There are a gazillion versions of this recipe floating around on the internet, so I know I’m not publishing anything novel here, but these sweet treats hold a special place in my heart and memory, so I figure they deserve a place on my blog. In fact, these cookies have been a part of my life for probably longer than I can remember them being a part of my life.
After I posted a photo of them on Instagram yesterday, my cousin Lori commented “Seems like Aunt Nell had these waiting for me every day after kindergarten! They were the best!”
When Lori was in kindergarten, I was a wee babe. Actually, it’s likely that I wasn’t even eating solid foods yet. It’s also very likely that this may have been the first dessert (besides fruit) I ever ate. Just speculating of course….
I do know they are one of the few foods that I vividly remember from my childhood. I’ll never forget the smell of the chocolate as it bubbled in the saucepan on the stove. Or how I burned my tongue more than a few times because I was overeager to get the hot, buttery mixture into my mouth. I can still recall the vision of my mom dropping the gooey masses onto the wax paper on the counter. And I definitely remember how happy they made me.
Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
Yields 18-24
Ingredients:
2 cups granulated white sugar
6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
3 cups Old Fashioned Quaker Oats
Optional:
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Directions:
Combine sugar, cocoa, butter and milk in saucepan, bring to a boil. Add vanilla extract.
Remove from heat and add oats (and other optional ingredients). Stir well.
Drop by spoonfuls onto parchment or wax paper and allow to cool.
You’ll notice I’ve got a couple of “optional” ingredients in my recipe. My mom never added these – she’s a purist. But her daughter is a little more adventurous, so sometimes I give them a little twist. Peanut Butter can also be added (1/2 cup will do).
Did you happen to catch the exciting news I shared a couple of weeks ago about celebrity chef and Chopped judge Maneet Chauhan opening a restaurant in Nashville? If you didn’t, click that link now and read all about it. No doubt it my mind that it’s going to be awesome with a capital A.
Seriously you guys. If I’m not careful, this post could turn out to be the longest one in the history of my blog because I have SO MUCH I want to say. I promise I’ll try to keep the gushing under control.
Maybe I should start by telling you that I’m a huge fan of Chopped. You’d think because I am just a tab bit obsessed with food that I watch a lot of food-related television, but that’s actually not the case. Sure, I haven’t yet missed a season of Top Chef, but other than that, the only culinary entertainment that can keep me in my seat for hours on end is Chopped. (Side note: the show is currently casting in Nashville if you’re interested in trying out.)
So the fact that I got to talk on the phone with Maneet, one of my favorite judges from Chopped, is pretty darn cool. After my gazillion questions about the show, the new restaurant, and what she really thinks about Nashville (“people are so nice” and “it was love at first sight!”), we moved on to the topic that was really the whole reason behind our call, her soon-to-be-released cookbook, Flavors of My World. I should probably note that a couple of weeks before I spoke with Maneet, I actually talked to Doug Singer, her co-author, as he’s the one that reached out to me via email regarding their upcoming book tour. He’s awesome. It may be hard to tell much about a person over the phone (or maybe it’s not? maybe it’s better to only hear their voice kind of like The Voice?), but within the first few seconds of talking, I liked him.
Apparently Maneet felt the same way when she first met him, because when I asked how they ended up working together on this project, she said she just happened to meet Doug at a celebrity chef event, and they just “clicked”. A while later, she told him about the cookbook idea she’d had floating around in her head, but she wanted someone to help her write it…and the rest is history. She cooked. He wrote. And now their cookbook is about to hit the stores and they’re embarking on a 21-city book tour. Which does, in fact, include Music City.
Geisha Kamasutra Cocktail from Flavors of My World, photography by Quentin Bacon
Flavors of My World: A Culinary Tour Through 25 Countries is…. more than I can put into words. It’s interesting, it’s beautiful, it’s fascinating, it’s unique. And it is full of not only incredible food, but also cocktails. Lots and lots of cocktails! Yes, this is certainly my kind of book.
