Me & Gordon Ramsay, part 4: preparing for the audition

OFF THE RECORD: I had a little mishap in the kitchen this morning. I realized I had forgotten to buy a cucumber, an essential ingredient in Mystery Dish #1 (and I live 20 minutes from the nearest grocery store). I found a neighbor with a cuke, but when I cut into the avocado, which wasn't even ripe when I purchased it Friday, it was brown. Another "essential" ingredient for Mystery Dish #1 unavailable...

After a few moments of alternating between panic, temptation to give up, and general pissiness, I decided to do my best with the ingredients on hand. Good call, Fraser!
And muchas gracias to my beautiful daughter, who pitched in like a trooper, washing, cutting, spiralizing, and cleaning up in my wake. (...this from a kid who doesn't even like cooking!)

Here's Mystery Dish #1 in progress...

After cutting the raw vegan sushi into bite sizes, I tried a few... delish!

So, I guess there are no "essential ingredients", except maybe the nori wrap.


The prep for Mystery Dish #2 went smoothly, but I was not pleased with the look or taste of it, even though I followed my recipe exactly.


I haven't made this Winter Fennel Salad in a long time, so I guess my taste buds have changed. Still, I brought it along, just in case something went wrong with the sushi during the 90 minute ride to the audition.

Which dish did I share with the Food Critic? Find out tomorrow, when I blog about my audition for Gordon Ramsay's "Master Chef".

Until then, Salud!

Me & Gordon Ramsay, part 3: nuts

Off the record: While I watch my friend's 7-year-old plays hockey, my food is practically making itself!
The Sicilian almonds have been soaked, germinated, & skinned.



Now they're dehydrating. Tomorrow, they'll be crisp and ready for processing.

Mystery dish #1 is in progress.

I am also soaking raw walnuts.



When I return home from my little friend's hockey game tonight, I'll drain the walnuts and purée them with some other ingredients to create the sauce for Mystery dish #2.

The thing about raw food prep is it takes additional planning and a little extra time. There's always lots to do ahead when one is preparing dishes with nuts. But it's worth it!

Okay, back to watching these kids play. More news, and photos, from the kitchen later.

Me & Gordon Ramsay, part 2: shopping

After much deliberation and recipe review, I opted to prepare not one but two dishes for my "Master Chef," audition.
Whichever turns out best is the one I'll bring to the casting directors/tasters.

With that in mind, shopping was easy & quick:
two oranges, fresh cilantro, almonds, yam, avocado...
Wonder what I'm making?

I'll drop some hints during "Prep, part 1" tomorrow.

Off the record: I'm getting excited about this!

Me and Gordon Ramsey

Off the Record: I love FOOD!

OK, if you've read this blog before, you already know that. It's probably why I write for so many food related publications. In fact, today, I spent nearly four hours interviewing professionals in the Maryland/Delaware produce industry. (But I digress...)

I also love to perform. So, when a notice hit my email box from Boston Casting for an opportunity to audition for Gordon Ramsay's new reality show, "Master Chef," I had to check it out. They're looking for untrained gourmands with unusual stories or diets who are willing to put up with some good old fashioned Hollywood abuse all in the name of kick-ass chocolate (or other edible delights.)

Since I've been eating Raw Vegan for four years now, I figured I'd have as good a shot as any... so off I go this Sunday for my audition.

How does one audition for a foodie reality show? Make food and wow the casting directors with it! Yikes. The possibilities are numerous, and I'm not sure which way to turn... Simple and Delish, or Complex and Creative... Sweet or Salty? How about Umami, that elusive sixth taste identified by the Japanese...

Tonight I will choose my dish; tomorrow... SHOPPING FOR INGREDIENTS!

Books to Inspire the Kid in You

Off the record: I love children's books. I have written a few (as yet unpublished), and read thousands.

When I read the "Henry Hikes," books with my daughter, I fell in love, and contacted the author/illustrator, D.B. Johnson.

He has graciously stayed in touch with me over the years. Today, DB sent me the link to the blog Seven Impossible Things, and I fell in love again!

Check it out and let this be your entry into a magical new year!

Potatoes!

Off the Record: I've never met a potato I didn't like. So, today, I had lots of fun interviewing professionals in the potato industry who are involved in some fascinating research...

You'll have to read my seed research column in the February, 2010 issue of GROWING MAGAZINE for the details...

Off the Record: I Love Yoga!

Off the Record: I love yoga!
I used to be a gym rat who took an occasional yoga class. Now, I practice yoga daily first thing in the morning for at least 45 minutes, and occasionally go to the gym. Honestly, I feel stronger.
My daughter's getting into it, too! Check out her shoulder stand!



We study together with Brandy Lefsyk. I also love the classes at Yoga Center Amherst.

To your health!