The Cooking Channel, Launched.

The people who brought you The Food Network has converted the Fine Living Network format to The Cooking Channel.  The launch was today, May 31st.  I found it on my Verizon service, channel 166.  It is not in HD yet (boo!) but is meant to be in the works.    Programing includes a show hosted by Mo Rocca, Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver and Julia Child re-runs!  There is a voice for grassroots approaches and a lot of international programming.

“The feel and style we’re going for is a little grittier, a little edgier, a little hipper,” said Bruce Seidel, the senior vice president for programming and production for the Cooking Channel.

“Someone sent over a demo for a potential show where you could see they were breaking chickens’ necks in a restaurant,” Mr. Smith said. “I do think we would do that on the Cooking Channel.”

 

Stay tuned....

Let's Eat!

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope that you have something delicious to eat today, maybe from the grill.

The holiday got me thinking about food that our soldiers are given, specifically MREs.  An MRE stands for Meal, Ready-to-Eat, and is currently the main individual operational ration for the U.S. military.  They are designed as completely self-contained meals, with the nutients needed to sustain the soldier. The packs usually contain an entree, a side dish, crackers, peanut butter/cheese spread, a dessert, instant coffee/tea, matches, toilet paper, spoon, and a heater to heat the main entree. While everything in an MRE can be eaten cold, it usually tastes better warm.

 Above, the contents of an MRE.

Below, hash browns!

My only personal experience with a MRE of sorts is from the dehydrated meals packs used when backpacking.  It seems off-putting, but after a long hike they are surprisingly satisfying.  

You Know You're Growing Up When.....

...eating moons over my hammy is no long an option.  i literally felt my arteries clog this morning!

Oh, NoYouDidn't!

Homemade soft pretzels using Alton Brown's recipe.

Since my hubby didn't want a b-day cake, I figured this would satisfy.

 Do the twist!

You can put a candle in a pretzel, right?

Don't Toss that Egg Carton!

Next time you have an empty egg carton, give it a second chance.

Use it to start plants from seed, instead of purchasing peat pots.

Your welcome.

A Great Source for Heirloom Seeds

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds 

offers open-pollinated seeds; pure, natural & non-GMO!  This is what our food is meant to be.  If you can't make it to a store location in either Missouri or Somona County, they have a catalog and offer online ordering. 
The fruits and vegetables you will get from these seeds are a piece of our history, and are full of flavor.

With all of the genetic modification to seeds and plants for color, shelf life, etc., this is an amazing source for the real deal.

The Food and Flowers Freedom Act....PASSED!

Live in L.A?  Ever think about putting the back yard to work for you?  Due to out dated city ordinances, you couldn't grow and sell vegetables, nuts or flowers in your yard to sell off site (on on site for that matter!)  

...UNTIL NOW!  

This week the city council passed the new ordinance allowing urban farmer to sell their bounty, with no objections!

President Garcetti's response about the passing of the Food & Flowers Freedom Act:

“This makes sure that people can eat healthier and save money during these tough times, while at the same time setting clear rules to avoid any confusion with neighbors or the city. We hope this is a big step forward for urban farming here in Los Angeles, and across the nation.” 

— Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti

Check out the updates from Urban Farming Advocates

Natalie Dee!