Tiffany Tastes

Kookamonga Challenge: Aw Yeah!

The Kookamonga Challenge is legendary in Memphis: 7.5 pounds of burger and toppings in under 60 minutes. Only 10 have done it so far. On Wednesday, December 14 at 6 p.m., I'll be attempting to join the Hall of Fame...

(Owner Shawn Danko with the Kookamonga Burger - Borrowed from the Kooky Canuck's Website)

Or, not. But, a group of Memphis food bloggers will be tackling the burger. (Of course it won't be official, since there will be five of us.) But, it should be good food and good times with good people. Maybe we'll have room for some smores when we're done?

Probably not :)

For a full run-down of the cast and the challenge, visit Seth Agranov's Best Memphis Burger blog.

Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap

Just a brief break from my Chicago adventures to let you all know that this year, I will be participating in the 1st Annual Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap through Love and Olive Oil and The Little Kitchen. (Thanks for the heads up, Princess Aioli). Apparently, some time in the near future, 3 fabulous food bloggers are going to send me cookies! (And I, in turn, will send out cookies to 3 fabulous food bloggers.)

If you are interested in participating in The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap, registration is open through Tuesday, November 15.

I <3 Trader Joe's

Whenever I visit a city with a Trader Joe's, I have to make a special trip, even if just to look around. During my recent trip to Chicago, I stopped at one of the FIVE Trader Joe's in Chicago. As I was making my rounds, I found...

They may sound disgusting, but chocolate-covered potato chips are amazing. Sweet, creamy, salty and crunchy. It meets all snacking requirements.

Maybe it's better for me that we don't have a Trader Joe's. I feel like I would eat way too many of these.

Chicago Food Preview

My next several blogs are going to feature posts about restaurants from my recent travels to Chicago.

Just a sneak of what you're going to read about in the near future:

Chocolate Croissant

Serrano Ham Sandwich with Manchego, Spicy Mustard and Quince Paste

Braised Pork Cheek over Puree of Fennel with Arugula and Candied Orange Segments

Pork Belly in a Spicy Broth with Fideos, Mushrooms, Avocado, Zucchini and Cilantro

Stay tuned for all that and more...

Food Journey - Chicago

We're getting ready to head to Chicago for a good friend's wedding. I'm really excited because I've only been to Chicago once. When I was there (with my collegiate debate team), I got to sample the culinary delights of Uno's Pizza and ESPN Zone (Hey, it was football season). I'm pretty sure that neither of those places is an accurate representation of the Chicago food scene. I'm going to be in town for three days, and I want to eat as much as I can in that amount of time. Where should I go? What should I eat? I've already been told that I can't leave Chicago with trying iCream, and I can't wait to create my own flavor. What are some other must-eats in the Windy City?

Keen-Wah?

Most of you that know me, know that I'm really working on trying to incorporate healthier stuff into my diet. There's endless amounts of literature out there on what we should be eating (some of it conflicting). Many people agree that a healthy diet should include quinoa, which some call a "super grain." Quinoa is a great source of protein and contains several other nutrients, such as calcium, phosphorous and iron.

(Photo from Inca Organics)

It's also one of the few things that I've attempted in my kitchen that I haven't conquered. And you know that bugs me :) I can't seem to get the texture or the flavor quite right.

(Photo from mmm-yoso)

I love a challenge. I was reading a post by vegan blogger who said she treats quinoa (once its cooked) just like she does oatmeal. Hey, I can do that.

(And in case you're wondering, I drop about a tablespoon of dried fruit while it cooks. Once it's done, I stir in a teaspoon of turbinado and 1-2 tablespoons of skim milk)

It was...palatable. I mean, it was decent, but I want to be really excited about quinoa. Anyone got any hints, suggestions or favorite recipes? I'm open.

Chilaquiles with Ancho Roasted Sweet Potatoes (Veggie Style)

Whenever I try new recipes, I usually get my insipration from blogs that I read. I currently subscribe to approximately 15 food blogs that cover a range of subjects, from wine to rustic, and some of them are just people that I know and want to support.

A local Memphis photographer and vegetarian, Justin Burks (whose olive oil shortbread is covered here) posted a recipe on his blog, The Chubby Vegetarian, that intrigued me. From the moment I read the ingredient list, I wanted to make these chilaquiles with ancho roasted sweet potatoes.

This recipe is full of all kinds of delicious veggies. And, in my version, I lighten it up a little bit (Although, it is already quite healthy.)

