Into the Soup

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Gretchen Searcy’s Seven Heaven Mushroom Soup

November 12, 2010 / / 0 Comments

Gretchen Searcy is a Minnesota native who learned all about home cooking growing up with her Midwest family of 10. She currently resides in Phoenix and recently started making healthy, homemade soups for her co-workers. They loved them so much she decided to go into the ‘soup business’ for herself. Gretchen’s weekly soups are individually packaged and hand delivered, ready to heat up for a quick lunch or dinner. Please contact Gretchen for more information and your chance to be on the ‘Soup & More’ email list!

This is one of her ‘rave review’ soups…

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz Dried Mushrooms – Shiitake, Porcini, Morel, Brazilian, Ivory Portabella and Oyster
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 1/2 cups Celery, diced
  • 2 1/2 cups Onion, diced
  • 1 1/2 cups Carrots, shredded
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 tsp Olive Oil
  • 6 cups (24 ounces) Button Mushrooms, sliced
  • 1/2 cup Low Sodium Soy Sauce
  • 1 cup Arborio Rice
  • 2 tsp Honey
  • 1/2 tsp Thyme
  • 1 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp White Pepper
  • Pinch Cayenne (optional)
  • 1 Grind Fresh Ground Pepper
  • 1/8 tsp Garlic Salt

Add dried mushrooms to water – bring to boil and simmer 15-20 minutes. Strain (reserve the liquid) and set mushrooms aside to cool. Once cool coarsely chop re-hydrated mushrooms. While mushrooms are boiling, heat oil on low heat and sauté celery, onion and garlic 5-8 minutes, until celery is slightly tender. Add carrots; sauté 3 minutes. Add fresh mushrooms; increase heat to medium, and sauté until mushrooms begin to release their juices.

Add remaining ingredients to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce to simmer, and simmer 30 – 40 minutes, or until rice is tender. Add additional water for a slightly ‘brothy’ consistency

Serve with Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese. Or, for a truly decadent experience, serve with a wedge of warm Brie and a hearty whole grain slice of hearth bread.

Yield: 6-10 servings (depending on bowl and appetite size!)

 

About Savory Choice Broths

The Soup of the Week is brought to you by Savory Creations and their Savory Choice products. When you don’t have time to make your own stock, Into the Soup recommends Savory Choice. It’s our broth of choice. Find it in your local grocery store or buy online by CLICKING HERE


The Foodie’s Dilemma

November 12, 2010 / / 0 Comments

I have come to find that I have a unique relationship with food. It seems that it consumes me as much as I consume it. I spend much of my days reading about food, talking about food, filming, smelling, tasting, and blogging….about food, but you know something? I miss cooking it. 

Yep, you guessed ‘er chester – I’ve fallen into a rut. Playing (and working) at warp-speed every day has turned my shopping list into a mundane mix of pork chops, hamburger, whole chickens, pasta, and the occasional “Special Steak” on Friday. Don’t get me wrong here. Nobody in my house goes hungry (ask my interns and employees), but I feel bored and a little inadequate when I visit my chef-buddies on their home-turf…Keep reading and you’ll see what I mean.

There are those times when you need a little inspiration, a break, and a really good waiter. Zinc Bistro and Kevin (the really good waiter) gave me just that. God, I love that place. I can’t remember exactly how we stumbled upon it, but when I realized that the food was even better than the ambience, I was smitten. We stopped by on Sunday afternoon to rejuvenate “Happy Heidi” because I was totally jonesin’ for a cheese board, the Zinc Bistro Bouillabaisse, and that Crab Omelet with Truffle. Think mud-mask for the soul.

It wasn’t all just for me. We shared, but Sammie would only give up like two bites of her Macaroni Au Gratin ~ tight wad! And, although the kitchen was switching up from lunch to dinner (thus, a limited menu), they completely understood and appreciated my plight. Chef MaryBelle (hope I spelled that right) sent out those delicious dishes and made Heidi happy, indeed. Heartfelt thanks to Kevin, Cat, Chef and Zinc!

