Recap: MasterChef Episode 114: Top 12 Compete

Air Date 7/28/2014

I like watching MasterChef. So while I don't promise to chime in every week,  I will chime in every once in a while.

First off, why is Cutter still surviving on this show? His stubborn, not-willing-to-listen-or-learn self should have been gone WEEKS ago!

Since this is my first post on the show, I want to throw out an observation I noticed on day one. I still can't get used to Graham Elliot's extreme weight loss. Is it just me or doesn't he now look like Peter Griffin in that episode where he surgically lost a bunch of weight? Much love to the fabulous chef though. If you can pull of that extreme of a weight loss working in the field that he does, then you're A-OK in my book. That takes some true will power.

Back to the episode at hand...

The first challenge was for the red and blue teams to create romantic meals for several couple celebrating their anniversaries. Gordon Ramsey's lovely wife of 18 years, Tanner, joined in on the special dinner. And, yes, she certainly comes with strong opinions of her own. But I wouldn't expect anything less.  (Where can I get a pair of the heels she was wearing?)

The blue team was headed by Elizabeth Cauvel. The red team was headed by Ahran Cho. Ahran's team put out lobster risotto and tiramisu.  Elizabeth's team put out steaks and some kind of strawberry pudding concoction. Before decisions were made on a winning team, one cute young couple of 3 years shared their proposal with us. Obviously, the show wasn't going to give them much free airtime, (a whole 4 seconds, I mean come on) so it left a little to be desired. Nonetheless, congrats to the happy couple. They look sweet together. Despite sending out super rare steaks, Elizabeth's team won the challenge sending the red team into a pressure test to produce a box of 9 perfect chocolates.

Surprisingly, Cutter rose to the occasion on this challenge. In the words of Gordon Ramsey, "What a shame!" I really want him to go home already.  Ahran continued to have a bad day here. No one raved over her box. Willie Mike's looked like a child help him decorate his. Though they praised the flavors he used. Leslie's looked like they were "shaped from his armpit". Apparently, no one enjoyed the look or flavor of Christine's as hers were bitter and not round. It was down to sending either Leslie and Christine home.

Spoiler alert: We said good-bye to Christine Silverstein. It was just as well. She's not one of the memorable ones. But I still think she should have outlasted Cutter the Bull. Leslie also seems to be a cat with 9 lives here.

...And then there were 11.

Before I go, I want to once again declare publicly that Hotel Hell has the absolute worst theme song and opening graphics I've heard and seen in a very long time. Why have they not given that theme the axe? Seriously, if you haven't heard it, check it out. It immediately makes you want to change the channel.

~Until again~

Creative Genius Spotlight #2: Crystal Burgess

I'm very excited for you to meet our latest Creative Genius to take the spotlight on the FTFC blog!



** You'll want to read this post all the way through until the end. **

Photo Credit: Chip Daniels

Introducing   Crystal Burgess  Creative Genius #2

If you close your eyes, and she opens her mouth to sing in front of you, you'll be quite surprised that such a huge strong voice is being projected from a lady with such a small frame. No microphones needed! Even with our eyes open, it's truly unbelievable. Crystal Burgess is a powerhouse. And luckily for the world, she uses her power for good and not evil.  I can personally say from close-range observation that she practices just what she preaches. She is such a sweet (and sometimes feisty) soul and a wonderful prayer warrior to have by your side.  She's an awesome woman of God on a mission to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. She isn't new to the Christian music seen and being recorded, but she is new to going solo. She's currently promoting her new single "Give Him Your Life" released on iTunes. It's only 99 cents, so download your copy today and support this ministry!  You won't regret it. More information is below.

Quick Q&A:

Q:  How many hours a day/week do you practice your craft?

        A: I actually sing everyday, but only really practice maybe twice a week for a couple of hours.  This needs improvement.

Q:  Any advice for young go-getters desiring to get into the music field?

        A: My advice is to pray and seek God for direction and instruction, because he will lead and guide you throughout your career.  Also stay focused and disregard the nay-sayers because "greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world".

Q: This is the FTFC blog so I must ask: What's your ideal meal?

        A:This is a hard question, because I love to eat. (laughter) I would have to say my ideal meal is macaroni and cheese, rice w/gravy, collard greens, cornbread, and baked chicken.

 (That's a truly southern meal right there!)

Bio:
I was born and raised in the small town of Kingstree, SC. Being born into a family in which my father was a pastor, I was blessed to be brought up in the church. I’ve been singing since the age of 5 years old, and my passion for singing grew as my relationship with God got stronger. I first began writing songs in high school and my desire for song writing and singing manifested itself even into my college years. While being a student at the University of South Carolina, I had the pleasure of joining a choir known as Chosen where in I had the privilege of meeting a group of great individuals. Shortly thereafter, I begin singing with John Lakin and BOW, formerly known as Youth On A Mission (YOAM). In 2005, God granted me favor to lead a song on John’s first CD project entitled Lord You Are Lovely. I have also had the opportunity of singing background vocals for recording artist Jabari Wade and Alisha Greene. As my knowledge of God grew, my purpose concerning his will for my life became more clear. God blessed me with the gift of singing and I must present it back to him by using it to bless others. I am an independent gospel artist dedicated to producing music that wins souls for the Kingdom of God.

