Julie & Julia Round-Up {Food 'n Flix}

One of my favorite movies, that I never tire of watching, is Julie & Julia.  There is just so much for me to love about this movie like food, cooking, a food blogger, and an American expat living abroad.  That is why I chose as last month's selection for Food n' Flix.  And after seeing all of the dishes this movie inspired, I love the movie even more.  

Here are the recipes inspired by Julie & Julia...

Debra at Eliot Eats baked up these beautiful Brioche Rolls.

Inspired by one of my favorite scenes with Meryl Streep, Jane Lynch, and Stanley Tucci, Girlichef made this creamy, light, and frothy Beurre Blanc, with a slight tangy-ness.

Tina from Squirrel Head Manor had visions of butter, mushroom, and wine after watching Julia & Julia and turned them into Coq au Vin.

Speaking of Coq Au Vin, Elizabeth from The Law Student's Cookbook shares her recipe for a Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin and includes two ways to serve it.

Francesca from Burro e Zucchero teaches us how to make our own Mayonnaise, one of the first recipes Julia Child shared with her good friend Avis DeVoto.

Deb from Kahakai Kitchen made this delicious Garlic Soup flavored with saffron and potatoes.  

Because Julia proclaimed at her birthday party that Braised Cucumbers are a Revelation, Camilla from Culinary Adventures with Camilla made Sole Meunière et Concombre au Beurre (with Braised Cucumbers).

I made French Onion Soup with a Mexican Twist (tequila!) after watching Julia Child chop a whole lotta onions.

For more Food 'n Flix fun, join us this month as we cook along with Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory, hosted by Sarah at Well Dined.

08 December 2012

Julie & Julia Round-Up {Food 'n Flix}

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Julie & Julia {Food 'n Flix Announcement}

I am SO excited about Food 'n Flix this month!  One, because I'm hosting.  And two, because the movie I've chosen is Julie & Julia, starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.  Maybe you've heard of it.

I absolutely LOVE (and adore) this movie!

There are just so many elements in this movie that I identify with.

On one hand we have  Julia Child (played by Meryl Streep), who before she was THE Julia Child, was just an American expat living in Paris, immersing herself in the culture, learning the language, and mastering the art of French cooking.

And on the other hand we have Julie Powell (played by Amy Adams), a frustrated writer turned "pencil pushing bureaucrat", who turns her love of cooking into a highly successful food blog by cooking her way through Julia Child's masterpiece, Mastering the Art of French Cooking.

But the real star of this movie is the food!  Fabulously rich and exquisite French food that I can't help but crave (and drool over) every time I watch this movie: Beef Bourguignonne, Artichokes in Hollandaise sauce, Chocolate Layer Cake, Raspberry Bavarian Cream, Bruschetta, and Apple Tarte Tatin, just to name a few.

Ooh. La. La!

So, who wants to try there hand at French cuisine and cook alongside me, Julie & Julia this month?



How to Participate:

1. Watch the chosen film (Julie & Julia). Taking inspiration from the film, head into the kitchen and cook or bake or make something.

2. Post about it on your blog with a link back to THIS post and a link to Food 'n Flix. Use of the logo is optional.

3. Your post must be current (during month of film). And of course we don't mind if your post is linked to other events...the more the merrier.

4. Have fun with it!

5. Email your entries to me at: leslielimon@lacocinadeleslie.com and include:

~Your name
~Your blog's name
~The name of your dish and the permalink to the specific post you're submitting
~Attach a photo of any size (or just give me permission to "pull" one from your post)
~Indicate "Food 'n Flix Submission" in the subject line

Deadline for submission is: Wednesday, November 28th (11:59 pm Eastern)
*watch for the roundup to be posted on November 30th!

01 November 2012

Julie & Julia {Food 'n Flix Announcement}

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Last Holiday Recipe Round-Up {Food 'n Flix}

I'm so happy that I was able to host Food 'n Flix once again, and to share one of my favorite feel-good movies, Last Holiday.  Now it's time to round-up all of the delicious recipes that some of my foodie friends were inspired to make after watching this movie.

The first dish that we see Georgia (Queen Latifah) cook is a recipe by Emeril Lagasse.  That is what inspired Elizabeth from The Law Student's Cookbook,  to try her hand at one of Emeril's recipes, this hearty Beef Stew.

Tina at Life in the Slow Lane at Squirrel Head Manor prepared Bananas Foster in a decadent, buttery, Brandy sauce.

Deb from Kahakai Kitchen also made Bananas Foster, but she turned them into a Thick Bananas Foster Shake.  With salty caramel to line the glass, and coconut milk and ice cream, for a tropical touch, you would never guess that this was dairy-free.

 "...In the spirit of turning possibilities into realities...and living like you were dying...and not being so afraid of living...", Girlichef offers us these sweet and indulgant Meyer Lemon Curd Brioche Crescents.

And lastly, my contribution...  I prepare this Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelet), because if I learned I only had 3 weeks to live, I would want to fulfill my lifelong dream of traveling to Spain, and feasting on all of the yummy tapas available.

For more Food 'n Flix fun, be sure to visit Spabettie, who is hosting this month's flick, "Big Night".

