So I talk a lot about my secret indulgence which is Cristina Ferrare’s BBOL lemon butter popcorn. My family is hooked. You have got to try it!
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Big Bowl of Love
Dr. Phil on anxiety in decision making.
Oprah Winfrey Network – Dr. Phil from Coryander Friend on Vimeo.
Christina Ferrare on how to satisfy sweet cravings without packing on the pounds.
Oprah Winfrey Network – Christina Ferrare from Coryander Friend on Vimeo.
Cat Cora on easy snacks for kids.
Oprah Winfrey Network – Cat Cora from Coryander Friend on Vimeo.
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Could this day get any better? Channeling my inner Cristina today in preparation for tonight #OprahLiveTweet during Oprah Season 25: Behind the Scenes and The Judds. It is becoming the my OWN Sunday family night! Join us in the fun on Twitter during tonight’s shows!
- BBOL Sliders and Feta and Walnut Salad
Recipes: Salad on page 58 and Sliders on page 148.
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If you haven’t checked out Cristina Ferrare’s Big Bowl of Love cookbook, then you MUST! This new cookbook has become my absolute favorite. Actually, the whole family thumbed through it and can’t wait to get cooking! With over 150 inspiring recipes, there is something for everyone.
I’d like to think by getting it for myself, it is really a gift for my family and friends. My advice…this is the PERFECT gift for Mother’s Day or even as a special treat for yourself. Pick your OWN Big Bowl of Love cookbook up today and truly be inspired!
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Big Bowl of Love’s Cristina Ferrare welcomes back the charismatic Chef Art Smith who hit us with his profound words…”There’s no angry people, just hungry people”. With these great recipes, you are sure to squish any anger that may be flowing in your OWN home. Nothing left but happy tummies!
What’s on today’s menu?
- Jambalaya
- Kickin’ Cornbread
- Baked Golden Plantains
I always enjoy the episodes that include Chef Art Smith. He and CF have great chemistry and make us feel as if we are just hanging out with them in their OWN kitchen. He did let us know that he had started an organization, common threads, that helps to teach kids how to cook. I think that is great! Once kids feel confident in the kitchen they are more likely to eat healthier. As for this episode, I will be trying ALL of the recipes. I may even try to make the Jambalaya vegetarian to see what I can pull off. My vegetarian loved ones are always looking for new recipes to add to collection.
Now for a few BBOL tips:
- You just need a little oil for a heavy pot. It is heavy and doesn’t food stick as much.
- You can make jambalaya with anything- even vegetarian! Just use vegetable broth.
- Onions gives that extra depth of flavor.
- Jambalaya is typically made with white rice, But don’t worry about mixing it up with brown rice. [read more…]
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Big Bowl of Love fills the kitchen with a lot more HIT than MISS this episode! Former NFL baller, Devan Long, showed off his skills as a team player with this game inspired menu…..just in time for the Superbowl!
What’s on today’s menu?
- Beer Scalloped Potatoes
- Pork Chops with Brandy and Prunes
- Chocolate Fudge Brownies
Talk about fun…this was a blast! Devan Long shined on this show. A real hands-on guest who brought a load of fun to the kitchen. I could see him with his own cooking show… although he admits he isn’t the greatest in the kitchen. The scalloped potatoes seemed so easy to make. I think I will try this one without the beer though. I’m not a huge beer fan. AND it was so refreshing…I have always been the kinda gal to buy boxed brownies because I figured making them from scratch was SO complex. I was wrong. I can’t wait to pop out a batch of my OWN and show off a bit. Thanks CF!
Now for a few BBOL tips:
- Mix your cornstarch into a tablespoon of milk before adding it to the mixture. This allows it to dissolve easily and not be lumpy.
- Add some Gruyere and Swiss cheese for a little extra flavor…or if you are looking for something a little milder, head for some Monterey Jack.
- When you have a lean meat, brush a little olive oil on it since it doesn’t have a lot of fat. This helps to coat it when it is cooking.
- Add a little white sugar to outside of pork chops! It will caramelizes the pork since there isn’t enough fat on the pork chops to do so. [read more…]
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Big Bowl of Love focuses on family cooking and tradition this episode. Chef Ben Ford, son of actor Harrison Ford, shows off his chops as he brings a couple of family classics to the kitchen. CF pulls out a classic fagiole with a her own family twist. You will definitely walk away with a yummy dish to add to your family’s table.
