Scrambled eggs are a great go to for breakfast, snack, sandwich, and so much more. Food Hacks for scrambling eggs here.
Scrambled Eggs Food Hacks
There are many ideas on how to create the fluffy moist tastiest scrambled eggs. Many years of working breakfast in food. My tricks and tips are from personal choice and learnings.
Use water instead of milk or cream. The water creates a steam that heats the eggs. Keep them light while cream/milk creates a tougher egg.
Scramble the eggs in a bowl well. Yes this creates more dishes but will add air to create fluffiness and mix the yolk and whites for the best color.
Do not salt and pepper prior to the end of cooking. Adding salt early in preparation will dehydrate the eggs. Pepper will change the color from a bright yellow to dingy yellow.
Recipe
3 large fresh
1 tsp. water
salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp butter
Place cracked eggs in a bowl. While scrambling eggs till well blended heat skillet with 2 tsp. butter on medium low heat. When pan is warm add eggs to pan let settle until eggs slightly cook on the bottom of the pan. Then begin to scramble with a fork until almost completely cooked. Slightly raw and still shiny. Remove from heat scramble a little more then add salt and pepper to taste. You can add to half toast with avocado, over toast, or a favorite scrambled egg sandwich. You can add fresh chopped green onion on top, add all begal seasoning, or Tabasco sauce. Serving size 1
What is your favorite scrambled egg dish? Post on social media using #4chionstyle.
Autumn means crock pots and soup. As a child fall was all about soup from fresh vegetable soup to French onion for Thanksgiving.
Autumn Soups
The first soup of the season was vegetable the last of the fresh garden vegetables. The root vegetables used were just a few from the garden. Many ended in a canner or the root cellar for the dark cold winter. The very last of the fresh greens, green beans, and corn were a great addition.
The soup season all of autumn went from the vegetable soup to chilli for Halloween night served with fried scones and honey butter. The autumn soup season would end with the deep rich French onion soup made from onion jam. Therefore the first of autumn was the last of fresh vegetables but ended with riches of the year’s harvest.
In a large warm sauté pan place your olive oil, add 1/2 seasonings toast slightly. Add onion, potatoes, carrots (heavier veggies) sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then add peas, corn, and spinach. Sauté fro 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic sauté 2-3 minutes.
In a Crock Pot set on low if cooking overnight or high if soup is for dinner (cook 4 hours) add the remaining seasoning, bay leaves, bouillon, sauté vegetables, and 4 cups of water. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
In a saucepan add 1 tsp. bouillon, salt, pepper, and 1 1/2 cup water, and barley. Bring to boil once boiling turn to low. Cook for 20 min. Then add to the soup.
Serve with your favorite sourdough bread or crackers.
Please note you can add any vegetables your family enjoys i.e. celery, green pepper, spinach, mushrooms or even a hot pepper for some heat. You can use the leftovers from the roasted Costco chicken or fresh sausage in place of the beans.
What is your favorite autumn soup? Post your answer on social media using #4ChionFoodie
Party At Home this is the year to enjoy a big at home party with family and friends, while watching the 73rd Emmys®. Present an evening of elegance and entertainment with these party ideas and recipes.
Ben Whinshaw Governor’s Ball
Party at Home ~ Décor & Viewing Fun
Beautiful elegant floral arrangements with crystals in the center of each flower goes with this year’s glitz and glamour logo. You can contact your local florist for the best arrangements or shop the local Costco for exceptional variety of flowers. Place large pillows around the room on the floor for comfortable floor sitting during the show.
Include gold decorative items with an interesting shape or texture that will harmonize with the key art. Your party at home can include gold or shimmery fabrics from your local fabric store can create beautiful table covers, drapes around your flat screen, runners and napkins that add a pop of Emmy® gold. Sprinkle the tables with Swarovski crystals or rhinestones found at your local craft store.
Create a fancy selfie area for your party at home in the corner of the room with draping. You can print an enlarged copy of this year’s artwork or award themed selfie items. Don’t forget to #Emmys in your Instagram posts.
Party at Home ~ Viewing Fun
Print up a nomination card and have your guests fill out their predictions prior to the show starting. You can have prizes for the most correct answers overall and in drama and comedy.
You can divide guests into groups to play play a trivia game (printable trivia fact sheet) to play during commercials. The winning team earns a prize.
Prize ideas:
T-shirts, mugs or merchandise from a favorite TV Show
Go to your local party store for great themed award show items
A cocktail recipe book and a beautiful cocktail shaker
A special bottle of Sterling wine, Ferrari Trento Sparkling wine, or Ketel One Vodka.
A pair of wine or champagne glasses for toasting all the winners
Find the most elegant gifts at your local dollar store
Party at Home ~ Recipes
This is the time to enjoy fun new elegant or simple menu. Please find simple and elegant menu planning from cocktails to main course to yummy dessert below:
Grilled New School Quality American on Sourdough Bread with Tomato, Balsamic Onion Jam, and bacon
by Chef Eric Greenspan Yields: 4 sandwiches Ingredients For the sandwiches:
8 slices sourdough,
1 lb. New School Quality American, sliced in 1oz slices (substitute other American Cheese where unavailable)
1-2 tomatoes, sliced into 8 slices
8 slices good bacon, crisped
¼ lb. butter, unsalted and softened For the jam:
1 oz. vegetable oil
2 red onions, thinly sliced
½ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
Salt to taste Directions To make the jam: In a large sauce pot, heat the oil and sweat the onions. Add the sugar and vinegar and bring to a simmer. Cook slowly until vinegar completely reduced, approx. 45 minutes to an hour. Add salt to taste. To build the sandwiches: On each slice of 4 pieces of bread, spread ½ tablespoon of onion jam. Add 4 slices to New School Quality American cheese, top with two slices of bacon and two tomato slices. Top with additional slice of bread. Spread butter end to end on each side of the sandwich. Griddle on a 375 degree griddle until crispy and golden brown on each side and the cheese is melted. Cut in half and serve.
Candy-Popping Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Pops
by Chef Sherry Yard Yield: 24 pops
Ingredients
8 oz. Valrhona Jivara Milk Chocolate (or your favorite)
½ cup Peanut Butter, creamy
1 cup Puff Rice Cereal
4 packets Pop Rocks (or more as desired) Directions
Melt the chocolate in a microwave bowl to 90 degrees F.
With a rubber spatula or spoon, fold in the peanut butter, rice cereal and pop rocks.
Place 1 Tablespoon of base 1 inch apart onto sheet tray lined with wax parchment paper.
Press flat and inset lollipop stick
Top stick with 1 Tablespoon additional spoonful to secure stick.
Once tray filled refrigerate for 30 min – 1 hour, set. Note: Keeps 1 week in refrigerator
Seven Minute Martini Classic
Seven Minute Martini Classic Size
INGREDIENTS 6 OZ Ketel One Vodka 3 OZ Bianco Vermouth 4 OZ Water 5 Dashes orange bitters
STEP #1 Combine Ketel One Family made Vodka, Bianco Vermouth, water, and orange bitters in a bottle or large mason jar. Chill until ready to serve.
STEP #2 Use a vegetable peeler to cut a long, wide piece of grapefruit peel.
STEP #3 Curl and place into french press (or other infusing vessel) with dried mint, 1/2 slice peach and hibiscus tea.
STEP #4 Pour over pre-chilled cocktail into french press for serving.
