The skin turns yellow as it ripens but they still keep their slightly crunchy texture so are firm enough for the kids lunch boxes and sweet enough for them to want more. In season for about another month - so, look out for them next time you are grocery shopping and give the kids a healthy treat.
February 11 2008
Darren back at the palace ...
I am really excited about a new project I am doing in the summer. Re-visiting my old royal stomping grounds of Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Kensington Palace. Best part is, you can come too ! Check out the box on this page (top left) and see how you can join me as we tour the palaces and I will be your tour guide.
Then, off to market, buy some good old English produce and a cooking class on my home turf. Throw in trips like; a tour of Harrods Food Halls, Tea at the Ritz and much more and you have a "right royal memorable trip" I can't wait. "Pint of warm beer anyone ? my round ! "
February 7 2008
And on and on...
Isn't it about time this Diana inquest came to a close ? This weeks star turn in the witness box was Kelly Fisher. For those of you not paying attention or even drifted off to sleep with the boredom of it all, she was the er... girlfriend/fiancee of the princess's er ... boyfriend/fiance. She is claiming... oh, who cares !
The sooner this inquest is over and done the sooner those that think she was murdered can go back to believing 'it was a cover up" and those that thought her death was an accident can carry on remembering the princess for the good that she did in her short life and the incredible way she inspired others.
February 5 2008
Milwaukee ...
Tired of this Texas 70 degree winter weather I am heading off to Milwaukee, Wisconsin this weekend where it is a sensible 23 degrees and a real winter. I will be cooking and book signing at the Milwaukee NARI Spring Home Improvement Show. Over 330 home improvement and remodeling exhibitors will display information on the newest products, trends, and services for the home in more than 700 booth spaces.
My cooking demonstrations are on the Kennedy Hahn Appliance/American Cooking Demonstration Stage on Saturday February 9th at 12:00 noon and 4:30pm. I will be cooking and giving out samples of the British Royal Families favorite dishes so if you live in the area or have family or friends there then the more the merrier.
Listen out for me on WMIL-FM 106.9, WOKY-AM 920 and WKLH-FM 96.5. Also, I will be on WISN-TV Channel 12 Saturday morning.
February 4 2008
Capital Distributing ...
Saturday night I was demonstrating the new turbochef oven for Capital Distributing in Dallas. Roast rack of Lamb in 4 minutes, whole tenderloin roasts in 11 minutes and canapes like my bacon wrapped jalapeno stuffed olives in just 45 seconds all wowed the crowds and the speed this oven cooks food to perfection continued to amaze me. I am not just saying that because I was representing Turbochef at the event. If I didn't believe in it, then I wouldn't tell people I did. In fact it is that good, I have one at home. I cook in the Turbochef oven every day and still can't get over just how good this oven really is. The food it cooks is 5 star restaurant quality but the way it takes the guess work out of cooking is what amazes me. How many housewives prod away at that roasted chicken 'just to make sure it is cooked" and presentation then looks like the dog got hold of it. Not with the Turbochef. Fourteen minutes - yes, just fourteen minutes and you had better belive it is cooked - cooked to perfection, crispy skin on the outside and moist and tender inside.
If you have never heard of Capital Distributing but are on the look out for new kitchen appliances then don't go any further until you have checkd out this place.
It is owned and run by Jan and Michael Davis and is such a friendly, family business even the grand kids can often be seen running about the showroom, playing in the dolls house and eating cookies with the customers kids.
With literally dozens of ovens, cooktops, ranges, refrigerators and much more on display as well as the latest kitchen "must haves" like the Turbochef oven this is JUST the place to start when redesigning your kitchen at home or just in need of a new oven.
Check out their web site click here Pay them a visit and say "The Royal Chef sent me" You might get some discount - or if not, a nice freshly baked cookie (smiles)
January 29 2008
Apologies ...
If ever anyone needed a part time scheduler for my diary - it's me. This week I boo boo'ed big time. I have a sold out Valentines class at Market Street McKinney Saturday night but had agreed months ago to do a demonstration for Turbochef at Capital Distributing in Dallas THE SAME NIGHT. I had just written the Turbochef event down on the March page of my diary instead of February. OOPS !!! (br)
Thank you to "the gang" at Market Street for being so understanding and more importantly you guys that were coming to the class Saturday night. We have rescheduled the class for March 1st and I promise to make it up to you all then. I don't mess up often, but when I do - I do a good job of it (smiles)
January 28 2008
Want me to come and cook dinner for you for just $ 50 ? ...
Find out how in my first newsletter of 2008. Click on the newsletter tab (top of the page next to the British flag.) Also, why do the media keep calling on "royal experts" for quotes when the "expert" wasn't even there at the time. More in my newsletter along with a great new produce coming onto the market - vinegar made from honey ? You'd better believe it and gosh it's good. All of this, plus a fantastic recipe for valentines day and much more in this months newsletter.
January 24 2008
New Newsletter ...
My new newsletter went out via email last night to about 1000 people. It will be up on the web site hopefully next week. If you want it delivered direct to your inbox then add your email address to the box above the blog and I promise I won't sell your address to anyone else. This months newsletter gives you the chance to have me come and cook a gourmet dinner party at your house for 8 people for just $50.
January 21 2008
Kishu Mandarins ...
Enough on the Princess Diana Inquest, for now. Read more about it in my newsletter sent out direct to your inbox next week. Let me tell you about Kishu Mandarins if you have never seen them before. Kishus are only in season late December thru February and so we are prime time for them right now and they can be picked up at good grocery stores.
Kishu Mandarins - or pixie tangerines as they are also known - are incredible. Small (the size of a golf ball) seedless, very easy to peel and a fabulous flavor make these the best tangerines ever and best still, kids love them.
Look out for them in the stores now, but be quick, they are only around for another week or so.
January 16 2008
Today in the High Court, London ...
It was the third day in court for "the butler" and what looked like being his star performance turned into a nightmare leaving him wishing he had stayed in Florida. Read the report by the Daily Mail's Richard Kay - click here
January 14 2008
Diana Inquest ...
As the wheels of justice roll on at London's High Court with the inquest into Princess Diana's death it was "the butler's " day in court today. Asked by QC Ian Burnett: "You know nothing to support the suggestion they were murdered?" he replied: "No. I can't begin to believe that. Knowing the members of the Royal Family as I do, and knowing them so well, that's impossible."
So, with that firmly in mind... Why on God's earth did he have to release to the world a letter the princess wrote in one of her distressed days stating that the royal family wanted her killed ? Oh, of course, gossiping it to the world would sell his book, even though he never believed a word of it, as he said today.
I see he has been told to "hotfoot" it to his home in Cheshire to bring back documents that will reveal "the secret" Fat chance of them appearing in court Wednesday. Not giving out secrets like that for free. Not when their is the making of another money spinning book here.
No, the inquest brought about by his revelation of the letters and his insistence for the truth will have to wait for "his side of the story" - at least until the advance is in the bank.
January 8 2008
New Newsletter...
I forgot to say, my new newsletter is up (click on the NEWSLETTER link at the top of the page, next to the flapping British flag) ) Of course, if you want to read it the day it comes out then sign up to have it sent to your inbox just by putting your email address in the box above the dvd clip on this page. It currently goes out to over 1000 people and I promise that I wont pass on your email addresses to anyone else. This months newsletter has the bread and butter pudding recipe that Princess Diana told the papers that "I made the best in the world" January's recipe will be... hmm, you will have to wait and see (smiles)
January 8 2008
Happy New Year...
Right then, off we go again on another year. Just back from spending New Year in England with the family. Gosh, it's SO expensive the way the pound is with the dollar right now. Had some really good food while we were there though. British food has it's own unique taste and flavors and it was interesting to see how the supermarkets now identify the region the food has been produced.
Finnan smoked haddock for example, dating back to the 16th century when it would be lightly brined and cold smoked over peat. Makes my mouth water just talking about it. I used to poach it in milk, put a soft poached egg on top and finish the dish with a chive butter, garnished with a few rocket leaves for the princess.
If you have never tried it and want the authentic stuff then order it here click here
They import it from Scotland and of course it is expensive, but trust me, you will order again and again once you have tried it.
Christmas Day 2007
Merry Christmas ...
Well it's finally here. The turkey is cooking, the Christmas pud is steaming away. A nice bottle of Bordeaux wine is breathing on the sideboard. Aftrer lunch, check out the new newsletter (click the newlstter link, top of the page) and then sign up to have it delivered to your inbox every month.
That's another year almost over. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours. Cheers !
December 13 2007
Book Signing at ESCADA ...
Monday December 17th between 3-5pm I will be signing copies of my book Eating Royally at ESCADA, 31 Highland Park Village in Dallas. (junction Lovers Lane and Preston) Come along and pick up a signed copy. I have already sent the advance check to the children's charity and am now working on royalties - so help me raise a lot of money as well as buying that perfect Christmas gift.
