LITTLE MISS PIGGY (CANDY)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

I went to this delicious restaurant called MARCHE in Los Angeles, and had an appetizer called "Pig Candy" -- granted, not the most appetizing name for a dish, but we tried it. And it was delicious. 

I have altered the dish, replacing the bacon with turkey bacon-- and the integrity was NOT lost.

This recipe is perfect as a little snack to have with some red wine (always a must!), as an appetizer, or along with a cheese plate.

**

• Turkey Bacon (I used 5 slices) -- obviously, you can use regular bacon... or veggie bacon?
• 2 tablespoons of Brown Sugar
• Dash of Cayenne Pepper

Cut your bacon into bite-size pieces. Spray your pan with some olive oil and add the meat on medium heat, for a nice even cook. 

One the bacon starts getting crispy, sprinkle the brown sugar in the pan, and the dash or two  of cayenne pepper-- be aware: the cayenne pepper is STRONG, so take it easy!

Let the sugar coat the bacon, created an almost jerky-like texture. Remove from the heat, and serve!

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK - LONG LIVE THE MCQUEEN

For his post-mortem final show in Paris, Alexander McQueen's show was nothing short of fabulous. 

The runway featured Dark Ages inspired garb, and a fantastical collection of embellished platformed shoes.

Get the new Christian Louboutin embellished platforms HERE at Barneys.

ECO CHIC IN THE KITCH (VEGAN COOKIES)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

It's never too difficult to be environmentally friendly, and with the help of Priscilla Woolworth, granddaughter of the famed Woolworth brand, we are taking eco-chic to a whole new level!

Priscilla opened an online general store that sells environmentally friendly products for your kitchen and home.

In the spirit of healthy, organic living, I have made some of my FAVORITE VEGAN COOKIES using Priscilla's 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil. 

**

• 2 cups of whole wheat flour 
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats
• 1 cup of organic brown sugar
• Sprinkle of cinnamon

• 1/4 cup of butter/margarine alternative
• 1/4 cup or water
• teaspoon of baking soda

• 1 handful of vegan carob chips OR an assortment of nuts and raisins

 Mix the top group of dry ingredients in a large bowl. 

In a smaller bowl, microwave or heat the butter substitute until melted and mix in the water and baking soda. Make sure this is fully mixed. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry, and knead with your hands thoroughly. 

Once the dough is room temperature (not hot as to melt the chips) add in the carob chips and/or nuts.

The cookies may seem a little dry, if so, add a teaspoon of water and knead in. 

On a tray lined with 100% Recycled Aluminum Foil, lightly sprayed with olive oil, place the cookies (flattened) onto the tray and bake for 15-18 minutes on 375.

Enjoy!

How to Plate: On a nice tray with a large cold glass of Soy Milk :)

FIND MORE FABULOUS ECO-PRODUCTS AT http://www.priscillawoolworth.com/

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK - HERE COMES SPRING!

All Over Print was seen all over the Miu Miu Spring 2010 RTW collection in Paris last October.

 Get the print pump look with Giuseppi Zanotti ($595) // Louboutin ($845) // BCBGeneration ($75)

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Sorry for the break in recipes-- I was out last week doing some Stand Up in LA.

I will be back tomorrow with some new amazing meals!

In the meantime, simply adore these Balenciagas from Paris Fashion Week for Fall 2010.

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK

Dries Van Noten Fall 2010 Ready to Wear (Paris last week!) featured some fabulous alligator pumps with beaded and embroidered detail on the toe. The juxtaposition of the rough and rugged with the glamorous is a great concept to bring into your wardrobe.

At Home: Go with an EMBOSSED LEATHER HEEL... embellished with a VINTAGE SHOE CLIP!

Heels here:

http://www.zappos.com/enzo-angiolini-purple-light-grey-croc

http://www.zappos.com/romantic-soles-hills-black-croco

http://www.zappos.com/promiscuous-animalistic-brown-croc-w-giraffe

(Shoe Clips here: Absolutely Audrey and Great Vintage Jewelry)

DAILY HEEL WATCH - PRETTY IN PINK

Nothing says Spring like Pale Pink!

(Get these stunning Miu Miu at BARNEYS)

DAILY HEEL WATCH - BASKET CASE

Check these MIU MIU Basket Pumps at BARNEYS!

DESSERT FOR ONE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

I give into my love for chocolate almost every night by having a square of dark chocolate over 70 percent cacao.

I make myself think I am being heart healthy, which I am-- it's better than having milk chocolate!

If this doesn't satisfy my need for sweets, I turn to NO PUDGE FUDGE. It's super easy (I wouldn't make it otherwise) and tastes a-maz-ing.

In the pic above, you'll see a added a sprinkle of powdered sugar to "fancy" it up.