TO SERVE Pour small portions of the infused drink into martini or coupe glasses every 90 seconds. Watch the flavor and presentation transform over the course of seven minute. Each infusion serves 3 cocktails. For a fresh twist try using a mint bouquet instead of dried mint. Makes 6 cocktails.
Cafe Oranje (A cocktail enjoyed at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass this is not their recipe)
1.25 oz. Ketel One® Vodka Oranje
1 oz. espresso coffee cold brew
.5 oz. simple syrup
.25 oz. Kahula
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass. Shake with ice and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass over ice. Garnish with with 1/8 orange slice.
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass
Emmys® 2021 Cafe Oranje Cocktail
Here are previous taste sensations from Patina and Chef Joachim Splichal that you can make at home. Note that you can half the quantities depending on the size of your gathering and desire for leftovers:
NICK + STEFS PRIME BEEF TENDERLOIN: (Serves 12)
1 5 lbs. prime beef tenderloin 2 oz. unsalted butter 6 each thyme sprigs 4 each garlic cloves Kosher salt & ground black pepper
Method: Preheat oven to 400°F. Season beef tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides. Over medium-high heat in a cast-iron pan, sear beef tenderloin until golden and caramelized on all sides. Add butter, thyme and crushed garlic to the pan and baste the beef with the frothy melted butter. Once basted, place in the oven and cook until medium rare, approximately 15 minutes. The internal temperature should be roughly 125° if using a meat thermometer. Remove from the oven and allow beef to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Party At Home Dinner Emmys
WHITE CHEDDAR POTATO GRATIN:
4 lbs. Russet potato, peeled and finely sliced 6 each shallot, finely sliced 6 each garlic cloves, chopped 2 cups whole milk 4 cups heavy cream 2 tablespoon kosher salt 2 tablespoon thyme leaves, chopped 6 oz. White cheddar, grated 4 oz. Parmesan cheese, grated
Method: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a heavy bottomed pot, sweat garlic and shallots until soft and fragrant. Add cream, milk, salt, and thyme leaves and reduce by half. While the milk and cream mixture is reducing, peel and slice the potatoes as thinly as possible and cover in cold water to prevent browning. Prepare a 8×10 inch heavy bottomed casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Arrange one layer of the sliced potatoes into the bottom of the casserole dish. Carefully cover the potatoes with the reduced cream. Sprinkle with the white cheddar and parmesan. Place a second layer of potatoes and again cover with cream mixture and grated cheeses. Continue this process until the casserole dish is completely full. Add one final layer or the grated cheeses and cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake the gratin for 1 hour at 350°F, remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to brown the top of the gratin. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
FILIPINO BBQ CHICKEN SKEWERS (Makes 12 Skewers)
1/2 cup soy sauce 1/2 cup banana ketchup 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic 1 teaspoon finely minced ginger 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 4 lbs. organic chicken thigh meat, cut into small cubes 12 bamboo skewers – pre-soaked in water for 30 minutes 1/2 cup finely sliced scallions Banana ketchup for dipping (recipe and instructions below)
Method: Combine first 9 ingredients to make a marinade. Marinade the chicken for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Thread chicken onto skewers and brush with oil. Cook over a grill, turning as needed and brushing with reserved marinade, until charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer to serving platter and garnish with sliced scallions and additional banana ketchup sauce alongside.
Banana Ketchup (yummy)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup chopped Vidalia onions 2 teaspoon finely minced garlic 1 jalapeño seeded and minced 2 teaspoon finely grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 2 cups mashed ripe bananas 1/2 cup white wine vinegar 2 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon tomato paste 2 tablespoon soy sauce 1/4 cup brown sugar
Method: Cook onions in vegetable oil over medium heat until soft, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic, jalapeño, ginger, turmeric and allspice, and cook about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste, bananas, vinegar, honey, soy sauce and brown sugar. Continue cooking an additional 15 minutes, stirring often. Let cool and refrigerate.
GREEN GODDESS CHOP SALAD (Serves 8)
1 cup baby zucchini, blanched 1 cup asparagus tips, blanched 1/2 cup English peas, blanched 1/2 cup edamame, blanched 1/2 cup green romanesco florets, blanched 1/2 cup shishito peppers, lightly grilled 8 each broccolini, blanched 2 heads baby artisan lettuce, leaves picked washed 1/2 cup Green Goddess dressing
Method: Prepare the vegetables as stated and cut all into bite-size pieces. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and cut into a bowl. Combine with cut vegetables and drizzle with the green goddess dressing. Carefully toss and serve. Garnish with fresh tarragon leaves and fennel frond.
Green Goddess Dressing
2 cups watercress, picked leaves, washed 1/2 cup basil leaves 2 tablespoon chives, chopped 2 tablespoon tarragon leaves 1 lemon — zest and juice 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons crème fraiche 1 each anchovy 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 each garlic cloves
Method: In a blender mix lemon juice, mayonnaise, crème fraiche, anchovy, Dijon mustard, and garlic cloves. Puree until smooth adding a small amount of water if the mixture becomes too thick. Add the fresh herbs and lemon zest to the blender cup and carefully pulse to combine and fully mix the herbs and the pureed base. “EMMY®” MACARONI AND CHEESE (Serves 5)
1 lb. box Dececco Ziti Cut No. 118 Pasta 2 quarts half and half 3 whole shallots, peeled and sliced 10 cloves of garlic, sliced 2 branches fresh thyme 1 bayleaf Ground or fresh grated nutmeg Kosher salt Freshly ground white pepper cup unsalted butter 3/4 cup sifted flour 15 slices Vermont white cheddar, sliced very thin
Method: Cook box of pasta in 2 quarts of boiling half and half, that has sliced shallots, sliced raw garlic, thyme, bayleaf, salt and pepper, and just a touch of nutmeg. Cook the pasta 1/2 of the way, then use a slotted spoon to lay out on a parchment lined tray in a single layer and chill. Make a sauce bechamel, by adding a blond roux to the poaching liquid, and simmer for 5 minutes only. (if it reduces too much, add a touch of cream or milk). Strain thru a sieve. Blond roux: Melt the butter in a saucepan without letting it brown. Add flour to butter and cook whisking, for 4 minutes. The color should be blond or very light gold. Use a basting brush to paint/glaze the macaroni with bechamel, and chill. Once cold, cut into 15 equal-sized circles or squares. Place one slice of cheese on each macaroni square/circle, and stack up 3 high, giving you 5 three-layer Macaronis. Cover with plastic in the refrigerator, so as not to absorb odors.When ready to serve, place in a pre-heated 350 degree oven until hot throughout.
DARK CHOCOLATE BROWNIES WITH BOURBON SAUCE
1 & 1/3 cups butter, softened 2 and 2/3 cups sugar 4 eggs 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup baking dark cocoa powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Confectioners’ sugar, optional
Baby Bourbon Caramel Sauce: 1 cup sugar (+ 1/4 cup water) 1/2 cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon Hudson Baby Bourbon pinch of sea salt
Method: For the brownie: In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy; beat in eggs and vanilla. Sift together the flour, cocoa and salt; gradually add to the butter, sugar and egg mixture. Spread into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until the top is dry and the center is set. Cool completely and cut into bars or squares. Dust with confectioners’ sugar if desired. Baby Bourbon caramel sauce: Simmer sugar and 1/4 cup water on medium heat, swirling in the pan – NOT stirring -for about 15 minutes, or until a deep amber color is reached. Watch closely as not to let it burn. Turn off burner, remove from heat and slowly add cream while stirring. Add a pinch of salt and bourbon and place back on still-warm burner for another minute while stirring. Transfer to a heat-safe dish or container and let cool in the refrigerator. Drizzle over a plate of cooled, dusted brownies, or pipe a design of whipped cream onto each brownie and then drizzle! Enjoy!
