The ten winning photographs in the Idaho Potato Recipe Photo Contest are now posted on the Idaho Potato Commission’s website here. As previously reported, one of my ten entered photographs was chosen as a winner. Pictured here is the Idaho Potato Vegetable Casserole Supreme, which didn’t win, but is our victor for flavor — Recipe and winning photo are here.
All my hard work paid off — I won at least (1) of (10) $500 prizes in Idaho Potato Commission’s Recipe Photo Contest. I just received notification that my photo of the Idaho Potato, Jarlsberg Lite and Roasted Vegetable Terrine was chosen to represent the recipe on the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC’s) website. Thank you! I’ve previously posted about the contest and my participation in it here, here and here. The pictured is not the actual winner chosen by the IPC. It’s a similar photo that was taken for the contest, but not submitted.
Wow, I’m this week’s ‘Philly’s Best Fan’ aka winner of a Cheesesteak Sandwich and T-shirt, and now in the running for FREE Cheesesteak Sandwiches for a YEAR. I’d sure love that. You may enter too — Just upload a photo of yourself eating a Philly’s Best Sandwich. Good luck all!
We took a short trip to Temecula to celebrate our engagement. Thanks for the engagement gifts and money. We didn’t expect anything and finally cashed a few checks sent over a month ago. Sorry. We were set to spend it on backyard lounge chairs, but couldn’t find one long and comfortable enough for Mr. 6’4″, then considered it towards a new dishwasher, until deciding to spend it on a spontaneous weekend of eating and exploration. Thanks for the fun!
It started with Coffee, King’s Hawaiian Rolls and a Lottery Ticket from 7-Eleven in Fullerton.
Without any research, we stopped at various places of interest along the way and all day.
Once in Temecula, we started with a Mango Margarita at Rosa’s Cantina.
Where next? We picked on a whim. If it sounded good and had AC we were in.
One of our favorite stops was at Crush & Brew, where we sniffed and tasted Wine.
We liked #3 (above) best and contemplated buying a bottle, but wanted to stretch our bucks to try more places and things. Crush & Brew also offers the largest Flat Breads we’ve seen.
We had the Greek Flat Bread, which filled us up good (and we were trying to save room).
We take a moment to thank you for this opportunity — On to more Temecula finds…
I’m not sure what Death Paste (above) was/is — We didn’t want any. 😉
Soro’s Mediterranean Grill was our next stop for Dolma (aka Dolmades) and Iced Tea.
Blackbird Tavern is below — It’s a large, super-cool, indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar.
What a great space they have — You wouldn’t know it from the front.
All this outside is hiding inside — Blackbird Tavern is the place I miss living next to the most.
I’m not sure what you call the toss-the-beanbag-game, but we played it — See it in flight?
I liked the starter (below) so much, I recreated it at home — See the recipe here.
It’s called Olives & Almonds on their menu.
Menus are inside album covers — I don’t know Lee Evans. Also pictured is The Blackbird.
We finally scratched our scratcher and won nothing — No worries, it’s a great day.
All pictured above are located on or off Old Town Front Street in Old Town Temecula.
Stopped at PALA Casino with only $20 of our $250 designated towards hopeful multiplication.
It was instead hijacked from the bunch after a short time in play. Adios.
On the road again… We bought Avocados off the side of the road. I always want an Avocado.
On the way home, we stopped and walked around Oceanside — View from its pier on an overcast day. The sun disappeared awhile, but do you see the giant bubble? Some guy was making them. Since we still had adventure money to spend, we planned to stop at The Beach House in Laguna Beach to exhaust the rest, but there was an hour wait and we didn’t want to. Instead, all was saved for the next day’s escapades in the SOCO District of Fullerton.
We started at our favorite Tea Lounge — Tranquil. Iced is always refreshing and flavorful.
Ended up at Joe’s No Limits! Bar & Grill — We sought to eat and drink on patios only.
Had ‘Joe’s Picks’ Sausage selection — I liked the Chicken & Jalapeno Sausage, primarily.
Though the menu doesn’t say, we were glad the above came with really good French Fries.
After Joe’s, we went to The Slidebar Rock-N-Roll Kitchen (below).
Cheers to more food and drinks on SOCO patios.
The Slidebar offers a long list of Opening Acts (they call ’em) aka Appetizers.
We had the Smothered Tots and Deep Fried Pickles — Well prepared and different.
And the Deep Fried Mac N’ Cheese — Not the healthiest options, but it just so happened.
Do you know where this heart is found?
It’s at Fullerton Train Station. We considered eating there, but opted for Hopscotch Tavern.
We were down to our last few engagement-dollars and almost done eating.
