Sigh...

Where have I been?  Just staring at my new oven.  Licking the stainless steel.  Attempting to sleep in it JUST KIDDING KIDS DON'T TRY THAT.  What sort of baked good should break it in???  It must be worthy.  Help. 

Bye Bye Oven.

Last night, I used our oven for the very last time.

Look at that thing!  Can you believe that everything I have baked, broiled, roasted, etc., for this blog has been in that oven?  Please notice the knobs, and the buttons, and the dials.  And what you can't tell from the picture is how tiny it is.  I've literally had to borrow baking dishes from the Keebler Elves because nothing else would fit.  But is it slightly bittersweet?  Yes.  I discovered my true passion with that oven.  I developed awesome recipes in that oven, and burnt others to a crisp.  I've rejoiced with that oven, and cursed it to hell and back.  Now, it's time to say goodbye.  And since I've gotten out all that sentimental stuff I can safely say...

GOODBYE STUPID OVEN GO BACK TO THE ENCHANTED FOREST WITH THE ELVES WHERE YOU BELONG.        

Chicken and Seafood Paella

My friends recently took a cooking class at Leti's Catering in NYC.  They raved and raved about it (if you live in NY, check it out), and then they made us homemade Gazpacho and Paella as they learned to make them in class.  Both were delicious, so naturally I stole the recipes from them and planned to make them myself.  What I needed, however, was a giant paella pan and then voila!  Carson bought me one for my birthday.  (I'm really sorry I said "voila" like that.)  Carson sure knows the way to this lady's heart.  Any sort of giant or miniature kitchen equipment??  Swoon.  

Anyway, I tackled the paella this past weekend for some friends.  I was nervous.  Like, "don't look at me while I cook dinner guests I mean just kidding help me HELP" nervous.  But it worked!  I did it!  It was delicious!  I made a combo of seafood (with shrimp, calamari and clams) and chicken (which I cooked earlier and added at the end).  Now, I feel guilty posting the recipe because Leti charges money for her classes in which you get to take the recipe home (also I lost it), but if you're interested in making paella yourself, and you have a pan the size of small UFO, email me and we'll discuss.  

(all photos by Chasing You Photo)      

one of those mornings...

It's not even 7am, and so far this morning I've been pooped on, I've had to plunge a toilet and my earrrrrly morning Homeland viewing was interrupted just as it got incredible.  That's the sort of opening you expect from a food blog, right?  Well you're just going to have to deal with it because that's what I'm doing - DEALING, with a smile on my face and a coffee in my mouth!

Anyway - if that picture above looks familiar, it's because it's been on the blog before (Saveur's Chocolate Chip Cookies).  But now The Post Social "postmarked" my post (that's a lot of the same word) so please check it out here!  Love that site.  

How the adults trick-or-treat.  As someone pointed out on Instagram, there appears to be a wig hair growing from my drink.  Only thing, no one was wearing a wig.  I think it might be growing out of my thumb, in fact.  Let's hope that's a joke I'm making.

My cousin sent me these napkins, and she made them!  Check out her Etsy shop, Dutch Wives Club, for these (which can be printed in any color) and much, much more.  She also gave Jack that 'Favorite Brother' tee from her shop, which I love because he totally is.  

Election Cookies.  To get you in the political spirit, as if all these campaign ads aren't already doing that.  I was watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy the other day, because I'm a dorkface, and EVERY SINGLE COMMERCIAL had to do with a campaign, proposition, measure, etc.  Enough!!  Just vote and end this madness already!

I made these Slow Roasted Green Beans with Sage over the weekend.  Extremely easy, seasonal and delicious.  Highly recommend.  

Go Be Do Guest Blog ~ Fall Hostess Gift Ideas

by Jessi at Go.Be.Do...

I am beyond honored that Siri invited me into her "home" to do a guest blog.  I'm also thrilled because when this post gets published, it will mean that baby girl S.Delicious is here!  Welcome darling girl, I cannot wait to meet you!