Have a delightful and satisfying weekend!

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK

Black Sleek booties on Aminaka Wilmont's London Runway TO Gucci's stunners (at Neimans)

IN-N-OUT (MY WAY) - PROTEIN STYLE AND THE GOOD OLE WAY

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

I am human. And sometimes, I crave a double double.

But the guilt always seems to creep up on me-- especially on a Sunday morning after having a late night burger!

Below, kick the guilt and find a great alternative to the Double Double (made with Turkey)

**

• 1 lb turkey ground (4-5 patties)
  
• gourmet deli cheese - gouda, munster, your pick
• whole wheat buns OR romaine hearts (for protein style)
  
• seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika
• ketchup
• onion slices (optional)
  

Mix the meat with seasoning and mix before putting on the stove top. A good amount of salt is KEY,

Make into patties and cook, about 6-9 minutes on medium heat per side. Make sure the burger is fully cooked through before adding your cheese!

Parve: Leave out the cheese and use Empire Kosher Turkey (always my meat of choice!).

Treif: Heck, ADD bacon!

DAILY HEEL WATCH

The Essential YSL T Strap!

(Get them here at BARNEYS)

THE HEALTHY COBB

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

Who said a Cobb salad HAD to be the most fattening? Not I!

Feel good about having the below salad.

**

• Blue cheese (hand full of crumbes)
  
• Chopped tomato
• 1 lb Deli sliced roasted Chicken (I prefer Everroast from Boars Head)
  
• Chopped Romaine hearts (4 cups)
  
• 1/2 Avocado
• Dressing of your choice
• 4-6 slices of Turkey bacon OR veggie "Baco" bites
• Egg whites (2 eggs)
  

Chop all items and toss in a large salad bowl.

Sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese right on top. Drizzle lightly with your dressing choice. Enjoy!

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK

Get these Proenza Schoulers from the Runway for your Work day!

(get them HERE at Zappos)

ONE CRAZY MEXICAN (PIZZA) SUMMER

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

Many women like to boast and brag about the hottest places they've made love.

Personally, I like to keep my private life private.

Why would I want to share that with everyone?!

(Okay, we did it in Mexico in the Summer -- and yes, it was about 110 degrees. Hot enough?)

This following dish brings me back to that wild night.

Or, it can create a wild night for you and your love,

OR would be perfect to start off a Girls Night with my Grapefruit Margarita!

**

• Whole Wheat or flour tortillas
• 1 jar of Salsa (as spicy as you want)
• 1 bag of shredded Mexican cheese blend: Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso, and Asadero cheeses
• Guacamole (optional)

Spray both sides of tortilla with a bit of cooking oil. Put in oven (on tin foil) for about 2 minutes on each side at 350. This makes for a crispy crust.

Take the tortilla out and spread with salsa and top with your cheese. Act like one of those pizza guys, but don’t make a mess on the floor. Put the mini pizza back in the oven and cook until cheese bubbles and the top browns. Take out and BE PATIENT—the pizza must cool for a few minutes before you take a knife to it. Add guacamole!

How to Plate: Cut the mini pizza as you would a large one. The pieces are very cute. This works great as an appetizer!

Note for Goyisha: Top with any meat like grilled chicken to add protein in this yummy dish!

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Love at First Sight with these Alexander Wang Pump Booties! (Get them HERE)

PRESIDENTS DAY CAN ONLY MEAN ONE THING - DRINKING

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

Something to brighten up your Valentines Day hangover --a loving serving of "ruby red" grapefruit margaritas!

Enjoy your day off!

**

• 1.5 oz of tequila (I prefer silver)
• 3 ice cubes (kept it "heart shaped")
• 1 oz of orange liqueur
• 3 oz grapefruit juice
  
• 1 oz of Fresca, Sprite or 7 Up (I used Fresca)

Mix all together and drink responsibly.

KEEP THE ROMANCE GOING

Keep the romance going with Quady wines. (Visit them here)

MAKING VALENTINES SWEET - PART 2

On the flip side of alcohol content (20% Alc Vol), I simply ADORE Quady's BATCH 88 STARBOARD -- It is simply divine.

I could literally sit and drink it all day... or I can serve it to my love on Sunday.

This Starboard is full of flavor-- something the winemakers pride themselves in-- a blend of vintages that have an average age of about 5 years.

This bottle is really something special. You can drizzle it over practically anything, drink it by itself, or, as I did, pair it up with some homemade dark chocolate pecan clusters. (See my Chocolate BARK recipe here)

This really brought out the chocolate raisin character of the "port."

Get typing -- 88 Starboard is amazing. Pick up a bottle for your special someone!

