Taste on Melrose - Doing Good For The Holidays

The Food Holidays of December 2012

December has finally arrived and with in a few weeks it will be 2013. We have had a great time this year meeting new people, hitting up events to donate our time to worthy causes and simply being a part of something much bigger than just ourselves. This time of year is hard for many people, because it brings back many memories of loved ones who are no longer with us, or who are suffering through some very hard times.

We wish that everyone who takes the time to read our site, whether it be for recipes, products or to point and laugh knows how much they mean to us. If it weren’t for our readers sometimes we might’ve lost our way our damn selves, so thank you for keeping us on track. But whatever you do, don’t let the sad moments overpower the great joys that still can be had in life, December is home to some great holidays both of the food and religious nature and it also brings about New Years eve, the day we all lie to ourselves and set goals we don’t really want to keep.

Whatever gets you through these next 4 weeks, whether it be the bottle or the love of friends and family, know that we are right there with you in spirit.

2012 saw a lot of advancements happen for our site and our brand. We can’t wait for 2013 to kick off so we can start producing even bigger and better travel pieces, product reviews and recipes.

From all of us over at TSP, we wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas, a joyous Hanukkah, a beautiful Kwanzaa, a prosperous Ashura, an enlightening Bodhi Day and above all else, a healthy and happy New Year.

Much Love

The Supreme Plate Family

December is National Egg Nog & National Fruit Cake Month

The 1^st week of December is: National Cookie Cutter Week

The 2^nd week of December is : Lager Beer Week

December – 1   National Pie Day

December – 2  National Fritters Day

December – 3  National Apple Pie Day

December – 4  National Cookie Day

December – 5  National Sacher Torte Day

December – 6  National Microwave Oven Day

December – 6  National Gazpacho Day

December – 7  National Cotton Candy Day

December – 8  National Chocolate Brownie Day

December – 9  National Pastry Day

December – 10  National Lager Day

December – 11  National Noodle Ring Day

December – 12  National Cocoa Day

December – 13  National Ice Cream & Violins Day

December – 14  National Bouilabaisse Day

December – 15  National Cupcake Day

December – 16  National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

December – 17  National Maple Syrup Day

December – 18  National Roast Suckling Pig Day

December – 19  National Hard Candy Day

December – 20  National Fried Shrimp Day

December – 20  National Sangria Day

December – 21  National Hamburger Day

December – 21  National Kiwi Fruit Day (California Only)

December – 22  National Date Nut Bread Day

December – 23  National Pfeffernuesse Day

December – 24  National Egg Nog Day

December – 25  National Pumpkin Pie Day

December – 26  National Candy Cane Day

December – 27  National Fruit Cake Day

December – 28  National  Chocolate Candy Day

December – 29  National Pepper Pot Day

December – 30 National Bicarbonate of Soda Day

December – 31  National Champagne Day (Please Drink Responsibly!)

Bonne Maman Golden Plum Mirabelle Preserves

Anytime of day where you can sneak in something sweet is the right time of day in our opinion. Knowing that what you are about to eat isn’t loaded with manmade additives should help you avoid having to furtively consume something in the dark corners of your home or office. It has been said that the most important meal of the day is Breakfast, which has been proven to be true by numerous Dieticians, Doctors and Weight Trainers. 

The reason for Breakfast being such an important meal is because it helps to kick-start your bodies metabolism and provides a much needed boost of energy after “fasting” all night while sleeping. Studies also show that individuals who routinely eat breakfast have a significantly higher chance of losing weight and maintaining that loss. That being said, we don’t want you to run out and start eating a steady diet of pancakes and sausage just because it is breakfast food (although that does sound good as it gets colder outside.)

We'd much rather like to introduce you to Bonne Maman® makers of some of the finest traditional French Preserves & Jellies found around the World.

Bonne Maman® is a brand who strives to provide their customers a product that is made from only the most superb of select ingredients. Producing a wide range of flavors from strawberry and apricot to the latest addition to the already impressive lineup Golden Plum Mirabelle, Bonne Maman® is a premium brand that should be on the kitchen table every morning next to your bagel or toast. 

