The Cheap Gourmet

Dessert University: Cook Like a Chef, Even If You Can't Boil Water

Dessert University is the coolest thing I've ever seen! This multi-media collection includes over 100,000 recipes and step-by-step videos you can download to your computer and access at any time. The Dessert University package includes chocolate recipes, vanilla recipes, dessert recipes, candy recipes, sweet recipes and cooking lessons.

With Dessert University you can learn how to make any dessert known to man (or woman!). Expert videos will teach you how to make brownies, torts, truffles, cakes, exotic desserts, international desserts, death-by-chocolate desserts, gourmet quality desserts, and even health conscious desserts. You will be the envy of your friends, family and neighbors and everyone will invite you to their pitch-in events. With the click of a button you can quickly and easily become a master in the kitchen!

By now you're probably wondering how much this culinary training course will cost you, right? Believe it or not, Dessert University is currently available for only $34.95. Yes, you read that right -- you can have access to mouth-watering, tantalizing-tastebud sensations for a mere $34.95. There are no limits and no recurring fees. Once you pay the $34.95, you will have instant access to the entire Dessert University program.

This all-in-one package includes:

• The complete Dessert University Digital Download System
• The official Dessert University eCourse featuring 50 pages of step-by-step directions
• 1500 downloadable Video Tutorials
• Thousands of original recipes perfect for any party or social gathering

Order today and you'll receive Special Bonuses including: Candy Recipes, Unlimited Updates and FREE Membership to Dessert University Members group, which includes Live Personal Support.

If you're like me and LOVE desserts, you are going to go bananas over the Dessert University package. And, if for any reason you aren't completely satisfied with your purchase, it's covered by a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

What more can I say? I love Dessert University and think you will too. Dessert University normally sells for $97, but if you hurry you can grab your copy for only $34.95. Don't delay or you'll miss out on this special price!

Click here to learn more and ORDER your copy of DESSERT UNIVERSITY.

Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day, Tuesday, April 29th

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Stores are offering free ice cream between the hours of noon and 8:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29th. Reason being is Ben and Jerry need your help to make a political statement. Ben and Jerry's label their ice cream as free of recombinant bovine growth hormones or rBGH/rBST. In other words, they don't add dangerous chemicals to their ice cream and they are proud of it.

However, Monsanto, the giant chemical company who manufactures rBST and other deadly chemicals are trying to ban the labeling of milk as hormone-free. Monsanto claims these labels are unfair because they imply hormone-free milk is safer than milk laden with the chemicals they manufacture. I don't know about you, but I'd prefer to eat pure ice cream and dairy products over products loaded with chemicals and hormones.

If you believe that you should have the right to know what chemicals are added to your ice cream and want to protect your consumer rights, it's time to join the crusade. Doing so, will earn you a free cone and let your voice be heard!

All you have to do to get your hormone-free cone from Ben and Jerry's is visit Citizens for Health website to download and sign the Ben & Jerry's thank you letter. Then take the letter to the nearest scoop shop to claim your free cone and your right to hormone-free ice cream.

Learn more about the dangers of rBGH and rBST at the following sites:

What are Monsanto and the FDA Hiding Regarding Controversial Cow Hormone?

rBGH, Monsanto and Corporate Agriculture Information about Intellectual Property Rights

rBGH Milk and the Cancer Connection

My Toastmaster Toaster Oven - May You Rest in Peace

My beloved Toastmaster Toaster Oven died yesterday. To the best of my recollection, my sister gave me my Toastmaster as a housewarming gift nearly 15 years ago. As you can see, it served me well. In our household the toaster oven is an integral part of cooking, so I decided to snoop around online and comparison shop. I love being able to shop from home, don't you? Especially with the cost of gas these days!

I came across a website called Wize. This consumer research and product review site provides a wealth of knowledge on just about any type of product you could ever want or need. Wize.com provided me with 132 toaster oven reviews.

You can narrow your search by clicking on various parameters such as price range or manufacturer. The first thing I did was check to see if Toastmaster still offered the model that died. Unfortunately, they do not, but they do have a toaster oven nearly identical. The Toastmaster TOV200 offers convection cooking, which is a feature I have oftentimes said I wish the old unit offered.

The reviews weren't all that favorable on the Toastmaster brand, so I decided to see what other options were available. Being cheap, I started out by looking at toaster ovens in the "Less Than $40" category. This yielded 19 results, but none had a very high WizeRank.

