My Mind Needs a Soundtrack
When U2 produced “Mysterious Ways,” they must have had my brain in mind…
After microwaving a sweet potato to feed my growling stomach, I sliced it into rounds to cool faster and convert it to a finger food as I watched reruns of “Iron Chef.” Mesmerized by Morimoto’s knife skills, I failed to notice the center sagging out of the disc in my hand until—plop!—its orange innards fell straight into my lap.
I gazed through the hole like a singular binocular or spyglass, and the cartoonish Einstein light bulb flicked on above my head. The hollowed-out sweet potato skin was the same size as a sushi roll! Continue reading for recipe.
My Nominee for Best Supporting Role
Confession: I love Food Network. A lot. “Iron Chef,” “Cupcake Wars,” “Chopped,” “The Next Food Network Star”… I wish I could be a judge for any of those nighttime reality food shows; I’m drooling just imagining all of the tempting creations those chefs concoct!
But recently, a different network and program caught my eye. “Top Chef” on Bravo, based in Texas, produces a similarly impressive display of dishes from their own original and whimsical challenges. While showing the chefs slice, simmer, and sauté, the TV often cuts to commercials at the most inopportune moments. Continue reading for recipe.
The Black Sheep of TV Programs
We all know the effectiveness of infomercials; there’s a reason they’re run at 3 am when we’re so tired that every gadget looks like the best idea ever. Really, who couldn’t use a Snuggie for their dog or a different Bumpit for every day of the week? I started turning off my phone whenever I watched TV to avoid the overwhelming temptation to call now and get my second Ginsu steak knife free (plus shipping and handling).
Okay, maybe not.
But cooking up a pot of Jules’ simple carrot soup quickly became an infomercial in its own right. With just a dinky little 2-cup food processor, my soup never reached a smooth consistency, regardless of how many times I pulsed (or how much liquid squirted through the cracks in the lid). After mopping up half of the soup from the counter, I sat down at the computer and purchased an immersion blender.
As soon as it arrives, my soup bowls will come out from hiding in the cupboards again! Continue reading for recipe.
Foods for the Soul 