If we haven’t convinced you to start eating a healthy breakfast every day, then try the Golden Plum Mirabelle Preserve out as a glaze on that roasted Holiday Ham you should be making in the near future or on some Seared Duck Breasts, you will be amazed at how complex flavors like these can turn a regular weeknight meal into some extraordinary.

All Bonne Maman® products are 100% natural, using only fruit & natural sugar with no additives, artificial flavors, colors, and are Gluten & Nut Free, so enjoy them today.

Available at finer stores or online at: www.BonneMaman.us (usually for less than $5.00 for a 13oz jar that’s pretty impressive)

The Essence of The Escape - Carnival Liberty 7 Day Caribbean Cruise

The energy you feel the moment you hit any port of call, prior to boarding a cruise ship is an astonishing feeling. No matter whether your boarding in Los Angeles, Miami, New York or Puerto Rico, to watch as the teams of porters & cruise ship staff members prepare that weeks guests for a “Bon Voyage” is like watching an action packed play unfold right before your eyes.

click to enlarge

The effortless process that Carnival has created for the thousands upon thousands of guest’s who pass through their numerous ports around the globe every few days, helps to set the tone for what everyone hopes will be an exciting, smooth running and relaxing trip. Once you go through the check in process you are given a sign & sail card (which alleviates having to carry cash everywhere you go while on the ship) and it is off to the races for just about everyone from that instant on.
 With so many culinary options to choose from, it shouldn’t take long to realize that the skilled and thoughtful staff that oversee the kitchens of this massive operation have everything under control. Every last detail, down to where they must stop and grab some quick produce while in the middle of the ocean should they be unpleased with this weeks melon and fruit selection has been carefully thought out.

If instantly getting to eating isn’t in your plans, you should slide on by the shore excursions desk. There you can get yourself properly informed about all of the amazing activities to do in each port (as well as score some cool promotional items that first day, many of which people know nothing about.) 

Ya Got To Check Out The W...

11/21/2000 Saw the release of this amazing album. The “W” from the Wu Tang Clan kept people wondering just how far The Rza could push his clan of disciples towards being above and beyond what the normal expectations were for such a large rap collective. Steamrollin’ the competition with styles unseen, metaphors unused and an abundance of unheard of slang they couldn’t be stopped.

The Captain Black & Ginger

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, ok its not even around the corner anymore, it has rounded that last base and is headed straight for you at this point. The question we must ask is simply, are you ready? Sure everyone thinks that because they have their turkey and ham ready, a few sides they think are up to par for the families partaking in, but what about your libation game? 

Do you have what it takes to satisfy not only yourself when it comes to pouring a drink but can you deliver in making sure that all of your guests are properly quenched and sauced up?  

The Captain Black & Ginger is an easy to consume cocktail, not so pungent so as to have you feeling as if you drank lighter fluid, yet strong enough to keep you well fueled for your evening encounter.

Enjoy Thanksgiving, Responsibly.

(click Read More for the entire recipe)

The Supreme Plate Guacamole

The Supreme Plate Guacamole

Regardless of the time of year, as long as you can get your hands on a few ripe and ready Avocados, Guacamole is a surefire hit, well that is if you know to make it. Some people believe that less is more, so they barely add anything to a few mashed up avocados and call it a day. We over here have adapted a few old school recipes that loved ones and well respected cooks have performed in front of us many times and felt that while less is more in some cases, a few perfectly paired ingredients will create more than you could imagine.

If you don’t finish the entire bowl, smooth out whatever is left in the container your going to store the Guacamole in, take some plastic wrap and press it tightly against the top of the Guacamole. For those that don’t know, after slicing an Avocado, if your not going to eat it all, lightly dip the Avocado in lime or lemon juice and wrap it in plastic wrap tightly and place it in the fridge. You will see little to no browning of the Avocado at all.

