Nibbles of Tidbits, a Food Blog

Searching for a Dip to utilize a jar of Sun Dried Tomatoes, I came across Ina Garten’s Sun-Dried Tomato Dip or a variation of it, over and over again.  It didn’t sound all that terrific to me, but thought it had to be good if people keep making it — Well, that’s not necessarily so.  I didn’t like it.  Similar ingredients make more sense in Ina’s Pan-Fried Onion Dip, which is phenomenal.

I’d been looking for the right Lobster Roll to try and it finally came along with great satisfaction — My first ever, since they’re more popular on the East Coast.  That’s my excuse and/or they are expensive when offered and haven’t had the quality ingredients sought.

The Lobster Roll is a popular special at Santa Monica Seafood — Generous chunks of Lobster are tossed with a refreshing Lemon Aioli and Chives, then served on a soft Roll.  It’s perfect.

Dine inside, on the patio, at the Oyster Bar or take something to-go from the Fish Market.

Shucking Oysters (below) — Tell them what kind you want or what you like in an Oyster.

We tried the Kusshi (left) and Misty Pointe (right) — Both were superb, especially the MP.

They have an amazing, well displayed and serviced selection at Santa Monica Seafood.

Live Lobster, an option I’m skipping for a while.  See why here — Too much going on.

Sashimi Grade Fish is also available.  Someday I’ll make Sushi.

Several kinds of Crab, Shrimp, Lobster and Fish are sold daily.

Prices vary and may not be the same as shown here today.

Indian Candy, a sweet, salty and smoky Salmon, in the case above is a favorite.

Cheese, Wine, Herbs, cooking tools and all necessities for a nice meal or picnic are here.

Since their re-design that happened about a year ago, it’s nice to dine in with a Glass of Wine.

Our server, Ashley was awesome, sweet and cool, and reminded us of Jody Foster.

Happy Hour looks good, if you can make it in before the 5PM cut-off.  It’s an early one.

And here’s that Lobster Roll I kissed — Smooch.  Time to get a room.  It was sooooo good. 😉

Santa Monica Seafood is better than ever and family owned since 1939.

It’s a dining option I’ll think of more often — There’s a lot to see, cook and eat.

No regrets about yesterday — The path is officially clear for hope, growth, success and happiness in 2012.  The invitation (below) and experience (above) relate to this blog, since all was presented by and for EPL employees.  They do a lot of cool things.  My association with the wonderfully crazy Chicken is previously reported.  I’ll always wish EPL well.

I wanted to toast a Marshmallow.  Goodbye 2011 — Welcome 2012!

Whoever started Wordless Wednesday is a genius, though I rarely take full advantage of it, as you see words — There’s a lot to say about Santa Monica Seafood and its new-ish design, the Oyster Bar, the market, and the Lobster Roll that didn’t get away, but not today.

Soon back for (and with) more of everything — Cheers to that!

Now back to Wordless Wednesday                                                                     ;).

The New Face of Food Coloring is here on Nibbles of Tidbits with a Jelly Belly nose, since we’ve arrived at BROWN — Do you need a drop of color?  It’s a magnificent thing, from the depths of the ocean through the sky.  Our Food Coloring Series started with orange to spotlight links to OC Blogs, then kaleidoscoped into purple, yellow, green, blue, red, white and black.  Without further ado, brown kicks off with a RECIPE for these Puppy Cupcakes.  Awe.

 Continuing with Sherry Mushrooms with Pine Nuts, on my ‘To Cook List’ that’s too long.

Steak Au Poivre by Alton Brown — It has to be good.  Filet makes the brown and red list.

Cookie decorating ideas for any color — Brown and White Bite Size Cookies pictured here.

Beef on Weck — This Sandwich looks so good to me.  I can almost taste it all with the Pickle.

I love Candy Buffets and once set-up a mini buffet with my favorite flavor.

I like the feel of this photo, but is that Canned Bread?  I want to provide credit — Is it yours?

Mounds Brownie — I once was a Brownie, while still a Blondie, and won a ribbon for it too.

Kumato Brown Tomatoes — I think they’re interesting, but I’m more impressed by the blog I found ’em on.  It’s called Eat at Joe’s and it anonymously reviews all things Trader Joe’s.

