Yay!

Happy first full week of school everyone! I can't wait for the first Gator game this weekend!

Well, I'm proud to say ElleMichelle.com will finally be updated this week! Go check out the new recipes and food tip. A new episode of College Bites is on the way too!

In other exciting news, my column in the Gainesville Campus Sun will begin soon. I'll let you know when it's published for the first time!

Help!!

As you may have noticed, ElleMichelle.com has not been updated in a long time! I am currently seeking someone who is able to update the website on a regular basis...

If you or anyone you know is able to maintain websites written in HTML, please let me know! I will pay too!

Associated Press Wire Article!!

So a few weeks ago a writer for the Associated Press contacted me about an article she was doing on college food. She interviewed several people who have cooking experience, especially those who have faced the challenge of eating well while in college. A few of the people she interviewed were, cough, RACHAEL RAY and ROBIN MILLER from the Food Network. Also, several other cook book authors. So I was immediately shocked that she picked me and was so honored! She asked me to think of the one food I couldn't live without in college for a quick meal and to give my pointers. This was basically a HUGE opportunity for my site to go GLOBAL!! The AP wire publishes news all over the world (it's the largest news agency) and allows any media outlet to pull articles and information from it (if they pay). I couldn't wait for the article to come out and I am proud to say, IT CAME OUT TODAY!!! SO GO GOOGLE" LAUREN SHER DORM FOOD" TO SEE THE LATEST NEWSPAPERS THAT ARE PUBLISHING THE ARTICLE!!

The first paper to carry the article is the Tonawanda News in Tonawanda, NY.

Next Food Network Star

I know I have been a snoozer all summer with this website, but I promise to update it soon. Until then, I need to share a story:

So this morning I got a crazy sign that is inspiring this post...

As we all know by now, Amy won The Next Food Network Star this season. Well during the day I listen to the radio while I work. Yesterday I happened to be listening to Magic 102.7, yes the oldies station, and they said, "be sure to listen to the morning show tomorrow because we will have Amy on the air." I rarely listen to 102.7 morning show because, well, I'm not an oldie. And today of all day's, I didn't listen to any morning show because I was driving my mom's car and listening to XM.

Okay, still following? So I'm driving to work today, listening to XM, and it hits me that I should listen to 102.7 so I could hear Amy's interview. I was like oh no, I probably missed it. Then LITERALLY as I turn the satellite radio off, the FM radio is already programmed on 102.7 and they are saying "We have Amy Finley here from the latest season of the Next Food Network Star..."

I DIDN'T MISS THE INTERVIEW!!! I made it just in time!!

Okay now the best part of it all...

The last part of her interview she mentions to check out the Food Network website for more information about auditioning for next season. Well, I auditioned like two years ago and the due date for the tapes was in October. So I figured I had nothing to worry about, plenty of time to prep a great audition tape (which would definitely have to be better than the last one because that one was terrible). However, until today, it never crossed my mind to double check the date for the tapes.

So when I came home late tonight, I checked the website and the tapes are due July 30th! AS IN THIS MONDAY! So basically if I hadn't thought about listening to Amy's interview, I would have never known about the due date!

I have two days to get a kick ass audition tape ready. Send me your suggestions!! I cannot let another season pass me by. I haven't submitted in the last two years because I was busy with school. But not this time around!! Wish me luck!

Oh yeah, congrats Amy on your win. :)

I'm alive

So I know I said I would keep the website up while I worked but it's proven to be really tough because it seems I am always busy.

Anyway, things will definitely rev up again once the fall semester approaches and I have some potentially exciting news to share soon so keep posted...

The Freshman 15

So of course I know I suck at updating the website and think about it every day. But lately I have been working a ton and am so exhausted when I come home. I think once another week or two goes by, I will get used to this lifestyle and finally post the latest episode of College Bites that I filmed.

In other news, I just started writing for a blog site geared towards college freshman. The link is:

www.thefreshman15.org

I write all about eating in college and truly how easy it is to avoid the "freshman 15." Look out for my latest blog entry tomorrow!

I hope everyone has a great week and I'll be sure to update the site asap!

Stil here...

So I know it's been a while since ElleMichelle.com has been updates or since I've blogged for that matter but it's been tough. I now work 40 hours a week and if you count lunch, it's 45 hours! It's a huge shock going from taking classes to a real job. But I truly love it. I am working in an engineering office getting some great experience.

I will now be writing blog entries for the website, www.thefreshman15.org. Go check it out! I will post when my first blog goes up.

Still don't have a good food tip written but I will do it, I promise!

5000!

ElleMichelle.com officially has 5000 hits! Yippee! If you were the 5000th person, email me, I will have a prize for you!

Still working on thinking of a great food tip...

Food Tip Part Dos

So I started to write a food tip and it wasn't good. I am very stumped on a topic right now and could use some assistance. Any ideas?? What would you like to know more about?

Food Tip

So I know I have been such a slacker lately. I've been home and on vacation so it's tough to keep up with College Bites for right now. However, I am currently writing a new food tip and it will be posted soon. Look out for it!

I'm back!

So what's a better way to return to the world of Elle Michelle than with an article about me in the MIAMI HERALD!!!

In today's (SUNDAY!!) paper, there is an article in the Weston Neighbors section all about me and College Bites!!

Here's the link:

http://www.miamiherald.com/484/story/110623.html

GO READ IT!

The Cake!

Here are some pics of me and the cake I made. It's a hat and has the initials of all the mother's that were at our Mother's Day Brunch. I hope everyone has a great week and I will be back in a few days!!

Mother's Day

So it's that time of the year again and of course I have been commissioned to make a cake. I spent all day today baking and ended up with a hat cake! It's a chocolate fudge cake covered in butter cream then covered in fondant. I think it turned out pretty cute although it started out as a blob then morphed into a hat. I will put pics up of it tomorrow. I won't be blogging for a few days after tomorrow as I will be busy with other things. Be back tomorrow with pictures...