On our final SOCO patio of the day — Hopscotch Tavern we had a shot of Tequila — Mezcal.
And Donuts with Lavender, a dessert special — I like the Hopscotch menu and will go back.
We appreciate the weekend journey — It was worth it all and so much more.
Smiling faces here. 🙂
The Idaho Potato Recipe Photo Contest — Now this contest moved me. I’m already in with a similar, but different photo than above. It’s a cool contest! I receive a lot of email regarding cooking/recipe contests, new food products, new menu items, new restaurants, new cooking shows, new cookbooks, national food days and all things food related. Though I’d like to try, participate in and/or review most, there’s not enough time in a day, even so I appreciate all.
We made the paper yesterday — The Orange County Register printed an article on me (Shelly Borrell), Nibbles of Tidbits, Shelly’s Jellies and more. You’ll need to enlarge it to read it here or try this link, though you may need to sign-in or up to view it on the OC Register’s website.
The Orange County Fair starts in just a couple days. Come & Get It is the theme and today was delivery day — Delivery of culinary, baked goods, confections and sugar arts for the Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair. My entries were dropped off at the very last minute. It’s also judgment day, when all is tasted and ribbons are assigned.
This year my entries included the pictured… Strawberry Stars (in Confections, Jellies), a Tangerine Cream Cheesecake topped with Candied Tangerine Slices (in Cheesecakes, Fruit Flavored and/or Fruit Topped) and Coconut Pineapple Scones (in Bread, Scones or Biscuits). I didn’t get to try my Cheesecake, but it looked good with the Candied Tangerine Slices.
The Scones were way too big, but tasted good — They were drizzled with a Pineapple Glaze.
OC Fair peeps taking in the goodies (below) for you to come and get it (or see it) soon.
I hope to win a ribbon, or two, or three — See you at the Orange County Fair.
Post Update (07/13/13): I won a First Place (Blue) Ribbon for the Strawberry Stars only and may be featured in the Orange County Register this weekend. I was interviewed by a reporter and one of the paper’s photographers took my photo. We shall see…
Opening Day at the Orange County Fair with family (below).
If you don’t enter, you can’t win. Why not enter? Anyone can win a Culinary Arts Competition at the Orange County Fair. The deadline for competition entries is fast approaching. Do you know how to enter? Do you know what to do after you enter? If not, this post may help.
First, enter (most competitions) online — The OC Fair’s website can get you on the way.
Go to the OC Fair Competitions’ page to learn ‘How to Enter an OC Fair Competition’.
When you’re ready to enter, visit the OC Fair & Event Center On-line Entries page (below).
Entrants are called Exhibitors, thus register as such before entering a competition.
Choose Department (Culinary Arts in this instance), then Division and Class for each entry.
Each entry costs $5.00 and one ticket to the OC Fair is presented on delivery day.
After online entry, note delivery date and time and have all goods ready — Learn more here.
On delivery day you’ll drive onto the fairgrounds, while all is being assembled for opening day.
Culinary Arts Competition entries are generally submitted at the Exhibit Promenade (above).
All entries must have a list of ingredients on an index card attached, as shown above.
Pictured herein are previously submitted entries and a was-gonna-be entry mishap below.
The above was going to be Tangerine Dream Bars (similar to Lemon Bars), but it didn’t set.
Fortunately most past entries have turned out well — It’s what’s hoped for on delivery day.
Above shows what YOUR entry/submission should look like, and below shows what it could look like when checking the competition results displayed on opening day at the OC Fair.
It’s exciting to see how well you did or didn’t do — You can’t win ’em all.
Entering a competition at any Fair makes all more fun.
June 10th, 2013 is the last day to enter the Culinary Arts Competition (excluding Special Culinary Contests) online — See the Culinary Arts Competition Guidelines for all specifics.
Guidelines are available for all OC Fair Competitions.
Come & Get It is the theme of this year’s Orange County Fair.
Good luck to all!
Look at the Cake I didn’t make — It’s pretty and proper since today is Nibbles of Tidbits 5 Year Anniversary. Time sure flies and life is short so savor each moment. Happy Anniversary to us!
The top line may push it a bit, but I concur with the general finding. All is good — Thank God.
God Bless the United States Military — We treasured our tour of 29 Palms Military Base. We salute family friend Marine Brent and all who fight/fought for our liberty to enjoy an astounding day rock climbing in Joshua Tree, then lunch and Beers at the Joshua Tree Saloon. Priceless.
The Joshua Tree Saloon Grill & Bar serves it up if/when hungry in the desert.
We enjoyed a post-hike, minor-rock-climbing lunch there.
