#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Mouf Links

Mouf Links

Mouf Links Collage 04.30.15

[This is post #022 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

1.  “The Specialists: Franklin Barbecue by Aaron Franklin” – Lucky Peach: As noted in the article, Aaron Franklin is a true “wood whisperer” and this first person timeline of his typical day shows a dedication that few will ever achieve. I’ve yet to visit Franklin Barbecue, but I guarantee you it’s very near the top of my to-do list, as it should be on yours.

2.  “Fried Chicken Skin With Hot Sauce and Honey From Heritage” – Serious Eats: This is probably the one recipe I’m most excited to try out. It comes from Sean Brock’s book, Heritage (which is a beautiful collection of recipes, stories, and photographs), but is also shared on Serious Eats for your online consumption. I mean, come on! This is the best part of fried chicken, prepared from a recipe by one of the best chefs in the universe. Need I say more?

3.  Menswear Dog: It’s pretty much what it sounds like. If you’re having a bad day, scroll through this for a few minutes and you should feel slightly better. Now I’m off to buy some suits for Cooper.

4.  Chef’s Story Podcast: I recently just discovered this podcast, which means I’ll be binge-listening to all the back episodes over the next few weeks. Each week Dorothy Hamilton (Founder and CEO of The International Culinary Center) sits down for an in-depth interview with world-renowned chefs. She’s already covered quite a few greats, so chances are your culinary crush has already been interviewed. I’ve already enjoyed both of her interviews with Sean Brock and am looking forward to learning about Christina Tosi on my commute home this evening. So, yeah I’m going to need something amazing for dessert tonight.

5.  SAVEUR’s 6th Annual Blog Awards: A lot of people scoff at awards, but I think it’s cool that bloggers are recognized for their work and can pretend to be “famous” for once. Although, some might already be nearing that celebrity status already… So, check out the nominations and vote for your favorites, cause it’s basically their Oscars. While you’re there you might even discover some blogs that you’ve never heard of before. I’ve really been enjoying two blogs that are up for the “Best New Voice” category, Chocolate + Marrow and O&O Eats, so give them a click or two.

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#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Thought Nuggets

15 Minutes of Random Food-Related Writing

[This is post #021 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

At the risk of falling even more behind (did you realize we’re one post behind?) on the #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, today we’re keeping it short and simple. Since I’ve created a pseudo-writing theme for Wednesdays (see:  The Recipe for Writer’s Block and ‘Mise en Place’ for Preventing Writer’s Block), I’m just going to set a timer for 15 minutes and write some random thoughts about food until the timer goes off. I’m eliminating any excuses for not having a post today, because a) Who can’t spare 15 minutes? and b) After writing two posts about stopping writer’s block, I should be able to back it up with some weird impromptu writing exercise.

Anyway, enough time wasted with an intro. The clock starts…

NOW.

I wish there were more foods that were packaged and marketed for both dogs and humans. Sure, there are tons that already could be eaten by both, but I think there’s a lack of consumer awareness. Or maybe it’s a distribution problem. There are separate stores and within some stores separate aisles for humans and canines; why can’t there be an entire boutique store where every item on the shelf can be eaten by either a person or their four-legged friend. Would be great if it was a bakery that made pies. Who wouldn’t want to share a pie with their dog?!

It would have to have a catchy name and some really slick viral marketing. And probably a good celebrity spokesperson. Marketing would be key, since there probably isn’t really any demand for this sort of thing.

Man, I just got distracted by a tweet…

Okay, never mind. Forget about the joint dog/human grocery stores and/or pie bakeries. Here’s where the real money is at:

Canine Fast Food

Although I guess you could argue that dogs can eat regular fast food and that would be redundant. My counter to that argument would be that Cooper has thrown up (on more than one occasion) after eating fast food chicken nuggets. He does have a weak stomach (he takes Pepcid every morning) so maybe he’s not the best model for any of my canine culinary ideas.

I want to respond to that tweet, but my timer is still going… Should have definitely put my phone on airplane mode.

Why is peach season so short?

I wonder if Sean Brock ever eats fast food.

More important than all of this:  What IS for dinner?

Alright, I do still believe that the joint human/dog grocery store and/or bakery could work. I think the bakery is the way to go, because (as I type this) I remembered that my mom made these homemade cheese crackers for Cooper one year and I ended up eating half of them.

This is the longest 15 minutes ever.

And now it’s over.

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#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Reviews, Videos

America Eats Tavern – Tysons Corner, VA

America Eats Tavern

[This is post #020 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

The Tastemade video above is probably my favorite; not just because I got to play with the time lapse feature on my phone, but because of the fond memories I have of the rich vermicelli mac and cheese, fluffy biscuits, and cloud-like coconut cake. Aptly named, America Eats Tavern is José Andrés’ ode to American cuisine. It strikes a good balance of providing a casual, welcoming atmosphere while serving up Andrés’ sophisticated takes on classics like fried chicken, shrimp & grits, and the aforementioned mac & cheese.