Dave's Demo

So I went to Dave's demo tonight against my better judgment. He was good, made 2 very Jew-y recipes which I can appreciate. I chatted with him after the demo and he said he would check out College Bites for the second time (first time was at SoBe Wine and Food fest), let's see if he actually does. It's weird, when I watch live demos (and also on TV), I finish their sentences in my head and think about what I would say. For instance, if someone asks a question about using one flour over another, I answer it in my head and then he ended up saying the same answer. I totally think I could hold my ground up there and do one of those demos, there was nothing he said tonight that I didn't already know. Maybe one day I will be...

Dave Lieberman?

So Dave will be in my neck of the woods tomorrow doing a demo at Macy's. I am planning on going although it could be like every other demo he does and I don't know if I need to see that again. I would love to be able to pick his brain. I am very tan and have a cute dress, maybe he will let me?? We will see what happens.

What does everyone think of the latest College Bites? If my Grandma only had a computer and knew I had a cooking show, she would love that I made one of her recipes. Okie dokie, I'm hitting the hay so I look rested tomorrow for Dave...

New Episode and Recipes

There's a new episode and also new recipes posted! Go check them out. I have been lazy about blogging, but I will give a good meaty one tomorrow...

New pics and new episode

Today I had a bunch of pictures taken for the website when it gets remodeled-- look for them later this summer! I am also posting a new episode tomorrow with a bunch of new recipes. I have to finish packing and drive home in the morning. I'll be blog more tomorrow...

Pomp and Circumference

Okay I know the song is really "Pomp and Circumstance" but hey I'm studying to be an engineer, I like my version better! In case you don't know, a circumference is the length around a circle =2*pi*radius. Okay no more math lessons today. I went to engineering graduation last night and while it was fun, it was very challenging. My job was to get people to phonetically spell their names on their call card. Those engineers are so stubborn, no one wanted to spell their name out. I can promise you there wasn't a John Smith in the house. At the end of the day I was so sick of saying "You have 12 consonants in your last name, phonetically spell it out dammit!" Now there's a whole new group of engineers out there so next time you drive over a new bridge or road, it could have been a Florida Grad that designed it for you!

Anyway, I filmed my GatorWell dorm cooking basics video. It was a lot of fun. I didn't have a live audience and I love when I do, I work much better. I will also have a graduation themed episode of College Bites posting Sunday. Get excited, I make a good ole' family recipe.

Tomorrow brings a photo shoot for the remodeling of ellemichelle.com. I have a friend who takes amazing pictures and he's going to take some for me. Yippee!

I'll be around this weekend packing then I am going home Monday.

IT'S SUMMER!

It's officially summer and I am so thrilled! Tomorrow I film my cooking basics video for GatorWell, more information to come!

There is a first for everything...

So now that it's 6 am, I can say I pulled my first all-nighter in the three years I have been in college. It wasn't fun or pretty, but I survived! Damn you finals week. My exam is at 10 am, then I have to do a little work, get a little nap and then on to studying for my last TWO exams tomorrow. I honestly have to say what got me through was eating leftovers from a College Bites episode filming and watching Dancing with the Stars at 5 am. I ate some of my mashed potatoes and zucchini canoes (meat or cheese stuffed in zucchini), they hit the spot Now my belly is full and I am ready to charge forward. Look for the episode and recipes online this weekend! I do not recommend pulling an all-nighter unless you have hearty sustenance. This was a first and last...

Another night, another to die for dinner...

Tonight on the menu: Orzo with mushrooms, shallots and celery. I can't even describe the taste for you other than I needed to sit down after my first bite because it took my breath away. I started out with sauteing the shallots in some garlic and olive oil. Then I added the celery and a splash of white wine. Then I added some chicken broth and the whole wheat orzo. I also added more white wine, covered it and let it simmer. Once the orzo was near done, I added the mushrooms. The orzo soaked up the wine, chicken broth and olive oil and left me with a creamy, succulent flavor. The celery added crunch while the mushrooms added heartiness. I am so excited for tomorrow's nights leftovers!! First final tomorrow, then I am going to bang the other three out and it's sweet summer!!

PS Watch Ace of Cakes on the Food Network, Duff's awesome.

Lip Smacking Good Dinner

Tonight I made an amaaazing dinner! I love shellfish but never want to wait to eat out at an Italian restaurant to enjoy a good Zuppa di Pesce. Zuppa meaning soup, pesce meaning fish. Which is basically a plethora of seafood cooked in a tomato sauce served with pasta. The way I make it, it's so easy and affordable, you could charge someone $25 to eat it when it only cost you about $6! I basically saute onions or shallots in chopped garlic and olive oil. Then add a small can of crushed tomatoes. Of course you better be seasoning with the trio in every step (kosher salt, fresh black pepper, a little garlic powder). Then add whatever shellfish or fish you would like, I suggest shrimp, scallops, calamari, mussels or basically any combinations. A good sturdy whitefish such as halibut would be great too! You can add basil, red pepper, a wide variety of spices to make this dish your own. Serve over linguine and indulge yourself! It really is a pesce of cake!

Tomorrow night's menu: Mushroom, celery and chicken orzo in a risotto dish style sauce. Basically I am cooking orzo as if it were risotto because I found whole wheat orzo with 9 grams of fiber! Great for your diet! Orzo is small, rice shaped pasta whereas risotto is rice based. They are both delish and can be cooked similarly.

The plus side of being home studying for the past few days is I am eating good! But, I am studying all the damn time!

Is this a sign??