Even if you don't buy the book you can still drop by to say hello, have a glass of bubbly and some "bits and bobs" while you browse the store and then do a bit of Christmas shopping in the village afterwards.
See you there !
December 6 2007
Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace ...
They are changing the guard at Buckingham Palace - the kitchen one that is - On the official royal.gov website it says " A talented and dynamic Chef is sought to oversee the management of the Royal Kitchens. This is a hands-on position where you will lead and motivate a brigade of 20 chefs to deliver quality fresh food to the highest standards.
A challenging and exciting opportunity with requirements ranging from canapés to staff restaurant meals. You must have substantial experience gained in 5 star premier catering operations, most recently at a senior level, with experience of fine dining, classical French cuisine, volume catering, menu development, and a real passion for food.
So, if you fancy a career change, have a copy of my book and have attended at least 5 of my cooking classes, ooh, and have a good sense of humor (you will need it) then applications have to be in by January 7th. Good Luck !
December 1 2007
Signed copies of the book ...
I have a lot of cooking to do this month - it's a chef thing you know - so I won't have a lot of time to get out signing books. SO, you can now order a signed copy of Eating Royally HERE ON THE WEBSITE - click on the BOOK COVER at the top of the page and fill out the form. Don't forget to say who you want the book dedicated too ( that means what name you want writing in it (laughs) You can order by check, cred/debit card, cash or money order - easy peasey huh ? Order soon though, so I can get them shipped priority mail in time for the holidays, I mean Christmas !
November 29 2007
Nearly Christmas ! ...
Has it really been almost a whole month since I last blogged ? That's terrible ! My friends would never believe I could keep my mouth shut that long (smiles) Gosh this month has been so busy. Since I last blogged I have been to Florida twice and San Antonio. The teas at the Diana Exhibit were fantastic, the food was awesome and we sold a bazillion books with $14 of each copy going to breast cancer as well as my advance and royalties going to PedAids.
I stopped in at a "lovely" English tea room for some amazing sausage rolls with a spot of tea in Tampa and did a little presentation on er.. "tea" to a nice group. The tea shop is run by an English lady called Thelma - check out her web site www.acornerofengland.com They have the most incredible authentic pasties too though Thelma will be the first to admit that they are bought locally and is happy to give you the address to order over the web.
Next to San Antonio where it was two cooking classes at Central Market on the Saturday - Mary Martini and her team are just the best, I love teaching at that school. Then on the Sunday it was off to La Cantera to raise funds for March of Dimes Signature Chefs event. This weekend we had 50 folks over for a "kick start Christmas party" I hate this politically correct stuff about "holidays" don't you ? I also taped a seg for Good Morning Texas in Dallas - you can get the Mocha Chocolate brownies recipe off their web site.
I am already discussing big plans for next year - I thought it couldn't get any busier but that thought went up the swanee with my diary filled for January, February and March already and trips to Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Los Angeles, New Orleans and Milwauke (where's that ? ) to name but a few.
This weekend sees me at my old stomping ground of Market Street McKinney on Saturday and Colleyville on Sunday with sold out cooking classes at both - wait till you try the Caramel Crunch Cake. I also have a book signing at Escada in Highland Park Village with a tea party and champagne- the more you drink the more books you buy (smiles) and a signing at Borders too.
December 11th I will be at London Market Antiques book signing - they lent me all of the beautiful antiques for the food shots in Eating Royally. It's on Lovers Lane in Dallas and I think the whole street is having a "holiday" (there's that word again) party. Charles and Nell the owners are just the sweetest people I know. ( I have to say that they are in England this week visiting my parents)
Don't forget you can buy my DVD here on the web site and next week you will be able to order SIGNED copies of my book here too in time to ship for Christmas. They make great gifts for the holidays - I mean Christmas !
November 1 2007
Pinch punch, first of the month ...
Gosh, November already. Yup, soon be Christmas. Anyone planning on serving the Christmas cake from my book Eating Royally should have made it by now and be feeding it lot's of alcohol laden syrup for a real treat on Christmas Day.
Friday I am heading back to Florida - remember the Dresses for a Cause exhibit (go to the links page on my site here and click on Pink Ribbons Crusade) - Saturday we have two tea parties open to the public in Ocala and then Sunday I will be in St. Petersburg doing do more tea parties. All proceeds go to Breast Cancer so if you live in the area, are going to be in the area or know someone who lives in the area then that's the place to be. I will of course be signing copies of my book at each event and as well as the advance and royalties from the book gong to PedAids, my publisher have allowed us $12 from each copy sold at the events to go to Breast Cancer too.
So it's a win win for all. When you buy copies for family and friends for Christmas gifts PedAids gets a donation, Breast Cancer gets a donation, you get a GREAT book and I get, well, I get to sign it for you (smiles)
November 1 2007
James Beard House photos...
If you have ever wondered what it is like inside the James Beard House in New York - or what or even who Beard was about - then click on the photo left and below the blog - yes, where it says "click on the photo" duh ! (laughs) We had such a great time cooking at Beard House and raising money for culinary scholarships.
October 29 2007
The DVD is finally available ...
Look above the blog... See the BUY THE DVD button ? We finally have the DVD "Royal Favorites" available to order on the web site. Click on the Buy the DVD button above to read more about it and to see pics from the DVD too.
It's a two hour DVD in HD shot by a food network producer and is not just a cooking class but 2 hours of fabulous entertainment too. With the holidays coming up it will make a great gift for that cook or royal fan in the family. And, because it comes straight from me, I can sign it for you too. Cool huh ? (laughs) Order today and make sure it arrives in plenty of time for the holidays. See if you can spot my wife Wendy and the children in the DVD !
October 23 2007
Tour de Chefs ...
This coming Saturday I am taking part in Tour de Chefs Colleyville. "Tour de Chefs is a creative concept in home touring allowing attendees to tour kitchens of 5 beautiful Colleyville and Grapevine homes while observing and sampling the culinary delights of 10 talented and diverse fabulous chefs" says the blurb on the official web site www.tourdechefs.com ( Not sure about the talented bit, I think I was chosen for the diverse side)(laughs)
Never done one of these before so am looking forward to it. What I do know is that I get to meet and give out samples of my bread and butter pudding to around 1000 people who will come through the home that I am in. I will be signing my new book Eating Royally too. Market Street are sponsoring the event and so I get to work with Judy and Michelle from the Colleyville store and that is always fun.
Proceeds from the event benefit GRACE (Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange) Feed Our Kids. So if you fancy a bit of a nosey around some posh homes while sampling some good food too this weekend then call 817-577-3378 for tickets and I will see you there.
October 22 2007
The Holidays are coming ...
Came out of the house this morning in my usual tee shirt and shorts and did a quick U turn for some sensible clothes. Lived here in Texas for 9 years now but it still amazes me how one day it can be 91 degrees and sunny and the next 55 and freezing (told you I had been here a while - 55 ? freezing ? laughs)
Anyway, Saturday I was in South Carolina at The Westin Hotel, Hilton Head teaching a cooking class to 240 ladies and we had a great time - well at least I did - I hope that they all did too. It was 91 degrees as I touched my toe to the sand and said to my friend Richard "I can't believe this is October" Richard runs a catering company called "Catering by Chef Richard" in the DFW area and he is the man I turn too whenever I need help in the kitchen. Richard flew on ahead and prepared my demonstration. His standard is my standard and I always feel confidant having him by my side in the kitchen. Not only is he a great chef, but he makes the best crab cakes in the world. Richard was also manning the kitchen at the James Beard House while I was busy taking the glory upstairs. I tell you all this because this mornings freezing - alright, cold - weather reminded me that the holidays are just around the corner.
Soon we will all be thinking about entertaining and who should we call for a reliable service for our family, work, or just friends party. Well, he is the dude. Check out his web site here click here and have him cater your holiday party in the metroplex. Tell him I sent you and he might buy me a beer next time we are delayed at the airport together again. (smiles)
October 16 2007
Killed by Hitmen ...
As the inquest into Princess Diana's death goes on the latest we hear from a witness is that shock, gasp horror... he saw two hitmen in the tunnel. A motorbike overtook the Mercedes inside the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris before a 'major white flash' like a police radar was directed at the car, Francois Levistre told the inquest into the princess's death.
He stopped near the tunnel exit and claimed he saw the motorcycle passenger get off, approach the car, look inside and make a hand gesture to the bike's driver before they sped away. Asked why he did not leave his car to help, Mr Levistre said: "Fear...I thought they were hitmen. We thought the two cyclists had come to kill the people in the car."
