Judging the 2011 National Beef-Cook-Off

By Sandy Hu

If you’re a beef lover like me, tucking into 20 great beef dishes over two days, prepared by an excellent chef, may seem like a sublime, died-and-gone-to-heaven experience. And, okay, I’ll admit I enjoyed it.

But being a judge of a recipe contest is also serious business and carries considerable responsibility – especially when $25,000 is at stake for the National Beef Cook-Off’s grand prize winner.

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Meal Under 30 Minutes: Pasta Carbonara

By David Hu

Pasta Carbonara is one of my absolute favorite foods. It’s become a staple in my household because it only requires a handful of ingredients which can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes. This version uses raw egg yolks instead of cream for the sauce and I add peas for a little brightness. If you’re uncomfortable with raw egg yolks use pasteurized egg yolks instead. And don’t forget a glass of white wine to round things out!

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Grab ‘n’ Go Picnic

By Andrew Hunter

Living in LA, like any place, has its pros and cons. Yes, there’s congested traffic, the infamous smog, and the risk of getting caught between paparazzi and one of their famous subjects…sounds silly, I know, but it can be quite hectic and even rough and tumble in the middle of LA’s game of celebrity cat and mouse.

But LA also has iconic places perfect for family fun, which by our definition includes picnics. Our two favorites are Chavez Ravine and the Hollywood Bowl. The only thing our boys like as much as watching their beloved Dodgers play in “The Ravine” is going to “The Bowl.” It’s nestled at the base of a rock walled canyon in the Hollywood Hills with the Hollywood sign perched off in the distance.

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Summer Days

By Lori Powell

Ribs are so delicious and summer is the best time for them since they are messy, necessitating a picnic table and the outdoors to consume them properly. All ribs are pretty scrumptious, and I usually like mine super-meaty, like country style ribs.

But baby back ribs are making a comeback at my house. Since they are not as meaty, they don’t take as long to cook and the upside is that there is a lot more bone to meat – yes, upside, since the bone adds flavor.

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Hot Dog Hangover

By Katie Barreira

Given the pivotal role of tea in the story of our nation’s liberation, one might think that the herbal brew would have become the hallmark of Independence Day celebrations. But, from Coney Island’s infamous eating contest to the smoking grills across America, it is clearly the hot dog that reigns on July 4th.

By day 3 of the holiday weekend, after grilling hot dogs, eating hot dogs, and prying a cold, slippery dog from the jaws of another beast of the same name, I felt that I could easily go the rest of the summer without seeing another link. But I knew we would meet again, and soon, given those leftover wieners, panting from the fridge.

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