We've Hit the Jackpot, Ladies and Gents

We now, collectively, have the recipe to Kaddo Borwani, or the Baked Pumpkin I loved so much when I went to The Helmand last month. 

Kaddo Borwani - the deliciousness in the foreground

Check out the recipe on Dining@Large!

Baltimore Beer Week, Oct 7-17th

There are some major events going on for Baltimore Beer Week, in fact, over 300!  They are taking place at local bars, restaurants and breweries - check out the website for more details!!!!http://www.bbweek.com/  and follow some of these blogs too !
http://beerinbaltimore.com/
http://beerinbaltimore.blogspot.com/

Baltimore Events and Information

It's a large post cause SO much stuff is going on in Baltimore!  Isn't that exciting :)


Sugar Loaf Crafts Festival - This weekend!

• This weekend is the Sugarloaf Crafts Festival (Oct1-3rd) at the Maryland State Fairgrounds. 250 Artisans will be there to show off their craft! You will be able to find pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, clothes, furniture, home accessories, and photography! But of course, lots of specialty foods sellers will be there as well!
• Admission is valid all 3 days and is $7 online or $9 for adults. Children under 12 are free. For more information, visit http://www.sugarloafcrafts.com/ or call (800) 210-9900.

Morton's Steakhouse - Morton's & Mondavi Wine Dinner, Oct 7th

• Morton’s The Steakhouse and the Mondavi families are gathering for the first time to celebrate the Mondavi family’s more than 90 years in growing and crafting wine, which will be broadcast simultaneously at Morton’s Baltimore restaurant (located at 300 S. Charles Street) and other locations throughout the United States on Thursday, October 7 at 8 p.m. (EST). Wines from the Charles Krug Winery, Continuum Estate, and Folio Wine Partners, will be paired with four courses of Morton’s cuisine, including some new menu items.
• In addition, guests at this special event have the opportunity to bid on the first-ever red wine produced by the extended Mondavi family. Called The Legendary Primat, it is a unique blend of Napa Valley grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, produced and blended by the second and third generations of the Mondavi family. All proceeds from the auction benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
• Tickets to this charity fundraiser are $175 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity, and can be purchased by calling Morton’s at 410-547-8255 or online at www.mortons.com.

The Culinary Institute of America - Admissions Reception, Oct 20th

• The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) will be holding an Admissions reception in Baltimore on Wednesday, October 20th at 6PM. Aspiring students will have the chance to meet CIA reps and learn about the various programs offered at the school. On top of that, our very own Duff Goldman will be there to share his story about being a student!
• To learn more, contact The Culinary Institute of America at 1-800-CULINARY (285-4627) or visit www.ciachef.edu. The reception will be held at Charles Commons on the campus of The Johns Hopkins University, 3301 North Charles St.,

Baltimore Coffee and Tea

• Have you ever heard of “pour-over coffee?” Well, it’s a new product that has just been launched by Baltimore Coffee and Tea -“Any Coffee Any Time.” The product itself is pour-over coffee. Pour-over coffee is a method of brewing coffee and making it easier for patrons. The technique of pour-over coffee is an economical way to offer great tasting coffee without the hassle, since brewers do not require a plumbing connection, just plug it in, fill it with water and coffee grounds, and brew! Baltimore Coffee and Tea offers up to 120 different types of coffee! 

Phillips Seafood Restaurant - Seafood Cooking Classes

• Phillips Seafood Restaurant is offering cooking classes with Chef Arturo Paz! “Cook, Crack & Eat” are a series of seasonal seafood cooking classes that include a demonstration, some wine and a meal with the chef! Classes are $50 each, and it includes the demo, wine, lunch and a goody bag! Classes begin at 11:30, and space is limited so register early!
• Clam Bake for Two, Saturday, October 16, 2010.
• Learn how to shop for fresh seafood, select it and whip up an easy one-pot meal. Then they’ll show you how to combine it all to create a clam bake that includes a whole Maine lobster, snow crab legs, shrimp, clams, mussels, potatoes and corn on the cob.
• The Freshest Catch, Saturday, November 6, 2010.
• Salmon. Barramundi. Flounder. Mahi-mahi. It’s all so good. But how do you select it, clean it, grill it, or stuff it with crab? Enjoy lunch, wine, and discuss all the intricacies of a great meal with the chef.
• Call the restaurant to register at 410.685.6600 or visit their website.

