A Bellingham Foodie Blog Restaurant Reviews Bellingham Washington 98225

I have added 3 new items to my Costco shopping list: organic quinoa, Clif ZBars and Medjool dates.

Clif Zbars are organic energy bars for kids. They come in three flavors:  chocolate brownie, chocolate chip and honey graham. Ever try to find an energy bar where the protein source is NOT nuts? Your search is over. Be aware, these may have traces, but my family is OK with traces; it’s the chunks that give us hives and wheezes. No GMO’s and the protein is from soy.

Organic quinoa is a staple in our kitchen. It looks similiar to couscous, but is crunchier and has a nutty taste. It is the perfect protein, nutrient dense grain all but 1 person will eat. We are moving on from Dom DeLuise’s Lasagna to organic quinoa  beef stir fries. We have different comfort foods now. See Raw Energy Balls.

Have you ever had Medjool Dates? Well, I’ve been a little late coming on the scene with this fruit. But let me tell you, it’s my favorite. Especially frozen. You should try freezing fruit – it is very satisfying to eat. You won’t even miss cow’s milk ice cream. Much. The only thing you’ll find in these dates are pits. No preservatives. So don’t break a tooth. It’ll cost you.

Clif ZBars 24 1.27oz bar variety pack @ $10.79
Sun Date Medjool Dates 2lb @ $7.99
truRoots organic Quinoa 4lb @ $10.99

When I grew up, I didn’t know how to cook. Why? I had a Mother who could cook. I learned to do other things…and when I moved out it was dine out or prepacked. My schedule was: leave my apartment to go to work at 7am and get home by 7pm. What 20 year old is going to start cooking then? I ask you!

Well, my co-worker Maria did. I asked her: What do you cook? (stupid question to ask a Maria from Brooklyn- Italian food, of course!)  Maria gave me my second cookbook: Dom DeLuise’s EAT THIS… It’ll Make You Feel Better! That was the beginning of a beautiful relationship.

Dom DeLuise’s cookbook is filled with Doms’ Mamma’s Italian home cooking and favorites from Dom’s friends (e.g. Burt Reynolds…), with lots of celebrity pictures and anecdotes to go with them. My book has been used so many times it’s held together with packing tape – NO JOKE! It’s Dom’s Mom’s Meatballs and Burt’s Beef Stew that finally broke the book. It’s even got Nancy Reagan’s Baja California Chicken:

8 chicken breasts, boned
salt and pepper
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons tarragon vinegar
2/3 cup sherry

Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Add crushed garlic to oil and vinegar in skillet. Saute chicken pieces until golden brown, turning frequently, about 10 minutes.
Pour sherry over the chicken and place skillet in preheated 350-degree oven for 10 minutes.

Serves 2 republicans, 2 ambassadors, 2 dignitaries and Mr. and Mrs. Tip O’Neill – 8 You get the picture.

Dom DeLuise was also an actor. For those of you unfamiliar with The Cannonball Run, it’s a 1980’s slapstick comedy movie with 2 sequels and Dom DeLuise as one of MANY star actors. The movie is about an illegal cross country race from NYC to Redondo Beach, CA. A camp movie with a never ending chase scene.

Have a TV dinner with Dom DeLuise tonight! (more…)

My son has a favorite birthday dinner:  marinated lamb chops.

Here’s the recipe for the marinade:

3/4 lb lamb meat
3 garlic cloves, crushed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons rosemary, chopped
3 tablespoons mint, chopped
2 lemon slices
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper

Combine all ingredients and let marinate 8 hours or overnight.