Where is FoodyMom?

Finding out your limitations is never pleasant....  My goal of blogging once or twice a week about my many food adventures was thwarted.  By what you may ask?  It's more like by whom, my little 2 1/2 year old son.  Working full time in a new position and being a full time mom, wife, daughter and sister makes any semblance of a personal life non-existant.  How do you find balance?  Quite simply, you don't, you make sacrifices instead.  Trying to squeeze a few minutes here and there I can hopefully begin to blog again....  Where else are you going to read about my Canuck's bake off to the Stanley Cup and calamities of cakes gone wrong? Here is where!

Joey's -Burnaby

 A night out "kid-free" is a rare and special occassion and even when it occurs I find it hard to let go. On my last night out we went out with friends to Joey's in Burnaby. Calling ahead on a Friday night can only go so far and after we arrived we found ourselves waiting.... It wasn't that long before a hostest came to offer us a seat with one exception it was to be seated at the chef's table. We were in a mood to try something new and this seemed a perfect fit.

  The table was a long woodent table that sat facing the orderly chaos that is a reastaurant kitchen. We were treated to complimentary cocktail tasters and appetizers and pleasant conversation with many staff that would come by our table.  It is a facinating experience to watch the many wonders of just how your food comes to your table looking so tantalizing.  The speed and efficiency of the staff boggles my mind as I think of how just one other person in my kitchen could drive me crazy.  The location of the table leads to a noisier than usual atmosphere so if you are looking for a quiet dinner to talk this would not be your best selection.  For a fun and enlightening experience and if you don't mind kicking up the volume this is a unique way to spend an evening. 

The downside of this type of a dinner, it makes choosing your dinner a difficult thing.  Seeing all this yummy food coming from the kitchen with the delicious aromas puts you in the mood to try everything....  I had to settle on some comfort food and after appys of chicken wings, calamari and flat bread, chose the ahi tuna club as my main course.  The ahi tuna cooked to a pleasant medium rare, the onion rings gently battered and the thin shoestring fries with their light and crispy flavour only confirmed I made the right choice. 

Why stop there, with a final challenge ahead we chose to share Joey's interpretation of apple pie.  A light puff pastry with apples dressed in a caramel crumble it was tasty enough to have without the icecream.  After all you know how I feel about apple pie a la mode, it really should be served with cheddar cheese!

All in all a great evening out and one to be repeated again soon!

Pumpkin Muffins, better than a doughnut

I've been on a bit of a muffin kick these days and I have tried a few good recipes.  So far I think I have enjoyed the Pumpkin Millet muffins from the Rebar cookbook the best!  They are moist yummy and not to sweet.  The warm pumpkin smell that fills the house while they are in the oven baking is enough to draw you in. The delightful texture and flavours only make a good cup of tea even better!  Such simple little things to make it's a wonder why I don't bake them all the time. I've been trying to make some healthier but still yummy recipes and recipes like this it makes eating better a breeze.  If you haven't run to the nearest bookstore to pick up this cookbook yet, then what are you waiting for?  You are this close to being the next Dining Diva.  Not sure if baking is your thing?  Try the green rice or tofu scramble and you won't be disappointed.

T-Bone Steak

Do you ever have that feeling that you just need a steak?  When I was nursing my son I found that I could eat non-stop and never be quite full.  This is when I loved to go to The Keg for the T-bone steak they have in their winter grill.  There is just no flavour like a T-bone and it's worth every bite.  Now however there is usually more in my doggy bag then my stomach for just cause.  Have a look at the size of this thing????  It will not beat out my favorite steak from The Chop House in Palm Springs but it's still a darn good steak!

Carrot Cake for rabbits everywhere

There is this great little vegetarian restaurant in Victoria, BC called Rebar that I try to visit every time I get the chance over to the island.  I immediately purchased their cookbook when it came out and find it a great go to on my shelf.  When my uncle's recent 70th birthday required a cake, I found myself eagerly accepting the challenge.  With a family chocked full of bakers I would be up against some serious taste buds.  Sifting, blending, icing and decorating = Amazing!  With rave review all round I was now officially in charge of the carrot cake for any family gathering.  My secret, fresh pineapple chopped by hand and real Belgian white chocolate in the icing.  With delicious flavours like this it will make even your pickiest eaters want their carrot intake!

Grandma's Chocolate Cake

When the weather is dreary and ambitions to go outdoors are low, the time is right to bake a cake.  Nothing to difficult, no layers galore, just a simple chocolate cake to enjoy over a cup of coffee.  I have had this recipe floating through the house taken down on an old realtor scratch pad waiting for the right time to test it out. 
1 cup vegetable oil
1 cup milk
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla

3 cups flour
3 tsp baking powder
3/4 cup cocoa powder
pinch of salt
1 cup strong coffee

Combine milk, oil and sugar until well blended.  Add eggs one at a time.  Add vanilla and blend thoroughly.  In a separate bowl sift together flour, baking powder, cocoa and salt.  Add flour mixture to batter alternating with coffee.  Pour mix into a 10" springform pan and put in the oven at 350F for about 65 mins. 
Fair warning to all who make this, don't expect to have any leftovers!

Rice Bowls

Rice Bowl night is met with great enthusiasm in my house.  It's a great way to use up all the extra veggies in your fridge and make sure your family gets a balanced meal in a bowl.  Some of my go to veggies are; carrots, snow peas, peppers, zucchini, grated beets, chopped cilantro, bean sprouts and chopped peanuts or cashews.  I usually put a pot of rice on in the rice cooker.  Usually I select jasmine Thai rice but brown rice or red Thai work great  as well.  For protein I like to make some garlic shrimp, grilled chicken and teriyaki steak in strips.  Scoop a little rice in your bowl, top with your favorite veggies and protein then comes the piece de resistance (super yummy) satay sauce.  Not just any satay sauce will do, Trader Joes satay in a saucepan with a can of coconut milk and a couple of tablespoons of peanut butter is what I'm talking about!  It's a great meal with plenty of options.  Now life would be just perfect if I could get my son to eat them!