NATIONAL COFFEE DAY

Today is National Coffee Day!!!!!!!

Why didn't I know this?  I feel like this is a day I should have marked on my calendar!
If I knew about this day I would have made myself a cup of drip coffee in the morning, a cup of French press coffee when I got to work (which I did) and a delightful frappuccino concoction for the afternoon slump.  Then I would have got home and prepared a roast with a coffee rub and then had coffee cake for dessert.

OK fine, I wouldn't have done that. 

I am still bummed that I wasn't fully prepared to celebrate the day of one of my greatest loves.

Miss Shirley's, Roland Park Part Two

Miss Shirley's is seriously THE place for breakfast or brunch in Baltimore.  It really is - you can tell by the wait and the crowd in that restaurant every.single.weekend.  The thing is, it's really really incredibly deserved.  Their menu literally has something for everyone, I know that is terribly cliche - but it's true! 

The last time I had gone to Miss Shirley's was about 2 years ago, which is NOT RIGHT.  Here is my post about that time. 

I expected to go to the restaurant and immediately order the coconut-cream stuffed french toast again, but I surprised myself and wanted something savory instead.  I settled on the Southern Slammer Sandwich ($8.99) - Fried Green Tomato, Applewood-Smoked Bacon, avocado, cheddar cheese and egg on pumpernickel. Now, for some reason I was expecting this to be healthier than it turned out to be.  Don't ask me why - it clearly said all those ingredients on the menu I read...but still, it was a bit of a surprise.  Overall the flavors were fabulous, and it was SUCH a filling sandwich, but I didn't think the pumpernickel bread really worked - it was too crispy and therefore made it feel even more fried and unhealthy.  It was tasty, but I probably wouldn't order it again.

Dan went all out and ordered The Shore Thing Omelette ($17.99) - Smoked Ham, jumbo lump crab, shrimp and swiss, dusted with old bay.  He said it was amazing, and loved the biscuit.  I still feel that $18 is a crazy amount to spend on breakfast, but understandably it's priced that way because of all the seafood. At least it was delicious!

My friends at the table also ordered their Funky Monkey Bread ($9.99) - Cinnamon-y bread/dough, with bananas, chocolate and pecans.  This looks like something I would be into, but I am really not a fan of heavily cinnamon flavored things.  However, I am in the minority, because everybody was practically writing odes to the monkey bread the entire time it was on the table.  Do you like cinnamon rolls and bananas and chocolate?  You will love this.  Trust me.  Or actually, trust my friends.

This Weekend: Baltimore Book Festival

Are you going to the Baltimore Book Festival?

The fun has already started, and will continue until Sunday!  Check out their website for more information!

There are a ton of Food Related events, so check out the Food for Thought stage to find out who will be there!!!!

When:
SEPTEMBER 24-26, 2010

FRIDAY, 12-8PM
SATURDAY, 12-8PM
SUNDAY, 12-7PM


Where:
MOUNT VERNON PLACE
600 BLOCK NORTH CHARLES STREET
BALTIMORE, MD 21201

Friday Morning Haiku

Dear Weather Makers

Please remember it is Fall

And turn off the heat

 

Seriously.  What is happening here?  It is officially Fall and I am ready to start making briskets and stews, and I don't feel right doing that when I still have short sleeves on.  This is ridiculous and needs to stop.

 

In other news, this is my 400th post ahahahahaha what a shame it had to be wasted on some lame Weather Haiku and not on something awesome (like something Harry Potter related).  Oh well, such is life my friends, such is life.

 

Actually, NO, I will not let this post be lame.  Here, please check out the new Harry Potter trailer

 

NOW THIS POST IS BEYOND AWESOMENESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

Image by Jesse Therrien

Dining Out for Life for Moveable Feast - TODAY

 

 
Today, September 23rd, go out to eat at participating restaurants and a portion of the proceeds will go to Moveable Feast, a non-profit that delivers food to homebound people living with AIDS in the Greater Baltimore area.
 
I unfortunately can't go tonight because I am singing lalalalalalala, but I hope a bunch of you have the chance to go!!

There are restaurants that are also participating for Lunch AND Dinner!

