Brunch.. The Best "Combo" Meal of the Day

   To all of the 'Biters' I've created this blog with great eats in mind!! Whenever I have a late start or want to sleep in that Saturday morning, I love having brunch. Brunch is the meal that's usually served as a late breakfast or an early lunch. I love brunch because you can get a great combination of breakfast items, along with some savory lunch selections,  plus unlimited Mimosas, Bloody Mary's, & Screwdrivers. (In Atlanta you can also find Mint Julep)

   Buffet style brunch allows you and your guests to enjoy an assortment of food rather than sticking to a traditional menu. Whenever I serve brunch, I like to have a few stations such as cocktails, cold/salad, carving, hot foods, and most importantly desserts. In each station you can have maybe 2-3 items to serve an array of dishes. Quiches and breakfast casseroles are a quick and easy way to prepare a brunch alongside some fresh fruit and maybe some brunch potatoes.

   I've noticed that more and more restaurants are jumping on the "brunch bandwagon" & providing everyone with an abundance of brunch options.  From the cocktails to the freshly baked breads and pastries, and even the smoked salmon and chilled shrimp cocktail or lump crab cakes with those scrambled eggs are creating amazing brunch experiences. So, next Sunday or Mother's Day or whenever you can't make the alarm, stop by & have a bit of brunch!!

-Chef Tara L. Browning

P.S. - While visiting #LasVegas earlier this year,  I was blessed to find some great places to eat. Enjoy & savor each & every 'Tasty Bite'!!!!


www.thrillist.com/eats/las-vegas/best-brunch-in-las-vegas

Countdown To The Holidays!!!!! :)

                    The holiday season is quickly approaching and with the changing weather, the end of the year is wrapping up with parties, gatherings, and lots and lots of food! To prepare for the season, I like to plan out my menus ahead of time, shop days before, prep all necessary items, then, execute the day of. I like to mix and mingle with my guests, so I keep in mind that I will do very little cooking when my guests arrive for the fun & festivities. Most host(ess) don't mind having their gatherings around the kitchen, only because either some items aren't finished, or because people like to gravitate towards the smells of the holiday! I like mingling either on the deck or in the family room with everyone else as a movie or some music going for everyone to enjoy each other. Besides the gatherings with family and friends, enjoy celebrations with co-workers and even your boss. Just remember that it is a "work-related" event, so, keep the alcoholic beverages to a 2 or 3 drink minimum. Even if you can handle your alcohol, being employed is better than being the 'talk of the job' because you didn't know how to control yourself at the holiday party and now you no longer have a job because of your behavior. 

                    Between shopping for gifts for the family, friends, co-workers, pets, & bottles of wine for your 'arrival' gifts, you could break the bank this season in your purchases alone. I like to look for the bargains, clip the extra coupons, and look online for the extra coupons or even the sales that you can benefit from your online only purchases. A lot of people I know are gravitating towards the online shopping to avoid the crowds at the shopping plazas, but I love getting inspiration from the malls and stores.  It's the season decorations, the smells, and even the mall Santa that puts me in the mood! This time of year can put you in the giving spirit, but be careful for the frauds and crooks out there. There have been some organizations that are out for bad, but trust and give to the same reputable organizations that you've given to in previous years. If you choose to donate to a new charitable organization, check out the background and make sure they're associated with the BBB or another reputable company that ensures their authenticity. Sharing the holiday season online and at the workplace is a great idea, but be cautious as to how much information you choose to share. Something simple as a post informing everyone that you're going out of town can let others know that you won't be home and your home and everything in it is up for grabs, so, BE CAREFUL! I will plan this season like my last, but hoping for new and different memories to create with new people and old friends this holiday. And as with every 'Tasty Bite' we continue to wish you all a safe and blessed holiday season! 



Chef Tara L. Browning 



P.S.- Listed below is a link that helps enhance your decorating abilities and a few recipe ideas!! :) 


http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/holidays/holiday-decorating-ideas 


http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions

Fall Feast, Autumn Harvest

        Autumn's Here!! My favorite time of year! This time of year produces a lot of wonderful ingredients that compliments this beautiful fall weather. Pumpkins, squash, broccoli, and beets are some of the vegetables that are picked during this season, as well as cranberries, apples, pears, and grapes are some of the fruits that are harvested this time of year. Pairing a roasted duck or rack of lamb with some pick of the season roasted root vegetables of squash, pumpkin, asparagus, and apples topped with some honey, rosemary, and garlic and adding some homemade red mashed potatoes with the skin on and a glass of a bold, smoky Cabernet Sauvignon to "round-out" this fall-inspired meal, ending it with a cranberry, pear, and apple tart topped with a dark rum caramel sauce. Making recipes from this selection of produce can be a great way to incorporate some family time and create lasting memories associated with this brisk, crisp, lively season. 