From the sake based Geisha Kamasutra shown above to the Spicy Coconut Ouzo – a Greek inspired drink with coconut milk, ginger, serrano chile, lime and ouzo- I’m feeling the need to host an Around the World party and make every. single. one.
I’ll attempt to explain the concept of Flavors of My World. Think global fusion cuisine. There are 25 different countries represented, each with a personal story, and all recipes have been given Maneet’s Indian twist. It’s fun to read, and once I actually make a few of the dishes, I’m certain that I’ll be able to say it makes for delightful eating too!
On my short list: Moroccan tagine chana masala on couscous and Malai chicken hot dogs (a nod to the U.S.).
Chicken Tandoori Banh Mi from Flavors of My World, photography by Quentin Bacon
Now, for info on the tour, making its stop in Nashville next week!
What:
Exclusive Dinner with Maneet Chauahn
When:
April 23rd, 2013
6 p.m.
Where:
Anthem
125 12th Ave North
Nashville, TN 37203
Seating is limited for what is sure to be an amazing culinary experience. Tickets are $90 per person and include a signed copy of Flavors of My World. The event will begin with a cocktail hour, followed by a four-course meal. Tickets are available by calling 615-800-9712 or by visiting the event ticket site.
Pa Doi Pots de Creme from Flavors of My World, photography by Quentin Bacon
Can’t make it to that dinner but still want to meet Maneet and get a cookbook signed? No problem! There’s another opportunity:
What:
Flavors of My World Book Signing
When:
April 24th, 2013
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where:
Whole Foods
4021 Hillsboro Pike
Nashville 37215
If you aren’t in Nashville, click here for a full list of the tour cities.
And last but not least, if you don’t happen to live in any of the places the tour will hit, or if you just can’t make it out to one of those events, never fear. You’ve got a chance to score one of the cookbooks right here!
That’s right, one of my lucky readers is going to win a copy of Flavors of My World.
~Contest Closed~
Congratulations
#22 Sarah Worley!
All you have to do is this:
Mandatory
1. Leave a comment telling me the best or most interesting ethnic dish you’ve ever eaten. Were you in that country, here in Nashville or some other city in the U.S.? Maybe you even made it yourself at home! Do tell.
Optional
For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.
2. Follow me on Twitter (@betheats) and tweet “Win a copy of Chopped judge Maneet Chauhan’s soon-to-be released Flavors of My World cookbook from @betheats! http://bit.ly/175lSwB ” then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.
3. Like Eat.Drink.Smile. on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case!)
Contest ends on Tuesday, April 23rd at 11 pm CDT. Once the winner is chosen, I’ll make contact via email and post the name here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, I’ll be forced to choose another, so be sure to check your email!
Otaku South is undoubtedly one of the stars of the Nashville pop-up scene. I’ve been hearing raves about Sarah Gavigan’s roaming ramen shop from friends for several months now, and after a mention in Food & Wine magazine, then a special appearance at Catbird Seat, I’ve certainly been feeling like I’m missing out by not having attended one myself.
So I was excited to hear about this weekend’s Otaku South on steroids – Otaku South EXTRA LARGE!
Along with Sarah’s local team, there will be special guest chefs from around the country serving up their own distinctive styles of ramen as well as assorted yakitori skewers. Choices, choices – how will I ever decide?!
What:
Otaku South EXTRA LARGE
with special guests
Guy Wong – Miso Izakaya, Atlanta
Akiko Moorman – The Gohan Society, New York
Phillip Foss – El Ideas, Chicago
Dennis Lange – Den-Chan, Atlanta
There will be live music in addition to all the incredible food. Admission to the event itself is free, but you’ll need to buy food tickets if you want to eat (and really, why wouldn’t you??). Each ticket is $12 and can be redeemed for one of the food items offered at EXTRA LARGE. To purchase tickets and learn more about the event, visit the Otaku South website.