Today's Food Deals

Groupon

• $10 for $20 at MangoGrove, a Vegetarian Indian Restaurant
• Expires 12/23/10. Limit 2 per person, but 1 per visit and 1 per table.  Food purchase only.
• Holy Crap.  Sign me up for some Dosa.  Any kind.  Dosa are like huge crepes and they are filled with delicious lentils or potatoes or onions OMG they are SO GOODDDDDDDD
• $10 for $25 at Darker than Blue Cafe, for Modern Southern Cuisine
• Expires in a year.  Limit 8 per person, 1 per visit and 1 per table.  Dine-in only.
• Let's be honest.  I would walk into this restaurant, sit down at the table and immediately order my meal - I don't even need to look at the menu anymore.  All I need is the Fried Chicken Southern Platter ($18.95) - Half a chicken, fried, served with baked macaroni and cheese, candied yams and sauteed baby spinach. Done.

Eversave

• $6 for $12 at Burger Brothers, Towson
• Expires 8/31/11.  May buy multiple, but use 1 per person, per visit.
• I can't believe I've never been here, this is a TRAVESTY.  Sounds like I should pick up one of these and call it a night.  A burger-y and fries-y kind of night.

Restaurant.com

• Get $25 gift certificates for $2 when you use the Promo Code "Autumn" at the Checkout.  Promo code expires 9/26/10

Roy's

• 3 course Prix Fixe Fall menu for $35.95pp
• If you love Restaurant Week prices, you may love this Prix Fixe price offered by Roy's.  I'd start with the Kabocha Salad, followed by Beef Short Ribs (of course, man I am so predictable) and then the Pumpkin and Ginger cheesecake for a real taste of Fall flavors.

2010 Maryland's Governor's Cup Competition

To go along with my Morning Haiku, another reason to check out the Wine Festival this weekend is to try some wineries that got top honors at the Maryland Governor's Cup Competition on August 15th. 

Also, as an aside.....I can't be the only one who thinks of Harry Potter everytime I read the word Basilisk, right?  I am deathly afraid of snakes, but for some reason I want to go to Serpent Ridge Vineyard for the SOLE reason of trying the Basilisk BECAUSE it reminds me of HP. 

That makes me officially nutty, doesn't it? 

I should open my very own Harry Potter Themed Vineyard.  OMG that would be AWESOME.  I could call it Gryffindor's Grapes or something like that. Let's think of some awesome names for Harry Potter wines. 

Ron's Red?  That's lame. 

Voldemort's Viognier?  Noooooo, blah!  I am not being creative enough!

Oh yea, back to the Governor's Cup........ :)

Here are the big winners:

Governor’s Cup Award Winner–Best in Show!
Fiore Winery • Sangiovese 2007

Best of Class Awards
Best Red: Fiore Winery • Sangiovese 2007
Best Rosé: Knob Hall Winery • Rosé Reserve
Best Red Blend: Serpent Ridge Vineyard • Basilisk 2008  (!!!!!)
Best Off-Dry: St. Michaels White • 2009
Best Fruit: Fiore Winery • Apple-luscious

Gold Medalists
Black Ankle Vineyards • Crumbling Rock 2008
Black Ankle Vineyards • Rolling Hills 2008
Cygnus Wine Cellars • Blanc de Blanc 2008
Dove Valley Winery • Gold 2008
Fiore Winery • Apple-lucious
Fiore Winery • Sangiovese 2007
Knob Hall Winery • Chambourcin 2009
Knob Hall Winery • Rosé Reserve 2009
Knob Hall Winery • Semi-dry Rosé 2009
Little Ashby Vineyards • Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Little Ashby Vineyards • Super Talbot 2007
Serpent Ridge Vineyard • Basilisk 2008
St. Michaels Winery • "Martha" Chambourcin 2008
St. Michaels Winery • St. Michaels White 2009
Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard • EVOE! 2007

Friday Morning Haiku

Wine from Maryland

All in one place this weekend

At the Festival

The Maryland Wine Festival is this weekend - are you planning on going?

