Snooki Fried Oreos

Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi is back at it again!

No, she isn't chasing juice head Guidos in New Jersey....

Instead, she writing! CNN is reporting that Snooki's second book, Gorilla Beach, is set for release in May of 2012.

Since I do live at the Jersey Shore (hold applause,) I know what Snooki likes to grub on. The perfect drunk food to grab on the Seaside Heights boardwalk HAS to be Fried Oreos.

Snooki's Fried Oreos

You will need:
1 package Double Stuffed Oreos
2 cups pancake mix
2 eggs
1 1/4 cup milk
2 tsp vegetable oil
2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Mix pancake mix, eggs, milk, and oil together in a large bowl.
Put oil in a pan, and turn on heat until temp reaches 375 degrees. Dip the cookies in the batter until they are fully coated. Drop in oil carefully, and flip once. Both sides should be golden brown.

Take the cookies out of the oil and set them on paper towels. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and eat warm.

OH MY GOOD EATS!

Pictures Courtesy of:
iwasreallyhungry.com
shoppingblog.com
drfunkenberry.com

Harper Seven Pasta Salad

We all saw pictures of a pregnant Victoria Beckham and died. The only place THIS lucky lady put on the pounds was in her belly!! WHAT DOES SHE EAT???

Anyway-

The latest addition to the Beckham's clan is Harper Seven, the couples first little girl. People magazine is reporting that the name Harper is always one Victoria loved.

Now, what about the "Seven?" We have seen the numerical trend with kiddies (Aleph Portman,) but why is Seven the chosen number?

Apparently seven is a very spiritual, and on the back of daddy's soccer jersey.

Today, for Harper Seven I wanted to create a dish with 7 ingredients.

Harper Seven Pasta Salad

You will need:
1 bag frozen plain cheese raviolis
1 can black olives
1 large white onion
2 packs cherry tomatoes
store bought balsamic dressing
2 red pepers sliced and chopped
fresh ground pepper

Follow the directions on the ravioli package. Cook, cool, and set aside.
Drain the can of black olives, and wash the cherry tomatoes. Add them to a large bowl.
Slice the white onion. Once you get a slice- cut into 4's. This makes the perfect sized pieces!

Slice the red peppers thin, and cut in half. Add the peppers, and onions to the large bowl. Toss in the raviolis , and use your hands to mix. Add the balsamic dressing little by little. You want to remember that you can always add more dressing. It is waaaaay harder to get rid of excess!

Toss everything together and grind fresh pepper on top. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours. When it is ready to be served, toss again and add more dressing.

This pasta salad has 7 ingredients, but your friends will think it's a 10!

Photos courtesy of:
tablespoon.com
starandstyle.com

Natalie Portman Potato Latkes

We watched as Natalie Portman rocked award season with a baby bump, looking hotter than most non- preggers celebs on the carpet. It seems like the public has waited forever for the birth of this "Oscar Baby."

I am happy to report that People confirms Nat had a bouncing baby boy. The couple has been hush hush about the boys name, until now. It was revealed that the name is Aleph.

As a Hebrew School drop-out, I remembered that Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It literally translates to "Number 1."

This new momma is already setting her son up for success. Aleph Portman is # 1 

So in honor of the Hebrew name, I decided to make latkes!

Natalie Portman Potato Latkes

You will need:

4 large potatoes

1 yellow onion

1 egg beaten

2 tbsp all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Peel and grate potatoes and onions in a large bowl. Take paper towels and squeeze out any liquids. The key to making awesome latkes, is to make sure the potatoes and onions are super dry.

Mix egg, salt, pepper, and flour in a bowl. Mix in dry potato and onion mixture.

In a skillet heat 1/4 inch of oil. Make the potatoes into small mounds, about 1/2 the size of your palm.

Fry in veggie oil until golden brown. When finished, set aside on paper towel to get rid of excess oil.

Repeat with more oil as needed and the rest of the batter.

MAZEL TOV!

Photos courtesy of:

thedeliciouslife.com

Harry Potter Movie Treats

Are you watching the live stream of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 premiere?!

Okay- so don't KILL me, but I am not the biggest Potter fanatic. To be honest with you, I was much more of a Judy Bloom, than a J.K. Rowling.

Although I haven't caught wizard fever, I can appreciate the die-hard fans the books and movies have created.

Since I know most of you will be at the midnight US premiere, I brainstormed a fun Potter themed treat you could bring along with you (because who really wants to spend 7.50 on a tiny pack of Goobers.)

The YUM WAND 3000

You will need:

1 package of pretzel rods
2 bags milk chocolate chips

Take the chips and transfer them in a microwave safe bowl with a lid. Tupperware works best!
Melt the chocolate, which shouldn't take more than 2 minutes. Take the bowl of hot, melted chocolate out of the microwave. Coat 3/4 of the pretzel rod with the chocolate.

Now its time for creativity....After it is coated, you can roll it around in virtually anything for decoration.

Try mini M&Ms, crushed potato chips, crushed walnuts, sprinkles, peanut butter chips, gummy candy......The list is endless. After they are decorated, let harden for 2 hours.

