7.29.2009

The Magic (Taco) Bus

Photo Courtesy of Jessica (Pickles) Faulk, my friend and co-worker.

This summer I am living in Sherman and to break the monotony of chain restaurants, my friend Sarah and I made a pact to try all the local eateries which we never before dared to enter. One of which included the locally acclaimed "taco bus", yes you read correctly this fantastic fare is found inside a school bus. Upon pulling into the parking lot, shared with the liquor store next door, we saw a sign that "open, come inside." I won't lie, I almost did not dare to enter this uncharted territory. But with Sarah's encouragement, I went up the stairs of the bus and to my surprise found the most delightful restaurant inside. Where seats used to be, were counters so that patrons could look out the window while eating authentic Mexican dishes. In the back of the bus is the kitchen, where I eagerly placed my order for a chicken burrito, they asked if I wanted green sauce, to which my answer is always, "YES!" I sat in a chair, staring out into the abyss of liquor store patrons which passed by the window with their brown bags while I waited anxiously, for about 5 minutes. Sooner than I expected, my order was complete and I hardly believed the bag that was being handed to me was mine, the burrito was 18" long! We quickly paid for our food, ($6 a piece!) and left the bus to rush home and eat, to our delight the burrito was absolutely scrumptious! It was made with fresh ingredients, and huge, large enough for two meals, with green sauce. The green sauce deserves its own place on the menu, it comes in a small baggie which is not the most accessible for putting on burritos, but I soon discovered why it was packaged as such. Fire erupted on my palate, the green sauce is only for those accustomed to eating particularly spicy mexican fare or those prepared to dose their mouths with water. In short, don't judge a bus by its outer shell, for it may prove to be a ride full of delectable flavor.

7.23.2009

The Most Versatile of All Fruits



Tomatoes. Some hate these red, under appreciated fruits/veggies, however, there is more than meets the skin of this juicy crimson delight. Whether it is through the vein of ketchup, raw to compliment a main course or my personal Southern favorite, fried green tomatoes, almost everyone inevitably has tasted a tomato. However, new studies have shown that the lycopene found in tomatoes can also be good for the skin. I recently read that applying a undiluted tomato paste as a mask, once a week for 5 minutes, can actually improve your skin. Apparently, tomatoes are number one when it comes to anti-aging products. Another beauty tip of the friendly tomato: restoring natural hair color after multiple trips to a chlorinated pool. Simply use undiluted tomato juice, apply to hair, wait five minutes and rinse. Who knew that there was more to tomatoes than just ketchup?

BBQ Bacon Cheddar Roastburger


For many years I have discriminated against Arby's on the unfounded belief that the chain was gross. Any food establishment that claims fake cheese sauce as a main condiment could not be worth my time. Well yesterday, I was proven wrong, I went to Arby's on the pretense of getting a free roastburger with the purchase of a small drink. I figured the worst that could happen was I would not enjoy it, or I would die, but that latter was not very likely. Plus, I had been secretly wanting to try the roastburger, but refused to admit it (until now) and would not pay for it. Now was my opportunity, Arby's Wednesday deals allowed me to literally have my roastburger and eat it too... for free! After ordering my drink, the person at the window asked which kind of roastburger I would like for free, BBQ Bacon Cheddar, All-American and Bacon & Bleu. Since I was with Brooke and Kate, we each selected a different one so that we could try them all.



Conclusion to this epic food excursion: bleu was by far the best, all-american is for those who want a mayo-covered burger but don't want the fried, gresy patty and finally, the bbq bacon cheddar tasted like a bar-b-que sandwich complete with sauce and even dill pickles.

7.20.2009

A Certain Bleu Hue


Tonight on the food network, one of my favorite shows "Unwrapped" featured blue foods. I found one segment particularly grabbed my attention, it described the process from which springs one of the most pungent of stinky cheeses. The middle child of the cheese world. The unloved, misunderstood bleu. Many dismiss this stinky cheese purely on the basis of the smell, strange coloring and unfortunate reputation which inevitably follows. Well, if you are one of those misguided souls, I encourage you to try bleu; because bleu cheese is one of those foods you eat and instantly fall in love with or immediately regret putting into your mouth. While stinky, its bleu flavor envelops your mouth and provides a delicious, creamy sensation unlike most others in the cheese family. Bleu can be paired with wonderful aromatic fruits, wines and various meats to bring out subtle flavors. So, in short this is my advocacy on behalf of the under-appreciated bleu. Try something new, try bleu.

The Best Hot Sauce Known to Man (or at least me)


It is a common misconception that Frank's RedHot is the best hot sauce. Many love it's spicy taste and versatile uses, it is great for dipping, topping and flavoring just about any dish. Even the fast food chain Jack in the Box has jumped on the band wagon by featuring this hot sauce on their new mini chicken buffalo ranch sandwiches. However, I disagree with all of these people; they just have not discovered the dazzling hot flavor of Valentina Hot Sauce. Coming in at a mere .79 cents, these bottles pack a punch of flavor and are particularly delicious when accompanied by Lays Baked Chips. You can find this hot sauce in any major grocery store, next to the other hot sauces. So I recommend jumping off the wagon and onto the flavor-town train. Plus, if you don't enjoy it, you have spent less than 80 cents, I have more change than that in my couch cushions. Don't deny it, until you try it!

7.18.2009

Heavenly Peanut Butter Dream Bars














Photo from Cook Yourself Thin


I have found heaven on earth, in the form of "Cook Yourself Thin" peanut butter dream bars. The bars are surprisingly easy to make and absolutely delicious. I purchased this "Cook Yourself Thin" cookbook in the effort to drop a dress size while still eating the foods I love; which is the motto of the book. One of the only problems I encountered while making this delectable dessert, after of course checking the ingredients list and purchasing the lacking items. Naturally, I did not read how to make these bars so when it came time to use an electric mixer, which of course, I don't own, I came to the realization that I would have to whip the cream cheese myself. I bought the silly book because it advertised simple, low calorie recipes and so I assumed that I would not need any real kitchen tools, wow was I wrong. Instead of the 7 minutes on high power it would have taken me to mix the ingredients, I had to whip them myself. It was then I realized how spoiled technological gadgets have made me. But besides this mishap, the dream bars were delicious, and were (mostly) made with ingredients that I found in my cabinet and fridge already. So wish me luck cooking myself thin!

Pros: Delicious dessert, simple to make, low in calories

Cons: Lack of pre-reading before attempting to make the bars, lack of electric mixer, soreness from hand whipping ingredients

7.17.2009

Pickled Picayune











For my first entry, I thought I would properly introduce myself as a lover of all things food-esque. I chose "Pickled Picayune" as the title of this literary endeavor because it is the antithesis of my food preferences. I rather enjoy pickles, dill are my personal favorite to say the least. Pickles are so versatile, they can be served at dinner parties, are an excellent accessory to cheeseburgers; they can even stand alone in appetizers such as fried pickles! I am even an advocated of pickle and peanut butter sandwiches (sounds wierd but I swear it is delicious). Don't knock it until you try it, you might actually like it.