Simple Recipes and Common Sense: Sweet Potato Fries

Hey Fellow Foodies and Readers,

Sorry I haven’t been around for a bit. Between Lollapalooza taking over my life and pretending to clean/pack for college, I’ve been a bit consumed. But! I’ve decided to drop a quick post to let you know I’ll have a great Lollapalooza feature soon; for now, I thought I’d leave you with a recipe.

I love sweet potatoes, mashed, chips, baked, and even in muffins! However, something I’ve been craving lately are sweet potato fries. So, I figured I’d experiment with a recipe/common sense to see if I could come up with a recipe that didn’t require the fries to be fried, but rather baked, you know, to at least attempt that healthy alternative!

I found a recipe in Cook’s Country for regular baked potato fries, a recipe online, and a recipe in a cookbook I own. After reading through each recipe, I decided to use a bit of each. This is a great recipe for all you Georgetowners and college students that want an easy recipe that tastes great and will satiate your craving for fried foods or sweets!

My family decided to grill burgers today. So as my mom and dad grilled, I baked up these fries. The overall result was a satisfactory, soft, sweet fry with a nice crisp. Next time, I may add more seasonings (paprika, garlic salt), and also let the fries dry a bit more before I coat them so that I get a more crispy texture, but overall, they were very tasty!

SO here you go!
3 Large Sweet Potatoes, washed, and thickly julienned (cut into spear shapes)
6 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch (if you don’t have this, I don’t think it’s a huge deal, but let your potatoes dry a bit after microwaving/blotting)
Seasonings (optional: salt, pepper, garlic salt/powder, paprika)

-Preheat the over to 450 (f)
-Microwave sweet potatoes in large bowl covered with saran wrap for 4-6minutes to slightly cook,
-Remove the sliced potatoes from bowl and blot dry (gives fries a crispier texture), let sit for five minutes if you aren’t using cornstarch,
-As fries dry, use 5 tbsp of the oil to coat a cookie/baking sheet, then place sheet in oven for 5-7 minutes (until the sheet begins to smoke),
-While oil heats, mix remaining oil (1 tbsp) with cornstarch (optional) and, then toss fries in mixture, making sure to coat each, add seasonings,
-Place fries in single layer rows on the heated cookie sheet, place back in oven and cook for 25-35 minutes, flipping fries halfway through cooking time,
-Remove from oven and place fries on paper towels to blot excess oil, lightly salt if desired.
-Enjoy!

Summer Feature-more Cupcake Boutique (Chicago)

Hello my foodie friends! (and I know you’re out there since Blogger is giving me stats now!)

So, the general population seems to understand that cupcakes are “in” right now, meaning every week yields a new cupcake shop, flavor, or TV show. From DC’s Georgetown Cupcake or Baked and Wired, to New York’s Magnolia Bakery or Crumbs, the American public is experiencing cupcake overload! While Chicago has undergone a similar delicious infestation of cupcake shops, there’s one little, pristine “cupcake boutique” in Chicago’s Gold Coast named more, that’s doing the new “it” item a little differently and literally making people say, “more please!”

As I said on the Nightly Noms Twitter, I finally had the chance to sample a cupcake from more, a Chicago cupcake boutique owned by Patty Rothman. After attempting (and failing) to beat out a fierce crowd of Internet foodies to tag myself in a more facebook picture and earn a free cupcake, I decided to leave a comment on the photo. Just a quick “Oh! One MORE please!” Low and behold the next morning I had a facebook message from Ms. Rothman saying she had added my name to the list! Once again, thank you for your generosity!

I selected Saturday morning to make my way to more to pick up my “Cookies and Cream” cupcake; let me say, I was not disappointed. As you can see by the picture, more has a way with assembling aesthetically pleasing cupcakes. The mound of icing covered in delicate cookie crumbles was enough to catch my interest, but as I gently pealed the wrapper away I discovered that cookies were not mixed into the batter (like Georgetown Cupcake’s item of the same name), but rather more’s C’n’C sported a fluffy white cake with a cookie crumble bottom. I used my spoon to ensure that I had each component and took my first bite: delicious. The frosting was creamy, the cake was moist, and the crumble bottom had a soft chew to it, making the overall combination a perfect marriage of flavors and textures. Each bite left a new dimension of taste, which I believe was because of the contrast between the three dimensions of the cupcake. Also, if you’re in a rush and cannot eat your treat immediately, I’m quite positive that more’s C’n’C would taste awesome chilled too!