CHOCOLATE CROISSANT BREAD PUDDING (Serves 4)
1/2 cup milk 4 cups cream 1 cup egg yolks 1/4 cup sugar 1 lb. torn croissants (4 croissants 4 oz each) 1/4 cups dark chocolate chips Icing sugar, for dusting
Method: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place the milk, cream in a small saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until just below the boil. Remove from the heat and set aside. Place the egg yolks and sugar in a large heatproof bowl and whisk to combine. Gradually whisk the warm milk mixture into the egg mixture to combine. Arrange the croissants in a 12 cm x 18 cm 1.5-litre-capacity baking dish, layer with chocolate chips. Pour over custard and cook for 25 minutes in a bain-marie or until golden and just set.
What will you be serving at your Emmys® party at home? Post your menu here #4ChionFoodie. The Emmys will be broadcast on Sunday, Sept. 19 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET/5:00-8:00 PM, live PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Tour De Taco Tuesday Phoenix AZ is a great out of towners activity. You can take visitors on a site seeing tour of the city and enjoy some great local tacos. My nephew, Kaleb, came to visit from Illinois. We ventured out on Tuesday afternoon of eating and site seeing.
Tour Da Taco Tuesday
Tour Da Taco Tuesday City Tacos
City Tacos in North Phoenix is the first stop of the afternoon. It is funny as we each order a taco not 3 or 6 but 1. We are asked, “Are you sure?” We answer, “yes we are sure.” Kaleb order a carne asada with a white tortilla and ordered a shrimp taco corn tortilla. Kaleb ended up with a shrimp taco on white tortilla. He really enjoyed the taco even though it was a surprise. The adventure was picking out toppings from the salsa bar and watching them cook the tacos.
The tortillas are all homemade. The corn tortilla was so sweet and perfect. The addition of strong corn flavor difference from manufactured tortillas brings a real experience for taco Tuesday. City Tacos is, “fresh and authentic Mexican experience at our restaurant. We pride ourselves in making handmade corn and flour tortillas daily, in-house-made salsas, and only using CERTIFIED Angus Beef.” The attention to top ingredients makes this taco a real taco moment. They do delivery with Grub Hub, lobby is open, and takeout is an option.
City Tacos Shrimp
Tour De Taco Tuesday Scenic Drive
We took a side trip between North Phoenix and Scottsdale to enjoy the desert scenery and plants. Desert Foothills Scenic Drive, brings the best of natural plants and the dynamics of the Sonoran Desert. Watching the summer sky try to break open for much needed monsoon storms brings excitement and eeriness as the sun gets ready to set and the clouds appear to rise up from the ground.
Kaleb takes in the scenery and enjoys taking photos of the landscape around. We each gather a rock from area to add to our collection ( a tradition I have done since touring the US).
Desert Foothills Road
Tour De Tacos Maskadores Taco Shop
Next stop is a fun bright location call Maskadores Taco Shop in Scottsdale. This location was a lot of fun. You are greeted by a large well lit blue mask of the lucha libre, translated as free fight. The decor brings the maskadores front and center. It is a great location for street tacos.
The order here is a fish taco on corn with all the veggies (this does make it very spicy) and carne asada with corn tortillas. The treat here is the Mexican Coke. It is sweeter than regular Coke. Kaleb enjoyed every last drop.
The menu has authentic Mexican flavor from family recipes. Kaleb notes that the two different taco shops create a regional feel to the tacos. They are similar in set up but flavors vary from each taco shop. The lobby is opened, delivery with Uber Eats, and takeout.
MASKADORES TACO SHOP
Maskadores Taco Shop
Last Drop of Mexican Coke
Tour De Taco Tuesday El Taco Santo
El Taco Santo is in Chandler. The cashier was warm and welcoming. It was like walking into your family’s kitchen on a holiday. The restaurant’s tables has a lucha libre. The business started as a food truck and the loyalty of customers has lead to locations in Gilbert and Ahwatukee with the food truck. There are plans for more locations in the Phoneix area.
The Sonora Style tacos are created with fresh ingredients including tortillas and family recipes. Kaleb ventures for a quesadilla. This was enjoyable and over filled with meat. I enjoyed the veggie taco. This is a great treat at the end of the day. As we leave there is a most beautiful sunset on South Mountain. Kaleb takes out the camera for a photo of one beautiful summer sunset in Phoenix. You can eat in the lobby, takeout or delivery with Uber Eats.
El Taco Santo Ahwatukee
Tour De Taco Tuesday Los Taquitos
Los Taquitos is my favorite taco shop that I frequent, love the street tacos. They have a very festive decor with exception art.
Guy Fieri enjoyed the tacos here. He says, “they are some of the best I have ever had.” The family (5 sisters and a brother) have been creating these taco since 1981, while using their mother’s guidance and father’s memory.
Kaleb is at the end of eating today but the small pocket size taco is packed with flavor. I enjoyed my favorite there a grilled fish. Perfect end to the Tour De Taco Tuesday. There are four locations in the Phoenix area. There is even a happy hour each day. They serve great traditional breakfast all day. You can enjoy the lobby, takeout, or delivery with Uber Eats.
Los Taquitos comida mexicana
This was a great regional adventure of tacos in the Phoenix area. What is your favorite taco spot? Post your shops here.
Making cinnamon rolls Food Ellie is excited to create grammy’s cinnamon rolls. Ellie’s favorite treat from grammy is cinnamon rolls.
Ellie comes for a summer visit to celebrate the Juneteenth and swim for the weekend with grammy. She made her first pie crust for a sweet potato pie for the family Juneteenth dinner.
Measuring out the Flour
Loves Washing The Dishes
“always check for eggshells.”
Juneteenth Dinner
Ellie’s advice is to always check the bowl for eggshells and wash up the dishes when done. She was determined to do this herself. She measured each cup of flour to be one cup ( I usually use my senses to measure for bread). It was a wonderful day baking with her. Sharing the tradition I learned from my own grandmother.
Cinnamon Roll Tradition
My grandmothers on my mother’s side were known for their outstanding baking skills. They always used all-purpose flour, white sugar, and no eggs to make cinnamon rolls. Family recipes are fun to create.
I remember reading my great-great grandmother’s story gathering sego lilies and grinding them into flour to bake bread, cinnamon rolls, and creating pies. They did this after settling in Idaho from the Mid-West and food was scare. It is a make it work moment.
In a large bowl or Kitchen Aid, mixing bowl with the bread hook attachment. Add 2 cups of the flour and both yeast pkg. on top of the flour.
In a large pot on the stove on low add whole milk, butter, salt, and sugar heat warm to the touch.
Foodie Ellie Warming Milk
Pour the warm to touch mixture over the flour and yeast. Mix well on low if using Kitchen Aid. When mixed well add
2 eggs blending after adding each egg.
Slowly add the remaining flour (this will vary each time how much) 1 cup at a time. Mix well after each addition. Increase speed on the Kitchen Aid as needed. The dough should be firm and start to pull away from the sides of the bowl when enough flour is added. Knead by hand for 12-14 minutes (stretch and pull using palms of your hands). In the Kitchen Aid mix for two minutes on setting 8. This is equivalent to 12-14 minutes needing by hand.