Visit QUADY WINERY at http://www.quadywinery.com/

MAKING VALENTINES SWEET - PART 1

For a fresh and light Valentines Day dessert (or if you are saving dessert for later... if you know what I mean) --
I prefer Quady's RED ELECTRA -- a low alcohol, sweet and light fruity wine.

It really is divine for dessert OR to accompany a fruit salad on a warm summer day.

I paired it with a simple raspberry sorbet.

That's really all you need to make a special night!

Get some here at Quady Winery)

NOTHING SAYS I LOVE YOU... LIKE ALCOHOL

Valentines Day is fast approaching.

And, like me, I'm sure you busy working girls haven't really planned everything out just yet.

Well, let me help you.

Quady Winery is located just a few hours away from Los Angeles or SF. They specialize solely in a California Dessert Wines, perfect for making your Valentines Day (or any occasion, really) much sweeter and more fabulous.

You can take a drive up to visit for a tasting of their delicious wines, and bring your little trip home with you to continue to enjoy... or you can order online or by phone.

The best thing about Quady dessert wines, is that they do all the work for you.
And, believe me, I have no problem letting them!

Yes, you can just have a glass AS dessert.
Yes, you can do what I call a "Drink and Drizzle."
And Yes, you can do whatever you want after a few glasses behind closed doors.

I will be posting quite a few highlights and dessert / dessert wine ideas to make your Valentines Day as sweet as can be!

Visit Quady at http://www.quadywinery.com/

DAILY HEEL WATCH - MCQUEEN

It saddens me to hear about the loss of a great designer today, Alexander (Lee) McQueen.

Here is a LINK to some of my posts in honor of this fashion genius.

(Get the above McQ heels just in time for V DAY here)

I CAME, I SLAW, I CONQUERED

DIFFICULTY: OY!

*

Sometimes, things don't go your way and you need to make a change.

Let's face it, you only have one option: go into the thick of things, get in there, and make it happen.

Give it all you got... while looking like a million bucks.

And if that doesn't work, retail therapy. Or food. (Sounds like my life.)

This slaw is a wonderful side dish for anything really: chicken, ribs, or my Teriyaki Turkey Burger-- a flavorful collection of julienned veggies that contains no mayo or cream!

**

• Packaged Broccoli slaw (OR you can julienne broccoli, carrots and zucchini yourself -- take off your heels if so)
• 1/2 cup honey or duck sauce
• 3 tablespoons of red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Simple enough?

How to Plate: As a side, or in a burger, this is a great looking option to add some color to your dish!

Parve: This is a wonderful Kosher addition to any meat!

HANDS-FREE RECIPES WITH IDOX

DIFFICULTY: LESS THAN OY!

"Who needs tomato juice on their smart phone?"

(I don't like tomato juice on my Diors either)


I'm all about being simple in the kitchen and the IDOX takes it to the next level of fabulous simplicity.


This nifty device--the Traveler Series from idox (www.idox360.com) is designed to keep your

iPod Nano, iPod Touch or iPhone stationary and upright to more easily enjoy videos, photos, podcasts - and even recipes.

Check out my Cooking in Heels recipes HANDS FREE with IDOX!

The fabulous IDOX is practical and green (it saves paper since there is no need to print)!

DAILY HEEL WATCH - SUPERBOWL SUNDAY

Betsey Johnson for the Saints

and

Costume National for the Colts

(Get them HERE and HERE)

SUPERBOWL (OF CHILI) SUNDAY

You've seen the shoes for your respective team, so here's the food:

RIBS

http://cookinginheelstv.blogspot.com/2010/02/sweet-and-spicy-superbowl-ribs.html

COBB TACOS

http://cookinginheelstv.blogspot.com/2009/07/pick-em-up-cobb-tacos.html

HOLY GUACAMOLE

http://cookinginheelstv.blogspot.com/2009/06/holy-guacamole.html

CHILI

http://cookinginheelstv.blogspot.com/2009/01/turkey-chili.html

BURGERS

http://cookinginheelstv.blogspot.com/2009/01/teriyaki-turkey-burger.html

CRUSTLESS QUICHE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

Being glamorous and fabulous in the kitchen doesn't have to impossible.

The following recipe will transport you to a little cafe in Paris. Minus the croissant and carbs.

Now you need the Louboutins to complete the picture.

**

• 1 cup of shredded roasted chicken (I purchased Everroast from Boars Head)
• 1/2 cup of spinach (defrosted, drained)
• a few handfuls of mozzarella, shredded
• a small bit of Gouda
• 4-6 eggs (I used the beater equivalent)
• 1 egg white
• dash of milk
• 3/4 cup of creme fraiche / or crema mexicana

Mix everything in a big bowl. Salt and pepper to taste. Reserve some of the cheese to sprinkle on top.

Pour into a olive oil-sprayed pie dish and bake for 25-30 minutes at 425.

