Cuban Dinner Menu for Rockstars

This coming Friday night (eek - tomorrow!), my husband's long time childhood friends are coming over for dinner. They have known each other since their early teen years through the church they attended. Back then, they played in the church band together. Over 15 years later, my husband and his friends have recently reunited and they started getting together every week to have jam sessions like the "good old days."


My husband plays the drums (yep - I married a drummer!) while the others switch off playing guitar, bass and doing vocals. It's fun hearing them play covers and they're actually really good! This week instead of their usual jam session, we've invited them over for dinner. I feel the need to impress since my husband has talked me and my cooking skills up... the pressure! While determining what to serve, I decided on a Cuban inspired menu. Here's what I have planned and stay tuned for the rest of the recipes and pics of tomorrow's dinner!

Appetizers:
tortilla chips
pico de gallo
guacamole
pineapple salsa cream cheese dip

Entrees:
shrimp & mango skewers

whole baked Cuban style tilapia


Sides:
arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas)

spicy black & white beans

mandarin orange & roasted beet spinach salad


Dessert:
guava sour cream pound cake
strawberry banana ice cream

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An Open Letter to the Globe and Mail: The Vaccine Autism Debate Is Far From Over, The Research Is Not Complete

The following email was sent earlier today to Andre Picard of the Globe and Mail:

I am the father of a 13 year old boy diagnosed with Autistic Disorder assessed with profound developmental delays. I have never attributed his autistic disorder to vaccines or vaccine ingredients although I currently have an open mind on the subject. I was very disappointed with your opinion piece declaring that the vaccine autism debate should end now and that the science is clear. I submitted a comment on that piece listing some of the many pieces of information and evidence that you simply ignored in articulating your opinion. That comment was not accepted for publication by your moderators.

As a "neutral" in the vaccine autism war I would like to see the proper research done to resolve the issues that are very much alive in respect of these issues. Several prominent health authorities have now declared that the epidemiological studies to which you referred and which are used to support claims that vaccines do not cause autism are not in fact specific enough to explore the possible impact of vaccines in causing autism in vulnerable population subsets. These authorities include former NIH and American Red Cross head Dr. Bernadine Healy, recent CDC director Dr. Julie Gerberding and Dr. Duane Alexander, Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), an NIH agency. As of February 24, 2009, as reported at the Huffington Post Dr. Alexander has acknowledged in connection with autism spectrum disorders and vaccines that:

"scientists must investigate susceptible subpopulations of children, including kids with mitochondrial disorders and those who have trouble metabolizing mercury."

Dr. Alexander himself stated in the interview with Autism Speaks' Chief Science Officer, Geraldine Dawson, Ph.D:

"One question (is) whether there is a subgroup in the population that, on a genetic basis, is more susceptible to some vaccine characteristic or component than most of the population, and may develop an ASD in response to something about vaccination. We know that genetic variations exist that cause adverse reactions to specific foods, medications, or anesthetic agents. It is legitimate to ask whether a similar situation may exist for vaccines,"


As you probably know a decision of the US Vaccine Court was released since your opinion was expressed decreeing an end to vaccine autism debates. In Banks v HHS the Special Master accepted the plaintiff's claim that as a result of the MMR vaccination received on 14 March 2000, his child suffered a seizure and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (“ADEM”) which led to Pervasive Developmental Delay (one of the autism spectrum disorders), a condition from which he continues to suffer. I am sure you are aware of the Poling case in which the government acknowledged that vaccine caused the child's 'autism like symptoms". Autism as you may know is defined entirely by symptoms. CBS has reported that more than 1320 vaccine cases alleging brain injury, some including autism disorders, have resulted in government settlements.

I ask that the Globe and Mail, and you personally, exercise some journalistic balance, and inform the Canadian public, that the Vaccine Autism debate is, contrary to your previous opinion, far from over. Nor does the science make clear your claim that there is no vaccine autism connection. Three senior members of the American public health authority establishment have lent there voices to those of thousands of parents and many health care professionals who want to see the necessary research done to explore these issues.

