy emphasis on the Santa Ynez, Paso Robles, and San Luis Obispo area.
It will be an upscale, contemporary American restaurant with prices in the $30 and under range.
...Q: So you’re living the good life in the Santa Ynez area now. So fess up, are you chowing down all the time on Danish cookies and pastries?
A: (laughs) No, I’m not. I’m watching my trim, boyish figure. I do love a good custard-filled donut, don’t get me wrong. I found a great little donut shop nearby, the Donut Hut in Buellton. But I try not to go there too often.
Gabe Saglie, publisher of or local foodie seasonal magazine, Santa Barbara Wine & Dine, had a sit down chat with Chef Ogden as well and part of his talk is published in the newest edition. Look for it in a news stand around town.
The 34th Annual Planned Parenthood Book Sale is here...
And, yes...I made my first venture into the literal "acres" of books. I tried to be good and stay away for a few days...but I just couldn't help myself. I didn't pick up too many, as I made myself stick to a very, very strick budget. I walked away with some interesting additions to my ever expanding cookbook collection.
1) Luncheon - The Gamble House. Recipes and appointments of luncheons served in The Gamble House in Pasadena. I absolutely LOVE The Gamble House. (Celebrating their Centennial Year this year - 1908-2008, by the way!) Any lovers of architecture are taken with this amazing creation of the Greene brothers and a photo of this historic masterpiece does grace the cover of the spiral bound cookbook. From the book's front piece....
Luncheon at The Gamble House is one of the special ways the Docent Council has found to share with you the traditional hospitality of this beautiful home. The luncheons, which are followed by a tour of the house, are served in a part of the house which is not show on the the regular Tuesday and Thursday public tours. Reservations for luncheon are not open to the general public.
...so many of our guests have requested recipes we decided to compile them in a cookbook.
2) 101 Secrets of California Chefs (original recipes from the state's great restaurants) (1970) This softback book contains names and recipes of many restaurants well known in 1969 when it originally was published, but are now only known in memories of diners and in cookbooks such as this. Orsi's (Zuppa Inglesse and Stracciatella alla Romana)and Doro's (Cannelloni) both in San Francisco. The Brambles (Oyster Soup) in Cambria. The French Poodle (Poulet Chaumiere) in Carmel. The restaurant that caught my eye, The Olive Mill Bistro (Chicken Suzanne) one of my long ago haunts here in Santa Barbara.
3) Taste of the Pacific Region (2001) This is a collection of recipes submitted by Eddie Bauer associates in the Pacific Region. It was done to help raise over $80,000 to benefit the United Way in Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada and British Colombia. The various categories were broken down by region. Appetizers by British Columbia. Breads by Seattle East. Salads by Los Angeles. Soups by Eastern Washington. Meats by Oregon. Poultry by Southern California/Nevada. Seafood by San Francisco East/Hawai'i. Sides by San Francisco West. Desserts by Seattle West/Alaska. Recipes include:Tournedos of Beef with Cabernet Raisin Sauce. Chicken with Chipolte Cacust and Avocado Salsa. Turkey Tenderloins with Papaya Salsa. Grilled Orange and Bourbon Salmon. Apricot Ginger Pound Cake with Rum Glaze. Who knew that Eddie Bauer associates were so handy with the spatulas!
When he sold the family printing business that his grandfather had founded, Kurt Beecher Dammeier could have retired, a wealthy man at 38.
Instead Dammeier used a portion of the money as a grubstake for a second career in the food industry.
"I wanted to do things I really care about rather than something I fell into -- which is what happens to you in a family business," Dammeier said.
One thing Dammeier cares about deeply is "pure" food made with no preservatives and no artificial flavorings or colorings. Dammeier is allergic to food additives and is convinced that additives are an underlying cause of health problems for many people.- PugetSound Business Journal
His philosophy is carried throughout the book. Local. Organic. Free Range. Fresh. These are the building blooks of his recipes which include: Toasted Brie and Sweet Thai Chili Sauce Sandwich. Parsnip Spice Cake. Pan Roasted Orange-Paprika Carrots. Butter Rubbed Salmon with Blueberry Sauce. Dungeness Crab Mac and Cheese. Masa Flour Pancakes with Three-Citrus Honey-Butter Syrup.
Hungry yet? I certainly am!
Get yourselves down to Earl Warren Showgrounds and pick up some great books (cookbooks or otherwise) at the 34th Planned Parenthood Booksale.
FoodNetwork is jumping into the cooking mag fry pan.
Hearst Magazines and the Food Network are forging ahead with their new food title. Food Network Magazine, as they’re calling it, will represent the array of the network’s celeb chefs, from Paula Deen to Ina Garten to Bobby Flay. The first of two test issues is slated to come out in October, with a second to follow in January, said Michael Clinton, executive vp, chief marketing officer and publishing director for Hearst. - MediaWeek
According to a published report last week, Florence is being tapped as the center’s dean of culinary studies, responsible for all food education and culinary instruction as well as for the online food and wine content on copia.org. - The Press Democrat
I don't know if Tyler's presence will help the financially troubled Food/Wine Mecca, but I certainly hope so. Wonder if we'll be seeing him on Copia TV, too.
