Cooking In Stilettos...
Monday, January 12, 2009 My 2009 Culinary Goals

I'm not a firm believer in "resolutions" as I detailed over at Just Because... However, I am a fan of "Goals" and decided that, in addition to making my "2009 Life Goals", I was going to add some culinary goals to the mix. Of course, you know you'll have a front row seat if I pass or fail. So, without further adieu, may I present some of my 2009 Culinary Goals...

What’s on your culinary agenda for 2009?


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Posted by Lys :: 8:53 AM :: 4 comments

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Sunday, December 7, 2008 Gift Alert: Nordstrom's 'Flavors' Cookbook...

Do you have a cookbook aficionado on your gift list and are wary to buy any cookbooks in case they "might have them"? Even better, are they a fashionista and loves all things Nordys?



Well, here is the gift that they wouldn't expect.



Nordstrom has a cookbook called "Flavors" by their executive chef, Michael Northern, and has recipes from their popular cafes. During my Philadelphia trip when Reese, Meowmix and I had lunch in the Nordstrom Cafe, I flipped through the pages and immediately added it to my Santa list. The recipes are top notch, the photography is amazing and it's written for the home cook.



Check it out here and, of course, you can get cash back.

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Posted by Lys :: 3:38 PM :: 0 comments

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Thursday, December 4, 2008 Gift Idea: NapaStyle's Panini Grill

If you don't have a Panini Grill, seriously - what are you waiting for. You can do soooo much on there besides just the standard panini. Just think George Foreman grill, but better, ya know?

Anywhoo - during the holidays, I'm going to spotlight one great foodie gift per day for that culinary diva (or divo) on your shopping list (or you - you must gift yourself during the holiday season too - it's in the holiday rulebook!)

Spotlight today - Napastyle's Panini Grill. I get the Napastyle catalog and I mull through it page by page, wishing I had endless funds to entertain because, when it comes to class and style, seriously - Michael Chiarello has it. And he's spotlighting a deal of the day starting off today with this Panini Grill. When it comes to NapaStyle, you know it's quality. This guy is no joke and he's not going to be like certain peeps who just slap their name on something to get that endorsement check. He sells it in his stores, uses it in his kitchen and stands behind his products that he sells.

I have a panini grill and, in the interest of full disclosure, I spent a pretty penny on it. However, if I saw this deal and I needed a grill - you know I'd be purchasing that so quick my head would spin. $78 to $38.

Happy Shopping!

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Posted by Lys :: 8:10 PM :: 1 comments

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Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Apron Chic...

I don't know about you, but I'm really starting to like the new apron styles that I've seen out and about. There's something about a snazzy apron that makes a gal channel that inner domestic diva and have fun in the kitchen, you know.

Check out some of the styles I noticed around the web:

Check out this B&W Ritz pattern




Shop Suey has not only some stellar handbags, but also aprons. Check out this Festive Santa one for the holiday




And then this optic blossom print is also very chic




WishingFish.com has this adorable fall themed Pumpkin Cupcakes apron




Sur La Table has this divine Hostess Apron (which I'm soooo snatching up with cash back too!)




and this ONYX Apron (can you tell I love B&W aprons?)







Williams-Sonoma has the 12 Days of Christmas aprons



And this one, while it's a tad rich for my wallet, love it gorgeous creation from Heavenly Hostess!



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Posted by Lys :: 6:27 PM :: 5 comments

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Tuesday, December 2, 2008 Cash Back: A Refresher Course For The Holidays... (Cross Post)

(Note: I originally posted this on my personal blog but since I know you culinary wizards might need some extra oomph in your stockings that you can spend at all things Williams Sonoma , etc., hopefully this can help you!)

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Well, the holidays are upon us and I've been requested to give a little refresher course in all things cash back and coupons to help you get a little extra something in your stockings.

As y'all know, I do most of my shopping online. I detest the malls during the holidays and, for those that know me, that's tough to hear. I have no patience in bad customer service, annoying customers or crowds. I'd rather mill about enjoying the sights and sounds rather than worry about that "perfect" gift. SO - without further adieu - this is how your gal shops.

First of all, I have to have a game plan. For example, let's use my mother (sorry Mom and NO this is not your Xmas gift - just an example!)

