Guest Post: Review of Aya's Cafe Mediterranean Cuisine in Lambertville, New Jersey

This has been one crazy weekend! I need a break from my break so, allow me to turn the keys over for my very first guest post. Enjoy:-)

Guest post by reviewer Caria Mantallo

I was in the mood for a different style of dining the other day, and I definitely got it. I left my house for dinner, feeding the pets and setting my home security alarm, when I realized that I wasn't in the mood for fried food. If you want to learn more about the great home security alarm I just got, by the way, click here. So I had to find something different. Therefore, I decided to go to Aya's Cafe, a Mediterranean restaurant in my hometown of Lambertville that I had heard a lot about but had never tried. This was an excellent choice.

The inside of the restaurant was the first thing that struck me. The restaurant is in a very odd residential location, and I nearly missed it the first time I drove by because I thought it was a house. However, this made for an excellent atmosphere. The fact that the kitchen was open and the chefs were joking with their (obviously returning) customers while they cooked was even better. The wait staff was similarly friendly and attentive The only thing that annoyed me about the atmosphere was the loud Indian music playing in the background.

The appetizer that I ordered was a spinach "pitza" (or pita pizza). This was very good, though the feta cheese that was on it made it a little bit too salty. For dinner I ordered a Gyro plate with a mix of steak and lamb. This was incredible and I would would definitely go back to the restaurant just for that. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned and warm enough that it had obviously been cooked fresh. I will be returning to Aya's Cafe soon.

Blog Frog Friday 5-28-10

I am happy to have you all here for Blog Frog Friday: a weekly stop at my Blog Frog community:-)

"It's my birthday. I can blog if I want to, blog if I want to, blog if I want to. You would blog too if you knew what I knew."

That's right! Today, is my actual 40th birthday. I get to see my youngest read her first published book at her Author's Tea at school. I have an Iron Cupcake: Milwaukee Challenge tonight and with any luck, I may even get to play with my girlfriends. It is going to be the perfect finale to this 40th May celebration of mine:-)

In honor of this special day, this week's topic is about Birthday Cakes. So, hop on over to my pad for the conversation:-)

Veggie Garden

I usually don't plant the veggie garden until Memorial Day weekend but this year, summer has come early. I actually feel a little behind. Some other blogs are showing buds and harvest already! But here in Wisconsin, this is what you get:-)

FNCCC Review

My Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom is going to be more like Wordful Wednesday on SevEn cLoWn CirCus:-).

The Food Network Chefs Cooking Challenge (FNCCC) is over but I couldn't resist doing a little review of weeks gone by. Out of 33 recipes that I completed:

9 were beef and my favorite was North African Meatballs:

"It was delicious!! I ended up making the whole meal that she presented on that show and ALL the flavors were really good together. My younger daughter ate them up and my husband said that it would be really good as the stuffing in stuffed peppers. A winner all around!!"

13 were chicken and my favorite was Spring Chicken Roll-Ups with Lemon Dijon Pan Sauce:

"I used broccoli instead of asparagus, mozzarella instead of provolone and ham instead of prosciutto. So basically, I was using the recipe for the method. And it turned out AWESOME!! The chicken was juicy and the sauce was flavorful. You could mix this up a thousand ways and get great results every time! Thanks for making it easy Rachael:-)"

7 were pork and my favorite was Marinated Pork Chop with Pineapple Salsa:


"This was FANTASTIC!! The Nealys know their grilling! The pork was cooked perfectly and the sweetness of the salsa pairs really, really well with the pork. This is an awesome spring dish and would be ideal for a Hawaiian themed party:-)"

2 were side dishes and my favorite was Herb Roasted Potatoes:

"They were very tasty and VERY easy. It's a perfect side dish to any roast or baked chicken. We will totally be making this again! Thanks Anne!!"

AND 1 was seafood AND 1 was dessert. In addition:

4 were total failures
3 were not our favorites
5 were ok but nothing to write home about
12 were good with tweaking
9 were homeruns

I think those are pretty good statistics! It was a blast while it lasted:-)

Stay tuned to Susie's Homemade because I am brewing up a carnival of my own:-)

Tackling a Sofa

It's time for Tackle It Tuesday with 5 Minutes for Mom .