Now for some even more exciting news- Sarah is letting me give away tickets to TWO of my lucky readers! Both of the winners will get a set of 2 food tickets to be used at the event.
~Contest Closed~
Congratulations to the winners!
#4 Amy Williams
#26 Ivan
All you have to do is this:
Mandatory
1. Leave a comment describing your best ever ramen experience. If you’ve never had ramen, no worries. Just tell me how much you’d love to eat a big bowl of Otaku South’s!
Optional
For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.
2. Follow me on Twitter (@betheats) and tweet “Live EXTRA LARGE this weekend with @betheats! Win 2 tickets to the @OtakuSouth Event! http://bit.ly/ZkVtZf ” then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.
3. Like Otaku South on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case!)
Contest ends on Tuesday, April 16th at 9 p.m. CST. Once the winners are chosen, I’ll make contact via email and post the names here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, I’ll be forced to choose others, so be sure to check your email!
The week is here. Savor Nashville happens this Friday and Saturday! Friday night at Union Station Hotel looks to be great fun as some of the best chefs in Nashville (including some of my food truck favorites) will battle it out in the Challenge to the Chefs.
Saturday night is the Celebrity Chef dinner at Hutton Hotel, and I got a sneak peek at the menu, so I wanted to share with you. It looks absolutely amazing~
1st course –
Charles Phillips, 1808 Grille shaved purple brussels sprout, asparagus, apricot and seared honey comb, rhubarb vinaigrette
2012 Belle Glos Oeil de Pedrix Pinot Blanc Noir
2nd course -
Jeremy Ashby Butter poached lobster crepe, smoked ham hock, trumpet royale, lady peas, 1st of the season vidalia, wasabi pistachio oil, guava, sorghum
2010 Mer Soleil Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
3rd course –
Jonathan Waxman Grilled shrimp & squid salad with aioli, breadcrumbs & wilted greens
2011 Mer Soleil SILVER Unoaked Chardonnay
4th course –
Robbie Wilson Salmon chorizo, Japanese negi, potato skin *salmon chorizo = salmon belly sashimi
2011 Meiomi Pinot Noir
5th course –
Jeff Michaud Chicken liver rigatoni with cipollini onions and sage
2011 Belle Glos ‘Las Alturas’ Pinot Noir
6th course –
Edward Lee Smoked brisket & squab, edamame & pickles, burnt orange puree, melted leeks
2010 Caymus Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Dessert course –
Charles Phillips Chocolate pretzel tart, salted caramel, malted whip
Coffee & Tea
For more information on both events and to purchase tickets, visit www.nashvillelifestyles.com. The Celebrity Chef Dinner is $160/person and Challenge to the Chefs is $35/person. An all-access pass is available for $185/person.
Dying to go to the Celebrity Chefs Dinner but not sure your wallet can handle it? Well guess what? I might just be able to send you for FREE!
That’s right. I have two (2) Celebrity Chefs Dinner tickets for one of my lucky readers! All you have to do is this:
~Contest Closed~
Congratulations to our winner!
#77 Ann Williams
Mandatory
1. Leave a comment telling me which course you would most like to try from that amazing menu above.
For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.
2. Follow me on Twitter (@betheats) and tweet “Want to go to the @NashLifestyles Savor Nashville Celebrity Chefs Dinner for FREE? Win tickets from @betheats! http://bit.ly/Yd7Vet”, then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.
3. Like Eat.Drink.Smile. on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case!)
Winner must be 21 or older.
Contest ends on Thursday, April 11th at Noon Central. Once the winner is chosen, I’ll make contact via email and post the name here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 24 hours, I’ll be forced to choose another, so be sure to check your email!
Recently I watched the new documentary, A Place at the Table. Produced by the same studio that brought us Food Inc (which I’ve watched multiple times), this documentary follows three families struggling with food insecurity and hunger. In America. America. The wealthiest nation in the world.
