funny by accident. http://shanaray.posterous.com social media, tech, food and wine in a world that takes itself too seriously. posterous.com Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:39:00 -0700 what is wrong with #bacon people. http://shanaray.posterous.com/what-is-wrong-with-bacon-people http://shanaray.posterous.com/what-is-wrong-with-bacon-people
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seriously. This is filthy.

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Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:48:00 -0700 taste of sonoma - are you coming? http://shanaray.posterous.com/taste-of-sonoma-are-you-coming http://shanaray.posterous.com/taste-of-sonoma-are-you-coming

Every labor day, thousands of foodies and winos make their way up to Northern California for Sonoma Wine Country Weekend.

The main event is Taste of Sonoma on Saturday, September 3rd. Over 170 wineries will be pouring (download the full list of wineries participating), and 60 Sonoma County chefs will be paring local culinary treats with wines. This day of food and fun was named one of the 10 Best Wine and Food Events in the United States by Celebrated Living magazine and definitely lives up to the name.

There will be plenty of veggie fare for us vegetarians to enjoy as well. This wouldn’t be my favorite event in Sonoma County three years running otherwise.

MacMurray Ranch in Russian River Valley is the host winery and is the perfect backdrop for a day of wine tasting, talking to your favorite Sonoma County chefs, educational seminars and wifi (yes, the team at MacMurray Ranch has a social media lounge).

In addition to enjoying food and wine from all over Sonoma County, Taste of Sonoma hosts many “experiences” celebrating Sonoma’s farm-to-table culture. Wine seminars, cooking demonstrations and vineyard tours will run throughout the day and will feed your stomach and mind (make sure to RSVP online).

A few not-to-miss events/areas are:

  • “PAIR WITH THE PROS, A Wine & Food Pairing” sponsored by Kendall-Jackson. Executive Chef Justin Wangler will be teaching attendees how to pair food with Kendall-Jackson wines.
  • The Gloria Ferrer Bubble Lounge (conveniently located as you enter the event) where Cindy Friedman, Gloria Ferrer Caves and Vineyard's Consumer Marketing Manager will be showcasing sparkling wines and food parings.

Some tips before you go: There will be so much wine and food, so make sure to take a picture of everything you eat and drink to help you remember the next day.  Also, make sure to hit all appellation tents, and taste different varietals from all twelve wine growing regions in Sonoma County. 

Taste of Sonoma is THE mecca to sample the best Sonoma County has to offer and there is still time to buy tickets before they sell out.  

 

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Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:20:00 -0700 melt bar & grilled offers discount to people with grilled cheese tattoos. http://shanaray.posterous.com/melt-bar-grilled-offers-discount-to-people-wi http://shanaray.posterous.com/melt-bar-grilled-offers-discount-to-people-wi
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 or 
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or
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Melt Bar & Grilled in Lakewood, Ohio is giving a 25% discount to patrons who have grilled cheese tattoos via trendhunter.com

FYI If a restaurant in Sonoma County did this I would get a tattoo right away!

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Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:14:00 -0700 10 food facts you may not have known. http://shanaray.posterous.com/10-food-facts-you-may-not-have-known http://shanaray.posterous.com/10-food-facts-you-may-not-have-known
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Sun, 15 May 2011 14:32:00 -0700 new fav frozen pizza - @peasofmind. http://shanaray.posterous.com/new-fav-frozen-pizza-peasofmind http://shanaray.posterous.com/new-fav-frozen-pizza-peasofmind

I tried this frozen pizza from SF company, Peas of Mind, a few months ago when I stole a piece from my 7 year old niece...  Yes, stole.  I am not afraid to admit that.  I was hungry. And it was delicious!!!  The pizza was simliar to any other frozen pizza, but made with real broccoli, cauliflower and carrots baked right into the crust.  According to the Peas of Mind website: "At least 50% less fat than the leading brands!" AND "one pizza contains 1½ servings of veggies."  