So as my close friends and family know, I am a terrible nail picker. I don't bite, I pick. Of course I never pick anywhere near the kitchen, mostly when I am sitting at my desk studying. However, in the week before my Hume Demo I swore I would not pick because I wanted to have nice nails for the demo. I figured the minute it was over, I would resume my picking. BUT! I am proud to say I haven't picked my nails in weeks!! Yep, I, Lauren Michelle, have very long, polished nails. They are classy and fabulous! They are definitely ready for their close ups when I cook! Could this be a sign that I could quit nail picking for the sake of food?

In more exciting news, my gastronomical salad fest continues. Tonight I made a wonderful salad with dried cranberries, hearts of palm, and other tasty salad ingredients. Try adding kosher salt to your next salad, you wouldn't believe the great flavor it adds!

Okay, now I will swear that I won't blog or do anything for ellemichelle.com because I HAVE TO study for my 4 exams in three days. I will catch up soon, once I get through my exams and smell the sweet summer break air.

I love TV Food Fan!

I want to give Mike a HUGE thank you over at TV Food Fan for plugging me on his website/blog. Click the link now and go read!! Also, look around his site, he has some great info for all you foodies out there!

TV Food Fan

Unfortunately I am still studying for finals, I have 4 tests in 3 days and then it's summer break! I did however have time to make a great salad tonight. I made my own dressing by mixing balsamic vinegar with creamy hummus then drizzled that over lettuce, cukes, tomatoes, grilled lemon-garlic chicken and sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese(it's much cheaper than the non-crumbled). I love to experiment with salads so I can always mix up an easy way to get veggies (and sometimes fruit too!). I must get back to studying, I LOVE transportation engineering... :)

Video Issues?

Word on the streets is that my College Bites videos are stopping and not letting you watch. Here's the solution: let it buffer a little so that it's not streaming. They are really large video files so that they have decent quality therefore they can't really stream. What you have to do is click the episode you want and pause it, you will see the percentage in the lower left corner increase. Let it go to like 25-45 percent then hit play and ENJOY!

Quickie

Just filmed a new episode...more info to come...

Episode 4!

The latest installment of College Bites is now posted for your viewing pleasure! I make 3 great appetizers, a cocktail and an awesome dessert. Go watch and share it with a friend! The appetizer party is in honor of the Food Network Awards Show. Although after all the food we ate, we wanted to sleep instead of watching tv. It was amazingly delicious! GO CHECK IT OUT!!

Food Adjectives

I would love everyones input on new food adjectives. I need to spice my vocabulary up... What are words would you like to hear?

Ketchup Confusion

My favorite condiment is ketchup, plain and simple. I put it on practically everything. I have been using ketchup my whole life but have yet to figure out the perfect amount when I squirt it out. When I make chicken fingers and fries, I love a lot of ketchup yet I always squirt out too much and the rest goes to waste. However when I make an omelet, I never squirt enough and have to get up to get more. Is there an answer to this question? How will I know what the perfect amount of ketchup is?

In other news, College Bites will be in another newspaper! Yep, that's right! It's going to be in The Miami Herald, the newspaper down south. YIPPEE!! I love all the interest College Bites is getting because that means I am teaching people and making a difference.

I don't know where College Bites will bring me in the future, but it's looking sunny. I can't wait!

Updates!

Check out the new updates on ellemichelle.com! I will talk about them tomorrow...

PS: HAPPY 2 MONTH ANNIVERSARY ELLEMICHELLE.COM!!!

Happy 3500!

ElleMichelle.com has had 3500 hits in 2 months! This is just the beginning of it all, there will be much more to come...

Awards Show Episode

So I am about halfway done editing the episode of College Bites that was filmed on Sunday night. I have one that I filmed a few weeks ago but I am going to post the Awards Show episode first. I made some great dishes, I hope you all try them. Finals are coming up which means I have to take a forced hiatus from College Bites but has no fear that I will resume the minute I am done. I have been really under productive lately so I need to get a jump on my school work. Do you have any requests for future CB episodes? Send them in! I also would love to answer more questions!

Loving all the press!

So I knew today that I would be in the Gainesville Sun but I had no idea I would be in the Alligator again! I was reading the paper casually and my name jumped out at me! The editor did her editorial on me, of all people, me! I am so glad my show is being so well received because that means I can help and teach people, which is my main goal. I am also going to have a column in the fall in the Gainesville Sun every 2 weeks to every month, look out for it! I also hope that everything works out with GatorWell and we get some of my demos shown on channel 8 on campus. In the meantime, here are the articles I have been in!

Food Network Awards

Tonight at 9 PM ET are the first ever Food Network Awards on the Food Network (duh)!! Make sure you watch it and look for me! I will be right behind where George Duran passes the awards out and in the front on the red carpet. I can't wait to watch. I am celebrating by hosting a Food Network Awards Viewing Party to be taped for an episode of College Bites. It's going to be so much fun!

The Article

So I rushed to campus this morning before my transportation engineering field trip to seek out a (okay many copies) an Alligator. When I turned to page 8, I could hardly believe what I saw. There was a large, color picture of ME! I was the only article on the page and it looked amazing. I will scan the article and put it online. I finished editing the demo so it will be up shortly. The only reason I edited was because I wanted to cut the time down a little (I knocked 5 minutes off). I hope you enjoy it!!!!!

Alligator link

Here is the link to the newspaper article about me and College Bites:
http://www.alligator.org/pt2/070413cooking.php

GO READ IT!

PS I am up at 6 am for my field trip...

Complete Success!!

Well the Hume Demo was tonight and it went flawlessly (at least I think so). I had so much fun. I can't believe it's over now and all my nerves were for nothing. I will give you more details tomorrow because I have to go to bed and I am POOPED out! I have a field trip tomorrow to the Florida Department of Transportation with my transportation engineering class so I need to be up early. It's so funny how one night I am cooking in front of a group of students and the next day I am at the FDOT learning about transportation. Anyway, tonight was amazing. More details to come! Most importantly: PICK UP THE INDEPENDENT FLORIDA ALLIGATOR NEWSPAPER TOMORROW (4/13) AND TURN TO PAGE 8 FOR AN ARTICLE AND A PICTURE ABOUT COLLEGE BITES AND MY DEMO AS WELL AS MY CHAI RICE PUDDING RECIPE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The big day is tomorrow...

