Giving thanks for mashed potatoes

November is typically the month where I begin to get excited about everything pumpkin, stuffing and turkey. Yet one of my all-time favorite side dishes is the mashed potato (and yes, I can do the twist). Maybe it's the aggression released when I smush down on the butter, milk, seasonings and potatoes with my utensil? It can be a forgiving vegetable to prepare, since minutia such as keeping the skin on or having lumps comes down to personal preference -- not technique.

I stumbled across a useful article for cooking up an ideal batch. I don't expect readers to follow instructions to a tee. (Keeping the skins on and substituting milk for cream is my take on it.) Hopefully you'll find a tip to make your dish even better. If you want to take it to another level, be sure to read variation #2 "umami version". Can't go wrong with garlic & white truffle oil!

If you're still not sure about clicking the link, here's an anecdote for you.

The very first dish I learned how to cook was scrambled eggs. I thought I was an expert. Those eggs would be cooked all the way through, and I would either eat them as is or incorporate into fried rice (the second thing I learned) for brekkie. I took home ec in junior high, and my teacher's mantra for scrambling has always stuck in my head, "Firm, yet moist". One minor detail led to a future of tastier yolks. That is why I read articles about foods I already know how to prepare.

If you're ready for one cook's humbling tale, click here.

Affordable fondue: Oxymoron? Maybe not....

Flashback
I had a fondue birthday party many years ago. The cost came out to $50 per person. I vowed to never have guests spend so much on dinner (unless they wanted to) ever again. I still frequented this place for happy hour, but that was about it.

Present day
Received an invitation from my friend to a special (i.e. affordable) event at our local Melting Pot. Club Fondue members are having Appreciation Nights in November. From 6-8pm, guests will have the pleasure of tasting 8 fondue recipes from their cookbook. If the promise of cheese and chocolate aren't enough for me to say "Yes!", then the included wine pairings certainly are. Here's the kicker: It will cost me $10. I can hardly get a glass of wine for that much anymore.

Now if you want in on this event, join Club Fondue. If the notion of more email in your Inbox is unappealing, then keep reading for more deals this holiday season.


Fondue and a Flick Sunday
I used to love watching Dinner & A Movie, so this is right up my alley. For $27.50 a person (minimum 2 orders), enjoy the following:

• Savory cheese fondue course
• A signature salad
• Decadent chocolate fondue course
• Choice of AMC or Regal Premiere movie certificate ($11 value)

Shop 'Til You Drop Weekend
Black Friday is just under three weeks away, and they've got the perfect GDO for the ladies (that's Girls Day Out for those wondering). Typically closed for lunch, November 26-28 will have special afternoon hours from 11:30-2:30. For $26 per person, indulge in this:

• Savory cheese fondue course
• A signature salad
• An entree fondue
• Bottomless mimosas or Bloody Marys (!)
  

Open for Lunch
In need of that extra long lunch? This is by far the best deal. Available throughout the month of December, diners will have the option of stopping by between 11:30 and 2pm during the week OR on weekends for a prix fixe as frugal as my favorite Marche Moderne at South Coast Plaza.

• Savory cheese fondue course
• A signature salad
• An entree fondue

Orange County Melting Pot locations are Brea, Irvine and San Clemente. Do plan ahead whenever possible and make a reservation by either calling ahead or using OpenTable. Specials like these only come around this time of the year, and fondue fanatics can only be kept waiting for so long.

Nina's Indian Grocery now expanded!

I like knowing the surface streets in my area. When there's traffic, I just exit and my internal GPS takes over. I was coasting down El Toro this afternoon when something caught my eye. Like when you see those puzzles where two pictures look identical, but if you look closer you'll see subtle differences.

Nina's Indian Grocery (a place my best friend turned me on to), normally hidden from the main road, was now bigger and more prominently situated in the plaza. Initially I thought I was seeing a mirage....considering my dashboard told me the current temp was 92 degrees. However, I confirmed the sighting on the way home. Now that I think about it, I believe they took over the space that was formerly Nickel Nickel.

I selfishly admit that part of the charm of their previous location was the compact layout. Shelves packed with spices and treats. An entire aisle devoted to rice. The register/dvd rental /fast food counter. A mom and pop vibe. Then again, it's nice to see a local business doing so well.

The next time you find yourself in Lake Forest, check out the new digs.

Nina's Indian Grocery
23532 El Toro Road (cross street Raymond Way)
949-583-2789

Take The Toll Roads, feed a family

A time-saving alternative to surface streets and carpooling, The Toll Roads is teaming up with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to provide much needed items this holiday season.

The "Drive-Up Food Drive" begins today on the following Toll Roads: 241,261,133 and 73 (91 Express Lanes are not a part of this program). Non-perishable donations will be accepted in all cash-payment lanes, plus at the following toll plazas: Windy Ridge, Irvine Ranch, Orange Grove, Tomato Springs, and Catalina View.*

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is a member of Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity. This year, more than half a million people will go hungry in Orange County alone. Just like voting, every person makes a difference. Do your part to help those less fortunate.


For your reference, below is a recommended list of items to donate.