Fall is here!  Are you as excited about it as I am?  While summer has its fantastic share of parties, in my opinion, fall festivities are the best.  As backyard BBQ's give way to cozy chili cook-offs, your social calendar for the season begins to fill up.  Football parties.  Tailgates.  Favorite TV show premieres.  Pumpkin carving get togethers.  Halloween.  Thanksgiving.  

One thing that never changes, no matter the season, is being a good and gracious guest.  I find that people often struggle with what to take as a hostess gift, so I thought I'd put together some fun ideas to help inspire you.  Luckily, food makes a wonderful hostess gift so you're in luck!

I'm going to let you in on my little secret to a perfect hostess gift... PAIR it!  It's one thing to bring a bottle of wine to a party, but it's another to bring the wine AND a little something extra.  Try to keep your host/hostess in mind when you're pairing the gift and make it something personal.  If you found a beautiful pie plate that you think your hostess will love, pair it with your favorite pie recipe and a basket of berries to help her along.  Personalize it and pair it.  This is the key!

1.  When I'm invited on an overnight trip, I like to gift a box or a basket of pastries from my favorite bakery.  Your hostess will be grateful to have something to put out for breakfast without having to think about what to cook.  But don't stop at a basket of pastries, add in some homemade jam from your kitchen or your favorite farmer's market stand.  {images here and here} 

2.  This giant ice cube tray is beyond fun for anyone who entertains.  The 2" ice cubes won't melt as fast and water down your drinks.  I would pair this with a Bloody Mary mix for Siri, since I know how much they love Bloody Mary's at her house. 

3.  A custom made state cheeseboard is a really special gift.  You can easily pair this with some delicious cheese and crackers, but for a more whimsical pairing, give them these fun cheese markers. 

4.  Does your host love to drink coffee?  Purchase them a pound of your favorite coffee, and pair that with a stylish and chic mug in their favorite color.  

Taking that little extra step and pairing the gift with something personal and fun will make your gift memorable and show just how grateful you are for their hospitality.  I hope this inspires you as you begin the hunt for this season's perfect hostess gift!  Tell me, what are some of your favorite things to give as hostess gifts?

Redneck Wine Glasses

I've checked out this week.  I'm sorry.  Mother in town, mother-in-law in town, postponed birthday party madness, life, life, life.  I'm sorry again.  I promise, GOOD THINGS come to those who wait.  Like, super good things that will make you want to nibble on your computer screen.  But for now I leave you with these Redneck Wine Glasses my mom bought us from a Palm Desert art show.  Aren't they awesome?  Great for wine or beer or a cocktail or to hold flowers or these.  Love that they have a lid.  Redneck roadie?  Find them on etsy here. 

Chocolate Chip Blondies

Look at how perfectly square that bar is.  

I bet you're thinking I'm some sort of Rainman, with a skill for cutting shapes and counting toothpicks.  

You're right, I am.

I also own this pan... 

A Christmas present from my son, one that can be purchased at Target if you're interested.  (Um, can I also be gifted this please??)  And, if you're a fan of the end pieces of Brownies, or if you're really into perfect shapes, than you should absolutely own this pan too.  

I decided to make Blondies with it - because who doesn't like a cookie that's sort of a brownie.  

Carson and I think they should be called Brookies - but I guess blonds have more fun.

I used this recipe and added the chocolate chips.  SUPERB.  

Sirious Gift Guide: For the Fellas

Hi.  I'm traveling this week, which means I'm doing a lot of eating but not a lot of cooking.  So I thought that I'd share some food/drink/kitchen-related gift ideas for the season.  I'm not going to suggest you buy someone a Lexus with a giant bow (really, America?).  These will be practical, mostly.  So let's start with the menfolk...  

Beer Making Kit

because they think they're MacGyver

Bacon Marmalade

because what man doesn't like bacon?

Adam Perry Lang - BBQ 25

because the book (and the chef) are awesome

'Me Eat Meat' print

because, let's be honest, this is sort of for you too

Jumbo-Size Ice Cube Tray

because he's a cocktail snob

Personalized Apron

because deep down, they are dorks like us

A Mini Big Green Egg

because he likes to tailgate, and there are no words to describe this thing

Next up, for the ladies and for the kiddos...

This is inappropriate.

But so funny.

Thanks E.

