March 19, 2014

Diamonds for Kale Fundraiser in Morristown

Grow It Green Morristown is hosting it’s second annual fundraising gala “Diamonds For Kale” on April 5th, 2014 from 7:00-10:00 pm at The Kellogg Club.

Grow It Green is a non-profit organization that builds communities around food, education and shared outdoor spaces. Through their community programs, children are gaining access to healthier food choices while learning how to garden. In addition, they also donate a portion of their crop to those in need, thus allowing more Morris County residents access to fresh, local, healthy food. It is such a wonderful organization and I am in love.

March 18, 2014

Coal v. Wood: Millie's Old World Meatballs & Pizza, Morristown, NJ

by Melody Kettle

By Liz Hartman

The aroma engulfs you as you open the door, reminiscent of Nonna’s kitchen, which is apropos as Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza in Morristown is an homage to the owners', brothers Vince and Brandon Carrabba's, grandmother Millie who’s meatballs share the spotlight along with both wood and coal fired pizzas.

A welcoming brick façade with plenty of windows showcasing the vibrant scene inside and complementary valet parking warmed our spirits on a very chilly evening before we even entered the establishment. Although it’s a BYO there’s definitely a party vibe in Millie’s on a Friday evening. Families, groups of teens, couples on dates; the place was full, the music was pumping and the dueling ovens were roaring!

March 7, 2014

Seventh Annual Cooking For Kids

by Melody Kettle

One of the finest tasting events of the year is approaching! On Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 6:00–9:30 p.m, the Seventh Annual Cooking for Kids, will be hosted at the beautiful Westmount County Club in Woodland Park.

February 25, 2014

Baking a Memory: The Madeleine, a Cakey Cookie

by Melody Kettle

I wasn't In Search of Lost Time, but I was looking for something new. I was in my kitchen - enjoying my afternoon antioxidants - when I recalled Grandma's Madeleine pans. But where were they? I knew I saw them somewhere?

Voila! In the deepest depths of my baking cabinet, below the flour sifter, under the full sheet, half sheet, pound, angel food, and cupcake pans, and even beneath a dozen glass pie plates, lay my Grandmother's unused Madeleine pans. Determined to bake a memory, I emptied my cabinet.

February 19, 2014

James Beard Foundation Announces 2014 Restaurant + Chef Semifinalists

by Melody Kettle

It's like The Oscars - only foodier! The delicious tension is unendurable; it's time for the annual James Beard Awards!

This morning, The James Beard Foundation announced the 2014 Restaurant and Chef Awards, in Orlando. I'm happy to see a lot of New Jersey names, and congratulations to all!

February 18, 2014

Ciabatta: Better Than A Slipper

by Melody Kettle

Julia Child once asked, "How can a nation be called great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?" At a minimum, I can assume she wasn't referencing Italy, France, Russia, and presumably, middle-eastern countries where the bread is fragrant, and pliable, and as porous as it is textured. Well, no matter who she was talking about, the most important message the statement carries is that bread is supremely important. It counts; bread matters - big time.

And bread especially counts on Sunday, when a crusty loaf is required at my table. But there was a glitch this past Sunday: I forgot to mix my favorite Sullivan St. Bakery recipe on Saturday night. Compounding the problem, I had already poured myself a glass of wine, and I wasn't about to run to the store. I googled quick bread recipes and came across a ciabatta recipe that only required about 3 -4 hours.