Of course, Mr Levistre had given several different accounts of the incident, the court was told and he had also served time in prison for possessing an illegal weapon and had been held in connection with an alleged plot to sell a child, the jury heard. But does that mean he is not a credible witness ? Have to decide that one for yourself. Big flash of light ? Chased by men on motor cycles ? Hadn't it already been determined that photographers from the press were following the car at great speed. And don't photographers have cameras with er... flashes on them - that would light up a dark tunnel ? Hmm.
October 15 2007
Making a Difference ...
Most people look at an opportunity and all they see is the difficulty in executing it. Princess Diana, faced with a difficulty saw the opportunity within it. With this thought in mind I have to tell you she would have been thrilled to pieces with what is going on in Ocala Florida right now in her name.
Saturday night was the gala for the launch of dresses for a cause. Over 400 people attended with all of the $200 ticket money going directly to promote breast cancer awareness. It was a fabulous evening that brought together local communities, dress owners from around the country and the Pink Ribbons Crusade Board. All feasted like royalty on gourmet food prepared by local caterers and restaurants.
You see what made this event so special and what would have endeared the late princess about it is that everyone involved had donated their time for free. But it didn’t stop there. After the dinner we all toured the exhibit that had taken years to plan. There were 30 of the dresses that the princess had sold at auction to raise money for charity a few months before she died. The dress owners, the most humble and generous people you could ever wish to meet all flew in at their own expense and stayed with families in the community. Imagine the difficulty involved in making this happen. But Suzanne King, founder of the Pink Ribbons Crusade like the princess, saw the opportunity and made it happen.
Princess Diana would have been in awe of every single person that played a part, however small, in donating their valuable time and energy into making this 10th anniversary once in a lifetime exhibit happen. I hope Princes’ William and Harry and the world media get to find out about the good that is going on in Florida and make everyone realize that - as the princess once said to me – “If you really want to make a difference Darren you can. But you have to really want to make a difference”
Check out the news story on the gala click here
October 12 2007
Dresses for a Cause ...
I am heading off to Florida this evening to attend the Gala for "Dresses for a Cause" check out their website on my links page - pink ribbons crusade. The Gala is the first event of many in Ocala and the exhibit starts tomorrow and runs thru December 31st.
On display at the Appleton museum of art will be 30 of the dresses Princess Diana sold at the Christies auction in New York as well as hundreds of pieces of British royal memorabillia - including the framed photo on the cover of my book that the princess gave me. I will be there in November on the 3rd and 10th hosting tea parties and all proceeds go to promote breast cancer awareness.
I am also scheduled to be book signing at all three events but sadly we don't have any books. The publishers have completely sold out and the THIRD print won't be ready until November 16th. SO, if yo uwant a book signed, you might try and find one at a local bookstore first. If not, just come by and say hello
Just a thought, going back to this Gala Saturday night. Was it a woman who invented the tuxedo ? It wasn't a man, they are the most uncomfortable things to wear in the world - especially when you are guest speaker to 450 people. Because I am also judging the food on the night I tired to get away with wearing chef uniform (laughs) but no luck. Oh well, for those in attendance Princess Diana's chef will be the one in the corner fidgeting with his bow tie.
October 11 2007
Barbara Taylor Bradford O.B.E. ...
Ok, it's pretty cool to get one book published but it's something else when you have your name on 22 best selling novels and have sold more than 81 million copies world wide. Step to the table Barbara Taylor Bradford, a yorkshire lass who will be in Dallas on November 13th attending a book signing and English tea party.
Now I know the menu will be authentic because I was consulted on it and I know the event will be fun too because I met Barbara when she was in Dallas last and was honored to cook for her. "Bubble and Squeak" in the middle of Texas !!! " By eck lass, it were a belter ! " - as we say in those parts of the world that she comes from.
The English Tea Party is at the Women's Museum in Dallas on Tuesday November 13th 3pm - 5pm. Tickets are just $50 (cheaper than my cooking classes) and you can get them by calling 214-361-7888
Barbara's new book is titled "The Heir" and it is fabulous - I have already read it. My favorite part is at the end when she dies - that was a surprise ! HA HA ! only kidding... ONLY KIDDING !!!!
October 8 2007
Paris accident ...
One of the things I remember so well about Princess Diana is her wicked sense of humor. With this in mind you can't help but think she is up there orchestrating todays events when the jury involved in the inquiry into her death were involved in an auto accident of all places, outside the Ritz hotel in Paris.
The jurors are on a two-day trip to the city to see the places the Princess visited in the hours before she died. But as the coach tried to set off, it collided with it’s own police outrider, knocking him off his motorbike. The policeman was unhurt and climbed back onto his bike – but moments later, there was a loud bang as the coach clipped a bollard in front of the hotel. The prang knocked off a hubcap and burst a tyre. Funnier, no spookier yet ! Who should be walking out of the Ritz hotel JUST as the jury arrive ? Victoria Beckham and her security entourage - followed by the media. It really is like the Princess is playing a little game of chess with all of these pieces. You can't make things like this up can you ?
October 4 2007
Darren Live on QVC TODAY ! ...
Don't miss my first QVC appearance with Eating Royally at 4pm central today on QVC. Click on the link in the blog below to watch it on your computer.
October 3 2007
This and that ...
Loads of bits and bobs to chat about so here we go... Still waiting for my official photos from the James Beard House. Can't wait to get the newsletter up with those in to share with you. Should be next week hopefully.
The DVD will, I am hoping, be available to order from the web site by this weekend. I have had lots of requests for it and thanks for being patient. I promise it will be worth the wait.
Thanks to everyone that turned out to my cooking class at Central Market Houston last weekend. It was a sold out class and we sold out of books too so well done all. Hopefully you have all had chance to cook the bread and butter pudding I demonstrated for you as well as the other dishes from the book. This coming Saturday I am in Austin at Central Market and hope to sell out of books there too. Remember the holidays are just aroud the corner and this book not only makes a great gift because it is part cookbook part memoir, but you also help me raise a lot of money for the children's charity.
Thursday - yes tomorrow, I am heading off to Philadelphia again, I love Philadelphia, though won't get time to visit my favorite eating haunts there. I have a 4pm central appearance scheduled on QVC and am really looking forward to that. I have been practicing " I have just ONE book left, phone in now QUICK ! " (LAUGHS)
The book has now gone to thiird print and is on back order in a lot of good bookstores so perhaps QVC and their generous discount might be the place to purchase it. Click on the link here and then when the page opens up click on the WATCH QVC LIVE on the left at 4pm central and you will see my 8 minute segment - AND be able to buy the book. QVC
September 24 2007
And someone will order it ...
Sometimes I will pay a couple of hundred dollars a head for dinner at a good restaurant, especially- being a chef - you appreicate the work involved in creating it. But I have to draw the line at this... The Fortress Sri Lanka, an award winning luxury resort in Galle has created the most expensive dessert in the world. Priced at $14,500 ‘The Fortress Stilt Fisherman Indulgence’ is an effort by the resort’s culinary team to create a one of a kind dessert that is intrinsically linked with the destination, offering both long lasting memories and a keepsake of the experience.
Oh, purleese... give me a big old dish of bread and butter pudding any day.
September 24 2007
Casino Royale ...
Saturday night I was busying away at a charity dinner party I had donated to the Limbs for Life charity. The dinner party was at a beautiful home in Dallas and I have never seen such a fabulous display of china outside Buckingham Palace. The hostess had laid the table "royale" style. I say royale and not royal because it was a James Bond Casino Royale theme.
The guests arrived in three vintage Rolls Royces, Bond music blared out as they entered the house and were each given vesper martini's served by "Bond girls" - Three measures of Gordon's, one of vodka, half a measure of Kina Lillet. Shake it very well until it's ice-cold, then add a large thin slice of lemon peel. Next it was into the casino for 30 minutes to play for a weekends use of a new Bentley and then into dinner. It was a fun night and my thanks go to Allison Brushaber of TurboChef who helped me in the kitchen for the evening. Special thanks to the hosts and also to the people that bought the dinner. It raised $10,000 - that in itself will buy three new limbs. An evening well spent.
September 19 2007
Coming up ...
Imagine a piece of Manhattan renamed "Little Britain" It may happen and sooner than you think. I will tell you when I get a minute about a man I met who has already put the idea into motion - and how I can and want to help him.
September 19 2007
Catching up ...
Back from the Beard House in New York. How cool was that to get invited to cook there. Just look at the list of chefs before me. WOW ! I had SUCH a great time and can't wait to tell you all about it, so much to tell that I have decided to put it all in my next newsletter so you can see pics too.
Getting ready for a charity dinner party this Saturday for Limbs for Life. It should be a fabulous evening and I can't wait to tell you all about that as well. The dinner is a "casino royal James Bond" type evening with Aston Martins, Bond girls, casino et al. I guess I will have to tie some "theme food" into the meal - how about for vegetables some "chubby broccoli " HA !