Many of us associate hunger with images we’ve seen of famine victims in faraway places like Africa. We don’t think about it being right here in our own front yard, but it most definitely is. I knew before I even began watching that I’d likely shed a few tears. What I didn’t realize is just how angry I would be.
Normally I don’t get political here on the blog. But I’m frustrated. I’m horrified. I feel the need to do something. So here I am, asking you to join me in taking action. How can you help?
Super easy assignment: Watch the movie!
Trailer of A Place at the Table:
If you live here in Nashville, we’d love to have you join us for a special screening in a few weeks:
What: A Place At The Table Screening and Food Advocacy Fair
When: Monday, April 29, 6 p.m. (film will begin at 6:30 p.m.)
Where: Downtown Presbyterian
154 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN, 37219
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and a small food advocacy fair in the church’s fellowship hall. There’s a good chance we’ll also have some local chefs involved to prepare inexpensive, healthy dishes. Details are still being worked out, and I will definitely provide them to you as I know more.
~UPDATE~ visit the Eventbrite page to get all of the details of the event and purchase tickets!
For those of you that don’t live in Nashville and want to see this thought-provoking (and hopefully action inducing) documentary, here are a few ways you can do so:
Take a few seconds to fill out this form and send it to Congress, telling them to protect the federal nutrition programs that feed our nation’s children.
When you watch the movie, you’ll understand that much of the problem is that our government is and has been subsidizing the wrong products. Chips, sodas and processed foods are cheaper than fruits and vegetables. It’s insane! Something has to be done.
Turkey Sausage and Spinach Ragù on Parmesan Polenta
When I went on my usual trip to the grocery store this weekend, this movie was certainly on my mind. One fact that kept running through my mind as I navigated the aisles: Food stamp participants are only allocated $4 a day to survive. I wanted to create a recipe that would work on a budget, yet still be healthy. The cold hard truth: this was hard. Extremely hard.
While I’ve never had to worry about where my next meal was coming from, I’ve always been mindful of how much I spend on food, often creating menus for the week based on what’s on sale at the time. I do my best to not let anything go to waste.
Most of the items I purchased for this particular recipe will stretch over multiple meals. Only part of a bag of spinach was used. A fraction of a bag of polenta. Half a jar of marinara. There is still leftover onion, sausage, and garlic. Tomorrow I’ll probably throw together an egg casserole with a few of those more perishable items.
As I do so, I’ll once again be thanking my lucky stars that I don’t have to worry about my child going hungry. And I’ll be hoping and praying that my voice and my actions will help get food into other children’s mouths so they can grow, flourish, and lead happy, healthy, productive lives. Because everyone – no matter what circumstances they’re born into – deserves that opportunity.
Turkey Sausage and Spinach Ragù on Parmesan Polenta
3 (4-ounce) links sweet turkey Italian sausage, casings removed
1 cup finely chopped onion
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
2 1/3 cups water, divided
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup instant polenta
1 cup Parmesan cheese
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
Directions:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage; sauté for 8-10 minutes, until no longer pink, stirring to crumble. Remove sausage from pan; drain all but about 1 tablespoon of liquid. Return to medium-high heat. Add onion, and sauté 4 minutes. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Stir in sausage, marinara, and 1/3 cup water; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 minutes. With about 3 minutes remaining, add chopped spinach to the ragu. Stir to combine.
Bring remaining 2 cups water and milk to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium heat; reduce heat to low. Gradually add polenta, and cook for 3 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in cheese, salt and pepper. Serve with sausage mixture.
Some other recipes that are healthy and budget friendly:
Shrimp Papusa at Etch corn cake, manchego and queso blanco, peruvian butternut slaw, smoked tomato sauce, green onion, cilantro, avocado pesto
In case you haven’t done so yet, make a beeline to the nearest magazine rack and pick up a copy of April’s Nashville Lifestyles. Why? Well, first and foremost, it’s the annual Restaurant issue, so it’s packed full of food, food and more food. Secondly, yours truly helped choose the 50 Best Restaurants in Nashville!
