What about making a banana base and then adding other ingredients to it? Or do another type of base and adding frozen chopped/mashed banana to it -- Just a thought.

Ironically one of my favorite non traditional cheesecakes is called "landslide" Think chocolate explosion meets mississippi mud pie and then collides with a caramel turtle.

Question for all of you foodies and delicious people!
 

I was just wondering what your birthday traditions were food wise? Does food play a huge role (family meals, going out with friends) or is it just something that happens at somepoint during the day?

Do any of you have any favorite birthday or special occasion recipes, restaurants or desserts???

Birthday cake? Icecream cake? Cupcakes?

I have been thinking about this over the course of the last week. I haven't focused much on it, but the idea of picking out a cake is always a serious task. There is so much to choose from! Do you go with your all time favorite or to mark a special milestone or change in your life, do you go with something completely different?

Homemade? Locally made/purchased? Store bought?

I am sorry if this is way off topic but birthdays have always been something I have celebrated for my friends. Only a few times since I was a kid have I really appreicated the meaning for myself. This year I get it. Last year I wanted to but turning 30 is scary and yes I realize it is irrational in a lot of ways. It was celebrated but I dreaded it. I am dreading this one because now it's going to be official. Not 30 anymore but actually INTO the 30's, like the twilight zone? LOL

I am sorry for rambling but I just woke up from a ridiculously sweet 3 hour nap and I had dreams of dancing icecream cones. How appropriate for me to post in here.

I have neer heard of mayonnaise cake! I will have to try to look this up. Thanks for sharing, Corkey.

I know some of you might think this is gross, but I made a hotdog without a hotdog bun. I substituted green leaf lettuce for the bun. I used a stick of cheese, the weenie of course, and mustard. It was pretty good with a lot less calories. I gotta drop 10 or 15 pounds so this could be an option. I only want to loose the weight so I can be a bit more active. I kind of like my budda belly.

I don't think that's gross. I think it's very creative to substitute the bun for lettuce! I wish you the best in finding what works for you to get more active :)

That's a great option too. Thanks! I'll definitely try it.

Homemade spaghetti sauce tips/tricks/ingredients/etc.
 

So, I'm making homemade spaghetti sauce tonight and wondering what others add to their sauce to make it awesome?

I made a basic recipe tonight: Ground chuck, tomato sauce, tomato paste, sauteed onions/bell peppers/garlic, kosher sea salt/pepper, Italian seasoning blend, 1 bay leaf, and a lot of hopeful anticipation.

I like for my sauce to simmer a good 3 hours, at least, before I eat it.

What about you guys?

5 or so drops of hot sauce, mushrooms and basil added to what your recipe generally calls for :) I don't like a lot of heat but a couple of drops of hot sauce gives an almost unrecognizable kick.

Virgo Moon Survey:

Does the full moon impact your appetite?

More energy less appetite. Interesting.

What is your beverage of choice to have with a meal?

My ginger ale, or green tea if it is Asian food.



Name your Top 3 Comfort Foods:

Toasted plain or everything bagel, with butter.

Arroz con Pollo, with black beans, guac, sour cream, salsa and tabasco

Cappellini or thin Spaghetti with light plum tomato sauce and lots of Locatelli Romano cheese


If you could have anyone cook for you who would it be?

dixie - I hear she can throw down some Stroganoff and Chicken and Dumplings.

If you could have a meal anywhere in the world, where would you go? Tell us about it.

I would go to an Island beach or one of the less populated Keys and grill on the beach. All day and night.

Do you have a Food TV show that you like? If so what do you like about it?


I like Top Chef, and anything with Nigella Lawso, Giada De Laurentis or Sunny Anderson. I do not watch much TV these days but I like what I have seen.

Top Chef inspires my imagination and it is cool to see what Chefs come up with.

The others...well lovely ladies who can cook..what can I say.

What do you want to learn how to cook/make?

I am going to work on learning more about confections.


Name your Top 3 Desserts:

Chocolate & Coffee Ice Cream
Lemon Italian Ice
Creme Brulee with fresh raspberries

Create a new ice cream flavor. Give it a name:


Espresso and Cream with chocolate chips - Coffee Seduction


( This was kinda like talking to myself! )

I think I am leaning towards something other than chocolate cake. Icecream cake, a fruit torte or maybe a nice strawberry cheesecake even?

It is the consistency of the banana once frozen that I need to experiment with. I refuse to use flavorings or extracts so the flavor has to come from some maceration of the fruit. Same with coffee flavored ice cream which I have been working on. I cooked the espresso down and then made a syrup. The banana is a little more challenging but it is fun to work with.

*S That "fru fru" cake sounds quite delicious! I could likely ice it and garnish with shaved pieces of chocolate orange (not trying to insult your tradition)

It sounds like your birthdays have always been really special, as they should be.

I have traveled so much (only abroad once) that my birthday usually just ends up being celebrated with whoever happens to be around at the time. Sometimes it is the good company of close friends or family, sometimes just with people passing through wherever I am and other times it is spent taking myself to lunch at an authentic local bistro.

I would love to have a huge potluck one year and invite friends from near and far to join me for some adult conversation, drinks and silly boardgames.

This year I am thinking about celebrating the changes in my life and I would like to have or cook a meal that has been influenced by my decision to travel again.

Maybe I will make a few comfort dishes and forget about the traditional cake.