Sunday is a rare day off and - good timing - Oktoberfest in Addison. I love this event and we go as a family every year. Their is something about drinking beer from a Stein whilst pigging out on Bratwursts ( brät- which is fine chopped meat and -wurst means sausage) and German potato salad. Reminds me of Oktoberfest in Munich many years ago. The kids love running around the dance floor as the oom-pah-pah (remember the scene in Oliver Twist) plays.
Next weekendI am off to Houston, to teach at Central Market. The class is sold out but I will be book signing afterwards so come along and buy a book and say hello. The weekend after I am in Austin Central Market teaching a "recipes from the book " class.
September 13 2007
Second Print ...
Well how cool is that ? Eating Royally has just gone into a second print run. Not bad for a first time author, huh ? Thank you to EVERYONE who has bought the book and helped me raise thousands of dollars for PEDAIDS. We're not done yet though, we want a THIRD run, so tell all of your friends to buy it too. Better still, start buying up the books now for Holiday and Christmas gifts. The book is part cookbook and part memoir so even if your fave Aunt, Uncle, Sisters etc dont cook they will get a really good insight into life in the royal family as well as a history lesson on the royal palaces. Second Print run.... COOL ! (LAUGHS)
September 13 2007
James Beard House ...
I am heading off to New York Saturday to prepare a "British Tea Party" at the James Beard House. It's an honor to be invited (you have to be invited to cook) because they only usually invite restaurant chefs.
Since 1986, the James Beard Foundation has been at the forefront of America's culinary revolution. The Foundation was established that year in honor of James Beard, the late cooking teacher, journalist, and food consultant who is widely considered the father of American gastronomy. The Foundation’s mission is to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America’s culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence. Sounds impressive huh ?
My menu is the following;
A selection of tea sandwiches to include... Baked Ham and English Mustard on White Bread. Sage Derby Cheese with Vine-Ripened Tomato on Grain Bread
Cucumber, Mint, and Cream Cheese on Whole Wheat Bread and Croques Monsieurs. OK, the last one is a bit French, but they are good - AND in the cookbook (laughs)
Then, if everyone eats their sarnies they get;
Scones with Clotted Cream and Strawberry Jelly. Iced Caramel–Banana Cake.
Queen Elizabeth’s Chocolate Birthday Cake. Fruit Tartlets with Lemon Cheese and
Traditional Shortbread. All washed down with Pimms no 1, Lemon Refresher and of course the old Earl Gray tea. Bless their bellies if they eat that lot. (laughs)
Tickets have been sold out months ago, but I am talking with the Warwick Melrose in Dallas about doing two more tea parties on the back of the two I did with them for Artreach charity. I just have to find a good charity to tie in too.
Will tell you all about "Cooking at Beard House" next week and the fantastic team I have helping me. Hope we don't get delayed out of DFW - or it will be shortbread all around in terminal A.
September 11 2007
This past week...
Has it really been six days since I last blogged, gosh I am getting lazy (laughs) Oh, if only. Sunday I was back at Market street in McKinney but not teaching a cooking class. Instead it was a private dinner party for six people. They had bid on and won a "Dinner with the Royal Chef" silent auction item I had donated to March of Dimes. The item included hotel stay and return flights on a private jet. Ruth, Maria and Jennifer the cooking school team made this one of the easiest dinner parties I had ever done with the great prep. I just had to turn up and cook (laughs)
Next up was a big dinner party at work followed by a busy weekend in San Antonio. No, not drinking margaritas on the riverwalk, I wish ! (smiles) Two sold out cooking classes at Central Market on the Saturday followed by a tea party for almost 100 people for Les Dames D'Escoffier. Now if you want a tea party done properly then get Les Dames involved. This had to be one of the best tea parties I have ever attended. The setting - The Guenther House in San Antonio - was built in 1860 and is a museum, restaurant and store. It is is located on a bend of the San Antonio River, at the foot of King William and a popular brunch place the locals use, forget the riverwalk and all those tourists. The tea party was in the roof garden and looked stunning. The tables all set in fine china and beautiful white linen and the flowers were fabulous too. As was of course the food and it was a treat to sit down to someone elses cooking - even though they used recipes from my book Eating Royally. Talking of which, we completely sold out of books and I headed off to the airport with cramp in my signing hand.
Back to Dallas this week and then heading off to New York where I have been invited to cook at the James Beard House on Sunday.
September 5 2007
Etalk Canada Interview...
This is the interview I did for Etalk in the Ruth's Chris restaurant in Toronto. Good quality as well - you have to sit through the Southfork ad first though before you see the interview (smiles) click here
September 4 2007
Fox News Interview...
In case it was a little early for you Friday August 31st, here is the taped segment of me on the Fox News Channel. Now, bear in mind that I had been at the studios once already that morning to do Fox and Friends (picked up at 4-30am) so if I looked tired in this segment - I was. You have to sit through the Levitra add first (don't go there - laughs) click here
September 2 2007
Number ONE on Amazon...
Fantastic news this morning, Eating Royally is currently #1 in Cooking, International, General and # 564 overall on Amazon. How cool is that !!!THANK YOU to everyone that bought the book, for your kind emails through the "contact me" on the website here and for helping me raise a lot of money for the children's charity.
Please tell all your friends to buy it too, as you know it is not just a cookbook, but part memoir too. It will make a wonderful Christmas/holiday gift so start buying up now (smiles)
September 1 2007
The F Word...
I flew to New York last week via San Francisco and Toronto to promote my book Eating Royally. Non stop cooking segments on breakfast television shows, radio interviews from the studio and also my hotel room and countless newspaper interviews kept me rushing from one to the next, but it was great fun.
I had a free night and decided to name drop, or should I say beg my way into Gordon Ramsey's restaurant at the London Hotel in Manhattan. I chose the seven course tasting menu, it was easier than just trying to pick three dishes - I wanted to try them all. As with most celebrity chef's restaurants these days, the celebrity chef is rarely there ("Gordon is here about once a month" I was told)
This kitchen is trusted to Josh Emett and he sees over the three departments -the fine dining restaurant I was in, room service for the hotel and also Maze. Josh, from New Zealand joined the Ramsey team in 2000 and worked at Claridges and the Savoy Grill where working alongside Marcus Waring they were rewarded with a Michelin star.
Dinner started with an amuse bouche of Tuna tartare in a cone with an avocado cream. It was OK, nothing special. Next up was Confit foie gras with slow cooked free range chicken, truffled quail’s egg and pear chutney. The quails egg was soft and warm and only a chef can appreciate hard that is to prepare - try shelling them when they are still warm and soft. After that, Ravioli of tiger prawn with fennel cream, shellfish vinaigrette and chervil velouté. One of Gordon's signature dishes and again, it was good. Yes, just good.
The next course was a halibut dish and of course it was cooked to perfection. Then a gift from the Chef. Roasted Hudson Valley foie gras with caramelised plums. This dish blew my mind, a tastebud explosion. It truly was one of the best dishes I have ever tasted in my life.Things were getting better. Next up was a dish I had been waiting for. Slow braised pork belly with English minted peas, pearl onions, braising juices and crackling. I could have licked the plate clean and ordered a satelite dish full of the same order again. Gorgeous fall apart suckling pig, braising juices so good you really just have to mop the plate up with the home made bread. Crackling just like we have in England and peas, sort of pulsed with smoked bacon and onion jus to give color and flavor. I would get back on a plane to New York tomorrow given the chance, just for another serving of that dish. Desserts next and a Caramelized pineapple with crystallized cilantro. It sounded good, but was really the only let down on the whole menu. (Bear in mind at this level, when I say let down it is like saying "Oh, I will take the bottom of the range Mercedes from the showroom, it's STILL a Mercedes - if you get my drift.) Then, a chocolate fondant with caramelised banana ice cream and malted milk shake. Back to perfection and a wonderful dish to finish on - unless their was anymore of that pork left of course.
After dinner I was invited into the kitchen to meet Josh and his team. We chatted about the meal, they get through four suckling pigs a week - it would be eight if I lived closer. Talked about the Savoy - I used to work there too. Talked about produce and equipment - that's a chef thing. And also talked about his home country New Zealand, I flew there twice with the Queen when I worked at the palace. All in all, a wonderful experience. It's an insult to just call it a meal. I hopped into a cab on Fifth avenue on my way to see Les Miserables (for the fifth time) and wondered. If the food is this good when Gordon Ramsey is not here, what must it be like when he IS. The F Word ? You bet, it was F... abulous.
August 31 2007
10 years ago today...
Ten years ago today I woke up early to go in to work. The princess and the boys were returning to Kensington Palace after vacations and it was going to be such a happy time. I turned on the TV and then.....
Read the rest of this in my newsletter - click on the newsletter link above. Don't you just love that photo of the princess too ?
August 30 2007
New Newsletter...