I don’t recall the menu item names — Their website is being redesigned. Check here later.
We basically got Burgers, a Reuben and Mahi Sandwich, with Tea and Brews amongst Bro’s.
Some meals were custom, like the Burger on Marble Rye — Shut up you old bat! What?
Though the food was good, most respect is for our U.S. Soldiers and all they endure.
Long may our land be bright, with freedom’s holy light, protect us by Thy might, of thee I sing.
Joshua Tree National Park — Would you believe we drove to Big Bear after all this? Long story.
At the 4th Annual Taste Awards with Cat Cora, an award presenter and recipient.
This year I was one of numerous Judges — Award Winners were announced in December.
Medals were handed out at The Taste Awards Ceremony at the Vibiana this January evening. Flipping Out won for Best Home Decor and Design Program, as represented by Jenni (above).
P. Allen Smith presented a few awards — A fine fellow we just met.
All went well, no one slipped or tripped, but the sound could’ve been better.
The Vibiana is grand and gorgeous — Inside it glowed in RED, pink and purple.
Outside there was little food — We liked what we ate, but hoped for more.
Can you guess the meat?
It’s Goose for Goose Tacos — Plain looking and simple as can be, yet quite tasty.
Above is a Potato/Chorizo appetizer of some sort from the Idaho Potato peeps.
Plates with a hole for a drink glass (above) may be cooler than the people below.
Champagne? Tequila? Thanks for offering.
Too much Tequila for our Idaho Potato Guy — Had to chill on the bench for a while.
Below: Me on stage pretending to present an award after the show was over, and with my friend Michelle, pretending others are taking pictures of us — In between are Caramels by Amella and the address of the Vibiana. Thanks for the invitation. It was a good experience.
The New Year’s Eve Block Party returns for a third year with a celebration that only the OC Fair could offer with hit tribute bands, gourmet food trucks, a demolition derby, Vegas-style games and a midnight pyrotechnic celebration, all for one affordable admission price.
For music lovers, the New Year’s Eve Block Party will feature four stages with tribute bands covering four decades of rock music:
For foodies, the New Year’s Eve Block Party will feature gourmet food truck grub from: Bakery Truck (desserts), Dos Chinos (Latin-Asian fusion), A Bite Truck (California fusion), Baconmania (bacon-inspired dishes), Dogzilla (gourmet hot dogs), White Rabbit (Filipino-fusion), Piaggio On Wheels (Argentinean), Garlicscapes (garlic-inspired dishes), Ragin Cajun (Cajun), Macho Nacho (gourmet nachos), Me So Hungry (gourmet sliders and hamburgers), The Burnt Truck (gourmet sliders), Shortstop BBQ (BBQ fare) and The Lime Truck (fresh California cuisine).
The NYE Bash Demolition Derby will bring the fun of mass destruction for the adventurous types and the free Vegas-style games will offer revelers a chance to test their luck.
At midnight, everyone can enjoy as the OC Fair lights up the night sky with a pyrotechnic celebration to welcome in the New Year.
Tickets are currently available at pre-sale discounts of General $37.50 and VIP $75. For those avid summer Fairgoers, a Block Party admission plus 2013 OC Fair Super Pass Combo is also available at a discounted $57.50. Prices will increase December 1 and the Super Pass combo is only available through December 20.
General admission includes access to the Block Party with standing-room-only tribute band performances, unreserved general admission seating at the NYE Bash Demolition Derby, Vegas-style games with free prizes and access to food trucks, cash bars and other food and beverage options (food and drink prices vary). A VIP ticket offers all the same access as General admission plus complimentary parking, access to a VIP lounge with a private bar serving premium liquor and specialty cocktails, two drink tickets, party favors, hors d’oeuvres, a reserved premium seat at the NYE Bash Demolition Derby and a ticket to return in the summer for the 2013 OC Fair. Group general admission discounts are also available.
Admission and parking can be purchased online at ocfair.com/blockparty or from the onsite Box Office on a limited-time basis (visit ocfair.com/blockparty for the days and hours).
The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan on Facebook.com/OCFair, or follow at twitter.com/ocfair.
Note: Above is a Press Release from the OC Fair — Nibbles of Tidbits LOVES this event and we hope to see YOU at the OC Fair’s New Year’s Eve Block Party this year. It’s a local party where there’s much to do and it really feels like a comfortable Block Party. 🙂
It’s what I daydream about. Forget shopping — Is it time to eat again?
Awe, Home Sweet Home, I end up where I wanted to be, with a Division Win in anything.
At the Orange County Fair in receipt of a Certificate of Recognition for my Confections Entry (Fruit Bursts aka Shelly’s Jellies) in the Culinary Arts Competition. Thank you very much!