Research, not the opinion of Andre Picard or the Globe and Mail, will provide the information that will help children, whatever the results of the research.

Respectfully,


Harold L Doherty
Fredericton New Brunswick

cc Facing Autism in New Brunswick

NOTE: As subsequently pointed out by jypsy, the Banks decision itself was made public some time ago and commented on by some involved in autism discussions. The compensation awarded to the injured child was announced last week for that decision.

autism

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Vaccine-Autism War: Where In The World Is Dr. Paul Offit?

When the Vaccine Court Special Masters ruled against parents claiming their children's autism disorders were vaccine induced Dr. Paul Offit was the go to guy, once again, for the vaccine industry/public health establishment. The vaccine patent holder was ready with an enthusiastic endorsement of the Vaccine Court's autism triology:

"It's a great day for science, it's a great day for America's children when the court rules in favor of science."

Now another Vaccine Court decision has been made public and .... ooooops ... the Special Master in the case of 2007 Banks v. HHS has ruled in favor of the Plaintiff who claimed that as a result of the MMR vaccination received on 14 March 2000, his child suffered a seizure and Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (“ADEM”) which led to Pervasive Developmental Delay (one of the autism spectrum disorders), a condition from which he continues to suffer. The decision is available in pdf and is discussed in some detail by David Kirby and Robert Kennedy at the Huffington Post.

Will Dr. Paul Offit appear before the cameras and reporters to once again declare a victory for science or will his love for the Vaccine Court wane with a victory for an injured child over the government and the vaccine industry? And how about Andre Picard of the Globe and Mail who removed his journalist's hat and decreed that the debate about vaccines and autism should end? Should the all knowing Andre Picard lose his god like status and be ordered to rejoin the ranks of ordinary citizens who exercise their freedom of expression to discuss public health issues? Or are some Vaccine Court decisions better than others?

autism

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Potato Chips with my Japanese Turning Slicer

A few weeks ago, my husband and I had dinner at our favorite local sushi restaurant. While there, we sat at our fave seat in the upper balcony of the restaurant, overlooking the sushi chefs as they prepare various rolls. One item that particularly interested me was their beautiful garnishes. The sushi chefs had a large bowl of raw beets and carrots cut into delicate and colorful strings. They used these vegetable strings as garnish to all the platters of sushi they prepared. I knew before we left that night I just had to ask about how they made these strings.... and the sushi chef was so kind to tell me that they used a Japanese turning slicer.


I just had to get my hands on one so I could create some strings of vegetables! I researched and asked around among my foodie circles until success! My husband and I came across them at our favorite asian market, thanks to my friend Colleen, author of The Mere Mortal's Guide to Fine Dining. She tipped me off to check at our fave market and there is was in all it's glory!

I soon learned that this tool has been used by contestants on Top Chef and was thrilled to have it in my kitchen too! This turning slicer is used for making spiraling fine cut carrots, potato strings, beets, daikon radishes or cucumbers and more. It comes with 4 stainless steel, interchangeable blades (slice blade, and fine, medium & coarse blades) to make different sizes and cuts for different foods.


One of the things I've already made using my turning slicer is potato chips! This tool makes it super easy to have curly potato spirals or even slices... all within a matter of seconds. To make, I just attached the potato into the slicer, turn the crank and drop the spiral sliced potatoes into hot oil to fry. I double fried them in small batches to they came out crispy. After the second fry, a simple seasoning of garlic salt was all that was needed before enjoying!

Stay tuned to more things I'll be doing with my new kitchen toy! It certainly makes cooking with vegetables fun and interesting!

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Want Cheap Eats? Host a Food Exchange!

My friends and I all like to cook/bake but it sometimes it gets old eating the same meal for days on end, especially if the recipe is written for several servings you don't really need or want to bother to half. So my friends and I decided to put our kitchen skills to work and share large batch meals for others to enjoy!