Check out my new newsletter - coming up tomorrow on the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. See my favorite, never before seen photograph of her too. Then tune in to Fox and Friends on the Fox Network Channel for full coverage of the memorial live from London. I will be a guest in the New York studio sharing my happy memories of the fifteen years I cooked for the most photographed woman in the world.
August 29 2007
Fox and Friends on Fox News Channel...
I am going to be in the studio here in New York Friday August 31 on Fox and Friends covering the Princess Diana memorial live. Tomorrow morning I am on CBC Newsworld in Canada promoting the book and discussing the memorial.
August 29 2007
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Toronto...
I must admit I am not big on steakhouses. You get er... steak and that's it. I like sauces, sauces that enhance the steak. I find "just steak" boring. Well, yesterday I had to tape a segment for eTalk on CTV and they wanted to film me in the kitchen of Ruth's Chris at the Hilton, Toronto.
Head Chef Jess Ostlund - who has been chef there for 13 years - couldn't have been more helpful in the shoot and when he found out I had never eaten in a Ruth's Chris before he insisted I stay for dinner. Let me tell you, the blackened and seared Yellow fin tuna was amazing. It came with a spirited soy mustard sauce that was so good that I asked for more to dip my bread in.
The rib eye steak, ordered medium well arrived to a sizzling fanfare. The signature sizzle created by cooking the steaks at 1800 degrees, serving them on 500 degree plates and then slapping butter on just as they leave the kitchen. As the butter hits the plate it sizzles to the table and napkins are used as splatter guards. The steak, cooked and seasoned to perfection and served with al dente asparagus and beautifully cooked spinach stayed on my palate long after leaving the restaurant and I am sure I could still hear the sizzle as I entered my room on the 21st floor.
If you are looking for a good, no, fabulous steak cooked by an excellent chef then look no further than Ruth's Chris at the Hilton, Toronto.
August 28 2007
Breakfast Show on City TV, Toronto...
Had another cooking segment this morning in Canada. This time on the Breakfast Show in Toronto. I made the Framboises St Georges, Carrot Roulade and Tomato Mousse all from the book. Hope to get you the link to the segment if they post it on City TV web site today.
I have had lots of emails through the "contact me" link on the web site here requesting the bread and butter pudding recipe I made on Canada AM yesterday. "The recipe is not on your site, do we have to buy the book to get it ? " most asked. Absolutely not, click on the link in the blog below and it will take you to Canada AM web site. They have the recipe as well as the cooking segment. There ! a free recipe for you (smiles) But I think once you have tried the recipe you will want to rush out and buy the book for more great recipes like that one. As the host said yesterday... " If I am ever on death row, then THIS dish is my last meal" I guess that is a compliment, sorta. (as they say back in Texas)
August 27 2007
CTV Canada AM...
I flew into Toronto at 6-15 this morning in time to do a cooking segment on CTV Canada AM. The segment was just after 8-00am so it was a mad dash. PLEASE don't laugh at my white socks. GOSH I wish I had had time to change them. It's a good seg all the same and the hosts were wonderful to work with. Watch it here... click here
August 27 2007
Camilla backs out...
Just heard the Duchess of Cornwall will NOT now be attending the memorial for Princess Diana on Friday. No surprise there !
It would have turned into a media pantomime with every camera focused on Camilla zooming in on every facial expression.
So where is the Duchess going to be while her husband is at the memorial ? How funny would it be if she was spotted at San Lorenzo lunching with the other Duch - Fergie - who's prima donna pouting is keeping her away on the day.
Of course this now means a front row seat has opened up. Let's hope media reports that Prince Charles is running the show prove to be false - or Tiggy will be shopping for a new hat this week (laughs)
August 26 2007
TV Guide Network ...
Diana:Memories of a Princess airs today on the TV Guide Network. A two hour special that I took part in. Talking frankly about my time with the princess and also cooking some of her favorite dishes too. The premiere is 11:00am today and it will be shown several times through the day.
A seperate one hour special documentary I also participated in on the princess will premiere Monday at 11:00pm and run through the week - same channel.
August 24 2007
Book signings and tasting too...
Today, Friday I will be at MARKET STREET, McKinney between 4pm - 6pm signing copies of my book. Com along and sample what Princess Diana called "the best bread and butter pudding in the world"
Saturday afternoon I will be book signing at MARKET STREET in Colleyville from 1pm - 3pm and again passing out samples of bread and butter pudding.
August 24 2007
Fox and Friends...
I am going to be on Fox and Friends tomorrow morning (Saturday) on the Fox News Channel to promote my book Eating Royally and to talk about the upcoming memorial. It's an early start to the day but will be well worth getting up for.
August 23 2007
Eating Royally...
Prince Charles is a huge fan of Italian food, so much so that for a while he even had an Italian chef - to teach his other chefs how to cook. Pride and passion are usually words attributed to Italian chefs and therefore it was no surprise when searching for the best restaurant to eat at in Philadelphia Osteria was top of the list.
Chef Jeffrey Michaud mans the hotplate - from the restaurant side of the table. Possibly because in the center of the restaurant is an old fashioned bacon slicer that he personally uses to slice his antipasto in house cured meats to order.
The concierge at my hotel told me that Osteria had a one month wait list for a table so shamefully I had to mention that I was a visiting chef, who I had cooked for and what I was doing in Philly when I called to reserve a table. It worked and I was greeted by Chef Jeffrey when I arrived.
Jeffrey is married to an Italian girl, he met while training in the North Central Lombardy region of Italy and not only did he find many new recipes and of course a beautiful wife - who also cooks by the way - but the pride and passion of the Italian chef too.
I chose the warm spinach salad with crispy sweetbreads, snails, pancetta and leeks as my first course. The sweetbreads crispy on the outside but with a texture of seared foie gras melted in my mouth. For my entree, wood grilled halibut with chanterelles, mussels and scallions. Halibut cooked to perfection with the earthy flavor of the chanterelles to compliment the dish. I was in heaven. Jeffrey insisted I try his signature dish of rabbit "casalinga" with pancetta, sage, brown butter and soft polenta. "Casalinga" because the dish came to him inspired by his wife's grand mother who raised and then braised rabbits for the family table. It was amazing, the meat fell off the bone and had just enough sage to flavor but not overpower the rabbit. "Just how rabbit should be cooked" I thought to myself sucking the last piece of flesh off the bone and moppping up the sauce with the home made bread. I didn't have the heart to tell him that the only rabbit we cooked at Buckingham Palace were the ones shot by William and Harry to feed to the royal Corgis.
A fabulous meal and a restaurant I highly recommend and can't wait to return too.
August 21 2007
Geraldo Rivera on Fox News Channel ...
Don't miss my first appearance on the Geraldo Rivera Show on the Fox News Channel - this coming Saturday night 7pm central.
August 21 2007
UK Daily Mail ...
I made the hallowed pages of "the Richard Kay column" today. Richard was a good friend of Princess Diana and took over the Royal columnist Nigel Dempster's column when he passed away earlier this year. Richard quoted me from the blog here and it is SUCH a privilege that he reads this blog.
OK Richard, now you have to mention the book this time and help me raise a lot of money for a children's charity. It's what Princess Diana would have wanted from her staff and friends. I have donated all of my advance (thousands of dollars so far) and all of my royalties to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. The book is called EATING ROYALLY and is available in the UK from Amazon.co.uk
Thank you Richard in advance (smiles)
Don't miss the "10th Anniversary"newsletter with my all time favorite, never before seen photo of Princess Diana. - Coming August 31.
August 20 2007
Forget Cheesesteak ! ...
I remember flying to Australia with the Queen on a royal tour and landing in Sydney. I couldn't wait to get lunch out of the way and head off to Bondi beach. I had heard so much about it and it was one of those "just got to do's" I was so dissapointed with what I saw. It was small, unimpressive and I couldn't understand what all the fuss was about. "Don't waste your time with Bondi " our driver said, the next afternoon, the chefs climbing into his Limo for some more R and R. "Manly beach is where the locals go, a little gem we keep secret from the tourists. It's a million times better" He was right.
This analogy was like my hunt for the best Philly Cheesesteak when I landed in Philadelphia. This time my "Limo driver" was Lari Robling host of WHYY Chef's table. "Forget cheeseteak'' she told me " Go to Reading Terminal Market and look for Dinic's. His pork sandwich is amazing and it's where the locals go"
Right in the center of this fascinating market with a plethora of diverse culinary cultures was Tommy Dinic's. If you missed the sign you would have seen the lunchtime line of locals drooling as they waited their turn for a "fully loaded" pork sandwich. Fully loaded came in the shape of a bread roll as long as a train carriage with it's rush hour passengers of pulled pork, sharp provolone cheese and sauteed spinach tossed in red pepper flakes with a hint of garlic all crammed inside.