Wize.com has a rating system and each product displays a button showing how consumers rank their product. According the site, a rank of 90-100 means you can buy with confidence. 75-90 means the product might meet your needs. I was looking for a toaster oven that fell into the 90-100 category.

After reviewing the various price categories, I noticed a "New Releases" link. I clicked and there it was... the perfect toaster oven! First of all, this toaster oven is manufactured by Cuisinart. I LOVE Cuisinart products and have never had a bit of trouble with them. This stainless steel beauty can bake, broil and toast AND offers the convection oven I longed for. It has room for six slices of toast, which is perfect for my family. Now I'll be able to toast bread for our BLT's and no one will have to eat cold toast ;-)

Once I decided on my toaster oven, I was provided with three places where I could buy it online. Prices ranged from $99 through eBay to $139 through Amazon. Which do you think I chose? I clicked on the eBay link, entered my info and poof, my toaster oven will be on its way next week.

Although it cost a bit more money than I anticipated paying, I feel I got a pretty good deal. The Cuisinart cost $123.19 including shipping. If it lasts as long as the last one, the amortized cost is about $8.20 per year. That's quite a bargain, eh?

It was sad to dump my Toastmaster in the trash can. I felt as if I should have given her a proper burial considering all the years of service. So, I placed her in a trash bag and tied the handles in a bow.

Next time you need a toaster oven or want to research a variety of products, check out Wize.com. It's a really cool community where you can chat with a live representative and ask questions about the products or leave a review of your own. Overall, I give it 5-stars and will definitely use the service again.

Low-Carb Asiago Minestrone Soup

One of my favorite soups is Minestrone. I love the combination of the vegetables, beans and pasta. However, like many Americans I'm attempting to reduce my intake of carbohydrates. I decided to experiment with my all-time favorite Minestrone Soup recipe. I wanted to create a soup that would be filling, satisfying and full of flavor.

The following Minestrone Soup recipe is a hearty soup, yet offers a light mouth-feel. I added Asiago cheese for a boost of flavor and to replace the substance of the pasta. One ounce of Asiago cheese contains a mere .67 grams of carbohydrates. In comparison, one ounce of macaroni pasta contains approximately 5 grams of carbs. Asiago is relatively low in fat content, with one-ounce containing 8.7 grams.

This recipe will serve four as a main course or six as an appetizer. If you want to further enhance the flavor, make the soup the day before you plan to serve it.

Asiago Minestrone Soup
Serves 4 (main course) or 6 (appetizer)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 large White or Yellow Onion, chopped
1 cup Baby Carrots, sliced diagonally
3 cups Chicken Broth (use low-sodium if desired)
1 cup Water (add White Wine for a boost in flavor)
1 can (15-ounce) Diced Tomatoes (or use 2 cups fresh, seeds removed)
3 cloves Garlic, thinly sliced
1 bunch Swiss Chard, stems and leaves coarsely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
1 medium Zucchini, chopped into 1-inch cubes
1/4 pound fresh Green Beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 can (15-ounce) Cannellini Beans (white kidney beans), rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh Basil leaves, chopped
1 cup Asiago Cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS:

1. Heat oil in large stockpot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and carrots. Cook until onions are soft and translucent; about 5 minutes.
3. Add chicken broth, water (or white wine), tomatoes, garlic, Swiss chard, herbs and pepper.
4. Bring to a low simmer and cook 7-8 minutes.
5. Add zucchini, green beans and cannellini beans; stir to combine ingredients. Simmer for 3-4 minutes.
6. Add Swiss Chard and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until tender.
7. Add basil leaves, remove from heat and stir well to incorporate ingredients.
8. Ladle into serving bowls and top with  Asiago cheese.

Cafe San Diego: The Ultimate San Diego Dining Guide

Attention all San Diego residents and visitors! I just discovered Cafe San Diego, the ultimate San Diego Dining Guide. Ironically, a client hired me to write an article about San Diego restaurants. I explained to him that I had never been to San Diego and had no idea what restaurants were good or which to avoid. He said he had faith in my research abilities to figure it out.

I typed in San Diego Restaurants at Google and discovered Cafe San Diego. This website offered me everything I needed to write the article. It also made me want to hop on a plane and head out to California to indulge in some serious dining!