It was so much fun sitting around a table with some of my favorite food writers (Jennifer Justus, Kay West, Chris Chamberlain and Erin Murray), discussing what makes these restaurants the best of the best. After much debate, the Top 10 list was created.
Without giving too much away, I will tell you that Etch is in that 10. Okay, so I’ll give you more: it’s in the Top 3. And what I love about the Top 3 is that they are all #1. That probably doesn’t make much sense, does it?
When you see the list maybe you’ll understand what I mean. Basically, they’re all so very different from each other that there is absolutely no way to compare them. So, as far as I’m concerned, there’s no way they can compete with each other.
Etch’s Veggie Tempura Shavings (served with ponzu sauce)
For months now, when asked “what’s your favorite restaurant in Nashville” (and I get asked that A LOT), my answer is Etch. Since its opening last summer, I’ve eaten there more times than I can count. And every single meal has been exceptional. The creativity! The flavors!
Recently I realized that although I’ve mentioned Etch in blog posts and named it #1 in my Top 12 of 2012 list, I hadn’t yet written a post dedicated solely to my experiences there. So here we are!
Etch’s Seared Tuna Salad chili spiced, eggplant, avocado, radish, green onion, sake ponzu vinaigrette, smoked tofu
While Etch is absolutely perfect for dinner before a concert at the Ryman, a symphony performance, or a Preds game, it is also a great lunch spot. Any time business takes me downtown around the lunch hour, you better believe I’m dropping into Etch.
While a few standouts from the dinner menu are served at lunch (Roasted cauliflower appetizer, Seared Tuna Salad, Etch Salad, Octopus and Shrimp Bruschetta), for the most part, there is a whole new world of delicious options to choose from.
Roasted Cauliflower at Etch truffled pea pesto, salted almonds, feta crema
Some of my lunch favorites include the Farro Bowl with porcini-crimini sauce, toasted farro, confit mushrooms, and dijon truffle broccoli; the Shrimp Papusa (did you see that pic at the start of this post?? so good and so big!); the Short Ribs with pasta squares, smoked red wine gravy, carrot, caramelized onion, shiitakes, and pea pesto. Yum.
I’ve got 3 – count ‘em – THREE gift certificates to give away!
Each certificate is good for Lunch for Two (2) at Etch. So maybe now you don’t have to just take my word for it or sit at your computer drooling over the online menu. Instead, you can belly up to an actual table at Etch and enjoy Chef Deb Paquette’s incredibly delicious food.
To enter, all you have to do is this:
~Contest Closed~
Congratulations to the winners!
#3 Amy Williams
#16 Leah
#111 Lindsey Dudgeon
Mandatory
1. Leave a comment telling me the best thing you’ve eaten at Etch -OR- if you haven’t been there yet, check out the lunch menuand tell me which dish is calling your name.
For up to 2 additional entries, you can do either or both of the following. Note: You must leave a separate comment for each optional entry.
2. Follow me on Twitter (@betheats) and tweet “Win a delicious lunch for 2 @etchrestaurant from @betheats! http://bit.ly/13Q3Kce”, then leave a comment telling me you’ve done so.
3. Like Etch on Facebook and come back and tell me you did so (or just tell me you already do if that’s the case!)
Contest ends on Sunday, April 7th at noon CST. Once the winners are chosen, I’ll make contact via email and post the names here on the blog. If they don’t respond within 48 hours, I’ll be forced to choose others, so be sure to check your email!
This past year (heck, just the past few months!) a plethora of new dining and drinking establishments have opened in Nashville, and several of them have become personal favorites (Etch, Lockeland Table, Rolf & Daughters, blvd). There are still a few I haven’t made it to yet (Salsa, Rosebud Bistro, Cafe Fundamental, Pub 5), but after hearing good things, I definitely plan to darken their doors very soon.