During this time, I've noticed my fondness for game meats. Venison bison, quail, duck, Cornish hens, rabbit, and other types of game can be roasted or broiled  along with other veggies to compliment the weather and the feel of the season. When I choose my meats (preferably organic or a really good quality from the Farmers' Market), I like to know that it's the freshest and at the prime of the season, just like m produce selection. Proteins can be chosen at any time of the year, seeing that their shelf life can exceed two weeks, but by purchasing frozen vegetables or frozen meats, you can keep "peak season" freshness well past their season. 

 This autumn season when you plan your "Autumn Feast" check out the produce that is rarely on display or is not in the front of your produce section. This tells you what's in season at that time and chances are, you can also get them at a bargain price. As far as the produce, be sure to speak with your butcher or the "man behind the meat counter" for any help or tips to picking out the produce that would pair well with the pre-selected produce. Jump in a pile of leaves, wrap up in a warm blanket by the fireplace, or just sit & share a cup of hot cinnamon apple cider (with just a dash of dark rum!!), and enjoy all of your "Tasty Bites"!! I've provided a link below to inspire you for your next dinner party or fall family gathering

Best Dishes & Autumn Wishes

Chef Tara L. Browning

P.S. -Autumn Recipes For You And Your Family To Enjoy!!  http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/season/seasonal_favorites_fall/

May I Bring You A Napkin?

The art of napkin folding has only been held true to either fancy restaurants or royalty. Today napkin folding can be seen at banquets, weddings, and any other occasion that enhances the table settings and easily impress any guest. Napkin folding dates back as early as Louis XIV of France.

Typically, you would use a clean, starched,
linen and proceed to fold. Certain patterns I
found to be a bit challenging with the starch,
so, I choose to omit the starch on those folds.
I like to fold my napkins for my dinner parties
and certain holidays if my napkins accommodate
the table settings.

Sometimes a well-folded napkin can uniquely and elegantly enhance a table's appearance, just by a few folds. There are plenty of easy designs that help you become a more experienced 'napkin folder'. A few creative folds are the fleur-de-lis, rose, bird of paradise, the crown, the standing fold, so many more to choose from. 

 Instead of just placing napkins in a pile off to the side, or simply placed on the plate, you could also incorporate a napkin ring or a cute tie to the napkin for the same decorative effect as folding. Try using twine, sparkly ribbon, or any other inventive tie that you can find. I like to have the kids make me things to help get them involved in setting the table, not only to teach them how to properly set a table, but to also help gear up their creative juices to get them to think of different ways to help you create the best table. Doesn't matter if it's an arrangement of flowers or a simple tie fold, folding your napkins for your table produces amazing results and appreciative comments from your guests. I've placed a website below to give you a few ideas for your next gathering... Enjoy each & every Tasty Bite!!!! :) 


-Chef Tara L. Browning 


http://www.pinterest.com/jmcrouch/643-napkin-folding/

Sleeping IS Beauty!!!

          We've all heard it before: Early to bed, early to rise! I didn't understand that sleep was a "vitamin" that our bodies desperately needed, but sleep is the best cure for your tired body. Everyone at some point has to have sleep or your body can and will shut down on you. There are a lot of health deficiencies that can occur if you do not obtain your recommended eight hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation has risen 8.3% in the last ten years and it may continue to rise due to such high demands that our careers bring. On an average, adult Americans are told to get between 6-8 hours per night, children between the ages of 4-12 need approximately 10 hours of sleep per night, newborn babies require 16 hours of sleep, and elderly only need 6 hours. I don't believe my grandmother knows this because she sleeps like a newborn... 