 

Chilaquiles with Ancho Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Adapted from The Chubby Vegetarian's Chilaquiles + Ancho Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ancho Roasted Sweet Potatoes
1 1/2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/2 tablespoon of ancho chili powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Toss potatoes in olive oil until coated. Combine remaining ingredients, sprinkle over potatoes and mix until evenly coated. Spread in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender and edges start to darken.

Chilaquiles
1/4 cup onion (diced)
1/4 cup green bell pepper (diced)
1 tomato (peeled, diced)
2 eggs and 1/2 cup egg substitute (thoroughly mixed)
1 1/2 cups baked tortilla chips
2 ounces goat cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt & pepper
Mexican hot sauce (I use Valentina)
sour cream

In a pan over medium-high heat, sauté onions and peppers in olive oil until the onion is translucent. Add the tomatoes and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Season egg mixture with salt and pepper. In a shallow baking dish, place one handful of tortilla chips so that they cover the bottom of the dish, pour in half of the eggs, and add half of the vegetable mixture. Repeat. Top with goat cheese, and place into a 400-degree oven for 20 minutes or until the eggs are set. Serve chilaquiles over the sweet potatoes. Garnish with hot sauce and sour cream.

Traditional Mexican - The Real Deal

Whenever you walk into Pepe Magallanes eatery in Germantown, the first thing you'll notice is several signs confirming that the food you're about consume is 100% authentic. Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana prides itself on utilizing fresh ingredients (Pepe shops for his produce every morning) and offering traditional Mexican fare. You won't find fajitas, sour cream, or burritos. What you will find are tacos in fresh corn tortillas served with avocado and cilantro, sandwiches (or tortas) on fresh baked bread with poblano peppers, queso fresco, lettuce, tomatoes and beans and some of the best guacamole in town.

Do yourself a favor, and don't leave without the elote con mayonesa. A steamed cob of corn rolled in queso fresco and served with hot sauce and a wedge of lime.

A word to the wise: Deli Mexicana will set you back more dough than a standard Mexican restaurant, so come prepared. You're paying for freshness and quality; keep that in mind, and you'll be fine.

And one more thing, this is a very popular and somewhat small eatery. Visit between luncn and dinner for faster service.

Las Tortugas Deli Mexicana
1215 South Germantown Road
Germantown, TN 38138
(901) 751-1200

Average Appetizer Price: $4-$9
Average Entree Price: $10-$20

Operating Hours
Monday-Saturday 11:00am-8:00pm

Treats by Tiffany

This is just a note to introduce you to my Etsy shop. I needed to find a way to support my habit of unadultered baking, so I thought I'd try and sell some things.

Treats by Tiffany

If you feel so inclined, I'd love it if you'd visit my shop.

And to entice you, some photos of the wares you'll find there.

Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies

Fleur de Sel Caramel Brownies

Creamy Dreamy Chocolate Fudge

New Summer Spirits at Ruby Tuesday

I was recently invited to try some of the new summer cocktails at Ruby Tuesday, featuring VeeV Acai Spirit, a liquor made almost completely from the new boutique superfruit, açaí (which I've gotten on good authority is pronounced ah-SIGH-ee).

One of the interesting things about VeeV is that they donate $1 from every bottle sold to the Sustainable Acai Project, which offers assistance and support to acai farming communities. And, only 1% of the available fruit is harvested and utilized. As the only purported carbon neurtral spirits company, VeeV is also one of the greenest companies in the business.

Ruby Tuesday utilizes VeeV in several cocktails in their new summer line. Here are some of the ones we got to sample:

• Acai Mojito - VeeV Acai Spirit, Mint, Agave Nectar, Pomegranate
• Pomegranate Margarita - Cuervo Gold, POM Wonderful, VeeV Acai Spirit, Agave Nectar
• Skinny Pink Lemonade - POM Wonderful, VeeV Acai Spirit, Agave Nectar, Minute Maid Light Lemondae

(In the interest of full disclosure: During our tasting, all of our alcoholic beverages, as well as an appetizer sampler and dessert were complimentary.)

The mojito was refreshing, but I couldn't really taste the acai or the pomegrante. My husband really, really, liked the margarita (He IS a tequila man). It was fruity, tart and tangy. My personal favorite was the skinny pink lemonade. It's one of those drinks that can get you into trouble because you can't really taste the alcohol. And, each one weighs in at around 150 calories (Bonus!)

These are excellent drinks to chase away the summer heat. I'll probably be back for another Skinny Pink Lemonade (or 3)!