 This is such a great idea for kids, as well as some adults who LOVE pizza just as much as I do!   I look forward to finding out more about this company and see what other products they can "sneak" veggies into! 
Pes_of_mind

 

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Sat, 26 Feb 2011 09:12:00 -0800 google rolls out new search tool for recipes. http://shanaray.posterous.com/google-rolls-out-new-search-tool-for-recipes http://shanaray.posterous.com/google-rolls-out-new-search-tool-for-recipes
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Thumbs up for this roll out! Already hungry for some new ideas!

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Fri, 25 Feb 2011 21:02:00 -0800 hey @thebeerwench. earth: as seen through beer. http://shanaray.posterous.com/hey-thebeerwench-earth-as-seen-through-beer http://shanaray.posterous.com/hey-thebeerwench-earth-as-seen-through-beer
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Just came across this and thought of The Beer Wench!

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Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:22:00 -0800 arann harris & the farm band playing at #socorestweek. http://shanaray.posterous.com/arann-harris-the-farm-band-playing-at-socores http://shanaray.posterous.com/arann-harris-the-farm-band-playing-at-socores

We went to Rocker Oysterfellers for Knife for Hire's birthday and Sonoma County Restaurant Week last night and were greeted by Arann Harris & the Farm Band in the bar!

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Thu, 24 Feb 2011 11:10:00 -0800 who cares about #tech & #socialmedia when you have @foodspotting parties at #sxswi! http://shanaray.posterous.com/who-cares-about-tech-socialmedia-when-you-hav http://shanaray.posterous.com/who-cares-about-tech-socialmedia-when-you-hav

Everyone is gathering Austin's best food trucks together for an afternoon of BBQ, tacos, meat pies and more.  Download Foodspotting for their Secret Menu items and to participate in a photo scavenger hunt - win prizes!

Featuring the following Food Truck stars:
- Along Came a Slider
- Boomerang's Pies
- Chilantro
- Lucky J's
- Old School BBQ
- One Taco

 
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Mon, 27 Dec 2010 09:26:00 -0800 gravenstein apple spiced fig caramel hot toddy. http://shanaray.posterous.com/gravenstein-apple-spiced-fig-caramel-hot-todd http://shanaray.posterous.com/gravenstein-apple-spiced-fig-caramel-hot-todd
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Found on Examiner.com

Long name... Delicious holiday drink!

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Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:16:00 -0800 munch monday 2011 from @biteclubeats. http://shanaray.posterous.com/munch-monday-2011-from-biteclubeats http://shanaray.posterous.com/munch-monday-2011-from-biteclubeats
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Heather Irwin JUST made my day! Never again while working in downtown Santa Rosa will I say anything about having a case of the "Monday's"

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Sat, 18 Dec 2010 12:59:00 -0800 just made these.. thanks @biteclubeats! http://shanaray.posterous.com/just-made-these-thanks-biteclubeats http://shanaray.posterous.com/just-made-these-thanks-biteclubeats
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Recipe can be found on biteclubeats.com

Changed Bourbon for Brandy and pecans for toffee crunchies, but that is what makes this recipe so great... Well, that and the fact that you don't have to bake them (which I cannot seem to do without burning them) AND the booze stays in them!!

Currently cooling in the freezer...

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Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:07:00 -0800 top 5 holiday gifts for #vegetarian foodies. http://shanaray.posterous.com/top-5-holiday-gifts-for-vegetarian-foodies http://shanaray.posterous.com/top-5-holiday-gifts-for-vegetarian-foodies

I just recently started writing for the Examiner.com as the official Santa Rosa Vegetarian Food Examiner. Please take a minute to visit my first article I wrote and leave a comment if you so wish!