         Health benefits to getting a good night's rest besides being well-rested will make you more productive during the work day, more alert, helps you with your digestive system, and enables you to make better decisions with your diet. If you've ever noticed you make bad eating decisions when you're tired. You pick up the high fat, MSG loaded foods rather than smarter choices than you'd normally make. Your body replenishes itself with healthy hormones and skin and hair cells rejuvenate also during your sleep. Sleep deprivation on the other hand have some very serious consequences to you and to others around you, depending on the situation. Some studies have shown that people who were severely parasomnia committed such crimes like sleep driving, writing bad checks, child molesting, rape, even murder. Studies have also shown that you would die of sleep deprivation before you would die of starvation. It takes two weeks to die without food, but it only takes 10 days for sleep deprivation.

                   

                                                             

       The way you sleep also determines your personality traits. Certain studies have

shown that people who sleep in the fetal position have a hard exterior and appear to be shy, but they warm up quickly. Those that sleep on their side, but have their arms extended out in front known as the "yearner" position are said to be open-minded, yet suspicious. Sleeping on your side with your arms to your side or the log position are easy-trusting and are almost gullible. The solider position with you lying on your back and arms to your side, these people are said to be more quiet-tempered  and easy going. Lying on your stomach with your arms wrapped around your pillow or off to the side is known as the starfish position. These people are outgoing and brash, but they hate criticism. Last but not least, the starfish position on your back with your arms up near your head, these people were good-listeners and helpful, but uncomfortable at being the center of attention. Knowing how to sleep and creating environments around you that ensures you to a good night's rest can give you a better sleep. 

       There are a lot of ways to obtain a great beauty sleep, I mean, sleeping does make you look refreshed, well-rested, and youthful. But taking the time out to make sure that you have the proper temperature, enough time for your body to properly rejuvenate itself, and the right mattress can be great factors in benefiting you for getting the good sleep that is needed. 

Sleep well and enjoy every Tasty Bite that comes your way!!!! :)

-Chef Tara L. Browning 

P.S.- Listed below is a website that gives great tips to get a good night sleep!! Enjoy!!

http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/adult-health/in-depth/sleep/art-20048379                                                                                                             

Dine In... Or Carry-Out

        Everyone loves to eat and in this multifaceted, diverse society, we have so many options to choose from. Preparing a meal yourself is a great skill to have and to hone as a human being. We all must eat, but when you allow others to do it for you, they are providing a service to you. When you choose to have the experience of going out to eat, you must make sure the restaurant is what you and your party want to eat. I've worked in many restaurants and have witnessed this on several occasions where the guests either doesn't know what the restaurant serves or what they want to eat. Make sure that when you make that reservation, you've done your research on the restaurant before arrival. Getting directions sent to your phone, checking the menu selections, the price of the menu, wine and alcoholic beverage selection, and even choose where you want to sit when you arrive (in most restaurants).

         After you've chosen to make the reservations and decide what you want, enjoy the ambiance, the food, but most  importantly your guest(s). Some people have a reputation only going out to eat to expect the worse. If you are one of those people: Go to jeer, but stay to cheer. The worse thing you can do is make the effort to go out to eat and judge the server on something the bartender forgot to add in your cocktail, or that the chef over-cooked your filet when you wanted it medium, it came out well-done. These things are not the end of the world, nor should you take it out on those that choose to serve you. People of all walks of life do a lot of preparation prior to and upon your arrival in a restaurant and giving a person a difficult time when they are attempting to make your dining experience an amazing one makes you out to be the "bad diner". Rule of thumb: ALWAYS TIP! People work very hard to provide you with excellent service, food, drinks, and atmosphere to create your dining experience to be an amazing one and with the approaching holiday, (Valentine's Day) your guest is the star of the evening, but the great food, amazing atmosphere, wonderfully crafted cocktails, and stellar service only accentuates your evening.

          

         Whenever you receive take out, remember: ALWAYS TIP! A lot of people in the past have debated me in regards to whether or not if they should tip-out the person that prepared a to-go order for them. My answer is and always will be TO TIP. They made sure that your food was properly made, all the necessary condiments and modifications had been adjusted to fit what you requested and they did it in a timely manner while smiling and providing you with excellent, but quick service. Even if the person comes to your door and hands you something, their tip is not included in whatever purchase you made. I know that service industry and guests hospitality employees do not feel as though a lot of people appreciate what they do to ensure that their requests are met. Sometimes it takes a lot to get your order right and to make sure they don't forget anything in your carry out. It's more daunting because you don't want to drive all the way back to a restaurant because you have no plastic ware to eat with. People want to make sure you have everything you need, even if you are not dining in the building, the employees want you to sit in your car, open your box and have your quiet moment while enjoying what your specific order was with everything you need.

