Tortilla Soup

For some reason this film rarely seems to end up on anyone’s favorite food-filled film list… but it should. The scenes involving Hector Elizondo cooking vibrant Mexican inspired dishes are positively decadent and make-up for the melodrama that permeates the whole romantically-challenged sister against sister sub-plot. The food truly is the focal point of the film. You’ll be craving a pitcher of margaritas almost immediately.

Recipe Inspiration: Red Chile Enchiladas from BakeSpace member Redchiladarecipe

Sideways

On a certain level, I sort of hate Sideways for making me into an anti-Merlot snob. Until I saw this film in the theater, I actually used to buy Merlot quite a bit, but upon viewing Miles’ anti-merlot rant I quit buying it cold turkey. In fact, I didn’t have a glass in years until a friend brought a bottle to a recent dinner party. It was surprisingly good. Looks like it’s time for me to grow a wine backbone and stop allowing myself to be led astray by the dialogue in this quirky Hollywood script.

Recipe Inspiration: Merlot-Pomegranate Braised Lamb Shanks from BakeSpace member BobtheDude

Mystic Pizza

I can’t even begin to guess how many times I’ve watched this movie over the years, but I it must be in the hundreds. My favorite way to indulge in this ultimate chick flick guilty pleasure is to, of course, accompany the film with a warm cheese and veggie topped pizza (mmm…mushrooms)… while of course sporting pajamas.

For those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to view Mystic Pizza, please know that you’re truly missing out on Julia Roberts in all her wild-haired unruliness. No one ever looked more glamorous slinging pizza while drinking beer from cans and picking up preppy college boys in local dive bars. You earn bonus points if you can pick out Matt Damon in a very brief “meet the parents” dinner scene. If you blink you’ll miss him.

Recipe Inspiration: Grilled Barbecue Chicken Pizza with Cilantro, Grilled Pineapple, and Prosciutto from BakeSpace member Foodiebride

Waitress

I have two words for you: Nathan Fillion. I sometimes get more excited about Mr. Fillion’s on-screen time than the decadent pies that are baked by the endearing heroine of the film. But if you don’t share my school girl crush, I assure you that the marathon baking sessions by Kerri Russel’s character will have you rushing furiously to your pantry for flour, sugar, and blueberries.

Recipe Inspiration: Pumpkin-Cream Cheese Streusel Pie from BakeSpace member  Howtoeatacupcake

Find more recipes & eat famously at BakeSpace:

• Desperate Housewives Recipes
• Pushing Daisies Recipes
• Julie & Julia Recipes
• Grey’s Anatomy Recipes
• it’s Complicated Recipes
• Ugly Betty Recipes
• Nothing Like the Holidays Recipes
• Waitress Kitchen
• Because I Said So Kitchen

What movies inspire you to cook? Post a comment below and let us know!

Here are a few suggestions for whipping up something romantic this Valentine’s Day:

1. Put a passionate twist on basic breakfast by whipping up a batch of heart-shaped buttermilk biscuits. If you want to really impress, you can even shape cheese slices, sausage and eggs with these cutters. If biscuits aren’t your thing, try your hand at cookies, scones or heart-shaped pancakes.

2. Red is the color of love, and thanks to Ina Garten you’ll be collecting kisses of thanks when you present that special someone with theseRed Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. And you don’t have to slave away in the kitchen, because this decadent batter is surprisingly easy to prepare. In mere minutes, you’ll have piping hot festive cupcakes fresh from the oven.  Or if you have a little time and want to prepare some homemade red velvet cupcakes, tap into the BakeSpace community for some awesome recipes.

3. It’s true that food made with love tastes better, and now you can measure a tablespoon of sincerity, a dash of kindness and even a pinch of lust in everything you bake with the assistance of these oh so sweet heart-shaped measuring cups. Sugar and flour never had it so good.

4. Traditional chocolates can be ho-hum, so escape those old fashioned boxes and try something new this year. Taza Chocolate offers a decadent edible Valentine for your sweetheart to cherish bite by bite. The Mi Corazón Valentine set includes: one 75% Special Edition Stone Ground Chiapan Dark Chocolate Bar, one 70% Stone Ground Dark Chocolate Bar, and one 80% Stone Ground Dark Chocolate Bar — all wrapped in a bright red ribbon.

5. There are few things more romantic than sharing a bubbling pot of gooey cheese or chocolate with someone special. Fondue is hot hot hot these days and incredibly easy to whip up for a crowd or just two. Some candles, wine and a loaf of good bread, and you’ve created the scene for an undoubtedly epic evening.  Need fondue recipes? Check out our collection on BakeSpace!

Valentine’s Day Recipes

What are you doing for Valentine’s Day? Share your story or ask for some advice in our comments section below…

It was only very recently that I began trying my hand at bread baking, and it has been a very  interesting process. It began with me buying frozen bread dough, then expanded to include experimentation with a bread machine, and finally ended with marathon kneading sessions and actual flour in the hair. Now, instead of being afraid of yeast, I embrace it and buy it by the jar.

I suppose I got my bread making gene from my mother. There’s one book in her cookbook collection that I’ve been trying to sneak out of her house and onto my shelf for years. It’s the amazing “Baking with Julia” cookbook, which features a chapter on batters and doughs. It’s packed with great information, including  copious notes and detailed techniques for creating extravagant delicacies such as flaky pie dough, choux paste, brioche, puff pastry, danish pastry, and croissant dough. I know from first-hand experience that the croissant recipe is epic, in both word count and taste.  I’m also dying to try my hand at Julia’s brioche. So, mom, if you’re reading this, may I pretty please have the book? Or at least borrow it?