So tomorrow is my Hume Hall cooking demonstration. I am about to go to bed and my stomach is in complete knots. I am so nervous. I just spent a few hours editing the latest College Bites and I never realize how much I cut out. I can't cut anything out tomorrow! I have to say everything perfect on the first shot. Luckily I will have everything prepped tomorrow and I don't usually when I film CB. So I have that going for me. I also got some great prizes to give away at the end when I ask some questions and I think the food will be a hit. Also, big news! There will be an article in Friday's Alligator (big paper around UF) about me and College Bites!! Look for it on alligator.org, I can't wait! I know there is always that chance that it doesn't make it in, but I am being very optimistic. I need to go to bed because I have a long day tomorrow, but my nerves are driving me crazy! Wish me luck tomorrow...

Happy Wednesday

It's the middle of the week and I have a smile on my face. Why you ask? Because tomorrow is my Hume Demo. Whee! I am very excited. I hope it all goes well, this is the first step in practicing for a demo at the Wine and Food Fest. One can wish, right? It looks like it's sunny out today and not rainy which would be amazing because the weather the past few days has been very dreary. I have a few classes to go to and then a quiz to take and then more prep work for tomorrow! So I was talking to my mom today and we got to thinking about a collaboration show. Wouldn't it be fun if Dave Lieberman and I had a show together? I think we would look good next to each other, think about it...

I am busting with excitement!

There are so many great things going on in the world of Elle Michelle. Tomorrow I will finally get around to editing episode 4 of CB. It's a great dish, look out for it. So I will hopefully have it posted by Thursday! Yippee...4 episodes!! It feels like just yesterday I was learning how to use Movie Maker and had one episode in the works. The next piece of exciting news is that my Hume Hall Cooking Demonstration is only one day away!! It's going to be Thursday on the 4th floor of Hume West. Come on by! I just practiced all my recipes today and they came out SOO good! There are people from GatorWell (the campus health promotion services) who are coming to watch, I am so psyched to have them there. I am also getting interviewed tomorrow for an article by a journalism student. I can't believe all of my good fortune! I bought bay scallops for dinner because you get so much for you money. I haven't decided to cook them yet, but I will figure out how in a little. I MUST go study now, I have been playing in the kitchen for far too long. Come see me in Hume on Thursday...

Alive and kicking!

So I am slowly recovering from this cold. I feel better and am ready to finish this semester off with a bang! There are so many exciting College Bites things happening this week and I will talk all about them later. When I reformatted my computer, I couldn't get into Blogspot but I just uploaded Mozilla and I can now post! Thank goodness! I am going to do work now but I will come back later and post all the news. Be back...

Little by little...

Well after winning the championship, I celebrated my heart out and became sick. All of my roommates are sick and I was so careful to not catch their cold but it was inevitable. Oh well! This is a good excuse to stay home, catch up on TV and dream of new recipes. I think the next episode, aside from the Food Network Awards viewing party will be Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes. I have never really made meatloaf but it's an American staple and I am going to try it out. So I installed my new hard drive (myself!!) and am working on getting the computer up and running. In the meantime, I will get episode 4 footage on my external hard drive and start to edit. Thank you to everyone that checked out the new recipes. Look for more to come!

The Gators are the champs!!

Well, the Florida Gator Basketball team managed to bring home another championship and I could not be happier!! Watching the game was a blast and so was celebrating afterwards! I need to get on the ball with recording a bunch of shows to get me through the summer. Anyone have recipe requests? Also, next week I am doing a food demo in Hume Hall on campus. I am going to teach dorm residents how easy it is to make an asian themed meal in the dorm kitchens. GO GATORS!!!

Updates

So ellemichelle.com is finally updated! I added four recipes and a food tip. College Bites will be edited this week once my computer is up and running. Check out the new recipes and GO GATORS! Chomp the Buckeyes again!!

Go Gators!!

The time has finally arrived, it's game day!! Tonight the Gators will hopefully dominate UCLA. It's been a pretty good weekend so far, nothing too exciting going on. I started to watch the raw footage from episode 4 and I think it will be great. The food came out awesome. I wish I could bring every single one of you into my apartment when I cook so you can try everything. Just thinking about it is making me really hungry. I am going to figure out what I can make for dinner and get ready for the game. Go Gators!!!

Bad day for my computer

Today was a sad day because my hard drive crashed. Everything is gone. Luckily my College Bites videos are on my external hard drive and I also backed up all my files last September. So anything post September 10th is history. On the positive side, I filmed a new episode of College Bites today. But I can't edit it until Dell sends me a new hard drive. So my goal of having it done by this Sunday isn't happening. I am lucky to have a great roommate who is letting me borrow her laptop. Thanks Amanda!! I also have a quiz in 12 hours and all of my study material is on my computer, I haven't figured out what I will do about that yet. I am mad that I haven't been updating ellemichelle.com enough, but once I get my computer back I will begin editing and episode 4 will be posted. I will also write more recipes and food tips. My plan for episode 4 was to do tailgating outside on a bbq but it was really tough to get it all organized. So instead, I did a fun twist on mac and cheese. It was delicious, I am sure you will love it! I need to go figure out how I am going to study. Please don't lose faith in ellemichelle.com, more updates will come soon! :)

Tests are over!

