Saturday, March 31, 2012

Spartan Race, Get On The Right Course To Getting Your Life In Order.


This post brought to you by Spartan Race.  All opinions are 100% mine.

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You know how we like to keep things simple and organic. Organic, not always in the sense of food that was grown without chemicals but more in the form of allowing things to happen at their own pace. With that being said, we really aren’t the type to flock to the gym and crack the weight pile for a few hours, but know that we need to stay in shape.
Whether you chose to stay in shape to help provide a future for your loved ones or for your own vanity is not our concern, we just want to see you healthy and happy and that is where the Spartan Race starts to sound interesting to us. See the Spartan Race, as intimidating as it sounds once you get into it, is really something that we should all face in our lives.

Based on the idea that working out does not always have to tortuous and so long as you have that youthful spirit inside you, anyways can do this workout. The key factors to this being beneficial in your life are to have determination and self-discipline. Named after the tough as nails, chew you up and spit you out “Spartans” this obstacle course styled to create endurance, tenacity and most importantly a good time. Who doesn’t have fun outdoors? Once you sign up, your entitled to their weekly newsletters, workout plans and blog that encourages you to stay on top of your workout routine and get involved in the big race. Spartan Race

What is the big race you ask, well Spartan Race, is a new revolutionary way to push your body to the limits with their world leading obstacle courses. There are many different styles of racing and many different cultures of racers with races ranging from the muddy 3+ mile events with 10 or more obstacles up to the 40+ mile events.

For the beginner in you, the 3 mile races offer a chance to get acclimated to how things work and what exactly you should expect on the course.

Either which way you look at this, whether it be a routine you stick to, or something you build yourself up to do only once in your life, its something that should be experienced before its too late. And believe us when we say, if you attempt the race You Will Feel Better About Yourself, but if you cross that finish line, you will have more self respect for yourself than you could have ever imagined containing.

This is no race course for the faint of heart or the weak willed. This is grueling, gritting and grinding styled action from start to finish, that is the type of action we thrive on.

Check out Spartan Race sign up for at least one race and ask them questions. They will reply to whatever you ask we promise. Imagine being able to see your entire family cross the finish line after a day of working together to overcome obstacles that you never thought you would be faced with, those are the things that will create memories that will surely last a lifetime.

For FAQs and Answers, please check out: www.SpartanRace.com//spartan-race-obstacle-course-faq.html

Spartan Race

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Recipe of the Day: Sausage & Pepper Skewers w/ Couscous


Today being National Something on a Stick Day, we figured we would avoid things of the corndog nature and make some classic Sausage & Pepper Skewers with a delicious Pesto Sauce to dip them in. This recipe pulls together in less than 20 mins and once your grill is hot, your almost home free. Using Sausages such as a spicy chicken or garlic flavored Turkey sausage or great for this recipe and greatly reduce the amount of fat you will be taking in.
These go great in the Summer / Springtime at a backyard BBQ because once they are cooked, they can be held with one hand allowing the other hand to hold that Ice Cold Libation of the day.
Enjoy!!!
(click Read More for the entire recipe)

Monday, March 26, 2012

Recipe Of The Day: Spinach, Orzo & Shrimp Salad


The beast that is Summertime is quickly approaching. Never mind that Spring just landed, we know once the rain stops the beaches, hiking trails and outdoors will be calling upon us all to get out and enjoy a little time in the Sun. 

With that being said, let’s get something straight, no longer can we sit inside, snacking on our cold weather / holiday treats, the time is now to whip up some healthy snacks and get to burning off those unwanted, but always around lbs. Today being National Spinach Day, we figured lets break things down to the simplest form and start the week of with a great Salad recipe that’s topped off with some delicious (and healthy) Shrimp.

This salad takes no time at all so keep this recipe in your arsenal for when it is entirely too hot outside to eat a steak and fried shrimp.
This cool Summertime Spinach-Orzo & Shrimp Salad is a delightful way to break the monotony and add some beneficial fuel to your tank.