Of course not everyone has the time required to pull off a homemade Julia Child inspired bread masterpiece.

To the harried men and women of the world who can’t be bothered by kneading, shaping and the ensuing kitchen mess, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try a bread machine.

I went through a phase when I practically fell in love with my bread machine. Once upon a time, these contraptions used to churn out bizarre round loaves that looked like alien pods.  But the tech has thankfully evolved to the point where piping hot, actual loaf- shaped loaves appear ready to be sliced and eagerly devoured — all done with very little effort on your part. If you can wield a measuring cup,  you can have fresh made bread in your home.

Why not start simple with a basic loaf of Whole Wheat Bread recipe courtesy of BakeSpace member Krashed24.

Or if you’re feeling a little more ambitious, why not tackle a sweet twist on the classic Brioche recipe? BakeSpace member Piday offers readers a Chocolate Chip Brioche that looks like it will knock your socks off. But be sure to put your socks back on and lace up your sneakers too. After eating all of this homemade bread, you’re going to need a serious trip to the gym.

Find more great bread recipes from members at BakeSpace!

In this, our inaugural Kitchen Finds post, we share our personal Top 10 list of must-have items for your kitchen. Suffice to say that there aren’t any “rain drops on roses” or “brown paper packages tied up with string” in our favorite things. Do any of your well-loved tools overlap with ours?

1. Silpat

I simply can’t say enough about the joy my Silpats bring me on an almost daily basis. These silicone mats are the perfect baking accompaniment. Nothing, and I mean nothing, sticks to these things. Cookies, meatballs, and even dipped candies all release cleanly when layered on this non-stick surface. If you haven’t tried one before, you’re definitely in for a treat.

2. Pink KitchenAid

Of course your mixer doesn’t have to be pink, but mine is and I adore it. I use it all the time. It’s definitely the item in my kitchen that gets the most consistent use. My grandmother tried very hard to talk me out of getting my KitchenAid in this particular shade, but I was adamant and I’ve never regretted my decision for a moment.

3. Glad Press’n-Seal

I hate traditional cling wraps with a fiery passion and I honestly don’t understand why people haven’t completely eschewed them in favor of the magical Glad Press’n Seal. I buy this stuff in bulk at my local Costco. If you don’t have a reusable container handy, this product will tightly seal-in anything and cut down your spilling anxiety 100%.

4. Cast Iron Skillet

A good cast iron skillet isn’t just a pot that your ancient ancestors owned; these affordable pans are a cooking essential. You can purchase a 20-inch skillet for around $20, and it won’t just last forever — it will actually improve over time. Skillets are great for cooking steaks indoors, whipping up  savory gravy, or making corn bread — believe me, the possibilities are endless and once you own one you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

5. French Bull Utensils Set

I coveted this pretty set of utensils for several years before a kind friend finally took pity and gave me a set as a gift. These fun utensils are a fabulous way to add a splash of color to your cooking and serving. Of course it also helps that the whole gorgeous (yet functional) set fits in quite nicely with my super girlie, heavy on the pink and pastels, kitchen theme.

6. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt

Trust me… while this sounds contrary to popular belief, I bet you aren’t using enough salt in your food. Seasoning is the key to good cooking and we’ve all been terrified into believing that we’re going to kill ourselves if we use more than a dash of salt in dish. While we can agree to disagree on the proper amount, I highly suggest using Penzey’s Kosher Salt as your kitchen flavoring staple. It’s my favorite!

7. Bodum Coffee Press

I look forward to the weekends even more now that I have this fabulous contraption to whip up my morning coffee. There is nothing quite as heavenly as the smell of freshly ground beans and the feeling you get when you press down the metal plunger on a coffee press. It’s just such an elegant way to jack yourself up on caffeine, don’t you agree?

8. Rachael Ray Furi Santoku Knife

The powers that be (and usually I would also agree) swear that you should never purchase celebrity endorsed cookware. While you’re essentially asking for poor quality, there are always exceptions to the rule, and in my opinion the Rachael Ray Furi Santoku Knife falls into this category. I’ve had mine for almost four years, and with regular sharpening and proper care I couldn’t be happier. I find that my more expensive brand name knives tend to feel too heavy and clunky, but this knife fits my cooking style to a tee.

9. Kitchen Fresh Hands Softsoap

Garlic and onions are no match for this citrus scented liquid. My aversion to garlic has practically disappeared now that I keep a supply of this practical kitchen soap in stock. I no longer wake-up in the middle of the night wondering, “What’s that awful smell?” only to realize that it’s the “eau de garlic” emanating from my hands.

10. Pampered Chef Creative Cutters Set

Cookie cutters always make me think of the movie Mermaids, when Mrs. Flax (as portrayed by Cher) would use various stars and hearts in the creation of all her daughters’ meals — much to their chagrin. But mini-cookie cutters don’t have to be completely relegated to tacky appetizers. I use mine to make shaped-chocolates, pretty-up pies, and yes…on occasion I’ve been known to serve pumpkin shaped-cheese and crackers. Some may find that tacky, but I like to think of it as “kitsch,” and there’s nothing wrong with a little kitsch in your life.