It's official, my tests are done for a few weeks! This is such a great feeling. I think I will get to film a new episode this weekend and I can't wait!! I am worn out, I just wanted to let everyone know how I am still around and will get to post a lot more now that it's all over. XOXO

A good piece of fish

So last night for dinner I had "a good piece of fish". That was an expression my Bubbe always used when talking about fish. I can do a pretty good impression, maybe I will share it with you next time I make fish on College Bites. Anyway, last night I made a piece of tilapia. Tilapia is a great fish for making dinner for one because they are already cut into fillets at the seafood counter (no wait time for them to cut it for you), can be easily frozen and are almost always the same size not mention it's pretty cheap. I love cooking tilapia with fresh plum tomatoes so that's exactly what I did, I also added a few other ingredients. First I washed the fish and seasoned it with the trio (kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder) and a little paprika. Then I covered it in fresh sweet onion, fresh plum tomato slices and brussel sprouts cut into quarters. I didn't have time to stand in front of the stove, so I prepped the dish, threw it the oven and went back to my work. After I covered it with the veggies, I seasoned it with the same things once again and drizzled a little olive oil over it so that when it cooks, the veggies get nice and browned. I cooked it at 375 for about 20-30 minutes and broiled it for about 2. It was delicious! The brussel sprouts got nice and crunchy while the tomatoes fused with the fish. It's great to serve with warm jasmine rice. I will type up the recipe and post it online once I think of a catchy name. Any suggestions? Well, I will be MIA for the next 48 hours as I prepare for my Mechanics of Materials exam tomorrow night, wish me luck! Talk to you all later!

Sorry for not blogging!

Hi everyone! So sorry I didn't blog all weekend, things were very hectic. First off, the Gators went and won some basketball and are headed to the FINAL FOUR!! Secondly, I have two tests this week. Yes, it's 6:18 am and I am awake. I find that I am much more focused during the day when I wake up early, study and eat a good breakfast. College Bites is a little behind right now, I was planning on filming an episode this upcoming weekend but it looks like I am making a quick trip down home. But have no fear, things will pick up the minute I return. The episode order may have to change a little, I don't think my planned next episode will work out. Regardless of what it is, you will love it! I am mad at myself for not getting any recipes penned this weekend. But throughout the week I will take a break and write a few as well as some food tips. So I honestly thought no one read my blog, but I am shocked to hear that people are reading! On several occasions, I have received comments in person and emails saying, "I read your blog...". That makes me so happy! I really just thought it was my incessant ramblings to the dark hole of the Internet. Keep reading and I will tell you exciting things more often. I made a good dinner last night with my new old favorite, spaghetti squash (haven't bought them since last year, but loved them then). It's a great substitute for regular spaghetti. I baked and broiled it in the oven on Saturday and then sauteed it on Sunday with some shrimp, asparagus and shallots. The dish had great color and texture not to mention taste. Try experimenting with it if you see it at the supermarket. But make sure to ask someone in produce to slice it open for you! They are near impossible to cut open at home, unless of course you have superhuman strength. The only problem with the squash is that they are very big, so if you go shopping with a friend, share one. So to wrap this up, it seems people are taking a liking to my chicken fingers and french fries recipe. The chicken is a take on my Grandmother's infamous chicken recipe which she serves with homemade tahina. Thanks Grandma for the inspiration!! I am going to try and make more of her recipes easier and for one, so keep checking ellemichelle.com for new recipes. I need to finish studying for my Route Geometrics exam in a few hours. Have a very happy Monday! Hi to all my readers out there!

Almost Friday

I hope everyone enjoyed episode 3, keep passing it on to your friends! Over the past few days I have been emailing and writing letters to people in all walks of food entertainment and I think it's getting out of control. Whenever I am online (which is a lot), I am looking for email address and people I can contact that may connect me/give me a lead to a career as a food host. I decided I am going to take a little break and put my luck in fate's hand. I hope that without me going crazy something will happen. I think I am forcing it too much and probably shouldn't. I plan to film episode 4 next week after my two tests and a quiz are over. Also, the Food Network has started to air more commercials for the Awards Show and I am in them!! There are shots from the red carpet and you can definitely see my mom and I! I can't wait for it to air, I am going to try and do episode 5 as a Food Network Awards show viewing party and make great finger foods. Then you guys can try making those same recipes if you decide to have a season finale party of your favorite show. Anyway, it's almost Friday which means I get to study all weekend. But not before watching the Gators play tomorrow!! I can't wait! The shower is running and I am going to hop in then go to bed. GO GATORS!! Beat Butler!!

I forgot to mention...

I made such great dinners this week and they were all so easy. I bought a package of asparagus because it was on sale but I didn't want to roast it. I also didn't want to have to cut anything. So on Monday night I stir fried scallops (they were on sale) in the trio (kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder) with a little bit of olive oil and then broke up some of the asparagus and tossed it in. Right before it was done, I put a little bit of teryaki sauce on and it was so tasty especially on top of some warm rice. It was great because I didn't break out the cutting board because I broke up the asparagus with my hands and just washed the scallops. It took me about 10 min start to finish. On Tuesday I was craving something balsamic-y. I had a little bit of onion leftover from the weekend so I tossed that with the trio, olive oil and some cut up chicken. I also had some left asparagus, so I once again broke it up and then drizzled a touch of balsamic vinegar and let it cook out. This was another great 10 minute dinner. Then today I made some chicken noodle soup but I will save that recipe for another day. This soup recipe is a piece of cake and it's delish- I even make my own broth. I will post all of these recipes on the website.

Episode 3 is online!

Episode 3 "dropped" today on ellemichelle.com. This episode is different than the previous two because it's a "Mini-Bite". Basically what that means is there is no grocery shopping in the episode and it's about 8 minutes shorter. I did this for the sole reason to prove to viewers that you can make an awesome dinner as long as you always have the necessary staple ingredients on hand. I don't want to give away too much information because I want you to watch. The dinner was great, for the amount of effort it takes, it tastes awesome! It's so simple, I promise. Check it out and pass the link on to your friends. I have a crazy next 10 days ahead (2 tests and 2 quizzes) so help cheer me up in the morning when I check the counter by making it rise. I hope you all enjoy!!