Enjoy!!!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Skillet Cornbread & Strawberry Jam

Simple classics always remain in style. Fads come and go, well all know this is true, so while many people Worldwide are currently “enjoying” the carb-less life we over here are headed in a whole different direction by preparing the perfect treat on a warm Spring Day, Skillet Cornbread & Strawberry jam. 
Being that today March 21st is National California Strawberry Day, we believe that there is no better time than the present to perfect a 2 piece dish that will complete just about any meal with Simple Elegance. Besides who doesn’t love Skillet Cornbread, that is just a sin to begin with.

Enjoy!!!
(click read more for the entire recipe)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Great Gift Ideas for Mothers Day - May 13th, 2012



You can never do enough for your Mother, period. Mothers are the key to the existence of the World. You treat a woman bad and trust us, you will pay for it ten fold wherever your life takes you. That being said, a good way to show how much you love them is to make their lives easier and with these goodies right here, we think you will be off to a great start. Whether your buying these gifts for your Mom, the Mother of your children or the woman you hope to marry keep this thought in mind, a card and flowers are nice, but a Cappuccino machine is better.

Le Creuset’s new French Press is the ultimate in simple brewing when it comes to making perfectly brewed coffee, consistently. Available in Truffle, Cherry and Marseille at finer retailers starting at $60.

These Le Creuset Cappuccino Cups & Saucers are for the lover of blue in you. These beautifully hued cups hold a pefect 7oz and are also available in Truffle, Cherry & Marseille at fine retailers starting at $35 (for a set of 2)


The Activ –Ball original Corkscrew & Foilcutter by Le Creuset feature a 2 piece set to help get the night started off right or to help keep it going on course. Nothing is worse than being in a house full of great wines, champagnes and other fly libations only to be told, you have nothing to open the bottles with. And lets face the facts, none of us are trying to be the guy who kills an innocent bystander slicing open a bottle with a sword. Get with the times and get something that will actually start a conversation in your kitchen. Available in iconic Black & Flame, Black & Marseille, Black & Cherry and straight Black at finer retailers for $30.

The Delicha patented automatic Tea Maker by Swissmar’s Dalla Piazza line is a tea lover’s dream come true. A perfect cup of tea is only as hard as bringing water to a boil with this simplistic beauty of a workhorse. Durable, sleek & dishwasher safe make this a perfect purchase for under $100.

The Osyris Decanter by Peugeot enables you to keep those mature bottles of wine in pristine condition when being transferred from bottle to decanter. Its narrow inner (decanting) funnel chamber enables the wine to be delicately placed at the side of carafe minimizing the risk of aeration. The beautiful glass decanter is suitable for a 750 ml bottle of wine and has a narrow contact surface between the carafe and the table-top to prevent excessive thermal transfer, protecting wine that has been resting at its proper temperature.




Recipe Of The Day: Pasta / Ravioli Dough

Getting in the kitchen and making a meal that people enjoy is a feeling that everyone should be able to experience frequently. This being especially true if you have children or someone in your life that means something exceptional to you. It’s similar to planting a garden, fixing your own car or hanging a painting, its just another notch in your belt of accomplishments that we oftentimes don’t give ourselves enough credit for.

Today is National Ravioli Day. If you have never made your own pasta dough, today is the day that you should give it a try. This Ravioli / Pasta Dough really is simple a recipe that can be used as the base to create thousands of dishes, literally.
You can fill this dough with whatever your heart desires, so long as it is cod / cool to the touch. Anything hot will begin to cook the dough and result in a mushy product.
For a recipe such as this, you should have a pasta machine to achieve a uniformed thickness on the dough.

Master this Dough recipe, make it your own and hand it down to the next generation. You wont be mad that you did.
Enjoy!!!

