Sandra Lee | 2011-02-01 14:38:22
In New York it seems like it has been snowing for 40 days and 40 nights. It makes the cabin fever of my college days in Wisconsin seem like a balmy lakeside vacation. I was lucky as last week I spent 10 days straight in production. From 7am to 7pm I was in a studio, and my mind was not thinking about the weather. However, when I came outside the weather was all I could think of. By Friday evening melted water from the snow had come through the roof and now I have to repair the remodeling I did last year on my home.
On the bright side, my new baby cockatoo is developing quite an enchanting personality that takes my mind off of the snow, off the damage to my house from the snow, and the millions of things I have on my to do list. Last night he flew for the first time. It was a short flight that lasted approximately a second and a half but he definitely flew and he was very proud of himself for it. Once he landed he puffed up his feathers and raised his crest straight up in the air and chirped his accomplishment proudly. It seems that every night between 8:45pm and 9:15pm, he does a little dance and flaps his wings to fly. Last night he was finally victorious.
Phoenix's flight was the perfect ending to my hectic day yesterday. I visited three food banks and one food pantry in New York-- three in Manhattan and one in Westchester. For me it was sad to see a consistent statistic of children in our country who suffer from hunger. The national statistic is one in five, and that held true in New York.
With Ground Hog day this Wednesday, let us all hope for a shorter winter so no cold weather prevent us supporting our local food banks. I think everyone is nearly exhausted by the snowfall in the Northeast. As you know I am ready for some warmer days.
To help ease any winter blues, I've got a Super Bowl menu that will make your party a knock out success. As the fans arrive serve some festive finger foods; try my "Pigs in a Cheese Blanket" and "Crispy Potato Poppers." Make sure there are plenty of fan favorites on the table; "Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip," and "Spicy Corn Chips" and "Guacamole" are always a hit. Then for the half time show let the feast begin; serve my "Fiery Tex-Mex Chipotle Cheeseburgers " topped with chipotle mayo, and pour my specialty "Santa Fe Coolers" for all the adults in the room. I will be spending half time working at the Super Bowl as I scored 2 tickets. I am taking my brother Rich to enjoy the festivities and of course being from Wisconsin, I am super excited that the "Pack" is back.
Recipe of the Week: This Friday is "National Stuffed Mushroom Week." A hit recipe in my office is "Pesto-Stuffed Mushrooms" made with fresh mushrooms, pesto, and ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. This recipe is one of the many delicious offerings in my newly released "Semi-Homemade Comfort Food" book.
Cheers to a happy, and healthy home,
Sandra Lee
P.S. Tune in on Sunday, February 6th at 12pm EST/ 11am Central for the Semi-Homemade Cooking "Chocolate Feast" episode. It's sure to inspire you for Valentine's day.
