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!