          If you dine in the restaurant, order online, go inside the restaurant and get it as a take out order, or have someone deliver your food to your door, if you do not prepare the food yourself within the confines of your own home, then ALWAYS TIP THE ONES THAT SERVE YOU! When we choose to have their products for our dining needs, we are expecting people to provide us with that service to execute that product. It's simply supply and demand. You as a consumer want a product that as a restaurant provides and hire employees to execute those requests and ensure that the quality of that product is set to your liking and satisfaction. Take out, Delivery, or Dine In, enjoy every last Tasty Bite!! :)

-Chef Tara L. Browning 

Healthy New Year & A Healthy New You!!!!

          Happy 2014 to you all!!! It's the beginning of a new year and lots of resolutions for us to begin (and KEEP)! Of course you don't want to go off course when you want to change something about yourself, whether it's stop smoking or working out more, but the most and best advice that was given to me was to do things in moderation. Don't stop anything cold turkey. It will lead you to back sliding and then you'll fell guilty or even throw whatever resolution out the window. Making resolutions to begin or continue a healthier lifestyle takes time, patience, and most importantly will power.

           Eating a well balanced diet is one of the most effective ways to help improve your health. Preparation and portion control can help you maintain your cravings and eat smarter. Rule of thumb when you are trying to control your portions: Always have your protein the size of your fist. (which can be approximately 6 to 8 oz. depending on the size of your hand). Vegetables and other green leafy greens take up 4 to 6 oz. and you should have very minimal amounts of starch (approximately 2 to 3 oz.).  Everyone I know constantly emphasize to totally eliminate fried foods, but I will deviate from this and say everything in moderation. Just because you crave chocolate during your new regime doesn't mean that you can't have it occasionally and that goes for anything you tend to crave for.

      

           Incorporating lots of water can keep you hydrated and help you shed unwanted pounds very quickly. Water drinkers tend to have more youthful skin and shinier hair, their nails grow faster than those that do not drink water and other physical rewards . Also, drinking water helps you external, but also internally and helps your body function more fluidly and more efficiently. You can prevent so many ailments when you drink 8 8 oz. cups of water you decrease your chances for constipation and getting kidney stones. Avid water drinkers have clear, non-scent urine and have healthier, lower readings when they have their cholesterol checked.

           Incorporating a healthy work-out routine can also help you drink more water. Although most people would bring an energy drink or a Gatorade with them to quench their thirst, water after a work-out regime is a great way to satisfy you. We keep our bodies active and fit by doing whatever exercises that feel comfortable and gives us the best results, but it's the after effects that we look forward to. Water in this peak time, right when you've had an invigorating work-out session, helps you to replenish all the water that has left your body via your sweat glands. Our bodies are made up of mostly water and when you drink water before, during, and after your session, you  replenish your blood cells, help restrengthen your muscles, and decreases your chance of dehydration. 


           Continue to be a healthier, more productive you in this new year & see what else you can conquer on your "resolution" list!!!! :) 

-Chef Tara L. Browning

P.S.- Here's a link provided below to help you get more water into your diet!!! 

 http://frugivoremag.com/2012/05/4-ways-to-sneak-more-water-into-your-diet/
           

          

Good Tidings & Happy Holidays!!!

        Happy Holidays 'Biters'!!! =) It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!! Lots of lights glowing, children excited about the upcoming holidays, Secret Santa, & PARTIES!!! This time of year we are gathering our families & taking extra special care of others that aren't "family", it's what this time of year does to your spirit! Whether you've already celebrated the holiday or getting prepared you can be sure that any guests will be wowed at a dining table with a presentation setup such as the one above. This one to me looks 'winter white', but my table is actually white with gold accents & lots of candles. However you decorate it, make sure your have lots of hors d'evourers, cocktails, and most importantly friends & family to share your holiday with. 