Okay, so back to my cooking slump…

After a day of filming (about food) with the likes of Chefs Jason Gunn (Village Coffee Roastery), Christopher Gross (Christopher’s & Crush Lounge), John Carver (Eddie V’s) and Armando de Hoyos (La Hacienda), there was no way in Hell that inspired cooking was NOT in my immediate future!  While lacking the energy to take on Coffee Rubbed Prime Rib, Sous Vide Loin of Lamb, Camarones al Chipotle, or Lobster Chowder, I thought a nice beef stew might be just the ticket.

On Wednesday night, Sammie and Dave hit the library, I turned on some tunes, poured a glass of hearty red, and went to play with my food. Shoulders dropped away from my ears, heart rate fell in sync with the sound of distant drums, and all was right with the world. The stew was gorgeous, the house smelled like heaven, and I felt really, really good.

We all feel that crunch around the dinner-hour, and the time that should be spent preparing it can be lost to the void of lackadaisicalness. Let’s make a pact, you and me, to prepare just one meal per week with heart, soul, inspiration and a really, really good glass of wine. On those other 6 days, I endorse inviting a chef to dinner or….go to Zinc Bistro!

The Weekly Whet: The Hostess with the Mostess

November 12, 2010 / / 0 Comments

by Emily King

I have seen many-a-dinner party in my day (mostly catering from the kitchen), so naturally, I have also observed many-a-host(ess). While there are different ways to approach this  role, I find that the host(esses) who are most successful have a well-stocked bar and start drinking before the guests arrive.

The buzzed hostess graciously accepts even the most bizarre gifts like “chile-prickly pear jam” and fancy packages of table-water crackers, which, like twinkies and cockroaches, could out-last all living beings in the event of a massive, world-wide disaster.

Of course, in addition to enjoying yourself, it’s always fun to impress your guests with a jazzy-little cocktail, so give them something that they will remember! It also might encourage them to ditch the crazy jam-collection for a more sensible gift next time like…wine.

(NOTE: Here at intotheSoup.com, we do not discriminate against male dinner party hosts so please, embrace “Hostess with the Mostess” for its rhyme and rhythmical properties…seriously–we LOVE guys in the kitchen).

Our friend, Gordon Parlova, contributed this recipe which I have nick-named:

The Hostess with the Mostess (Moscato D’Asti with French Vanilla Ice Cream)

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle Moscato D’Asti.
  • 1 container French Vanilla ice cream 
  • Chill the martini glasses and the Moscato until ready to serve.
  • Using a melon baller, scoop out 3-4 balls of ice cream and put them in the bottom of a martini glass.
  • Slowly and carefully pour the Moscato into the glass.
  • Serve immediately, with spoons.

NOTE: Make sure you use the D’Asti variety of Moscato. The others have no bubbles and are very sweet.

Your guests will love it.  Really. They will.

This is from Gordon’s “Dessert & Decadence” blog:http://bit.ly/ajj34q

5 Tips on Healthy Living Through Food with Kami Pastis: November

November 10, 2010 / / 0 Comments

by Kami Pastis

Unfortunately, stress is part of everyone’s daily routine—especially during the holiday season, however it can be managed. Rather, it must be managed so that it does not overcome us at inopportune times in the form of anger, fatigue, depression or illness. The foods we eat greatly influence our well-being right down to our brain chemistry especially if applied in a consistent manner.  The following five tips can help you deliciously manage stress with grace & aplomb.

5 Tips

1.     Research has shown foods high in omega 3 essential fatty acids effect the brain in a positive, calming way. Some common sources of these calming Omega 3’s are walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds and flax seeds. Grab a handful for a quick snack or sprinkle them in granola or oatmeal and feel your brain dial down the stress o’meter.

