Alexa … Play “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire!

by Tresia Smith on Sept 1, 2023 - Volume 14

September 12th is Just One Human Family Day and I love that concept. In the high-flying, avocado-toast lovin', TikTok-dancin' year of 2020, the Earth's familial headcount soared to a whopping 7.8 billion souls. Yep, you read that right—7.8 billion! That's like, if you laid everyone head to toe, you'd probably get to Mars and back, but don't quote me on that. Back in the yesteryears of 2001, when Britney and Justin were still a thing, we were only 6.2 billion deep. My, how the family has grown!

It's a day to remember we're all stuck in this planetary escape room together, regardless of the languages we speak, or whether we think pineapple belongs on pizza (it doesn't, fight me). Whether you're a Ninja or can barely manage to not trip over flat surfaces, our talents and blunders make us who we are.

But here's the real tea: Earth is the only stage where this grandiose play of humanity unfolds. So let's give it up for the supporting characters in our life story—our brothers, sisters, and neighbors. After all, there’s no "Planet B" where you can ghost Earth and move in. Cheers to the one and only Earth - the ultimate home, sweet home!

Oh, American Business Women's Day on September 22nd? A big ol' "You Go, Girl!" for all the kick-butt business women out there! So, here's the tea: This day was first cooked up (see what I did there?) by the American Business Women's Association back in 1949. It's basically like a big shout-out to all the incredible women who've shattered ceilings, both glass and financial.

 Why is it important? Well, let me drop some numbers on ya: As of my last update in 2021, women-owned businesses account for about 42% of all businesses in the U.S., and they generate roughly $1.9 trillion in revenue. Yeah, you read that right—trillion, with a "T!"

I will be spotlighting black women in the food industry and kicking it off with Rasheeda Purdie From styling NYC's fashion-forward to stirring up some ramen love with Ramen By Ra. Rasheeda proves that you can go from hemlines to ramen lines without missing a beat. And given how food is the ultimate unifier, this is like the business equivalent of a chef's kiss! 🍜💋

The Recipe series for Sept 2023

September Happenings

(some serious and some not … it’s all about balance) 

September is basically the Coachella of food safety, except instead of dancing, you’re avoiding the notorious "Two-Step" of food poisoning. Trust me, no one wants to dance that dance. Let's dive into some tips that'll turn your kitchen into Fort Knox for food!

Keepin' it Chill with Cold Storage

Cool Down, Man: Your fridge should be at or below 40°F. Your freezer? It should be chillin' like a villain at 0°F or below. Check the temps periodically, and maybe invest in a fridge thermometer if you're really looking to take no prisoners.

Thaw Law: When defrosting food, do it in the fridge, under cold water, or in the microwave if you’re using it immediately. Counter thawing is a big no-no, unless you’re looking to cultivate a bacterial civilization.

Gettin' Steamy with Cooking

Meat Thermometer Is Your New BFF: Forget the "poke" test for meats; that's as reliable as using a dowsing rod to find water. Get yourself a meat thermometer and make sure chicken is at 165°F, ground meat hits 160°F, and your steaks and fish reach a cozy 145°F.

Let’s Not Stir Up Trouble: Stir your food halfway when you're microwaving to avoid cold spots—aka little petri dishes for bacteria.

Cross-Contamination Nation? Not on My Watch!

Board of Health: Use separate cutting boards for raw meats and fresh produce. And for heaven’s sake, wash ‘em in between uses!

Hands Down: Wash your hands before and after handling food. And no, wiping them on your apron doesn't count.

Meal Prep Like a Pro

Hot & Cold Running Safety: Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold. If you're batch-cooking, cool the food down quickly before storing it in the fridge. Time's ticking on bacterial growth, peeps!

Sniff Test: If something smells funkier than a bass line from a James Brown song, toss it.

Safe Lunch-Packing 101

Ice, Ice, Baby: Use ice packs for perishables in lunches. No one wants to trade their apple slices for a side of salmonella.