Here are the details:

• When: September 18-19, 2010, Sat 10-6 pm, Sun 12-6 pm
• Where: Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster, Carroll County
• How Much (price at the gate):
• Regular Adult - $25
• includes wine glass and unlimited wine sampling
• PREMIER - $55
• Saturday tickets are SOLD OUT
• Gives you entry to main area, but also private area with premier wine samplings and gourmet food from local restaurants
• Engraved Riedel wine glass
• 2010 Maryland Wine Art Series poster
• Most importantly - access to a private bathroom :)
• Designated Driver - $20
• Child (ages 7-20) - $5
• Children 6 and Under - Free

Today's Fool Deals (9/16)

We're getting pretty spoiled with all these daily food deals, aren't we, Baltimore?  It's pretty awesome!

Living Social

• $15 for $30 at Alonso's
• Expires 9/17/11. Valid on food AND drinks.  Limit 1 per table, per visit.  Dine-in only.
• Check out my review on Alonso's!  I would totally go back for their burgers!

Eversave

• $20 for $40 at Velleggia's Italian and Seafood Restaurant
• Expires 8/31/11.  Limit 1 per person, but may buy multiple for gifts.  Limit 1 per table.  Not valid for delivery.
• I'd probably live it up by ordering the Fettucine Al Mare Bianco ($22.95) - Fettucine served in a cream sauce with shrimp, scallops and crab meat.  Where could I go wrong?

Do You Want To Be The Next Food Network Star?

I sure do.....except I am no master in the kitchen......:(

.........but are you?  Because Food Network will be casting IN BALTIMORE for the Next Food Network Star Season 7!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!  If you win and you're one of my readers, you better tell me and become best friends with me and invite me to Food Network shindigs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OK, so here are the deets:

They are looking for: 

• Strong culinary skills
• Personality that POPS!
• Passion for cooking
• Food knowledge
• Lots of energy and enthusiasm!!!!!

Casting Information

• Date: Sunday, September 26th 2010
• Time: 10AM-3PM
• Where: Pier 5 Hotel, 711 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD 21202
• What to Bring:
• Two recent photos
• A copy of your resume
• A COMPLETED application found here

Need more information?  Email nfns7baltimore@gmail.com or visit www.nfns7casting.com 

Free Dessert TODAY (9/15) from 1-3PM

To celebrate the premiere of Top Chef: Just Desserts tonight on Bravo at 11pm, dessert places around the country are giving out some of their sweet treats for FREE today from 1-3pm. 

Here are the list of places in our area:

Charm City Cupcakes
326 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21201
3215 North Charles Street, Baltimore MD 21218

Godiva - Harbor Place
200 East Pratt Street, Baltimore MD 21201

Patisserie Poupon
820 East Baltimore Street, Baltimore MD 21202

Puff's and Pastries
830 West 36th Street, Baltimore MD 21211

Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop
2919 O'Donnell Street, Baltimore MD 21224
696A Bel Air Road, Bel Air MD 21014
222 Albemarle Street, Baltimore MD 21202
118 Shawan Road, Cockeysville MD 21030


For a complete list, check it out here!  (Washington DCers - Firehook, Godiva, Patisserie Poupon and Red Velvet Cupcakery are part of it as well!)



Thanks, Jay, for the tip!

Today's Food Deals

Hello everyone!
Sorry I've been kinda slow on the posting recently - I went to Austin, TX to visit my niece and it's hard to get back into the swing of things...plus I miss her like crazy.

But anyway, here are some food deals in the area:

Groupon

• $15 for $30 at Don't Know Tavern
• For food AND drink. Expires in 1 year, limit 5 per person and 1 per table and a reservation is REQUIRED
• This seems like a great place to watch some football games - probably a good idea to stock up on some of these certificates if you're close by!  Get some crab dip in a bread bowl ($10) to start and maybe a Kobe Burger with Red Dragon cheese (?) for half time ($12) and a couple bottles of beer ($3.50-7) and you're set!
• $25 for $50 at Brique in Centreville
• Expires Mar 16, 2011.  Limit 1 per table and for dine-in dinner service only, but no purchase limit.
• Why not make a trip out to Queen Anne's County and stop in for dinner at Brique, a new upscale restaurant that opened recently.  Start with the Roasted Garlic and Goat Cheese Flan ($9) and the Seared Duck Breast entree with braised greens and maple citrus sweet potato ($24) and you may be a happy camper, especially if your dining partner gets the Lamb Loin Chop ($22) with carrot puree and leeks and allows you to share :)

