Bringing in 2009 with blueberry cheesecake & white chocolate-hazelnut-coconut fudge....Sam and Holly too!

Just a few more hours until 2009. I'm expecting big things in new year, but who isn't right? I'm definitely not starting off the new year healthy, but I'll definitely be quite happy. That's for sure. My brother Sam and my most fabulous sister in law, Holly are coming in from Dallas to kick this year off right! We're all going to friends, Lara & Steve's party just down the street. I'm expecting an amazing night of food, fun and foolish festivities.

Ever the chef, I'll be bringing some goodies. I did *consider making an organic vegetable platter, but who wants to crunch on celery all night? Not me, not anyone. I decided not to brave the chilly 50 degree weather(joke, it's truly pure laziness) and make something from the foods I had here. I made a blueberry cheesecake and fudge as mentioned above. (It's a doozy to type!) Only thing though, I didn't use my spring form pan(shoulda though) and used a pie pan instead. The fudge came out flawless and I must take pictures soon. I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed over this cheesecake. How in the world will it ever come out of this pan? I know better, but sheer laziness won this one. Hopefully we all won't suffer too terribly. With all the drinking, singing, eating, drinking and drinking, my cheesecake should be the last thing on everyone's minds. I hope.

Plus, Holly and I came up with this amazing game. Champagne Pong and yes, it's even classier than it sounds! What can I say? Great minds think alike. In fact, recently I saw that Prince Harry was playing beer pong over the holidays with his friends. When in doubt, do as the British princes do. Oh, but yes! I MUST post pictures of this fantabulous new year celebration. And, thank goodness, Foti is off for the next two days. Hopefully him and Sam can play PS3 and Xbox, while me and Holly eat and shop! Who know when we'll all get to be together again since Foti's contract ends in March, and Holly interviews for a job in Rhode Island soon. I will totally be soaking up this final stretch of holiday vacay. Then, the realness of reality will be beckoning. Ahhhhhh, but that's so next year!

Healthy Eating in the New Year ?!

What's new? Everyone's having eater's remorse about all the holiday goodness they've consumed. Guilt free desserts are a myth. Believe me. If desserts have no sugar, no fat, no carbs, then they probably have no flavor. Nothing plus nothing equals nothing. Chefs are skilled cooks. We're not magicians. That's why during the holidays we all pig out on the good stuff!

I'm seeing all the fitness and diet commercials come full blast. It's exhausting to watch. Of course, I'm part of the craze too. Guilty as charged. I will be teaching a series of healthy cooking classes throughout Texas in January and early February. (Right before I stuff my face with king cakes and crawfish! That's mid-February) Most of us do what we think we should starve ourselves because we've enjoyed ourselves a little too much. Or, perhaps we just don't even fit in our "Fat jeans." Been there, but thank God, not there now! Mainstream media tells us, " 'Happy New Year!' Now work out 5 hours a day and deprive yourself any food with flavor. In fact, buy prepackaged meals that have controlled calories. You'll look and feel great!"

Don't get me wrong, I look better in clothes when I limit my cookie and cupcake consumption. But where's the fun in doing that for a whole long year ? There are birthdays, anniversaries and parties to be had! Something about celery sticks just doesn't scream, "CELEBRATION!"

What's a girl to do? My goal in 2009 is to eat healthier on a more regular basis. I personally need at least 2 "cheat days." I figure 2 is better than 7. One day of cheating just isn't enough for my insatiable sweet tooth. I'm not a gym person, but do own a very nice kayak. Not to mention, I share my world with the 2 most beautiful pups in the world who love the outdoors. I can totally take them out more and use the kayak at least once a week. Although it's not a popularized campaign, I'm for "healthier living" in the new year. Realistic, attainable goals is what feels right for me. Eating healthier more often and becoming a more active person. There you have it! That's the new me in the New Year! If I lose 10 pounds by this time next year, I'll be thrilled =)

The rant before Christmas!!!

AHHHHH! I have so many things to cook & bake before Christmas. There just hardly seems like time for it all. Normally, I happily breeze through the stress of holidays, but this time it's different. Traffic is beyond comprehension in Austin. The normally friendly city has turned in to utter chaos and pandemonium. Horns honking, traffic accidents and jams, crazy sales and crazy people! Families are growing. Girlfriends, babies, newlyweds, friends, etc. Geez Louise. It's like an ever-growing snowball. Not to mention, Foti and I will have to lug food, presents, our doggies(junior and Olive) and pillows and blankets. Speaking of Foti, he works a full day and then we make our 3 hour trek to Houston.