Creditors are taking control of the troubled insurer that guaranteed the $77 million in bonds issued by a California state bank for Napa's Copia: the American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts.
...I-Bank, a tiny, state-owned institution, endorsed a $77 million bailout of Copia last year even as the museum was insolvent and facing IRS accusations of violating its nonprofit status with too many for-profit activities. I-Bank also had authorized the first bond offering for Copia in 1999, for $70 million, which allowed construction of the center's lavish buildings and grounds.
As a third party, I-Bank maintains it is not liable for the bonds, but its former chairman expressed concern about Copia's financial instability before the second round of bonds were approved. That approval hinged on ACA's insurance.- SacBee
Just by dining out often at participating restaurants you’ll be helping to end childhood hunger in America.
Here in Santa Barbara, Piatti's in Montecito is participating. A couple of restaurants that I enjoy in the Los Angeles area are also participating. Ciudad in LaLa and Il Fornaio in Pasadena. Other favorites that are participating, in San Francisco- PlumpJack in New Orleans - Herbsaint and in Yountville, The French Laundry and Bouchon.
All you landlubbers, call up ye old Cap'n Don and take a sunset Pirate Cruise tonight.
Pirate Sunset Cruise Quench your thirst on Pirate rum or other drinks in the galley. The spirits run high on this 1 ½ hour adventure along the coast of Santa Barbara. Gather up your mates and enjoy a golden sunset from the Pacific Ocean over looking beautiful Santa Barbara.
Young visitors and their families are invited to dress in their fearsome pirate best and join us for swashbuckling fun and adventure each September 19th.
Internationally celebrated, “Talk like a Pirate” Day gives young and old alike the opportunity sample life as a pirate, traveling an uncharted course to adventure and hidden treasure. Once ye can talk like a pirate, any buccaneer can explore the unburied treasure that the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum has to offer. With a treasure map to lead you through the Museum, enjoy pirate-themed trivia & activity sheets. Arrgh, matey
Take ye selves down to Video Schmideo and see if they have a copy of The Plack Pirate (1926) which was filmed on Santa Catalina Island and stars the ultimate swashbuckler, Douglas Fairbanks.
The Ojai Pirate Faire, taking place over two consecutive weekends this month, will celebrate all things piratical, from rum to cutlasses and from buxom lasses … probably back to rum. This September’s Faire, Ojai’s 17th annual pirate invasion, will include all of the above plus a myriad of other activities and entertainments, including something tantalizingly described in the event program as a “Bawdy Juggler.” And there will also be belly dancers, just in case the juggling isn’t sufficiently bawdy. - The Santa Barbara Independent
Rumour has it that Belle Dolce Bakery will FINALLY open the doors to a retail store soon in the Arlington Court. (Just 1/2 block away from Crushcakes Cupcakes.)
And, although Eileen does sublimely delicious cupcakes, she does so much more....
Bella Dolce is a Santa Barbara catering company specializing in beautiful cookies, petite sweets, luscious cupcakes and exquisite wedding cakes.
Bella Dolce was established in 1997 by Pastry Chef Eileen Randall Cook.
....Eileen left Santa Barbara for the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco and a pastry internship at Campton Place Hotel. She graduated from the CCA Chef Program in 1989. She then moved to Los Angeles where she mastered breakfast pastry at the Hotel Bel Air, did food styling for print and film, catering for the stars, taught cooking classes and managed the cooking school at Montana Mercantile in Santa Monica.
Since returning to Santa Barbara in 1992 Eileen was the pastry chef at Brigitte’s (now Opal) and Executive Pastry Chef at the Wine Cask. There she was responsible for the design and production of desserts for the Wine Cask Restaurant and catering company, The University Club and Polo Club.
Sweet Buttercup, although it seems to be web-based, is having an open house on Saturday, September 27th from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m. for sampling of their frosting topped wares. Will I see you there?
Sweet Buttercup 2611 De la Vina, Santa Barbara, CA - 805-967-8160
Sweet Buttercup is a web-based cupcakery that specializes in custom gourmet cupcakes and cookies. We use premium ingredients such as cocoa from France, Belgium chocolate, and Madagascar-bourbon vanilla. We take great care to provide a product that tastes as delicious as it looks. All of our product is scratch-baked and decorated to match any event or theme.
Sounds interesting. Wonder if any of our local Santa Barbara County wineries will jump on the Amazon selling bandwagon.
Amazon.com, the largest global online retailer, plans to start selling U.S.-produced wine on its website within the United States by early October, wine industry insiders said on Wednesday.
