foodie - Yoli Dreams

Find New Twitter Followers Interested In: Natural Hair OR Food

May 20, 2012 1 Comment

This week’s Topics: Food bloggers OR Natural Hair

Get more tweeps that are interested in the same thing as you–free, easy, gimmick free!

It can hard to find people with similar interests as you on Twitter sometimes. It can be really easy to find followers, but it isn’t always so easy to find people who post about similar topics as you. That why I started this weekly linky: to help some fellow tweeters with specific interests find each other. (Side note: What is a “linky”? Basically it is a list of links. In this case it is list of links to twitter profiles with specific interests).

Please add your twitter profile to the any or all of the linky below. If everyone follows the simple rules, everyone will get some new quality followers!

Rules

Please follow me, your hostess, on twitter @utrend
Add you twitter profile link to the appropriate linky list (ie: http://www.twitter.com/USERNAME)
Please follow at least 3 new people on the linky–and let them know you found them here! (i.e.: if your link is #10, follow #7-9 right above you)
That’s it!

Natural Hair Tweeps (remember only add a link to your twitter account)

Food Blogger Tweeps (remember only add a link to your twitter account)

Would you like to be a featured host? People will be asked to follow you before they add their link. It’s a easy way to get some followers. All I need you to do is tweet about this linky to your followers and let me know. I’ll line you us to be a featured host of the linky party!

Filed Under: African American Hair, black hair, food, foodie

Review: Dinner Impossible Live

May 8, 2012 Leave a Comment

Chef Irvine, my hubby, and me!

A few weeks ago my husband took me to see Chef Robert Irvine’s show, Dinner Impossible Live. You know who Chef Robert is–he has two shows on Food Network: Restaurant Impossible and Dinner Impossible. He has also been a celebrity chef on some other Food Network shows. My hubby snagged a sweet deal from Group On because he knew his foodie wife would love him forever for it (and Ido!)

I’ll be honest, while I was excited to go see Chef Irvine, I was seriously wondering if watching him cook from a distance for 2 hours would be entertaining. I mean I love to watch chefs at work close up and personal–especially if I can taste the product. However, this wasn’t going to be the case at this event. There were a few hundred people there and I held little hope of getting up close and personal.

The minute Chef Irvine stepped on the stage, he owned the crowd. He is an amazing personality, and I was throughly entertained the entire way through. He is witty, commanding, resourceful, knowledgeable, athletic, and funny. Now I can tell you from experience he is the same in person as he is on TV. I don’t want to give away too much about the contents, but I can tell you that the show was creative, funny, entertaining, and foodie-educational.

I took away some recipes that I started to plan for in the month of May, great tips (like did you know that Grape Seed Oil is better to cook delicate meats instead of the often chosen Olive Oil?) and a big smile.

If you have an opportunity to go to this show, go! You won’t be disappointed! Stay tuned for a review of Chef Irvine’s cookbook “Impossible to Easy” which I was able to pick up cheaper at the show, along with an autograph and a picture with Chef!

Side note: Chef Robert Irvine is a serious hottie! The TV does no justice! Cute smile, nice body! Just saying… *innocent*

Filed Under: food, foodie

What a Weekend!

May 6, 2012 4 Comments

What a hectic, but fun couple days! I gave up trying to sit in front of a computer until Sunday since Wednesday evening. Here’s what I’ve been up to, which I’m sure you’ll read posts related to, or tweets, or something like that in the future….

Wednesday

My hubby surprised me with tickets to the play off game between the Magic and the Pacers. I actually like sports (if you didn’t know) and it was a great surprise! I even made a sign that became a point on controversy.

Outside, waiting to get in with the rest of the fans!

Basically I got the Pacers’ colors “wrong”. See that basketball in the Pacers logo that I drew. Well it’s orange, not yellow. Oh my husband and other fans heckled the heck out of me! This is something I still argue against because I looked the logo up online and it looked orange. Even on the big jumbotron it looked orange. Come on, I’m not a Pacers’ fan. How was I supposed to know that dumb team made a basketball yellow?

I'm sorry, but I still say that looks orange!

Thursday

After a full day administering tests (not fun) I came home to dress and attend a ceremony where I was one of the honorees; I won teacher of the year for my department!

Yeah, I was recognized for all my hard work!