Overall, my first more cupcake was a delight (I’ve already managed to tag myself for this week to test out Chocolate Chocolate). The modern and chic Gold Coast neighborhood cupcake boutique offers both sweet (Crème Brulee) and savory flavors (foie gras and sour cherry), along with a “Happy Hour” of drink-inspired cupcakes (Mojito, Champagne, etc). more cupcakes are perfect for kids and adults craving a sweet, beautiful treat. Although prices range anywhere from $3.50-$6.00 for a large cupcake, more makes it possible for anyone to experience their flavors by using the facebook tagging process, which often occurs on Tuesdays (Monday around midnight). So start tagging, Chicagoans and visitors!

With catchy taglines like “eat MORE” “taste MORE” “love MORE,” all we can say is:

We want MORE!

Name: More Cupcakes

Meal: Anytime/Snack/Dessert

Location: Gold Coast (Downtown), Chicago

Address: 1 E. Delaware place Chicago, Illinois 60611

Price: $3.50-$6.00

Ordered: Cookies and Cream Cupcake

Summer Restaurant Feature: Oysy Sushi for dinner (River North/Depaul & Columbia)

Hey Chicago & Co.

I’m back bringing you a review of the latest taste that has me saying “yum.” If you’re downtown in the River North area and looking for something tasty but that won’t completely obliterate your bank account, Oysy Sushi may be the answer to your food prayers. Chicago’s River North area boasts sultry steak and seafood restaurants, creamy Italian ristorantes, and the typical chain dining establishments; however, if you are looking for a lighter meal, but want that trendy ambiance, the Sushi and Japanese fare that Oysy delivers is near perfect. Georgetowners, if you like Chopsticks, you’ll love Oysy; and DePaul people, if you’re looking for a good date place, this is it.

I went to Oysy with a couple of friends last week and we were all impressed. We were looking for an upscale eatery with entrees options under $12, and we weren’t disappointed. Oysy offers a plethora of sushi options, from Maki rolls (the poster child of sushi in America), to typical Sashimi (piece of nicely cut fish atop rice), and of course Nigiri (for the raw-food junkies). Along with sushi, Oysy provides noodle, tempura, and teriyaki options for those who are looking for a plate of food rather than a roll. The restaurant’s appetizers were pretty reasonably priced too. My friend and I opted to split an order of edamame, which were lightly salted and simply presented in a bowl, tasted amazing fresh.

For my entrée, I ordered the rainbow roll from the regular Maki menu. The presentation was simple and delicate, with the roll nicely placed and the accompanying sauce lightly drizzled on the pristine white plate. Of course I managed to eat my roll and then realized I forgot to take a picture, so I nabbed a photo of a neighbor’s Rainbow Dragon Roll. The overall roll was delicious; the fish tasted fresh and the roll was properly assembled so that it did not fall apart once submerged in the soy sauce/wasabi mixture. Compared to other restaurants, for the price, Oysy’s sushi is a great choice. Along with their Special Maki Rolls, the restaurant offers the popular California Rolls ($4), Futo Maki ($4), Spicy Tuna Maki ($5), etc. Oysy Sushi is a good choice for a night out with the girls, an impromptu dinner downtown, and according to one of the friends who enjoyed Oysy’s with me, good enough for a two-year anniversary dinner with her boyfriend! (Congrats Nat & Krys :P)

Oysy literally means “delicious” in Japanese, so prepare to say it!

Name: Oysy Sushi
Meal: Lunch/Dinner
Location: River North (Downtown), Chicago

Address: 50 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago IL
Price: $7-$16 depending on the rolls
Ordered: Rainbow Maki Roll ($12) +Edamame ($3)

Best Option: Lunch Box Special ($12) Mon-Fri 11:30-5pm

Summer Restaurant Feature: m.henry, brunch! (Chicago/Loyola University)

Hey Chicagoans, Summer visitors, and Loyola Students,
If you haven’t heard already, the Windy City has been taken over by Tranformers and Decepticons. For the past two weeks our downtown area has been the proud home to parachuters, car-flipping explosions, and some major sighting of Transformers 3 cast including Shia LaBeouf, Tyrese, Josh Duhamel, Michael Bay, and that new mystery girl, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Since I’ve been downtown for the past week peeking through the Corner Bakery windows to catch the action of one of my favorite action movies, I thought I’d let you in on some of the action while highlighting one of the best Breakfast/Brunch places in Chicago: m.henry.