This past weekend I started a new event for my cooking group, What's Cookin Chicago. My Brunch & Barter event is one that started over the weekend and it was a great success! Over the past two years, I have hosted swap events revolving around a specific food (cookies, cupcakes, muffins, etc). I've switched it up by having participants decide what to make and barter with everyone. If you think back to the popular cookie swaps that often happen during the holidays, this is pretty similar but instead of cookies, we're meal swapping! Attendees prepare and package the same meal for those attending, brings them to where we're meeting up together and everyone takes a packaged meal from everyone, leaving with a whole assortment of meals to enjoy for weeks to come.

For our recent Brunch & Barter event, I prepared my Thai Green Curry Chicken over brown rice and some meat empanadas for everyone. In return, I came home with some delicious meals including:

• Lemongrass pork chop with fried rice
• Gorgonzola Pasta
• Mushroom Risotto
• Spinach Lasagna Rolls
• Smoked Paprika Chicken Stew
  

This Brunch & Barter monthly event was inspired by another food community I'm active in. We have been doing it now for a few months and I wanted to share this fun monthly event with What's Cookin Chicago. If you're interested in perhaps doing this with your friends and family, read on for details (modeled from the food group I participate in)...

Number in Group - Attendance at each gathering is capped at 10 so that participants are never making more than 10 servings of anything. Couples will be counted as one serving (unless each person wants to be counted as one participant, in which case they will bring multiple servings of two separate dishes.)

Brunch & Barter Meetup Location - This monthly event will meet on the last Sunday of each month for brunch. The location will change with each month and will be decided by a participant who will host as the organizer.

The Food - Each participant will bring one pre-portioned serving of their food for everyone who has RSVP’d to come that month. A serving is whatever you think it is for your food item. There will be no restrictions on the food/recipe you make. If you wish to participate and have a specific food restriction, allergy or diet, you're welcome to join in but you must let everyone know what food you cannot have. We cannot guarantee all your food restrictions, allergies and/or diet specifics will be accommodated since we don't want to limit those participating from using a whole list of ingredients.

The Containers/Delivery System - Everyone in the group will buy 10 of the Gladware 3 1/8 cup square entree sized plastic containers (it’s the approximately 7” x 7” square). You’ll portion your food into those containers to bring and hand out at the meetup. There is no need to fill the container, just put in whatever is a serving to you. Please label your containers with the name of the dish on a piece of masking tape (which can be peeled off easily without ruining the container). If there are garnishes or other elements that are to be added to your dish before serving, please indicate that on the container.

The Process - We'll all meet for brunch at the chosen location. After our brunch and the table is cleared, each person will put their servings at their place at the table. Each person will then move about the table, collecting one serving from each of the other participants.

Each of us will have the opportunity to take turns being the organizer/host each month. Each time we meet, someone can offer to organize the next month’s gathering and choose where we will be meeting for our Brunch & Barter. The organizer will be responsible to make reservations for the group at the restaurant where we will be gathering if needed.

How to Participate - Participants will need to RSVP no later than one week before the monthly gathering. You will also need to post what you are bringing no later than three days prior to the meetup event. This is to help make sure we have a balance in the food that can be eaten and/or frozen to enjoy later.

Remember that the core purpose of the Brunch & Barter will be for participants of our group to exchange meals we've made with minimal hassle and restrictions over a great brunch!

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Dinnerware 101 by Cookware.com

Because I do quite a bit of entertaining every weekend, I often get emails from readers about my dinnerware. With so many things to consider when it comes to dressing your table, I thought it would be a good opportunity for my friends at www.Cookware.com to share their thoughts about dinnerware. Special thanks goes out to Khara for her team's article!

Dinnerware 101

Exactly how many sets of dinnerware does the average household need? This is a question that comes up time and time again amongst my foodie friends! Sure, it's easier when you're living alone, as all you really need is one, maybe two sets. A nice, basic, machine washable set for everyday use and maybe a nice set of china for special occasions.