Living Social

• $15 for $30 at Kabob Stop
• Expires March 16, 2011.  Limit 1 per person, but buy unlimited amount for gifts.  Limit 1 per table, reservations highly recommended.
• I've never been here, but I've heard it's pretty tasty!  I loooove me some Indian food, and feel like I should make it my solemn duty to try every Indian place around me, that's a pretty good goal, right? :)  I would be all about some Chicken Biryani ($11.49) and some Lamb Shahi Korma ($12.95) which is a creamy sauce that is usually a bit sweet.  If I didn't get carry out, I would treat myself to some Masala Tea ($2.50) and Dan would assuredly get some Gulab Jamun ($2.50) and we'd call it a day!

Did you get any of these deals!?

The Helmand, Mount Vernon

Oh the Helmand!  What an amazing restuarant and what a delightful meal!  The atmosphere was so inviting - busy and yet intimate - while the staff was professional and QUICK (quite imperssively so).  

Appetizers - Left: Mantwo, Right: Kaddo Borwani (PUMPKIN!!!)

To start, I immediately knew I had to order the "pumpkin appetizer" because that is what I have always heard about.  It is called Kaddo Borwani ($4.75), and yes, it was just as incredible as I had hoped.  It is pan-fried and baked baby pumpkin seasoned (liberally) with sugar and served with a yogurt-garlic sauce.  Garlic AND sugar pumpkin?  Oh yes.  It works.  Trust me and every other person who loved this appetizer.  The pumpkin was so sweet, like a lovely sweet potato in fact, and I thought the garlic yogurt was a fantastic, though unlikely, partner. 

We also ordered the appetizer portion of Mantwo ($4.75) - Homemade pastry shells filled with onions and beef, served on yogurt and topped with carrots, yellow split peas and beef sauce.   It doesn't look like how it sounds - I could hardly see the pastry shells, but they were there covered in a sea of delightful meat sauce.  This was sort of like a deconstructed Afghan lasagna - and I was all for it.  Loved it.  You can also get this as an Entree for $12.95, oh my it would be a fabulous choice.

We also ordered a small order of Naan ($2.50) which I used to sop up every little bit of those appetizers. 

Entrees - Left: Kabuli, Right: Koufta Challow

Very soon after we had finished our appetizers, our entrees swooped onto the table (which are small...so get used to stacking dishes and condensing).  I ordered the authentic Afghan dish - Kabuli ($14.95) - Afghan style rice baked with chunks of lamb tenderloin, raisins and glazed carrots.  I LOVED this dish.  If you love biryani at an Indian restaurant - you will love Kabuli here.  Actually, it was very similar to how my mum makes birayani so I was extremely pleased.  The lamb was great and I just LOVE when raisins find their way into my rice!

Dan ordered the Koufta Challow ($13.95) - combination of lamb and beef meatballs seasoned with dried grapes, spices, peas and tomato sauce and served with challow (rice with cumin as opposed to Pallow which is rice with cinnamon).  This was also delicious - I loved the tomato sauce, which had a wonderful kick to it.  And the meatballs were yummmyyyyy.  Great flavors, great dish. Not surprisingly, my mum also makes her own version of this dish, so needless to say, this was a great meal for me.

Turkish Coffee, Pumpkin cake (background) and pastries (foreground)

I opted for some Turkish coffee, remembering that I loved it here, and Dan and I shared a plate of Middle Eastern Pastries ($5.25) as well as a Pumpkin cake ($5.25?) that was supposed to be similar to a carrot cake.  The pastries were essentially 2 pieces of baklava.  They were good, but perhaps a little expensive for $5.25, but a nice choice if you want something sweet but don't have too much room in your tummy.  The pumpkin cake was not a favorite of mine at all, I thought it was entirely too dry and wished there were some raisins in there...or basically I wished it was carrot cake.  Dan liked it, of course :)

Overall, this was just a fantastic dinner, I honestly can't wait to come again.  It really does remind me a LOT of my mum's cooking, so I personally love it because I can go whenever I have a hankering for her and the Helmand's yummy food :)

Friday Morning Haiku

Happy Birthday to

My awesome niece, Alina

She is super cute!

