Meeting Cat Cora

Last Weekend I met Cat Cora of Iron Chef Fame

So, I was in Atlanta at the AmericasMart Gift Show last week working when I had the unique opportunity to meet the lovely Cat Cora from Iron Chef. We have watched her a lot on TV and I had heard she was a teeny, tiny petite little lady but I was not prepared for her big personality and how personable she was.

She did a presentation where she talked all about how Iron Chef's and their competition get let in on the secret that the secret ingredient will be one of five secret ingredients, allowing them to at least do a little thinking prior to the big event that is the Iron Chef. She also told us that any chef that is thin and tells you they do not work out is "lying". (I would agree - you cannot eat well and stay slim without a great deal of effort folks!)

The Premier of Cat's New Cookbook Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist

Then, Cat revealed that she was traveling as a part of a promotional tour for her new cookbook, Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist. She even made a few dishes from the book that we were lucky enough to sample! Delish! But, then I was able to buy the last two books from Barnes & Noble's rep and was first in line to get my book personally signed by Cat and to meet her as well!! I was overjoyed for this opportunity. Of course, I did not get to spend much more than 30 seconds with her, just long enough to wish her safe travels to her next destination and good luck on her next Iron Chef challenge but she was friendly and even smiled for a photo with your truly.

The Cookbook is a Vegetarian's Dream

Well, as many of you may know, I am pescatarian which means that I do not eat meat but do eat an occasional fish or shell fish. And, I always welcome some cheese or eggs to my plate so this cookbook was an amazing surprise. I bought it to have it signed but as I started flipping through, it turned out to be filled with very few meat dishes but a vast majority of veggie-friendly dishes which made me hungry just reading and looking at all the great ideas! I mean, who could not love the idea of grilled cheese croutons in a homemade tomato soup?!?

Crustless Quiche is a Hit

Speaking of cheese and eggs, when I got home we had all the ingredients needed to make the Crustless Quiche recipe on page 10 of Cat Cora's Classics with a Twist cookbook. With fresh oregano and chives from our garden, it makes the perfectly filling meal for dinner and then breakfast the next morning. It is baking now and we cannot wait to taste it in just 10 short minutes... but whose counting?!?

Yep, it's as good as it sounded in the recipe but I would recommend leaving out the teaspoon of salt. The gruyere adds enough salt on its own and whatever you do, do not skimp on the oregano or chives (in or on top) - they make this deliciously savory meal.