As you start to grow your family, however your cooking habits start to change. You're making more food more often, not to mention entertaining out of town family and other guests. Two dinnerware sets will no longer suffice! How do you determine what pieces are absolutely essential and what pieces are "extra?" Let's break it down and go over the basics that every household should not do without.

What's It Made Of?:



First things first, you need to decide what type of dinnerware you need. You have several options to choose from!

• Bone China: Bone China dinnerware is the highest quality porcelain dinnerware on the market today. Considerably more expensive than standard china dinnerware, bone china is usually only available in white or ivory but can be purchased glazed or with ornate detailing. You most certainly get what you pay for, as bone china is deceptively hard and resistant to chipping and cracking. This is hard to believe as bone china dinnerware looks very delicate and fragile.
• Fine China: If you don't want to spend the extra money, having at least one set of fine china is perfectly acceptable. Also considered very durable, fine china is most often available in white or cream but can be glazed in a variety of different colors. Essentially, it looks similar to bone china. You’re paying slightly less because the quality is not as fine.
• Porcelain: Having at least one set of standard grade porcelain dinnerware is absolutely essential. Available in a bunch of colors and patterns, porcelain dinnerware is considerably more affordable than fine china and bone china. Durable, microwave and dishwasher safe it’s perfect for families.
• Stoneware & Earthenware: While not absolutely necessary, the earthy appearance of stoneware and earthenware dinnerware is appealing to many consumers. Stoneware is extremely durable and available in a variety of colors, most are oven, microwave and dishwasher safe. It is produced from a dense clay and may be glazed in different thicknesses to create a unique textured look.
  
  
  
  Earthenware, the oldest form of dinnerware is available in a myriad of color options. If you plan on placing your earthenware in the oven make sure you let it adjust to the hot temperatures before cooking with it. The one downside to earthenware is its fragile lightweight clay, which makes it not microwave or dishwasher safe.
  
  
  
  

What Makes A Place Setting?

• Formal Place Setting - 5 Pieces: If you plan on doing some entertaining having a nice set of formal dinnerware is absolutely necessary, but you're place setting will look different than a casual sit down dinner with the family. A formal dinner place setting should include a dinner plate, salad plate, teacup/saucer, bread/butter plate or a soup bowl.
• Casual Place Setting - 4 Pieces: If you are having a more casual meal with friends or family, you don't need as many pieces. Most casual place settings include a dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl and a mug of some sort.
  
  
  
  

Other Things To Consider...

How many place settings do you need? Well this is determined by the size of your family or by how much entertaining you plan to do in a given year. Experts recommend that newlyweds register for 12 place settings. If you have a larger family, you might want to consider 18 place settings. Keep in mind, you can always purchase additional place settings if you find yourself short. If a certain dinnerware set you love is discontinued, you can purchase a different set and alternate both on your table to create a unique look.

In addition to your dinnerware, you might want to consider purchasing a server set as well. Server sets include matching platters, serving bowls, creamers and sugar bowls. You can fill in the rest of your table setting with sold-separately pieces like chip & dip sets, ramekins, casseroles, punch bowls, salad bowls, pasta bowls, etc.

By purchasing these pieces separately, you can exercise some creative control over your table. While a table full of bright white china dinnerware is certainly classic, change it up every so often by adding some brightly colored salad bowls or napkin rings. Now that we've covered all of the basics, you're on you're way to a truly stylish dinner table!

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February Tour de Food Blogs

Thanks to Amy of From the French Kitchen, she has featured me in her Tour de Food Blogs! This tour is Amy's creation where she says...

"The idea came to me when I realized I have been reading the same few blogs for the past 4 months. I rarely look at other blogs that aren’t on my normal rotation. It wasn’t until I started clicking links from a blog that had tagged others that I started to realize I needed to broaden my food blog horizons. What better way to increase my recipe box while also bringing some visibility to other food blogs?" --Amy

So if you're interested, check out From the French Kitchen for her write up about yours truly and my culinary adventures... as well as her past and future posts of fellow food bloggers!

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