Friday, March 16, 2012

Recipe Of The Day: Antipasto Salad Sandwiches


Stepping into a new restaurant for the first time for many people can be overwhelming. Every now and then new terms are used in place of what an item traditionally called thus completely turning off the patron without even knowing what the dish is. 
With a recent trip to a neighborhood Italian Restaurant behind us, a conversation came up about the term Antipasto and what should it include. Traditionally Antipasto (Plural Antipasti) means “before the meal” in Italian, and is often the first formal course in an Italian meal. 
It should include various cured meats, olives, pepperoncini, mushrooms, roasted garlic, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses and peperone (marinated small green bell peppers, which should not be confused with pepperoni.) 
Typically topped off with olive oil, this dish can take the place of any salad in a heartbeat. Although Antipasto is often compared to hors d’oeuvre’s, it should be noted that they are not the same, as Antipasto is served at the table and signifies the official beginning of a meal, whereas hors d’oeuvre’s are served as a snack before a meal begins.

We put together a recipe for an Antipasto sandwich that is truly amazing and will help introduce you to this staple in the Italian culture. Of course substitutions can be made to your liking, we are simply showing you a traditional version that we have taken a liking too.

Recipe Of The Day: Deep Fried Artichokes


Everyone loves artichokes, you just may not know it yet. Having the right person prepare an artichoke for your first time eating them is very crucial. they can easily be made to taste like an aloe vera plant and that ain't that cool. If this is your time eating them have no fear for they are fried, and what doesn't taste good fried?
Consider them the perfect appetizer to enjoy while having freezing cold libations such as: Beer, Vodka and Tonics, Gin and Tonics, Rum & Cokes, Patron shots... Ok you get the picture.
Please enjoy these and your drinks in moderation.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Homemade Spicy Potato Chips


These days, everyone and their Mother is on a low carb / no carb diet and because of that, our dear friend the Potato is suffering from being lonely and is about to go Ham from a tower with a rifle. Ok that may be taking things a bit far, but don’t turn your back on the values of the potato, especially when National Potato Chip Day is right around the corner. 

Instead of buying a bag of greasy mess, we figured why not make some at home, save some money and gain a sense of accomplishment. We came up with some spicy chips that went perfect with a case of cold coronas as we watched our nieces and nephews run wild together, like they were never gonna see each other again (maybe they know something we don’t?)

Enjoy!!!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Libations Fit For A King and Queen (directly from The Ritz-Carlton, Naples)



You should by now know that we have an affinity for strong libations, made with ingredients of an abnormal nature. True we love the traditional standbyes such as our Rum & Pepsi or Remy Martin on the rocks, but what about when the events of the evening call for something that goes far beyond the usual?

Have no fear my friends, because these amazing drink recipes from the exceptionally creative minds of the Kitchen & Bar staff at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples are something that should be in everyone’s arsenal.

Enjoy!!!

Smoked Bloody Mary
House-made bacon-infused vodka mixed with a blend of smoked vegetables. Big, smoky BBQ taste; could be considered a pre-meal appetizer, as it's hearty and thick. The smoky bacon and spicy finish is like no other Bloody Mary. Trimmings include an apple-wood smoked pork belly bacon cube and cherry tomato.

Recipe: Bacon-infused vodka, smoked tomatillos, celery, tomatoes, jalapeños and blend. Strain and add V8 juice, garlic, onions, horseradish, cracked pepper and lemon juice.

Bacon-infused vodka: First off make sure you use the right piece of bacon (usually apple-wood smoked pork belly), and fry it properly before adding to the vodka. Place it in the freezer for 48 hours, then thaw, filter and freeze again until all solids are removed. It usually takes 3 days to make.
The Grilled Pineapple
A sweet drink, reminiscent of a tropical island. A pineapple is grilled and marinated with brown sugar and vanilla, then added into a vacuum-sealed bag and sous vided in water for 4 hours. The ingredients are removed from the pouch, chilled and added into a martini glass straight up, with Mount Gay Extra Old premium rum and a splash of brandied Marasca cherry juice and garnished with a cherry.