04 April 2012

Last Holiday Recipe Round-Up {Food 'n Flix}

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Food 'n Flix: Last Holiday

I had so much fun hosting Food 'n Flix back in December, I pretty much begged Girlichef (the mastermind behind this genius idea) to let me host again this month.  The movie I've chosen is  Last Holiday , starring Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Timothy Hutton, and Gérard Depardieu.

Queen Latifah stars as shy, unassuming Georgia Byrd, who after learning she only has 3 weeks to live, starts to live the life she's always dreamed of.   Along the way, Georgia befriends Chef Didier (played by Depardieu) who reveals the real secret of life..."Butter!"

Last Holiday is a heart-warming, feel-good movie that reminds us to "love more, laugh more and not be so afraid."

Did I mention that there's food involved?  There's all kinds of yummy, deliciousness to tempt and inspire you.  Everything from New Orleans-style Gumbo to Poulet Tchoupitoulas to Bananas Foster.   All of the food in the film was provided by Food Network chefs.  And there's even an appearance by one of my favorite celebrity chefs....Emeril Lagasse!




How to Participate:
1. Watch the chosen film, Last Holiday.  Taking inspiration from the film, head into the kitchen and cook or bake or make something.

2. Post about it on your blog with a link back to THIS post and a link to Food 'n Flix  (Use of the logo is optional.)

3. Your must post must be current (during month of film). And of course we don't mind if your post is linked to other events...the more the merrier.

4. Have fun with it!

5. Email your entries to me at: leslielimon@lacocinadeleslie.com and be sure to include: 

                     ~Your name
                     ~Your blog's name and URL
                     ~The name of your dish and the permalink to the specific post you're submitting
                     ~Attach a photo of any size (or just give me permission to "pull" one from your post)
                     ~Indicate "Food 'n Flix Submission" in the subject line

    Deadline for submission is: March 29th (2012) 

*watch for the roundup to be posted on March 30th!

05 March 2012

Food 'n Flix: Last Holiday

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Food 'N Flix: Eat. Pray. Love. {Spaghetti al Pomodoro}

For Food 'n Flix this month (January), hosted by The Law Student's Cookbook, the movie was Eat. Pray. Love.



For me, this was all the excuse I needed to finally finish watching this movie in its entirety.  I started to watch it when it was released here on DVD, but just when Julia Robert's character was arriving in India, company came over.  I don't remember what else happened that day, but for some reason I never finished the movie.

I love a good chick flick.  I'm a huge Julia Roberts fan.  And this movie was directed by Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy.  (I ♥ Glee!)  On paper, this should have been the perfect movie for me.  But the truth is, and I hope you won't hold it against me, I wasn't crazy about this movie.  (I wasn't all that crazy about the book either.)

Don't get me wrong.  There were parts I loved.  Hello, Javier Bardem!  But my favorite part was the whole Italy experience.  I would love to visit Italy.  Even though I'm pretty sure I'd never want to leave.  I'd love to learn the language.  But most of all, I would love to surround myself with all of that glorious food.  Aside from Mexican food, it's one of my all-time favorite cuisines.

That's why, before I even sat down to watch the movie, I headed into the kitchen to prepare a simple, yet absolutely satisfying Spaghetti al Pomodoro.  Pomodoro is the Italian word for tomato.  So this dish is really just spaghetti in a simple tomato sauce.  But it sounds so much nicer in Italian.  And I'm pretty sure it's what Julia Roberts is eating in the  trailer above. (1:48)

If you like dinner and a movie, then you should join us for Food 'n Flix next month, hosted by Deb at Kahakai Kitchen.  The movie is one of my favorites...My Big Fat Greek Wedding!

Spaghetti al Pomodoro

Ingredients:

• 6 to 8 oz. spaghetti  (I used 200gr.) 
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
• 6 Roma tomatoes
• 1/2 medium onion (optional) 
• 1 to 2 cloves garlic
• Fresh basil
• Red Pepper flakes

Directions:
Cook the spaghetti according to package directions in a pot of boiling water.  While the spaghetti is cooking, chop the tomatoes, onion and garlic.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.  (I used my Chile de Arbol Olive Oil for extra flavor.)  Stir in the chopped tomatoes, onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper.  Traditional Pomodoro sauce doesn't include onions.  But I love the added flavor and texture they bring to the dish.

Reduce heat to low and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are completely cooked.  At this point, you can puree the sauce with an immersion blender OR if you're like me and you like a chunky sauce with bits of tomato, just mash the tomatoes with the back of a large serving spoon.

Drain the spaghetti, reserving a little of the cooking water in case your tomato sauce is too thick.  Toss the spaghetti with the sauce.  Season with salt (if needed) and red pepper flakes.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.  Enjoy!!!

*I apologize for some of the bright pictures.  I'm still adjusting to working with the new light fixture in my kitchen and I was forced to use my camera's flash. I am just so happy to have electricity once again!  



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28 January 2012

Food 'N Flix: Eat. Pray. Love. {Spaghetti al Pomodoro}

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Food n' Flix: Simply Irresistible Round-Up

Are you ready for more Simply Irresistible recipes?  It's time to round-up the recipes inspired by the Food n' Flix movie of the month, Simply Irresistible, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Sean Patrick Flannery.