Food Ellie Measuring out the Flour
Raising Cinnamon Rolls
Butter the sides of a large bowl. Place dough in a buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap. My grandmothers used a clean dish towel. This does create a slight crust on the dough as it rises. Let dough rise until double size about 1 1/2 hours. Punch down, let rest 10 min.
Cinnamon Roll Dough
Punching Down Dough
Punching Down Dough
Next, roll the cinnamon roll dough into a circle, dust with flour if sticking, roll about 1/4″ thick. Brush the melted butter on the rolled out dough. Then sprinkle the cinnamon and then sugar till well covered. You are welcome to mix the butter, cinnamon, and sugar together then spread on the dough with a butter knife. Roll the dough each roll please pull towards you. Then cut in 2-inch rolls with a sharp knife (children can use a butter knife it will be a change the shape of the cinnamon roll some but good experience for them).
Rolling out Dough
Sprinkling Sugar on Dough
Rolling Out Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon Rolls
Finishing Cinnamon Rolls
Place cinnamon rolls in grease baking pan 9×13″. Let rise he cinnamon rolls rise until the are touching each other for about 20 minutes. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350° f until golden brown. Mix up the icing using a hand mixer. Cool cinnamon rolls until warm to the touch. Frost the cinnamon rolls. This is great to make ahead for a family Sunday brunch or holiday breakfast. Store in an airtight container.
Me, Great Grandma Lucy, Grandma Ruth, and Mother Eileen 1970 something
Teaching family recipes are so important in keeping the traditions and flavors alive. Taking time to recreate and creating new alterations make a life long memory that can last for generations. We enjoyed homemade pizza with the extra dough.
The waffle iron that lasts for decades. The one I still use today comes from a yard sale in Long Beach Washington (1997), the longest beach in the world.
Generational Waffle Iron
Waffle Iron Story
The request while at the beach home was waffles for Sunday breakfast. Just as we drove from a moment downtown Long Beach we find a yard sale. The Hamilton waffle iron is right for the best price of $2. It was a gem for the day if even for the Sunday meal.
This waffle iron has been around since then. It always works and makes perfect waffles. It has gone from the beach to home to the desert in a move. The children have grown and started there own families. The tradition continues with the waffle iron for my granddaughter.
Recently #FoodieEllie (my granddaughter) requested waffles for a Saturday breakfast. She said, “I am going to watch TV while you make me waffles, pleeaassee grammy.” I did take the time to make the waffles.
This is a perfect brunch after the 4th of July holiday weekend. #FoodieEllie loves blueberries and they can be added fresh it gives a nice squeeze of juice inside. Her 4th of July in Champaign Illinois was blueberry waffles. She found the blueberries at the local farmers market. Perfection.
Foodie Ellie Blueberry Pancakes
Waffle Recipe
Waffle Ingredients
Here is the reciepe for a great waffle for your weekend celebration. Children will be a great help with creating this meal.
1 cup all-purpose flour (we used Bob’s Red Mill Unbleached White All-Purpose Organic Flour), spooned and leveled
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk (Difficult to find at times you can do 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of vinegar), perfect buttermilk
2 large eggs (separated, whip egg whites to soft peaks fold in at the very end)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoon sour cream
Warmed syrup, fresh fruits, whipped cream, Nutella, or chocolate syrup. Fun to make it a selection for children and guests.
Waffle Breakfast
Waffle Directions
Preheat waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk buttermilk and eggs yolks; pour over flour mixture, and whisk gently to combine (don’t overmix). Gently whisk in butter and sour cream. Fold in whipped egg whites.
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, cook waffles until deep brown and crisp. (For a standard waffle iron, pour a generous 1/2 cup of batter into center, spreading to within 1/2 inch of edges, and close; waffle will cook in 2 to 3 minutes.) Allow your guests to top their waffles with their favorite.
Do you have a waffle iron story? Please post your response using #4ChionFoodie. Happy National Waffle Iron Day.
Sunday is the 71st Emmys® Prime Time hostless award ceremony. The nominees and winners will be honored with an after-party,Brilliance in Motion, at the L.A. LIVE Event Deck. This will be an evening of exceptional food, talent, and drinks. You can even enjoy a glamourous evening at home.
Home Entertaining for the Emmys®
Emmys® Brilliance Party At Home
Entertaining is such always fun. There is no better time than the Emmys®. Celebrate your favorite actor/actress, streaming shows, and mini-series.
Create a great time that involves your senses. This will engage your guests. The food is one way to really bring this to light. You can create great courses that bring all five senses to the table (recipes at the end).
Decorating is always a lot of fun. The Governors Ball is using a rich palette of eggplant purple, magenta, coral, red, and Emmy gold! These are great colors for your invitations, table accents, and backdrops use scarfs or sheer fabrics.
Add fountains for just an added touch of sound. Crystals are a perfect addition to the table setting and capture the light from candles. Farmers’ Markets have beautiful flowers to use as a nice pop of color around the room. Add extra large pillows that can be used as sitting for the guest to sit while enjoying the show.
Have the evening be the formal attire. Then make a budget for the amount one can spend on the purchase of formal evening wear. Then have a golden trophy for the winner.
Gift bags for your guests as they leave is a nice surprise. You can include a personalized label bottle of wine (in Chandler AZ Down Time Wines creates personal labels), Fuji water, Lindt chocolates, and an Emmy® of their own.
Emmys® Governors Ball Theme
This event is one big celebration covering three evenings of Emmys® nominees and winners. This menu, decor, and drinks set with the theme. “The theme of Brilliance in Motion reflects both the extraordinary talent and creativity of the people and productions we honor at the Emmys®, and the vibrant experience we’ve designed for this year’s Governors Ball,” said Governors Ball Committee Co-Chair Halina Siwolop.
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
Emmys® Brilliance Governors’ Menu
This year’s menu will be one worth waiting to eat until after the prime time show for the celebrities. You can create a nice dinner party with the recipes included below.
TRAY PASSED HORS D’OEUVRES
Mango rice paper roll
Rice noodles, mango, mint, basil, and sweet chili dipping sauce
Maine lobster, burrata, crisp capers, savory basil waffle cup
Yellowtail sashimi, yuzu ponzu, red plum relish, crispy wonton
Chef and Founder of Patina Catering Joachim Splichal returns to the Governors Ball. This is the 24th year for the catering company. This menu is a lavish tasting menu of chef-driven small plates and reinterpretations of classic dishes.
Emmys® Governors’ Dessert Menu
Why not start with dessert! This year’s dessert menu created by Frania Mendivil. She has a passion for pastry. She began in her family’s humble bakery in Mexico. The official chocolate is Lindt.
DECADENT DESSERTS
Mini Milk Shakes
Chocolate and vanilla whipped Chantilly
maraschino cherry tray-passed
Mini Verrines
raspberry chia seed tapioca, Lindt chocolate pot de crème
Butterscotch budino (recipe below)
Mini Chocolate Cup Tarts
mango passion, pistachio chocolate
Homemade Cookies and Warm Brownies
Snickerdoodle Blondie
caramelized popcorn, sea salt
Double Chocolate S’more Brownies
Gooey Chocolate Chip Cookie
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
Emmys® Governors Ball Drinks
Every celebration needs a good set of drinks. The Emmys® Governors Ball brings Sterling Vineyards back. The selection of wine includes
Vineyards Napa Valley Chardonnay
2017 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon
Blanc and 2016 Sterling Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Blanc de Blancs Ferrari Brut, the Ferrari Brut Rosé, a delicately harmonious blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and a glorious array of vintage offerings.
