Pantry Challenge Begins in 2016

Ahh yes, tis the new year, and the pantry challenge starts anew!

One thing I did over the new year’s break was clean out the freezer. It seemed we always had so much food in there, but nothing I could ever pull out quickly and eat.

So I opened it and began tossing and it was humbling.
Giant freezer-burned chunks of things, tons of frozen ice-covered berries, an army of blackened shriveled bananas that were to be used for smoothies, ginger and bags of vegs from 2013 and lots and lots of ice packs.

No wonder I could barely get the door shut.

For about 15 hand-numbing minutes, I tossed and said goodbye to things I thought I would eat.
And I learned about my own habits. I tend to shove things in the freezer that I think I am going to waste or won’t eat, so I thought if I shoved it in the freezer I'd get back to it eventually.

So, out went the wilty bananas and freezer burned items. I bought fresh berries and ginger and labeled it. I stocked up on new vegetables at the 10 for 10$ sale. I got some frozen espresso bars to replace ice cream.

The freezer looks great now. I can see all I have at a glance, and have been using items up and replacing them on sale (chicken breasts, ground beef, etc)

Then I moved down to the fridge!!

Out went the jam jars with a smidge of jelly left, out went the various things my husband bought at the farmers market and we didn’t eat, out went the soy sauce I bought down the shore in 2014. Seriously. How was this stuff still living in here taking up space, looking innocuous?!
I recycled the jars and some I kept for making salads and keeping fruit in weekly.

Out went the packets of mini ketchups and soy sauce and duck sauce from last year. Gone!

Fridge looks and smells fresher- not that it smelled bad, it just has a better feel.

Then over to the pantry! (I was on a roll!)

I began to piece together dinners and lunches from items that were in there and had a cook-off day.

Now, Snowmaggedon2016 looms-the first big snow of the entire winter season in Philly.  

Instead of going nuts at the store, I did get some milk and bread because I DO want French toast, lol, and some pretzels, but we have enough food here, and it’s really just another weekend. This snowstorm is (supposed to) arrive after Friday rush hour and end Sunday. Just enough time to dig out and be back at work on Monday morning at 7:30am!

I'll be soaking black beans to make soup, I have chicken stock but will also be making veggie stock, baking cookies, and making up french toast for breakfast with real maple syrup we got at our wedding a few months ago. 

I'm also rearranging a few kitchen things too this weekend, putting in a small vintage deeper bookshelf to hold things that I have to go digging for or up high. Must find a place for the microwave tho…

So stay tuned dear readers, and stay safe!

Food Quote Friday- Homage to Bread & Cheese

Last night was the Taste of Phoenixville, a fabulous event in my town that supports the Good Samaritan homeless shelter and raises money for nourishing food and helping people find their way in life and create the live they've always wanted- even if they are homeless and have lost their way.

I love this event and support it and there people it helps and serves.

This photo is some of the fabulous bread from Soltane on Bridge Street, who supports the arts in the community while providing it with fresh healthy foods! )and scones and cookies and pies and spreads!)

Food Quote Friday- Closing the Meal

Food Quote Friday!
Chocolate, ice cream, - how do you close your meal? 

With a fine dessert of berries and cream, cheesecake, or a slice of pie, perhaps some lavender honey over cheese?

Dance Magic, Dance

I awoke this cold January morning and checked my phone, where various news outlets were reporting that David Bowie had passed away and lost his 18 month battle with cancer. This rock and roll icon was surrounded by family, and leaves a legacy of decades of amazing music, awards, accolades, and movies just days after his 69th birthday. He had just released Blackstar on his birthday.

David Bowie Ziggy Stardust - Wiki Photo

His early music career had him in a variety of looks and styles until his 'alter-ego' Ziggy Stardust was born in the early 70s and was an instant hit. So much inspiring, emotional music came from this man- Rebel Rebel, Diamond Dogs, All the Young Dudes, Fame, Young Americans, The Thin White Duke, Stay, Under Pressure, Let's Dance, China Girl, Where Are We Now ...so much more! I cannot name them all!

Plus singing that gorgeous duet in Peace on Earth/ Little Drummer Boy with Bing Crosby. Unfortunately, there was a large dose of drugs mixed into his career, but he still made fabulous music and got healthy again.He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

First time I really recall seeing Bowie was during the Live Aid performance within a released single of him and Mick Jagger performing Dancing in the Streets. I had that taped on VHS and would dance and sing to it every chance I got- I was maybe 6? I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever heard. I was too young to understand or like his music from the 70s and 80s until I was in college in the late 90s.

Labyrinth movie poster from 1986, Wiki photo

And of course, in grade school my parents took me to see Labyrinth- the greatest movie ever! This Jim Henson film came out in 1986 and featured Bowie as Jareth, the Goblin King! I still can recite entire pieces of dialogue, to say nothing of knowing all the great songs by heart (five of which are from Bowie). I loved this film, still do!

