Monday, October 22, 2012

Two chicks and an Old Hen



Once upon a time there were two chicks...
the love of food...and an Old Hen... 

One chick in Washington State and the other in Chicago! Separated by the miles, yet drawn together by similar interests...


          
Deanna Morauski with Joey Fatone





Lorraine Brown with Joey Fatone
                                                                                           
YES That's Joey Fatone...(of "N Sync", boy band fame, movie star, dancing with the stars, star of My Family Recipe Rocks...and all around really great guy!)


The two chicks....my friend Deanna and me (Lorraine) ....united by a  love for cooking, baking, laughter, miniature dachshunds, and God! Our paths were originally led together a few years ago by a cooking contest where we learned of one another through our home made cooking videos featuring our original weekly recipes in an on line cooking extravaganza. Since then, we've been sharing recipes via facebook and our blogs.

Last year about this time, I had the thrill of opening my home to the crew of a new show,  My Family Recipe Rocks with host Joey Fatone , and this year Deanna had that same thrill.  I'm wearing a great big grin as I recall the excitement of my experience and I continue to share in the fun now as Deanna's episode is about to air! 

~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~    ~

Meet my buddy Deanna Morauski...

Deanna’s love for baking and cooking began as she sat upon a baker’s stool as a little girl. Her love for people grew in the midst of church potlucks. She expresses her loves today creatively through speaking, writing for her foodie blog, television appearances as well as hosting guests, including celebrities, at her award-winning inn... The Old Hen Bed & Breakfast, Squanalme, Washington.

Deanna makes me giggle with her quick wit and I love the fact that she is just so real! As far apart as we are, it’s amazing at how technology has made it feel like she is right here. Well, one thing is definitely missing....I really want to sit face to face....hear her voice...see her smile...experience the warmth and coziness of her B&B, gobble up the delicious food she prepares, and laugh out loud  together in person! Until then...I’ll be so delighted to watch her in action in her kitchen with Joey Fatone by her side, cooking up a storm!  I can’t wait to see her episode air!

You can see Deanna on Joey Fatone's new show "My Family Recipe Rocks" on the Live Well Network this month on October 27th. She will be making four scrumptious recipes throughout an entire episode filmed at her B&B, The Old Hen.  Follow along on her Facebook page or on Twitter for updates .

Here’s a preview of Deanna’s Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe:







A perfect comforting, hot dish that goes well with any meal!

Servings: 12


Ingredients:


2.5 pounds of russet potatoes

1 large yellow onion

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

¾ cup flour

1 1/2 teaspoons of salt

1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper

1 cup sour cream

5 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided)



Directions:


Rinse and scrub about potatoes until clean.

Prepare a large bowl by filling with cold water and a couple of teaspoons of salt. Set aside.

Cut potatoes in quarters along the length of the potato. Cut out any undesirable spots.

Using a mandolin or… the quicker and easier food processor, slice potatoes thinly.

Place slices into cold salt water after each potato to prevent browning. Slice yellow onion thinly and place into a very large separate bowl.

Preheat oven to 350F.

Pour milk and heavy whipping cream into a medium bowl. Whisk flour into cream mixture.

Add salt and pepper and whisk again.

Drain water from potatoes.

Next, place sliced potatoes, cream mixture. Add sour cream and 3 cups of grated cheddar cheese into the large bowl with onions. Using hands, combine all of these ingredients very well.

Prepare baking dish (size 9 x 13 inches or comparable) by spraying with non-stick spray or smearing well with butter.

Place a layer of potato mixture into baking dish. Then, from the remaining 2 cups of cheddar, place a layer of cheddar cheese. Make about 3 layers total with cheese between each layer then pour any remaining cream mixture over potatoes.

Finally, layer top with remaining cheese. Loosely cover potatoes with foil for the first 1-½ hours of baking so the top layer doesn’t over bake. Remove foil after 1 ½ hours. Bake for about two hours total or until a fork poked into middle of potatoes comes out easily.

It’s a good idea to put a baking sheet on the oven shelf underneath your scalloped potatoes in case they overflow.

For a fancier flavor, you can add some Gruyere or Comté cheeses in place of some of the cheddar, 1/4 cup of white wine in place of 1/4 cup of the milk, or add freshly chopped herbs or ham.

Serve while steamy hot.

**I can't wait to see her remaining three recipes**



(Deanna's episode is scheduled to air at 8:00 central (9:00 eastern and pacific) on Saturday October 27th...and mine will re-air at 10:00 central (11:00 eastern and pacific) that same night! :)

you can check your listings for Live Well Network to find the accurate times in your area.








9 comments:

Deborah Ann said...

Wow Lorraine, how cool to meet your friend who happens to have the same interests as you, and who was on the same cooking show as you! Sooo exciting...

I just printed that recipe, my mouth is watering just looking at that picture.

Love you! ~D

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Oh I remember your experience and I watched your video...how much fun! It is such a delight to see people enjoying their passion and sharing it with others.

I will check her place out..how much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mangiabella said...

I am so darn proud of you two chicks. Sheer PROVIDENCE the day our paths crossed I tell ya. you both ooze with authenticity and charisma and I am so blessed to be a part of your lives. Oh bella, wouldn't it be cool if one day we could both sneak away for a little vacation and stay at the Old Hen???

Unknown said...

How cool is that! I remember watching your piece and being so excited for you. I'm thrilled that your food friend gets this opportunity too! The potato dish looks out of this world delicious.

Brenda Lazzaro Yoder, said...

I am so glad you are back on the blog! I have missed you! Your beauty pours out in your love for people, hospitality and food! What a fun time! Thank you for sharing this!

Deborah said...

Wow how wonderful Lorraine!
Good to see your happy face ;)
That recipe looks so yummy!
And how sweet are the friendships you've made while having such fun!!!
Hugs!

Deborah xoxo

Anonymous said...

How neat! Wish I'd checked in sooner, in time to have caught the show. My wife loves these kind of shows. We may try that potato dish.

Hope all is going well. Have a great Thanksgiving!

Susan Marlene said...

Hi Lorraine! Wonderful post. I just finisned a book by Rachel Hauck called "Dining with Joy" and learned all about the foodies! Looks like your having fun! I do have to argue the point about your having the "best" dog...my Porschea is the perfect puppy!! :) So glad I stopped in!

Kirstin said...

I just watched your segment on My Family Recipe Rocks and decided to come to your blog. As I was reading this post, the location of your friends B&B sounded familiar but the spelling seemed off, so I went to her website and how funny, but I grew up in the Snoqualmie Valley. How fun! I can't wait to watch her segment and I enjoyed yours as well and can't wait to browse your blog more.

Have a great night!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...