I counted 28 people in front of me but at Dinic's pigs really do fly as Tommy the owner fills and wraps sandwiches at lightning pace. The 'oh so tender' pork - Italian seasoned - is pulled to order and brocoli rabe sauteed in olive oil and garlic is an alternative to the spinach topping for those lucky people who are able to eat their every day. Dinic's pulled pork sandwich, a little gem that I could still taste in my mind as we taxied to the runway heading back to Texas. Now, I just have to find the alternative to brisket. (laughs)
August 20 2007
Cooking Live on NBC ...
Had a fabulous time cooking live on NBC 10 Philadelphia this week. It's a morning show that has a live audience too - no pressure Darren - and the hosts, producers, crew etc were wonderful. The show has no script so anything goes and the producer Mac gave me an extra few minutes which when you are used to only FIVE was a special treat. You can watch the clip here and see what you think... NBC 10
Don't miss the "10th Anniversary"newsletter with my all time favorite, never before seen photo of Princess Diana. - Coming August 31.
August 12 2007
Philadelphia ...
Tomorrow I am heading off to Philly to promote the book and my mouth is already drooling at the thought of big ol cheesesteaks and soft pretzels dolloped in mustard.
August 14 ((Tuesday) I will be on Comcast's Your Morning live from Loews hotel lobby - Corner of 12th and Market. Then it's off to WHYY-FM to do A Chef's Table at 1pm- 1:30pm live.
August 15 (Wedneday) I am cooking live on NBC 10 and then book signing at A Taste of Britain Tea room. Hope they have plenty of books. check out the web site here... Taste of Britain
August 12 2007
Book Signings ...
I had two book signings yesterday. The first one was at London Market Antiques in Dallas. Book signing surrounded by the antiques I used in the book food shots was pretty cool. Even if you don't have any money to spare for antiques right now it's worth popping in the store just for a look at some of Britain's finest antiques and to say hello to Nell and Charles, the owners, who are the sweetest couple you could ever meet. Check out the store here... London Market Antiques
Then it was off to Barnes and Noble at Stonebriar Mall in Plano. 2-4pm the signing said. I arrived at 2pm to find a line of people waiting, I can't tell you how cool that feels as a new author. Well ! 2pm the signing started and 2:05pm it ended - sold out of books. You can't ask for more at a signing can you - well, apart from some more books (laughs) Then I remembered I had some copies in my car. What followed was an impromptu signing in the parking lot from the back of my car. I didn't realise being an author would be so much fun.
August 4 2007
No Duchess at the Memorial ! ...
So, it’s official. No Duchess at the Diana Memorial. Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean the Duchess of Cornwall (another blog for another time) I meant the Duchess of York. “The Duch” has decided that she will decline her invitation to the memorial at The Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks. Why? You ask! Well, because she feels attending "would not be right" as she has never felt welcome at royal events.
Well if true, then the Duch needs to get down off her high horse and quit hijacking the memorial to play political games with the royal family. Now is not the time. Of course she is not welcome at royal family events, she is no longer (her choice) royal family. How many ex-wives attend “the other halves” family get togethers? Exactly!
Who cares that she wouldn’t be sat on the front row next to the royal family? Or that William and Harry wouldn’t invite her back to the palace afterwards for tea and scones. Half the world that adored Princess Diana would give their right arm to attend the service and remember the princess and wouldn’t care if they were on the front row, ten rows back or stood at the back handing out hymn books.
August 1 2007
Dallas Morning News, New York Post and Boston Globe...
All running wonderful stories on the book today. Thank you Editors and writers of each for helping promote the book and raise thousands of dollars for a children's charity.
August 1 2007
Jamaica...
Missed me ? Who said NO ? (laughs) Just back from a family vacation to Jamaica. It was our first visit and for sure we will be going back to the beautiful island. It's tough being a tourist when you have young children and "we" decided that a three hour ride into the mountains for dad to see a coffee plantation wasn't going to be near as much fun as building sandcastles on the beach.
Blue Mountain coffee is the finest in the world and it must be grown at altitudes between 2,000 and 5,000 feet in the Parishes of Portland, St. Andrew and St. Thomas in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica to be called "Blue Mountain Coffee" After they harvest the Aribica beans they then sun dry them on bamboo racks before roasting them over a smoky wood fire producing a more flavorful coffee that has less caffeine than the Robusta Bean grown in many parts of the world.
We stayed at Starfish Trelawney, a fabulous resort situated on a three-mile stretch of powder white sands and sparkling sapphire waters close to Montego Bay. It is part of the Superclubs family that have nine resorts around the island and I can't speak highly enough of the them.
Their was Jerk Chicken a plenty and a fabulous fruit I had never seen or tasted before called a Ginip. It is a green fruit, which grow in bunches. The fruit ripen during the summer and are similar to that of the related lychee. It has a tight and thin but rigid layer of skin, traditionally cracked by the teeth. Inside the skin is the tart, tangy, cream pulp of the fruit, which is sucked by putting the whole fruit inside the mouth. "I bet they would make the most amazing sorbet." I thought, sat on the beach sucking the flesh off the stones.
"Yeah Mon !"
July 19 2007
Summer Loving...
No, I am not talking here about Prince William and Kate and will he or won't he, I am talking Summer Pudding. Or Summer Loving as we called it in the palace kitchens. Check out the fabulous photo on page 132 of my cookbook Eating Royally and you will see what I mean.
Summer pudding can only be made when all of the berries are ripe and at their best and right now is that time. Now, berries ! Forget California where they produce sort of "ok" berries year round, I am talking about Washington State.
George Richter has a small fruit farm that produces the most amazing berries but they are only available for six weeks a year. Not just raspberries but blackcurrants, redcurrants and gooseberries too. His redcurrants are the caviar pearls of the fruit world and words cannot describe the incredible sorbets and ice creams you can produce from them.
Washington State produces 60-70 million pounds of raspberries a year with 98% of those going to processing - jams, jellies, juices etc. It's the remaining 2% that find their way into top restaurants and gourmet stores in half pint containers for real foodies to drool over. Central Market in Dallas has a few left - I say a few because I wasn't going to write this until I had been and bought my ten trays of them which are now firmly locked in my freezer to supply a years worth of orgasmic ice cream. (laughs) "Richters berries" remember who told you first !
July 17 2007
Here's the recipe...
from this morning's cooking segment I did on Fox 4 Dallas. Click here for the recipe
July 16 2007
Back on television tomorrow...
Tuesday morning I will be cooking live on Good Day Dallas (FOX 4) It's an entree this time, Gaelic Steaks from Eating Royally, my new cookbook. Gosh, at this rate you won't have to buy the book you will get all of the recipes here (laughs) Nah, their are more than 100 recipes in the book so we have a long way to go. I will post the link to the recipe as soon as it is on the FOX 4 web site.
Talking of the book, THANK YOU to everyone that bought Eating Royally at MARKET STREET, McKinney after my cooking class last Friday night. They have sold out and have to re-order more copies. Every one of you should be proud you are helping me raise thousands of dollars for this children's charity.
July 16 2007
Veiled Farmer's Daughter...
Yes, that is the name of the recipe that I prepared this morning on Good Morning Texas. "What or Who, are the the veiled farmer's daughter's? " you ask. Well so did Her Majesty the Queen when I suggested it and forgot to send the recipe up to her to show her exactly what it was. You can get the recipe from my book Eating Royally - or pick it up here at the WFAA Good Morning Texas website. It's a perfect dish for this time of year and if your watching your figure.... use Greek yogurt instead of the cream. Click here for the recipe
July 15 2007
Good Morning Texas...
I am cooking live on Good Morning Texas (WFAA channel 8) Monday morning. My segment should run around 9:15am and I will be preparing one of the dishes from my new book "Eating Royally" What am I making ? You will have to tune in and see (laughs)
July 13 2007
Dempster's Diary...
I was saddened to read of the passing yesterday of Nigel Dempster. He was the UK Daily Mail’s royal gossip columnist for 30 years and his page was often the one that the royal family and staff turned to first. He always had the news on “royal goings on” before anyone else – including the engagement of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson - and was often the topic of conversation over the breakfast table in the servant’s hall at Buckingham Palace, as well as the royal table too.
He maintained a friendly relationship with some members of the royal family even though he would “gossip” about them. Princess Diana had his ear on many occasions, including telling him that her chef Darren made “the best bread and butter pudding in the world” which to my surprise and joy he went on to print in his column. You can see the article he wrote in my new cook book – Eating Royally – and also get the recipe too. Nigel Dempster died yesterday aged 65, a true journalist and the end of an era.
July 12 2007
Don't miss my live interview today...
I will be on DAILY CAFE today doing a live interview about Princess Diana and my new cookbook. You can watch it on Direct TV channel 364 between 1:30 and 2:00pm (Central time) - I will give you a wave (laughs)
July 12 2007
One is not amused...
