For all of you guys in Ocala, FL, I am doing a live demo this friday at Bakers and Cooks. ( www.bakersandcooks.com ) Im super stoked about it. I am doing a 3 course demonstration. I love doing these live events where I actually get to hang out and talk with people... face to face. I always try to throw a curve ball or two and teach the crowd something they have never heard of, or at least something they have never tried before. Grilled Avocado with Bacon-Toasted Pine Nuts, Arugala and a Pomegranate Balsamic Glaze This week I am doing a Grilled Avocado Salad with Arugula, Bacon Toasted Pine Nuts and a Balsamic Pomegranate Glaze, then Lime Roasted Chx Breast Chili and Cinnamon Spiced Chicken with a Jicama, Hearts of Palm, and Green Apple Salad and a Patron Vinaigrette. Then, for dessert, I am doing one of my favorites... Beer Battered Pineapple with Cilantro Whipped Cream Beer Battered Fried Pineapple with a Cilantro Whipped Cream.

Baby Blogger Nate Remember when you were a kid? What was the best part about eating cereal on saturday morning? For me it was the milk! No matter the cereal, I always had this delicious leftover treat. Frosted Flakes I was thinking about that this weekend as I munched on some delicious frosted flakes. I thought "There has to be a super cool way to use this flavorful liquid." Maple Mini Wheats So I came up with this new dish and Im so stoked about it! I took some frosted flakes, some milk and a bit of heavy cream and simmered it. Frosted Flakes in Milk While I was at it, I did the same with some Maple and Brown Sugar Frosted Mini Wheats too. I added a bit of agave and as soon as it was hot I took it off the heat.

Wasabi Tuna ingredients I have loved wasabi peas for awhile now, but the other day something hit me. I wanted to use them in a super cool way that takes them far beyond being a simple snack. Wasabi Peas in the grinder I used a coffee grinder and zapped a handful of the crispy peas until they looked like a rough bread crumb. Ground Wasabi Peas Then I coated some beautiful fresh tuna with it. Tuna Steak I grabbed some oyster and shiitake mushrooms and a few green onions too, threw them into a screamin' hot saute pan and caramelized for about 5 minutes or so, then added some chopped garlic, sesame oil, and a splash of soy sauce. Coating Tuna Steak with Wasabi Peas I did the same thing for the tuna.

I have been preparing for the Wine and Dine Destin Charity event www.dcwaf.org coming up this week. I am so stoked about it! The Charity is so awesome. People from all over come to Destin, FL to eat great food and drink amazing wine, then give a bunch of their money away to a worthy cause. The DCWAF has raised nearly $3 million in 4 years.... AMAZING! The foundation supports children in need. If you want to learn more or donate to the foundation go to the website and check it out. My menu is a 5 course dinner that is gonna "Mess with the Palate" hahaha... Maple and Rum I wanted to make a menu that would isolate and articulate individual flavor profiles and really focus the palate to natural sweetness, bitterness, and savory flavors. Red Monkey Ground Cinnamon I am working with Regina Martinelli from Martinelli Winery in Sonoma. She is pairing some awesome wines to my menu.

Yesterday, I made that wicked avocado dessert. It was really tasty by the way. The texture was so smooth and creamy and the lime juice totally brightened up all the flavors. Cast Iron Grill Pan I had some extra avocado in my kitchen and hadn't quite satisfied my craving. I grabbed my cast iron grill pan and got it smokin', sliced some avocado and grilled them on both sides. Grilling Avocados I had some pine nuts too, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do at first but then it hit me. I toasted the pine nuts in a bit of bacon fat. Bacon Toasted Pine Nuts I wanted to bring out the nutty savory tones of the avocado, plus bacon makes everything better.... thats just the southerner in me I suppose. I also reduced equal parts pomegranate juice and balsamic vinegar to make a glaze.