What's unique about the Cafe San Diego website is you can search by Cuisine, Neighborhood, Atmosphere and Special Features. Looking for a Bakery that offers breakfast specials? Need catering for a business luncheon? Ready for Happy Hour and Dancing? Just click on your criteria and Cafe San Diego will provide you with a list of restaurants offering everything you are looking for.

An added bonus is the San Diego Restaurant Coupons section. Packed with more than 60 money-saving coupons, you'll find everything from free appetizers and desserts to half-price entrees and discounted Sushi bars.

Once you locate a restaurant of interest, simply click on the "Full Listing" link and you'll be taken to a page which provides the address, phone number, directions and maps from Mapquest, hours of operations and methods of payments accepted.

I had no idea San Diego has such an abundance of restaurants. Nearly anything you could want is located in this beautiful city and Cafe San Diego makes it easy to locate whatever type of restaurant suits your fancy. Visiting the site reminded me of a friend who lives in San Diego whom I haven't seen for many years. I think I may have to take a business trip out West and pay a visit to several of the restaurants I discovered at Cafe San Diego.

In closing, my client was exceptionally pleased with his San Diego Restaurants article. But, he was even more pleased when I told him that all his restaurant needs are right at his fingertips ;-)

TasteBook: How to Create Your Own Cookbook

I recently discovered a unique website, TasteBook.com, where you can create your own cookbook. I'm currently working on building my own and am having a blast. With TasteBook.com, you can add your own recipes or upload more than 20,000 recipes from Epicurious, Gourmet and Bon Appetit.

The TasteBook is a hard cover book with a spiral ring inside. I find this design to be perfect for a cookbook, because you can take the recipes out of the book. What I plan to do is remove the recipes, make a copy and then if I slop something on the recipe, I won't ruin my cookbook.

TasteBook offers a variety of pre-made cookbooks. You can open one of the pre-made cookbooks, delete any recipes you don't care for and add recipes from other TasteBook collections. Additionally, you can upload recipes from the three places mentioned above or you can add your own.

TasteBook is setup in sections including Appetizers, Soups, Salads, Entrees, Desserts, Beverages, etc. These sections are separated by tabs, making them easy to locate exactly what you're looking for. No more digging through your recipe index cards ;-)

Another cool feature of TasteBook is the ability to share recipes with friends and family. You can upload contacts from your email account and when you add new recipes to your collection, you can notify your contacts and share the recipes with them as well. The website suggests having family members contribute recipes, then publishing their own TasteBook to give as a gift.

The website is super easy to use. You begin by choosing a cover for your TasteBook. There are dozens of designs to choose from and all are tastefully presented for a highly professional look. After selecting your cover, you can upload your own recipes by using Copy and Paste. The template lets users upload a photo of the recipe and includes sections for the Title, Ingredients, Preparation Instructions and also any personal notes you might want to add.

The cost of each TasteBook is $34.95, which includes 100 recipes. If you don't order 100 recipes, you'll receive recipe credits, which can later be used to order additional recipes. When they arrive in the mail, simply add them to your TasteBook.

Once I have my TasteBook created, I'll let you know more about the process. However, for those of you eager to get started creating your personal Tastebook, go to www.TasteBook.com today. I can't wait to see how my book turns out. If you create a TasteBook, please stop back by and share your experience.

FREE Barilla Celebrity Italian Table Cookbook Program

Barilla, manufacturer of exquisite pasta and pasta sauces, is currently promoting "The Celebrity Italian Table Cookbook Program." For each person who downloads the 32-page PDF Cookbook, Barilla is donating $1.00 to America's Second Harvest, the nation's largest charitable hunger-relief organization.

The Celebrity Italian Table Cookbook features recipes from five celebrities: Marisa Tomei, Stanley Tucci, Debra Messing, Natalie Portman and Chris Daughtry.

Leading Italian Chef, Mario Batali recreated the recipes and developed special menus for each. Infamous party planner, David Tutera offers creative and stunning table designs which correspond to each special menu, making each experience unique and special.

This downloadable PDF cookbook is a feast for the eyes and includes beautiful photographs of each dish, along with table settings, decorations and party tips.

Themes include: Romantic Dinner, Celebratory Feast, Girlfriends' Gathering, Family Night, Dinner Party and Babbo (Mario Batali's New York Restaurant).