Deb, from Kahakai Kitchen, prepared these stunning Rose & Vanilla Tea Pots de Créme.  A truly spectacular and breathtaking dessert.  I can only imagine how incredible the kitchen must smell while making this.  (Swoon!) 

Girlichef made the one thing I crave most whenever I watch this movie: Caramel Eclair Thingies.  Delicate shells of Pâte à Choux, filled with a luxurious Caramel Pastry Cream.  So simply irresistible, I bet you can't eat just one.   Ay. Dios. Mio!

Sandra, who lives in Cabo San Lucas, doesn't have a blog, joined in on the fun and made this crisp, golden Tarte au Poire (Pear Tart).  Maybe Sandra can be convinced to share the recipe with me, so I can share it with all of you.

And last, but definitely not least, is my contribution:  A rich and creamy Mexican Hot Chocolate Flan.

A big thank you to all who participated.  For more Food n' Flix fun, head to the website for details.  Girlichef is hosting Food n' Flix this month and the movie is Christmas in Connecticut.

09 December 2011

Food n' Flix: Simply Irresistible Round-Up

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Simply Irresistible Mexican Hot Chocolate Flan

How do you spell romance?  I spell it F-L-A-N!

For my Simply Irresistible inspired Food n' Flix dish, I made a Mexican Hot Chocolate Flan that is rich, creamy and well, simply irresistible.

What I like most about Simply Irresistible is how Amanda's (Sarah Michelle Gellar) feelings are expressed through her cooking, whether it be love, sadness, or stunned silence.  And that's exactly what I wanted to recreate.  Something that would express my love and appreciation for my wonderful Hubby.  Things have been incredibly hectic in the shop lately, hence my absence from Blogland, and we both desperately needed a relaxing (and romantic) night to take our minds off work.

Worked like a charm!

Nothing says romance like 1 Flan and 2 spoons!

Simply Irresistible Mexican Hot Chocolate Flan

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
• 1 tablet Mexican chocolate (Abuelita or Ibarra brand)
• 1/2 cup Cajeta (or caramel sauce) 
• 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
• 3 eggs

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F.

Chop the Mexican chocolate tablet into medium pieces.

In a small saucepan, heat the evaporated milk over medium heat until very warm.  (Do NOT boil!)  Pour the warm milk over the chocolate and let set a couple of minutes until the chocolate begins to melt.

Stir with a spoon or wire whisk to completely dissolve the chocolate.

Pour the cajeta in the bottom of a 9-inch cake pan, tilting to coat the bottom of pan; set aside.  (I like to bake my flan in a shallow cake pan, so there is less chance of it breaking when I flip it over to serve.) 

In a blender cup, combine the evaporated milk with chocolate, the sweetened condensed milk and the eggs.  Puree until smooth.  Carefully pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared cake pan.

Place the cake pan inside a larger cake pan and fill the larger cake pan with about 1-inch of hot water.    (This is called a water bath or Bain Marie aka Baño Maria.)

Bake for about 45 minutes or until the very center of the flan is only slightly jiggly.

Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.  Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

To serve, place a serving plate, face-down on top of the flan.  Grabbing both the serving plate and the baking dish, gently flip the flan over; remove baking pan.

Enjoy!!!

*If you're participating in Food n' Flix with me this month, be sure to email me at leslielimon@lacocinadeleslie.com so I can include you in the round-up tomorrow. 

 

03 December 2011

Simply Irresistible Mexican Hot Chocolate Flan

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Food 'n Flix: Simply Irresistible

How would you like to join me for dinner and a movie?  Or maybe a midnight snack?  Well this month is your chance to do just that, because it's my turn to host Food 'n Flix.  


Every month, the host of Food 'n Flix chooses a food related movie to watch.  Everyone interested, watches the movie, then heads into the kitchen to cook up something delicious, inspired by the movie.  


For this month's movie, I have chosen Simply Irresistible, a quirky romantic comedy starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Sean Patrick Flannery.  It's kind of like a modern day Like Water for Chocolate, in that everything Amanda (Gellar) feels, channels through the food she prepares and to whoever eats it.  




How to Participate:
1. Watch the chosen film, Simply Irresistible.  Taking inspiration from the film, head into the kitchen and cook or bake or make something.


2. Post about it on your blog with a link back to THIS post and a link to Food 'n Flix.  Use of the logo is optional.


3. You must post must be current (during month of film). And of course we don't mind if your post is linked to other events...the more the merrier.


4. Have fun with it!


5. Email your entries to me at: leslielimon@lacocinadeleslie.com and be sure to include: 


                     ~Your name
                     ~Your blog's name and URL
                     ~The name of your dish and the permalink to the specific post you're submitting
                     ~Attach a photo of any size (or just give me permission to "pull" one from your post)
                     ~Indicate "Food 'n Flix Submission" in the subject line

    Deadline for submission is: November 30th (2011) 

*watch for the roundup to be posted shortly after this deadline!

 

05 November 2011

Food 'n Flix: Simply Irresistible

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