Big Bowl of Love

My Secret Cristina Ferrare BBOL Indulgence

by patricia on November 21, 2011

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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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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