2.     Herbs are also powerful relievers of stress and anxiety. Chamomile, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian root are just a few examples that can be steeped in hot water and sipped as a tea.  Using lavender (either in flower form or oil) in a hot bath is also very helpful both from the inhalation of the aroma and from the absorption of the oils through the skin. A couple of drops of lavender essential oil dropped into a tissue & inhaled can produce a soothing effect on frazzled nerves anywhere, anytime.

3.    If you experience high levels of stress on a consistent basis you could be deficient in B vitamins which help calm the central nervous system and energize you at appropriate times. Healthy, plant-based foods high in B-vitamins are bananas, oats, avocados, legumes, potatoes and Brazil nuts.  

4.     Foods that contain stimulating substances can also put our sensitive nervous systems into overdrive. Coupled with a stressful day, these substances may leave the body feeling physical and emotional tension. Avoiding stimulants like coffee, sugar, non-herbal teas (which usually contain caffeine), chocolate, or other foods that you know stress your system can be an intelligent choice for many people.

5.     Finally, food for the soul. It’s really imperative to make time for yourself EVERY DAY–even if it’s only for 10 minutes. This type of food comes in the variety of a barefoot-walk on the grass, connecting with nature by gazing at the clouds or enjoying the sunrise, breathing slowly in and out through the nose for 10 breaths, talking with a close friend or loved one, closing your eyes and being quiet, receiving a slow, relaxing massage, or simply counting your blessings. There are endless ways of showing yourself love and nurturing the calm in your life, so pick just one today and do it. You’ll feel well-nourished and you’ll be a source of radiant positivity to all who surround you.   

For more tips on Health & Wellness click here

 

About Kami

Kamara Pastis is a certified personal trainer, life style educator, group fitness instructor and licensed massage therapist in the Phoenix area. Clinical, therapeutic massage has been her mainstay for seven years where she has experienced the lasting therapeutic changes massage can make in cases with debilitating pain and disfunction. The traditional Thai and Yogi tradition of metta (literally “loving kindness”) is Kami’s healing philosophy. When not healing her patients, Kami is more than blissfully occupied with her husband and three kids.

To contact Kami and learn more about her services Click Here: www.kamaralmt.com or call (602) 622-1046. Tell her you saw her on intotheSoup.com

 

 

Cruisin’ Together: Real Deals and Discounts

November 9, 2010 / / 0 Comments

by Chris Owen

I wish I could sit here and tell you that the cruise lines give discounts because they love certain groups of people and want to be nice to them, but that would be a lie. You may not like what I have to say about the reality of specials and discounts, but let’s face it—you want answers to your cruise queries and I think you can handle the truth!

 

So here it is folks: Cruise lines discount for one reason and one reason only, and that is to fill up the ships. 

While safety will always be at the top of a cruise line’s agenda, occupancy is the second most important goal.  They must sail with full ships to make the money necessary to provide all of the activities and services that their cruisers expect and desire.  Empty berths simply don’t generate money. If you take off the rose-colored glasses for a moment and look at cruising from a business perspective, you’ll see that discounts and specials are strategically planned marketing ploys.

The big-name lines have done a great deal of research pertaining to cruise-demand patterns and have a pretty good idea of how any given cruise will sell.  They know that for the most part, these demand patterns depend on a ship’s itinerary and the season during which the ship will be sailing. Of course, economic events, world-news, and other unpredictable factors can influence booking patterns.   

Smart businesses are prepared for uncertain times, and cruise lines are no different. They understand that at the end of the day, everyone wants a good value. As your trusty cruise expert, it is my responsibility to remind you that “good value” and “cheap price” are not necessarily interchangeable terms. A cruise for $199 may sound like a steal, but a glance over the fine print will reveal that there are several hundred dollars in port charges, taxes and fees.

Many people (maybe even you) have fallen into the jaws of a menace to the cruise world: Discount internet cruise brokers. Lack of service, hidden costs and junk fees, bankruptcy, and unethical business practices were commonplace among these brokers who had truly become the shady used car salesman of the travel industry.  Luckily, the tide changed in favor of the honest, hardworking travel agents when Royal Caribbean, a leader among cruise lines, announced that they were going to refuse to sell packages to organizations that they viewed as “card mills.”

