Saturday, November 29, 2014

Let's not forget those who are hungry!

I know I am very lucky that I have never gone hungry. I have never opened the pantry and found it empty.

This is not true for everyone - in America, kids still go hungry. People still do not have enough to eat.

When you practice cooking sometimes there are mistakes - burned food, bad tasting food, poorly cooked food- food that no one wants to eat. You can't practice without making mistakes. So there is food waste. In order to have the freedom to learn to cook you need to waste a bit of food. It just happens.

A few years ago, I was learning and ruining food - so my Mom took me to St. John's Soup Kitchen just down the street from me and we cooked for those who are hungry. St Johns has a long history of feeding those in need and serves about 150 meals twice a week (that's 15,600 a year). It was my privilege to cook with them and give back to the food world. I am sure it does not surprise you that is is not restaurant quality food. It is stretch the money, feed the most people we can kind of cooking. It is harsh facing all those hungry folks - young, old, every race, every age, hungry people. It is tragic. It is real.

My Mom also had me help cook meals for Ronald McDonald House at St. Jude. these are families going through hard times dealing with tragically ill kids. They may not be classically hungry but they are in need and we decided we could help. The food left our home and we hoped it brought them comfort. We hope it told them we cared and that we wished them all health.

Last year, we heard that our friends at Trinity were going to host the homeless in a program called Room in the Inn - and they needed to feed 30 people a decent wholesome meal. We stepped up and cooked. Ham, hearty vegetable bean soup, potatoes, salad,  biscuits fruit, dessert. We fed these sometimes forgotten people. We hope they too felt the warmth of a good meal, the fellowship of friends and warm place to sleep. This year we cooked the Thanksgiving meal. 


We heard through the Boy Scouts that the local Rotary Club was going to package meals for hungry people- so I went early and with my friend and we packaged food. 1 cup rice, 1 cup vegetable protein, 1 vitamin pack, 1 tbs dried vegetable. Food enough for 6. Desperate food, low coast food, needed food. These packs are GRATEFULLY accepted. They are fought for. They are needed. And no chef would ever consider them in restaurant.

All these food experiences make me a better cook, a more compassionate food explorer and a more grateful human.

Maybe one day I will share my most meaningful story from St. Johns- the one I always carry in my heart. Not today.... today I am grateful for Breakfast!

Love the Cabbage Leaf,
Logan, Masterchef Junior Contestant







Here's a link to Trinity, if you want to help out. 
http://www.trinotes.net/store/c1/Featured_Products.html

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish


Behind the Scenes - Well, when you film a tv show you live in a hotel - a top secret hotel - One thing is hotel food is not too good so we started ordering food in. Now in Memphis that might mean 2-4 choices but in LA it means anything goes! So my favorite 2 deliveries were drum roll, Chin Chin Chinese (OUTSTANDING FORTUNES) and Anars Indian! I loved them and thanks for keeping my belly happy!





So I was sure not safe and had to face the next challenge- so sad! It was cooking eggs. Now cooking eggs is a tricky thing! They wanted them perfect and white and Mama only eats them with a bit of brown. This is a hard habit to break! I started breaking eggs and heating up pans and sliding eggs and all I remember is Chef Ramsay saying BLEEP Logan.... Bleep Logan ,,, Bleep Logan... Now for those of you who are true Gordon Ramsay Fans you will understand when I say this MADE my day. I was so happy and laughing it makes me smile just thinking about it! Gordon Ramsay Cussed at me! Logan from Memphis TN. LOVED it.

I got credit for my 7 - I should have demanded  a recount, I  came in third!

Now there is lots of talk about our dream restaurant and of course any kid foodie who has been dreaming of being a chef as long as I have, has a plan. For me it has always been an underwater restaurant- forget the cost and dream big! I mean I love the ocean, fish, the ocean, octopus, the ocean and sea creatures. Can't you see the pleasure of the sea around you in a unique experience. I even wrote an essay on my dream undersea restaurant and won an award. I think I can do it- I think the submersible bubbles would be fun too!

I know it may have seemed silly to some, but to me it is my real true dream! I go for my dreams too, so watch out!

When I started cooking to save my life there was just no way to make my signature dish with 7 ingredients- so I did my best to make a rub, and espuma and veggie and rice. I might have panicked a bit in the pantry. It was our guess, it would be our signature dish!!!

Then in that moment of dread Levi and Josh go home. Now Levi is just a great guy. Everyone knows a kid like him, funny, a prankster (there is a story about Levi and Script and my Mom but I can't share it) just an all around great guy. He is a fabulous chef and I really felt shocked! Josh is just a funny kid too. He loves cars and food and gaming and well is just JOSH! It was another sad day for my friends. After this round I knew the score- saying good bye to friends is tough! Really tough!!!