Over Thanksgiving, she disclosed to me that she has been using bargain spices from Big Lots! Now, should I decide to cure her of this bad habit (because I'm a foodie snob), I know I'd need to replenish her spice cabinet with spices from one of my favorite culinary stores, Dean & Deluca. My theory is if the Barefoot Contessa uses it, then the product HAS to be top notch. Good vanilla and all!

First step: Research to see if there are any coupons on RetailMeNot.com, CouponCabin.com or UltimateCoupons.com . If there are, make note of the codes and maximize them for the ultimate savings.

Second Step: Research to see who has the highest cash back through EVRewards.com (sometimes you get good coupons on here as well).

Third Step: Select your cash back portal to use. I only use four sites: Fat Wallet, Ebates, Mr. Rebates or CashBaq . There are others, but I've had the best luck with those four and, personally, I use Mr. Rebates and Ebates the most.

Fourth Step:Find the item you are looking for, purchase and viola! You will get cash back, ultimate savings and a nice little somethin' somethin' for you in March because it takes about 90 days for the available funds to be posted.

So to recap: the Cash Back sites to bookmark/sign up at are:

Happy Shopping!

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Posted by Lys :: 8:20 PM :: 1 comments

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Monday, November 24, 2008 A Few Of My Favorite Things: Philadelphia's Italian Market...

I recently flew up to Philadelphia for a birthday soiree thrown by two of my fave people, Meowmix and Reese at one of my favorite restaurants and in between hanging out with good friends, shopping and such, I also took some time to head over to my favorite culinary hangout in Philadelphia - the Italian Market.

One thing I MISS about not being at least in driving distance of Philly is the airline restrictions with luggage. No longer am I able to load up my suitcase with spices and goodies to take back to Orlando. Basically, my thought is that while my friends are crashing from partying the night before, I love to take the car and zip down to 9th Street and wander the Italian Market aimlessly with my coffee in hand as I take in the sights, smells and sounds. I always have such great conversations with the retailers and customers alike and, apparently, I must look like a Philly gal because this last trip, a tourist stopped moi and asked for help with finding some good spots to check out in town. (And Meowmix will tell you that I normally have this mean mug face when shopping to avoid the overzealous sales people so if I'm that calm in the Italian Market and approachable, you know I'm in heaven).

So this rainy, Saturday morning, I decided to zip on down to the Market and get some blog fodder for Cooking In Stilettos. Plus I need to fondle pots at Fantes, see if I can find some new cookbooks, pick up some spices and stock up on Pumpkin Spice Coffee. As I'm turning onto 9th Street, who walks in front of my car with HIS coffee but my old floor producer from TheShow back in the day - Rennie. How utterly random. After a quick convo (and so I wouldn't hold up traffic), promises to call later, assurances that I would be home again, etc. I shot down 9th Street and started looking for a parking space.

Now y'all know parking in Philly is at a premium, so I have a few tricks I use - side streets, careful attention to the signs (don't need to be on an episode of Parking Wars) and after careful prayers and putting it out there, a spot was procured. I found one a few streets over, channeled my inner parallel parking diva and while my parking wasn't sooooo great (I'm rusty - shoot me), I grabbed my purse and headed for the crowds. As I didn't take my normal camera and only had the Blackberry, please forgive me if the shots seem a bit "off".
Walking down one of the gorgeous side streets on the way to the Italian Market


A mainstay in the Italian Market - DiBruno Bros. Who know, you might run into one Ms. Patti LaBelle here as she's known to frequent the Market and DiBruno Bros.


One of the many produce stands that lines the sidewalk. The streets are narrow as are the sidewalks so the key is to shop quick, walk quick and everyone is happy.


Esposito's - one of the BEST places for meats and fish


The Spice Corner is one of my favorite spots to hang out in. I pretty much cleaned them out of their pumpkin spice coffee (one for SL and the rest for yours truly). I picked up a number of spices, some great loose teas and some stuff for a upcoming holiday contest... Everything there is fresh, the people are so sweet and helpful and



I headed to Fante's to see what was new in all things Le Creuset, Global and more. Plus, I was craving some good coffee so I dropped by their coffee shop to get a fabulous Cafe au Lait and pumpkin biscotti.