I choose a Sugar Donut most often and the runner-up will always be any HOT Donut.

Chocolate Bar Brownies (above) and the RECIPE.

A Chocolate Keyboard — To eat or to write, that is the question.

 Rock Candy made with Brown Sugar.

Instant personality with a marker!  Funny Eggs — I want to replicate ’em.

Smile inside and out — Grateful for Bacon & Eggs on a t-shirt or rock in Carlsbad.

Brown Sugar Lil’ Smokies wrapped in Bacon — The RECIPE is here.

Which Sugar/Azucar doesn’t belong?  Do you remember that from Sesame Street?

A Giant Hostess Cupcake Cake and Step-by-Step RECIPE.

Chocolate Fountains — What a sight and site it came from.  Where’s the Strawberries?

I want to dine here with friends and Wine.  It’s so beautiful — Photo Credit.

Bread in many forms is mostly brown.

This cow wants to know what you’re looking at — How now brown cow.

IHOP’s Seventh Annual National Pancake Day will be happening on Tuesday, February 28th.  All day long, IHOP restaurants will be serving each guest a FREE Short Stack of Buttermilk Pancakes hoping they’ll donate what they would have paid, or more, to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities.  This year, the restaurant chain aims to raise $2.7 million, their most ambitious goal to date.  Mark your calendar to consume and contribute.

Note: In my own International Apartment of Pancakes, a Dutch Baby (pictured) was created.

Though I’m not a big Twitter or celebrity person, as previously expressed, it’s pretty cool to see David Rosengarten following me on Twitter.  Maybe he saw what I wrote about him or maybe it’s not really him!?  You can’t be too sure about the virtual world, but I’m sure I learned a lot from him on Taste several years ago — That’s real, and what I like most about this post.

Note:  Photo is completely unrelated.  It’s been so beautiful here lately and just walked 12 miles that started with a Naked Juice and freshly baked Morning Bun from Fresh & Easy.

Branding on a rock in Carlsbad by Kids in the Kitchen — Need Freelance Writing Services?

A few of our most popular recipes were recently noted in this post — Here they’re linked and featured in photographs starting with the Quick Tender Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs.

Have you tried Chipotle’s Barbacoa Beef?  I love it and created a copycat recipe.  It may be the most viewed post on Nibbles of Tidbits — It’s a darn good recipe too.  If you know the flavors, you’ll see.  Our preparation starts by searing the Beef, then on to slow cooking to easily shred.

Though the above photo doessn’t look that appetizing, it’s tasty as all get out topped with Goat Cheese.  It’s another copycat recipe that works — Houston’s Braised Red Cabbage.

Have you ever gone through the hassle of preparing Amish Friendhship Bread?  When I did, I thought it was quite burdensome, but after tasting the finished product, I’d do it over and over again.  It’s one of the best Breads I’ve had — Complex, flavorful, moist and magical.

One of the most searched recipes on Nibbles of Tidbits is a copycat of Houston’s Chicago-Style Spinach Dip — To me (and confirmed by others), it captures the flavor and texture of Houston’s tasty Dip.  It’s a respectable recipe (linked above) that holds up well to this simplified variation.

The pictured Spinach Artichoke Dip was prepared using the same recipe, without the Heavy Cream and alternatively increasing the Sour Cream from 1/2 to 3/4 Cup — This may be the better recipe (below), if too much Water is in the Spinach.  Mix and bake pictured ingredients.

Bake in one to four dishes for an appetizer or individual side, depending on the crowd.

Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe (a variation of this copycat)

Mix all ingredients together well, then transfer mixture to an oven proof dish and bake at 350° for 30 – 35 minutes.  Let cool slightly and serve with Tortilla Chips, Bread or Vegetables.

1 (16 oz.) Bag of Frozen Chopped Spinach, thawed and squeezed, drained of water

1 (12 oz.) Jar of Marinated Artichoke Hearts, drained and chopped (Unmarinated is fine)

1 Large Garlic Clove, minced or pressed

1 Cup of Mozzarella Cheese, grated (Jack Cheese may be substituted)

2/3 Cup of Parmesan Cheese, grated or shaved

3/4 Cup Sour Cream

One dish to freeze for another time is good too.

