Cookbook Review - Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night by Daisy Martinez

I was so excited when I was contacted about reviewing Daisy Martinez's book, 'Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night'.
If you've read this blog, or my other blog, Lola's Victory Garden, you know how I'm always looking for new recipes to try to change up our meals at home. Just because we can't afford to eat out in a restaurant, doesn't mean our meals have to be boring. You also know how I'm always looking for recipes that are frugal. Ms. Martinez's book fits the bill with several recipes for chicken dishes, roasts, ribs and shrimp. (Ok, shrimp isn't usually frugal, but a splurge once in awhile is a big treat.) I was doubly excited because I've always wanted to make Tamales and Empanadas.

Looking through the book I found so many recipes that I can't wait to try. Nearly every recipe has a photo, which I love because I always like to see what my dish should look like. The recipe instructions are well written and offer many notes for those who are not familiar with certain Latin foods and ingredients. There are even substitutions listed for some items which you may not be able to find at your local grocer.

The book divides the recipes into groups. Breakfast/brunch type recipes. Lunch and dinner type recipes. And yes, there are Desserts too! There is also a section for Cocktail Parties, Dinner Parties, Buffets and Menus.

There is even a section that goes over the Basics and Ingredients. Some of the recipes require advance preparation by the way of ingredients that require a recipe. What am I talking about? Sofrito, Adobo Rubs (wet or dry).

"The reason why everyone should own a copy of 'Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night' is because it really shows the diversity and the beauty of the Latin cuisina. So if you're thinking it's all about tacos and enchiladas, that's in there, but there's a whole lot more."

I made a batch of Sofrito, since as Ms. Martinez says, "In my house, sofrito makes its way into everything from yellow rice, black bean soup, sauce for spaghetti and meatballs to braised chicken and sautéed shrimp. Not only that, it freezes beautifully, so in about In 10 minutes you can make enough sofrito to flavor a dozen dishes. I’m telling you, this stuff does everything but make the beds. " I should warn you though I failed to pay attention that this made 4 cups and I used my little Cuisinart Food Processor and it was a bit overflowing, But it worked out fine.

I put 3 of the containers in the freezer and in keeping with Ms. Martinez's idea that you can use it in everything, I took a large oven roaster chicken, loosened the skin and spooned the Sofrito under the skin. I had a bit leftover and just spooned that into the cavity. I baked my chicken as I normally would. The chicken was the most moist, flavorful chicken we've had. My family loved it and can't wait for me to try Ms. Martinez's tamale recipe later this week.

A tip for the Sofrito recipe: You can find these Ajíes dulces in any mexican grocer. I had a lot of extra peppers so I just washed them and put them in a freezer bag in the freezer for my next batch of Sofrito.
'Daisy: Morning, Noon and Night' by Daisy Martinez is available March, 2, 2010 and is available for pre-order at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble.com and Borders.com.

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I was given this cookbook to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2010

Snow Watch 2010 Part Deux?

Not that I'm complaining, but how do we go from a forecast of 12 inches or 10 inches, down to 2-4 inches? And are we really supposed to believe this?

This is the second time this year we have had a forecast of a large amount of snow. We didn't get all of it...not that I'm complaining.

In any case, I am prepared for it. I picked up our prescriptions, stopped at the grocery store to stock up on bread and milk, and Blockbuster for movies. I rented Whip It (2009), 500 Days Of Summer (2009), and Gigantic (2008). I've also got the 2 jugs of ice melt that never got used from the last forecast snowstorm. We are well prepared in the event of a snow day. Are you?

Lola's Diner
©2008-2010

Apology, schmology...

Why was it necessary to interrupt programming this morning to air Tiger Woods Apology? Why was this even news? So he is a sports celebrity, so what. Isn't what he did between him and his wife...and all those women?

If you missed the heartfelt apology and feel the need to see it...click here to view it.

Dear Tiger Woods:

I don't know why you and your "handlers" saw fit to interrupt my morning television schedule. While what you did was reprehensible, yet it is not my business.