This year, my older daughter will be moving into her very first college apartment. As such, she is in need of furniture, dishes, etc. Well, I saved a bunch of stuff when we moved my mom into our house. So, my daughter is pretty set with dishes and such. However, she needed a sofa so, we tackled getting her set up with one.

Now, if you remember back to college, you don't want designer furniture in these places. There are parties that cause spills that you can never come back from. So, look at what $3 will buy you:

Not bad right? The cushions were missing and the frame is broken but that's not a problem. A couple of throw pillows and a woodworking grandpa that can reforce the busted frame and viola!! Chic Ode de College:-)

Baby Back Rib Rerun

I am doing more menu planning with I'm an Organizing Junkie with great recipes:-)

I am gearing up for an exciting and busy week. I have a meeting with the PTO President. My husband has a doctor appointment. I have two bouts of volunteering at school. We have a wonderful Author's Tea (kindergarteners spend all year working on their first published book and they present their publications at this party) and another Iron Cupcake: Milwaukee (ICM)Challenge. Not to mention, it is my actual birthday too! Awesome week:-)

The Food Network Chef Cooking Challenge is over but, come back on Wednesday as I will review my favorite recipes from the challenges over the last 36 weeks! For now, ribs were on sale at Pick N Save for $2.99/lb. (normally $4.99/lb.) So, I picked a bunch up and I am revisiting my husband's Baby Back Rib recipe. It is my birthday week so, I hope you don't mind the rerun:-)

Here is everything that I am serving this week:

Monday: Spaghetti (Cleaning Day)

Tuesday: Chicken and Pasta (Meeting with PTO President)

Wednesday: Leftovers (Husband's Doctor Appointment)

Thursday: Baby Back Rib (Volunteering)

Friday: Eat Out (Volunteering/Author's Tea/ICM/My Birthday:-)

Blog Frog Friday 5-21-10

I am happy to have you all here for Blog Frog Friday: a weekly stop at my Blog Frog community:-)

That wonderful blog carnvial Friday Followers is all done. I hated to see it go because I loved meeting new friends. So, in honor of the sun setting on that weekly meeting place, this week's topic is about Followers. So, hop on over to my pad for the conversation:-)

In line with that, I would like to pay special tribute to a blogger who recently hopped on the Susie's Homemade bandwagon:

Be At Home

They have got some great information on everything from movie reviews to how to stock a bar to their weekly shopping carnvial. Check em and tell them "Susie sent me":-)

500th Post!!

It's here!! My 500th post!! I can't believe it. I started this blog in January of 2008 but I didn't really start with consistent posts until August of that same year. Now, 2 years later here I am:-) I couldn't have done it without all of my wonderful readers. Thanks for coming back again and again. Your support has been so validating and wonderful and keeps me going:-)

Now, without further adieu, may I present to you Susie's Homemade Cookbook:

This a wonderful collection of your favorite Susie's Homemade recipes in one place. This pdf includes appetizers, drinks, main courses, side dishes and of course, my wonderful desserts. I even included a section of "Recipe Builders" which are my tried and true methods of creating my own wonderful desserts. Grab a copy for your own library for only $5 at the top of this blog:-)

Candi from Family, Stamping and Food won a free copy!! Thanks for your support Candi!!

Here's to 500 more:-)

FNCCC: Desserts

My Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom is going to be more like Wordful Wednesday on SevEn cLoWn CirCus:-).

I am also playing along for the last time with I Blame My Mother on her The Food Network Chefs Cooking Challenge (FNCCC). This week the chef of choice is Warren Brown. I am doing his Mr. Banana Legs Bundt Cake. I posted the recipe on Monday and here is what it looked like:

The Verdict: I made this beauty for an appreciation breakfast and it is the prettiest bundt cake I have ever made! It is firm and shiny and held the form well and I know it was delicious! Great recipe! I will definitely make it again!!

Tackling the Move Back

It's time for Tackle It Tuesday with 5 Minutes for Mom . My older daughter is moving back home for the summer from college. So, I am tackling making room for her. That means, I have to take down the Barbie village:-(



So Bye, Bye Barbie:-) See you in the fall!

