The Next Food Network Star by Elizabeth Brown, MS, RD
I want to be the Next Food Network Star!
I didn’t get a call back but I was the only one who submitted an audition video on the spot. Perhaps they liked me and since they already had my audition video, there was no need to call me back.
I won’t know the outcome until November when the finalists are chosen. There is nothing more I can do now except to keep moving ahead and try other avenues.
No matter what happens, I had a great time in Austin. I stayed at the Hyatt with a room overlooking Lake Austin. I felt at peace as I watched the skullers go by. When I broke my foot last year, I rekindled a love for rowing.
I also visited the original 80,000 square foot Whole Foods Market. It was my literal heaven on earth. This is where I bought my evening meal and kombucha fix. My other meals were eaten either at the hotel or adjacent restaurants.
Here are some recipes based on my Austin dining experience at Zax. I hope you too will enjoy the spicy soup paired with the sweet salad. Mmm-mm, so delicious!
Chicken Tortilla Soup
1 1/2 pounds chicken breast,
slow cooked
2 yellow onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 jalapenos, seeds removed, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup white wine
28 ounce can fire roasted crushed tomatoes, Muir Glen
15 ounce can black beans, drained
16 ounce bag yellow corn
32 ounces chicken broth
1/2 lime, juiced (to garnish)
1 bunch cilantro (to garnish)
1-2 ripe avocados (to garnish)
For best results, cook chicken in a slow-cooker/crockpot for up to 8 hours on low heat. I used the mango barbecue sauce from last week’s recipe to immerse my chicken as it cooked. You can also immerse your chicken in tomato sauce, chicken broth or water with herbs such as oregano, basil and thyme. OR slow cook the chicken on the stove top while chopping vegetables. Shred chicken as it cooks.
In a separate deep sauté pan or stock pot, sauté onions in a little broth or olive oil until the onions are soft and fragrant. Add the garlic and jalapeno blend with cumin, chili powder and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in white wine, tomatoes, black beans and corn. Allow flavors to meld. Add shredded chicken and chicken broth to reach desired consistency. While soup is simmering on medium-low, prepare tortilla strips.
Tortilla Strips
High heat canola or avocado oil
1/2 lime, juiced
2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush some oil on two baking trays. Place 6 tortillas on each tray. Sprinkle with oil, lime juice, chili powder and salt. Bake for 8-10 minutes until tortillas a slightly crisp. Cut into strips to sprinkle on Chicken Tortilla Soup. Otherwise it’s really just a tomato based chicken soup. Top each bowl of soup with tortilla strips, avocado pieces, chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Candied Pecan and Pear Salad with Sweet Vinaigrette
2 Tablespoons maple syrup
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Bunch mesclun greens
1 pear, sliced 1/4 inch thick
2 Tablespoons blue cheese, feta or goat cheese
Blend first six ingredients with a fork. Toss with greens. Top with pear slices, candied pecans and crumbled cheese.
Candied Pecans
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1 Tablespoon vanilla
1/2 cup pecans
Combine first four ingredients in a small sauce pot. Bring to a rolling boil. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and blend. Add pecans and stir to coat thoroughly. Pour onto baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Allow to cool. Add to salad, cereal, yogurt or fresh fruit.