Like super duper WOH cute.  She's one today and I love her so much :)  I would usually post five million pictures of her, but she is not my baby so I don't want to do anything without her parents' permission :)

I want to make a layer cake in her honor, but really, I just want to make a layer cake and I keep saying  that I will and I NEVER DO AAAAAAAAAAAAAH.  I need to stop making excuses and whip out my Kitchenaid mixer.

I'm in a commercial for the Baltimore Sun!!!!

I'm in a commercial for the Baltimore Sun!  Check it out!!!


I have always loved reading their blogs, especially Dining@Large and MidnightSun, so I was super excited that I was able to talk about that!!!!!!!!!!!

Yayayaya!!!  Also, you may notice that while I am clapping I am saying "I love clapping" because I really, really, honestly do AHAHAHAHHA

The commercials are going to air on TV during the week of 9/27 and I may be in some print stuff too!  Super fun!

Fleming's New 100 List

Fleming's is unveiling their new “Fleming's 100” or their list of 100 wines by the glass (wow that's quite a selection!!) In order to celebrate, they are hosting a bunch of cool events throughout September. Here is a list they sent me:


The New Fleming’s 100 “Opening Nights” every Thursday (2^nd, 9^th, 16^th, 23^rd, and 30^th) in September – A series of wine tastings featuring 20 (!) of the 100 selections. Visit the website to see which wines will be served on each night.


Memorable Meal: A Trio of Fleming’s Classics, $99 for Two through September 30 – Guests are invited to experience a variety of tastes of classic Fleming’s entrees, served “flight” style with three small entrees on a plate – Filet Mignon, Ahi Tuna and Lamb Chop.  The three-course Memorable Meal also includes a Broiled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad, a trio of roasted vegetables and a trio of crème brulees for dessert.  For $10, you can add a flight (three 2-ounce tastes) of paired wines from the new wine list.

Exclusive Caymus Interactive Wine Dinner, $125pp September 21 or 22  –  Join Caymus Vineyards owner and winemaker, Chuck Wagner, Fleming’s Director of Wine Marian Jansen op de Haar and Executive Chef Russell Skall, via live video from Northern California.The Napa-inspired menu is paired with Wagner Family of Wines, Conundrum, Mer Soleil Silver Chardonnay and Late, and a vertical tasting of the 2000 and just-released, 2008 Caymus Special Selection Cabernet. 

Wine Tuesdays every week in September – Every Tuesday (7^th, 14^th, 21st, and 28^th), receive 25% off any bottle selection from the new Fleming’s 100.  You will also receive a Fleming’s Card good for this same offer on a future Fleming’s visit any day of the week, valid through December 30th. 

New Icon Wine through September 30 – The Icon Wine series continues in September with the Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Salus Estate, 2006, at $125 per bottle.

Fleming's Steakhouse
720 Aliceanna Street
Baltimore MD 21202
410-332-1666

Jasmine Asian Bistro, Timonium

I went to Jasmine Asian Bistro in Timonium recently, and it was a lovely experience - the service was impeccable and the food was super tasty. 

I ordered the Malaysian Tamarind Entree with Shrimp ($14).  The sauce was wonderfully savory and went well with the vegetables.  The shrimp were plentiful and I managed to gobble all those up.  Unfortunately, my drink, the Singapore Slinger, was not so pleasant but very sour instead.  Next time, I will just stick to my usual gin and tonic, and not stray from anything else. 

Dan ordered the Crispy Honey Sesame Chicken ($14) (pictured) and it was delicious!  It had a good breading to chicken ratio, and the sauce, though sweet, wasn't overly so.  I liked this a lot and would definitely consider getting this again.

Now, it needs to be said that the prices are high, especially compared to other places in the area, but you won't be disappointed with the excellent service and high quality of food. 

Baltimore International College Food Enthusiast Classes!

Cooking classes are all the rage right now - have you noticed that?  I've been wanting to try one again soon. A couple of years ago I took an Italian cooking class (here) and yes, our class made some fabulous meals, but I also learned abut cooking with artichokes, tried Osso Bucco for the first time, and ate the most amazing ricotta pie dessert. Basically, it opened my eyes to new delights, like all good cooking classes should do.