Claudio's beckoned and in I went to purchase some pantry staples i.e. quick polenta, gnocci and some other goodies. Trust me, check out the photos of the cheeses below. I could have done WAY more damage but they wouldn't have lasted on the way back to Orlando. :::sigh:::


Isn't that cheese selection divine? Oh how I wanted to throw a Philly soiree. Claudio's - can you please open a shop in Orlando, pretty please?




Finally, as I'm trotting down another side of the street, I saw one of my weaknesses - pizzelles. If you have never had them, you must try. They are an Italian cookie and are sooo good. But much like Lay's potato chips, you can't have just one.

Quickly swiping up a package, I headed into Antonio's Italian Coffee and Chocolate House to purchase and was greeted with this sight:



Chocolates and Gelato? Wait - a minute -homemade gelato? Now I'm really overwhelmed and thinking "Can I just wear jeans tonight and leave the form-fitting dress for another day?" I decide to bring some treats back for the gals as thanks for everything they did for my birthday and pick up a little somethin' somethin' for me too.



The homemade truffles were divine. My favorite was the Sea Salt Caramel and the gals loved the Hazelnut and Kahlua ones. If you can, order a box for someone you love during the holidays. They will adore it.
And check this out - they have CANNOLI KITS! No, seriously, they ship the fixings for cannolis to you ASAP and you can treat your family to a bit of Italian Market heaven.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CONTEST ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, to give a little holiday gift to two lucky blog readers, leave a comment on this post NO LATER than Dec. 7, 2008 telling me about either your experiences in my favorite city, Philadelphia, or if you haven't been to Philly, what is your favorite holiday recipe/goodie to share with others. We'll pick two winners using a Random Number Generator and I'll have a little something from Antonio's shipped your way for the holiday season. Make sure to include your email!!!

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Posted by Lys :: 1:39 AM :: 10 comments

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Thursday, August 28, 2008 Obsessed With: Le Creuset Caribbean Braiser...


One of the best used pieces of cookware in my kitchen is my Le Creuset Braiser. I bought it 2 years ago and it just is a workhorse in my kitchen. I bought it in the sassy red at the time because there was no such thing as Caribbean line. As Teal IS my favorite color, I really am starting to convert my kitchen to shades of teal and chocolate (with the occasional sassy red from my initial LC purchases).

However, lately I've been wanting to add more to my LC Caribbean collection and I encountered this 3.5 qt. braiser in Caribbean. I'm thinking, it might be good to have two, no. I use it much like a fry pan as well.

What do you think - should I add a new addition to the household?

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Posted by Lys :: 1:09 PM :: 6 comments

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Friday, August 15, 2008 Taking Stilettos To A Whole 'Nother Level...

The *new* thing is to go grocery shopping with reusable bags, no? I mean, I have my Publix bags for shopping at Publix; Fresh Market bags for shopping at Fresh Market and Steve Madden and Sur La Table for extras. I love the fact that I don't get barraged by plastic bags on the regular and they are not cluttering up the house.

So when Chic & Charming posted this lovely Chic & Green Tote, you know I oooh'd, ahhhh'd and HAD TO HAVE. I mean, c'mon, this is Cooking in Stilettos - why not Shop in Stilettos, right? Jus' sayin'. You can check it out HERE.



*Pic courtesy of Chic & Charming

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Posted by Lys :: 4:24 PM :: 1 comments

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Friday, June 20, 2008 Beauty In A Place Setting...

If you haven't gone to Rosanna Inc. yet, you should. This site has such exquisite tableware that every time I visit, I want to immediately order something. There is a reason why she made Oprah's favorite things. My goal when I get settled in is to have some Vietri, Pillvuyt and Rosanna Inc. in my entertaining repertoire. Check out some of my favorites.

The Les Femmes Collection.




Knowing my love of all things teal and paisley, the best of both worlds is in the Darjeeling Glass collection




And their companion Darjeeling collection.




This makes me think of the Shore and summers by the sea: The Beach Cottage collection.




The Parisian Wallpaper collection just is beyond chic.



Finally, their Caffe Italia collection is divine as well.


At this rate, my table will be better dressed than my shoe closet.

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Posted by Lys :: 1:20 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, June 1, 2008 Bargain Alert: Furi Knives On The Cheap...

