Monthly Archives: July 2013

A Unique Cookbook That Celebrates Women Around the Globe and A Special Event

Eggplant curry from a very special cookbook.

Eggplant curry from a very special cookbook.

 

Did you know that 70 percent of those living on less than $1 a day are female?

Women also are disproportionately affected by war. We’ve all read the horrific stories of women in conflict-torn countries who have been raped, who have lost their husbands, forced from their homes and are left the sole providers for their family.

Zainab Salbi set out to help when she founded Women for Women International in 1993. The organization helps women rebuild their lives. It now operates in eight countries: Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda and Sudan.

ShareCookbook

Now comes a remarkable cookbook, “Share: The Cookbook That Celebrates Our Common Humanity” (Kyle). The book, of which I received a review copy, features a collection of recipes from celebrities involved in humanitarian issues, including Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Emma Thompson, Desmond Tutu, Mia Farrow, Ashley Judd, Nelson Mandella, America Ferrera and Christiane Amanpour. The book also includes recipes by renowned chefs who have taken up the cause, including Alice Waters, Jesse Ziff Cool, Greg Higgins, Jamie Oliver, Susan Spicer and Rene Redzepi. Moreover, 16 recipes and stories are included from women in these strife-torn countries, whom the organization has helped.

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Join Me Every Sunday in August At Santana Row For the Chef Sessions

SantanaRowChefSessions

Where’s the perfect place to spend a Sunday morning in summery August?

At Santana Row in San Jose, of course, where I’ll be hosting a different chef cooking demo every Sunday that month, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..

The free demo will be outdoors under the sunshine at Santana Row Park and  include plenty of tastes to rev up the appetite.

Each Sunday will feature a different chef from one of the restaurants at Santana Row.

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The Verdict on New Foster Farms Oven Ready Chicken Entrees

Foster Farms new Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Oven Ready Entree. Just add your own sides.

Foster Farms new Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Oven Ready Entree. Just add your own sides.

 

I admit I’m a skeptic when it comes to most packaged prepared foods.

I often don’t think they’re a time-saver.

Plus, the sodium levels are usually frighteningly through the roof.

Recently, I had a chance to sample the new Foster Farms Oven Ready Entrees, which feature chicken breasts that are already marinated. You just put the recyclable, oven-proof tray in the oven and they’re ready in about 30 minutes.

They come in four varieties: Chile Verde, Roasted Red Pepper, Zesty Thai and Honey Roasted Garlic.

What I most appreciated was the reasonable sodium level — 210 to 270 per serving, depending upon the variety. The entrees also have a moderate 120 to 130 calories per serving, though, it’s hard to tell exactly how much a serving constitutes as the nutrition label states “servings per container varied” because, of course, not all chicken breasts are exactly the same size. A publicist I checked with said that one package will serve 4 to 6. I think it’s more like 4 servings at most — or even 2 if you have very big eaters in the house.

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Musings on Peach-Nectarine Buttermilk Ice Cream

Buttermilk ice cream with chunks of peaches and nectarines.

Buttermilk ice cream with chunks of peaches and nectarines.

I have done a very dangerous thing.

I have taken the plunge to buy an ice cream machine.

My freezer’s not going to know what hit it.

For years, I contemplated buying an ice cream machine because, well, who doesn’t love ice cream? But each time the temptation hit, I pushed it aside, fearing I’d be making ice cream all the time if it was that convenient. And well, eating ice cream all the time does have its consequences.

But as I started work on my first cookbook, “San Francisco Chef’s Table” (Lyons Press), which will publish in November, I realized I would need to test the ice cream recipes from the chefs contributing to the book.

I could no longer say “no” to the Cuisinart ice cream maker that I’d coveted.

I did the deed a couple weeks ago. And I’ve already used the dang thing three times. God, help me.

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New Oakville Grocery Sammies, Santana Row To Welcome A New Restaurant, and More

The new Cuban sandwich at Oakville Grocery. (Photo courtesy of the store.)

The new Cuban sandwich at Oakville Grocery. (Photo courtesy of the store.)

New Sandwiches Galore At Oakville Grocery

Oakville Grocery, the 130-year-old landmark Wine Country gourmet store has rolled out a delicious new sandwich menu created by Chef Jason Rose.

Look for the Oakville Muffaletta ($13), a ciabatta piled with Toscano salami, sopressata, ham, provolone, and pickled pepper relish; the Cuban ($13), a torpedo roll stuffed with slow-cooked pork shoulder, ham, yellow mustard, pickles, Swiss cheese, and aioli; and the Quinoa Falafel ($9.50), spinach lavash rolled up around spicy hummus, harissa Greek yogurt, grilled eggplant, cucumber and pickles.

Each day, a special tartine ($10) also is featured, along with a waffle sandwich ($7) of ham and Swiss cheese.

The muffaletta. (Photo courtesy of Oakville Grocery.)

The muffaletta. (Photo courtesy of Oakville Grocery.)

With two locations — the original in Oakville and the other in Healdsburg — it’s a perfect place to pick up a quick lunch after cycling or touring wineries.

Get Ready for a Taste of Brazil at Santana Row

Fogo de Chao, a Brazilian steakhouse, will be opening in San Jose’s Santana Row in early 2014.

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