Blueberry SoyJoy - pretty good snack

My friends at Foodbuzz sent over 2 blueberry SoyJoy bars, and were hoping I'd provide some feedback on this new product. I've never eaten a SoyJoy before, but I have eaten plenty of low carb soy protein bars. Soy is not something I seek out - it is a high protein food source, but tastiness is not an adjective I'd use in describing it. So, if I had not been given a sample, I probably would not have even tried it.


And you know what? I'd be missing out.

I admit, I was disappointed when I read the label - for the 140 calories you only get 4 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fiber. You do also get a pretty good shot of potassium (220 mg), and it's gluten free if you have trouble with gluten. It's also made of ground whole soybeans rather than the usual process (which is what? I don't know, but it's a significant marketing message from SoyJoy).

But really - you'll eat this one for the flavor. Granted, you aren't going to crave them, but if you need something relatively healthy for the stash in your desk, this would fit the bill. Give 'em a try.

Suzee's Steak and Cheese Omelet

This morning Rick and I did laundry and had coffee, but didn't really eat anything. When noon came along, I figured it was time to do something about that! We had some left over steak from a previous dinner, and I always try to keep eggs and american cheese in the house. Rick's doing the atkins again and you can always make something low carb with eggs and cheese.

I used my new circulon fry pan that replaced my last teflon pan. I really try to replace non-stick pans annually - having bits of teflon in your food is probably not too good for your health. Perhaps this one will last longer. So, this 10" circulon pan really runs hot, so I cook my omelets on the lowest flame I can fathom on my gas stove.

Ingredients:

2 jumbo eggs

2 oz cooked steak, warmed in a skillet and cut into a pretty small dice

1 slice of american cheese

1t butter

1T sugar free ketchup

Whisk the eggs in a bowl until the whites are yellows are all the same. Melt the butter in the pan, and add the eggs. When the eggs are setting a bit on the bottom, but the top is still liquid, use your fork to scootch back the edge of the eggs, and tip the pan to allow the raw egg contact with the pan (please note - scootch is a very technical term!). Do this all the way around the pan until the egg is mostly set. Add your steak pieces and scatter them fairly evenly. Break the cheese slice in half and place it over the steak. By the time your egg is cooked, the cheese should be starting to melt. Fold the omelet, and serve on a dinner plate with ketchup.

Bon Appetit!

Today's Shopping Steal!

Today I went shopping for shoes. It's hard to buy shoes in NYC because you have to walk in them. No, really - how often in the 'burbs do you walk a mile in your heels on concrete? Heck - even sneakers are awful on concrete. I've been wearing Danskos to walk in - they have good arch support and compared to other supportive shoes, they are a bargain. Today I was looking for brown shoes for work, and I came upon these babies on sale at Shoe Mania in Union Square. They fit like a glove, or like a hand caressing your foot in a pleasing way. They are hand made in Italy. It didn't say what the original price was on the shoe, but the floor manager let me know that originally these were $400, and this was the last pair. And I was getting them for the price of a pair of Danskos (less than 1/2 price). Damn I'm psyched - this is my first NYC deal!!

Aren't they beautiful???

Suzee's NYC Style Steak

Rick and I love a good steak with some veggies and a nice California Cabernet, preferably one aged in our wine cellar so it's at least 6 years old, but not more than 8.

Moving to Manhattan, we gave up the grill (I miss you my lovely Webber!) and we gave up the wine cellar. So it took me a while to find a way to cook beef that would satisfy us in a similar way, since nothing is like grilling, but grilling.

First, I like to buy thick cuts of meat. The thicker, the better in my book, because in order to get a nice caramelization on the outside, and still have your meat medium rare, you need that thickness. If your steak has a bit of bone still in it (like this bone in shell steak pictured here), all the better. The bone adds flavor, and you can pop the bone in the freezer for stock later.

Second, I gave up liquid marinades. I pull the meat from the fridge around 2 hours prior to cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. When I take it from the fridge, I dry it with paper towels, and season it liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Then I let it sit until it is time to cook.

Third, I always use my magic All Clad 12" pan. I set it on the stove, with nothing in it. Then I turn the burner to high to heat the pan, and using a timer, I leave it there for 15 minutes.

Yes. 15 minutes. Very important!

I also turn on the oven to 350.

Next I place the beef in the pan, and do not touch it again for 5 minutes (timer again). Yes, keep that heat as high as it will go. Then I turn it, and leave it there for another 4 or 5 minutes. Once the second side is caramelized, I pop the magic pan into the heated oven for 10 minutes or so. When the beef comes out, I allow it to stand for 5 or 10 minutes, and then slice it to serve. If we are cooking smaller sized steaks, like a filet mignon, I just serve as is.

Enjoy!

Event Horizon NYC 2010

The art installation for NYC this summer are these naked guys.

Now, I really liked the waterfalls last summer, but this, not so much.

I actually watched tourists talking about how they believed one of these guys was going to jump off the Empire State Building.

Anyway - this is Art 2010 NYC. Enjoy.

New Job, New Toy

I started my new job this week, and I love it! I hope I work here forever! I feel like I'm walking into a palace each day, and the amenities are unbelieveable. There is even a non-denominational prayer room in my building - can you believe it? My new boss is great - he is clear about what he wants, and is hands off, and lets me dazzle him :) I'm looking forward to Monday - what a treat :)

Rick got a great toy as a present from work, too. They love him there :) An iPod Touch which I have stolen! Ha! I'm trying to decide if I should go with an iPhone or a Droid, because I am going to pull the trigger! I'm having fun with the iTouch, and probably will continue to use it until June or July when the new iPhone comes out.

Promises, Promises - Theater fun!

Last night I was treated to a wonderful experience at the Broadway Theater on 53rd and Broadway. Promises, Promises was a comedic delight! Sean Hayes was so hilarious from a physical perspective, and from an acting perspective - he was a delight even without the gorgeous voice and acting of Kristin Chenoweth. I was thoroughly entertained - such a great show!

I had no idea until I went to the web site that there is a student discount - Students can get $30.00 tickets with a valid student I.D. Tickets are available for the day of the performance only at the Broadway Theatre box office. Two tickets per valid student ID. Subject to availability.

I loved this show, and I think you will too - very fun, a little Mad Men like, and great performers!