Note:  The spotlight should also be cast on the following for being amongst the Top Five Most Searched Recipes in 2011:  Houston’s Braised Red Cabbage with Goat Cheese, Chipotle Barbacoa Beef, Amish Friendship Bread and Oven Baked Ribs.  Enjoy — Happy 2012!

The OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party is almost like being at the Orange County Fair.

Dry Turkey Legs (sorry) best underscore my first sentence — You’ve seen them before.

Snapshots of the NYE event, Part (2) of (2) are posted here — Untimely camera issues caused spots on most photos planned for use.  Gourmet Food Trucks were parked throughout.

Cocktails & Desserts were available in each and every hanger.

The LA based Border Grill Truck was in the OC too, amongst many local darlings.

We were keen on the Casino games and won OC Fair tickets, as reported in Part (1) of (2).

I still don’t know how to play Craps — I like Poker best, but it wasn’t played this night.

In addition to the Gourmet Food Trucks and Baja Blues, a few OC Fair fixtures were grillin’.

As like 2010, a nice, respectable, friendly bunch of people attended this year’s Block Party.

Dueling Pianos were playing at Baja Blues, replacing last year’s Karaoke.

Unicycling and chainsaw juggling was happening in the streets, near the Ferris Wheel.

Piaggio On Wheels Chicken Milanesa Sandwich — I like their Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog best.

Do you remember what I reported about the Brussels Sprouts?  I’m still thinking about ’em.

To its right is the Truffled Fried Mac N’ Cheese, I think — Don’t recall its exact name.

It’s from Home Skillet, like the Brussels Sprouts — Most impressed with them this evening.

The Media Lounge was in a different spot this year, closer to the action they say — We stopped in for a few and most enjoyed the Cheese Platter, pictured in Part (1) of (2).

Thank you!  I already can’t wait until next year.

Snapshots of a colorful evening with FOOD, music, games and prizes — Happy New Year.

The surprise Best Dish of the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party (in our humble opinions) was the Crispy Brussels Sprouts from the Home Skillet Truck — With Capers, a smoky flavor and Herb Dressing, it’s quite phenomenal tasting.  We’ll try more from ’em next time.

Met a cool dynamic of people and won (3) Tickets to the OC Fair at the Black Jack Table.

Didn’t have a Takoyaki Ball, but they look interesting with added Octopus.

It’s The Cured (above), a tribute to The Cure, one of my all-time favorite bands.

Pleasant surprises continue to happen — Unexpected good wishes to all in 2012.

Happy Moo Year — It’s good I love Milk and a Cheese Platter in the VIP Lounge.

Note:  Part (1) of (2) re the happenings at the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.

It’s been a stimulating FOOD YEAR that started from day one — And here we are again, full circling on to another year with the same kick off as last.  Exciting stuff, since we’ll be VIP Media at the 2011/2012 OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Come on out the weather is fine.

In 2011, I won and judged several food competitions and I’m THANKFUL for the ribbons, prizes, food, drinks and invitations — Faithfully gratified I aspire to experience more of all in 2012, officially commencing at midnight.  It’s time to eat, dance and gamble at the Block Party.

Toast to 2012 and pray for the best — It’s going to be a big year!

Happy New Year from Nibbles of Tidbits, I Need Text Company and Shelly Borrell.

Black is the new black — Continuing our Food Coloring Series at midnight in recognition of all shades of black.  Is there a color with more associations?  See its depth in relation to food.

Nobu Black Cod With Miso and Squid Ink Pasta start our black mack pack.

Black Pepper Crusted Tuna Steaks on the BBQ.

Steamed Mussels in Curry Broth and the recipe.

A black and white kitchen with dining — I see laughs and passionate happenings there.

The above foods aren’t really black — Sshhhhhh. 😉

Pretty in pink Chocolate Cake or a Chocolate Cake on fire — It’s a good look either way.

Black Coffee in bed?  The stain on my notebook says nothing to me, just sayin’.

And now back to Black Food Coloring — It’s available too.  I just learned that.

Food related words above — It’s a bit repetitive I now see, but initially looks interesting.

Creative use of Black Licorice and Candy Corn in the Haunted Licorice Forest — Love it.

I’ve burnt many a Toast, as proven here — Is it me or the Toaster Oven?  Mostly me.