Grilled Pear Margaritas
A superb mixture of Anejo Tequila, fresh grilled pears, agave nectar, lime juice and pear nectar. Chilled and served straight up. The sweet, smoke, and salted rim create the perfect balance for all of the senses to take in.

A fresh pear is grilled and sous vided for a few hours with agave nectar. Pear and nectar substance is pureed and combined with fresh lime juice, more agave nectar and Sauza Anejo Tequila.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Recipe Of The Day: Shrimp & Cabbage Stir Fry


The warm weather is returning quickly here in Southern California and with that; pool-side hangouts, lots of libations and fresh seafood being served in abundance. 

For those of you out their in the World though who don’t have time for any of that fun nonsense, take a moment at the very least to treat yourself to a dish that pulls together quickly, tastes better than what you’ll find at the local corner spot and is Really Healthy.

Shrimp & Cabbage Stir Fry, is the type of dish one should master, simply to impress your guests and keep your repertoire up to par.
Enjoy!!!

(click Read More for the entire recipe) 

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It’s sharpened twice on whetstones with custom grits, followed by mirror polishing on a leather wheel.

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A hamon edge is a sign of superior craftsmanship.

The D-shape of the natural Masur birch handle creates a comfortable grip and provides tireless cutting even with frequent use. Handle features an intricate mosaic center pin, red detailing and engraved endcap. 
Hand wash. Sharpen with Miyabi sharpening stones.

$999.00 - $1,500.00
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Thursday, March 1, 2012

The Food Holidays of March - 2012

March is National:
         Celery Month
            Flour Month
            Nutrition Month
            Noodle Month
            Peanut Month
            Sauce Month
            Caffeine Awareness Month
            Veggie Month (United Kingdom)

The 2nd week of March is:
National Chocolate Chip Cookie Week
National School Breakfast Week
The 3rd week of March is:
         National American Cookie Week
The 3rd Saturday of March is:
         National Maple Syrup Day

March 1                        National Peanut Butter Lovers Day                       
March 1                     National Fruit Compote Day
March 2                        National Banana Cream Pie Day
March 3                        National Cold Cuts Day
March 3                        National Mulled Wine Day
March 4                         National Pound Cake Day
March 5                        National Cheese Doodle Day
March 6                     National Frozen Food Day
March 6                        National White Chocolate Cheesecake Day
March 7                        National Crown Roast of Pork Day
March 7                     National Cereal Day
March 8                        National Peanut Cluster Day
March 9                        National Crabmeat Day
March 10                        National Blueberry Popover Day                       

March 11                        National Oatmeal-Nut Waffles Day
March 12                        National Baked Scallops Day
March 13                        National Coconut Torte Day
March 14                        National Potato Chip Day
March 15                        National Pears Helene Day
March 16                        National Artichoke Hearts Day
March 17                        National Corned Beef & Cabbage Day
March 18                        National Oatmeal Cookie Day
March 19                        National Poultry Day
March 19                        National Chocolate Caramel Day
March 20                     National Bock Beer Day
March 20                        National Ravioli Day

March 21                        National California Strawberry Day
March 22                        National Coq Au Vin Day
March 23                        National Chip & Dip Day
March 23                        National Melba Toast Day
March 24                        National Chocolate Covered Raisins Day
March 25                        National Pecan Day
March 25                        National Waffle Day
March 25                        National Lobster Newburg Day
March 26                        National Spinach Day
March 27                        National Spanish Paella Day
March 28                        National Something on a Stick Day
March 28                        National Black Forest Cake Day
March 29                        National Lemon Chiffon Cake Day
March 30                        National Turkey Neck SoupDay           
March 31                        National Tater Day
March 31                        National Clams on the Halfshell Day
March 31                        National Oranges & Lemons Day




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