unorthodoxchef

Cooking for some is a hobby, and for others a way to express themselves on an empty plate. Chefs go to great lengths to provide their guests with a memorable feast for the eyes, and yet within minutes, their food art in finding its way into the tummy of consumers, where it will take the form of something not so attractive. He, he

For me, I had one of these classes in culinary school where I actually had to craft a fabulous food art chocolate sculpture for a final. I decided to make a violin, using solid dark chocolate for the body, neck and bow. I also made some spun sugar to act as the hair on the bow. I remember my mom keeping the sculpture in the freezer for a year just so she could look at it every time she opened the freezer. That’s a mom for you.

And so I have searched the internet for some funny and fabulous food art for you to savor, and possibly try yourself.

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Chocolate Jesus

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Thorax Cake~ewww

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 Edible Movie Props by  Kittiwat Unarrom in Thailand.

When choosing the cut of prime rib to cook, make sure the meat is a color of deep red and the fat caps should be perfectly creamy and white. The prime rib should not only smell fresh but be free of excess liquids within the package.

Prime rib cooking times depend entirely on the method you plan to use to prepare the rib. If you are planning on roasting the prime rib the cooking temperature and time are as follows:

ROASTING

Prime rib cooking times can be calculated by internal temperatures. The following cooking times are based on a rib roast that weighs approximately 4 to 6 lbs.

• 1) Rare requires an internal temperature of 125 degrees: Cooking time calculates to roughly 1 hour.
• 2) Medium rare requires an internal temperature of 135 degrees:  Approximately 1 ½ hours
• 3) Medium has an internal temperature of 145 degrees: Roughly1 hour and 45 minutes
• 4) Medium Well has an internal temperature of 155 degrees: Generally 2 hours

Cooking at higher temperatures and at faster rates in a conventional oven tends to dry out the cut and make the meat rubbery.

BROIL or GRILL

Make sure you test the coals or gas burning grill by placing your hand semi close and if you pull your hand away within 3 seconds, it’s ready to go.

The greatest tip for Prime Rib cooking times using this method is to cut your roasting times in half. Direct heat from these sources is going to speed up the cooking process so keep a good eye on the situation and have a biotherm or a thermometer handy.

Pan Frying uses oils or butters to create friction which will also speed up the process. It’s quite possible to achieve a med rare steak within 2 minutes on each side in a frying pan.

In accordance with Prime Rib cooking times, it’s in your best interest to consume this delicately and flavorful cut of meat on the rare side. Why you ask? The longer you cook Prime Rib, the more minerals you are disposing of. Since beef contains high-quality proteins with most of your daily required amino acids, it’s in your best interest to consume it at least once a week.

Last night, I had the pleasure of dining with my Father at the Macaroni Grill, and aside from the fact I stepped on a sharp wood chip that went through my shoe and into the sole of my foot, I had a wonderful experience.

I had the Mama’s Trio that included Chicken Cannelloni, Lasagna, and Parmesan and my Father had a delightful Spinach Salad with Scallops with a bit of a pepper kick.It was truly wonderful, however I was still missing my favorite dish that was discontinued. Not because it wasn’t a quality menu item, but because consumers are afraid of trying something new or Unorthodox.

The dish was a Chicken breast pounded flat, dredged in Italian breadcrumbs, and sauteed to perfection. They garnished the chicken with arugula and a balsamic demiglace, along with a side of potato gnocci. Mmm! Oh Macaroni Grill, would please bring this back!

I can’t say enough about The Macaroni grill. They have qualified chefs working in the back, they are always consistent, and the service has always been wonderful. I’m a big fan and I know Italian, so this place is my choice for one of the best casual Italian dining restaurants.

As for Olive Garden, Bill Maher took a slam on his recent HBO special saying does anyone even eat at Olive Garden. They had the audacity to pull advertisement from Letterman because of ridiculous confrontation between Sarah Palins daughter Willow and Letterman. They personally thought it would make them look bad in the eyes of consumers. They already do!