         This holiday season has had a lot of differences this year than I've seen in the past. First of all, the weather has not made me feel like its beginning to 'look a lot like Christmas'.. I mean, I live in Georgia, not a lot of 'white Christmases", but I would like a little chilly weather, so, I can bundle up & perhaps go ice skating with some friends. Second, is it me or did Thanksgiving just happen like two days ago & now we're into the December holidays?!?! I mean, 2013 really flew by me this time. Now, we're donning our trees with garland, hanging stockings by the fireplace, and going to "ugly sweater" parties. (Yes, it's a real party =) ). This holiday will be a great one for me! We're doing a lot of "non-traditional" things this year like not buying gifts (we've chosen to make them on our own and write each member of the family a "love" letter) Also, I will make Christmas lunch instead of Christmas breakfast. I think having a nice lunch with everyone will be a a holiday remix that the children won't expect. Keep everyone around you happy this joyous season & definitely keep them safe. There can be a lot of hazardous accidents that can occur around this time of year, so, let's be cautious & careful. Don't forget to check on your elderly parents/grands. They are the ones that are being targeted the most by the swindlers/thieves/credit card scammers. Be safe, have lots of fun, &  
 GOOD TIDINGS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU & YOUR FAMILY FROM US HERE AT TASTY BITES!!!!  =)



-Chef Tara L. Browning

P.S.- Listed below is a link provided to make things a lot 'safer' during the holidays!! Thanks via Los Angeles Police Dept.!! =)


http://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/1376

Fall Feast, Autumn Harvest!!

      


                      It's the most magical time of the year for me!! It's AUTUMN!! There is some great produce that is harvested this time of year that inspires us to create some amazing fall favorites.This time of year makes you want to bundle up under a blanket, with a nice cup of spiced cider and jump in the leaves. Lots of chefs have tried to incorporate this feeling into dishes that can remind you of the season.
                      One of the foods that are ready this time of year are ROOT VEGETABLES. Squash, potatoes, rutabagas, carrots, radishes, and turnips are perfect this time of year. There are so many ways to prepare these delicious and nutritious foods that you can have a different dish every night for the rest of the year. Vitamin A, B6, Beta-Carotene, Potassium, and better Iron absorption are some of the health benefits and vitamins that you could obtain from eating these vegetables.
                       
                       APPLES are another great produce that is harvested in the fall months. We see a lot of pies, and apple butter this time of year because the crisp autumn air makes you want a warm & nutty apple crisp or apple cobbler topped with homemade ice cream. I know that we see apples all year long, but they are best between September and November months. Picking the firmest, brightest, colored apples without any blemishes, ensures that the produce you've chosen, is the best out of the bunch.

                        Although available all year long, MUSHROOMS are also harvested in the fall/winter months. Their peak months are from September through January and can range from many different varietals. Choose the mushrooms individually for evenness in your cooking, but also for consistency with texture, color, and broken or smelly stems. Dark and soft spots are mushrooms to avoid and soggy, sticky film on the outside usually tells when the mushrooms are not good. Firm tops and secure stems are a sign of good produce.

                         PEARS and QUINCES are two more fruits that are ripe when it's fall. Aside from it's cousin the quince cannot be eaten in it's raw state, but when prepared like apples or pears, they have the texture consistency of a pear, but the slight sweetness of an apple. Quince season is only from October-December, but uncooked, they leave an amazing scent that lingers throughout your house for days. Pear season is from September-January and you can select excellent pears by using the tip of your finger, applying slight pressure at the top, near the stem, if it gives a little and is not as firm, it's good.

                         Produce at any time of year is great for growing young children or adults who continue to want to live a healthy lifestyle. Different seasons gives way to different produce selection because of either climate in the region or elements that only mother nature can explain, but this time of year you want to get all of the fresh produce you can before the prices reflect the selection. Enjoy each and every TASTY BITE this and every season!!

-Chef Tara L. Browning

P.S.- I've provided a link below for some TASTY eats to your favorite Autumn produce!!! ENJOY!!!

http://www.cookinglight.com/food/in-season/fall-recipes-00412000077877/

Many Meals, Many Courses!!

  With each meal, comes the preparation and timing of each course. A course, simply put is part of a meal, in a particular order. In America, certain restaurants provide five or seven course meals, in Italy, it's five, but with many different elements throughout and in France, there are seventeen!!! Yes, 17 different courses to one meal!!! (fancy ones at least) Each item(s) comes at the time, you have a period of time to finish that, then, you're cleared, reset, then, on to the next part of your meal. It's an experience when you're dining with friends and family, so, these courses not only fill your body, but enjoying them in moderation with ones you love fills your soul. 