  For more information or to contact her, please vist her website at:
http://www.reverbnation.com/crystalburgess


Link to purchase the single on iTunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/give-him-your-life-single/id736011292

And NOW IT'S TIME FOR A GIVEAWAY! *insert excitement here*  Yes, if you (1) leave an encouraging comment on this FTFC blog thread; (2) or like, comment on, or share our post with this blog link on the Art by Melanie Elaine Facebook page, or (3) leave kind and encouraging words in a comment on Crystal's Reverbnation page you will be entered in a drawing for free download of "Give Him Your Life". Each one that you do is an additional entry in our drawing. A FB share will get you double the entries. The number of winners depends on the amount of feedback received. The more the merrier and the better your chances get. Deadline for entries is 6/30/2014.

My Own Spin...ach &Tomato Chicken

I was attempting to re-create a dish (from memory) that I ordered at a couple of different restaurants the past month or so. I'd been craving this dish, and eating at those restaurants can get a little pricey. Because I didn't have an exact recipe to follow, I just drummed it up with my very own spin. Let me tell you. I surprised myself. I actually think my version was way better suited to my taste buds. (and I didn't even use a white wine sauce) I truly didn't expect that. I thought this would, like everything else, take several tries to get it right. Because I went into this blindly as a test, I only made a small portion-only 2 chicken breasts. I think it's a rule of the universe that the smaller the portion available, the better it tastes. When you have more than enough of something, you just don't want it. Go figure.

As usual, there are no exact measurements here. Here's what I did in case you'd like to try it also.

Spinach & Sun-dried Tomato Topped Chicken Breasts

You will need:
2 chicken breasts (or more if you'd like)
  *I used boneless and skinless. However the ones I had in the restaurants had skin and bones.
lemon juice (about 1/4 cup)
paprika
garlic, minced or chopped
sun-dried tomatoes
garlic powder
salt
fresh ground pepper
parsley
cumin
oregano
basil
Panko bread crumbs,lightly seasoned with Parmesan cheese
olive oil
Kraft mayo
lemon pepper seasoning
baby spinach, rinsed
feta or goat cheese, whichever you prefer
foil
a frying pan
another pan for the oven if your frying pan won't hold up in the oven

I took 2 thawed and cleaned chicken breasts and put this in a freezer bag with the lemon juice, salt, pepper,lemon pepper,  paprika, parsley,cumin, garlic powder, ground black pepper, oregano, dried basil. Mix well. Seal the bag. Shake and massage. Let it marinade in the refrigerator for about 3 hours.
After 3 hours, drain the juice.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Heat the frying pan (I used a cast iron pan) to medium heat and coat with about a tbsp of olive oil. You only want to leave it on both side long enough to sear and brown.Not to be fully cooked. Remove from the pan.  Slather a thin layer of mayo on both sides of each breast and coat with panko bread crumbs. Toss it back in the pan.Cover with foil. (Careful not to burn yourself!) Let it bake in the oven until golden brown. This took less than 30 minutes I believe.

When the chicken is nearing done, fire up a skillet to medium heat. Coat the pan with olive oil. Toss in some minced or chopped garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes. Saute' until spinach is dark shiny and withered. Turn heat off. Toss in cheese so that it slightly melts but not totally.   

Remove chicken from oven. Once on plate top with sauteed topping. As you can see, I placed mine over a bed of garlic butter basmati rice on this trial run. Next time I'll do this over a bed of pasta I think. 

This came out super tender and juicy for me. It seemed so perfect in the moment. I ate every single bite and wished I'd had leftovers the next night.

Good luck to you. As always, feel free to comment and let me know how yours turned out of you tried it.

~Until Again~

A Snow Day Experiment

I experimented on a snow day back in February. (Actually we had several snow days in a row--rare for the South East--and I got bored.) Here are the results. Definitely needs some tweaking, but it has promise.  Hey, you can't win them all.  Contains graham crackers, chocolate chips, white chocolate pudding, sliced fresh strawberries, a strawberry whip mixture, and chocolate syrup, and more chocolate. Once I perfect this "Strawberry Nevermind" I'll share an actual recipe.

~Until Again~

Social Media Switch Up

FYI I've made a new Facebook page solely for recipe link dumps. It's under the name "Mama Nom Nom's". Like us please! 

Www.facebook.com/MamaNomNoms