Double Black Diamond: The Weekly Bump Goes Vertical

I guess it is because it is the beginning of the year, but this week’s weekly bump is more of a mountain than a bump.  So here goes: Online:  Dinner and a Movie Kids Off the Couch, a weekly email that pairs a film with an activity, is featuring soup this week.  The movie is The…

The Hottest Food Trend for 2009: Part I

We’re eating more Organic food, we’re starting to shop and eat locally, we’re thinking more about trans-fats and processed foods, and in the past decade our food knowledge and food availability has been greatly expanded. The trend in 2009 isn’t a local one.  It’sInternetional.  We can say goodbye to the old ingredient trends such as…

Recipe: Braised Monkfish with Bacon and Tomatoes (modified)

I made this recipe from my Williams Sonoma Fish cookbook, but changed it a bit. Before you head to the recipe,  here are my modifications. I used a handful of cherry tomatoes per person.  I used pancetta instead of bacon because that is what I had in the fridge.  You could also try to use proscuitto…

Shop Like a Chef: Fish

When I shop for fish I have a couple things in mind when I head to the fish counter.  My requirements are: Must be fresh Must be local (we live on the coast for goodness sake) Must be under two digits a pound. Must be fish I like Must be fresh I am not a…

Recipe: Pease Porridge Hot, Pease Porridge Cold

Pease porridge hot Pease porridge cold Some like it hot Some like it cold Some like it in the pot Nine days old. –unknown It has come to my attention that among other things this month, such as President Obama’s inauguration, January is Oatmeal month.  Growing up, my mother would often make oatmeal porridge in the winter. …

Crescent Ridge Dairy: Knocking on the Milk Door

I’ve never been a milk drinker and we just were not brought up drinking milk.  That’s not to say that we are a “no dairy” family.  We have milk in the fridge that we use primarily for cereal, cooking, and coffee. There was one time when I remember drinking milk.  When my family was staying…

Food & Foodie Meetup Groups:

This category of our hot food trend of 2009 starts online and then heads back out into the real world of tangible food, friends, and experiences.  The foodie meetup groups are plentiful and great resources.  I’m not sure how family friendly they are, but the great thing about meetup groups is that you can start…

Start the Year Off With a Little Help From “Your Friends”

Perhaps you’re planning to organize your kitchen cabinets this year.  Maybe, you want to start your children’s scrapbooks this year.  You might be commiting yourself to a weekly workout at the gym with a personal trainer this year.  Whatever your plans are, you might need to take some time from somewhere to put it towards…

To Meat or Not To Meat That is the Question

Peta 2 has their vote going on for the 2008 World’s sexiest vegetarians.  Peta has their list of 2008 top 10vegetarian friendly ball parks.  And examiner.com‘sBoston Vegetarian Examiner has a great list of vegetarian prix fixe menus available to ring in 2009.   I’m sure that in the coming days some people are planning to start…

Celebrating Not Just Surviving New Year’s Eve With Young Children

Staying up for midnight on New Year’s Eve was never a problem for me.  We celebrated at parties with friends.  We went out to First Night in Boston, and Stamford, CT.  We stayed in for a fabulous home cooked dinner with friends in Maine.  We had large celebrations and small parties. Then, I married an early…

Hot in 2008: Have a Happy Hulu Holiday

If you haven’t heard of it yet, you will be hearing about it soon.  Hulu.com is a a two year old website that, hosts hit TV shows, movies and clips all for free.  What does this have to do with your holidays and food? For those of you who didn’t grow up in the kitchen…