When a sandwich is not just a sandwich!

This past season on The Next Food Network Star the winner was 'The Sandwich Guy".. (I am sure just like you.. you give names to people). I thought what a crazy concept.. How hard is it to make a sandwich? I still think that when I see a book all devoted to the subject.. But then again I am sure there is a book on how to make your bed.

Here is a sandwich on the famous Muffiletta from Central Grocery in the French Quarter. Its a filling sandwich that would be nice with a bowl of soup. 

Central Grocery Muffulettas

The Deep South

One of the best parts of my career is the traveling to different parts of the world. I never know what I will encounter.  From Labor Day until about the 15^th I was in the southern states. Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama.  I spent a weekend getting my 2012 Tour of New Orleans ready (Check out the tour page for the information). Then I headed out on the road trip. First stop Alabama. I had not taught in Alabama since Hurricane Georges went through and canceled my tour in 1998. I was asked to teach in Birmingham, AL. It was a cozy and warm school with a terrific clientele.  While driving in Mississippi on my way to Alabama I stopped at an old general store: The Simmons/Wright Co. It had been built in the 1920s and was still in the same family. Trust me I would not have wanted to eat anything from the store.. The front part was filled with semi-antiques.. (Top and bottom shelves of displays were not for sale). I found the craziest thing on the top level. About 300 prs of shoes in original boxes from the mid-20s.  Crazy I tell you!  I had to purchase something so I got a box of old glass German Christmas ornaments   and a bar of soap made by a local.  I had intended on stopping for a soda or ice cream, but they only thing they sold close was watermelons. 

some of the boxes of shoes....

In Birmingham I taught a Breakfast Brunch Class where we had a terrific cake. The recipe is here: Cinnamon Pecan Coffeecake.

Then off to Atlanta to Cooks Warehouse.. They are currently opening their 4^th location in the greater area. I taught 3 hands-on classes. All were very special classes for me. It was historical George Geary I should have called it. One of the classes was based on my first pastry job in LA. We did an array of cakes. I am doing that class again in West Lafayette, IN. After that class I will post all of the recipes for it. Another class was called the Best of the Best. One great recipe from each of my books.

As many of you know my hobby and a passion is saving American architecture. With Frank Lloyd Wright and Los Angeles Conserving being the forefront.  I was please to take a tour of one of the Ustonion  FLW homes in Alabama, then I went off to Jackson, MS where I had a private tour of the Medgar Evers Home  (see the movie Help) arranged by her daughter who is a close friend. It was moving and very touching to see the home.

 

On my way to the airport I had a few hours so I stopped into Willie Maes Scotch House in the 9^th ward of New Orleans for some of the best Fried Chicken around!

Here is another recipe: Banana’s Foster from Brenanas.. Yes. I am on a Southern Food Streak! All week I will be posting more of the great 

Check back next week for a whole lot of recipes! 

George 

New Orleans Culinary Tour 20122

New Orleans 2012:

Last weekend was a little wet from Tropical Storm Lee, in New Orleans.. But it did not stop me from eating and touring the “Big Easy” I finished putting together the 20^th anniversary of the New Orleans Tour. Check out all of the excitement we have planned. We have two tours scheduled a two and a three night tour for those that want to stay longer or have time restrictions.  Dinners, tours,, hotels, cooking classes and more are all included in the tour price.

Here is the information:

2012 New Orleans : Full Itinerary

2012 New Orleans: Signup Forms

New Orleans area is packed with regional foods One is sugar and pecans. Here is a recipe of Pralines that you can make at home.

Recipe for :

 Pralines of New Orleans

If you have any questions about the tour please fell free in emailing us at ggeary@aol.com.

"Nawlins" "The Big Easy"

New Orleans was the first long weekend tour destination for the George Geary Tour Company back in the late 80s. I have returned many times since. New Orleans is a very special city and area of our country filled with culinary history like no other. We will be touring the city in the spring of 2012 dates will be announced next week! To "wet your whistle" here is a recipe from the Cajun Cooking School.. One of the places we go to. 

Pecan Praline Muffins

Happy? Birthday? White Chocolate Rasp Cheesecake

As a kid growing up in Southern California I never had a birthday that it rained or even snowed. I was born in June. Yes we do have what’s called June Gloom but normally it’s burned off by noon. As adults it seems we all try yet again to relive our childhood birthdays.  Take Facebook. You post when your date of birth is and a few days prior all of your contacts get a message that it’s your day! I opted out. I feel if you only know me by Facebook and not really personally then I really don’t need to get a mailbox full of 500 happy birthday greetings. I in turn only send a private one out if I really know that person and maybe have shared a piece of cake, dinner or some wine. I was at Denver International this week and a lady taking her time getting her credit card out for a magazine transaction laughed a bit and looked at the long line and said. “Oh I am sorry.. It’s my Birthday..” A few got excited and said.. Happy Birthday! I just wanted to catch my flight. Do people think that they get a free “stupid” pass on their birthdate? I was so so glad that the line in the store didn’t break out in song! In memory of my 4^th grade birthday I seemed to have a huge party of probably 20-30 kids. Looking at the picture today. 6.. yes SIX. The memories were large…the attendance was small. Quality!

A number of years ago I surprised a colleague. It was her 50^th. I flew from Southern California to Iowa. She was in shock. But I had fun doing it.

Today was a former student of mine. She works at my DDS office. I booked the appointment under a different name and surprised her with her favorite White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. She was worried when the person that was supposed to bring a cake did not show up with one and she got in her mind that a stripper would be coming. Well it was me for a teeth cleaning and a 10-inch cheesecake.

Here is the recipe for you to try. If you love cheesecake check out my store for the Cheesecake Bible. And the pans.. You need a good cheesecake pan.. not a spring form.

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake   

By the way........... only 4 people on facebook out of almost 900 really knew me and my birthday!