These are what New Orleanians call “Turtles” - a crumbly light pecan cookie with a blob of fudgy chocolate swirled on top and a sprinkle of some chopped pecans.  Local, beloved and now dearly departed bakery, McKenzie’s, was well-known for these cookies; and the recipe lives on, lovingly re-created in a few select “Tastee Donuts” locations around town.  Interested in making these cookies?  Here’s a recipe

From The Martha Stewart Living Radio Blog:

 

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Picture 1 from 13: A tired looking Biscuit. His pops is Tony Cruz, EVP of Emeril Brands.

Recently, I was a judge at a Chili Cook-off with my fellow Martha Stewart Colleagues! The competition was fierce especially since one contestant was a former cook and another guy has worked under Emeril Lagasse for several years! Throughout the week I heard the contestants talking about the judging and bragging ’bout their stellar recipes. I was curious to see who was going to win this cook-off!

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This is a gorgeous, textural and taste riot-of-a-dish from Emeril’s Chef de Cuisine, David Slater.  He calls it “Abita Root Beer Braised ‘Fresh Bacon’ Salad with Citrus Slaw, Marinated Yucca, Heirloom Radish, Shaved Jalapeno, Goat Cheese and Pork Cracklings.”  I call it “Love on a plate.”

This collection of profiles, put together by the NY Times, is really entertaining and definitely worth spending a couple of minutes listening to.  My favorites, of course, were the stories related to food and drink–The Mozzarella Maker, The Singing Waitress, and The Blind Taster.

My pal Lizzy brought me this box of amazing chocolates from Portland chocolatier, Sara Hart of Alma Chocolate.  These artisan beauties were brilliant - each and every one of them - with the Thai Peanut Butter Cup in the middle being my rock bomb favorite.  Inside is a peanut-buttery center, rich with coconut, ginger, chile and lime (I’m sure I’ve missed something, but that’s what stood out) flavors.  Sara’s chocolates are all intriguing and Lizzy’s coming down to New Orleans soon -I sense a big box of many Thai Peanut Butter Cups in my future…

Did you know that our 32nd president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, had an interesting taste for foods?  He was known to have had three favorites–frog legs, pig knuckles and scrambled eggs.  I wonder if he ever ate them mixed together…

I don’t really know if this is true because I can’t exactly ask Mr. Roosevelt myself, but it’s one of many trivial facts I found from my boyfriend’s iPhone application “Awesome Facts,” which has been keeping me entertained for the last couple of days.

Wow.  No idea if this will be any good, but I’ll definitely go see the flick just to watch Meryl Streep’s AMAZING impression of Julia Child!   See the Julie and Julia trailer for youself!

Clockwise from left:  Chef Missy Robbins, Jeremy McMillan, Sabrina Simpson and yours truly!

This year’s James Beard Foundation Awards was hosted by Chef Emeril and honored women in food!  I can’t think of two greater choices to make for a killer event!

During the ceremony, more than 20 female chefs, winemakers, mixologists, and sommeliers came together to serve food and drinks to all of the guests just outside the theater doors! I was lucky to be invited to help Missy Robbins at A Voce in NYC serve an awesome octopus terrine with alfonso olives, orange and calabrian chilis.  It was lots of fun to help, but even more fun to sample many of the other food and drink being served.  I got to see lots of old and new chef friends of mine, from the many cities I’ve cooked in.  I think for most chefs, the awards are kind of like a family reunion–it really brings together people in the culinary industry and serious foodies from all corners of the country.  It’s too bad it’s only an annual gathering.

The month of may is National Hamburger Month.  While no one knows for certain the history behind National Hamburger Month, Krystal Burgers has launched www.nationalhamburgermonth.com and they are offering all sorts of prizes and give-aways for their Facebook and Twitter followers.  Then on May 27, The Offical Krystal Hamburger Day, there will be chances to win prizes during ”The Krystal Giveaway Show,” a live, interactive streaming video event.  Meantime, this month is all about the burger, so keep your eyes here for some interesting finds and information.   

La Esquina (which means “The Corner” in Spanish), is a casual taqueria located just around the corner from my apartment.  It’s finally getting warmer outside so their wide-open windowed counters and outdoor seating is moving diners (and the fiesta) into the street to snack on authentic tacos and tortas from early morning until wee into the late-night hours.

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