Suddenly, travel agents were busy and back in the game as saavy cruisers realized that there was more to planning a successful cruise than just finding the rock-bottom price.  A skilled travel professional has the ability and the resources to find and apply all discounts available to his or her clients without compromising their comfort or specific preferences. Still not impressed by the worth of a good travel agent?  Get this: the discount internet cruise brokers watched for prices and discounts too, but they often pocketed any savings for themselves.  Even customers who contacted the brokers requesting new, lower fares advertised on a cruise-line website were denied or ignored. How’s that for customer service?

In other words, smart travelers find and use a good travel agent, and one that specializes in cruises is preferable for those looking to jump ship.

The following discounts are the kind that a good travel agent will seek out to ensure that his or her client has the best experience possible:

Resident Discounts

Cruise lines do their homework and pin-point the states from which they are not drawing many passengers.  People love to talk about their experiences and a cruise-vacation is quite an experience. Whether it’s around the office water cooler or in line at the grocery store, cruise-lines depend on cruisers to give mini-testimonials to further their reach. This is why cruise lines will often offer discounts to residents of states where the popularity of cruise-travel is lacking. They figure that if they can get people talking about their great experiences, more people are likely to literally “get on board.”

Royal Caribbean is the king of Resident Discounts while Princess comes in second with “regional discounts”.  If you’re a Florida resident, who enjoys cruising, you’re in luck! The state that receives the most resident discounts is Florida. It really isn’t hard to see why: There are many ships, many people, and many opportunities for cruising.

Senior Discounts

The basic rule of thumb is that at least one guest in a cabin must be 55 or older to get a senior discount, but be aware that cruises are not like movie theatres; not every cruise line gives senior discounts. Even those that do, don’t give them all the time. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity are best known for giving senior discounts, but it’s often because they foresee problems with filling up the ship for a particular cruise. Don’t get me wrong though—senior discounts are not always last minute. These lines will sell senior-discounted packages in the beginning stages of booking as well.

Last Minute Deals

Don’t count on them.  They exist for those who can sail with as little as 30 days notice.  As recent as several years ago, you could rely on the existence of last minute deals to the point where you could book airfare for a particular cruise without actually buying the cruise until 30 days before sailing. Some risk-takers enjoyed this method of bargain vacationing, but these days, it’s likely that those risk-takers would be stuck with a suitcase full of Bermuda shorts and airfare to nowhere. Ships tend to sell-out early these days, but if you come across a last-minute deal—more power to you and enjoy your vacation!

 Military Discounts

Like many major businesses, cruise-lines are sensitive to the importance of military service. If they can fill up ships while offering reduced rates to those who may have risked their lives for their country, they’re happy to do it.  Carnival is most generous with this discount, but other lines do as well. Again, none of the cruise lines offers this discount all the time, on all sailings, but it never hurts to ask your travel agent if you qualify.  Active or retired members can get this discount for their entire cabin and sometimes even an additional cabin with proper military ID.

Past Guest discounts

This is a very popular, common and appropriate discount.  The cruise lines want to keep you coming back and will often make it worth your while to sail again and again with them.  Perks, amenities and even different pricing are afforded to repeat guests.  After you’ve sailed a line, you become a “past guest.”  Record your past guest numbers and be sure they are entered into your bookings.  Your good travel agent will keep these on file and use them to your advantage. 

How to find out about the deals?

I know it can be a hassle, but sign up for everyone’s mailing list.  Get an email address other than the one you use for your regular daily email.  Go to every cruise line website and sign up for their mailing lists. You will be the first to know of specials, discounts and extra-value sailings being offered, but be aware that you will also receive a great deal of spam as cruise lines sell your email address to other companies.