Deviled Eggs | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Slow-Boiled Mustard Deviled Eggs

During my second visit I tried the Mustard Deviled Eggs, Harvard Beets, and Mushroom Hoppin’ John. I also took a slice of George Washington’s Chocolate Cake to-go. This was a very special meal for me, as it was the first time I had the pleasure of trying Carolina Gold rice (which comes in the form of a griddled rice cake with the Mushroom Hoppin’ John). Anyone who has ever heard Sean Brock talk about anything, knows how much he loves/supports/worships Carolina Gold rice. Upon the first bite I was a believer. Normally your mouth waters for great food, but in this case my eyes wanted to water…for I nearly teared up over this beautiful rice.

Mushroom Hoppin' John | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Mushroom Hoppin’ John – Carolina Gold rice cakes, red pea salad, roasted maitake mushrooms

It’s also important to note that it takes more than just inspiration to fill your plate and mouf with culinary magic and fortunately, Andrés’ vision is in the talented hands of Head Chef Nate Waugaman. You can tell a lot about a restaurant based on how the staff talks about the food and the chef. Not only does the food taste good and look beautiful, but from my interactions with the staff, they truly love what’s coming out of the kitchen and believe in Chef Waugaman.

And also, my second visit wouldn’t have been as enjoyable without the hospitality from Hannah Lobel, the restaurant’s Events and Marketing Manager. A HUGE thanks goes out to Hannah for the great food, good conversation, and excellent recommendation on the Mushroom Hoppin’ John.

Harvard Beets | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Harvard Beets – Roasted beets, sugar vinegar glaze, biscuit topping, goat cheese cream

Random Tips:

  • Give one of their house-made sodas a try. Both the ginger beer and strawberry mint were so refreshing that I Googled synonyms for “refreshing” and couldn’t find one that was strong enough.
  • The restaurant is located in the Ritz Carlton, which is attached to Tyson’s Galleria. Valet parking is available for a small fee, but you can also park for free at the Galleria and walk through the mall.
  • Order extra biscuits and take them home for breakfast the next morning. Trust me.
  • If events like complimentary whiskey and craft beer tastings tickle your food fancy, then follow America Eats Tavern on Twitter and like them on Facebook to keep abreast of their monthly happenings.
Martha Washington's Chocolate Cake | America Eats Tavern | getinmymouf.com

Martha Washington’s Chocolate Cake. Good enough for FLOTUS, good enough for YOU.

Don’t just take my word for it, for another opinion and more #foodporn, check out these posts about America Eats Tavern from other local food bloggers:

America Eats Tavern on Urbanspoon

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Disclaimer:  Hey, we were actually provided free stuff for this post. Tastemade took care of my meal in the video and I was a guest of the restaurant for my second visit. As always, opinions, cravings, and our love of food is genuine. 

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#100DaysOfFoodBlogging, Recipes, Videos

Melted Ice Cream Banana Pancakes

Recipe: Melted Ice Cream Banana Pancakes

[This is post #018 towards #100DaysOfFoodBlogging, our goal to do 100 posts in 100 days as part of The 100 Day Project.]

Did you know that milk and melted ice cream are interchangeable?

See video proof above.

Way too easy, right?

And aside from being easy, this might be dangerous. It opens up the possibility that you can now easily flavor pancakes with whatever you have in your freezer. Mint chocolate chip? Yup. Coffee. Sure. Butter pecan? Abso-freaking-lutely. Brown butter? Yes, please and thank-you.

We kept it simple with this recipe and stuck with an old favorite: Banana pancakes, but sweetened the batter with some Häagen-Dazs Vanilla ice cream. We also re-used some leftovers from previous recipes to garnish with candied almonds and grapefruit cinnamon syrup. It was a fantastic dinner. Yes, dinner. And soon to be a late afternoon snack…

melted ice cream banana pancakes | getinmymouf.com

MELTED ICE CREAM BANANA PANCAKES

  • 1 Cup Melted Vanilla Ice Cream
  • 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 XL Egg, beaten
  • 2 Tablespoons Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter
  • 2 Ripe Bananas, mashed
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Salt
  • 2 Teaspoons Baking Powder
  • Candied Almonds (See recipe included with our Flourless Chocolate Waffle)
  • Grapefruit Cinnamon Syrup (See recipe here)

1.  Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.

2.  In separate bowl, combined the egg, oil, bananas, and melted ice cream.

3.  Whisk in the wet ingredients into the dry, until just combined.

4.  Grease your pan or griddle with oil, butter, or non-stick spray. Over medium heat (about 300 degrees), use an ice cream scoop to pour the batter into a pan or griddle. Flip when the browned on the griddle-side (about 1-2 minutes). Cook for another 1-2 minutes and serve with candied almonds, butter (optional), and grapefruit cinnamon syrup.

Disclaimer:  This is not a sponsored post. No money or good were provided; we just like Häagen-Dazs, so it’s what we used.

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