I shouldn't be complaining! I should be counting my endless blessings! Family, kindness and love surround me everyday and especially during this season. I've gotten cards and packages everyday this week from loved ones =) I'm pretty darn lucky!

God Bless and Safe and Happy Holidays to everyone!

Holiday Cooking Madness!!!

I don't know what's wrong with me, but I can't stop making all these Christmas goodies. Yes, I get tired. Yes, it is tedious making homemade chocolate candies, gingerbread people, fudge, red velvet cake, fruit cheesecake and many other things. However, Christmas only happens once a year. Right? Even though it's somewhat "expected" from me, I'm still getting a real joy and satisfaction from doing it.





The element of surprise is still exciting to me! No one let's me surprise them anymore. They want the low down on what I'll be making for them. I prefer to make what comes into my heart and mind that day. You know, let my creative juices flow. The worst is when people put in "their order" with you. That's usually acquaintances more than close friends or family. I get tired too!



I suppose it's like being a hair dresser, when everyone and their grandma wants you to cut their hair when you see them! Never mind that you do it for a living! I suppose the same can be said for chefs. When it comes to holidays or parties, it's an automatic assumption that you'll bring something fabulous in tow. Now don't get me wrong, I was raised properly. I would never come to a party empty handed. And, of course, being a chef, I love to cook. It's just usually people expect extravagant creations that take copious amounts of time. Unfortunately, I usually don't have much extra time during the holidays.



Still, I'm excited to make whatever my little body can crank out before December 25th!

Happy Baking!

Chef Paul Prudhomme makes Egg Nog

WHY BUY IT, WHEN YOU CAN MAKE IT?

My obsession with Nigella Lawson continues...

Dear Santa,

I've been good all year. Please take me to Nigella's house for Christmas supper.

Cookies and Milk,
Myrna

p.s. Jumbleberry Crumble...what else is there to say ?

My British fantasy & Nigella Lawson!

Most of my friends know about my yearning to visit the U.K. It's one place I really want to go.

So here's my fantasy for next year, Play along. First of all, Katie Price and Peter Andre pick me up at the airport with their three kids(Harvey, Junior and Princess.) Then, naturally they take me to have tea and cookies somewhere ritzy. Who knows? Katie might even suggest we all go shopping in London to get new outfits because they want to surprise me with a personal introduction to William and Harry. Then Will and Har personally show us around the Royal Palace and I say "what's up," to the Queen, her majesty. I'd even smack Camilla with a white glove for treating Princess Diana so awfully. Inevitably, I'll embarrass Foti even further by telling Prince Charles what a complete putz he was for choosing and old hag over Diana. I'd tell him that me and England will never forgive him! Foti will rush to snap some super cool photos with the palace guards before I get politely get escorted off the royal premises. We'll all have a good laugh on the car ride to dinner. Katie and Peter planned a final surprise for us. They would take us to have dinner at Nigella's Lawson's. She had been expecting us all day! We devour some of her famous mustard crusted lamb and mini mince meat pies for supper. It's superb! Just when I think I couldn't fit another bite, she would make these 2 desserts for me. Ones that I love and treasure forever!

The End!


Pomegranate Meringue Fluff



Chocolate Pistachio Fudge

What do you cook when Ya-Ya is coming to town?

Foti and I were in Greece a few months ago. We got to spend some quality time with his Ya-ya(grandmother.)



Now fast forward to today! His Ya-Ya is staying in Houston with Foti's parents for the holidays. She's never been to Austin, so we convinced her to come fly out and stay with us for a few days. We've got so many things planned! Christmas tree hunting, more holidays shopping, Zilker Park Christmas Tree gazing and of course, walking through the Trail of Lights! I've made her room all beautiful and fresh, but I'm stumped on what to cook for her. Obviously, she adores Greek food, but she always has that! All I've come up with is a spinach, bean and potato soup. Isn't that sad? I got some rib eyes, chicken and fresh fruits. What else though? I should mention that she's diabetic. So, that pretty much rules out my sugary, sweet holiday specialties. However, I don't think I can resist making some homemade chocolate-peppermint cookies. The little Martha Stewart in me says that I definitely should have some fresh baked cookies in December when guests(especially family) arrives. Am I wrong? Foti and I will end up polishing them all off, but who cares. It's such a great smell to walk in to!