So when I found out that Baltimore International College was offering Continuing Education classes or "Food Enthusiast Classes," I was very intrigued.  The classes are single-session, non-credit classes in a variety of subjects.   

Take a gander at the Course Catalog. 

Chocolate, Chocolate and More ($60) obviously interests me :) You learn how to make your own chocolates!!!!!!

And I can only imagine how helpful the Holiday Demonstration ($60) classes would be, which includes classes on Thanksgiving dinner, cookies, canapes, pies and gingerbread houses!

The Introduction to Cheese Making ($80) class sounds cool because not only do you make fresh cheese, but then you pair them with wine as well!!!

So what do you think- are you interested in taking a Food Class?  Have you taken any before and what did you think about it?

INFORMATION

All classes are located at:
Culinary Arts Center
210 S. Central Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21202
 
Cost:
Most classes are $60, but some are $80.  Check the Course Catalog.
 
Register Online:
Click the Catalog tab and browse through until you find a class you would like.
Select the class and click "Purchase".
If you are finished shopping, proceed to "Checkout".
Enter your contact information and continue to the next step.
Finally, enter your payment information.

Register by Mail or Fax:
Download the PDF of the Food Enthusiast Classes.
Download the Registration Form.
Choose the class or classes you would like to take.
Fill out the registration form and either mail it to:
Baltimore International College, Department of Continuing Education
17 Commerce Street
Baltimore, MD 21202-3230

OR Fax it to:
410-752-4876
 
Photos provided by BIC's PR Firm

Groupon: $10 for $20 at Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company

All right people, I was all over this Groupon and purchased one immediately

$10 for $20 at Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company

The best part of this is?  You can use it towards coffee beans and tea bags as well as drinks.  That means I can get my supply of Baltimore Blend and Fair Trade Mexican coffee beans, as well as all my different crazy teas that I love (YORKSHIRE GOLD, I AM COMING FOR YOU....well, as soon as I finish the 80 bags I have left at home).

You have to use this in one visit though, so plan wisely - and perhaps stay for a sandwich and a delicious drink! It also expires Dec 31st 2010, which makes me immediately think of Christmas presents!

Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company (FYI - you can't use the Groupon for the online store)
9 W Aylesbury Rd.
Timonium, Maryland 21093

5209 President's Ct.
Frederick, Maryland 21703
(301) 631-0030

890 Bestgate Rd.
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
(410) 572-5792

Check out my reviews here and here

Friday Morning Haiku

After meal planning

For breakfast, lunch, and dinner

I have a full fridge

Apparently I buy too much.
This week for breakfast I had my overnight oats, of course
For lunch, I took a veggie wrap (whole wheat wrap, edamame hummus, carrots, lettuce, cucumber and sprouts), some cherries or grapes and then my own homemade fruit-on-the-bottom yogurt (aka 2 tsp of jam topped with ~1/3 cup plain lowfat yogurt).
For dinner I had a variety of things planned - tortellini one night, ground turkey curry the next (pictured with flatbread), chicken sausage pasta another time.

It was a great week, eating-wise, but I really think I need to evaluate my portion sizes because I have a whole fridge full of stuff that technically should be all gone by tomorrow.

Oh well....all in good time.

Do you meal plan?  If so, do you usually just do it for dinner or for all meals?

Recipe: Overnight Oats (aka the best breakfast in the entire world and beyond)

(oats never look good in pictures, please don't judge!)

OK, I kept hearing about Overnight Oats on the blogosphere and so I decided to check them out and make them for breakfast.  Basically, you whip up some oatmeal in the evening and then in the morning you partake in some epically delicious cold oatmeal.  This weirded me out for a second, but seriously, I got over that fast. 

Here is how I make mine:

Ingredients:
1 banana
1 tsp of ground flax seed
1 heaped tsp of almond butter (or to taste)
1/3 cup rolled oats (NOT quick cooking kind)
2/3 cup milk

Directions:
Mash up the banana (I use my awesome immersion blender tool) but make sure there are some nice chunks in there.  Add the flax seed, almond butter, oats and milk.  Stir.  Put in fridge overnight.  In the morning take it out, mix it a bit and EAT. 

SOOOO GOOD OMGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG.  Also, it's totally healthy and keeps me full for a REALLY long time.

p.s. My bread + butter + jam breakfast still has a piece of my heart.