Tupperware’s Finest Hour: Use airtight containers. Those cutesy, trendy lunch boxes look adorable but might not keep your food as safe as it should be.



Food safety is no joke, but it doesn't have to be a chore. Armed with these tips, you'll be more guarded than the crown jewels. Cheers to a stomach-trouble-free September! 🎉

International Bacon Day on September 2nd … sit down and strap in, because I’m about to drop some bacon knowledge bombs on you. First off, Americans eat a whopping 18 pounds of bacon per person per year.

That's right, we're not just bringing home the bacon; we're munchin' it like it's our job. But hold your horses—or pigs—bacon isn't just an American love affair. You've got your "pancetta" in Italy, "lardons" in France, and "streaky bacon" across the pond in the UK. And get this—bacon isn't just a morning eye-opener anymore; it's become the LeBron James of the culinary world, versatile and everywhere.

We're talking bacon-wrapped dates, bacon jam, bacon in your chocolate chip cookies, and even bacon-infused cocktails. Forget Netflix; bacon is the real universal connector. So go ahead, celebrate bacon in all its crispy, fatty, glorious forms! 🥓

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Jalapeños

Ingredients

●      12 fresh jalapeños, halved lengthwise and seeds removed (or leave them in if you’re feeling feisty)

●      1 pack cream cheese, softened (8 ounces)

●      1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

●      1 tablespoon taco seasoning

●      24 strips of bacon (you may opt for thick-cut because, well, it's bacon)

●      Toothpicks

Instructions

●      **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a baking sheet; this allows the bacon to cook evenly and not swim in its own glorious fat.

●      **Mix the Cheese:** In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and taco seasoning. Feel free to toss in some herbs or spices if you want to get fancy.

●      **Jalapeño Prep:** Take each jalapeño half and generously fill it with the cheese mixture. You're not stuffing a turkey here, but don't be stingy either.

●      **Wrap 'Em Up:** Take a strip of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half. Secure it with a toothpick. Because the only thing better than cheese-stuffed peppers is cheese-stuffed peppers wearing bacon coats.

●      **Bake:** Place your bacon-wrapped delights on the wire rack and slide them into the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.

●      **Cool and Serve:** Let them cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Or don't. I'm not your mother. But I will say, the cheese can be like molten lava, and you don't want to turn your mouth into Pompeii.

Honestly, these bad boys are like a fiesta in your mouth. The creamy, cheesy center balances the heat of the jalapeño, while the bacon adds a smoky, crispy contrast. It's a trinity of awesomeness that makes you go "Why didn't I think of this sooner?"

Cheers to bacon, the duct tape of the culinary world! 🥓🌶️🎉

Hey you fabulous food fanatics, listen up!

First of all, a ginormous THANK YOU for dropping by to read this month's blog. Seriously, there are about a zillion other things you could be doing—like trying to carve a pumpkin blindfolded or arguing about whether pumpkin spice is overrated. But you chose to spend a few precious minutes with yours truly, and that's cooler than a cucumber in a hipster's gin and tonic.

Now, hold on to your spatulas because I've got news that's hotter than a jalapeño wearing a sombrero! Drumroll, please... 🥁 I've just cooked up a brand-spankin'-new eBook called "Fall Recipes," packed to the brim with dishes so cozy, you'll wanna build a bonfire and sing Kumbaya. Or, you know, just eat. You can snag this culinary treasure trove on my Patreon page: www.patreon.com/ChefTresia. Trust me, it's the best thing since sliced bread—or at least since the last time you had a really killer slice of sweet potato pie.

Until next month, keep your pots boiling and your spirits high. In the wise words of Julia Child, "People who love to eat are always the best people." And y'all are the best for hanging with me.



Peace, love, and butter, baby!

Chef Tresia, signing off! 🍂👩‍🍳✌️

Remember I am here for any food related event you may have coming up, big or small. I offer catering, meal prep, family meal planning, personal chef services and cooking classes. Whatever you need, I got you covered!