Cutest. Apron. Ever

Are you guys crafty?  Skilled with a sewing machine?  If someone was pointing a gun to my head, I still wouldn't know how to sew a button to a shirt.  To a shirt?  On a shirt?  See.  But I thought I'd pass this 'oven mitt pocket apron' tutorial along because it's so damn cute.  And if you are crafty, then you can make me one and send it as a glorious gift.  Just a suggestion.

p.s.  If you're not reading E's blog, you're missing out.    

MISO love my Vitamix.

Do any of you own a Vitamix?  Oh dear god.  A friend of ours gave Carson one for his birthday which, come on, was really a present for me.  Sure, he'll probably make a blended drink once or twice a year BUT I WILL USE IT EVERY DAY FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE.  Holy money balls, I just googled it and noticed that it is not cheap.  Listen up: are you getting married?  Having a baby?  REGISTER FOR IT.  It is unlike any blender you will ever experience.  You can puree vegetables and garlic and cream and whatnot, flip a switch, and IT WILL TURN INTO A NICE, HOT, COOKED SOUP!  I am over-using the caps lock, can't help it.  I made the Miso Dressing (above) from Gwyneth's cookbook and in 10 seconds it was the perfect consistency.  

Vitamix, are you listening?  I love you.  I would wear you as a hat on my head, if that weren't so dangerous.

(photo by Katy)      

Kitchen tour...

I have decided to get REALLY personal with you guys, and show you my kitchen. After all, by reading this blog, it's almost as if you're in there with me every single day of our lives. Sort of. So, if you care to take a tour, simply click on the 'Siri's Kitchen' tab above. Oh come on do it, I cleaned up for you.

Giveaway: Sur La Table

When I was a kid, I used to make fun of people who had sweaters for every holiday. I thought, how uncool, and then I went back to reading The Hobbit and loving math class. Now, I have turned into a mom would who love a Halloween apron, pumpkin earrings and maybe even a Christmas sweater with bells on it. Let's start with the apron. Check out all the seasonal stuff Sur La Table offers, which brings me to my point. Who wants a...

$50 gift card to Sur La Table!?

You only get to enter if you like the new blog format (and if you don't, I don't care because this blog is MINES, as my son likes to say). For this giveaway, I'm offering extra entries if you follow me on Twitter or blog about me. I'm picking the winner Monday morning. Rules below...

1. You must be an official follower of this blog to win (please click the "follow" icon in the right margin).
2. Only open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
3. An extra entry will be granted if you follow me on Twitter or blog about the giveaway. Just comment below TWICE, and provide a link if you blog.
4. Winner will be chosen at random on Monday, September 19th at 8am PST.

*Comment below to win and good luck!

Mini Cherry Pies

I am a mini whore. And what I mean by that ridiculous statement is, I love anything that is miniature. So for Christmas, when a friend bought me the Breville Personal Pie Maker, I practically swaddled the thing up and sang it a lullaby. Mini pies!!! How precious!!!

I hate to report that it took me almost 8 months to actually use it but it was well worth the wait. While assembling your components might take a second (unless you go with the store-bought route), the actual cooking of the pies takes NO time and is almost fool proof. No stick, no mess, perfectly shaped pies. Mini things!!!

The cherry filling I used came from the Grand Traverse Pie Company's Cherry Crumb Pie - Mario Batali told me (the Food Network) that eating this pie is a religious experience, so I assumed the filling must be good. Here's the recipe...

Cherry Pie Filling
(Makes 1 large pie or 8 mini pies)
Printable Recipe

2 cans pitted tart red cherries
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
Pinch of salt
1 T butter
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/2 tsp vanilla

Drain the cherries and reserve one cup of the liquid. In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of the sugar, the cornstarch and salt. Stir in reserved cherry juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining sugar, butter, extracts and cherries. Let cool.


Breville recommends a pie crust bottom, and for that I used this recipe...


...and a puff pastry top. Store bought goodness...


Filling the mini pies...


My "I know someone is taking a picture of me so I better appear focused" look...


p.s. This Australian chick was very helpful and I only laughed at her accent a little.
p.p.s. Sister Hannah, this ridiculousness is for you.