Most of my info on this piece came from Wikipedia, but I wanted to write up a small tribute this morning before work because I was a fan and I did love his music. 

He's won so many awards, done so much more than I have accounted for here, but take a moment today, listen to your fave Bowie song or 20...and let's dance...He'd want us to dance in the streets.

New ENGCHIK EATS LOGO!

My new Logo rocks!!

Food Quote Friday: PIZZA

mmmm Pizza on your lap! To end 2015 and before we rang in 2016, pizza was definitely on the menu...and on our laps!

What is your fave pizza? This delicious arugula and prosciutto parm pizza is from Vecchia, a glorious 90-second wood-fire pizza place in Phoenixville, PA, outside Philly.

Book Review: Food Whore

I just devoured this delicious gem! 
Food Whore was a treat for the senses- wicked, juicy, and thoroughly satisfying! I got to chat with the gorgeous Jessica Tom, the talented author behind this delicious book. 

What planted the seed of Food Whore?

 Like my main character, Tia, I was a young woman who had just moved to NYC and loved going out to eat. I wanted to share my experiences, but I wasn’t sure if I wanted to start a blog -- there are so many great ones out there and I didn’t know how to stand out. So I imagined: what if a 23 year old-woman were the New York Times restaurant critic? How would that happen? How would it be amazing? And, since there are no shortcuts in life, how would it lead to her undoing?

As the name implies...acting a certain way to get what you want, in this case, regarding food- Jess, have you ever gone over the line to sample a decadent, rare foodstuff?

Ha! “Over the line” probably not. But I’ve definitely been bold when it comes to my food career. A couple years after college, I was tinkering with food show idea. While on vacation in Paris, I  saw Emeril Lagasse checking in for my same flight and persuaded my mom to swap her business class ticket with my economy one (she was on a business trip and I was just tagging along). I pitched my show idea to him and he liked it and ended up connecting me to his producer days later. We worked on some concept treatments, but nothing ever worked out. I don’t regret trying though. No guts, no glory. ( i so agree!)

Do you think college and grad school grads have to jump/sink to these levels to get ahead?

I don’t know about “sink”… but yes you have to push yourself outside of your comfort zone in order to make real progress. That goes for everyone -- not just students. There are times when you might push yourself a bit too far and get in trouble. In Food Whore, Tia has the best intentions, but she makes some missteps on the way and her sanity and relationships suffer for it. She didn’t consciously hurt anyone -- it just happened (as it does in real life).

How much do you think looks plays into getting a job?

I would hope not much! But I suppose it depends on the job you’re looking for. Food critics actually downplay their looks. They want to recede in the background. Same goes for writers. Though I’m guilty of wearing showy clothes and makeup, oftentimes I prefer to blend into the background so I can observe what’s happening.

How much do you think social media impacts the job hunt, as a new grad or someone seeking an internship?

Again, I think it depends on the job. Social media can flesh out who you are for an employer. Your accounts can be a boon or a liability...depending on what you post and what the job is. Online influence is only important in certain realms. Like, I don’t care if my dentist has a lot of followers.

This book was SUCH a joy to read and my friends and I loved it- as writers, bloggers, readers and eaters, ( I am all of the above!) are you coming up with a sequel or another food book?

Yay, thank you!! Yes, I’m working on another book that’s food related. I only have one book out, but I already know food fiction is my “thing.” Other than that... too soon to reveal specific details. ;)

What is your favorite food?

Oh gosh, I love grapes, oranges, persimmons, pomelo, Chinese-style eggplant, roasted cruciferous vegetables, crab cakes, pulled pork, fresh baguettes, caramel corn, steak with chimichurri, halo-halo, pistachio gelato and a hundred other things. 

2016 Resolutions & January Goals

Happy 2016! How was it? I had a fabulous NYE with friends and family and now having a lazy weekend before jumping back into full-tilt work.

Another thing I've done since 2012 is a Happiness Achieved jar, a cool glass vessel with a funky notepad and pen nearby. I write down and pop in the jar all the great things that happen then put the squares away on the 31st. Got a new job! Got married! Had a wonderful honeymoon! Free coffee! Relaxed w the pets! Etc. 

I'm redoing my vision board. Last time I did it was 2009 so I'm updating the goals. 

I my friend Jen and I started off the board with ' I'm so happy and grateful now that I...'

I think it helps to say things in the past tense as opposed to I will eat better.... To I'm happy I eat well. 

For January, I will learn how to make a cheesecake

I'll declutter 

I'll save money

Eat no fast food or wawa sandwiches

Buy less cafe food, bring lunches more often

I'll eat cleaner and make more fresh food

I make better food choices 

I'll pay down the credit card

I don't skip the gym.

Renew our passports.

For the year, I aim to travel somewhere different w S each month. The Mutter museum, a new BnB, Gettysburg, Sanibel Island, Vegas, etc 

What are your goals? 

Happy New Year!! Hello 2016!

Welcome to the very first Food Quote Friday for Engchik- welcome 2016!

Are you ready!? I toast you, this year!