Links to all my blog posts on the episodes:

Episode 7: MasterChef Junior Final Episode : I AM THE MASTERCHEF JUNIOR

Episode 6 :  Episode 6 MasterChef Junior The Attack of The Salmon – Logan

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish
  
Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

Episode 2:  The MasterChef Junior Experience : Episode 2 - Pie??? Really!

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

Pre-Show:  The Beginning - From Memphis to Hollywood : MasterChef Junior Season 2
http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-beginning-from-memphis-to-hollywood.html


Saturday, November 22, 2014

Logan - MasterChef Junior Contestant - Let's Cook Scrambled Eggs



Let's cook

Ok, so some kids have told me they can't cook. Now this sounds so, well, horrid to a kid chef that I have a plan to help.  I am going to make you some videos, and write some blogs to help.

First the kitchen is a tough place it is hot, sharp, accidents can happen and stuff can catch fire.Make sure to get permission from your parents and their help on this adventure.

Not everything you cook is going to be edible. Some stuff is going to go right into the trash or to your chickens! This is ok! Cause we are not gonna use the best fancy ingredients but some cheaper and easy to buy ingredients and when you master the cheaper ones, then buy the best and try again! Your gonna love it- it will be perfect and so tasty and then you go on Masterchef Jr or Masterchef, take the crown, and shoot me a wink!

First thing to learn - how to scramble eggs , Chef Ramsay style.



Now the eggs will be around $1.40 for the cheapest smallest eggs, but you will need real butter and some salt and pepper. That is it all the stuff ya need and maybe some toast, because when these babies come out, your gonna love them.

Practice cracking the eggs - it is easy, just don't be afraid of them and wash your hands with soap before and after your done. Eggs can carry salmonella and that can make you sick.

Now you have them cracked, give them a stir - slow and steady - you can see how the white is hard to mix in.

You can follow this video of me making the eggs- relax and have fun! Nailing these eggs make instant breakfast, great snack and even an elegant dinner!


This is not for babies- this is a real chef test.

Now that you made the first batch, taste them and try again.

Your dog or cat might like them, maybe your brother, sister or BFF.



Try again! 

Since timing is everything in food, start your toast first! It takes a while! Warm up some deli ham in the pan and Wow Chef Ramsey Eggs! You're good! You did it! You rock!

Be patient 
They are nice and cheap and can be hard to master.

Love the Cabbadge leaf,

Logan HDM

Friday, November 21, 2014

Minecraft Meets MasterChef Junior by Contestant Logan



Check out : Minecraft Meets MasterChef Junior by Contestant Logan.

Also on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqKQfNvMqGc

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

Logan MasterChef Junior Cupcakes


From behind the scenes:

Logan MasterChef Junior Cupcakes on FoxBy now you know I rock the bow tie. All of my ties were hand-made by my Godmother Aunt Niki. She made them in like one day when I found out I made the cast. Well, the head of wardrobe and my Mom are a bit tie challenged so it is Abby's Dad who does most of the tieing for me. We also watched this funny video from South Carolina on mornings we didn't want to bother Abby's Dad. By the way, Abby's Dad is the Best! He is so funny!

Our challenge today was Cupcakes... I don't like cake or really even sweets so this was not making me very happy. They had this huge box and everyone just grabbed the cakes I might have picked last and I got a pink cupcake. My partner was Sean. Now this was a huge vote in my favor cause Sean is a great but he is also close to my size and over all a pretty cool hipster guy. We were tied together and we had to bake cupcakes. Now, even though I don't like sweets I can nail a cupcake- my plan a mix of Meyer lemon and basil with basil sugar. I love the complex clean taste with the sugar and I love the hint of savory you can get if the balance is just right. BUT baking tied to another person, frosting is flying and Sean had big plans- for me it is always well developed flavors but for Sean it is the POW.



Logan MasterChef Junior Cupcakes on Fox MCJ2


Well, with some bumps and kicks and screams we got our cupcakes done. Then we waited, and waited the pressure building till they called us up! Now always "EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED", but it was for the top prize. You would think that meant I thought I had a guaranteed pass into the next round, but no I was scared they would change the rules and I would be cooking for my life again!

I mean, I like the cooking part but the life part.... not so much....


Logan MasterChef Junior Cupcakes on Fox MCJ2 blog post Sean
Then we got the advantage- to this day I am not sure whether Sean wanted the Shepherd's Pie or I did... it just seemed like the easiest hardest thing to cook. So we chose it! I mean for me the curry would have been much harder with the threat of it could kill the judges chicken....