Napa Valley Vintners, a nonprofit group representing 315 vintners in the famous California wine-producing region, has already begun to set up workshops for wineries interested in selling through the retail giant, said Terry Hall, communications director for the group.
...Confusion over online wine sales have continued despite a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision that ruled states could not discriminate against out-of-state wineries. A group called "Free the Grapes" has been working to streamline legislation and open new states to direct-to-consumer wine shipping. - Reuters
It's not just California wine. Amazon, which is based up in Washington, has contacted that state's wineries, too.
Amazon has approached the Washington Wine Commission to help tell 550-plus wineries about selling through the retail giant, said Ryan Pennington, a spokesman for the state agency. - Seattle Times
To be more exact, Brennan's in Houston was the one that was destroyed by fire as Ike blew into town...NOT the flagship Brennan's in NOLA. But, it's Brennan's none the less.
Three people were severely injured and a Houston culinary landmark was left in ashes early Saturday by a fire that erupted as Hurricane Ike began to barrel into town.
Brennan's Restaurant, a Midtown institution famous for its turtle soup and bananas foster and a time-honored eatery among local society, was ruined by the blaze. A 45-year-old man and his 4-year-old daughter, along with a third man who was not related to them, were taking refuge from the storm inside the brick structure.
....Firefighters struggled in vain for hours to contain the fire, which was whipped by ever gusting winds that blew from all directions. With no hope for the restaurant, fire officials concentrated on keeping the fire from reaching nearby buildings....
The task of containment grew even more daunting as the winds increased. Dangerous debris — felled trees and limbs, unhinged stoplights, awnings, road signs, shopping carts — skittered through the streets, with nearby taller buildings funneling gusts directly toward the flames. - Houston Chronicle
I've grown up knowing about the Hurricane that nearly wiped Galveston off the map as it occurred on a September 8 (although quite a number of years before I arrived on this earth on a September 8.) Send some thoughts and prayers their way today as Ike looks like it wants to refresh Texans knowledge of history.
1935 Sen. Huey P. Long, the "Kingfish" of Louisiana politics, was shot at the state capital building in Baton Rouge
1951 - Treaty of San Francisco: In San Francisco, California, 48 nations sign a peace treaty with Japan in formal recognition of the end of the Pacific War
1966 The TV series "Star Trek" premiered on NBC
1971 - In Washington, DC, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is inaugurated
1974 President Ford granted an unconditional pardon to former President Nixon
2004 "60 Minutes Wednesday" aired a report questioning President George W. Bush's National Guard service
Happy Birthday to:
King Richard I of England (Richard the Lionhearted) Antonín Dvořák Jimmie Rodgers Sid Caesar Lyndon LaRouche Sam Nunn Claude Pepper Grace Metalious Peter Sellers Patsy Cline Bernie Sanders Ann Beattie Mark Foley Heather Thomas Aimee Mann Stefano Casiraghi Pink Jonathan Taylor Thomas, and....
ME! I'm in a deep funk. I didn't want to get out of bed this entire weekend. It's not fun having a BDay in September these days. Feeling old. Feeling like my life is passing by and I haven't contributed anything of import to this world. Think I'm going to buy myself a big ol' chocolate cake and eat it by myself this evening. Whoooo hoooo.
The California Association of Bed & Breakfast Inns, of which several of our local B&B's are members, has a cookbook from their member collection of B&B's. (Yeah...yet another cookbook I recently picked up.) The submissions are from all parts of the state and reflect the different local tastes, traditions and most highlight California agricultural products. Some are hand me down recipes from the inn keepers family members; some are Mexican in tradition with a little "California Cuisine" inspiration. They all look delicious! Artichoke Frittata from the Old Thyme Inn in Half Moon Bay. Fresh Corn Waffles with Cilantro Butter from the Carter House Inns in Eureka. Boysenberry Cobbler from Barney's Rancho Bernardo in Cathey's Valley (Near Yosemite). Sausage Chile Rellenos with Apricots & Raisins from the Inn at Playa Del Rey in (surprise) Playa Del Rey. Caramelized Onion, Spinach & Blue Cheese Quiche from 1801 First in Napa. Aunt Dora's Southern Barbeque Sauce from The Groveland Hotel (near Yosemite.) Fresh Basil Vinaigrette from Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley (near Lake Tahoe.)
My favorite, being the cookie monster that I am, is the Crunchy Chewy Ginger Snaps from Prufrock's Garden Inn just a hop skip and a jump down the 101 in Carpinteria.
3/4 cup shortening 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup molasses 1 large egg 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves white sugar
Preheat oven to 375. In large bowl, cream shortening, brown sugar, molasses and egg together until fluffy. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon and cloves. Slowly add flour mixture to molasses mixutre, sitrring to combine.
Form dough into balls slightly smaller than golf balls. Roll in white sugar. Place 2 inches apart on greased (or silpated) cookie sheet. Bake for approximately 10 minutes or until cracks show on surface. Cool briefly.