Mr. Banana Legs Bundt Cake

I am doing more menu planning with I'm an Organizing Junkie with great recipes:-)

I am so glad that I have a lighter week:-)I have to take Mom for a haircut and volunteering twice. That's it!! Maybe I should not publicize that...my phone might start ringing:-)

In addition, I am still playing along with I Blame My Mother on The Food Network Chefs Cooking Challenge (FNCCC). I guess I was wrong; this is the last week and they left dessert for the last course!! Fitting, don't you think? The chef of choice is Warren Brown. There isn't much on The Food Network so, I took to the net and found his Mr. Banana Legs Bundt Cake. His recipes are dummy-proof because he breaks EVERYTHING done. Check it out below and come back Wednesday for a picture and our review:-) Wish me luck:-)

Here is everything that I am serving this week:

Monday: Spaghetti (Cleaning Day)

Tuesday: Chicken and Pasta
Mr. Banana Legs Bundt Cake for Appreciation Breakfast (Come back Wednesday for a picture and my review)

Wednesday: Pork Chops (Hair Cut)

Thursday: Leftovers (Volunteering)

Friday: Eat Out (Volunteering)

Mr. Banana Legs Bundt Cake
Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp potato starch
1 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp nutmeg
3 ea very ripe peeled bananas
3/4 cup half and half
1 Tbsp rum
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 3/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 large egg yolks

Directions:
1. Spray a bundt pan well with a nonstick spray.

2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (conventional) or 335°F (convection). Set rack in the middle of the oven.

3. Measure the dry ingredients into a medium mixing bowl and whisk for 10 seconds to blend. Set aside.

4. In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar on the lowest speed for 2 to 3 minutes. The mixture should look white, fluffy, and aerated.

5. With the mixer still on the lowest speed, add the eggs one at a time followed by the yolks, fully incorporating after each addition. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl.

6. Add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the liquid mixture in 3 to 5 additions each, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Move swiftly through this step to avoid overworking the batter. Don’t wait for the dry or liquid mixtures to be fully incorporated before adding the next. This step should take a total of about 60 seconds.

7. Stop the mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl all the way down. Don’t miss the clumps of ingredients hiding on the bottom of the bowl. Mix on medium speed for 15 to 20 seconds to develop the batter’s structure.

8. Fill the pan about three-quarters full by depositing the batter with the rubber spatula in small clumps around the prepared pan instead of by pouring it into one spot. Level the batter with the rubber spatula.

9. Bake 45 minutes.

10. Once the top of the cake doesn’t jiggle in the center and is golden brown across the top and edges, test for doneness by inserting a bamboo skewer in the center of the cake. When the skewer shows just a touch of crumbs or comes out clean, the cake is done. Remove the pan from the oven and place on a heat- resistant surface or wire rack.

11. Once the cake has cooled for 5 to 10 minutes, remove the cake by inverting the pan onto a flat surface. Allow it to cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes, before glazing.

Servings: 12

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Inactive Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/12 of a recipe (5.5 ounces).
Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 543.46
Calories From Fat (45%) 245.03
% Daily Value
Total Fat 27.82g 43%
Saturated Fat 16.64g 83%
Cholesterol 189.55mg 63%
Sodium 158.55mg 7%
Potassium 150.08mg 4%
Total Carbohydrates 69.03g 23%
Fiber 1.1g 4%
Sugar 49.64g
Protein 5.84g 12%

Recipe Type
Dessert

Source
Author: Warren Brown
Source: Cookstr
Web Page: http://www.cookstr.com/recipes/mr-banana-legs

Recipe Cost: $7.46
Serving Cost: $.62

Blog Frog Friday 05-14-10

Welcome Friday Followers! I am happy to have you all here for Blog Frog Friday: a weekly stop at my Blog Frog community.

Today, I am gearing up for my 500th post which is coming next Thursday! Hop on over to my pad for a chance to win an copy of my e-cookbook before it goes on sale!

Geraniums of Appreciation

This week, volunteers were honored for their service at the elementary school. I was a recipient of this appreciation for chairing the bake sale (did anyone doubt that I wouldn't lead a bake sale?) and for my committment to the PTO. Look what I got:

I got two of these little globes that water your plants for you. Neat:-)

I was also introduced to the masses as the next Vice-President of the PTO:-) I guess I have my work cut out for me next year!

FNCCC Week 35

My Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom is going to be more like Wordful Wednesday on SevEn cLoWn CirCus:-).