Our friends got to talk to their Mum cause we all met Gordon's Mum and she was super nice. I don't think it helped with the nerves for the others. It would not have helped me. I just want to turn up the gas and go for it.

It was totally a shock when Mitch and Sam got eliminated. Sam is a really funny guy. He tells jokes all the time and Mitch is a fantastic Soccer player as well as cook! I sure want him on my next soccer team I know we would win every game.



MasterChef Junior Mitchell eliminated


MasterChef Junior Sam eliminated


I survived... keep watching...

Love the cabbage leaf,
Logan

PS If you are wondering the best place to have Tea is in the MasterChef kitchen it was AMAZING!




Links to all my blog posts on the episodes:

Episode 7: MasterChef Junior Final Episode : I AM THE MASTERCHEF JUNIOR

Episode 6 :  Episode 6 MasterChef Junior The Attack of The Salmon – Logan

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish
  
Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

Episode 2:  The MasterChef Junior Experience : Episode 2 - Pie??? Really!

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

Pre-Show:  The Beginning - From Memphis to Hollywood : MasterChef Junior Season 2
http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-beginning-from-memphis-to-hollywood.html

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Wolfgang Puck's The City Walk LA

While I was in LA I got to go to The City Walk several times and try some of the food.

My first stop was Wolfgang Puck's, he is a pretty famous chef and the restaurant looked fresh and clean. It had a fast food, sit down style mixed together. You order at the front and then they delver pretty good food. 
I love fried calamari so I ordered that and a meatloaf. The calamari was fresh, lightly fired and pretty darn good. It is the first time I have been served the tentacles which I see is a trend now. I am not too sure I like that. The little O's have a better flavor and mouth feel. 
I did not like the meatloaf and had some envy for the huge burger my Mom ordered. This time she did not give it up because she hates meatloaf so I was stuck with it! Sigh.. I mean it would have been good if it had been a bit fresher or less dense but it was not. Fortunately we had the calamari so I did not go hungry. My mom's burger looked fantastic and she ate every bit! She said it was fantastic.

So if you are wandering around the city walk try it! You might like it too. Just stay clear of the meatloaf!

Love the Cabbage Leaf
Logan Master Chef Junior contestant


Wolfgang Puck L.A. Bistro on Urbanspoon Wolfgang Puck LA BistroWolfgang Puck LA Bistro

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

The MasterChef Junior Experience : Episode 2 - Pie??? Really!


Logan MasterChef Junior at Pie Making


Behind the scenes - 

More wardrobe some press meetings. Production Managers and new terms like ICE and Wheels UP... this is Hollywood and there is a system to everything. But if you have ever been in a play a stage manager and Production Manger are pretty close! Since I have been in a couple of plays I was ready for them!

We started with the top three kids from the last challenge making pancakes. I know it sounds easy to make pancakes but poor Oona really did not have a chance since she could not reach the stove. Sean got into a groove and really took it to the house. He might have burned his hand. Samuel looked like he was having fun too so I decided to root for him a bit too. 

Sean made the most pancakes and when they got to climb the stairs and dump that syrup on the judges. I was really laughing. I mean how many times do you see famous chefs covered in syrup! It was a slippery sticky mess!!!! And it was so funny watching them slide around and slip.  I thought they should have used dunk tanks but I guess that would have been a lot more syrup!


MasterChef Graham, Gordon, Joe  Logan


Sean having won had immunity. I know he was feeling good! I would have been. We learned we had to make pie! PIE people!!! Oh, pie is the worst! the crust the creme the lumps, the pitfalls are everywhere.  I got a plan in my head to use lime and raspberry. I wanted a layer of jam on the bottom of the pie to add color and texture to the cream.  I also had some lines of fresh raspberries in there- then I realized there was no way to know where they were so I broke a piece of the crust to give me a clue. I know my pie was not too pretty but I know the flavors had a good balance and the the tart lime cream was off set by that woodsy raspberry and the sweet jam. The flavors tasted fantastic together. 


 


I was still really nervous I was going home. I mean the pie was not too pretty.

I could not have been more shocked when my friends Jessica and Natalie got sent home. I mean Jess is a really good cook and Natalie is pretty fantastic too. Jess played some games with me and we were really having fun together.  It was another crushing blow to my MCJ friends. We had a bit of a party for them and Jess wished me luck. She also gave me some food for our room which was really really nice of her. 


Jessica MasterChef Junior Elimination Episode 2

Natalie MasterChef Junior Elimination Episode 2


I survived, listening to my little chef inside really paid off and I am happy at least one of those berries made it onto a fork!