Episode 3 tomorrow!

Episode 3 is completely done, all that is left to do is let it convert overnight. This episode is a little different, it's a "Mini-Bite". I will explain it tomorrow when I post it. Get excited, it's almost here and it's delicious!

Who is Elle Michelle?

So, I realized that I never really explained why the website is ellemichelle.com. It's a two part story. When I made my first cake, after I decorated it, something bumped the back and caused a blemish. There was only one way to fix it and that was to cover it with something, I decided to sign the cake with a cursive L. So Lauren was shortened to L and my middle name is Michelle. I wanted the website name to sound stylish and so I spelled out L (Elle) and used my middle name. I also always sign greeting cards and emails with a big cursive L so that is why the logo of my name is a big L with Michelle. I don't have a picture of the back of my first cake. But I do have a picture of the cake and also a picture of a different cake with an L. The white cake didn't have any area that I needed to cover but I decided to put L's on all my cakes, it became my trademark. Here are some pictures of previous cakes I have made.
Going clockwise:
1. The back of a cake with my signature, L
2. A ganache and buttercream covered cake.
3. A birthday cake covered in fondant.
4. The inside of my Mother's Day Cake 2006.

Back to School

It's official, spring break is over. While I am sad that I have to go back to the daily grind it also means something great- the semester is almost over. I am not completely excited that graduation (who wants to leave the college life?) is only one year away but I feel very accomplished that I've made it this far and I am almost an engineer. Although, I would trade all of it in to live my dream- cooking on tv. After watching Rachael Ray's Chefography on the Food Network I felt all kinds of emotions. Some jealousy (because I want to be able to touch people like she does) but mostly inspiration, if she can do it then I can do it too. Sometimes I think I am trying too hard and should just sit back and do what I love most- cooking and talking and let things work on their own.

I don't think I have wanted anything in my life more than I want this and I am willing to do whatever it takes, if only someone from the Food Network would notice my determination! I have so many ideas for different shows and would love to share them with someone that could possibly turn them into reality. I have been receiving so much support from different people and their kind words and compliments motivate me even more. Thank you to everyone who took time out to write me an email or join the facebook group (Students Who Love College Bites with Lauren!!).

I've mentioned this blog (www.foodnetworkaddict.blogspot.com) before but I must mention it again because the blogger, Food Network Addict (aka Jacob), has been so kind as to plug me and my recent South Beach Wine and Food Festival video in his blog entry yesterday. The video is on YouTube. Search South Beach Wine and Food Festival on YouTube and you will find it. Just knowing that one person out there believes in me drives me to be the best possible cook and host I can be. Thank you Jacob! Check out his blog, it's hilarious!

My counter on my website isn't working and it's very frustrating because I like to see that number rise, it makes me smile every morning when I check. I don't know why it's out but hopefully can get it figured out tomorrow. I have a new food tip and 4 new recipes to post this week. I am also still editing episode 3 of College Bites, I hope to have it done in the next few days. My friends gave me a great idea for a new CB episode, I am going to do a Food Network Awards viewing party. Let me know if you want to be a part of it, it airs April 15th.

Well, my rant is over and I need to go to bed. I have a long week ahead and need my rest. I hope everyone has a great week and had a fun (and safe) St. Patty's Day. Bye for now...

Soon...

So it's been a while since I last blogged but I have been working on all of the SoBe footage. It should be done tonight, yeah! I really don't have much new to report, I have been laying out and reading a lot the perfect spring break activities for me. I really needed this time to relax, school has been so tough. I am going to attempt to lay out for a little some more now, it's not as nice as it has been but any sun is better than no sun. I will blog again later once I have the SoBe tape up.

Amazing Dinner

So tonight I went to Barton G. in South Beach for quite a food experience. The food tasted great and was so over the top. I can't even express what it was like in words, I will post pictures on the website asap. We basically ordered a bunch of appetizers and all shared. We left so stuffed it was tough to walk! So I just spent the past few hours trying to publicize myself on facebook and made a bunch of new friends. Thank you for all of your support! Facebook is so smart though, it wouldn't let me friend too many people before it warned me my account could be disabled. Damn! I also found this blog all about the Food Network. Basically this guy blogs all about what's going on in the Food Network world. He had so much information on the Wine and Food Fest. It is hilarious. I can only describe the blogger as a food celebrity Perez Hilton. Here is the link: http://www.foodnetworkaddict.blogspot.com/. Tomorrow begins my major editing, sorry I have been such a slacker. It is spring break though!

On a side note, on the way to dinner we drove past Hulk Hogan's house where they live and film Hogan Knows Best. It was not as grand as it seems but very nice!

Beautiful Beach Day!

The weather was perfect today! I went to my grandma's beach with the fam and hung out by the pool all day. Since my grandma's condo is well all old people, it's never a quiet day there. Today some woman passed out in the pool, luckily she was fine. The ambulances came, paramedics, the works. What's even crazier is that it was the same lady who was walking across a bridge over the intracoastal when the bridge opened! She survived by hanging from the opened drawbridge. Needless to say the bridge operator was fired. The poor lady can't catch a break! I love to see the counter rise when I check the site, it puts a smile on my face. I plan to post some more recipes this week and all my videos I have been talking about (SoBe special and a CB mini-bite). Tonight my mom made filet mignon, it was delish. I am not a huge steak person, but I definitely enjoyed it. Tomorrow night I am going to Barton G's for dinner. I can't wait!!! The food is supposed to be excellent as well as over the top food presentation. I will tell you all about it tomorrow. I am pooped out- the sun really takes it out of you. Good night!