While I'm a Global gal when it comes to my choice of cutlery, I do have a duty to you, my dear readers, to report a bargain when I see it. Tuesday Morning is having a sale TUESDAY MORNING (ha! I know - lame joke Lys) where they are selling Rachael Ray's Furi Knives on the cheap. Seriously - see the ad below. If you have not been exposed to the beauty that IS Tuesday Morning stores, let me tell you all about it.

Tuesday Morning is where I got my second Le Creuset pan - seriously cheap. Tuesday Morning is where I got a number of Nigella items that I use and adore. Tuesday Morning has some amazing kitchen deals that you won't see anywhere else with brands such as Emile Henry, Cuisinart, Jenn-Air, Kitchen Aid, etc. So, even if you don't like Furi or you just are looking for a bargain, stop in and browse.

You'll thank me in the morning.



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Posted by Lys :: 7:59 AM :: 1 comments

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Friday, May 30, 2008 Philly Recap: 9th Street Italian Market

During my trip to Philly a couple weeks ago, I took Saturday morning for myself and did something I always wanted to do - wander the Italian Market during one of the busiest days.

Here in Orlando, our access to fresh spices, etc. is a bit limited and we can get spices from the Fresh Market but it's not the same. So that Saturday morning, I went and wandered up and down 9th street. My main object of interest was the Spice stores. I had seen Ms. Patti Labell profile them on her show Livin' It Up and thought "I Must Must Must Go". So, I parked the rental car on a side street, popped on my flats and went walking.

First thing I encountered: Fantes. Yes - THE Fantes. Well, one of them anywayz. I go to the website often but like my first experience with Sur La Table, I told the people - let me fondle, let me wander - I'll find you for help - trust. And wander I did. Meowmix joked that only I could go to Philly and get excited over a pasta colander instead of shoes. I know, some of you are in shock but ever since I saw Nigella use one I thought "Wow - how handy". And, it's not found in Orlando. I found some rosette forms, fondled some pots, bought some gratin dishes (which the cranky salesgal didn't wrap very well and wound up breaking - grrr) and a few other things. I was hoping to get my Global Cheese knife but they didn't have it and it would have to be specially ordered. I'll just get it online.

Bonus: inside Fantes, they had a little coffee shop and some cafe au lait later I was back out and wandering the Italian Market again on the hunt for the spices shops.

I found two spice shops, both of which were amazing. One of which was the Spice Corner and the other was the Italian Market Spice Company (their website isn't up yet). There I bought so many spices my car smelled like a tangine. I bought curry, Nigella seeds, tarragon, rosemary, ancho chile powder, tumeric, and a host of other stuff that was so fragrant and fresh. I even found Pumpkin Spice Coffee.

I wandered in some of the shops on the side, marveled at the fresh produce lining the streets and just breathed in the sights and smells. I went into one of the butcher shops, Orlando's Meats (hey - it said Orlando - I had to pay homage, no?). It was in there that I spied The Philadelphia Italian Market Cookbook for sale. This was something I could take home with no problem from the airline. Also, before you shoot me for going to the butcher, here in Orlando we have Publix, Fresh Market and yeah - that's about it. *sigh* You don't know how I wanted to shake some of the people whining in line to say "Be thankful you have such a resource. You'd be eating some funky chicken if you were in Orlando" (Have you EVER had Winn Dixie poultry :::shudder:::) The manager of the butcher shop gave me an autographed copy that I've been reading with amazement. For an Irish/Indian gal, I swear I must have been Italian in another lifetime because it just is a fascinating read.

After browsing some other shops, I left, vowing to go back again. And this time - I'll bring a list and ship everything home via mail.

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Posted by Lys :: 12:04 AM :: 4 comments

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Thursday, April 10, 2008 Fondue Anyone?

I've been looking for a fondue set lately as I've been wanting to have a fondue soiree.

I've been fondling this Le Creuset Fondue Pot for a while now. I think the time has come to investigate the Le Creuset outlet as well to see if they have one that's at a lower price. It's sturdy, well made and I swear by Le Creuset's products. The price makes it quite the investment for an occasional piece, but a piece that will be used for many years.




A more wallet friendly alternative is the Cuisinart Electric Fondue pot. Dishwasher friendly, generously sized and non-stick. It handles everything from cheese to chocolate to oil. Again, a pot made for multi-tasking with a temperature control.