After jetting off from the dinner we changed quickly for the Avengers Opening night. In case you are wondering, GREAT movie. Nerd approved!

Friday

My mom came into town, and we hit up the food truck festival again.

Saturday

Yesterday I entertained my mom all day. In the evening the school I work at had Prom. My hubby DJ’ed and I chaperoned (Ok, I danced, ate, and laughed my butt off). It was a great event. The kids I work with are fabulous–not one issue! (Might have pictures later…

Sunday

Well, it’s back to normal–except for the 500 emails and 10 blog comments, and twitter direct messages and who knows what else waiting for me! LOL

What did you do this week?

Stay tuned because I have a contest for a Spa Gift Certificate opening in a few days!

Filed Under: education, foodie, job, movie review, self esteem, won

May’s Menu Plan

May 1, 2012 7 Comments

So, what am I cooking this month? I go food shopping once a month and I try to actually plan a few meals ahead of time; I find that if I don’t plan we tend to eat a lot of pasta and tomatoes sauce dinners. Also with the price of gas, who needs to run all the way to the store for that one item you forgot?

I’ll share my recipes and the outcome through my “tried it” column. Honest as always,I’ll let you know if the recipes are a thumbs up or down. I’m an average working woman, even though I am a foodie, so the reviews come from that standpoint. I’ll let you know where you can find the recipe yourself if they are worth looking up. (If you have a great recipe you want me to try, let me know! I’ll include it in an upcoming month.)

Breakfast Recipes

Scrambled Egg & Dill Havarti Croissants- Source: Canadian Family Magazine

Source: 20minutesupperclub.com via Yolanda on Pinterest

Lunch/Dinner

Buttermilk Roasted Chicken- Source: Life Is Great

Portuguese Shrimp and Sausage Soup- Source: Woman’s Day

Sea Scallop Sandwhiches in a Crisp Potato Crust with Citrus Jus- Source: “Impossible To Easy” by Robert Irvine page 48

Artichoke Hearts Stuffed with Crab Salad- Source: “Impossible To Easy” by Robert Irvine page 72

Source: womansday.com via Yolanda on Pinterest

Adult Libations

Raspberry Lemontini- Source: Centsational Girl

Baking Recipe

Basil Lime Cookies- Source: Big Fat Baker

Bonus Recipe

Refreshing Spring Time Treat- Source: Young At Heart Mommy

Follow me on Networked Blogs, Linky Follows, Blog Lovin’ or one of the other many option on the sidebar to the right so you can stay tuned for how these delicious sounding recipes pan out (no pun intended!)

Filed Under: food, foodie, meal planning

Food Trucks Rule The Universe!

April 3, 2012 2 Comments

I recently had a super fabulous foodie experience. Have you ever been served by a gourmet chef through a window? Or given high-class items served in cardboard boxes with plastic forks? Well you haven’t lived until you can answer “yes” to both of these questions!

Recently I have been introduced to the world of gourmet food trucks. Where have they been all my life? A fellow foodie friend of mine told me about a monthly event in the small town next time. A consortium of local food geniuses on wheels close a street downtown and sell food along with a live outdoor concert.

I was skeptical. I am originally from New York, and while I was sure that there are some great food trucks in the Big Apple, the ones I remember were greasy and uninspired. How glad I am that I didn’t let my prejudice overshadow my stomach!

I am now officially hooked on to this new foodie craze! My hubby and I had a great date night and sampled such foods as scallops ‘Po Boy and white wine mussels (always one of my favorites). We will definitely be going back next month!

If you have the opportunity to got to a food truck event, take it from me, it’s worth the trip! You will not leave disappointed, or hungry!

Check it out! While doing research for future food truck events I found out that the local paper was at the event and pictures of me and my honey are all over their webpages! LOL

Filed Under: foodie

Tried It! Coco Tropical

March 7, 2012 Leave a Comment

Rum and Coke. Vodka and Coke. Hennessy and Coke. All fabulous, bit if your like me you get tired of having the same old drink. There is an art mixing cocktails; but it can, with instruction, be easier than you think. I was able to take a mixology lesson while recently in Cancun, Mexico. I was able to mix some drinks that both looked, and tasted amazing.