I can't wait for Ya-Ya to come to town! It is chilly out and getting closer to the 25th! Yay for Ya-Ya! A wonderful weekend awaits us. Plus, it's always touching to see the man you love with his Ya-Ya =) It just warms my heart.

Chocolate Ganache Cake

Last night I had an amazing holiday chocolate cooking class at Central Market. I taught a full class of people how to make my cherry red velvet cupcakes, chocolate ganache cake, orange-cayenne truffles, white chocolate cookies chocolate mousse cups. It was a very lively, upbeat class. It's great when you can feed off the energy from the classroom. To my heart's content, may of them were going to make these recipes as holiday gifts for friend and loved one. Making gifts from the kitchen is such a lost art. Most home made gifts are from friend's children that have a short shelf life. But, who wouldn't welcome a chocolate cake made with love? Tis the season to bake...

Happy baking!

1/4 lb unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup sugar
4 large brown eggs, at room temperature
1 lb melted chocolate( I like Valrhona)
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup unbleached, AP (all-purpose) flour (I like King Arthur's)

FOR THE GANACHE
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
8 ounces chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1 teaspoon dark rum


Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
Spray 8 inch round cake pan(with PAM with flour), then the bottom with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time.
Mix in the syrup and vanilla.
Add the flour and mix until JUST combined (overbeating with make the cake too tough).
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until just set in the middle.
Let cool thoroughly in the pan.
For the ganache, cook the heavy cream, chocolate chips, and coffee in the top of a double boiler over simmering water until smooth and warm, stirring occasionally.
Place the cake upside down on a wire rack and pour the glaze evenly over the top, making sure to cover the entire cake and sides.
You can tilt the rack to smooth the glaze.
Don't refrigerate!!! It will ruin the flavor.

Garnish: Fresh shaved chocolate and mint

It's the simple things in life...Abbey and Oliver!

Last night I made a simple yellow cake and cupcakes. Today I'll frost it with classic chocolate frosting. I'm making this cake for my dear friend, Abbey. Actually, I'm making it for her husband, Oliver. It's for both of them I guess. They live in San Antonio and are having 20-30 people over at their place tonight for Oliver's birthday celebration. I told them I would make ANY cake under the sun for them! Usually, as a chef, people go to town with their creative ideas or try o pick something to stump me. Or maybe they happen to extravagant taste in food ? I know I can crave harder to make items like homemade eclairs and green tea truffles. I guess it's expected from me though!






I've known Abbey my entire life. We actually have pictures of us in diapers together. It was always Abbey, Meisie(her cousin by blood and mine by heart) and at all the Filipino parties. Our entire families would be there! I have great memories of us all playing and making up dances at each others homes. So given our background, I was expecting her to pick something tricky or time consuming. To my surprise, all they wanted was a "really good yellow cake with chocolate frosting." I was taken back.



It just goes to show that it's truly the simple things that can make people's day. I put my heart into making this cake and cupcakes. Some think that the true measure of a chef is how well they do the simplest things. I hope I score big with my little cake that could! It's simple, but delicious. I'm sure their kids Jocelyn and Joshua will tell the truth. Kids always do!!!



~ Happy Birthday Oliver ~

What was Giada thinking???

As I was getting my mani and pedi today, I asked if they could put Oprah show on at 4pm. I love Oprah! She's so positive and always doing great things for people!

It was a a show about regular people being extraordinary decorators or something?! It was OK. Nothing spectacular this particular day. Except at the end, they had Giada from the FN. I watched to see what delicious, Italian delight she would cook up on air with the Big O. To my utter disappointment, I was mortified! She started off by "making" an appetizer with store bought ravioli. UGH! Then she dipped the pre-made raviolis in buttermilk,then bread crumbs and finally, fried them. Ohhhh....ahhhhhh. The oil wasn't even hot. Her sad little ravioli sank to the bottom of the pan and absorbed oil. They laughed and then Oprah & Nate, (the official decorator for the show) ate the tv ready raviolis. To no surprise, it looked nothing like what she was making at all. They all raved about what a great "recipe" that was and then she proceeded to her next dish. A basil, chocolate, cheese sandwich grilled in sour dough bread. Doesn't that sound delicious? Oprah who usually LOVES everything describes her dish as "interesting" and "very different." The audience got their samples and their faces said it all. After commercial break, she came back to thank Giada for something she'd never tried before and now said her dish graduated to, delicious. Really? Is that a joke or did a producer, agent or manager tell Oprah to do a quick save ?