About Chris Owen

Chris Owen is a travel writer, blogger and agent from Orlando Florida charged with sharing frank, inside information on cruise vacations with travelers.  A graduate of Washburn University in Topeka Kansas, Chris moved to Florida after successful careers in the restaurant and newspaper business to focus singly on travel with a concentration on cruise vacations.  Certified a Master Cruise Counselor by the Cruise Lines International Association, Chris can be found via his popular cruise vacations column on Examiner.com, through his blog, ChrisCruises.net and on his long-running cruise information website, YourCruiseDream.com. 

Email Chris: Chris@YourCruiseDream.com

 

 

 

My Early Thanksgiving

November 7, 2010 / / 0 Comments

While sitting at my desk prepping show notes for last Saturday’s radio program with Beau MacMillan and Lee Hillson, I decided to revisit the television segments we filmed together. Not only did I laugh a little and reminisce, it made me recall just how lucky I am.

In my wildest dreams, I would never have imagined doing what I do today.  In case you are not aware, I bounce around town, meet really groovy people, eat, drink, and write about it.  All the while hosting weekly radio and television shows.  HOLY $#!+.

Three years ago, I was trying to find a way to do what I love (reference above) and accidentally landed myself in food culture central. Don’t get me wrong, I worked my butt off and the ways and means of accomplishing it is a story in and of itself, such that we cannot officially provide an anniversary date for ITS. Suffice it to say, I am very grateful to be here and am even more grateful to call these folks my friends.

We’ve (me and the infamous intern entourage) taken to bouncing around town more and more which affords me an even greater opportunity to meet and learn about the chefs, restaurateurs and product that are making our State a dining destination. 

Among these is La Bocca Urban Pizzeria & Wine Bar in Tempe, AZ. Emily and I met up with John Ormond there the other night. I promptly ordered up a Grey Goose martini, and by the time we met the owner and restaurateur extraordinaire, Julian Wright, I was “Happy Heidi!”  It took Julian a while to realize that I wasn’t a restaurant critic, but a bouncy lover of all food, friends and frolic. He hunkered down with a glass of Russian Red and proceeded to entertain and educate. This dude is hilarious, creative and smart!

The medley plate was lovely with his signature flatbread and the best babaganoush ~ love that word~ I’ve ever had. The Queen Creek Olives were amazing along with tasty feta and smooth hummus. Whilst licking my lips and enjoying a glass of that red myself, Julian ordered up even more taste treats. My fave was the Mascarpone, Smoked Prosciutto, and Truffle Oil Bruschetta. Basically, Ecstasy without the pill, the pretty lights, or the urges.

From the 1500’s Raphael Portrait behind the bar, to the sexy corner table with pillows and room for 10, La Bocca is, well, really cool. I asked Julian what he thought made his place special and he gave me the rote quote  “quality products, great atmosphere blah blah blah.” Since we were heading over to his “Canteen” for some after snack tequila tasting, I asked him to roll it around for awhile and try again. 

45 minutes later, the non-rote Quote; “There’s a human element here – influenced by a strong personality from the top down.  A sense of community and of family makes you feel comfortable and at home; the fact that I’ve created so much of it from me: every song, every wine, every bite, makes it special and real.  There’s a ‘no drama’ policy when you sign on as staff and, um… we have chairs!” 

I love it when creative people take the credit for their creativity, especially when they are right.  The chairs quote may have been the effect of a lengthy bout of tequila tasting, but who cares? My La Bocca was sore from the chatter and the laughter.

We bade farewell with hugs, warm feelings and the promise to meet up again. With any luck, Julian will come to play with me on the show where I can share him with you.  Thanks for listening/watching/reading.

On a final note: I’d like to offer humungous appreciation to my sponsors and those that helped so much along the way. Please help us support them to keep the dream alive:

And most of all, our wonderful friends, followers, members and fans (some 30,000 of you) who make it worth the effort. We hope we entertain, educate, and engage you.

We love you all and I LOVE MY JOB!!!!

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