It's not often you see the Queen "lose it" but on the rare chance you do, you never forget the moment. Reading today's papers of how Her Majesty stormed out of a photoshoot after US celebrity snapper Annie Leibovitz asked her to remove her crown reminded me of a State Visit to Australia I did with the Queen.
It was something like a 26 hour flight with one hour refuelling stops in Singapore and Bahrain - eventually touching down in Sydney. Every member of staff couldn't wait to get off the British Airways jet and as soon as the seatbelts sign went off we all shot out of our seats and reached to the overhead bins. "Where is my bag? Will you all SIT DOWN" came a voice from the front that made everyone freeze for a split second before quickly jumping back into their seats recognising the angry voice of Her Majesty and seeing a similar scowl to the one that graces many of today's front pages.
As if by magic though, as soon as the aircraft door opened, the band started playing and the waiting children cheered, a big smile returned to the Queen's face and it was business as usual - and a sigh of relief down the aisle. You never forget though (smiles)
July 11 2007
When Cadbury’s chocolate is not Cadbury’s chocolate...
Several recipes in my book call for “English Chocolate” For English chocolate read Cadbury’s. Cadbury’s make the best chocolate in the world - period. Ask the ex-pats who visit the UK and return with suitcases full of the stuff. All of us have “British Stores” locally or online that we can order “supplies” from and substitutes just won’t do.
Some stores in the USA sell “Cadbury’s “chocolate, but it just doesn’t taste the same because the end process is done at Hershey’s. Cadbury’s in the UK send a mash of dried milk and chocolate to which the Hershey’s factory will later add cocoa butter, but the final processing and the blending is when everything goes pear shape. The mash of “pure gold nectar and heaven on earth” that leaves Cadbury’s in the UK must have been dragged along the ocean bed because the end product that leaves Hershey’s under the Cadbury’s name is just nasty in my opinion. It tastes like soap.
There is an interesting article in today’s food section of the New York Times about the world’s best candy bars and how English chocolate is the best. Its a fascinating article and you can read it by clicking here . New York Times Food Section
For the Cadbury’s flake on the English Trifle and the Mint Aero on the Crathie Crunch as well as loads of other British treasures for the pantry you can buy them by clicking here British Food
July 9 2007
Two Concerts in a Week ...
One concert to celebrate the life of a Princess and then a week later another to 'save the world' Not really a tough decision for a performing rock star
when it comes to choosing which one to appear at "to be seen" or so you would think. A few surprised faces this morning then when UK viewing figures revealed more than THREE times the number watched the Princess Diana concert.
Maybe there in lies the problem. People felt the emotion and some sort of connection with Princess Diana, she had this magic about her that made everyone feel as if they knew her personally and could relate to her in many ways. Not so, some of the preachers at Live Earth who most of the year travel the world in private jets with large entourages.
July 5 2007
Springfield News Leader ...
I did a Q & A with Julianna Goodwin of the News Leader and it has been my favorite interview so far. She has all of the facts in her article and it is SO well written. I met Julianna at Precious Moments in Missouri when I was there raising money for breast cancer and she wrote a fabulous article then too. You can read it here... News Leader
July 4 2007
Happy Fourth of July ...
Independence day here in the US with parades, firework displays and family get togethers around the table 'from sea to shining sea' I wish the English were as patriotic and proud of their country on St Georges Day. The stores are full of red, white and blue colored food on red, white and blue china being bought by families in red, white and blue clothes with red, white and blue painted faces. It's a real fun, family day with lot's of good eats and drinking. Me, I am flying to Boston to help some British friends dry out some tea they have pulled out of the harbour (laughs)
July 2 2007
Concert for Diana ...
So, who watched the Concert for Diana ? About 500 million of us around the world we are told. Pretty amazing isn't it that one person could affect so many lives, but that was Princess Diana for you. As someone said in the "Diana and me" pieces "she had a way of making you feel special" and I know that first hand.
I was going through a bad patch in my life and the princess found out about it. One lunchtime in the kitchen she said she had been invited out to dinner several nights that week but " why would I go out for dinner when I have the best chef in London ? " Did she mean it ? I doubt it, Did I believe it ? not really, but for a good half hour after she had eaten her meal and gone I skipped around the kitchen. That was Princess Diana for you and seeing the "Diana and me" segments in between the music really reminded me of those good times.
Every one of those people she met remembered how meeting her had lit up their lives and the short time they had spent in her company had relieved the pain they were suffering. Of course the music was fun too and a lot of it a reminder of those huge sash windows at Kensington Palace wide open and music blaring out across the courtyard. One minute Duran Duran, Take That and Abba and the next Phantom, Cats or Les Miserables.
Elton was pretty cool and so many waited for his last performance of the event hoping for one last rendition of Candle in the Wind. It didn't happen and perhaps only he can say why. Maybe the powers that be were concerned that the country would drop back into the memories of almost 10 years ago and maybe they were right. Princes William and Harry reminded us of how their mother inspired so many people to be good to others and to help out the less fortunate. I think that statement reached out to 500 million people tonight. Happy Birthday Your Royal Highness.
July 1 2007
Pinch, punch, first of the month ...
Today would have been Princess Diana's 46th birthday, can you imagine ? I remember her birthdays so well as the doorbell at the back door would never stop ringing as well wishers and each charity sent bouquets of flowers and the apartments had a wonderful aroma. Freesias were the Princess's favorite and I would be in and out of her dining room not to fetch china but to smell the perfume of those wonderful flowers.
Today's Mail on Sunday breaks the story to the UK of my book "Eating Royally" Remember that EVERY penny I make goes to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation. Two of Princess Diana's charitable goals were children and AIDS and I joined the two together to choose this charity.
I remember the day that the Princess came into the kitchen telling me how much money she had made for charity " giving away some of her dresses" and that is what inspired me to do the same with these recipes. If she was here today I can see her now coming into the kitchen saying " Darren, tell me again how many thousands of dollars you raised for charity by giving away a few recipes? "
The Princess didn't mind people using her name to raise money for those that needed it and children born with the AIDS virus through no fault of their own were on that list. The book has loads of easy to do recipes and some lovely anecdotes too - ALL positive about the royal family. So PLEASE buy the book and help me raise thousands of dollars for charity - yes, in Princess Diana's name.
June 30 2007
The Columbian in Washington ...
More press coverage on my book "Eating Royally" in today's Columbian newspaper. Read here... The Columbian
June 27 2007
The Today Show and La Guardia ...
OK, I had a great time today at the Today Show. Everyone was so friendly and couldn't do enough to help in my cooking segment. Deb and Anna the foodies who prep everything were amazing. Ali and Mathew...thank you for allowing me to promote my cookbook Eating Royally and help raise money for PedAids. And yes I was on a high after the show, until I arrived at La Guardia for my flight back to Dallas.
Wicked storms in New York, Chicago and Dallas put paid to anyones plans to travel by air today. We sat on the plane for FOUR hours at the gate waiting for it to stop lightning - it' didn't - and that meant ALL flights out of La Guardia were cancelled. Consequently, I am blogging (for the first time ever) sat on a hard concourse floor at two o'clock in the morning, trying to stay awake and HOPING, just HOPING that I can get on a fligh to Dallas tomorrow. All of this for 5 minutes on the Today Show. Was it worth it ? You bet it was ! (laughs)
Click on the link for the recipe and to watch the clip on the Today show site... Today Show
June 26 2007
Cooking live in the plaza on the Today Show...
Blogging from New York, I love it here, it is SO alive. Don't like the taxi drivers though, they are all on a death wish (laughs) I was on the NBC today show set this afternoon for a walk through of my cooking segment ready for tomorrow morning. I am on in the 9am hour for anyone watching. I'm going to be making bread and butter pudding (Princess Diana said it was the best in the world) I don't know if it's the best in the world, but it's in the top one (laughs) You can get the recipe from the Today Show web site and of course from my new cook book Eating Royally (now in all good bookstores) Remember, all of my advance AND royalties go to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation, so buy the book and help raise money for two of Princess Diana's charitable goals children and AIDS.
June 26 2007
the Today Show...
Just heading out the door to New York to cook "live in the plaza" on the Today Show NBC5 tomorrow morning (Wednesday) I will give you a wave (smiles)
June 25 2007
NEW NEWSLETTER...
Check out my new newsletter - talking more about the book, the Princess Diana exhibit you are not going to want to miss if you live any where near Florida, Edge cookware and two charity tea parties I am hosting in August.
Check back tomorrow too for some mega exciting news on where I am going to be cooking on Wednesday morning...
June 24 2007
Today's Dallas Morning News...
Loved the piece in today's Dallas News Business section by Cheryl Hall on my book. Cheryl, thank you for writing that. The book is now on sale at all good bookstores or by clicking the book cover above from Amazon.com.