Blackened Catfish and the recipe.

Do you remember Davey and Goliath in black and white?  I loved watching it as a kid.

Olive, Cream Cheese & Carrot Happy Feet Penguin Appetizers and step-by-step instructions.

Who is behind the bar?  Many chairs pulled-up over and over again in time.

Blackberries, a bucket of purple pickins amongst black nuance.

Olive — I’ll live, Lord willing.  Thanks for this food.  Amen.

Black Bean Soup and its origin, Black Beans, rock hard first.

Black Tea telling you so.

A simple life is a beautiful thing — My Mom knew the car-hop experience with school friends.  She tells the stories.  Sonic Drive-In is the closest thing to that for me.

Colorful Salad Greens against a striking black background — I just like it.

The next color in the series will be                  .

I used to sneak Champagne into movie theaters when I was younger, and to be completely honest, can’t say I wouldn’t do it again.  Popping the cork quietly was always a challenge and it was doubly uncomfortable when the empty bottle would roll (all the way) down the aisle between the seats.  Fortunately we were never identified.  TODAY, if I go to Island Cinema, I won’t have to be covert — One may freely sip Champagne with a Panini in the other hand, while watching a movie.  Learn more about Island Cinema here, here and here.  We’re wondering if the food is good and will report back when known.  We like the concept of all.

The posted RECIPE is an Award WINNER and officially named Chilled Tomato and Cucumber Gazpacho.  It’s not a Mexican Shrimp Cocktail silly — Duly advised, but it reminds me of one.  Either way, it may be the best I’ve had.  It’s fresh tasting, flavorful and super easy to make.

Chilled Tomato and Cucumber Gazpacho

3 ripe Tomatoes, cored and cut into large cubes [I seeded them]

1 Cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into large cubes [I didn’t seed it; used an English Cucumber]

1/2 Green, Yellow or Orange Pepper (or tricolor combo), diced [I used half a Green, half an Orange]

1/2 Shallot, or 1 Tablespoon Red Onion, diced [Shallot]

1/2 cup Scallions, chopped

Juice of 1 Lime

1 T. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 T. Worcestershire Sauce

1/2 t. Tabasco [or other hot pepper sauce, like Red Rooster, which I now like better–use 1 T.]

1/2 cup V-8 Juice [buy one small bottle at a liquor store; grocery stores only sell it by the case!]

Lemon Pepper to taste

Seasoned Salt to taste

Instructions

Combine all Soup ingredients in blender until well blended (ingredients will retain some pulp, which is great).  Pour into chilled bowls and garnish as desired.  Makes 1/2 gallon–6 appetizer servings or 3 main dish servings.  Tastes better if you make it the night before.

Garnish (with one or more)

1/2 lb. chilled, cooked Shrimp [buy the fresh $10 Shrimp tray from Costco; scarf the leftovers with the Cocktail Sauce]

1 chilled, sliced Avocado

1 T. fresh Cilantro, chopped

Follow and vary the RECIPE to your taste — Above [brackets] indicate specifics by Arlene T., 2011 Best Appetizer Winner.  She agreed to share all on Nibbles of Tidbits and we thank her.

I recently made the same for a Holiday Party and everyone loved it well chilled in a cup.

I could write a dissertation on political and religious aspects of this photo, but here I appreciate its creative value — It makes me want to carve Bread, not bite the hand that feeds me, reach out and touch someone, ask not what my country can do for me and/or give it five.

Reindeer need to eat too, and so does Santa, visibly — Merry Christmas from Nibbles of Tidbits!

Note: The WINNER of the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party Tickets will soon be announced.  Closing odds are 29/1 — We’ll update this post with the results or write a new one. 🙂

Update: Congratulations “amelieinparis7” and Happy New Year.  We have a gift to send you.

A surprise at the office on Friday made my day — Walked in to a pile of presents on my desk and a box of Donuts nearby.  A couple days a week at EPL’s corporate headquarters (as a Paralegal, Consultant) enhances living.  Before and after will always be tasty grilled Chicken.

You’re lucky to like your job, or in some cases just have one — I thankfully enjoy a few.

And now keen on 2 Pounds of See’s Candy, Homemade Apple Juice and candles — Sounds like a party.  I never had 2 Pounds of Chocolate.  Is it really Apple Juice or Moonshine?  I won’t tell.