The only reason why Olive Garden is still around is because so many people have no taste, and as long as those people continue dining there, they will shoot towards this particular demographic.

If you only knew what was going on in that kitchen, you might be able to make the same exact entrees with some frozen ravioli from Walmart. Yes, most of the pasta and sauces there are frozen. Yuck! Besides the breadsticks and salad, I’m not a fan and I’m not impressed.

Olive Garden never really took on the roll of an upscale Italian eatery; however, they still try to increase their wine menu and play around with their frozen meals to present a facade to the public. It hasn’t worked. The cheap decor, along with the ancient looking building and crappy service is enough for me to stay far away from this place.

So, if you’re willing to admit it, which one of these Italian Eateries do you frequent and why? Tell me what your favorite dishes were and what you would change.

Check out my New Ehow pages:

How to Select a Roast

How to Prepare Bottom Round Roast: Quick Tips

Pictures Sources:

Olive Garden

Macaroni Grill

“Eat with your eyes before your mouth.” Have you ever heard that expression before? It simply refers to appreciating the food on the palate, and savoring what is being offered. Well sometimes, that’s just not good enough. We want to relish the flavor, as well as receive some type of health benefit from what we’re consuming.

Searching for a low calorie diet can be tiresome and uneventful, but it doesn’t have to be. Finding healthy and delicious recipes that are both flavorful and easy to prepare is much easier that people think. In fact, when you start stumbling around the fresh produce isle, don’t be alarmed. There are many ways to use tofu or vegetables, rather than stuffing them in the couch cushions when your spouse isn’t looking.

In the long run, maintaining a happy and healthy existence as a low calorie dieter can impact your life as well as others around you.

Here are two recipes, using only what’s available on the perimeter of the market.

Roasted Portabella and Sundried Tomato Farfalle Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 portabella mushrooms
•  ¾ cup sundried tomato
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup feta
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lb pasta bowtie (cooked)
• 1 tsp oregano
• ½ tsp basil
• 1tbsp Olive Oil
•  1 tbsp chopped fresh garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 375 °.
2. Roast the portobella’s in the oven using a tsp of olive oil on each portabella.
3. Bake the portobella mushrooms until they are tender.
4. Remove the mushrooms from the oven and set aside.
5. Slice the mushrooms in thin slices.
6. In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil and sauté garlic for about 30 seconds to flavor the pan.
7. Add the sundries and mushrooms. Toss lightly.
8. Add the broth and herbs to the pan and allow the liquid to reduce slightly.
9. Add half the feta to the liquid and simmer for 1 minute.
10. Add the pasta and spinach and toss lightly.
11. Flavor with salt and pepper accordingly.
12. Pour pasta on a large oval dish and garnish with remaining feta.
13. Serves 4-6

Roasted Strip Steak Panini

Ingredients

• 1 Strip steak-roasted and sliced
• 1 small red onion-halved and sliced
• 4 to 6 slices provolone cheese-low calorie
• Sub or Cuban bread 12” to 16”~~Find the lowest calorie option for you

Dressing Ingredients

• 3 tsp Dijon Mustard
• 2 tsp Amber honey

Method

1. Roast your strip in the oven with some olive oil, salt, and pepper until the desired temperature.
2. Thinly slice the strip steak and put aside.
3. Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a saute pan and add onions. Cook until caramelized.
4. Slice your bread lengthwise and pour half the dressing on one 6 inch portion.
5. Layer 2 to 3 slices of provolone.
6. Place half the onions on the cheese, spreading evenly.
7. Layer half the sliced steak on your 6 inch bread.
8. Fold the top of the bread back on and get ready to roast.
9. In a sauté pan with nonstick cooking spray, place one portion of the Panini making sure your burner is on medium heat.
10. At this point, you can use a weight or brick to even out the roasting surface.

Tip: You can use a red brick wrapped in aluminum foil for your weight.

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As you continue on your path to healthy living, you will discover, to your surprise, that finding options to maintain your lifestyle is effortless. Just remember to keep it exciting, don’t take it so seriously, and share your experiences with others.