Mimi Avocado and Lori Rice at IFBC

August 26, 2016
by Mimi Holtz
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Downtown Sacramento: Walking Distance Restaurants at IFBC

capital of California

Disclosure:  I attended the International Food Bloggers Conference in downtown Sacramento, CA  in July 2016 at a reduced rate for “citizen bloggers and social media experts” who would write three posts about their experience at the conference.  This is my third post in a series,  which highlights the the eateries I visitied during the weekend, within walking distance of the state capital building and the Hyatt Regency Hotel.  All opinions are mine. 

When I found out that the  2016 International Food Bloggers Conference would be held in Sacramento, CA,  I registered immediately.   Even though I had never spent any time in Sacramento,  I knew that the organizers were planning tours and sessions highlighting California’s agriculture and America’s Farm to Fork Capital.  And best of all, I’d have a chance to see old friends, make new ones, and explore some of the eateries in downtown Sacramento. Continue Reading →

Endive and Belgian Endive

August 16, 2016
by Mimi Holtz
2 Comments

How Do You Pronounce “Endive”?

endive growing

Belgian Endive (pronounced “Ahn-Deev” is grown inside in complete darkness, unlike endive (pronounced N-Dive) which is grown in a field like lettuce.

You say tomato and I say “to-mah-to”, but both pronunciations of the word mean the same thing, right?  Not so with “endive”!   Whether you say “N-Dive” or “Ahn-Deev” makes a big difference!  Although they are both members of the chickory family,  they are completely different.

Endive and Belgian Endive

Belgian Endive (pronounced Ahn-Deev) on top and Curly Endive (pronounced N-Dive) at the bottom

If you say “N-Dive” you are talking about a curly edged green that is grown outside. It can be called curly endive, and other plants that are related to it are escarole and frisee.   If you say “Ahn -Deev” you are describing Belgian endive, with tightly packed leaves and an elongated shape that is grown indoors in complete darkness.

food bloggers

Food Bloggers touring California Endive Farm (from left) Sara from My Imperfect Kitchen, Mimi Avocado, and Nancy from A Communal Table

During the International Food Bloggers Conference in Sacramento, Ca. I was thrilled to visit California Endive Farms as part of a pre-conference tour. Continue Reading →

Lamb Sliders

August 10, 2016
by Mimi Holtz
2 Comments

Quick and Easy Lamb Sliders on Foccacia Squares

Lamb Sliders    This morning I stopped at Major Market where I bought the ground lamb last week for the Lamb Sliders seasoned with Hatch Chile,  and they had no ground lamb in their meat case.  I rarely do this, but I actually went to the meat cutter and asked for ground lamb!   He told me to wait about 20 mintues, and when I came back there were several packages of ground lamb plus a beautiful lamb sirloin roast!   (Of course I bought that roast too!  Turns out the ground lamb was made from another piece of that same leg of lamb.)

Next I headed over to Trader Joe’s for more of those cute little Mini Hamburger Buns  with the sesame seeds on top.  Alas, they were out of them!  Not to worry,  I glanced at a nearby display and found a large square of Tomato and Olive Foccacia Bread.  In my minds eye I could see that large square cut up into smaller squares, just the right size for Lamb Sliders! Continue Reading →

Lamb Sliders

August 6, 2016
by Mimi Holtz
10 Comments

Lamb Sliders with Spinach: Seasoned with Hatch Chiles

Lamb Sliders

Tonight The Farmer and I sat out on the porch and enjoyed these juicy and lean Lamb Sliders, seasoned with Hatch Chile salsa and Spinach coated in a Tangerine Hatch Chile dressing.  It was a one of those evenings with a soft cool breeze, and these tasty sliders were the perfect supper for the two of us.

American Lamb Tour

I was inspired by a tour hosted by the American Lamb Board  in conjunction with  the International Food Bloggers Conference in Sacramento, CA. last week.  We drove out to Dixon, Ca. to meet Ryan Mahoney,  a sheep rancher and family man Continue Reading →

August 5, 2016
by Mimi Holtz
8 Comments

Mill Your Own Flour At Home With Your Mixer

Kitchen Aid flour mill attachment

Who Will Mill The Grain Into Flour?  I Will!

Mill your own flour at home – it is easier than you think!    This handy attachment for a KitchenAid mixer is so fun to use and offers the ability to make fresh flour from grains that aren’t always easy to find.  Fresh-milled flour ensures that all the nutrients will be available and the flavor is at its finest.  And it’s really fun to do!

MockMill

Wolfgang Mock Invented the MockMill

This flour mill attachment is the very first product launched by the Wolfgang Mock, Inc. which is the American subsidiary of the German company that has been building home mills since the 1970’s. Continue Reading →