*Cast/Crew of TF3, if you’re reading, we know you’re in the city until mid-August, so make your way to m.henry if you’re looking for some of the tastiest pancakes, French toast, and omelets on the northside of Chicago!

Located in Andersonville, m.henry is a cute breakfast/lunch restaurant boasting some of the best griddle selections in town. Always filled with people, m.henry’s daily specials and ever-changing seasonal menu draw a crowd from every corner of the city. Although I’ve eaten at m.henry at least 3 times, m.henry is still my “go-to” place for brunch with friends, family, and whomever I can convince to go. When grazing, I can never seem to bring myself to order anything but the Blackberry Bliss Cakes. These 1-inch thick pancakes seem to be specifically made to melt in your mouth and the warm blackberries, creamy mascarpone, and crunchy oat crust are enough to send you straight to brunch food bliss. As you make your way through each bite of bliss, the fresh blackberries bleed into the fluffy pancakes soaking up the sweet and tart berry flavors, and the warm oat crust mixes with the mascarpone, creating a plate of pure scrumptiousness. Definitely make an effort to get bites that include each of the components that make these pancakes irresistible.

Sweet:
m.henry’s menu goes far beyond pancakes too. This restaurant’s dishes always incorporate the freshest, most flavorful ingredients. Other Sweet options range from Dulce Banana Rumba French Toast (made with thick-cut brioche bead, layered bananas, and drizzled caramel/pecan topping), to Mango-Sour Cherry Bliss Cakes (same blissfulness as its Blackberry-based companion, but with a sweet/sour component).


Savory:
Although I’ve not had the willpower to order anything but the Bliss Cakes, I’ve tasted the one of their “Special Omelets,” which included 3 fluffy eggs mixed with smoked salmon, cream cheese, avocado, and onions; and I know from experience that their daily quiche packs a flavorful punch also if you’re looking for a more savory option.


Misc.
While orgasmic pancakes and moan-worthy omelets may make your morning meal ten times better, sometimes a nice bowl of oatmeal or a simple plate of eggs with toast is all you need. m.henry provides diners with fresh eggs and homemade bread, and their oatmeal is available with a variety of fresh fruit and grain toppings.
Furthermore, if you’re just looking for a quick bite, stop by the café counter in the front and pick up a freshly made blueberry muffin, or slice of focaccia paired with a cup of coffee or espresso-based drink.


Well readers, after all that describing, I’m headed there for brunch tomorrow, but if you decide to drop in for the deliciousness, make sure to let me know what you think!

As m.henry would say, Chow for Now!

Name: m.henry
Meal: Breakfast/Lunch (Brunch)
Location: Andersonville, Chicago
Favorite Sweet (so far): Blackberry Bliss Cakes w/ Mascarpone, oat crust, & blackberry compote
Favorite Savory (so far): Rustic Peasant Quiche and Mixed Field Greens
Location: 5707 N. Clark Chicago IL 60660
Price: $7-$14 for a really good meal + coffee

Rating: Five Noms!

Summer Feature-University of Illinois: Champaign-Urbana

As a college student, living life on the cheap is just one of our many talents. However, living life on the cheap while maintaining a balanced diet is another story; but then again, what’s life without a little grease? I spent this past weekend down at University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) with a friend. After being home for Georgetown for over a month, I had already forgotten what a typical college diet looked like, and what I encountered at UofI was ten times crazier since I was staying in an apartment full of gymnasts. Chicken fingers for lunch, pepperoni pizza for dinner, and for a snack? How about a few handfuls of Costco size Pub Mix! Well, it was no wonder so many people get the freshmen fifteen if their eating like that! I lived on a freshmen floor that tried to eat somewhat healthful… except for the Nightly Noms baking, and the random late-night pizza and ice cream binges, we were pretty tame.

So, on my second day, I decided to venture out onto Green St. (for all you Gtowners, it’s the equivalent of M. Street, and to my readers, just imagine a packed street with little restaurants, shops, etc). I’d decided if I was going to eat like a college student for the weekend, I might as well do it right, meaning sans frozen food. Of course UoI has the typical Chipotle, Noodles & Co., and greasy pizza joints, but I was looking for something “original.” So, I bring you two reviews of restaurants in the heart of the UofI campus: Mia’za’s and Cravings!

Mia’za’s: Italian, pizza, pasta, Panini, soups, and salads!