I am also playing along for the last time with I Blame My Mother on her The Food Network Chefs Cooking Challenge (FNCCC). This week the chef of choice is Tyler Florence. I am doing his Grilled Beef Satay. I posted the recipe on Monday and here is what it looked like:


The Verdict: I thought it was really yummy!! It was really flavorful but it was not a family favorite. I guess this will be a Mommy-treat:-)

Tackling Hot Sauce

It's time for Tackle It Tuesday with 5 Minutes for Mom . This week, while I was looking for things to fill my menu, I came across this site called Hot Sauce Planet . I have got to say, it is hilarious!!! Check out some of the quirky things they have over there:

Endorphin Rush Beyond Hot Sauce

Fire in the Hole Hot Sauce

Trailer Trash Hot Sauce

Now, I do not have that much experience with hot sauce but this one has really inspired me to do so:-) What do you put hot sauce in? Eggs? Pasta Sauce? Soups? Bloody Marys?

They also have salsas, wing sauce, BBQ sauce, marinades, steak sauces, jerk sauces and dips. That just sounds like a great recipe for summer!! With grilling season upon us, this speaks to the fire for me!!

Grilled Beef Satay

I am doing more menu planning with I'm an Organizing Junkie and finding more deals at Pick N Save for $5 Dinners and putting them together with great recipes:-)

Ok...now I am swamped! I may be able to come up for air come June:-) This week, I have an oil change, two doctor appointments for Mom, a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, a Girl Scout service area meeting, an MRI for hubby, volunteering and a PTO meeting. Oh, I am also moving my older daughter back from college for the summer! Whew!

Thank goodness that Pick N Save is helping me out with my menu planning. They have Beef Tenderloin on sale for $4.99/lb. (normally $8.99/lb.) !! That helps because...

In addition, I am still playing along with I Blame My Mother on The Food Network Chefs Cooking Challenge (FNCCC). It is kind of a bummer because I think this is the last week!! The chef of choice is Tyler Florence. I am making his Grilled Beef Satay. Check out the recipe below and come back Wednesday for a picture and our review:-) Wish me luck:-)

Here is everything that I am serving this week:

Monday: Grilled Beef Satay (Cleaning Day/Oil Change)(Come back Wednesday for a picture and my review)

Tuesday: Leftovers (Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast/Dr. Appointment/Girl Scout Service Area Meeting)

Wednesday: Pot Roast (Dr. Appointment/MRI for Hubby)

Thursday: Chicken and Pasta (Volunteering)

Friday: Eat Out (PTO Meeting)

Grilled Beef Satay
Ingredients:
1 lb beef tenderloin, cut into 2-inch strips
20 wooden skewers, soaked in water 30 minutes
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tsp freshly grated ginger
1 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbs curry powder
1/2 lemon, juiced
Vegetable oil, for grilling

Directions:
1. Thread the beef onto the soaked skewers, working the skewers in and out of the meat so that it stays in place while grilling. Combine yogurt, ginger, garlic, curry powder, and lemon juice in a shallow platter and stir to combine. Place the beef skewers into the yogurt marinade and turn them until they are well coated. Cover and let the meat marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours.

2. Place a grill pan over medium heat and brush it with oil to prevent the meat from sticking. Grill the satays for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, until nicely seared and cooked through. Serve piled on a large platter garnished with cilantro.

Servings: 4

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Inactive Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/4 of a recipe (6.5 ounces).
Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients. 2 of the recipe's ingredients were not linked. These ingredients are not included in the recipe nutrition data.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 219.72
Calories From Fat (52%) 113.92
% Daily Value
Total Fat 12.49g 19%
Saturated Fat 5.21g 26%
Cholesterol 39.17mg 13%
Sodium 71.8mg 3%
Potassium 419.92mg 12%
Total Carbohydrates 13.67g 5%
Fiber 1.05g 4%
Sugar 4.77g
Protein 13.82g 28%

Recipe Type: Beef, Main Course

Source
Author: Tyler Florence
Source: The Food Network
Web Page: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/grilled-beef-satay-recipe/index.html

Recipe Cost: $9.40 ($5.40 on sale)
Serving Cost: $2.35 ($1.35 on sale)

Introducing Blog Frog Friday

Welcome Friday Followers! I am happy to have you all here!