Recipes include:

Eggplant Involtini with Ricotta and Scallions
Rigatoni with Basil and Gorgonzola
Mozzarella Sandwiches
Penne in Creamy Tomato Sauce
Sicilian Chickpea Fritters
Penne in Spicy Sauce with Capers and Olives
Spaghetti with Italian Tuna Sauce
Farfalle with Pancetta, Rucola and Truffle Paste
Steamed Cockles in a Habanero Chive Broth
Fettuccine with Pumpkin and Bread Crumbs
Mixed Fried Vegetables
Autumn Vegetables with Goat Cheese and Pumpkinseed Oil
Cherry Jam Tart
Chocolate Hazelnut Fritters
Orange Tart Capri-Style
Chocolate Cake from Abruzzo-Parozzo
Lemon Tart
Saffron Panna Cotta

As you can see, this FREE Celebrity Cookbook is packed with authentic Italian dishes which are certain to please your friends and family. AND, you'll be helping a good cause just by downloading the cookbook. Talk about a great deal!

To grab your copy of "The Celebrity Italian Table Cookbook" go to www.BarillaUSA.com. Don't delay! This offer will end soon and you don't want to miss your opportunity to grab a copy of this amazing cookbook for FREE!

Everything But The Kitchen Sink Vegetable Beef Soup Recipe

The following Vegetable Beef Soup recipe has been served for three generations in my family. It began with my maternal Grandmother. Then my mom, who is the Queen of Cooking, added a few more ingredients to make it a bit heartier. It has since been passed to me and I have incorporated even more ingredients. So, over the course of 40 years it has gone from ordinary Vegetable Soup, to what I now refer to as "Everything But The Kitchen Sink Vegetable Beef Soup!"

While there are quite a few ingredients, this soup is relatively easy to make. At best estimate, it costs about $12.00 to make a huge stockpot full of this yummy goodness. Our family consists of three and this recipe yields about 12 servings.

I like to store four to six servings in individual containers and place them in the freezer for later use. It only takes a few hours for the soup to thaw, making this a great item to take to the office for a tasty and healthy lunch. Just reheat in the microwave for two to three minutes and serve with Saltine crackers or a slice of homemade cornbread.

EVERTHING BUT THE KITCHEN SINK VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP
Serves 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 hours

INGREDIENTS:

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 pound Sirloin Steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 small Yellow Onion, chopped
2-3 cloves Garlic, chopped
2 whole Bay Leaves
1 (46-ounce) can Tomato Juice
1/2 head green Cabbage, chopped
3 stalks Celery, sliced
2 medium Carrots, sliced
3 medium Potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 (15-ounce) can Corn, drained
1 (15-ounce) can Peas, drained
1 (15-ounce) can Green Beans, drained
1 (15-ounce) can diced Tomatoes
1 cup quick-cook Barley
Salt and Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Add Olive Oil to large stockpot. Set heat to medium and allow oil to heat for one minute.

Add Sirloin cubes to oil and cook thoroughly; about 4-5 minutes.

Add Onion and Garlic to meat. Saute until translucent, about 2 minutes.

Add Bay Leaves and heat for 1 minute.

Add cabbage, celery, carrots, potatoes, corn, peas, green beans and tomatoes.

Add Tomato Juice.

Bring ingredients to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 3 hours; stir occasionally.

Add Barley, stir well and simmer for 30 minutes.

Remove bay leaves from soup and discard.

Transfer to soup bowls and serve immediately.

Bed and Breakfast Cook-Free Vacation!

Everyone who knows me knows that I love to cook. However, even professional chefs get a day off and I'm in serious need of a vacation. My husband and I are planning a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to visit his relatives. While looking for hotel reservations, I discovered a great website that offers just about any type of accommodations, as well as vacation packages, discounted airline tickets and rental cars. But, the best part is HotelReservations.com offers Bed and Breakfast packages too!

I found the most adorable B&B, called The Gaslight Inn. The inn is located in the historical Virginia-Highland neighborhood near downtown Atlanta. It's close to shopping, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and museums. This is one of my favorite areas near Atlanta, so I was pretty excited when I found this place.

I absolutely cannot wait to be served breakfast in bed. No cooking, no clearing the table, no washing dishes. Just a yummy Southern breakfast served directly to our room by a friendly staff and all we have to do is eat it. Life doesn't get better than that, does it?