Now, when it comes to dessert, what about this Chocolate Fondue set? Y'all know I really am a sucker for pretty copper. Yes, I think this will be on my "hmmm.. perhaps I need to investigate further" list.



Sur La Table has a more reasonable priced Copper Fondue Pot that looks a bit more "multi-tasking".



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Posted by Lys :: 7:14 AM :: 2 comments

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Tuesday, April 8, 2008 Deal Alert: Ruffoni Copper On Sale

This morning, in my inbox was an email from Michael Chiarello's NapaStyle saying that it's time for some Spring Cleaning and they took 50% off their clearance prices. Of course, you know I adore ANYTHING that's copper, especially Ruffoni pots.

Check out this Ruffoni Risotto Pan marked down from $246 to $86.99. Yes, you read that right. For something that will last you a lifetime, this is a gorgeous addition to your kitchen


If I didn't have my Polenta pot already, I'd be snatching this up in a heartbeat - the Ruffoni Polenta Pot at $56.99



Check out the entire clearance dept. on sale HERE.

Happy Shopping.
[Photos courtesy of NapaStyle.com]

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Posted by Lys :: 5:45 PM :: 2 comments

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Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Limoncello Brings A Little Bit of Sunshine

Is this gorgeous? Gotta love Michael Chiarello and Napastyle for their excellent serving ideas. This carafe set is on my "Must get" list.

Speaking of Limoncello, the other day I bought my first bottle ofLimoncello, just because. I saw a couple cocktail recipes that I want to try and they sounded delicious. I knew it had a bit of za-za-zu as, well, we all heard about Danny Devito and George Clooney falling prey to its siren call.

As I was in my freezer this morning, that lovely bottle was just in front of my eyes begging to be in recipes other than just cocktails which sent me on a mission.

Courtesy of Epicurious, I'm adding this recipe to my arsenal for my next soiree. Enjoy!

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Mixed Berries With Marscarpone-Limoncello Cream

Recipe Courtesy of Epicurious.com

Ingredients:
For the Marscapone Cream:
3/4 cup chilled whipping cream
1/2 8-ounce container mascarpone cheese
3 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup sugar
3 tablespoons limoncello (lemon liqueur)

For the Berries:
8 cups assorted fresh berries (such as raspberries, blueberries,blackberries, and hulled sliced strawberries; about 2 pounds)
3/4 cup raspberry preserves
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

Preparation

Combine whipping cream, mascarpone, 3 tablespoons sugar, and limoncello in large bowl. Beat until soft peaks form.

Combine all berries, raspberry preserves, lemon peel, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in another large bowl; toss gently.

Divide berry mixture among 8 cups. Top with mascarpone cream

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Posted by Lys :: 3:28 PM :: 1 comments

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Sunday, March 30, 2008 Colin Cowie Gets Ready For Spring...

Did anyone catch the new Colin Cowie collection on HSN.com this week?
Now, don't sniff up in the air yet - trust me when I say that Colin Cowie is one of the premier event planners. I have some of his collection from December and I get so many compliments on it when I entertain. Colin Cowie personifies chic, elegant yet effortless entertaining. The man knows his stuff. Few people know that his book, Effortless Elegance, was one of my first inspirations (and cookbooks to my huge collection) and let's not even talk about his tv show on WE back in the day. He's one for creating ambiance while ensuring your guests AND you have a great time. If you haven't checked out his new book, Colin Cowie Chic: The Guide To Life As It Should Be, you should It has so many fabulous ideas and tips.

Check out some of his summer collection that was featured this week on HSN. As I picked most of the teal/cobalt blue colors because I'm such a blue/teal freak, many also come in shades of green, clear, etc. All is mix and match and coordinate.

First one to catch my eye: His Textured Glass 15" Serving Bowl.






To light the lamps, why not check out the Color Blocked Candles.




For a little mood lighting, I love the Reversible Candle Holders.








Set of four Glass Accent Bowls


There are so many fabulous products that, obviously, we can't feature them all - from candles to rugs to dinnerware to linens to silverware. You can check it all out here: Colin Cowie Collection on HSN.

Now excuse me while I go click my little heart out (with cash back, of course!) Who's ready for a little soiree?

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Posted by Lys :: 5:35 PM :: 2 comments

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