How to Plate: Slice like a pie and serve with a small green salad.

Parve: Saute some onions and forget the meat!

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK - COUTURE WEEK SPRING 2010

Get the buckle white boot DIOR look from Paris with these Giuseppe Zanottis!

(Get them HERE)

SWEET AND SPICY (SUPERBOWL) RIBS

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

There is always a balance to being sweet and naughty-- in the workplace, the bedroom, the kitchen.

Superbowl Sunday doesn't have to mean bland ribs and standard burgers.

Kick things up in the kitchen with this next dish.

There are two ways to make this yummy glaze-- with either honey or Chinese duck sauce.

**

• Rack of ribs
• 1lb freezer bag
• 1/2 cup honey or duck sauce
• 3 tablespoons of red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
  

Cut your ribs and place in the freezer bag. In a bowl, thoroughly mix your oil, honey or duck sauce, garlic and red pepper flakes.

Add more of less flakes for the degree of spice you like. Pour your glaze into the freezer bag and zip up, releasing as much air from the bag as possible.

Drop it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. In a preheated oven at 375, arrange the ribs in a row in a deep pyrex dish, with all of the glaze.

Cook for 35 minutes, flip, and put in for another 35-45 minutes. If you are doing this on the grill, cook for the initial 35 minutes in the oven to seal in the flavor THEN move to the grill for the remaining time.

How to plate: They won't be on there for long!

Parve: Just ignore this recipe :)

ALSO: This works great as a little Chinese-inspired appetizer!

MY WAY GOURMET (BASIL PARMESAN) POPCORN

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

Every time I walk into the movie theater, there is that unmistakable smell that heightens my senses as I rush to the snack counter.

Popcorn.

The truth is, popcorn can be far from butter-ball fattening... and enter into the world of fabulousness.

The following recipe is easy, flavorful, chic and above all else, gorgeous.

**

• 1 cup Popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons of Butter OR Olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons of Olive oil(I prefer to splurge with a high end Italian blend-- it makes all the difference)
  
• 2 handfuls of Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Sprinkle of Basil (dried or fresh, finely chopped)
• Sprinkle of Garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)

In a pot on medium heat, add the 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil and the kernels. Put the top on and wait until the kernels start popping. They will go for about 3 minutes.

Shake the pot around often, as soon as the kernels start popping, and remove from the heat as soon as they slow down.

In a small bowl: Microwave to heat up your butter or oil for about 30 seconds.

Move the popped corn into a large serving bowl. Add the butter into the bowl and toss to coat. Sprinkle the basil, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan.

Toss to coat, and serve hot!

How to Plate: Serve in a large bowl, or in retro popcorn holders like this!

INDULGING IN (PROSCIUTTO AND POMEGRANATE SEEDS WITH FRITTA)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY VEY!

*

It's okay, we all do it.

A fabulous pair of Diors on sale, a chocolate cookie in the break room around 3pm, that extra glass a wine after you've already had enough. And yes, dancing around at the bar while kicking your Dior shoes off into the air means you don't need another glass of wine.

We indulge... if there is something worth indulging in.

The following recipe is just that. It's a fun appetizer that's filling enough as a main course.

**

• Prosciutto (I prefer from Parma)
• Pomegranate Seeds
• Olive oil
• Fresh Pizza Dough (store bought)
• Parmesan Reggiano (grated)
• 1 cup Grapeseed and/or Vegetable oil

On a large platter, arrange the prosciutto and pomegranate seeds, and sprinkle with olive oil.

In a deep pan, add a cup of oil (grapeseed and/or veg oil). Heat to medium until the oil is hot.

Make little balls OR long little doughy strings and add to the oil. Cook about 1.5 minutes on each side, about 3 minutes total, and remove onto paper towels. Roll in the grated cheese blend and serve hot. The beauty is you can wrap the prosciutto around the fritta. Enjoy and indulge!

How to Plate: On a long master platter OR on individual plates for each guest: A little pile of prosciutto with sprinkles of pomegranates and olive oil, accompanied by a fritta.

Parve: it's far from being anything close to Parve. So, to my Kosher loves, enjoy the fritta alone (maybe dip in some Marinara sauce)

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK - COUTURE WEEK SPRING 2010

Get a Purple T Strap Heel as seen on the Givenchy runway!

(Get them here)

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK - COUTURE WEEK SPRING 2010

Get Strappy Brown toned heels like the Jean Paul Gaultier runway!

(Get them here)

DAILY HEEL WATCH - TOTAL STUD

Christian Louboutin takes studs to a whole new level!

(Get them here at Barneys)

DAILY HEEL WATCH

PUNKIN OUT with these Rock & Republics (Get them here on ZAPPOS)