Love the cabbage 
Logan 





Links to all my blog posts on the episodes:

Episode 7: MasterChef Junior Final Episode : I AM THE MASTERCHEF JUNIOR

Episode 6 :  Episode 6 MasterChef Junior The Attack of The Salmon – Logan

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish
  
Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

Episode 2:  The MasterChef Junior Experience : Episode 2 - Pie??? Really!

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

Pre-Show:  The Beginning - From Memphis to Hollywood : MasterChef Junior Season 2
http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-beginning-from-memphis-to-hollywood.html

Logan MasterChef Junior - Apron from Casting (Door Prize)


Logan MasterChef Junior - Apron from Casting (Door Prize)

Monday, November 10, 2014

Follow My Blog For "Behind The Scene" Posts on MasterChef Junior Season 2 USA - Logan



Follow My Blog For "Behind The Scene" Posts on MasterChef Junior Season 2 USA - Logan





Links to all my blog posts on the episodes:

Episode 7: MasterChef Junior Final Episode : I AM THE MASTERCHEF JUNIOR

Episode 6 :  Episode 6 MasterChef Junior The Attack of The Salmon – Logan

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish
  
Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

Episode 2:  The MasterChef Junior Experience : Episode 2 - Pie??? Really!

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

Pre-Show:  The Beginning - From Memphis to Hollywood : MasterChef Junior Season 2
http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-beginning-from-memphis-to-hollywood.html

Friday, November 7, 2014

Bounty on Broad

I really like Broad Ave. It has a true Memphis feel and is really trying hard to revitalize itself. I have taken some classes at the 5 in 1 social club and really enjoyed them. Now when my Dad said he wanted to try Bounty I was all for it so off we went.

Bounty is cool looking very Hipster chic and the view of the water tower is killer! It feels clean and fresh. I liked it.

We ordered three plates of food - it is family style tasting plates and she recommended 4-5 for three of us. She meant it. We tried the quinoa stuffed peppers, the fried oysters and the hanger steak. 

The peppers were good- the quinoa stuffing was dense and had a nice flavor. It had chorizo and onions maybe. There was a roasted red pepper sauce that was pretty nice. I like the dish. It was good, but felt vegan. For me it was missing just a hint of something, I have not figured out what. But it was good.

The oysters were good fresh and tasty. They had a nice clean taste and sat on a slaw bed with green onions. The apple cider sauce was really nice.  I like this dish. I got some extra sauce and I really enjoyed it.

The hanger steak was tasty too. It was a little too rare for me but it had a good flavor. The stak sat on a brussel sprout bed with some great oyster mushrooms stir fried in. I mean these really were the stars of the dish. They had a great flavor.

I am glad I went but not sure if it is an I cant wait to go back place. 

Love the Cabbage Leaf

Logan HDM 

Bounty on Broad on Urbanspoon Bounty On Broad Butcher And Restaurant

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen


Behind the Scenes - There is lots of stuff to do before you finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen.
There were meetings and photo shoots and wardrobe. Don't forget hair and makeup. I mean this is Hollywood after all.
We all met up and discovered that we were a room full of kid foodies and cooks and want-to-be chefs. This has never happened to me before. It felt kinda weird, cause there was not a chicken nugget eating, kool aid drinking, kid in the group. There instead we were all sushi eating  coffee and Italian soda drinking kids.

Now there are tons of things I can't tell you but a pool and kids and food should say it all.

When I went into that kitchen it was stunning! Really,cool and there was a spot for me! Logan from Memphis TN.

I LOVED IT.


THE EPISODE- IT HAS THE END! 
Logan and Graham Elliot on MasterChef Junior Episode 1
We had a mystery box challenge right off the bat and my juicer fell apart.  I was so nervous but  I did get it back together. My plan was to infuse the pork chop with apple juice and do maple mustard glazed carrots. It was a rush and stressful, but I put my best foot forward and got it on the plate. Then I was so sad when my food was not selected to be tasted in the top 3. Natalie and Onna and Sean make it to the top and Natalie gets chosen best dish.
Nasir MasterChef Jr Cooking
Natalie had the advantage and she chose chicken for the challenge. We walk back in and there were chickens all over the kitchen! I had to catch one! Not sure how I grabbed one, but I did! Thank goodness I did not have to butcher our feather friends, maybe they were in an actor union. Either way I was happy but nervous. I mean, chicken is tough to cook and all. You could kill a judge with it- and I sure did not want to kill Chef Ramsay or have him say "Bleep" Logan its "bloody raw".


