My dad's birthday is on Friday, and instead of baking him a cake I'm making a big bowl of rice pudding. He's currently all about foods that remind him of the old days — life before I became a raging foodie maniac — meatloaf, chicken in a bag, hard shelled tacos, etc. That's why I thought a classic dessert would be a lovely treat. A candle will fit nicely on top of a mound of sweet, creamy rice flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, and sugar. Pair all of that with a happy birthday song and I'm sure he'll call it a great birthday. To make this soothing dessert for your loved ones, read more

Isn't it the worst when you chop veggies or grate cheese, and your cutting board slides all over the counter? This happens to me all the time, especially when I'm using a plastic cutting board that was warped in the dishwasher. Luckily my handsome buddy Javi showed me what he does to stop slippage and promote perfectly uniform dices.

• Wet a paper towel in the sink.
• Place on the counter in the area where you will be doing the food preparation.
• Put the cutting board on top of the paper towel to secure in place.

Voila, happy chopping!!

Note: This works best with plastic cutting boards. While it works well for wooden cutting boards, if the towel is constantly too wet, you run the risk of warping the wood after many uses.

A new restaurant called "The Company" is moving into the Luxor hotel in Las Vegas. While I can't tell you who's going to be at the executive chef helm, I can tell you who's behind the idea: Wilmer Valderrama, Nick Lachey and Nicky Hilton.

In a recent interview with People magazine, Valderrama said that The Company is going to have a special vibe and flavor, especially created for Las Vegas.

"There's a lot of great restaurants in Vegas, but this is exciting because it's a different branding, kind of next generation type things."

When asked why he was partnering with Lachey and Hilton, Valderrama stated that the opportunity was just right.

"Nick and I started talking about doing some stuff together, and Nicky's always been really sweet. Then we started talking to ... PURE [nightclub] management, and they gave me the opportunity to be part of this one."

The eatery is set to open in a few months, and I'm curious to see what will make it "next generation." Until then, I want to know, what do you think of the celebrity-turned-restauranteur trend?

Source: People

HBO's Flight of the Conchords has to be one of my favorite new shows. Each episode contains several spoof songs, and are always hilarious. The season just ended, but the songs are living on in my head. Recently I couldn't get the song, "I'm Not Cryin'" out of my head. Especially the line where Brett says, "I'm making a lasagna... for one."

All week long my thoughts have been plagued with individual lasagnas. No matter what I did, I couldn't get it out of my head. Over and over and over again, "I'm making a lasagna..." I think the only way I'll be able to get this song out of my head is to make myself a lasagna for one.

To check out the full video clip (lasagna line appears around 1:35), AND get a recipe for an individual sized lasagna, read more

• What makes a naturally gifted cook? Several home cooks let you in on their secrets. Plus, SF institution A. Sabella's is closing, and on the other side of town, Whole Foods opens a new "lifestyle" store. - San Francisco Chronicle



• Once a niche product for wine connoisseurs, Riedel wine glasses have found their way to Target stores. - Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune
• Just because a restaurant is wheelchair accessible, doesn't mean it's wheelchair hospitable. - New York Times
• Move over lettuce, seaweed is the new "it" salad veg. - Chicago Tribune
• In a post-Google world, it's almost impossible to be anonymous. Restaurant critics can't stay unidentifiable, so they're turning the tables and blowing their own covers. - Los Angeles Times
• The Washington area is blooming with independent bakeries all vying for your nose, tastebuds and dollars. - Washington Post



• It's not a new idea, but I always love it when grilled cheese grows up. - Houston Chronicle
• Looking for more Rosh Hashanah ideas? This pastry chef shares her recipes and memories. - Miami Herald
• And finally to end the news on a sweet (but tart) note, here are six elegant and easy lemony desserts. - Dallas News

Last week, while in Spain, I helped my buddies plan a concert and after party. The main event was the concert, but after the show we chowed down on a delicious cheesy stuffed pork appetizer and a hearty rabbit arroz — a dish that is similar to a paella. I spoke with Javi, the sous chef who created the pork rolls, and he gave me both of the recipes! These dishes would work wonderfully at a Spanish themed dinner. To see how they are made, read more

The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah begins tonight at sundown. Although it is a time for introspection and soul-searching, it is also a happy day. Once the holiday prayer service is completed, a kiddush is said and a festive meal is eaten. Many foods are symbolic, such as apples dipped into honey which represent a sweet new year. The folks at About.com rounded up the symbolic meaning for other Rosh Hashanah food:

Round Challah
The round shape symbolizes a perfect year to come. Sometimes raisins or honey are added to make it extra sweet.

Apples and Honey
Dip the apples in honey to symbolize a sweet year to come.

Head of Fish or Gefilte ("filled") Fish
Fish is an ancient symbol of fertility and abundance. The head of fish symbolizes the head of the New Year. The head also symbolizes hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteous acts.

Head of Lamb, Sweet Chicken or Meat Dish
Head of lamb symbolizes our hope that the Jewish people will lead other nations through their righteousness. The sweet entree symbolizes our wish for a sweet year.

Tzimmes
Tzimmes is an eastern European recipe for honey baked carrots. The Yiddish word "meren" means carrots and to increase. Carrots symbolize our hope that we increase our good deeds in the coming year. Some tzimmes recipes add prunes, sweet potatoes or even meat to the sweet carrots.

Spinach
Spinach symbolizes a green year with plenty of produce.

To learn about more symbolic Rosh Hashanah food, read more

Last week I saw that Tartelette went out and baked some delicious looking doughnuts. When I read her post I knew immediately — if not sooner — that I had found my next baking project. The recipe comes from another respected food blogger, so I knew I couldn't go wrong.

A packet of yeast and a few hours later, YumJimmy and I were noshing down on delicious baked doughnuts. The recipe has definitely got to be healthier than fried dough, but don't trick yourself too much, they're still dipped in butter and rolled in sugar. Or if you feel like it, go ahead and trick yourself, they're definitely worth it!

To get the recipe and see my step-by-step pics, read more