I understand the pressures of television. My husband is on-air every single day. I occasionally do on-air spots with my personal recipes. You have tight time crunches, but that's your job. She's a chef with her own show on the food network and a slue of best selling cookbooks. Today she proved to be the stereotypical pretty, girly, tv chef. I thought she was more than that because supposedly she can actually cook. In 3 minutes, explain how to make ravioli dough or a homemade filling. Who can't fry pre-made ravioli? It just frustrates me. It shouldn't but it does. People can do more and they want to do more. It's the holidays for pete's sake. Every person on the planet should have some sort of signature dish they can proudly bring to a holiday or family gathering.

I hope to be pleasantly surprised by pretty chefs in the upcoming new year. You can be pretty and cook. It's not one or the other. Geez,do I need to start my own network or what ? (mental note that)

"Pay as You Wish" Menu

I turned on my tube to catch the nightly news last night and saw the most touching story. Restaurant owners that truly care for their community and customers. It all started when they started more people split meals. They also noticed that regulars who used to come in twice a week, were only coming in once a month. The reason? The recession.

The little italian restaurant is in New York and they cook everything from scratch. They now have at least 2 featured menu items labeled" pay as you wish" items. It's to help moral and hopefully will help keep their business going. The owner said that it didn't matter if people could only afford a quarter or 2 dollars. It's such a testament to people's generosity and the true meaning of holiday spirit;giving what you can.

The link is below. It's definitely worth your 3 minutes today =)

http://abcnews.go.com/video/playerIndex?id=6398192

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

My husband and I decided to see a movie tonight. It's his only day off this week, so we wanted to make it special. We were thinking of seeing Four Christmases because it seemed like a feel good, holiday film. At the last minute, we read the reviews. A bad habit Foti and I have recently formed. ( They're often off base from our taste and usually spoils are fun!) At any rate, we decided to go with the movie with the best reviews, The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. We didn't read the story line, only the reviews. It got an A+ from critics and B+ from regular folks. We decided to give it a shot, even though it's grossed a modest 827K.

It' s a wonderful story. Poignant, compelling, dramatic, eye-opening, heart-breaking and yes, a real tear-jerker. It depicts a story about war, friendship, ignorance, innocence and the end of childhood. I guess it's not your typical holiday movie, but it sure did leave me feeling blessed. I have a much fuller appreciation for part of my heritage and where I am in my life today.

I don't want to give away the movie or give a synopsis. I'll just say it is a must see especially for those who think the holidays are all about the gifts and hoopla. It's about togetherness, family and friends. Appreciation for all things, even the small things we take for granted, like food.

There is one part I'd like to share and it's not in the trailer. Maybe it spoke to me because I'm a chef. It's when Bruno shares a dessert with his secret, forbidden friend Schmultz. To see a child starving and devour food in that way was heart wrenching. Perhaps we don't have as many problems we do today as we did in those days, however, hunger is still prevalent. This Christmas I plan to continue working on helping with the local hunger problem in my community. My Christmas wish is that everyone does the same. That's truly what I want. It's funny. No matter where I go nowadays, all I can focus on is how can I help with hunger problems.

(now I'll politely step down from my soapbox ;)

Banana Pudding with a British accent

I made banana pudding this past Thanksgiving for both sides of the family. I accidentally dropped the one I made for my mom's side upside down. She literally had 10-13 desserts on this table and I was trying to fit this in and SPLAT! Foti and my brother were the only ones who were able to try my pudding. Everyone else was sad they didn't get a scoop in time!

Foti's family gobbled theirs all up. Luckily, they managed to eat theirs, instead of spill it everywhere. I usually make more extravagant desserts for the holidays. Mainly because I enjoy it, but when you're a chef, many family expect to be dazzled with a sinful treat on the holidays. Who can blame them ?

This recipe isn't my own, but this lady does make most of her banana pudding from scratch. Plus, she's got a British accent to boot. My favorite! Therefore, she's blog-worthy!