2012 Awards (center) and entries are linked — A hard act to follow in 2013, but will try. 🙂
My Orange Zest Cheesecake with a Milk Chocolate Ganache recently won a 2nd Place Ribbon at the Orange County Fair. I plan to submit its recipe for the 2012 Orange County Fair Cookbook and will subsequently link to it here. Until then, stay tuned for snapshots of our recent OC Fair Foodie Tour. We found several healthy options in addition to the indulgent.
Shelly’s Jellies — I thought they were winners and now I’m glad to have it confirmed.
Made with real Pink Grapefruit, Oranges, Lemons and Limes (Juice and Zest), they burst with natural flavor — Some days I can’t stop eating them. They are fairly easy to make, but time consuming to cut, sugar and rotate (when necessary to dry out extra moist sides). Since Shelly’s Jellies taste and yield is so great, some have asked me about selling ’em. That’s TBD.
In a sea of Chocolate Confections, my Pink Grapefruit, Orange and Lemon-Lime Fruit Bursts stood out. They were just awarded Best in Show in Confections at the Orange County Fair.
My Roasted Peach Scones received an Honorable Mention — I’ll take it. Thanks!
And my Orange Zest Cheesecake with a Chocolate Ganache received a Second Place Ribbon.
I’m thrilled with the results and will soon be reporting more about OC Fair food.
Don’t knock the Horehound Drops, they’ve got history — Today they’re mostly spotted in old fashioned candy shops. Look… Horehound Drops, hahaha. I’ll have you know that it was my Great Grandmother’s favorite candy and will forever remind me of her. I love seeing them. Aside from that, others appreciate its purported health benefits. Though an early valued herb, mysteries about the Horehound are still being uncovered. What’s that slutty dog up to?
Thank you for the thousands of meals prepared by you in this kitchen for decades. Enjoy its fifth or so remodel. I understand the country bar stools are next to go. Happy cooking!
Two more days to enter the Karo Corn Syrup Dessert Challenge — Do you have a recipe?
If so, enter now on Recipe Riot or check out other assignments there. I entered the above.
I submitted a recipe (and video) for Tangerine Fruit Bursts — Since the recipe cannot be previously published, only excerpts (freeze frames) of the video are posted here now, and because I’m bashful about creating a novice recipe video, a funny learning experience. You’ll have to find it. All Karo Corn Syrup Dessert Challenge submissions can be viewed here.
Good luck all! Required product branding photo — By me, only for fine products. Karo is one.
While contemplating the next color in Nibbles of Tidbits’ Food Coloring Series, The Funny and The Bad will be similarly featured in photographs in between — Fortunately The Good usually prevails here, and we laugh at the funny and learn from the bad that happens around FOOD and in life. This prelude is a taste of funny that can also be bad. I’ve experienced 7 of the Food-Related Injuries identified above, most commonly Wasabi Nose. How about you?
Nibbles of Tidbits and company doing my kind of camping.
We also celebrated Bailee’s Birthday (Kids in the Kitchen) — The pictured Cake design is not recommended. Don’t these things happen (lost a hunk) when it matters most?! It tasted good, so I made the best of it. It’s Chocolate Mountain Cake with an Orange Juice/Zest Glaze.
Unusually warm and extra beautiful in January on the South Carlsbad Cliffs.
Food, walks and painting rocks.
It’s mostly a rock beach now, after a storm a couple years ago.
Moments of branding wrapped in family time.
Christmas Crackers from Cost Plus — Wanted to try them. A pop with jokes & prizes inside.
We had plenty of Dips, Salads, Chips, Coronas, Cactus Coolers and Mimosas at bay.
Talented Kids in the Kitchen — You’ve seen their work.
Simple eats to compliment all — Ground Beef Tacos. The kind I grew up with.
Don’t you love the smell of a campfire? I do!
Must have S’more ingredients on hand for these occasions.
Watching the surf with tunes and lazy dogs.
The sunsets were striking, like always, it seems — I’ve never seen a bad one.
Picnic tables are resourceful.
Playing games, flying kites, painting, taking pictures and eating — Ahhhh, free time.
Uniquely shaped rocks inspire — What’s its story?
Well wishes to your family in 2012 — Explore and eat together.
Enjoy all when and while you can. Traveling mercies.
Experimenting with Picnik Premium Photo Editing, available to all for FREE until April, when Picnik packs up for Google town — They’ll no longer be growing grass and cueing bird songs. We’ll miss Picnik in the Spring, and hereby toast to them with a plan for a real picnic. Cheers!
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