I feel bizarre — What’s in there?  JK, lovin’ the freshly juiced Gala and Fuji Apples with the Nuts & Chews, at a pace to avoid chaos.  Thank you!  I’m very grateful for all.  The little things and big picture matter most.  Merry Christmas, love and feast on earth.  Pass the Moonshine.

I fancy hanging snowflakes during Christmas time that attempt to look half as good as above.

One of the best reds is perfectly cooked Filet Mignon.

Red Velvet Cake, very popular now.

Shrimp Cocktail Teasers — I make the best Cocktail Sauce in seconds.

A Lobster Roll — Never had one, always wanted one, will get one (someday).

Pomegranate Margarita and other interesting Margarita concoctions are here.

I love Beets and used to make them all the time.  The drawback is they stain everything.

I receive a lot of love and find Watermelon Juice irresistible.

Apple credit goes to God, then here.

While picking Strawberries as a kid in a nearby field, I almost got shot with a Salt Gun.

Planet Earth Apple — Do you think it was coincidentally bitten that way? 😉

I’ll forever support cute and sweet, with consideration over cuteness, consider it!?

Chef Niece Bailee could paint these Cherries with ease, I just eat ’em with simplicity.

Another staining food, but superb in countless ways are Pomegranate Seeds.

Oh so beautiful — Standing there now in spirit.

Note:  Continuing our Food Coloring Series with RED — Click color links to see previously posted orange, green, yellow, blue, white and purple food photos.  Have a favorite?

Seasons 52 food sure looks and tastes like it’s over 475 calories, but they promise it’s not.

First, a big thank you goes to our super awesome Server, Julianne and management for the Wine — Though there by default, at one point there was nowhere else I wanted to be.  I walked in feeling down about recent events and left well-fed, optimistic and confident.

Just sayin’ the service and food hit the spot this night, on the patio at Seasons 52 Fresh Grill.

We had Shrimp Stuffed Mushrooms, a Sonoma Goat Cheese Ravioli, Chipotle Shrimp, and Steak and Cremini Mushroom Flatbread — Their menu changes with the weeks and seasons.

Next time I’m saving room and time for the Mini Indulgences — They’re so cute and look tasty.

The Mandarin Orange Cosmopolitan is superb and practically two with a second icy pour.

Outdoor patio view at Seasons 52, with heat lamps and a fireplace in December.

Seasons 52 occupies the space below The Capital Grille at South Coast Plaza.

This day I realized one’s perception is equal to nothing on earth and all continues to be possible for the naive.  There’s a Seasons 52, turn, turn, turn, and a time to every purpose under Heaven — A time to eat, a time to sleep, a time to leap, a time to bleeeeep, a time to get deep, a time to keep, a time to say more than a peep and a time to drive a Jeep. 😉

Do you “want to be part of the NYE Midnight Drop” they asked me?  Two seats on the pictured Super Shot are up for grabs, if I want them.  Part of me thinks it would be a fun way to start the new year, and the other part thinks, no thanks!  I appreciate the offer, but already up in the air in circumstance — That aside, 22/1 are the current odds of winning (2) Tickets to the OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party.  Enter here now.  Winner to be drawn Christmas Day.

Worlds collide — I remember David Rosengarten.  In the early days of the Food Network, he was one of my favorites.  I learned a lot from him during several years of Taste, and thought he was so conversant and educated so thoroughly.  I truly understood whatever the principle.

I hadn’t thought of him in a long time, until given The Rosengarten Report by a friend.

A friend whose Mother’s Estate produces Mardesich Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Paso Robles.

And The Rosengarten Report wrote about it, which means it’s something special.

Terrific for them, you and me, since I recently tried a bottle of Mardesich Extra Virgin Olive Oil.  It tastes better than any I’ve tried in a long time and I’m not just sayin’ that because it’s harvested by a degree of separation.  It can also be purchased at We Olive in Paso Robles and Long Beach, another reason to visit Belmont Shore.  I’m glad to like it so much.

It’s most excellent for full-flavored food and perfect with Sourdough Bread.

Bravo Mardesich!  Fruitful growth is wished upon you — And salute to David Rosengarten.