FIJI Water
Ketel One Family-Made Vodka
The Marvelous Mule – An unexpected global twist to the classic ginger mule that incorporates turmeric and lemongrass
The Dapper Dragon – A delightful sipping experience highlighted by vibrant dragon fruit, papaya nectar, and cardamom-spiced coconut water
The Moonlighter (recipe below) – A playful riff on the classic espresso martini with surprising notes of pineapple and banana
The Helmsman – An alcohol-free option with papaya, coconut and tangy citrus to please any palate
Don Francisco’s Coffee
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
The 2019 Governors Ball Food & Beverage Tasting
Food & Beverage Facts
There is a lot of food that goes into the three-night event. Here is just a little insight into what it takes to celebrate the celebrities on Emmys® nights. Service • 20 executive chefs on-site in the kitchen each night • 250 chefs each night • 15 production managers each night • 50 bartenders each night • 600 servers each night • 9 convection ovens • 6 stoves • 15 fryers • 100 wine buckets
KOBE BEEF MEATBALLS WITH ROASTED TOMATO SAUCE AND CREAMY BECHAMEL
Serves 16 2# Ground Kobe Beef 1# Ground Veal (can be substituted with ground pork as needed) 3 C Toasted Ciabatta bread 1 C Whole milk 2 T Ground Fennel Seed 2 T Ground Caraway Seed 2 T Garlic Powder 1 T Onion Powder ¼ C Salt ¼ C Chopped Parsley ¼ C Chopped Basil METHOD: Preheat oven to 425 degrees. With a knife, remove the crust of ciabatta bread and tear the remaining bread into small pieces. Drizzle the torn beard with olive oil and toast in oven until lightly golden brown. While the bread toasts, mix the ground beef, veal, and all the dry spices in a large bowl. When the bread is toasted and dry, remove from oven and allow to cool. Once the bread is cool enough to handle, crumble the bread into a separate bowl and cover with the whole milk; set aside until milk has been fully absorbed by the ciabatta. When the bread is fully hydrated, combine the bread mixture with the beef mixture, and add the fresh parsley and basil. Mix well by hand until fully incorporated. Form the mixture into 2oz balls and place onto a baking tray. Bake the meatballs in a hot oven until dark golden brown and fully caramelized, about 10 minutes. Once baked, immerse the meatballs into the tomato sauce completely and allow to simmer until fully cooked. Once cooked through the meatballs are ready to eat but can be left in the simmer sauce to be served later. Serve warm with an ample drizzle of the bechamel sauce. TOMATO SAUCE: ¼ C Extra Virgin olive oil 8 cloves Garlic, finely sliced for minced ½ EA White onion, finely diced ½ C Dry white wine 12 Leaves basil, chiffonade 1 can San Marzano tomatoes, crushed 1 t ground black Pepper 1 T Kosher salt ½ T Chili flake METHOD: In a heavy-bottomed cooking pot, warm olive oil over low heat. Once the oil is warm add the sliced garlic and diced onion and allow to cook for 5 minutes, stirring often to ensure the onion and garlic does not burn. When the onion and garlic are soft and fragrant, carefully add the white wine and reduce to ¼. After the wine is reduced add the remaining ingredients and allow to simmer, stirring often, until the sauce is thickened and smooth, approximately 1 hour. Keep the heat on low and allow the sauce to simmer slowly for best results. BECHAMEL: 1 C Dry white wine 4 EA Thyme sprigs 2 EA Bay leaves, fresh if available 4 EA Garlic cloves, crushed 1 EA Shallot, sliced 1 tsp black peppercorn ¼ C All-purpose flour ¼ C Unsalted butter ½ C Whole milk ½ C Heavy cream METHOD: In a heavy-bottomed saucepot place wine, thyme, bay leaves, garlic, shallot, and black peppercorns, and simmer on low. Reduce the mixture to ¼ of the original volume. Once reduced, strain the mixture and place the wine back into the cooking pot. Allow the wine to continue to reduce until almost evaporated. Roughly chop the butter and add to the wine. Keeping the heat on low, allow butter to fully melt and then whisk the flour into the butter and wine mixture to start the roux. Continue to whisk and cook the roux until the smell of raw flour is gone, approximately ten minutes. Combine the whole milk and heavy cream and slowly whisk into the roux watching for any lumps that may form. Allow to simmer for another 10 minutes, adding more milk if bechamel becomes too thick.
Main Course
PRIME BEEF TENDERLOIN
Serves 12 1 EA Prime beef tenderloin 2 oz Unsalted butter 6 EA Thyme sprigs 4 EA Garlic cloves Kosher salt Ground black pepper METHOD: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Season beef tenderloin with salt and pepper on all sides. Over medium-high heat in a cast-iron pan, sear beef tenderloin until golden and caramelized on all sides. Add butter, thyme and crushed garlic to the pan and baste the beef with the frothy melted butter. Once basted place in oven and cook until medium-rare, approximately 15 minutes. The internal temperature should be roughly 125 degrees if using a meat thermometer. Remove from oven and allow the beef to rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting and serving.
WHITE CHEDDAR POTATO GRATIN
4# Russet potato, peeled and finely sliced 6 EA Shallot, finely sliced 6 EA Garlic cloves, chopped 2 C Whole milk 4 C Heavy cream 2 T Kosher salt 2 T Thyme leaves, chopped 6 oz White cheddar, grated 4 oz Parmesan cheese, grated METHOD: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a heavy-bottomed pot, sweat garlic and shallots until soft and fragrant. Add cream, milk, salt, and thyme leaves and reduce by half. While the milk and cream mixture is reducing, peel and slice the potatoes as thinly as possible and cover in cold water to prevent browning. Prepare an 8×10 inch heavy-bottomed casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. Arrange one layer of the sliced potatoes into the bottom of the casserole dish. Carefully cover the potatoes with the reduced cream. Sprinkle with the white cheddar and parmesan. Place the second layer of potatoes and again cover with cream mixture and grated cheeses. Continue this process the casserole dish is completely full. Add one final layer of the grated cheeses and cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil. Bake the gratin for 1 hour at 350 degrees, remove foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes to brown the top of the gratin. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Green Goddes Chop Salad
Serves 8 1 C Baby zucchini, blanched 1 C Asparagus tips, blanched ½ C English peas, blanched ½ C Edamame, blanched ½ C Green Romanesco florets, blanched ½ C Shishito peppers, lightly grilled 8 EA Broccolini, blanched 2 heads Baby artisan lettuce, leaves picked washed ½ C Green Goddess dressing METHOD: Prepare the vegetables as stated and cut all into bite-size pieces. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and cut into a bowl. Combine with cut vegetables and drizzle with the green goddess dressing. Carefully toss and serve. Garnish with fresh tarragon leaves and fennel frond. GREEN GODDESS DRESSING 2 C Watercress, picked leaves, washed ½ C Basil, leaves 2 T Chives, chopped 2 T Tarragon leaves 1 EA Lemon zest and juice ½ C Mayonnaise 2 T Crème Fraiche 1 EA Anchovy ½ T Dijon mustard 2 EA Garlic cloves METHOD: In a blender mix lemon juice, mayonnaise, crème fraiche, anchovy, Dijon mustard, and garlic cloves. Puree until smooth adding a small amount of water if the mixture becomes too thick. Add the fresh herbs and lemon zest to the blender cup and carefully pulse to combine and fully mix the herbs and the pureed base.
