VERONICA'S VIEW: Veronica’s Favorite Things

      *Bah Humbug.

      Oprah has cancelled her “Favorite Things” show this year. As you can imagine there are a lot of disappointed fans who wait all year to see what made Oprah’s list and now they have been left hanging. 

      But have no worries. I offer my 7th Annual Veronica’s Favorite Things feature. This year it has a decidedly epicurean bend to celebrate my culinary captivation in hopes that it will ignite your “inner foodie.”

      So enjoy this year’s list of epicurean exploits and be fearless in your culinary pursuits.

      Red Velvet Gourmet Spice Rub and Seasoning – If this is not in your pantry, then you gotta get it. This gourmet spice rub and seasoning contains 20 ingredients and is the most versatile blend of aromatic herbs and spices you have ever used. It’s savory, smoky, mildly spicy, and touched with a hint of velvety sweetness. It can be used on chicken, fish, beef, pork, duck, soups, stews and pasta. It’s great for grilling, baking, roasting, pan searing and frying. I love it on pan grilled shrimp and salmon. And you have to try the signature party wings listed on the website. They are amazing. Visit http://www.bromontavefoods.com/. Price:  2 oz. $5.49; 6 oz. $12.49.  

      Chef Eric Cooking Classes – Don’t know how to boil water? Let Chef Eric Jacques Crowley help you do that and so much more. He offers professional and recreational cooking classes at the Culinary Classroom located in Los Angeles. He’s been profiled by countless media outfits including BET's version of Blind Date. Here’s a sample of some of the classes available: Pies and Tarts To Die For, Super Soups, Cake Decorating Basics, Sushi Making Class, Spectacular Sauces,  Elegant Everyday Cooking for Families, One-Dish Meals, and that’s just a partial list. He even offers a Couples Date Night Dinner where couples learn how to prepare a gourmet meal they later enjoy while socializing at a romantically set table with candles. Holiday gift certificates are available at http://www.culinaryclassroom.com/. Cost: $75.00 to $185.00 for recreational cooking classes.

      Down Home with the Neely’s Cookbook – If you haven’t seen Pat and Gina Neely’s hot and saucy Food Network Show “Down Home with the Neely’s” then shame on you. This couple sizzles in the kitchen and they can cook too. They are the owners of Neely’s Bar-B-Que in Memphis and Nashville. They don’t blow smoke, they bring it. Now they are bringing it to you with their newly released cookbook that features mouth watering classics and tantalizing new favorites. Recipes include  Barbeque Deviled Eggs, Florida Coast Pickled Shrimp, Pat’s Wings of Fire, Gina’s Collard Greens, Grandma Jean’s Potato Salad, Nana’s Southern Gumbo, Memphis-sized Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Slaw, Get Yo’ Man Chicken, and Sock-It-to-Me Cake. Visit http://www.foodnetworkstore.com/p-197811-Down-Home-with-the-Neelys.aspx. Cost: $17.60.

      Underground Super Clubbing – This is my new obsession. I want to thank Chef Pace Webb for that. Her novel concept of hosting private dining parties that bring people of various cultures and backgrounds together to enjoy a delectable gourmet meal has been the highlight of my culinary exploits this year. The night I dined with her and 16 other guests included a meal of Baby Spinach Apple Fennel Salad with Rosemary Vinaigrette; Sonoma Turkey Chili in Squash Bowl; Persimmon Ice with Crushed Pistachios. And you get to BYOB! Chef Pace starts a new salon series at the beginning of next year at Eve on Nemo in West Hollywood. She promises to take you on a journey of farm fresh mouth-watering dishes, local musicians, and enchanting guests. Visit http://tasteofpace.blogspot.com/ and make a reservation. Cost: starts at $45.00 per guest.

      Harold and Bell’s – What can I say? They are the best authentic Creole restaurant in Los Angeles hands down. Since 1969 they have been serving dishes that take you back to Bourbon Street. The beauty of it all is they are located right here in Los Angeles at 2920 W Jefferson Blvd. You never know who you might see there from elected officials, to entertainers, athletes and families who want the comfort and pleasure of a really spectacular meal. They get plenty of out-of-town guests who want to experience Los Angeles dining at its finest. It’s no wonder with menu items like Po Boy Sandwiches, Red Beans and Rice, Jambalaya, Shrimp Creole, and the best Gumbo in Los Angeles. Did you know they have gift certificates perfect for holiday giving? Now you do. Call (323) 735-6023. Gift Certificate Cost: various denominations. 

      So go out there and get your “foodie on.” I wish you a holiday season full of the love of family and friends, the grace of God, and peace in your homes, communities, our nation and world. (If you have comments about Veronica's View, email them to vsview@yahoo.com.) ###