Then there are the “Must Try As Soon As The Doors Open” spots that I’ve listed below. These are soon-to-be-opened restaurants that I’m super pumped about. What about you? Heard any scoop on a new place you’re excited about?
The very first pork butt I smoked was fantastic, and I owe Peg Leg Porker all the credit. In case you missed that post, you can see it here. Carey Bringle, aka Peg Leg Porker, has been a fixture in the competition bbq world for years. As you can see from my experience, he also created an incredible, easy-to-use smoking kit so even amateurs like me could turn out some tasty bbq at home. But now he’s got even grander plans brewin’: a restaurant right around the corner from Yazoo!
To keep in the loop on opening date and possibly even win some free swag, follow Peg Leg Porker on Facebook.
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2100 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
Projected opening: May 9, 2013
For the past few months, Loews Vanderbilt Hotel has been under major renovation, which includes creating a new Southern brasserie-style restaurant and bar, Mason’s and Mason Bar. Recently Loews announced that Brandon Frohne, known locally for his underground pop-up dinner club Forage South, and for the amazing dishes he creates at various culinary competitions around town, will be their Executive Chef.
Having personally tasted Brandon’s delicious food on a few occasions, I have high hopes for this place!
Follow Mason’s on Twitterand/or become a fan on Facebook to keep up with all the latest and greatest they have in store for us.
Duh. Really. There’s really not much I can add to this that hasn’t already been said here, and here, and here, and here, and here and… well, you get my point. Husk Nashville is happening and the whole city is thrilled!
Follow Husk Nashville Twitter and check their blog from time to time to see construction progress and be the first to know when an actual opening date is set!
Chauhan Ale & Masala House
123 12th Ave North
Nashville, TN 37203
Projected opening: ??? Fall 2013 ???? UPDATE: Spring 2014
Recently a little birdie shared with me plans for a beyond-exciting new concept to be located in the Gulch. Chef Maneet Chauhan, one of the chef judges on Food Network’s Chopped, will soon be heading to Nashville to open a global inspired tapas restaurant– something I’ve been hoping, wishing, praying would happen here for ages! Pair those tapas with an interesting array of beers infused with Indian spices – perhaps a coriander lager?- and I’m verklempt.
That’s all I can share right now but rest assured, as I know more, I’ll definitely fill you in!
A couple of years ago I told you about WaterCooler, an informal networking group for young Nashville entrepreneurs. Specifically, I tipped you off about the Olive & Sinclair tour they were hosting. (The tour that I ended up getting locked out of, which led to me tweeting about being locked out, which led to me getting a job at Goo Goo Cluster…seriously!)
It’s been a while since I’ve shared one of the WaterCooler events (I promise it’s not because I hold a grudge for getting locked out of that one!), but when this latest one popped up on my radar, I knew I needed to spread the word!
What:
WaterCooler Cocktail Class and Distillery Tour
When:
April 3, 2013
5:30 p.m. Networking/Drinks
6 – 7 p.m. Program & Tour
Where:
SPEAKeasy Distillery
900 44th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37209
The venue, SPEAKeasy Distillery and tasting room, is where the very delicious Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream is made. Ryan Moses from Drink Music City will be on hand to guide us in proper cocktail and food pairings. Smoke Et Al*, one of my most favorite Nashville food trucks, will be there to fill our bellies. This is my kind of networking!
Please note that space is limited to 60 for this event, so you must RSVP to kseamon@bonelaw.com in advance. Better respond quickly before it fills up, and be sure let them know you heard about it from me! For more information, click here.
*Smoke Et Al requires a minimum food purchase of $10 per person.
Hi, I’m Beth, a food and drink obsessed girl living in beautiful Nashville, Tennessee. I'm always on the hunt for new and exciting things in the culinary world, so I created this blog to share all of my adventures, discoveries, inspirations, and recipes, along with a sprinkling of just about anything else that brings a smile to my face! Follow along and I bet you'll smile too... more
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