Sonoma County is abundant with local food producers that adhere to a high standard of farming that only comes with a true passion for what they do. Local foodies, both vegetarian and meat-eaters have the opportunity to be surrounded by foods that live up to this standard and love discovering the latest products and sharing them with their friends and family.  Here is a list of holiday gifts for any of your vegetarian foodie friends:

Bread-dressing-ck-522236-l

 

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Wed, 08 Dec 2010 20:14:00 -0800 aunt norma's nutcase fruitcake recipe. http://shanaray.posterous.com/aunt-normas-nutcase-fruitcake-recipe-recipes http://shanaray.posterous.com/aunt-normas-nutcase-fruitcake-recipe-recipes

Like most people, I am not a fan of the traditional fruitcake, but I do like fired foods & booze! THIS IS THE Cocktail I will be making at my holiday party next weekend! Pictures to come! 

INGREDIENTS: 

Deep Fried Fruitcake
Vegetable oil, for frying
Small cubes of chilled fruit cake
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup chopped nuts (recommended: walnuts or pecans)
1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) applejack brandy
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) hazelnut liqueur
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) black currant liqueur
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) cherry liqueur
1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) cinnamon liqueur
1/2 tablespoon grenadine
Splash cream or Irish cream liqueur, optional
Ice
Special equipment: Colins glass

DIRECTIONS

To deep-fry fruitcake garnish:
Heat 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep-fryer to about 375 degrees F.

In a shallow dish, whisk 1 egg. Place the chopped nuts in another shallow dish. Dip the fruitcake cubes in egg and then roll in nuts. Put the fruitcake on a skewer or place in a small fry basket. Carefully place the fruitcake in the hot oil. Hold it under with a spider strainer to ensure even browning. It should turn golden in 1 to 2 minutes.

Remove the fruitcake to paper towels and let drain. Allow the fruitcake to sit and cool for about 5 minutes.

To make the cocktail:
Combine the applejack brandy, hazelnut liqueur, black currant liqueur, cherry liqueur, cinnamon liqueur, grenadine, and cream in a Colins glass, fill with ice and stir.

Garnish drink with a cherry and a cube of deep fried fruitcake on a cocktail pick.

 

Recipe courtesy Alie Ward and Georgia Hardstark 2010
Show: Holiday on the Rocks Episode: Holiday on the Rocks

 

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Wed, 08 Dec 2010 13:04:00 -0800 meat plush pillows. http://shanaray.posterous.com/meat-plush-pillows-from-sweetmeats http://shanaray.posterous.com/meat-plush-pillows-from-sweetmeats
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I wonder if someone else has these adorable pillows in TOFU??

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Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:29:00 -0800 a cheese i won't eat. http://shanaray.posterous.com/a-cheese-i-wont-eat http://shanaray.posterous.com/a-cheese-i-wont-eat
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My fondness for cheese is a bit extreme... But this is a bit much! :)

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Wed, 01 Dec 2010 12:09:00 -0800 cheapest fruits & veggies by month. http://shanaray.posterous.com/cheapest-fruits-veggies-by-month http://shanaray.posterous.com/cheapest-fruits-veggies-by-month

Now that it is the first day of December, I am excited for more sweet potatoes and mushrooms! 

 

January

oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, tangelos, lemons, papayas, cabbages: red, white and green; leeks, broccoli, cauliflower

 

February

oranges, tangelos, grapefruit, lemons, papayas, broccoli, cauliflower

 

March

pineapples, mangoes, broccoli, lettuce

 

April

pineapples, mangoes, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce

 

May

cherries, pineapples, apricots, okra, zucchini, rhubarb, artichokes, asparagus, spring peas, broccoli, lettuce

 

June

watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, cherries, blueberries, peaches, apricots, corn, lettuce

 

July

watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, raspberries, plums, cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, corn, green beans, lettuce

 

August

watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, raspberries, plums, cucumbers, corn, eggplant, tomatoes, summer squash, green beans, lettuce

 

September

grapes, pomegranates, persimmons, eggplants, pumpkins, tomatoes, spinach, lettuce

 

October

cranberries, apples, pomegranates, grapes, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, broccoli, spinach, lettuce

 

