The Munch

Who doesn’t like spaghetti & meatballs? I know… it’s so, um… kiddie. Well, yeah, it is (!) and that makes it a perfect meal in my household. I usually make this dish with store bought turkey meatballs and sauce out of the jar (so easy, but kinda expensive). Now that I have a little more time on my hands, I decided to try the classic dish from scratch. Man… if I could kiss myself, I would. WORD.

I am amazed at how quickly this dish came together (it tasted like I slaved over this all day.) See how a few ingredients turned a regular Tuesday night dinner into something special.

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if this doesn’t work, i’m making a barter deal.

Today’s breakfast was simple: eggs, bacon, toast, fruit & juice. Other than cereal or Toaster Streudels, this meal is a sure bet in my family. I’m working on my eggs and they’re getting better ;). Nothing special to this dish other than baking the bacon, but that is so easy, it’s really not worth a corresponding photo.

I think I really wanted to post this is because I have to acknowledge the family for being supportive of my cooking obsession. They clear the table and wait to eat, just so mommy can get a shot for her blog. They also try almost everything I put before them. Very cool. And I’m extra blessed for having such a talented husband - he captures all of my work! Click for photos! (more…)

 As much as I hate on hip hop sometimes, I am grateful for it. Sadly, it’s one of the few vehicles men use to express themselves. Almost as if their vulnerability will be hidden beneath or protected by the bass, drums, and keys. Here’s a prime example… Havoc, member of rap group Mobb Deep, sends a “letter” to his partner Prodigy, who’s currently serving time in the slammer. Letters are usually shared between two people, but hey, as long as you get it out, I’m cool with the process. 

Well ladies and gentlemen, VIBE is back. That’s right, resurrected from the grave. It was just purchased by the owners of UPTOWN Magazine, Intermedia Partners and Blackrock Digital. Not many details surrounding the purchase, but I tell you what… when you have a publishing & media company, creative agency and digital company teaming up, it sure sounds like a good deal. Let’s see if this new team can fire it back up!

* Check back soon for clips of my interview with one of the owners, Len Burnett, on Sugatreats Radio.

Ok, I have been on a pancake kick this month. I honestly think its because Probe is enjoying them so much. This last batch I made were a combination of Probe’s favorite flavors (for pancakes at least), so by special request, the blueberry banana pancake was born. As usual, (more…)

Excitement all around for our friend The Incomparable Shakespeare. His video for Skinny Jeans (The World’s Gone Mad) is creating quite a stir in the blogosphere. With lyrics like “The world’s going mad. The world’s going drag. Boys in their little sister’s jeans like DAMN!!!” I can see why… peep it yourself:   

Even though I was dying to get in the kitchen, I had no idea what to make. I asked Probe what he felt like eating and he said a sandwich. I’m always thrown off by sandwiches - it’s just not food that I tend to crave. So, happy to have some direction, I head to the grocery store.

I of course baked my bacon and prepared my veggies. I toasted the bread slices, trimmed the edges and seasoned the mayo. I served it with a side salad of mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, croutons and the raspberry dressing from the other night. I don’t want to waste anything - I’ve developed this habit of using as much of the food that I buy and not waste anything.

I called it the Christie Club because my friend Christie loved it, but it really could have been named the Kia Club or the Probe Club or the Haze Club. We all really enjoyed it!

There is this pizza spot that Probe loves in the Williamsburg/Greenpoint section in Brooklyn (Anna Maria/179 Bedford Avenue/BK) He’s been talking about it for years. Every time we visit friends or have to be in the neighborhood, we MUST get a slice. As luck would have it, we found ourselves in Billyburg one late-Saturday-night/early-Sunday-morning and ended up at Anna Maria’s.

I know I don’t look too happy, but really I was. It was a long day. I was content. I ate and drank every bit. I also don’t know what happened, but I’m now a convert. This is the best pizza ever. I think I’ve crossed over and am now part of the cult. If you’re in NYC and want a good slice - even at like, 4 am… this is the joint.

Here’s a shot of today’s breakfast, banana pancakes w/chopped walnuts and a side of bacon. This was Probe’s plate.

While I love seeing the food on the plate, it’s a much better sight when the plate is completely empty. I love it that Probe “can’t” eat plain pancakes anymore. He must have a flavor, confectioners sugar and all…