100 Calorie Hostess Cupcakes

I forgot to mention, Hostess has joined the 100 calorie revolution and makes little cupcakes. For someone who has probably never eaten a regular Hostess cupcake, these were awesome! I can only imagine what the non-low cal/fat ones are like.

almost spring break!

All I have left to do is take 1 quiz and do 1 hw assignment and I am on vacation for a week! I am kind of bummed that I am not going anywhere but it will give me a chance to completely relax and catch up on all my video editing. I will post everything next week (SoBe video and episode 3). I am on such a sweet potato kick, I eat at least 2 or 3 a week. I make them into fries and bake them and they are delicious. Tonight I had the fries, brussel sprouts and turkey breast. Turkey breast is a good way to mix up your poultry's instead of always eating chicken. Plus, you don't have to wait a whole year until Thanksgiving! Well, I must get back to my transportation homework. I hope everyone has a safe and fun spring break!

Only one year away...

So while I was doing my homework this morning it really hit me that the wine and food festival is over. I now have to wait another year to go back. :( I don't know what is so fun about that weekend or why I love it so much, but I just do. Maybe one day I will be on stage doing a demo? I hope so. Over spring break I am going to edit the footage from the weekend and get to relive the fun. I am also going to edit College Bites episode 3 which is a mini-bite. It won't include the grocery shopping and it will just go to show you can have a great college-esque meal after a long day on campus. I still manage to make a dessert which came out delicious and I had to pawn off on my neighbors so I wouldn't eat it! I only have 1 test, 1 homework assignment and 1 quiz setting me apart from spring break! I can't wait!

Send episode 2 to a friend!

So episode 2 has been up for 24 hours and not nearly enough people have enjoyed it! Do your friends a favor and send it to them so they can laugh and have fun with me while I make a great dinner. This week is going to be very hectic for school and then I am on spring break! YEAH! So, it's 10:30 and I am going to bed. Tomorrow I am spending all day at the library so make my day special by inviting your friends to the facebook group (Students Who Love College Bites with Lauren!!) and to the site, I love to watch the counter rise! Good luck to everyon with exams this week!

Episode 2

Episode 2 is up! Go watch it!! There is a new media player for all of the episodes so that everyone can watch (mac's and pc's). Also, check out the new site updates on the news page and join the mailing list and the facebook group. I hope you enjoy!

Episode 2 Debuts Tomorrow!!

Well, I finished editing episode 2 titled Viva Italia! It will be up tomorrow (Sunday, the 5th) night, get excited!!! I make a fabulous spaghetti and meatball recipe along with roasted asparagus. Make sure to watch the end of the episode because this time I added some "outtakes" which is basically funny stuff that happened when we were filming such as when I grabbed for the garlic powder and it went flying off the counter or when the meat man was hitting on us! This show is such a blast to make and eating after isn't half bad lol. The 3rd episode is going to be a "mini-bite", I filmed it tonight to prove that I can make a great dinner without going to the grocery store as long as I have my staples. Also, the SoBe special is going to be up later than expected because there is so much footage to edit, but definitely within the next week. My mom just watched the 2nd episode and was cracking up the whole time, so I hope everyone laughs just as much! On another note, Dave Lieberman has a show on the Food Network website called "Dave Does", it's hilarious! If you have free time, I recommend you watch an episode. My favorite is the ready to eat meals one. You should definitely check it out, here is the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/show_et/0,2757,FOOD_23456,00.html
I am going to bed now because I am going to the UF vs. Kentucky basketball game in the morning! GO GATORS!! Make sure to watch episode 2 tomorrow!!

Good dinner tonight!

Due to my studying for a Dynamics quiz in the morning, I could not work on the next CB episode at all. But it will be up soon enough. However, I did get a massage! It felt soooo good! I also made a great dinner, a sun-dried tomato and feta stuffed burger(95% lean meat) and roasted brussel sprouts. Seriously, if you don't like brussel sprouts it's because you have never had them made the right way. Mine are delicious. I will post the recipe for them and I highly recommend you try! Until later, bye!

Please...!!!

Join the mailing list! There are some new and exciting things coming up soon, YOU want to be the first to find out! Join it and I will email you the minute it's all there! It also gives me an idea of who is visiting the site, it's had over 1300 hits in a week!!! So, just do it, join the mailing list!

Site Update

ElleMichelle.com has been updated! I added another food tip. Also to be added later this week is a new episode of College Bites. I hope this episode is as good as the last and people like it. I am working on editing it now so it should be done in a few days. Check the site often to find out when it's all posted. Better yet, join the mailing list and you will be the first to find out! If you've made balsamic shrimp, tell me what you think and how it came out. Also, if you received my card this weekend and have gone to the website, email me and tell me! I am dying to know your opinion!

Updates!

Well, I am back in Gainesville after an amazing weekend! The wine and food festival was awesome, I couldn't have possibly had a better time. I got to share my College Bites and website information with my favorite Food Network celebs, hopefully they will check it out and let me know what they think! On Friday night we went to the Food Network Awards show. Make sure to watch it on April 15th (I will double check the date) because the camera was always around me and they were giving out the awards right in front of my seat. Catherine Zeta Jones was there along with Aaron Eckhardt, he's hot and she was absolutely gorgeous. On Saturday we went to the Grand Tasting Event held right on the beach. Marc Summers interviewed me, so look out for that on the Food Network. I met Billy Joel's wife, Katie Lee. She was the sweetest person ever, no one had any idea who she was so it gave me time to chit chat with her. She said she would check out my site, but so far, no email from her. :( Martha Stewart to my surprise was great, she joked about her jail time and was really cool, very down to earth. Also, I think it's official that I am going to marry Dave Lieberman. I think every other woman feels this way too! He was so funny and so cute! Not to mention he went to Yale and can cook! He had his own college cooking show and that is how he got started, maybe I can follow in his footsteps? On another note, I just wrapped another episode of College Bites. I made spaghetti and meatballs, roasted asparagus and a yummy dessert. Be sure to watch it when I post it later this week. The meal was a real success, it was cheap and made so much. School should be pretty mellow for the next week or so, my one class was cancelled tomorrow so I get to sleep in!!!! I cannot believe how many people are visiting ellemichelle.com, I am so happy, I hope people enjoy the new episode and updates. If you haven't joined the mailing list already, do it! You will be the first to find when new things are posted on the site. I promise not to send out too many emails! Well, I am going to hit the sack and get a solid night of sleep. Check ellemichelle.com tomorrow for many new updates. Also, send me questions to answer, questions about anything(food, school, etc.)!

