Chef Assistant at the Ranch!

                                                                       What a weekend! 

I am so jazzed about all the fun I had this past weekend at the historic Santa Margarita Ranch for Sunset Magazine's Savor The Central Coast. I was busy in the Chef's Barn prepping for the guest Chef's and their demonstrations.

First up, was Cindy Pawlcyn who is a successful Northern California restaurantuer most well known for her popular Mustards Grill in Napa Valley.

Cindy was a total pro. I have three of her cookbooks and every recipe I have tried has been perfect. For her demonstration she prepared Halibut Stew and Grilled Swordfish with Best Ever Tapenade and slad of Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Red Onion. Both of these recipes can be found in her most recent book Big Small Plates.

Next up was Cat Cora

I knew she had to be tough, (after all, she is the only female chef to ever win the title Iron Chef) and I wondered if she might have an attitude or remind me of many of the 'full of themselves' chefs I have worked with in the industry. No way, not this sweet southern gal! She is the real deal. On top of her game, in control of the crowd, pleasant and patient with everyone that admires her.  She even remembered my name when I ventured over to the other tent to have her sign her cookbook: Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist: Fresh Takes on Favorite Dishes

Sunday was all about Aarti.

I used to follow Aarti's food blog before the country even knew her name. Aarti helped me through nights of insomnia and reminded me that I like to cook and make food because it has the power to make myself and others happy.

I was thrilled when Aarti made it to The Next Food Netwrok Challenge and the hubby and I watched that season every week, cheering her on through the television set. I love Aarti on her blog, homemade You-tube videos and now on the Food Network because I know that I could totally be friends with her. 

I wondered if this stardom had hardened her a bit. I could see how it might. To my happiness it had not. She is a lovely as she used to be in her home kitchen with her hubby filming her. I told her how long i have been a fan and I believe it mde her happy.  Her hubby - or Bren as he is fondly known in her blog - was there to spend the day with her. He is a real as can be also. She included him in her demo and it made everyone in the audience feel like I do, that we are old friends. Aarti was a pro in her demo and I was her assistant on stage. I am afraid I might have tried to hard to help her and pulled the finished product out of the oven too soon. The food was done but in hindsight I think I  should have just turned the oven off and let her do the magic of bringing it out of the oven. I have to admit I was a little nervous up there and I wanted to be sure I didn't mess anything up. If it bothered her Aarti never let it show. She demo's her Pout Plumper Chicken Wings and Arayes.

Aarti was such a doll, she even ran back to give me ahug and thank me before she went off to her meet and greet.

Eveyone of the recipes that were demo'd were excellent! 

All of these ladies really know their stuff. It was a pleasure to be their assistant and I hope to be able to do it again for someone else next year. 

Inspiration

We have closed the studio and taken a little time off and away and I am now working on the next chapter of Mix It Up. I am very grateful for all of my friends that have helped me finish the chapter that was 710 Fiero Lane.

I have been working on Inspiration. Taking time to visit with family and friends. Taking time to go out and walk around this beautiful town I live in. Stopping to smell the roses.

I have been cooking alot. Taking photos and will have things to share soon.

My secrets to a perfect Central Coast party!

San Luis Obispo has so many wonderful sources to create the perfect party.

Picking Daisies is my favorite little shop tp create the theme for the party. It all begins with the napkins. There are patterns upon patterns upon patterns. Paisley, flowers, stripes, polka-dots, and now my new favorite - crowns!!!!

https://www.pickingdaisiesinslo.com/

De Palo and Sons in Shell Beach for the best Italian specialty products.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/de-palo-and-sons-provisions-spirits-and-fine-wines-pismo-beach

Meze is the hottest new shop to find the best in cured meats. Located in the railroad district of SLO - you definitely have to check it out!!

http://www.mezemarket.com/___/HOME.html

In the North County - there are four shops that I always take the time to stop in and pick up something yummy.