Dessert
BUTTERSCOTCH BUDINO
Yield: 10 portions 1 cup Dark brown sugar ½ cup water 1 teaspoon kosher salt 3 cup heavy cream 1.5 cup whole milk 8 ea. large egg yolks 4 tablespoon cornstarch 4 tablespoon unsalted butter Method
Combine the brown sugar, water, and salt in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, place the pan on the stove over medium heat, cook until the caramel is dark, takes about 14 minutes.
Standing back with caution add the cream and milk to the caramel. This will make the mixture seize up at first, but if you keep whisking and let it heat back up, it will combine. Bring the mixture back to boil, then turn down the heat to medium.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and cornstarch.
Temper the caramel mixture with eggs yolks and cornstarch by adding a cup caramel mix to the eggs mixture, whisking constantly, then pour the egg mixture back into the pan.
Increase the heat to bring this mixture to a boil and keep whisking as the custard thickens from the cornstarch, should take two minutes. 6 Remove the pan from the heat and add the butter.
Strain the custard through a fine strainer to remove any big lumps that might have formed and portion the custard into ramekins.
Cover the ramekins with plastic wrap and chill the custard for a least 4 hours…it’s best when you make a day ahead
Combine Ketel One, Chamomile Lavender Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, and Cocchi Americano in a shaker.
Add ice and shake lightly. Over shaking will cause the drink to water down; do not over dilute, as we will be adding additional Soda Water.
Roll in Soda Water and strain over fresh ice into a glass.
Garnish with a manicured lemon twist and fresh lavender sprigs.
** Easy Chamomile-Lavender Syrup
Ingredients:
Strong Chamomile and Lavender Tea
Sugar
Instructions:
Brew 1 cup of strong chamomile and lavender tea; allow to steep for 20 minutes.
Remove tea bags or herbs.
Measure remaining amount of brewed tea, stir in an equal volume of sugar (I have reduced sugar without much change in taste) until dissolved.
Chill
What is your favorite nomination this year? Post your answer on social media using #4chionstyle.
The Livings Space furnishings will be donated to Habitat For Humanity after the event. The 71st Emmy Awards will air LIVE coast-to-coast from the Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 22 (8:00-11:00 PM ET /5:00-8:00 PM PT) on FOX.
There is nothing like a great barbecue with family, friends, and neighbors. Barbecuing techniques include smoking, roasting or baking, braising and grilling. We traveled across the US looking for the best.
Sugarfire Smokehouse Barbecue
Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ
Road Trip Cherie and Tammy Forchion
Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ
Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ
Sugarfire Smokehouse BBQ
Sugarfire Smokehouse
St. Louis is known for its arch and barbecue. Today I enjoy the meal with my sister Cherie. This being a late Sunday afternoon we realize that many locations are not open, but find one near the ball field, SugarFire SmokeHouse BBQ!
This is an award-winning restaurant under Chef Mike Johnson has studied with Myron Mixon, cooked with Emeril Lagasse and Charlie Trotter. It was a great experience of community, exceptional food (sweet potatoes the best) and BBQ pork and salmon.
St. Louis BBQ is grilled then sauced instead of dry rubbing, slow cooking over indirect heat. St. Louis is the top consumer of bar-be-cue sauce. The sauce is tomato-based and sweeter. The coffee BBQ sauce is tangy and sweet. This is the top area for pork steaks.
Mission Barbecue
Mission BBQ Wilmington NC
Always looking for good BBQ traveling across the country. Each area has its own special BBQ. Wilmington’s Mission BBQ is American and traditional to the area. This place brings the flavors of the region to dinner. Enjoying collard greens made with tomatoes, mac-n-cheese, and green beans with bacon, brisket and NC Style pulled pork with the vinegar BBQ (this food tradition is from original settlers, African slaves on plantations and modern ones). This is an Eastern-style sauce that is vinegar and pepper, no tomatoes. Barbecue is serious here making it all the way to state Congress to declare the official bar-b-q.
Mission BBQ opened 09/11/11 ten years after 911. There is a tradition in the 52 restaurants stops at noon on Fridays to honor the military members and stars and stripes. The decor follows this continued theme with a patriotic dining room full of tributes to those who make our country great. There is really nothing more American than a barbeque.
The staff is exceptional and gives a lot of insight into food and history. The food is a delicious find.
Smokey D’s BBQ
Smokey D’s BBQ
Smokey D’s BBQ
Smokey D’s BBQ
Smokey D’s BBQ
Smokey D’s Barbecue
Lunch with my dad is at Smokey D’s BBQ in Des Moines, Iowa. The year of BBQ adventures and the history of each region is fun. My dad enjoys a half rack of ribs; I go for a lighter side with a veggie wrap. The menu includes great home comfort foods. The fries are crispy and seasoned. The ribs fall right off the bone. Next time I want to try the potato casserole. The BBQ meat and sauce are award-winning. The BBQ founded by Darren and Sherry Warth in a trailer in their driveway.
Bobby Q
Bobby Q
Bobby Q
Bobby Q
Bobby Q
Bobby Q
Bobby Q
Bobby-Q Barbecue
I enjoy a late evening dinner with my daughter, granddaughter Ellie, son-in-law, niece, and sister-in-law in Phoenix. It is a great location with exceptional decor. The bathroom sink is in the hallway near the restroom. The ceiling is worth looking up.
The menu is extensive and a nice variety of choices. The meat is slow smoked and topped with a sweet-savory bbq sauce. The mac-n-cheese is exceptional (Ellie loved this the best) and fries perfection. It is a great evening out.
The restaurant owned by Bob Sikora, a famous Phoenician restaurateur. He brings a Memphis approach to his bbq. The meat is smoked with almond and mesquite wood and dried rubbed.
Barbecue is a tradition in this country that is thousands of years old. It is a great way to spend with loved ones.
Heading west on a great road trip with my father. This is a dream journey with my father. He took me all over the west on road trips each summer. We begin in Champaign Illinois heading west on Interstate 80.
Lagomarcino’s Soda Candy
Lagomarcino’s Chocolate Candy
Lagomarcino’s Soda Candy
Dennis Winger Lagomarcino’s Soda Candy
Molina Illinois
Lagomarino’s Soda and Candy Store The Best Chocolates and Ice Cream
The City of Moline sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. We stop at Lagomarino’s Soda and Candy Store. This candy shop opened in 1908 by Angelo Lagomarino, a Northern Italy immigrant. The store is the fourth generation. They have handcrafted chocolates with the finest ingredients. The store has an old-fashioned soda fountain. The soda menu includes the Green River (A Chicago drink named after the Chicago River that is dyed green for St. Patrick’s day).
Taking my father here was such a treat. He recalls the stories of going to the soda shop his uncle owned as a child. He talked about IronPort soda, a Utah tradition. It is a cross between root beer and Caribbean spices. He went for the hot fudge sundae (a surprise at the bottom was more fudge). I enjoyed a variety of hand-dipped chocolates during our road trip back west. This is a perfect place to stop and enjoy. They are the recipients of a James Beard Award.
Activities and Fun in Molina Illinois
This city is situated near the Iowa state border and sits on the mighty Mississippi River. This town is rich in history with being a part of the Underground Railroad and the home of industrialist John Deere (In 1848, he built his first Moline plow factory). There are many fun things to do here.
Washington Square Charles Deere built an upscale three-story five unit Italianate row house in 1890. His brother-in-law, Merton Cady, is the architect. The initial name for the complex was Deere Row and renters were said to be employees of the Deere factories.
Downtown murals love the Midwest and the vast varieties of murals. Molina’s downtown murals provide a view of Moline’s waterfront, as it would have looked in the early 1850s.