 First Course: Generally an APPETIZER. The French term we've grown to use in America Hors D'oeuvre, and Italian antipasto. This course is more of a "teaser" rather than a "full" item. Shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, caviar, or a simple dip can be served in this course. 
  Second Course: SOUP or POTAGE'. In Italy, this course is a pasta dish of some sort. Pasta is not the main course in an Italian dinner. 
  Third Course: SALAD in America this course is the course that is served right before your Interim or Amuse', but French courses have three courses between this and the Amuse'. Italians usually have a SECONDO,a main dish composed of either fish, meat, or chicken. This course is usually smaller if there was a heavier, cream-based dish that proceeded this course.
   Fourth Course: AMUSE or a sorbet of some sort to cleanse the palate. 
   Fifth Course: Meat dish (Mainly Poultry) is served
   Sixth Course: Meat Dish (Red Meat or Fish can be served during this time) A CONTORNO is the Italian course that is served after the Secondo, which contains platters of vegetables. During this course you enjoy and savor the vegetables being the highlight of this course. 
   Seventh Course: DESSERT Italian for DOLCE'. Italians and Americans eat their sweets at the end of their meal, along with an espresso or a coffee drink following. Some adults like to partake on an alcoholic after dinner drink. Great alcohol drinks are cognacs (that pair really well with chocolate), scotch (that also pairs well with chocolates and some berry dishes) and  rum (that are the bridge between the sweets and savory desserts such as salty caramels, berry dishes as well as white and dark chocolate).  
    In France, we'd be missing at least ten other courses that includes two more meat courses, a chilled meat course, a bean course, cheese, chilled desserts, hot desserts, then cafe drinks. Dining out or entertaining friends with an elegant dinner party, can require you to set out many courses. Don't stress!! Make what you (and your friends) like and time it the way you would want to eat. Pair the courses with an excellent vintage and always remember to savor each Tasty Bite!! :)

Chef Tara L. Browning


P.S.- Here's a link provided below for fine dining rules/etiquette!!! Enjoy! 



http://listverse.com/2007/08/14/top-10-rules-for-fine-dining/ 

One Tomato, Two Tomato

          Fresh, vine-ripened, wholesome goodness of TOMATOES have wonderful health benefits when prepared the right way. They are low in calories, fat-free, and contain as much Vitamin C as a glass of milk. Tomatoes are so versatile they can be used in almost any style of cooking. The same beta-carotene that's found in carrots are also found in tomatoes, which means they are great for your skin. Plus, beta-carotene helps protect you from the sun's harmful UV rays, so, you don't get wrinkles. Tomatoes also provide you with lycopene which helps you build strong bones, bone mass, and this can help prevent osteoporosis. They keep your blood sugar in check and with the lycopene it's a natural cancer fighter. 

       There are five different types of tomatoes: PEAR, ROMA, GLOBE/BEEFSTEAK, CHERRY, and HEIRLOOM. HEIRLOOM are becoming really popular in restaurants because they have so many different shapes and colors. Their shelf life is the shortest, but their ability to grow in almost any environment and have a resistance to disease and insects,make them  perfect for tomato lovers. PEAR tomatoes (which are part of the HEIRLOOM family) gets its name from the shape. They are slightly larger than CHERRY, but have a lower juice content. For this reason, PEAR tomatoes are eaten raw or used as a garnish or in drinks. CHERRY tomatoes are sweeter in flavor and are found in small clusters on the vine. CHERRY tomatoes are a smaller version of GLOBE. GLOBE tomatoes or BEEFSTEAK   tomatoes are the best to slice. They are large and round (like a globe) and the can grow to be as large as two pounds. Mild in flavor, GLOBE tomatoes are common in salads, burgers, and other recipes, but can be grown to be yellow or green. ROMA tomatoes or Italian tomatoes are used in just that. Italian recipes. Lots and lots of marinara sauce!! Room temperature tomatoes are best because refrigeration can change the flavor complex. ROMA are great when they have a firm skin, bright red in color without any brown spots and are smooth to the touch. 

        Finally, when you get ready to prepare your tomato dishes, make sure to wash them and leave as much of the skin on as possible to not lose the vitamin content. Pizzas, sauces, and salads would be nothing without this amazing fruit!! Enjoy them with a little mozzarella or fried and green for a "southern comfort".  Savor every and all "TASTY BITES"!!

-Chef Tara L. Browning


P.S.- I've found a link provided below that gives you 24 great southern inspired recipes for your tomato bounty!! ENJOY!!  =)



http://www.southernliving.com/food/holidays-occasions/fresh-tomato-recipes-00400000046595/  

Steaks, Steaks, & MORE Steaks!!!!