How long did you rehearse that sincere apology? Was it your idea to speak in such a flat monotone? Or was it your handlers? Was that supposed to instill in me sympathy? It didn't. I don't feel bad that you felt you were entitled to special treatment. I don't feel bad that you felt it was ok to forsake your marriage vows because you thought you were above such things. Nor do I feel sorry that you've ruined your family life.

What you did was a private matter. No wait...apparently there were a lot of women involved, so perhaps we should call it a semi-private matter.

I never slept with you. Why should I care?

Cordially,
Lola

What about you, loyal and faithful readers? Do you care? Do you think a public apology was appropriate and necessary?

Lola's Diner
©2008-2010

Wonky blog/Bye bye Social Spark

It appears that my blog was acting wonky on Thursday due Social Spark. I totally suck at editing html templates, so it was probably my fault. In any case, Social Spark declined 2 of my 3 blogs. (I'm sure the 3rd decline will be coming soon. Apparently my blogs don't have 20 or more posts in the last 90 days of original 'quality' content.) In the words of Kathy Griffin, Social Spark can suck it.

If my blog is still acting wonky, please be kind enough to email me and let me know and I will get back to working on it as soon as I can. Thank you!

Lola's Diner
©2008-2010

Wordless Wednesday - Stoned Kitty

This is Irish shortly after having her pain medication. Poor kitty. She is now off the meds and doing fine.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2010

The Invention of Lying - Review

Saturday night was movie night at our house because as a family, we are not really fans of the Olympics. Anastasia and I did catch some late night Olympic coverage. We watched the "Women's Downhill Skiing Over Bumps And Doing Jumps" (we have no idea what the official name was, every time I asked if Anastasia caught what it was called, that's what she told me it was) and the beginning of the Men's Luge.

Back to the movie, The Invention of Lying (2009), not really a family movie. Anastasia and I cringed at the beginning of the movie where there were a bit too many sexual references than we were comfortable having our kids watch. When Ricky Gervais' character Mark goes on a first date with the out of his league, Anna (Jennifer Garner), she opens the door and announces, “I was just masturbating.” To which he replies, “That makes me think of your vagina.” This,then makes her run upstairs and finish what she started. However, the theme of the movie was worthwhile even to cringe and let it pass. Anastasia and I loved the truthful name for places, like the nursing home where the main character's mother lives, “A Sad Place for Hopeless Old People.” We found ourselves laughing, wincing and even had tears running down our cheeks a few times.

Ricky Gervais plays Mark Bellison, who is "A bit fat and has a funny little snub nose" and has less than perfect 'genetic material'. We know this because it is repeated numerous times throughout the film. Mark’s life changes when he learns to lie. His life gets better and he brings hope to those who have none. Each person he meets he strives to help better their lives, a homeless man, a bickering couple at an outdoor cafe, the suicidal guy who lives in his apartment building. He learns to lie to his advantage and shares his good fortune and his life becomes brighter.

If you've seen the movie...remember just after Mark reads before the throngs of people outside his apartment and he takes the elevator back up to his apartment? Right then the electricity went out at our house (our entire block). Anastasia and I looked at each other and shared a freaked out glance.

I would definitely recommend this movie. Anastasia and I adore Ricky Gervais movies. Not too long ago we rented For Your Consideration (2006).

Lola's Diner Disclaimer: I rented this movie. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any way for this review. I just did it for snicks and grins.

Lola's Diner
©2008-2010

Just wondering...

I grocery shopped with our daughter on Saturday and made the rounds of the mexican grocery, Food 4 Less and Dominick's. We covered quite a bit of ground since we don't have a Dominick's near us.

We passed probably 5 or more Liberty Tax locations. They seem to be on almost every other corner in Joliet. Which begs the question, why does a person in a lady liberty costume, waving and dancing around inspire your trust so much that you decide to have your taxes done at this place of business?
So, what other business mascots makes you go wth?

Lola's Diner
©2008-2010