Rock Island played a large part of The Underground Railroad in Molina. This was the first stop for many slaves seeking freedom. The first state near several water sources provided transportation undercover. There is also a set of channels and tunnels underground that provide another escape route.
Leaving the mid-west I recall the experiences and beautiful people I meet. They have made a lasting impression on my life. This area of the United States provides history from slavery to the industrial age. The loss of jobs and industries is present everyday. The areas are gorgeous to visit and see. You feel the hardworking middle class that drove America into the modern world.
Iowa Rest Stop
Iowa State Road Trip
Iowa Rest Stop
Iowa Rest Stop
Iowa Rest Stop
Smokey Ds BBQ
Smokey Ds BBQ
Smokey Ds BBQ
Smokey Ds BBQ
Iowa State Road Trip
Iowa Road Trip
Sitting in a car all day with your father is a wonderful way to collect stories about his life. The first thing I learned is he loves to collect maps. Iowa is a great location for this collection.
Iowas Road Stops
Iowa has the best rest stops in history. You pull up to find a store, information about the area, books, and free maps. The first stop in Iowa my father returns with a collection of Iowa maps. He opens them up as we drive out of the rest stop.
Road Trip Memories
We enjoyed a day of talking about the years as a child I traveled the western US with my two brothers and parents. The summer trips to Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and Southern Utah. My dad would hitch the camping trailer to a yellow rambler and off we would go. We saw so many natural beauties. The adventures from my childhood are endless. The time my mother lost the car keys in the sand dunes. My father lost his new fishing pole the first time he cast out at Strawberry Reservoir. This results in our fishing trip looking for the fishing pole. This is never seen again.
My father is a military retiree. He spent decades as a medic in the Air Force. He would bring back great dolls, toys, and white lunch boxes they would feed the crew. He tells his stories of going to the Philippines, Japan, Korea, and Europe. The time he spent counting hours on the cargo plane counting the hours to coming home to see the three of us fight over the white lunch box.
Smokey D’s BBQ
Lunch is at Smokey D’s BBQ in Des Moines, Iowa. The year of BBQ adventures and the history of each region is fun. My dad enjoys a half rack of ribs; I go for a lighter side with a veggie wrap. The menu includes great home comfort foods. The fries are crispy and seasoned. The ribs feel right off the bone. The BBQ meat and sauce are award-winning. The BBQ founded by Darren and Sherry Warth in a trailer in their driveway.
Nebraska Adventures
The
time in Nebraska is spent traveling through various rest stops and counting up
more water towers. This is a tradition my sister and I started on the way out
to the Midwest in spring. Many times this is the tallest thing on the horizon.
We see a total of 177 water towers on I-80 through the Great Plains.
The
Great Plains is seen as little value to many traveling west in the mid-1800s.
Soon many ranchers release that the Verdant Platte is of great value. Today the
highway runs along this geography changing areas.
Winter Quarters,
Nebraska
This
location is a gathering location of the member of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter Day Saints. A stop my father looked forward to seeing. Many members of
our family stayed here as they prepared to travel west to a new home.
There
is a history of death, birth, and husbands leaving to fight the Mexican
American War. They crossed the frozen Mississippi River in 1846. This gave them
time to gather much needed supplies to make the journey across the Plains and
over the Rocky Mountains.
Some of our relatives made this journey without basic needs including shoes. Some pushed their own carts. A few did find themselves in the middle of a winter storm needing rescuing to survive. This is a free museum.
We
ventured across the street to the modern temple. This is a location that is
used seal families together in family forever. Off the temple grounds is a
cemetery. We were able to find a few of our relatives’ gravesites.
Kearney, Nebraska
We
stay for the evening in Kearney, Nebraska. It was fun arriving late in the
evening and walking around to stretch the legs and enjoy a few McDonald’s
French-fries.
The food for the morning is oatmeal, nuts, dried fruit, and yogurt from Aldi’s, a wonderful grocery finds in Champaign Illinois (this is a store located worldwide).
Kearney has a beautiful museum, The Archway, that stretches over the I-80. This museum is a celebration, “For over 200 years, the path along the Platte River through Nebraska, once called the Great Platte River Road, has been a road to adventure. From the Oregon Trail era through today, the Archway’s family-friendly historical exhibit tells the story of those who followed the Great Platte River Road and helped to build America.”
Wyoming Road Trip
Wyoming Road Trip Cowboy Boots
Wyoming Road Trip
Wyoming Road Trip
Wyoming Road Trip
Cheyenne Wyoming
Lunch in Cheyenne
Lunch in Cheyenne
Cheyenne, Wyoming
The last stop before returning to Orem, Utah is Cheyenne, Wyoming. This western town is full of fun and explorations.
Guadalajara Mexican
Restaurant
We
find an authentic Mexican restaurant, Guadalajara, locally owned and operated.
The ambience of Mexico is felt from the decor to the menu. The food is regional
as well as traditional American Mexican.
I
enjoy Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo. Rincon de Guayabitos in the estate of Sinaloa.
This is a beautiful community that is a beach resort. It is known for fresh red
snapper and other seafood including large shrimp.
This
was a great dish with large shrimp, mushrooms, and a beautiful garlic sauce. It
is served on a bed of iceberg lettuce with a slice of orange. The heat and cold
with a touch of sweet tang from the orange inside a warm tortilla is perfect
after a long day of driving.
My
father enjoys an Enchiladas De Mole with shredded chicken. The mole is
flavorful with a nice hint of heat. Mole is a sauce containing up to 20
ingredients. The sauce usually contains fruit, chili pepper, nut, and such
spices as black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, and chocolate.
Exploring Cheyenne,
Wyoming
The
first thing you notice is the town is filled with large cowboy boots. This is a
fun scavenger hunt for the family through town. Local artist paints each boot.
We enjoy searching for these boots.
The
town is the capital of Wyoming. There is a great museum near the capital that
had maps for free. We leave with a stack of Wyoming maps.
The best stop here is the National Guard base that has F-84F And C-130 Aircraft (a favorite plane of my father). My father spent 35 years in the Air Force reserves as a medic. He worked a civilian at Hill Air Force base.
This
was a fun day exploring Cheyenne and all the history in this town. This town
goes from dinosaurs to the frontier days, and 19th century covered wagons.
There are great museums including
Cheyenne
Depot Museum
Cheyenne
Botanical Garden
Wyoming
State Museum
Cowgirls
of the West Museum
This
is a wonderful town to really see the migration west and the history of
settling the American west.
This was a fun day exploring Cheyenne and all the history in this town. This town goes from dinosaurs, frontier days, and 19th century covered wagons to the railway travel.
This was a great journey with my father. It was great sharing memories from his childhood, my own childhood, and creating new memories. The remander of the journey back to Arizona is my dog Hyde and I.
Utah State
Kanab Utah
Kanab Utah
Kanab Utah
Kanab Utah
Kanab Utah
Zions National Park
Big Al’s Burgers
Big Al’s Burgers
Kanab, Utah
Kanab is the location of all road trippers on 89. It is the center of many national parks, great river rafting, and tons of fun.
