Blogher 2010 – New York, NY

Where do I even begin? Blogher 2010 was absolutely incredible! From the great seminars, inspiring keynotes, the celebrities, fun exhibit halls and I can’t forget the swag. This was the best conference I have ever been to (and I’ve planned conferences). San Diego Blogher 2011 here I come!

It was so nice to finally meet some of my tweeps face to face, plus make some new friends. Plus the hubs and I had a little date night Friday and headed over to China Grill. The food was amazing and their mango martini to die for. People have asked me what the highlight of my trip was and I don’t have one. I have a gazillion!

Due to all the fun things I want to talk about relating to Blogher 2010, I’m going to break it down in different posts based on topic. Stay tuned!

I’m a Mrs. G’s VIB!

I’m a Mrs. G.’s VIB (Very Important Blogger… but of course)! Today I attended the first of many of the Mrs. G.’s VIB Blogger Series at the Mrs. G.’s store on Route 1 in Lawrenceville, NJ.

My mom has shopped at Mrs. G.’s for a number of years and this was the first time I was able to experience their incredible showroom. The event was an opportunity to meet fellow bloggers and network with them, as well as take a tour of the Mrs. G.’s facility and watch some demos.

Their sales people are so knowledgeable about all of their products and extremely helpful. I fell in love with the front loading Electrolux washer and dryer (I want it in red), as well as a few tv’s.

I guess I should have checked them out sooner so we could watch the World Series (Go Yankees) tonight on one of them. Hey Santa…are you listening?

We participated in a demo featuring an Electrolux kitchen and ate tomato bisque soup, salmon, brussel sprouts with pancetta, apple cider and fondue! How cool is that? I even placed my hands on the stove and didn’t get burnt. Since there isn’t a flame and its all magnetic, it’s the perfect option for families with small children.

Ok, so about that tv… they have some amazing sets to choose from. Did you know there are 3D capable tv’s? If you have a 3D capable tv you can plug it into a media server that can show 3D content and Voila! (The server comes with the 3D glasses, not the tv.) I was able to test it out watching “Coraline” the movie. Incredible!

Mrs. G.’s #1 Priority as they proudly display on large signs throughout the store is… drum roll please… CUSTOMER SERVICE. How many places can say that? In a day and age where customer service is seriously lacking (especially with the larger corporations, ahem Verizon), Mrs. G.’s knows whats important. As a third generation family owned company, Debbie Schaeffer is doing a phenomenal job following in her family’s footsteps, staying true to the company and their mission and providing the best products at the BEST prices.

Santa? You still there?

 

Event sponsored by:

Where do I begin?

I mentioned in my previous post, that I have decided to write a cook book. Why not, right? I’m currently unemployed and have lots of free time. I LOVE cooking and am good at it. So where do I begin?

Last Thursday I had my mom over for dinner. She loved the Pasta with Pepperoni! I told her of my interest in writing a cook book. She thought it was a good idea and said I should reach out to my cousin (a few times removed) Bob. Bob has written a number of books and they have been published. I also learn that he is not the only published writer in my family. So apparently its in my genes to do this. Besides the fact that I share a birthday with Julia Child. I have writing in my genes. Thank goodness my mom’s cooking isn’t in my genes (hi mom).

First thing Friday morning I emailed my cousin Bob. Letting him know what my plans are for writing a cook book, what his thoughts were, advice he had and of course… where do I begin? Bob wrote me back right away with lots of wonderful advice. He highly suggested that I purchase the most recent edition of the Writer’s Market. It lists publishing companies, informs you how to write queries and much more.

Lucky for me, I was already heading to the mall Saturday to try on a pair of Kenneth Cole 925 shoes. Rumor was that they are the most comfortable shoes in the world, and everyone believes what they see on Good Morning America. Needless to say, the shoes fit horribly. The salesman said oh they stretch out and then they are really comfortable. Ok, no thank you. I ran over to Barnes & Noble and picked up the 2010 edition of the Writer’s Market so I can begin this project.

I’m very excited to begin. I have lots of ideas already and have been compiling some information already. Haven’t started the book yet though. I reached out to a number of publishing companies and magazines inquiring about who I can contact to pitch a cook book idea to, as well as any freelance editor of contributing writer positions. I received a few responses. Sent out a few resumes. Plus I received some detailed information for what to do once I have gotten a bit further with my book.

I’m very excited about my project and hope you will stay with me along the way.

Julie, Julia & Katie

I’m inspired!

Last night Nick and I went to see Julie & Julia and might I say what a movie. As you may know, my birthday just passed (August 14th) and Nick mentioned around that time that Julia Child and I share a birthday. Jokingly I said “that explains a lot”. But it really does. Sitting in the theatre with my popcorn and various candies of sorts I realized, my life really mimics that of both Julie & Julia in the film. Everything from the love of cooking to the relationship with my husband.

I walked away from the theatre thinking 2 things. 1 – I should wear pearls more often. They are so classy. And 2 – I should write a cook book. I can’t share everything with you, because then nothing would be a surprise, but I have lots of ideas already. I even emailed a few publishers today. So if you know anyone in the industry, let me know. Or if you have any recipes you’d like to share with me, please feel free to contact me.