So you want to be the host extraordinaire? Then try out these simple recipes–sure to dazzle the taste buds and impress your friends! This is a six article series of drink recipes, so be sure to subscribe to the blog to get them all!

Today’s Recipe: Coco Tropical

Ingredients

Mint

Lime juice

Liquid sugar

Gin

Ice

Malibu Coconut rum

Mineral Water

Mix together mint, lime juice, liquid sugar and gin. “Mash”, or bruise the mint leaves in the liquid. Add ice, Malibu and mineral water. Top with a splash of Malibu.

Enjoy!

PS: I made the recipe… It’s super easy! I’m no mixologist, and it tasted just like an expensive drink from a swanky bar! Yummy!

Filed Under: cocktails, foodie, tried it

Tried It! Seafood Rice Pilaf

February 20, 2012 1 Comment

So I’m starting a new series on my blog, quite simply entitled “Tried It!” As I began reading more blogs, and diving into the world of the foodie, I started to wonder: what’s the point of reading, seeing, or researching all this, but never trying or experimenting any of it?

Thus, the series is born. Some of my experience will succeed, while others fail. However I will always be honest, and hope others will follow behind me (but do a better job of it, of course). After all that’s what life is all about: “trying it”…

While in Mexico I tasted the most delicious seafood rice pilaf in the world. At least, it’s been the most delicious I’ve had thus far. Fortunately I was able to get a great video of it being made, and figured out most of the ingredients. Check out the video below, then see a picture of the results of my first attempt.

Try it yourself!

Ingredients

Sausage, sliced into thin strips or bite sized pieces

Chicken, cut into bite sized pieces (suggest seasoning over night)

Veggies of choice, cut into bite sized pieces (suggest: bell pepper, onion, yellow squash)

Mussels

Shrimp

Calamari

Rice

Sazon

Chick broth

Canola Oil

White Wine

Thyme

Salt and Pepper

Directions

Heat up your largest skillet (medium heat). Add Canola Oil
Add chicken and sausage to your skillet
Add your seafood
Add veggies and thyme
Add white wine, and let simmer for a minute or two. Remember to keep stirring so things don’t burn or stick
Add rice, Sazon, rice and Chicken broth
Cover with wax paper and let simmer for 20-25 minutes

Suggestions for you based on my experiment: Make sure you add some sazon to the chicken stock. Also, be sure to season the chicken overnight in for more flavor.

Filed Under: foodie, recipe, tried it

Surprisingly easy (looking) Seafood Gumbo Recipe

February 16, 2012 Leave a Comment

I stumbled on this video on YouTube. I’ve been dying to eat, and learn to cook, some seafood gumbo. However, it’s always looked very intimidating! This recipe looks great. I’ll be adding the things needed to my grocery list–and no matter the results, I’ll let y’all know how my first Gumbo turns out!

Filed Under: food, foodie, recipe

You Know You’re a Foodie If….

January 23, 2012 Leave a Comment

Source: ourbestbites.com via Yolanda on Pinterest

You know you’re a foodie if…

… You think about you trip to the grocery store with eager anticipation

… You’re wiling to travel 45 minutes away for home, passing dozens of other markets to go to that “speciality” market because they “have an olive bar”

…. You know what an “olive bar” is

… You go to department stores and drool over their food processors

… You’ve ever been to a cooking class at William-Soma

… You buy goat cheese as a snack

… You have ever messed up on your monthly budget because you just had to buy the ingredients for that recipe you had to try

… You want your significant other to give you a food experience for your anniversary

… You are the member of a monthly food club… Or you want to be!

… You know what country produces the most cheese

… People suggest eating fast food and your first instinct is to hit the with your copy of “Epicurean”

… You read the word Disney and instantly think “Food and Wine Festival”

… Your family comes into the room because you’re yelling at the TV like a crazy person only to discover you’re watching “Cupcake Wars”

How did you know you were a foodie? Contact me and tell me so I can put you on the next list… With credit of course!

Filed Under: food, foodie, humor, joke

What’s for dinner: Crab Cakes and Pasta

January 22, 2012 Leave a Comment

Tonight I made some crab cakes and homemade pasta sauce. I tweaked Robert Irvine’s recipe from Food Network, using the ingredients below (not shown, the oil and lump crab meat that came from the seafood department of my local market)