           Great cuts of prime beef, grilled to perfection, and served with a loaded baked potato.... YES, it's STEAK!!! An amazing steak, whether you enjoy it rare (like me) or well done, requires a lot of love and preparation before you fire up that grill. 

       A great steak begins with the right marbleization. Marbled steaks means the fat content that is distributed throughout the meat. Yes, the less fat, the leaner the steak, but marbled steaks means more flavor. It makes your grill melt the fat into the actual meat and distribute that throughout the steak which causes it to be a juicy and succulent piece of meat.

       

           There are six different zones to cut from that gives us eight different steaks. T-BONE-Which is a combination of a FILET & a STRIP. PORTERHOUSE- Is a larger version of this. FILET- Which is the leanest cut of tenderloin. STRIP- Which yields medium marblelization, can either be called a New York strip (No Bone) or just Strip (With Bone). RIB- Which is where Prime Rib cuts comes from. Also, the Ribeye comes from this part that has the Ribeye Roast. ROUND- Rump Roast, Eye of Round, and Sirloin Tips can be found here. Also, these cuts have the highest marbleization (or fat content) of all steaks. SIRLOIN- Either the Top Sirloin or the Bottom Sirloin comes from the SIRLOIN. FLANK- Hangar, Skirt, and Flank Steaks are part of this family. The most popular cut from this section is the London Broil. Now also, steaks in this section require the most marinating in order to achieve the tenderness that's desired because of the minimal amount of fat contents within.

            You've all been to the grocery stores, butchers or even restaurants and have read the labels with U.S.D.A. Grade SELECT, Grade CHOICE, and Grade PRIME. These grades determine how much marblelization there are in steaks and the quality of beef it is. SELECT- Which is the most common can be found in your local grocers as well as your farmer's markets. Also, it has little or no fat content at all. CHOICE- Can be found in grocery stores as well as some restaurants, a bit on the pricier side, but they have a medium marblelization content and yield a better flavor. PRIME- Which is my all time favorite only produces 2% of the cuts. These steaks are reserved for the BEST of the BEST restaurants, country clubs, etc. Once you've had PRIME, you don't want any other steak in LIFE!! 

            In conclusion whether you're making a great ribeye or an amazing strip, steaks are so versatile and flavorful in ANY dish!! Grill & chill with all of your wonderful Tasty Bites that you create this Summer!!

Chef Tara L. Browning


P.S.- Listed below is a site I found on how to cook the perfect steak!!! ENJOY!!  =)


http://www.heb.com/page/recipes-cooking/cooking-tips/grill-time-temperature-steak

Healthy Habits...Healthy Lifestyle

                          Healthy habits can start at home and will transfer throughout your everyday life that will have amazing affects on your body physically as well as mentally. A few habits that I've incorporated this year to "slowly" transition me into a great healthy lifestyle is by taking a daily walk, drinking more water and cutting back on the fried foods. Even if it's only 15 min. of exercise, that kind of cardio does wonders for your heart, strengthen your lung capacity, tightens those legs, and is heaven to your buttocks!! I've also started to count how many bottles of water I drink. Health officials have always told us to drink about eight bottles a day, but I try to push myself to drink at least ten. (Living in the South can make it so easy to do this because of the extremely humid weather conditions, but consciously I am aware of what I put into my body.) Speaking of "putting something into my body", I limited the amount of fried foods that I have as well. I may have three fried items every other week, this way, I can keep the excessive oils out of my body, off of my face, and NOT clogging my arteries causing me to have an early heart attack. My exercise regime has not vastly improved, but it is a step in the right direction. 

          Close colleagues and family members have gotten on board with this new lifestyle and have immediately began to feel and see results. By having that support system or that group of girlfriends to help you by pushing you in the right direction rather than giving you that fried chicken can keep you looking towards your goal. You don't have to create a number or say"Hey, I'm going to lose 45 lbs." because if you do this, you'll create unwanted stress, drama, and conflict with yourself. You don't want to "set a number" only because if you do not attain your "goal weight/number" and you don't make it, then, you'll begin to feel a certain way about what you're doing. DON'T BE DISCOURAGED.... GET ENCOURAGE-MENT AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!! Also, it's best that when starting a new health regime, do it slowly as to where you don't "shock" your body and it crashes. You won't get any results doing that. 

