Food-Porn and Other Sinful Delights

Having abandoned almost all of my reality show addictions* (it took years of formulaic episodes and stereotype contestants, before I broke the habit) but one of my favourites is returning this week. Top Chef Season 3 starts on Food TV this Tuesday September 4 (9:00pm est) and I can't wait. Click here for an overview and scheduling.

Food, food, food (which admittedly gets better and better as the season continues), scathing reviews from quick-witted judges (at least in the most entertaining moments), and too many egos in a very tight and highly charged kitchen. I love it! I've been known to drool over the appliances from time to time as well (oh sweet kitchen reno dreams...).

And on the topic of drool worthy delights, I think I am ready to indulge in what remains of my first batch of homemade gelato - Chocolate Almond. Thanks to my new Kitchenaid Ice Cream Maker attachment and a few all natural ingredients (scalded milk, oven toasted almonds, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract and of course, a whole lot of yummy semi-sweet chocolate), I had a batch whipped up in no time (excluding the day in advance for freezing the bowl and the few hours post-prep to freeze the gelato solid). With a handy second freezer in the basement though, we've found a solution for both storage and preparation - just keep the bowl tucked away in it's own little corner where it is ready to go whenever the mood strikes. I think this is the beginning of a longterm and very satisfying relationship!

* It should be noted that thanks to a certain western blogger (and you know who you are) I may just be compelled to start watching Survivor again after missing the last two seasons. Of course, this will be subject to negotiations with the remote control dictator of the household --- JULIA. After all, scheduling does overlap with The Big Comfy Couch (groan!). I guess it's time to finally figure out how to work the recordable DVD player and watch it Calgary time (hee hee).