However, I am not happy with how little I am using my Blog Frog community. So, just like everything in my little life, I have to blog about it. If I have you all to be accountable to, I will most certainly do better. So, every Friday is now Blog Frog Friday:-)


My first Blog Frog Friday question is:

What would you like to see on Susie's Homemade community (i.e. giveaways, how to's, forums, etc.)?

Hopefully, a bunch of you will hop on over there and we can get a great conversation going:-)

Snow in Spring

Another flowering crab but this one looks like snow:-)

FNCCC Week 34

My Wordless Wednesday at 5 Minutes for Mom is going to be more like Wordful Wednesday on SevEn cLoWn CirCus:-).

I am also playing along with I Blame My Mother on her The Food Network Chefs Cooking Challenge (FNCCC). This week the chef of choice is Sunny Anderson. I am doing her Apple Cider Chicken. I posted the recipe on Monday and here is what it looked like:


The Verdict: I really enjoyed this meal. The chicken was really moist and I found the flavors to be very well-balanced. Also, unlike a lot of recipes on The Food Network, the recipe actually yeilded a sauce. Look how bountiful!

Tackling Bathroom Curtains

It's time for Tackle It Tuesday with 5 Minutes for Mom . Two years ago, we redid our bathrooms however, we never finished the window treatments. So this week, we did this:

Aren't they pretty? I just love them. The inspiration for this bathroom design was a French power room. So, imagine my delight when I found this Paris charm bracelet in my mom's jewelry box!! It even matches the other metails in the room!!

I love it when a tackle comes together...even two years later:-)

Apple Cider Chicken

I am doing more menu planning with I'm an Organizing Junkie and finding more deals at Pick N Save for $5 Dinners and putting them together with great recipes:-)

Well, my relaxing week is over because I am back to being busy again. I have a PTO Meeting, a Girl Scout Meeting, an all school event and volunteering. Whew!

Thank goodness that Pick N Save is helping me out with my menu planning. They have Chicken Breasts on sale (AGAIN) for $1.99/lb. (normally $4.79/lb.) !! That helps because...

In addition, I am still playing along with I Blame My Mother on The Food Network Chefs Cooking Challenge (FNCCC). This week, the chef of choice is Sunny Anderson. I am making her Apple Cider Chicken. Check out the recipe below and come back Wednesday for a picture and our review:-) Wish me luck:-)

Here is everything that I am serving this week:

Monday: Apple Cider Chicken (Cleaning Day)(Come back Wednesday for a picture and my review)

Tuesday: Leftovers (PTO and Daisy Meeting)

Wednesday: Meatloaf

Thursday: Eat Out (All-School Event Chicken Dinner )

Friday: Eat Out

Apple Cider Chicken
Ingredients:
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs butter
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 Vidalia onion, chopped
1/2 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
1 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaves
1 Tbs all-purpose flour
3/4 cups apple cider

Directions:
Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, add to pan and sear until golden, about 4 minutes each side. Remove chicken from pan, and set aside. Add remaining butter and onion, apple, garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Saute until apple begins to get color and onions soften, about 6 minutes. Add flour and stir 2 to 3 minutes. Nestle chicken back into pan, add cider, bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook until chicken is cooked through, about 12 minutes.

Servings: 4

Cooking Times
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutrition Facts
Serving size: 1/4 of a recipe (7.4 ounces).
Percent daily values based on the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) for a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition information calculated from recipe ingredients. One of the recipe's ingredients was not linked. This ingredient is not included in the recipe nutrition data.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 270.55
Calories From Fat (26%) 70.72
% Daily Value
Total Fat 8g 12%
Saturated Fat 2.72g 14%
Cholesterol 76.07mg 25%
Sodium 83.59mg 3%
Potassium 504.29mg 14%
Total Carbohydrates 20.18g 7%
Fiber 1.56g 6%
Sugar 3.58g
Protein 29.27g 59%

Recipe Type: Chicken, Main Course

Source
Author: Sunny Anderson
Source: The Food Network
Web Page: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/sunny-anderson/apple-cider-chicken-recipe/index.html

Recipe Cost: $6.11 ($3.31on sale)
Serving Cost: $1.53 ($.83 on sale)