          In conclusion, find ways and workout plans that work for YOU. It doesn't have to be a pricey and expensive package that requires you to do all of these elaborate things, you just have to make the first step in towards wanting a better life and doing the necessary things in order for you to achieve your goals. Remember it's your internal that you want well, then, the physical will follow. Most try to do this the opposite way, and they don't know how to handle the "new them". I know that I had to make my mind stronger in order to stop eating the fried foods, so, I won't feel guilty about having what I love SPARINGLY. Walking is easy and everybody has to do it.... I just take little detours here and there, so my body is now used to using those muscles for a longer time than what I originally could before. Creating these new healthy habits has now helped me gain a new perspective on how I live and who I affect with the choices I make. By being myself and customizing a plan that I would actually follow and including some great recipes along with my water intake, I have lowered my cholesterol by 3 points, toned my muscles, and I have clearer healthier looking complexion. So, savour your HEALTHY "Tasty Bites" with a walk to the playground with the kids! (And they'll gain those healthy habits from YOU) =) 


-Chef Tara L. Browning


P.S.- Listed below is a link provided to you via our friends Kaiser Permanente.




http://thrive.kaiserpermanente.org/be-inspired?WT.srch=1&WT.mc_id=101849&WT.seg_1=PF-4-spRBLX3GP-pcrid-15444483538-healthy%20lifestyle-b#thriving-together    





    

What's That In The Air???? LOVE!!!!!

                    Happy Valentine's Day!!!! Love is in the air and so are gifts of chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, breakfast in bed (or dinner) and lots of holiday treats. I enjoy all of the reds and pink decorations, but getting that Valentine from the one that loves you all year long is my favorite! My gift this year will be homemade. Not because we can't afford it, but I love to cook, so, let's utilize it. I'll make an awesome breakfast, but getting the kids involved this year will be a lot easier than what it has been in previous years because the kids can reach the stove and we can make awesome treats!! Children get the chance to share their handmade cards with us, so, I take pride in showing them how to make some tasty treats to share with their friends at school. Valentine's Day doesn't have to be all about roses and heart-shaped balloons in my family we do other things besides the "traditional" celebration. 

           Getting prepared for the most "coupled-day" of the year can be either stressful or exciting because you don't have a mate or you are trying to do a lot for them. It's all about showing the love and not about what or how many gifts you've received. Those gifts are not the reason to celebrate and I am grateful to have such love in my life for the past 6 yrs. This Valentine's Day my gift to you is the gift of unconditional "friendship-love". I want my friends who share Tasty Bites and those who do not share it to have wonderful love within and surrounding them always. And as always enjoy your love, family, friends, and Valentine's goodies with our friends here at Tasty Bites!!! =)

           
   

P.S.- Below is a helpful link to guide you in the right direction for gift buying this Valentine's Day season!!! :)
         

 http://www.gifts.com/valentines-day/nC0?sid=msn:VDAY_great%20valentine%20day%20ideas:P

A New Year... A New YOU!!!!

          Out with the old and in with the NEW!!! Happy 2013 everyone and WELCOME BACK to a new beginning here at Tasty Bites!! We'll have a lot of amazing topics, ingredients, to cover, and this year we're adding restaurants and bistro reviews to our repertoire. Starting this new  year is a bit different. We are NOT making "resolutions" to do different things, instead, we've made decisions to be a "BETTER ME". 

        Family, friends, and loved ones can appreciate those that keep their word on doing better, working out, or deciding to make more positive choices in their lives, but they won't tolerate those that tell repetitive lies about not smoking or drinking alcohol after the new year. Let's just take this year one day at a time. No pressure. Just work towards being a better you everyday and then you'll realize that it's Christmas all over again & all you've been doing all year long is being a sweetheart!! :)

       Being a better "ME" this year, I plan on spending more time for loved ones and family, having more family dinners, and making more healthier food choices regarding my snack choices. Notice how I didn't say anything about going to the gym (that I won't visit) or go on a diet (that I won't stick to). K.I.S.S. method this year: Keep It Simple Stupid!! :) This is a new year, let's make it a great year for you and your family!! Let's get started on creating a new you in the new year!!! :) 

HAPPY 2013 EVERYONE!!!!! :)

 P.S.- Thanks for being there with me for 2012, 2013 will be AMAZING!!!!!