Chef Liz's Blog

Chef Assistant at the Ranch!

2011-10-07T04:45:17Z

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

2011-07-21T20:20:29Z

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!

2011-03-13T05:19:35Z

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

2010-12-14T05:10:28Z

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

2010-12-06T21:48:19Z

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.

Holiday Food & Fun Gift Guide...Continued

2010-11-23T19:08:08Z

Priced from $15 - $30, these make a perfect gift

A Little Gratitude - Jewelry, Gifts & Gab with a Message

I am a big supporter of local grass roots businesses and so is my friend Paula. She started her jewelry and gift business when she decided to host a mom-to-mom business trade show at her house. She wanted her friends to have a venue where women could exchange products, services and advice in a fun environment. When she couldn't find anyone to sell affordable jewelry or little gifts at the event, Paula decided to make her own. A Little Gratitude was born.

Paula makes simple, affordable and beautiful jewelry and gifts that include a subtle message about life. She often accepts custom orders and is constantly coming up with new ideas for designs. Paula has also embraced social media to evolve A Little Gratitude into a business encompassing not only gifts and jewelry but also blogging, Facebooking and articles. With sincerity and humor, she hopes to influence other women to follow their passions while maintaining balance in their life. She simply wants women to "slow down, have a giggle and embrace each moment."

Be inspired by Paula’s blog, join her on Facebook, and Twitter. "All you need is a little gratitude to change your life."

Mix It Up Holiday Food and Fun Gift Guide

2010-11-23T18:14:24Z

Cloud Star's Buddy Biscuits

I know that I promised my top ten gift picks of food and fun, and this pick is both. This is a food for man’s (and woman’s) best friend. Buddy Biscuits for dogs are natural, wholesome and of course, delicious.

Cloud Star, who makes Buddy Biscuits, is a local San Luis Obispo company owned by my good friend Jennifer Melton. The company got its start in 1999 when Jen and Brennan Johnson adopted their dog Samantha. She was a picky eater, and when they couldn’t find a food that she liked, they decided to bake their own. When they whipped up a batch of Samantha's low allergen dog treats for a local animal shelter fundraiser, the treats were a huge hit and people started calling wanting more.

Buddy Biscuits was just the beginning for Cloud Star. They have since gown to include an abundance of wholesome and natural dog treats, grooming products, and the adorable “Wag More Bark Less” merchandise. Mix It Up proudly carries a selection of their products at our location.

I admire Cloud Star's commitment to giving back. They donate at least 10% of their net profits to non-profit organizations that benefit animals, women, children, and the environment. For a list of all of their great products, please visit their website at www.cloudstar.com.

Holiday Food & Fun Guide ... continued

2010-11-19T20:17:23Z

Amy Bakes Cupcakes - gorgeous!

Amy O’Kanes welcoming smile and cheerful demeanor always brightens my day, as do her scrumptious cupcake treats. That is why her fabulous business, “Amy Bakes Cupcakes,” is on my Top Ten List Gift Picks. Why give a bouquet of flowers or a bottle of wine, when you can present your hostess, relative or friend with a dozen fresh and personalized cupcakes?

Amy bakes the most delicious cupcakes, baked by hand and made to order, in her health-department-certified kitchen. She uses quality ingredients like organic chocolate, homemade vanilla extract, organic lavender, and local seasonal fruit and spices. She also offers gluten-free and vegan cupcakes, and to top it all off, she creates handmade cupcake wrappers and decorations from recycled materials.

Amy describes each cupcake as “tiny presents.” The description could not be more accurate. Her flair for combing extraordinary ingredients, enable her to create flawless decadent delicacies. The outcome is tantalizing flavors like Chocolate Merlot with Dark Chocolate Ganache frosting, Champagne with Raspberry Cream, and one of my all time favorites, Salted Carmel Chocolate Cupcakes (it’s the perfect combination of sweet and salty).

Without a doubt, all of Amy's cupcakes are little treasures that are thoughtful, unique and heavenly. Amy Bakes Cupcakes cost $32 per dozen, with gluten-free cupcakes priced at $34. For more information, including a cupcake menu and cupcake photo gallery, visit amybakes cupcakes.com.

Mix It Up Holiday Food and Fun Gift Guide

2010-11-09T21:09:34Z

Holiday party season is just around the corner. Whether your planning a traditional family Thanksgiving dinner or a swanky Christmas cocktail party, there is always reason to celebrate. To kick off the holiday festivities, I am introducing my top ten list of my all time favorite food and fun gifts.

All-Time Favorite Food & Fun Holiday Gift

Number 1: Picking Daisies – Beautiful Napkins for Everyday Use

A big part of a special dinner or party is decorating your table. There is no better way, than with these vibrant napkins. I love Picking Daisies napkins because they are soft, absorbent, easy to wash and kind to the environment. The napkins are often funky and colorful and definitely unique. There are more than 50 design in multiple colors available with new patterns and colors added frequently.

Picking Daisies emerged in 2008 when Ann began making homemade cotton napkins. Her family adored the vibrant designs and soon Ann’s sisters Kay and Dede joined in the business with their complementary talents.

The company, located in San Luis Obispo, began selling their items at craft fairs and farmer’s markets. They now have an established storefront and a popular website: pickingdaisiesinslo.com. Their napkins were featured on Sunset Magazine’s blog in October 2009 and have been featured in local publications.

Pumpkin Cheesecake

2010-11-02T04:58:40Z

I love cheesecake. I love Pumpkin. So naturally, I would love pumpkin cheesecake. Some recipes call for too much nutmeg. Some variations call for a crust made of something other than graham crackers. I say why mess with a good thing. The only tasty addition to this crust is some toasted pecans but if you dislike nuts or are allergic - you will never miss them. This recipe has a sour cream topping. It compliments the pumpkin so well without adding to the richness of the cream cheese. This will keep for a couple days in the refrigerator so it would be a great one to make in advance for the holiday or a party.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Filling:
1 c. sugar
1 1/2 lbs Cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 egg yolks
2 c. pumpkin
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. ginger
In mixing bowl cream sugar, cream cheese & vanilla together, then add eggs one at a time, add yolks continue beating. Add remaining ingredients
Crust:
3/4 c. Graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. finely chopped pecans
1/4 c. Brown sugar
1/4 c. sugar
2 oz. melted butter
Topping:
1 1/2 c. sour cream
1/4 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Spread shortening over the sides of a 9 in springform (cheesecake) pan. Place a strip of parchment or wax paper over the shortening. This ensures that the cheesecake with not stick to the pan and will have good solid edges.

Mix all crust ingredients together, press evenly into cheesecake pan. Pour in filling and bake @ 350 for approximately 1 hour. I like to set my cheesecake over a water bath by putting on top of an inverted pie pan that is sitting in a baking dish that has hot water in it. Or You can put foil over the bottom of the springform pan and set it into the water. The steam helps the cheesecake cook evenly and not burn.

When a skewer or toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, remove from oven. Let rest 10 minutes, Spread topping over the entire surface and return to oven for 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Enjoy!!!