November

cranberries, oranges, tangerines, pears, pomegranates, persimmons, pumpkins, winter squash, sweet potatoes, broccoli, mushrooms, spinach

 

December

pears, oranges, tangelos, grape fruit, tangerines, papayas, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower

 

Always a Good Deal

bananas, potatoes, celery

 

(http://frugalliving.about.com/od/foodsavings/tp/Cheapest_Produce.htm)

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Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:48:00 -0800 caffeinated nixie tubes. http://shanaray.posterous.com/caffeinated-nixie-tubes http://shanaray.posterous.com/caffeinated-nixie-tubes
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Wholly CRAP! These look like pixie sticks with crack! These are definitely added to my holiday wish list.

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Sun, 28 Nov 2010 20:32:00 -0800 zombies & bacon. http://shanaray.posterous.com/zombies-bacon http://shanaray.posterous.com/zombies-bacon
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Zombie and Bacon gifts via thinkgeek.com

The obsession won't ever end, will they? :(

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Sun, 28 Nov 2010 19:50:00 -0800 halloumi cheese = fried #foodporn. http://shanaray.posterous.com/what-to-do-with-halloumi-cheese-recipe-101-co http://shanaray.posterous.com/what-to-do-with-halloumi-cheese-recipe-101-co
Anyone who knows me knows my addiction to cheese. You can take away beer or wine or tofu, but the slimy, gooey deliciousness that is cheese is a hard one for me to give up (I actually have a few times). 

After a nice dinner at zazu Restaurant in Russian River Valley, I came home to instantly plop my butt down in the living room to watch the Cooking Network.  This new network is what the Food Network should be...

I was able to get home in time for Food(ography), an amazing show on the culture of food, hosted by Mo Rocca (one of my favorite guys from the Daily Show back in the day).  The subject matter: yup.... You guessed it. Cheese. Grilled Cheese sandwiches, American cheese, cheese paired with craft beer and wines, etc. All making my mouth water like it was the hour before Thanksgiving. 

One cheese that was brought up when talking about Grilled Cheese was I had never heard of: halloumi. 

Halloumi or haloumi (Greek χαλούμι, Turkish hellimArabic حلوم ḥallūm) is a traditional Cypriot cheese[1][2][3] that is also popular in the rest of the Middle East[4] and Greece,[5] and is now made the world over. It is made from a mixture of goat's and sheep milk, although some halloumi can be bought that also contains cow's milk.[6] It has a high melting point, and so can easily be fried or grilled. Halloumi is set withrennet, and is unusual in that no acid or acid-producing bacterium is used in its preparation.[7]

A cheese that can be grilled? I NEED this in or around my mouth!  

So... of course, being the geek I am, I googled this new cheese.  This is my favorite blog post/recipe I found: 

What to do with Halloumi Cheese

What to do with Halloumi Cheese from 101 Cookbooks (http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/001489.html#)

Cheese on the BBQ might sound strange, but that's what we are going to explore today - as well as some other ways you might use Halloumi cheese. Halloumi is a cheese indigenous to Cyprus. I think it is traditionally a mix of goat and sheep milk (anyone out there a specialist in Greek Cypriot cheeses?), but the halloumi I normally come across here in San Francisco is made just with sheep's milk. One of the things that makes this cheese so unique is that it can stand up to a tremendous amount of heat. At temperatures where other cheeses are reduced to a melted ooey-gooeyness, halloumi maintains its structure and develops a beautiful golden crust.

There are infinite recipe possibilities using halloumi, let's brainstorm:

  • I have a Meyer lemon tree out next to my grill, if it was in better condition I would have pulled off a few leaves and grilled the cheese on top of those. This would infuse the cheese with a hint of citrus.
  • I did a caramelized version of halloumi "croutons" that will top one of the soups in my (new) book.
  • Cut it into cubes, thread onto a skewer and make halloumi part of your kabobs.
  • Grilled Halloumi with Sauteed Green Beans

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