Since you will have these sweet new (delicious) wands, I guarantee you will make some new friends...even a slytherin.

Want to really impress people? Check out a full list of spells here

Photos courtesy of:
botiquecafe.com
celebrity-exposure.blogspot.com

William and Kate Fish and Chips

William and Kate have been to Canada, and they make there way to California tomorrow. This will be Kate's first trip in the states. The Duchess is undoubtedly excited, but HAS to be missing some good ole' English pub grub. That is why I created a healthy alternative to fish and chips- Royals Style.

William and Kate Fish and Chips

You will need:
1 pound cod cut into 4 pieces
2 cups corn flakes
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup flour
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 egg

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Take the cornflakes and smash them up in a plastic bag, until they look coarsely ground. Place the flour and Cajun mixture in a shallow bowl and mix together. Beat 1 egg and place in a bowl.
Take the fish and dip in the flour mixture, making sure it is fully coated. Then, dip into the beaten egg.
The last step is coating the fish with cornflakes. Spray a non-stick pan with canola oil. Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Serve with Tartar Sauce

And now for the CHIPS!

You will need:
2 large sweet potatoes
2 large white potatoes
salt and pepper
parsley
Cajun spice

Wash, dry, and slice potatoes into 1/2 inch medallions. Spray non-stick cookie sheet with canola oil. Place potatoes evenly, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, Cajun spice, and parsley. Back on 425 for 30 minutes. If you like them on the crispy side- put under a broiler on high for 5 minutes.

Enjoy with a nice brew from the pub! CHEERS!

Knock-Off Chicken Salad

A celebrity would NEVER be caught dead with knock-off designer goods. But what about knock-off food?

Leftovers are the greatest form of knock-offs, and a cooks best friend. You slave over the grill for a delicious meal, only for it to be enjoyed once? FALSE.

Since the 4th festivities are over, I decided to look in my kitchen to see what was left from the BBQ.

I found an abundance of chicken, and created the most delicious left-over lunch that is sure to rock your taste buds.

Knock- Off Chicken Salad

You will need:
left over BBQ chicken
2 celery stalks chopped
1/2 red onion chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1 tbsp country Dijon mustard (this one has the seeds)
2 tbsp lite mayo
1 granny smith apple diced
1/3 cup walnuts
1/2 cup shredded carrots

Start out by shredding the left over chicken with your hands. Mix all ingredients with the shredded chicken. You can add more mayo if you choose. It's all about how you like it!

AND...for another chicken knock-off, try shredding the meat and adding store bought fajita mix with salsa. Your guests taste buds will be seeing fireworks days after the 4th.

photos courtesy of:
smittenkitten.com

Happy 4th of July

Today is one of my favorite holidays of the year, with a simple reason why....BBQ FOOD.

I am a sucker for good burgers, dips, and salads. So whether you are a fabulous celebrity on a yacht  in San Tropez, or hanging with the cast of Jersey Shore at the beach, I have some foods that will spice up any BBQ.

Hotter Than Hell Guac

You will need:
2 ripe avocados
1 cup chopped tomatoes (with the seeds and juicy parts taken out)
1/2 cup chopped red onion
fresh cilantro to taste
1-2 fresh Serrano peppers (seeded and finely chopped **remember, spicy peppers hold A LOT of heat in the seeds, so make sure they are gone)
salt to taste
1 tbsp lemon juice

Half and pit the avocados. With a spoon, scoop out the meat from the shell. Place the avocado in a bowl and mash with a fork to create a lumpy texture. Add in lemon juice and salt.
In a food processor, combined the chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers. Process until the mixture is a texture you prefer. Combined the mixture with the avocado and enjoy! Serve with tortilla chips. I like Blue Corn Tortilla Chips.

Where's the beef? Turkey Burgers


You will need:
1 pound of lean ground turkey
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 red onion finely chopped
1/4 cup of Worcestershire Sauce
1 zucchini (chopped into small pieces)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
4 chunks sharp cheddar cheese

Your about to get messy!
In a bowl, mix all ingredients with the turkey. Use your hands to incorporate ingredients until evenly distributed.

Divide the meat into 4 sections, to make 4 burgers. Take one chunk of the sharp cheddar, and the first portion of meat. Stick the cheese in the middle of the meat, and build the patty around it. Once the patty is formed, you shouldn't be able to see any of the cheese.

Place on a grill or over medium heat in a skillet until cooked all the way through. Make sure the burgers are fully done. Nobody should be eating rare turkey meat!

After the burgers are finished, place them on a toasted whole wheat bun with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and the awesome spicy guac listed above! After eating these, you won't be saying, "Where's the beef?"

My favorite part of the burger? When you bite in, the cheddar oozes out for the ultimate cheesy surprise.

You will be the celebrity of your BBQ when your guests taste these awesome dishes!

Have a safe and happy 4th!



Photos courtesy of:
myrecipes.com
opensourcefood.com
recadosdaweb.com