• Peanut butter & jelly
• Canned fruit
• Canned vegetables or beans
• Canned pasta meals
• Canned or instant soup
• Cereal
• Instant rice
• Macaroni & cheese
• Bottled water
  

*The last day to drop off items before Thanksgiving is Monday, November 22.

A savory take on a sweet holiday

What's black and orange and awesome all over? (Besides the Giants) The holiday that reminds us we are less than one month from Thanksgiving and two from Christmas.

We don't get any trick-or-treaters in this neighborhood, but there is no shortage of candy floating through our household. My sweet tooth isn't what it used to be, but recently I found two delightful items that do tap into my salt craving.

Clodhoppers were courtesy of my best friend's mom. She likes making sure people are fed, like all moms do. Manufactured in Canada, these bonbons are simply fudge covered graham wafer clusters. Packaging cautions us that they are "highly addictive", and they are indeed! At first they resembled yogurt covered granola pieces. Kind of a Nestle Crunch/100 Grand savory texture coated with a neutralizing vanilla outer layer. Just enough of this dual flavor to keep me reaching for more.

Pretzel m&m's came from my local pharmacy as a thank you for using their services. Who gives candy to a sick person? If you're seeking a perfect customer satisfaction score, they apparently do. Clocking in at a moderate 150 calories for the pack, these are the more accessible of the two. The familiar monogrammed shell merged with a nutritional morsel. They are the American cousin to my Clodhoppers. A surprising change from my usual peanut flavor. If you're a purist, you may be conflicted after tasting.

My favorite neighborhood...in Laguna Beach

We've dined out enough to know that some areas have a higher concentration of deliciousness than others. When friends seek our advice, I tend to draw a blank when put on the spot. So this is my first installment in what I hope to be a series of quick references to Orange County dining.

The main drag of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is an idyllic example of Southern California living. You've got surf, sand, and relaxed dining as far as the eye can see. There really is something for everyone, but I've got my favorites.

One of a handful of restaurants in the county where I go below street level to dine, Brussels Bistro is a gem. Beer drinkers will appreciate the selections of brew bottled and on tap. I am fond of the regional cuisine. How many can resist the aroma of Belgian frites with homemade sauces? Others will crave a pot of mussels with their choice of flavor. There's also live music during the week and a DJ on the weekends. 222 Forest Avenue.

Nostalgic treats of all sorts can be found across the street at Candy Baron. Some may say it's overpriced, but when it's not easy to locate elsewhere it is worth every penny. I enjoy inching my way through the aisles to debate between classics (Razzles, Glee Gum) and old fashioned (Bit-O-Honey, Zagnuts). The perfect alternative when craving dessert to-go. Smuggle some into Pageant of the Masters. 231 Forest Avenue.

Down the street and around the corner is the third concept by local chef Marc Cohen, the playfully named Watermarc. He is praised by Zagat, LA Times, and OC Register for his distinctive flavor palate. With a sophisticated selection of grazing plates, it is only rivaled by the equally vast list of wines by the glass. One of the few spots where I order the same item over and over again: The burger. Not your typical patty, we're talking 1/2 pound of blended Angus chuck, sirloin and short rib. If that's not enough of a flavor profile, try my favorite add-on - duck confit, red onion marmalade, brie and aioli. 448 South Coast Highway.

For that seafood craving on a beach bum budget, hike upstairs to House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer. No question about what's offered here! Raw, chilled, grilled, or fried, diners have a conundrum....What to get? With prices starting at $5 for their hobo fish plate (DELICIOUS, by the way), your group will be asking why you've been keeping this a secret. Carnivores can indulge in steak and chicken options without feeling left out. Bread & water are upon request, so be sure to ask when seated. Oh, and you must save room for the dessert featuring bananas foster + bread pudding. 540 South Coast Highway, #200.

Getting your Gelato Paradiso groove on!

Despite the autumn chill I was craving gelato. Specifically, the kind found in CDM off MacArthur & Pacific Coast Highway. There was, of course, a wait. I grabbed the nearest reading material to pass the time. It was promoting Friday Disco Night. So on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month the lights go down (cue Barry White), the disco ball is lowered, and you get 15% off if you can do the hustle.

Kidding. Actually the discount comes when you are decked out in your 70s finest. I'm talking bell bottoms, peace symbols and platforms. In fact, you could be in your cowboy boots, Hammer pants, or poodle skirt and STILL get the 15%. How sweet is that? Gianduia sweet!

If that's not enough to shake shake shake to Gelato Paradiso, there's more.

This weekend starting at 6pm on October 30th until closing time on Halloween, trick or treat down to your local GP for a free yellow cup of whatever flavor you want. Gelato or sorbetto. Free. You're welcome.

You know what else is going on there? Seasonal flavors PUMPKIN & GREEN APPLE. While the apple is on its way out, pumpkin is going strong through Thanksgiving. Before you know it, it's December and the return of both EGGNOG & PEPPERMINT!

Is that enough for you yet? No? Okay....

Students get 15% off Monday thru Friday at the Corona del Mar location. Did you know that topping your gelato with a shot of espresso is called an Affogato? Knowledge is power, kids. Save some money, use a fancy word, and feel empowered.

What are you still doing on the computer? Go get us some dessert!