The town has a great old western movie museum, Frontier Movie Town. This is a fun look at old film sets long before green screen and animation. This is a free museum behind the gift shop in the cottonwood trees. There are so many adventures near Kanab they include
Hiking
Cottonwood Wash Narrows
Slot Canyon
Paria Canyon
Wire Pass
Elusive Wave
Zion’s National Park
Drives
Glen Canyon Damn
Lake Powel
North Rim Grand Canyon
Kodachrome Basin State Park
Explore
Coral Pink Sand Dunes
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
Moqui Cave
Green River Whitewater Rafting
Lunchtime is at Big Al’s Burgers at the Junction Drive-in (Thank you Cherie for the suggestion). Must have a traditional Utah meal. I worked at a local diner Provo as a teenager. The best meal is milkshake, hamburger, and fries with a Utah tradition of fry sauce (mayo and ketchup dip). This was a lot of fun, good food, and super busy. What a great location for fun.
This is a wonderful time to explore and travel the US. It was great meeting
so many wonderful people and tremendous adventures. What is your favorite
vacation? Post your response with #4chionstyle on social media.
@4ChionLifestyle
Follow us for all thing fashion, celebrity, and beauty.
This year the Governor’s Ball is the after party for the elite. They will enjoy an evening at The Ray Dolby Ballroom Hollywood & Highland Center®. The evening is shaping up to be a magical transformation.
Oscars® Governor’s Bars Menu
Governor’s Ball Menu
Wolfgang Puck Catering is preparing the Governor’s Ball. They will set the stage for Hollywood’s biggest night with a menu pairing glamour with innovation. The menu includes some of the classics and a few new dishes. There are vegan gluten-free desserts.
Governor’s Ball Amuse Bouche
Crostini of Compressed Watermelon with Citrus Feta Cheese
Crab Deviled Eggs
Avocado Tostadas with Crunch Cabbage and Chipotle Glaze (V)
Mini Taro Root Taco with Miso Glazed Eggplant and Smoked Soy Mushrooms (V)
Crostini with New York Steak, Classic Chimichurri
Spicy Ranch Popcorn
Housemade Potato Chips
The Academy’s® Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
Governor’s Ball Tray Passed Hors d’Oeuvres
Governor’s Ball Small Plates
Caramelized Cauliflower, Golden Raisin, Lime, Labneh, Pinenut, Shiso-Za’atar
Frozen Golden Beets, Almond Custard, Meyer Lemon, Ice Lettuce (V)
Snap Peas, Asian Pear, Pomelo Salad, Cacik Cheese, Mint, Walnut
Compressed Persimmon, Cinco Jotas Jamón Ibérico, Burrata, Wild Arugula
Sunchoke and Fennel Soup, Chips, Truffle Gremolata
Potato and Caviar 2.0
Black Truffle Chicken Pot Pie
Winter Truffle Baked Cavatappi and Cheese
Pea Agnolotti, Black Truffle, Peas Shoot, Parmesan Reggiano Brittle
Piper Heidsieck Golden Champagne Strawberry Push Pop
Mini Wolfgang Puck Dark Chocolate Bars
The Academy’s® Governors Ball will be held in the Ray Dolby Ballroom
Governor’s Ball Passed Small Plates
Black Forest “Cherry”
Butterscotch Verrine with Dark Chocolate Nest
Tropical Pavlova with Macerated Jackfruit and Dragon Fruit (V)
Strawberry Ginger Cheesecake with Jasmine Gelee
Governor’s Ball Lollipops
Passion Fruit Cheesecake
Praline Almond Chocolate
Chocolate Oscars® with Strawberry Valrhona Chocolate
Governor’s Ball Chocolate Bon Bons
Chai Latte
Thai Tea with Young Coconut
Honey Jasmine
Earl Grey Tea Biscuit
Espresso Triple Shot
Praline Roasted Coffee Bean
Governor’s Ball Chef Stations
Air Bread “Sea Urchin” with Passion Fruit Caviar
Affogato with Housemade Ice Creams and Stumptown Nitro Cold-Brew
Governor’s Ball Vegan Sweets (made without gluten)
Hawaiian Superfood Spheres
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Cashew Vanilla Tiramisu
Tropical Halo-Halo
Sunflower Raspberry Macaron
Chocolate and Sea Salt Cookies
Governor’s Ball Local, ORganic AND Sustainablty
• Babe Farms • Rising C Ranch • County Line • J Marchini • Coke Farms • Weiser Family Farms • Pudwill Farms • Polito Family Farms • Troy Regier • DiStefano Cheese • Laura Chenel • Marin French Cheese • Rustic Bakery • La Quercia • Cremenelli • Garcia Organics • Cuyama Farms • Heriloom Organics
Academy’s Governors Ball
Chef Wolfgang Puck
Charles Joly
Academy’s Governors Ball
Mark Held
Coppola wines
Diageo
Piper-Heidsiek
Academy’s Governors Ball
Academy’s Governors Ball
Academy’s Governors Ball
Chef Wolfgang Puck
Academy’s Governors Ball
Academy’s Governors Ball
Coppola wine
Governor’s Ball By the Numbers
Governor’s Ball Numbers in the Kitchen
100 pounds housemade bread and butter pickles
6,500 wood-fired Oscar®-shaped flatbread
3,500 sesame miso cones
350 pounds Atlantic bigeye tuna
300 pounds eggplant
Governor’s Ball Numbers in the Dinning Room
1,500 guests
Team of 10 maitre d’ staff
850 service and support staff
13,000 glasses for beverages
2,000 yards of Wine Royal Velvet and sleek Wine Satins, Textured Gold and Champagne Gold fabrics
• Beautiful Black and Gold Deco Dot with Black Velvet Border
• Ten thousand blooms from all over the world
Governor’s Ball Decor
Mark’s Garden will be overseeing the floral arrangements this year. Mark Held is creating a room of deep color and elegance for the elite diners at the event.
Held’s designs this year will feature unique floral compositions in saturated shades of deep red accented with bright gold, evoking memories of the grand movie palaces of the past. Thousands of brilliant red tulips, velvety burgundy roses, mauve orchids and dark purple calla lilies packed into a medley of mixed gold containers will line the guest tables.
Ancho Old FashAncho
Governor’s Ball Recipes
Eat and drink like the celebrities for you Oscar’s viewing party with these recipes.
Ancho Old Fashioned – Created by Mixologist Charles Joly
Ingredients: 1 1/2 oz Tequila Don Julio Reposado Barspoon of Ancho Reyes Chile Liqueur 3 drops Bittered Sling Arabica Coffee Bitters 1/3 oz Rich Demerara Syrup (2 parts sugar:1 part water) Orange Oil for Mist Orange Twist for Garnish
Preparation: 1. Stir Tequila Don Julio Reposado, chile liqueur, coffee bitters, and demerara syrup over ice. 2. Pour into an Old Fashioned glass over one large cube. 3. Mist with orange oil and place orange twist decoratively.
Smoked Salmon Oscar with Iranian Osetra Caviar on Brioche
1 loaf brioche 1 cup dill cream (recipe below) 1 lb. smoked salmon 2 oz. Iranian Osetra caviar
Cut the brioche into the shape of an Oscar statuette and toast until golden.
Spoon small amount of dill cream on the brioche.
Layer smoked salmon on top and garnish with caviar.
Dill Cream 1 cup sour cream 1 T lemon juice 2 T shallots, chopped 1 T fresh dill, chopped
Whisk ingredients together thoroughly. Pinch of salt and white ground pepper
What is your favorite part of the Oscars®? Post your comments on social media using #4ChionStyle.
The 91st Oscars will be held on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at the Dolby Theatre® at Hollywood & Highland Center® in Hollywood, and will be televised live on the ABC Television Network at 5:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The Oscars also will be televised live in more than 225 countries and territories worldwide.
@4ChionLifestyle
Follow us for all thing fashion, celebrity, and beauty.