For the best cheese selection on the central coast, you HAVE to check out Vivant Fine Cheese in Paso Robles.

http://www.vivantfinecheese.com/

Because we all know you cannot have the best cheese with mediocre bread - make a stop in Atascadero at Hush Harbor Bakery. Their bread will leave you wanting more.

http://www.hushharborartisanbakery.com/

Before you get to Atascadero make a pit stop in to 15 degrees C. This amazing, cute, little wine shiop with its own sommelier. The staff will direct towards the best wine for your cheese pairing!

http://www.15degreescwines.com/

If you plan on offering a nice salad or fruit dessert cross over the bridge and go to Nature's Touch in Templeton. You will find the best produce, eggs, honey and dairy from all local sources. Don't forget to pick up a pretty bouquet of flowers for the table to compliment your dinner napkins!

http://www.ntnah.com/

There you go! The perfect party, all  locally grown!

Mix It Up Holiday Food & Fun Guide

Old Country Deli BBQ

www.oldcountrydeli.biz

Old Country Deli Products and Catering is a business that is close to my heart. My parents founded Old Country Deli in 1983 and it has evolved into tasty seasoning perfect for any BBQ. I grew up helping at our family business and it is where I found my passion in making delicious food that people love. Fore 23 years we were a destination spot for locals and tourists alike on the corner of Marsh and Nipomo Streets in San Luis Obispo. The BBQ in the parking lot greeted people as they drove in to town. My dad and brothers created yummy delights like sausage, ham, roast beef, the best pastrami I have ever had and strips of beef and turkey jerky.

Although we closed the store in 2007, the business is still alive. We have a website and selling our products all over the United States.

Check out the website  and pick up the perfect stocking stuffer or  gift pack featuring my favorite all purpose seasoning - Old Country Deli Brand Roundup Seasoning, a bag of poquito beans, Bean Roundup Seasoning and a spoon to mix it all up.

Old Country Deli products are also sold locally at The Crushed Grape, Madonna Inn gift shop, Edna Market, Food For Less, Spencers Grocery Store, Albertsons, Farm Supply Co., DePalo and Sons, Avila Barn and Mix It Up kitchen studio.

The website at www.oldcountrydeli.biz is full of information, tips and recipes. This is one of my favorites:

Norm's Famous Ranch Beans

Recipe Instructions

1 pound- Ground Beef (substitute Ground Turkey if you like)

1 medium – Diced yellow onion

1 cup – Ketchup

1 can (14.5oz) – Chopped Tomato’s

3 cups – Beef or Chicken Broth

4 Tbs. – Bean Roundup Seasoning

1 pound – Piquito Beans

Combine ground beef and diced onion in pot. Once brown add Bean Roundup Seasoning, Ketchup, Tomato’s, beans, and broth. You may need to add water to cover beans.                       

Bring to a boil than turn down heat for a nice simmer. Stir frequently. Add water as needed Cook until beans are tender.

* For best results cool over night than reheat. This allows for all the flavors to blend throughout the ingredients

Holiday Food & Fun Guide ... continued

Tiber Canyon Ranch

Tiber Canyon Ranch Olive Oil is proudly sold at Mix It Up Kitchen Studio. The olive oil is a flavorful blend of rich Tuscan flavors mixed with a fresh Californian style. The oil is perfect drizzled over fresh greens or with pasta. They also feature citrus flavored oils – delicious on chicken and fish.

The ranch is situated on 50 acres just south of downtown San Luis Obispo. They use sustainable farming practices, which I love. That means, no petrochemical fertilizers or pesticides and no herbicides. Beauty abounds at Tiber Canyon Ranch as more than half of their 50 acre ranch is undeveloped and served as a wildlife preserve.

You can learn more about the Ranch at their website www.tibercanyon.com and come by Mix It Up to purchase a bottle of the extra special, extra virgin olive oil. My favorite flavor of their infused olive oil is Yuzu. It will be on all of my familie's stocking this year.