Food Network Awards Show

So I just got home from the Food Network Awards Show. It was a freaking blast, except for the end which never came so we left. I gave my College Bites brochure to Marc Summers!!! He said he is going to look at it. Then during the awards show he came over to me and introduced me to the whole audience and I told them all about College Bites and ElleMichelle.com!!!!!! I couldn't believe it. I got some great pictures and a little bit of footage, so look out for it. Must go to bed, have to wake up at 7:30 for the grand event tomorrow! I can't wait! Also, look for me on tv when the awards show airs, I was practically in the front row and all over the cameras!

The time has finally arrived!

I can't believe today is the day I am heading down to Miami for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. I thought today would never come, I have been counting down since the event ended last year! This year it is sponosored by the Food Network so it's going to be even bigger and better. Tonight is the Food Network Awards Show. I can't freaking wait! Catherine Zeta-Jones will be there, Emeril is the MC and I think we have pretty good seats, what more can I ask for?? I hope to be able to give out my College Bites information a little over the course of the weekend. Tomorrow is the Grand Tasting event where all the restaurants and wines do their tasting and the food celebs do their demos! This year I was much smarter, instead of buying one book from each chef, I bought a book that has all of their pictures so we(my mom and I) only have to carry around one book! I can't wait, but first I have to get through my Dynamics quiz this morning, then my flight leaves at 12:35 and I am on vacation for the next 40 hours!! Although I am exhausted from staying up so late to finish my work so I wouldn't have to do it Sunday. I will be back! While I'm gone, tell more of your friends about my site!

Almost 1000!

The site has had almsot 1000 views! That is amazing! I am working on answering some questions now but don't think I will get to some more recipes because I am pooped out. I have had the longest three days with not enough sleep. You wouldn't believe how tough it is to write recipes. I hardly ever follow them so to have to think about each step I make and put it in words that sound like English is tough! Does anyone have requests for the next College Bites episode or any recipes they would like to see? Send me an email and let me know. I want the website to be interactive and talk about foods that YOU want to hear about. Less than 48 hours until SoBe!!!!

I am in shock!

ElleMichelle.com and College Bites have only been on the web for just over 24 hours and over 800 people have gone to the site already! I am so thrilled and in fact shed a few happy tears because I couldn't believe how people were so impressed with the show. This is just the beginning, the best is yet to come so get excited! In less than three days I will be in South Beach at the annual Wine and Food Festival sponsored by the Food Network! I will be (hopefully) rubbing elbows with Giada, Paula and the whole Food Network family. Tonight was my Mechanics of Materials test and it went just fine, I am glad it is over! Only a few more large homework assignments to pump through and then I am boarding a plane headed to Miami for a weekend of fun. I am going to post some new recipes tomorrow and answer some questions I have received, keep sending questions, I love to answer them. It's time for bed now, I just spent the last hour emailing a bunch of people in entertainment with the hopes that they will visit my site. Keep passing it on! Good night :)

Thank you!

It's only been open for three hours, yet I have received a huge, positive response from everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to watch College Bites and visit my site. I promise to have a new episode up soon and more recipes even sooner. Thank you everyone!

ElleMichelle.com is here!!!

It's official, ellemichelle.com is open! I am busting at the seams with excitement! The website pretty much sums up who I am and I hope shows how much I enjoy to cook, plus my love for the Gators.

If you join the mailing list, I will keep you updated when new episodes of College Bites are ready, when I post new recipes and any other fun information.

If you have a mac- College Bites won't work for you right now because it's Windows Media Player, but I am working on finding a new way to make them so everyone can watch!

On a side note, today on Emeril Live (episode: New Orleans Classic Cooking), Emeril definitely copied me! He was making shrimp po'boys and said, "if these shrimp had heads, they would be smiling". If you've watched the Pilot of my show, I say the same thing by complete coincidence! I haven't seen that episode of Emeril. Does this mean Emeril and I think alike and that my career will be like his? I sure hope so!!!

Well, I am going to run around and scream with excitement because College Bites is here!! If you have any foods you would like to see me cook on a future episode, send me an email!

Have a great evening!

The site is almost done! College bites is up and I am just waiting on trying to make it better quality. I think everything looks great. The list under food tips, is my current list of staples. I need to add that line in later. Hope everyone enjoys!

Almost there...

I was hoping to have College Bites up by midnight but it looks like it might be just another day. There are still a few thinks to tweak on the site. I have to thank the world's greatest boyfriend for making a great website! Look out for the College Bite's debut tomorrow (hopefully!). I have a crazy week ahead packed with tons of homework and a test on Tuesday night-then I will be counting down the minutes to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival on Friday!!!

T-minus 6 hours until completion!

After many months of work and many years of dreaming, the first episode of College Bites is finally done! I hope College Bites is well received and people share it with their friends. I spent all last night putting the final touches on and yet it still looks like amateur work, but right now, I have no other options. In just a few hours, the website will be done and College Bites will be ready for viewing by everyone! In the mean time, I need to get back to studying Mechanics of Materials for my test on Tuesday.