What’s on today’s menu?
- Ford Shrimp Curry
- Ferrare’s Pasta Fagioli
- Summer Strawberry Shortcake
I LOVED this episode. Chef Ben was so down to earth, that I felt a part of the BBOL family. These recipes fit perfectly into my OWN family collection. As a huge soup lover, I can’t wait to try CF’s fagiole recipe. Time to dust off the blender!
Now for a few BBOL tips:
- If you are looking for a kick, try a cerrano pepper. It is similar to a jalapeno but is spicier and is more flavorful.
- Roll your lime over the countertop before you cut it. You will get twice as much juice!
- Roll you spice leaves together before cutting them. It will cut down on the work.
- Tomato paste can help get rid of the bitter taste of garlic and oil. [read more…]
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Big Bowl of Love brings comfort in the healthiest of forms in this mind, body and soul episode. Dr. Drew Pinsky is a great guest for this show. He comments on how not enough attention is given to nutrition and really delves into this tour of foods with CF. Food has the power to heal and just as balance is important in life…it also is important with food!
What’s on today’s menu?
- Quinoa with Roasted Vegetables
- Creamy Asparagus Soup
- Miso Salmon with Cucumber Salad
This show was lots of fun. I learned so much! As a sister of a vegetarian I was pleased to learn about Quinoa. I am always struggling to find diversity in my cooking when my sister comes over. This helps! I just hope it tastes as good as it looks. As for the soup, I will definitely be attempting this recipe. It looks fast, simple…and looks like I cooked all day!
Now for a few BBOL tips:
- Quinoa, which is a grain, is a great source of protein for vegetarians.
- Roasting vegetables brings out the natural sugars and caramelizes creating wonderful flavors.
- Snap asparagus to see where to cut it. Use the cut piece as a guide to slice the others.
- Kosher salt has a bigger grain allowing for a larger table.
- Cook vegetables separately on sheets if they have different cooking times.
- Tofu is a great substitute for cream in this soup. It gives it the creaminess, but healthier. [read more…]
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Big Bowl of Love took their viewers global for this episode! CF starts off with one of my favorite’s…Japanese inspired Udon soup! The meal is then rounded out with Lumpia and a warm, sweet Thai hot tea. This Asian inspired adventure is a true treat for us all!
What’s on today’s menu?
- Udon Noodle Soup
- Lumpia Shagnhai
- Thai Hot Tea
I was nervous at first when I heard the recipes we were tackling, but I had faith in CF. So many people (like me) pull back from Asian dishes because they are afraid…maybe it is because we are playing with spices that we don’t always use. Well…I say PLAY! Experiment and have fun. The soup is so easy and filling! Perfect for a rainy day. I am looking forward to trying the Lumpia. I don’t eat pork, so I will be substituting chicken or even better a soy product (like MorningStar). That way my vegetarian sister and nephew can join me in the yumminess.
The only recipe I haven’t addressed was the tea. I am a little apprehensive about that one…it is ORANGE. I am sure I will get daring some night…just not real soon.
Now for a few BBOL tips:
- Be careful when buying lemon grass! You don’t want it to be hard. The bottom needs to be pliable.
- Cut the lemon grass where the hard part meets the pliable.
- Use dark sesame oil which is more intense…you only need a drop or two.
- After you peel and grate the ginger, don’t discard it. Use it to soak in stock for flavor and remove it later.
- Place veggies, chicken and other garnishes on top of the udon soup- even better let your guests add it themselves.
- When cooking the Lumpia sauce, only cook on medium so the sugar won’t burn.
- After touching the peppers, be sure to wash your hands because you don’t want to accidentally touch your face or anything…it WILL hurt!
- Use agave in place of sugar or honey. Agave isn’t as sweet and is much better for you.
Now for a few of my OWN suggestions:
- Add the vegetables into the broth. When you serve up the soup, you are able to offer your family a healthy dose of vegetables.
- Udon soup makes a great buffet idea!
- Substitute MorningStar grillers crumbles for the meat as great vegetarian alternative.
Play and explore and be sure to have fun!
Links to recipes:
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Udon-Noodle-Bowl-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Lumpia-Shanghai-Recipe
http://www.oprah.com/own-cristinas-big-bowl-of-love/Thai-Hot-Tea-Recipe
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