With this recipe it usually isn’t a problem, because there’s never any left.

Enjoy.

(recipe after the jump)

Burger King To Hold An "All You Can Eat" Buffet (In Japan)

Burger King Japan, home of the famous Kuro Burger (or Black Burger) is now announcing they will have an “all you can eat buffet” to highlight they have been open for 5 years (since the closing all of their locations in Japan in 2001.)

We stumbled upon the rules to just how hard it actually will be for many people to get a chance at the all you can eat buffet, and can only laugh at how companies will do whatever it takes to deceive their customers to make a buck.

Peep the “official” rules after the jump.

Happy Diwali

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

Mediterranean Tuna Salad

It was cold outside this morning. Many things are worse than waking up an going outside into the freezing cold, but this salad isn’t one of them. As we are literally just a week and a half away from Thanksgiving Day, everyone by now should be on point in watching what and how much they are eating. Right around now, I find myself in the kitchen for days on end, making recipes for other people, taking care of catering orders and preparing to feed my family and friends, not because it is Thanksgiving, but because that is what I enjoy doing.

This is a quick and easy Mediterranean Tuna Salad recipe that uses makes short work of any cooking, leaving more time for eating, enjoying and getting back to what you have to do for the day.

Enjoy!

(click Read More for the entire recipe)

ROTD: Honey Glazed Carrots

Honey Glazed Carrots.

A simple yet elegant side, that imparts a woodsy flavor combined with light tangy glaze from the honey & lemon, these Honey Glazed Carrots go perfectly alongside some roasted or grilled chicken. Then again not much doesn’t sit lovely alongside some good old bird. Try these out before Thanksgiving and perfect your skills, they don't take much effort and even make a mixed drink seem healthy.

(click Read More for the entire recipe)

An Alphabetical Guide To Healthy Eating

An Alphabetical Guide To Healthy Eating.

As the warm days begin to dwindle and the cold weather months kick their calamity of sorts into high gear, it is imperative to remember the ABC’s of staying healthy, by eating the right foods & avoiding stress in your life.  The times have changed, people used to have to search for the latest diet craze to make themselves miserable in hopes of losing a few lbs or inches. These days, consumers looking to stay in shape have to search through what they are force-fed, everywhere they turn to figure out what is hype and what is reality (and trust us a lot of these new diets are just pure BS.)

With everyone labeling themselves as “Fitness Gurus” and “Lifestyle Coaches,” its plain to see that there are two simple facts that cannot be overlooked in regards to living a healthy lifestyle;

1. It (fitness) is a big business, so know who you are listening too before you start some crazy diet that may cause you sever harm &

2. Not every diet is geared to work for everyone, so a clear understanding as to what you should and should not be eating is crucial before getting started.

We’ve put together a quick list of super foods and foods that do super damage and hope that this will help to inform you a bit about foods that are great for you vs a diet that does nothing for you at all.

 A. Avocados -

Loaded with Vitamin E, these delicious fruits are full of healthy fatty oils that promote smooth muscle growth, are loaded with antioxidants and help to promote cell signaling.

B. Bananas -

Bananas are an excellent source of Vitamin B, soluble fiber and contain moderate amounts of Vitamin C, Manganese and Potassium. Along with a few other foods, consuming Bananas has shown to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer and in women breast cancer.

C. Cranberries -

Raw Cranberries have moderate levels of Vitamin C, Dietary Fiber as well as show increased abilities in helping to fight urinary tract infections in both men and women.  Cranberry Juice also has a high molecular weight that inhibits the formation of Plaque pathogens that cause tooth decay. (click Read More for the entire Alphabet of Healthy Eating)

Action Bronson X Alchemist = Rare Chandeliers

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm (Random)

My kind of shot glass

Wrong on all sorts of levels

World Peas

So Cal Snowmen Cookies

Word to the Beat Junkies

Rubiks Cube Pepper Mill

Pretty creative molded shot glass

National Candy Day (Nov. 5th)