To quote Dirty Dancing, when I am wrong, I say I am wrong. Last week I indicated that I didn’t think Lisa could find her way around a steak but Richard could . . . um, what a shock that was. Richard’s was undercooked and improperly butchered . . . and Lisa’s wasn’t.

So, Spike and Lisa can do something right: butcher and cook a steak.

Lisa wouldn’t want the responsibility of choosing a protein? I would! Fortunately, that was the reward for Quick Fire winner Spike, who once again squandered it. Frozen scallops? That’s the special protein you choose? Seriously.

Stephanie clinched the win, showing that she is indeed a contender. I am worried about Richard though – he hasn’t been doing as well lately. I think it’s high time to step it up again.

My husband brought up an interesting point: Lisa has been in the bottom three for countless weeks. How has she managed to survive? And all the time at the Judges’ Table she wears such a puss . . . I think she will be next to go.

Final two: Richard and Antonia. What do you think?

EDITED TO NOTE: I originally said that Antonia had won — fortunately Virtual Frolic caught my gaffe and corrected me. My sincere apologies for the error.

Happy Memorial Day!

It’s the unofficial start to summer, so here’s a quick and easy drink for your next backyard shindig. I hope you are out enjoying this beautiful summer day like we are.

Easy Sparkling Strawberry Lemonade

1 1/2 cups lemon juice
1 12 oz can strawberry nectar
4 cups water
3/4 cup sugar
ice
2 cups club soda

In a large pitcher, combine the lemon juice, strawberry nectar, water and sugar. Stir until combined. Add ice, leaving enough room for club soda. Add club soda just before serving and stir very lightly (you don’t want to knock out all the bubbles!).

Alright, alright. I am really late on this. I did watch on Wednesday, but a combination of factors (laptop at service center, really busy, needing to – gasp – sleep) prevented me from finishing in a timely manner.

Regardless, here’s what I thought. As always, I cannot wait to hear what you all thought too. We are coming down to the wire on the competition. Looks like my prediction of a Dale, Richard, Antonia finale missed the mark . . . I still think Richard and Antonia will be in the finale, but who else? Stephanie perhaps? She excelled this week, but hasn’t been memorable in past weeks. She’s probably the strongest of the other remaining chefs.

Anyway, onto the episode. The Quick Fire was really interesting, albeit unusual. To see these Top Chef contenders stumble through eggs over easy and fret about egg white filled pots of poaching eggs was a trip . . . There is nothing highbrow about that. It was no surprise — to me at least — that Antonia did well at the challenge. She has proved throughout the series that she is not only a great chef, but a regular home cook too. Good to know that she can handle both sides of the cooking equation. Read the rest of this entry…

I am not generally a big fan of convenience food products, but we’ve stumbled on a few lately that we (we being Will and I) really like. Even an ardent believer in home cooking like me believes that sometimes, packaged food can help create a decent meal in no time flat.

But remember, homemade is always best.

• Old El Paso Chipotle Taco Seasoning – I gravitate towards anything with chipotle. I would be lying if I didn’t say it’s at least due in part to how much fun it is to say. It has a really nice kick to it. I worried for a second that it might be too much of a kick for Will . . . uh, no. He gobbled two tacos up and made yummy noises all the time . . . Considering that a jar of chipotle chili powder is almost $8 at the local grocery store (ordering from Penzey’s is so much cheaper!), this is a great alternative when you are looking for that chipotle zing. Shawn liked this one too . . . Read the rest of this entry…

To my recollection, I have never talked about alcohol on this blog before. I don’t know why. I just haven’t. But even in a family cooking blog, alcohol can have its place. That’s why I said a quick yes when 360 Vodka asked if I would like to try their product. Of course I would. Vodka is fantastic in adult-time drinks for warm spring and summer nights.

360 Vodka is an environmentally friendly vodka that is four times distilled and five times filtered. The environmentally friendly aspect comes with its manufacturing. The bottle is made of 85 percent recycled glass, 70 percent of which was post-consumer waste glass. It has a 100 percent post-consumer waste paper label and comes in a 100 percent recycled cardboard shipping box. It also comes with a label that details its environmental impact.

How do I know all that? The company also sent along a comprehensive press kit. I have to say that it’s among the best press kits I have ever received. It is chock full of facts, quotes and came with a nifty little card that can be planted to grow flowers. Better yet, it’s all printed on 100% Post-Consumer Waste Paper too, keeping with the mission of 360 Vodka. Read the rest of this entry…

**Spoiler Alert**

If you didn’t watch the show, back away from the computer quickly. Come back when you have.

**End**

Just when I decided that maybe Andrew wasn’t that bad . . . just when I decided that maybe I could tolerate him, this happens. The guy did bring a healthy dose of comic relief to the show with his great one-liners. And the how-many-cuss-words-can-I-say-in-one-episode died away too . . . But alas, his bizarre interpretation of sushi got him sent home. Should have used used brown rice inside . . .

The heavy tension with the contestants and the judges at judges table was almost uncomfortable to watch. Even Shawn said, “I can’t believe they (the contestants) are talking to them (the judges) like that.” It seemed like Andrew, Spike and Lisa were incredibly hostile. Now granted, that could have been just how the scene was cut . . . Read the rest of this entry…

The price of baby food – the organic, affordable food that Paige eats – jumped 10 cents. Sugar has more than doubled in price for our small town. Gas is teetering on $4 a gallon. I talked about my fears last week . . . and they only seem to intensify as the days pass. Food is getting more expensive. Fuel is getting more expensive too. It’s frightening.

But this week, I want to get beyond the fear to the solutions.

This year, we will begin growing our own food. I’ve tried in the past without success, but after three years of experimenting, I think I am ready to really settle in and make it work. And for the first time, my husband believes that we need to as well.

We’re not alone in this quest. Urban farming is taking cities by storm. In New York, it’s caught the attention of the New York Times. It’s time that suburban farming made its comeback too. Connecticut used to be a mecca of farmland. These days, the houses still sit on two and three acres in many areas, but those acres are perfectly manicured lawns and sparkling blue pools. The potential for people in Connecticut to take back the land for sustainable home farming is tremendous. And just imagine what benefits it would have on the environment if we all farmed just a little corner of our land . . . Read the rest of this entry…

Note: No, Paige did not eat the Snickers bar. She’s six months old for crying out loud. Do you think I am nuts?

I’m sure that many mothers are looking forward to lazy mornings of sleeping in and breakfast in bed. But I’m no fool. After three years of motherhood, I know that ain’t happening here. Perhaps someday I can guilt them all into it. For now, I will take my personal treat of sleeping until 6 instead of 5 . . . then getting up and having a cup of coffee in the quiet house. With two kids and two dogs, you don’t get much quiet around here.

To all the fantastic mothers out there, I hope you get your few moments of peace and gratitude today.

Happy Mother’s Day!

I’ve gotten very into Rachael Ray lately. Girlfriend knows what she’s doing . . . My one complaint? Many of the 30 minute meals I have made are 30 minutes of active time . . . that’s quite challenging when you are home alone with two little kids. Often, making her recipes involves Paige at the hip and Will standing close-by to see what I am up to . . .

Being two and a half, I try to let Will help when he wants to. But that can be a challenge. Sometimes he “forgets” that when I ask him to make the salads, the fixings are supposed to go in the bowl — not his mouth. Other times he wants to taste ingredients (to which I usually acquiesce, as long as it’s safe).

I’ve also found that many of Rachael’s recipes are kid friendly. Read the rest of this entry…