I’m so excited about my new venture. Not only is it something I’m passionate about, but it will keep me occupied until I find full time employment. (Sidebar: I have a promising interview next week.)

Beef Brisket with BBQ Sauce

I thought for sure I had blogged about this before but apparently I haven’t. I absolutely love my Better Homes & Garden Cookbook!

This is not the first nor will it be the last time I make the Beef Brisket recipe from this book. Not only is it so easy, it is very tasty. Plus, it tastes even better the next day. You can make this dish and pair it with a side or we like to put it on potato rolls and eat it as a sandwich.

I follow everything in this recipe to a tee except for the cayenne pepper. Who doesn’t love a crock pot? Enjoy!

http://www.bhg.com/recipe/beef/beef-brisket-with-barbecue-sauce/

In Love With Gnocchi Alfredo

Not only is this dish delightful on your pocket it is so incredibly delicious and easy to make. Tonight I made Gnocchi Alfredo for dinner. A recipe I got from the magazine Taste of Home. The magazine is filled with tons of great recipes, many of which are very affordable.

Both Nick and I loved this meal. Nick says its up there with my Garlic Fettuccine Alfredo and Chicken Cutlets. So I know it’s good.  I will say it is very filling so make sure you have lots of room in your belly.

Here’s the dish:

Prep Time: 20 mins.

Makes 5 servings

2 lbs. frozen potato gnocchi

3 Tbsps. butter

1 Tbsp., plus 1 1/2 tsp. flour

1 – 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dash ground nutmeg

1/2 lb. sliced baby portabello mushrooms

Minced fresh parsley, optional

Cook gnocchi according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 1 Tbsp. butter. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cool and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the stir in cheese and nutmeg until blended. Keep warm.

Drain gnocchi. In a large heavy skillet, cook remaining butter over medium heat until golden brown (do not burn). Add mushrooms and gnocchi. Cook and stir 4-5 minutes or until gnocchi are lightly browned and mushrooms are tender. Serve with sauce. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Some addendum’s I made to the recipe… I used heavy cream instead of milk. Since we are not big fan of mushrooms, I did not use them. I also did not use parsley on the top of the pasta. I typically grate some extra cheese to put on top of the plated pasta. It did need a bit of salt and pepper as well as some extra cheese. I would leave that up to the individual because it is personal taste.

Let me know if you make this meal, I would love to hear your feedback.

It’s been a while – Katie’s Kitchen

It’s been a while since I last posted and I have been receiving a number of requests to continue with my blog. So here it goes…

Last night I made a PHENOMENAL meal… Chicken Piccata with Angel Hair Pasta, courtesy of the Food Network’s website. To view the recipe visit:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chicken-piccata-recipe/index.html

The recipe was so easy and extremely tasty. It will definitely be a repeat offender. Nick absolutely loved it as well. It is very lemony and tart so if you are not a fan of lemons, this is not for you.

I made a couple adjustments to the recipe.  I purchase my chicken breasts from BJ’s and buy the package that continues 4 breasts in a pack individually sealed. So I make all the chicken in each packet for my meals. It seems to be enough for the two of us for dinner and yet allows for leftovers for next days lunch. Since the I purchase skinless, boneless thin sliced breasts, I did not need to butterfly or cut in half. I also cooked all 4 chicken breasts in one large pan so I did not need to repeat the process of olive oil and unsalted butter. In addition, I did not add fresh parsley as garnish since Nick is not a big fan.

I decided to pair the chicken piccata with angel hair pasta since I have seen that done in a lot of restaurants. The angel hair pasta cooks quicker than most pastas and makes a lot. I reccomend only making half a box of pasta. I placed a decent size onto the middle of the plate, with the chicken piccata on top, followed by some remaining sauce.

I would say it did take about 30 minutes to complete this meal from start to finish. It’s definately worth it! Thanks Giada!

Quest for Happiness

I have started this blog in hopes of finding a job that will be fulfilling both emotionally and financially and all the while making me happy. I want to enjoy going to work every day and know that I’m doing something for the better good. I don’t want to bring my job home with me. Instead, I want to leave it at the office or at least at my front door, so to not constantly bring it into my personal life. Because it is just that… my personal life. I need to be able to separate my personal life from that of my professional life. 

 

In the past I have not been happy coming home after work and less than thrilled with my past job experiences. I always loved what I did, but there was always something there that made me less than happy to be there.

 

This blog will provide updates on my job search and at the same time discuss my day to day operations such as what I’m cooking for dinner, my thoughts on a tv show, interview outcomes, etc. What I’m cooking for dinner has been a big interest to those who follow me on Facebook and Twitter so I plan to provide more detail on my meals and my husband Nick’s thoughts on them as well.

 

Thanks for reading and following along as I pursue my quest for job happiness, while being addicted to reality tv, cooking a go-go, hustling the interviews and being a loving at home wife.