BACK IN THE SWING

http://www.marthastewart.com/lucindas-spinach-and-ham-pie

Vacation was completely rejuvenating but I'm back in the everyday and really happy to be home, making dinner, walking the dogs, nagging the kids to clean-up, getting to work blah blah blah BUT am also thinking about this weekends eats for the holiday.

Whatever the main feature is (probably lamb)--I'll definitely be making this Easter Pie like I do every year. The recipe from Lucinda's Rustic Italian cookbook was made many years ago with Martha on TV. (It might have been my first time on!). Make the whole pie--make individuals, have it for brunch with a green salad or as a part of a bigger dinner. The crust is one of my all time favorites--included in MH too for any pastry-phobes amongst you. It's the easiest dough in the world to handle and has a yummy crackery taste too.

And, should the spirit move you--pls go to the link on the side of the blog and give Mad Hungry a vote for the Peoples Choice award in the IACP nominations. Tell your friends--we have until April 5th. Thanks, LSQ

SCOTCHIE'S

Jerk Chicken and Pork

MORE PEACE

HAITI TO JAMAICA

Earlier yesterday morning, shortly before we arrived at this beach--a secluded one in eastern Portland parish Jamaica, this boat arrived--filled with 25 Haitian refugees, all of whom survived the journey. There was another boat last week. Jamaica will care for these folks until there is a home available for them to return to. Strong grass roots Haitian relief efforts afoot here. A floating reminder how human endurance in the face of tragedy is extraordinary. Imagine 25 people at sea in this little boat?

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH

Breakfast

Pak choy, bread fruit, plantain, Irish, yam, johnny cake

Lunch

Oxtail, rice and peas, cole slaw, macaroni salad

PEACE

VACATION

Hey folks-am heading for vacation next week and I'm really looking forward to some chill time. Should the techno-stars align, I'll put up some exotic posts. Will definitely be spending some hours in the Boston Bay jerk pits though.

KARAOKE

It's hard to imagine it took me this long in my old-ass life to get to karaoke. I ageed to go but not to sing until I got my first taste and then--a monster was created. Karaoke--where have you been my adult life? While I was busy momming and cooking all this fun was just around the corner and now--dammit, I want in.

MAD HUNGRY PHOTO SHOOT

The boyz gathered with me today to hang around the kitchen for a photo shoot. It was a total bulls in the china shop situation but we had so much fun as we made sandwiches together for a future Guide Posts story. Oddly enough it was the first time they have gathered with me (miraculously) around this book. I only have Lo T to thank--the only chick who could wrangle these boys. Basically--they rock and I'm blessed!

DOUBLES (AND I DON'T MEAN TENNIS)

Headed out to Flatbush in Brooklyn to a little Trinidadian bakery to get "Doubles": curried saucy chickpeas tucked inside a thin folded roti all washed down with a "Chubby" and oh what a Trinny treat it is.

DOGS, BOYS AND BREAKFAST

Am missing this boy child terribly given his canceled flight home due to this horrendous NYC weather. This boy doggie misses him too--stalking me in the bedroom, kitchen, living room--another incorrigible yearling who needs more than this ladies exercise routine! Still--there is a household of other males who seem to evade the dog walking but turn up for the breakfast eating. Was reminded as I made this recipe how tedious the development was on this simple formula. Simple is the hardest food to develop because you really have to know what to leave out without loosing big taste. For years I'd made these pancakes from eyeball and intuition so when it came to writing the recipe it wasn't as effortless as you might think. Mostly because of the leavener--not wanting too much or two kinds yet needing enough for some lift. Also needing puff and fluff--but not dryness or worse chewiness either. Once again--you can't beat a super seasoned cast iron skillet to griddle the flapjacks. Once your batter is right, it's always the balance of heat, fat and skillet which will give you the good pancakes. Then, per usual you can't beat a salty pork product with it too. I fried some leftover ham--which caramelized andwhen butted up against the pancake--both swathed in sweet maple syrup makes for the best breakfast bite ever.

BUTCHER BAKERS AND MACAROON MAKERS

The butchers of Fleischers, Martha Stewart, Eric Ripert and LSQ
The most beautiful chef inside and out: Eric Ripert
Revolutionary bread baker Jim Lahey
Mad Mac macaroon maker and pastry chef extraordinaire Florian Bellinger with Chef Ripert, his former colleague from Le Bernardin restaurant

The last couple weeks, I've slowed my blog, FB, twitter posts down a bit in order to step back and evaluate the bigger social media picture. Why (??), what, when, where, and how ??? These are the questions I've been thinking about. Surprisingly (to myself) I have a renewed appreciation for these venues in which to share the passion of my life: cook for the people you love. Teach them to cook for themselves and they will pass it on. Onward and outward and by all means necessary I will proceed in the new media frontier. By looking forward one's always reminded of the past.

In food whats old is new again and more fascinating is how old time food trades have come to the fore of appreciation and talent. The April issue of Martha Stewart Living explores the talents of several food artisans: folks whose wares we use over and over and whose passion and dedication are leading the imperative awareness about where our food comes from. MSL hosted a party for these folks Thursday. WE even had a butchering session in the offices where the folks from Fleischers butchers broke down a pig. YEAH--this was a first and not an idea easily supported by the squeamish amongst my colleagues. However people--animals is where our meat comes from !!! Not the cryo'd package in the supermarket--and if we eat meat we need to understand that. Meanwhile (pardon the distraction)--these butchers were so hot!! I mean like fireman hot. The outfits, the gear, the attitude is what I'm talking about. So check out some of our favorite food purveyors here and for more on the story definitely pick up a copy of April Martha Stewart Living on the newstands.

TORONTO CANADA

Have arrived in my home province: Ontario. Yes folks, am Canadian born! It's a quick trip for MH press but I wish I had more time to see friends and family and hang in this wonderful city.

It's the first place/city I took a subway, hung out on my own and departed for points north each summer. For tonight it's room service and Oscars solo. Hopefully some time tomorrow for some favorite Canadian foods like--peameal bacon!!! Just one thing--am missing my boyzzz (but have one of my fav pics here).

MAD HUNGRY: IACP FINALIST!

The International Academy of Culinary Professionals has nominated MAD HUNGRY for an award in the "Children, Youth & Family" category. For all of you MH-ers that are not familiar with IACP, a nomination and award from this prestigious institution is said to be the cookbook equivalent to the Golden Globes. Exciting News!!

For the first time EVER they're allowing you cookbook fans out there to cast your vote for the 2010 People's Choice awards. Winners will be announced April 21st. Like to show your love for Mad Hungry? Click Below to cast your Vote!: (NOTE: Voting ends APRIL 5th)

vote for MAD HUNGRY for the IACP 2010 People's Choice Awards!

MAD HUNGRY IN SCHOLASTIC PARENT & CHILD

Not to be too dorky but.....as anyone who reads this blog knows: parenting has been the most awesome job of my life. So, when Mad Hungry is included in a "best new parenting book" round-up it pleases me to no end!