After much discussion, my husband and I decided on the Stress Relief package. For a mere $50, we'll receive a bottle of our choice of wine or champagne and can relax and unwind with an assortment of in-room spa products. Plus, we get to wear those plush white robes that are so comfy you could walk around in them all day.

We're still debating on whether to book the Suite or Deluxe Room with Kitchen. The Suite is only $16 more than the Deluxe Room; however, it has two Queen beds. The Deluxe Room has a Queen poster bed, which I think is quite romantic. The problem is, I don't want to be in a room with a kitchen because I'm trying to get away from cooking!! And, my husband loves my cooking so much he doesn't want us to go anywhere without a kitchen, LOL!

At HotelReservations.com, they claimed they could save us up to 75-percent. Being the skeptic that I am, I looked up the Gaslight Inn and located their website. Much to my delight, I discovered that we could save around $50 per night, depending on our date of arrival, by booking through the HotelReservations.com website. Even with the addition of the Stress Relief package, we're still saving $50. I, for one, like to get more bang for my buck. After all, they don't call me the Cheap Gourmet for nothing!

If you're looking to get away for the weekend, think about heading off to a Bed and Breakfast. There is an incredible aura surrounding these places. Most are transformed from grand historic homes and carriage houses. It's like stepping back in time.

I'm certain I'll be writing a review on the Gaslight Inn and can't wait to share the experience with you. I desperately need a vacation and am anxiously awaiting being served breakfast in bed!

Vegetarian Chickpea Burgers

In light of the recent massive beef recall, many people are seriously considering becoming a Vegetarian. I'm one of them. In fact, I was a Vegetarian for several years. It wasn't until I met my husband that I converted back to a meat and potatoes kind of girl. But, the more I hear and learn about tainted meat, the less I desire to eat it.

As you may recall, several years ago I worked as a chef for a health food store. One of our most popular dishes was known as a Nut Burger. Made from a variety of nuts and shaped into patties, these burgers are packed with protein, essential fatty acids and they taste amazingly delicious.

My favorite way to serve them is on a lightly toasted whole wheat sesame seed bun with Dijon mustard and pickle slices. Just as with a regular hamburger, you can top Nut Burgers with your favorite condiments including mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, pickles and even cheese.

While I no longer have the recipe for the Original Nut Burgers, I have created one that is similar and tastes nearly identical to the ones we sold at the health food store. These are made using chickpeas, also known as Garbanzo beans. For best results, these burgers should be cooked on the grill or under a broiler. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

CHICKPEA BURGERS
Serves 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10-14 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

2 small Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 teaspoon Sunflower or Extra Virgin Olive Oil
6 medium Green Onions (or Scallions), white and green parts cut into 1-inch strips
1 15-ounce can Chickpeas (Garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
1/2 cup Ketchup
1/4 cup Sunflower seeds, toasted and ground into a coarse powder in spice grinder or blender
1-1/2 cups plain Bread Crumbs
Sea Salt (to taste)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add 3 to 4 inches of water to a large saucepan. Add potatoes to a steamer basket, cover and bring water to a boil. Cook until tender, 15 to 18 minutes.
2. Drain potatoes and transfer to a small bowl. Mash with a fork.
3. Transfer 1-1/2 cups mashed potatoes to the workbowl of a food processor.
4. Heat oil in small skillet over medium heat. Add scallions and cook until limp, 3 to 5 minutes.
5. Add scallions, chickpeas, ketchup, and ground sunflower seeds to food processor. Pulse on and off several times until ingredients are well blended.
6. Transfer mixture from food processor to large bowl. Add bread crumbs. Mix by hand using a large spoon until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
7. Season with salt to taste. Mixture will be moist, but should hold together well.
8. Divide and shape mixture into eight patties approximately 3-inches across and 1/2-inch thick. Add extra bread crumbs if patties don't hold their shape.
9. Prepare grill or preheat broiler.
10. If using a grill, place patties on vegetable grid to avoid sticking. If using the broiler, place patties on a broiler pan or large cookie sheet lined with lightly oiled piece of aluminum foil.
11. Grill over medium-hot coals or broil 3 to 6 inches from heat until lightly browned, approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side.
12. Check often to prevent burning. Remove from heat. Transfer to serving platter and serve with favorite toppings and condiments.