Now the Judges tried all our food and I am not sure I can tell you what I made. I they did not just pick those seven but tasted all 16 dishes. I was so nervous to have them try my food.  I can tell you all I have cooked for Gordon Ramsay Graham Elliot and Joe Bastianich!
Masterchef Junuior Isabella Eliminated
Nasir MasterChef Junior EliminationCoco MasterChef Junior elimination Then came the hard part four of my friends, I mean my favorite people got called up and in a shocking moment were set home. I can't tell you what that feels like - a bit happy I was safe, but really upset for my friends Nasir, Berry Coco, and Isabella. I mean we were just starting out on a life-time friendship!


       



It was one of the lowest moments. I felt so bad.

We had a great excursion with them the next day but it just was not the same! I was really not sure I wanted to continue - it felt that bad. But that is the way this show and competition is played. It is the bad part - going home....

For me the journey continues - Join Team Logan!

Love the Cabbage Leaf,

Logan


Logan MasterChef Junior OrderUpwithLogan.com

TOP 12



Links to all my blog posts on the episodes:

Episode 7: MasterChef Junior Final Episode : I AM THE MASTERCHEF JUNIOR

Episode 6 :  Episode 6 MasterChef Junior The Attack of The Salmon – Logan

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish
  
Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

Episode 2:  The MasterChef Junior Experience : Episode 2 - Pie??? Really!

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

Pre-Show:  The Beginning - From Memphis to Hollywood : MasterChef Junior Season 2
http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-beginning-from-memphis-to-hollywood.html








Saturday, November 1, 2014

The Beginning - From Memphis to Hollywood : MasterChef Junior Season 2

Walking in Memphis on a kid's food journey!

You may know I am on the cast of MCJ (MasterChef Junior Season 2 on FOX) and you may be scratching your head as to how a then 11 year old kid would want to take on the famous Gordon Ramsay and Graham and Joe....

Logan MasterChef Junior Blogger FOX
Well lets go back in time to when I was little, I loved playing with fake food, real food and had my own restaurant going when I was like 5 or something. Someone gave me one of those order pads and I was all set. My plastic Kitchen was my favorite toy!
Logan MasterChef Junior Rachel Ray kitchen
My Mom let me do real stuff too. I started making coffee when I was like 2 and I had a bench pushed up to the counter. I used to have a cook knife that could not cut you, but it could cut real food and I had a metzaluna for chopping veggies when I was 4 or so.

Logan MasterChef Today ShowMasterChef Junior Logan Order UpI made my first recipe for the JIF most creative sandwich contest when I was 9 and that won me a trip to NYC. I went on tv a bunch with my recipe and it was really fun. I got so disappointed I did not win the grand prize that my Mom suggested that I enter another contest and I won.


Logan MasterChef Junior President Obama

This was the Epicurious Healthy Lunch Challenge. I won a trip to Washington , DC and the chance to eat in the WHITE HOUSE. MRS OBAMA hugged me and the PRESIDENT shook my hand!


THAT is huge, I mean you can buy a trip to NY, but you can't buy a trip into the White House for dinner.
Logan's Rub MasterChef Junior USA 2014
I created my own spice rub between the two trips and started packaging it for sale to raise money for Cub Scouts. It is cool to have my own spice rub and small business. I have a few blends now. I love blending up new flavors.

Then I heard that there was a Judging Class for our famous Memphis In May World Championship BBQ contest. I thought I could do that, and with a little help from the organizers, I got into the class. At the end of the training, I passed the course!

Logan Guleff Masterchef Junior SpamMy Mom challenged me to make something for The Spam Cookoff at the Fair and I did pretty good, 2nd place. It was a play on a reuben sandwich and was pretty tasty. I got a fun Spam hat and Apron. I don't usually wear a hat, but, it was for a photo op.


Logan Guleff MasterChef Junior FutureChefs Cookbook

I then got an email asking if I wanted to be in a cookbook called FutureChefs - I mean really- Of course I did, so I went into the kitchen and whipped up a new recipe and made it into the book- Page 168 if you want to check for me.

Of course, you see my Blog, I have had it up for about 3 years. I started it to do writing assignments in school and it just has grown and grown. It is fun to have, but it requires lots of work. I did get my review in the local paper and I have been recognized as a food blogger! Both really cool. It also let me get entrance into the Association of Food Journalist convention in Memphis and that was a blast!

I guess, I always have had chefie goals and dreams- food makes the most exciting journey!!!
So get in the kitchen and mix up some fun!

Love the Cabbage Leaf
Logan Masterchef Junior Contestant

PS. I forgot some of the work I do for people who are hungry- might have to be another post!

Logan MasterChef Junior Bowtie  OrderUpwithLogan.com