Like Flattop Grill or Chopt, Mia’za’s attempts to take “DIY” to a whole new level. They offer a basic menu for the above categories, but then also offer a “make your own.” So whether you’re feeling a pepperoni pizza with mac’n’cheese, bacon, and hamburger meat, or you want a salad with tomatoes, chicken, mushrooms, and peppers, Mia’za’s has you covered, and generally for $8 or less.

I decided to order of the regular menu this time around, doing a Salad+Panini combo (another great thing about the place is you can mix and match almost anything!). Ordering a Buffalo Chicken Panani (Buffalo Chicken, ranch, and mozzarella) and Mia'za's garden salad, I was prepared to sit down to consume a somewhat well-balanced a meal. The salad was subpar, your typical romaine, iceberg, tomato, pepper mix, but the Panini was a winner. Although the Panini was more of an open-face sandwich or flatbread on half of a hoagie, the creaminess of the ranch had soaked into the bread and the chicken had just enough spice! The toaster-oven seemed to know exactly how to make the bread crispy, but soft. The soups looked delicious too and same with the make your own pizzas.

3 Noms: if you’re with a crowd and have no idea what you want, go to Mia’za’s, chances are you’ll be able to create something delicious with their wide-range of offerings.

Miaza's

Cravings: Chinese, Thai, Malaysian, Japanese… basically something from each country in East Asia.

This place was amazing. I have to say for small town Chinese food, Cravings knew what they were doing, which was especially apparent after seeing the amount of native Chinese eating their fare. I was a bit skeptical when my friend said we had to eat at this Chinese restaurant, but as soon as I walked in I had a feeling that I wouldn’t be disappointed. Honestly, I’m sad to say that Cravings was better than any Chinese food I’ve had in DC, and while Chicago has some great places, I wish there were more like Cravings. The menu board boasted too many dishes to decide from, ranging from curries to udon noodles, to mixed vegetable dishes. As a result, I decided to order what my friend suggested: Indonesian Fried Rice. Best decision ever! The native Chinese owners brought me a steaming plate of moist, freshly fried rice mixed with onions, chilies, tender chicken, shrimp, and a lovely fried egg to top it off. As soon as I took my first bite I was hooked. The dish had just the right amount of spiciness for the average eater, and the portions were huge! I definitely have leftovers for lunch, which for less than $7 is a great deal. The dish lacked vegetables, but that’s generally how fried rice goes, and the flavors made up for the amount of calories I was consuming. My friend’s Sesame Chicken was very tasty also, and luckily not smothered in bread like most dishes of the same name.

4 Noms: Cravings is the place to go if you’re looking for a wide range of traditional “Asian” food for a good price. The menu is made of up American favorites like Sesame Chicken and Sweet and Sour Pork, but the offerings also include more traditional dishes such as Chinese Broccoli with brown sauce, Indonesian Fried Rice, and Scallions with Chicken.

Cravings

Live from Shanghai

Hello all,

Once again, I have failed at my blogging. I should be called the sporadic foodie... Anyway, I've made it to Shanghai and my foodiness has already gotten me some amazing experiences. My lovely host family is taking good care of me and has promised to teach me some of the ways of Chinese cooking. Thus far I've eaten toad, chicken feet, ma po dou fu, some random veggies, and the coveted `xiao long bao` literally some of the best dumplings in the world. I'm hopeful to experiment with the dumpling recipe back home, the key will be to see if I can get the soup correct...other than that, just enjoying the sights, people, and craziness that is Shanghai. My chinese is being put to use and I managed to survive the subway and bus today, all by myself. We'll see how I do tonight since it could be dark... ahhhh! oh well, more from me soon, but for now, google `xiao long bao` and see what you find. they're amazingly delicious!

Back in Chicago

Hey Readers,

So, I'm terrible at this blogging business, but I promise I'll get better.
I survived my freshmen year at Georgetown and successfully avoided the complete F15 (freshmen 15). However, now I have returned to the land of wind and deep dish, aka Chicago!

I'm off to China to explore the Shanghai Expo in 8 days, but before that I need to find a job. Ugh, a job. It wouldn't be so bad except that I have 8 days to do it! I'm looking for something "foodie." Maybe waitressing? A bakery? Cafe? Anyway, besides that, I'll be attempting to run this here food blog. I think I'm going to take it in a new direction...

So stay tuned for:
-Reviews
-Recipes
and...(if I can pull this off)
-hands-on youtube coverage of how to cook/bake as a college student. And yes, it is possible for us adolescents to manage a kitchen.

all the best,

-GF