Read the Dallas Morning News piece here... Dallas News
June 21 2007
Happy Birthday Prince William...
Prince William turns 25 today and a very happy birthday to him. Time flies so quickly and it hardly seems ten years since I last spoke to him. I still refer to him and his brother Harry as "the boys" I guess because that is what the princess always called them. Didn't they seem so grown up though in the NBC interview ? It was good to see them so relaxed, laughing and joking with each other too. With the lump sum of nearly nine million pounds he receives from his mothers estate this birthday he really does become one of the worlds "most eligible bachelors"
June 18 2007
Try this at home...
I got caught up in cooking classes at the weekend and then with fathers day too, didn't get to put the new newsletter up. It will be there this week though. The biggest hit at my picnics and poolside party food class Saturday was the Whisky, Chocolate Bread and Butter Pudding. It was SO rich, velvety and yummy that their were no leftovers. Calories ? well it was fat free... until you ate it that is (laughs) I am repeating the class at Market Street, Colleyville this coming Saturday. It's been sold out for a while, but here is the too good to miss recipe to try at home.
Top the pudding with clotted cream and caramel sauce to make it a dish your guests will be licking their lips over all the way home - Oh, and put a couple of slices of banana on the very top - we have to have some part of the dish that is good for you (laughs)
Makes 6 portions. (1 12x9x2 casserole dish)
8 ounces dark chocolate
¾ stick unsalted butter
2 ½ cups heavy cream
4 Tbs whisky
1 ½ cups sugar
3 eggs
2 yolks
3 chocolate croissants (pain au chocolat)
1 tsp instant coffee
Cut the chocolate croissants into 2 inch cubes and place on the bottom of the casserole dish.
In a large bowl add the chocolate and butter. Microwave for about 2 minutes until the chocolate is melted and whisk in the sugar and coffee.
Break the yolks and eggs into a large bowl and whisk together. Add the cream and whisk until combined. Whisk the egg mixture onto the chocolate mixture and pour over the croissants making sure all of the croissants are covered with the chocolate mix.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the center of the oven for about 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for at least 30 minutes.
June 15 2007
Darren in today's USA Today...
Check out the article on me in today's USA Today, a well written piece by Craig Wilson. Thank's Craig for promoting the book. I don't make a penny from the book having donated all of my advance to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation so I really want to raise as much money for them as possible. ( two of Princess Diana's charitable goals were children and Aids, so I put the two together for this wonderful charity) Click on the book link above to pre-order a copy
Read the article here... USA TODAY
June 15 2007
PRINCESS DIANA EXHIBIT...
Yesterday I was in Florida for the day at the press launch of a special exhibition called "Diana, Princess of Wales: Dresses for a Cause." It is going to be the most FABULOUS exhibit and such a memorable way for all of us this side of the pond to remember the late Princess Diana on the 10th anniversary of her passing.
The exhibit is part of the Pink Ribbons Crusade, a not for profit charity ( I am Vice President) founded by Suzanne King the organizer of the exhibit and owner of six Princess Diana dresses sold at the Christies auction in 1997. The charity focuses on raising money for breast cancer prevention and awareness through a traveling exhibit of Princess Di dresses and every penny raised goes back to the local community.
The exhibit will be at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala, Florida - about an hours drive south from Disneyworld and Tampa. It will run from October 14 - December 30.
I'd like to think that if the princess had been here today, she would have been humbled by everyone's hard work, donating so much time for free and pulling together to create this exhibit using her dresses that, having already so much money for charity were still generating even more money and that was all going to charity.
You can read more about the exhibit by going to the charity web site. Dresses for a Cause
June 13 2007
Patrizio...
Had not one but two very good meals at Patrizio just recently. They have two locations - Dallas and Plano - and I ate at both. The Plano restaurant though is my favorite, I love the outside seating and ambiance and of course the food is consistently good too. Kevin Ascolese, the James Beard Award-winning chef, is the main dude kitchen side and Ed Bailey owns both places. (His wife Lee lent me the most amazing silverware for my cookbook photo shoot)
Try the grilled salmon (cooked to perfection) with vegetable spaghetti (al dente) and lobster cream sauce - perfect for the "low carb freaks" (smiles) though I order a side of penne pasta in the lobster sauce to make a hearty meal. Decent Chianti starting $25 a bottle makes you want to stay at the table long after the plates have been cleared away.
June 11 2007
Whirlwind week..
Ten days and no blog, I know, I have had e-mails to remind me and asking if all was OK. Crazy busy week that's all. Two cooking classes at San Antonio Central Market last Saturday. Taste of the Nation charity dinner party Sunday night then off to Philadelphia to QVC - Wow ! is that a huge operation ! - and I was fortunate to get a personal tour of the studio after the meeting. It's SO big that the show hosts travel from one set to the next on golf carts. Anyway, more on why I was there coming soon.
Saturday I was at Ryland Homes latest development in Lucas, Texas hosting a cooking demonstration for potential customers. I got to cook in the dream kitchen of the showpiece $700,000 home for about 120 people.
No matter how many times I said "welcome to my home" as guests arrived Ryland still wouldn't give me the keys to the house.(laughs) Cinnamon, Chocolate Orange cookies baking in the oven greeted guests as they arrived and seven different appetizers, a tour of the beautiful home and two hours later everyone left. Really cool door prizes too - Advanced copy of my new cookbook, Edge Cookware, gift vouchers and all with a Ryland Homes/Royal Chef apron.
Wednesday, I will be in Florida for the day for a huge press launch. No not the book, nor the DVD, not even the cookware. I can't say exactly why yet, but it's charity and Princess Diana related. We may not have the "Concert for Diana" here in the USA to remember the Princess on the 10th anniversary of her passing, but Check out the web site on Thursday for news of an event that ALL Princess Diana fans will want to see.
June 1 2007
Conspiracy Theory..
No not the car crash, a lighter story after the last blog. "Paper or plastic" at Whole foods. Everyone tells us that "paper" is better and we all look over our shoulders to see who heard us when we say "plastic please" but Whole foods in my opinion have cracked it.
Make the plasitc bags SOOOOO thin, that your groceries get as far as the parking lot before the bags collapse and send your fruit and veg rolling under parked cars. Meanwhile onlookers are shaking heads and tutting... "that will teach you next time to go with paper - help save the environment"
So, is paper really a better choice than plastic if we want to help do our bit ? Well,
It can take up to 1,000 years for a high-density polyethylene plastic bag to break down in the environment. But, Paper bags generate 70 percent more air pollutants and 50 times more water pollutants than plastic bags.
Of course, the correct answer is BYOB... that's BAG not beer... Cheers!
May 28 2007
All in the public interest of course...
Take a look at these photos of a beautiful young woman - and mother of two young boys - slowly dying after a car crash
-click here-
Shame on those that did for trying.
Some things we don't need to see to imagine, some things we don't want to see out of common decency and respect.
It is with absolute stomach churning disgust that I hear that the channel 4 documentary that I first blogged on in March is going ahead with photos of the late Princess Diana slumped across the back seat of the mangled Mercedes. "All in the public interest" we are informed by some insensitive, rating watcher at Channel 4. Well what about the interest of the two young boys the dying mother left benind ? Do they not count ? They were 15 and 12 at the time and all this will do is bring back horrific nightmares. All in the interest of ratings. What a sad world we live in.
May 27 2007
Dallas Morning News...
Loved this Dallas Morning News article in today's edition written by Kim Pierce and promoting my new cookbook. click here to read
Well written Kim, thank you for that - and for promoting the book. The money from it is going to an excellent charity, so all the publicity and sales of it I can get are most welcome.
May 25 2007
Restaurant Critic..
Well, I feel like New York Times restaurant critic Frank Bruni. I do a little blog about a poor meal at a restaurant and it closes it's door but a few weeks later. Urban Bistro (the magical Avner Samuel's puppy to Aurora) is "closed for renovation" Le'ts hope the menu and one or two chefs are included in the extreme makeover after my last visit.
I made my first visit to Del Frisco's in Dallas last week too. I've never been a big fan of steakhouses, believing the only thing they cook better than me is steaks - and they usually do. It was"OK" and that's about it really. Shame, I was expecting something special. The steaks weren't as good as Three Forks in my opinion - maybe it's the "jewel in the crown's" house salad that makes it taste better. I adore Three Forks blue cheese and pecan salad, adore it and have been trying to snaffle the dressing recipe for the longest time (laughs)
May 23 2007
Taste of the Nation...
I was at the Viking Culinary Arts Center in Dallas last night (lovely place, but cookware not as good as Edge HA ! ) for the launch of Taste of the Nation, the nation’s premier culinary benefit supporting the fight to end childhood hunger in America. The main event is June 3 at ParkPlace Motorcars in Dallas. You can purchase tickets for the event here...
