Well, Butter my Biscuits...

The National Cornbread Festival!

I really enjoy a good festival, so when I saw the National Cornbread Festival in South Pittsburg TN. I had to go. Lodge talked to me and I was selected to be the Emcee of the Kid's Cook Off. 

It took some convincing to get Dad to drive but we set off on a road trip. Yaaa, road trips are so much fun. After the five hour car ride we finally arrived. 

The festival was a great mix of, art, music, carnival fun, and of course great corn bread. I Emceed the 4-H cornbread cook off. That means 4th graders compete for $500 and bake their recipe for the win. The tension was high, these kids all really wanted to win. When your 9-10 years old 500 bucks is a lot of money. Heck, it is a lot of money to just about everyone.

The festival sponsored by Lodge Cast Iron and Martha White cornbread mix was huge almost 30K of people showed up for the fun. 

It's interesting to learn about the benefits of cooking in cast iron and the love affair cast iron has with cornbread. One tip I learned was to pre-heat your cast iron pan before pouring in the corn bread to make sure it won't stick. I use cast iron now and then but with some new tricks and a new skillet, of course, it might be my go to pan. 
I also found this really cool knife made out of an old railroad spike that I just can't wait to try. 

The high point of the whole trip was defiantly the Lodge Foundry tour. Seeing how such a classic and distinctly American product is made and taking a trip back in thyme a little bit looking at how a business evolved since 1896. Actually noticing when machinery changed and the break room got redesigned was quite fascinating.

Cast iron is one of those cooking methods that has a learning curve but if your able to master it then it will work forever, like forever.
First the pans need to be seasoned and then you need to care for these pans carefully. It isn't too much extra work and it is pretty easy once you commit to your pan. Name your skillet it helps.

Watch for me to post up a video on the care and seasoning of a pan or two and you might just join me in loving this sustainable and healthy cookware. 
Hit this link for a cool 360' video I took in the foundry! 

https://s.insta360.com/p/0aab1274c0a391129542431bb3279723

Love the Cabbage,
Logan

You can also Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Vine.

MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

From behind the scenes:

By 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.

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....

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.

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/masterchef-junior-final-episode-i-am.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-6-masterchef-junior-attack-of.html

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-5-pop-up-in-masterchef-junior.html

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-4-signature.html

  

Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-3-journey.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-masterchef-junior-experience.html

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/mcj2-i-finally-get-into-masterchef.html

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

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 LA Bistro

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

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!

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. 

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/masterchef-junior-final-episode-i-am.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-6-masterchef-junior-attack-of.html

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-5-pop-up-in-masterchef-junior.html

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-4-signature.html

  

Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-3-journey.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-masterchef-junior-experience.html

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/mcj2-i-finally-get-into-masterchef.html

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

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! 

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.

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!

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

TOP 12



Links to all my blog posts on the episodes:

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/masterchef-junior-final-episode-i-am.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-6-masterchef-junior-attack-of.html

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-5-pop-up-in-masterchef-junior.html

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-4-signature.html

  

Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-3-journey.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-masterchef-junior-experience.html

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/mcj2-i-finally-get-into-masterchef.html

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

The Ultimate Meat Extravaganza Texas de Brazil

Texas de Brazil is downtown and it is fancy. It is known for the endless meat, it just keeps coming endlessly. I think it is an Brazilian steak house. The guys who bring the meat wear gaucho pants and are always carrying meat.

They have a huge salad bar in the middle of the restaurant with tons of yummy things to eat with the meat - like olives, cheeses, black beans, the chimichurri sauce and, well, salad.

I LOVE to go. Normally I don't eat much meat but at Texas de Brazil the meat is so good, I get stuffed. I really enjoy the flank steak, the sirloin, the ribs, the sausage, the lamb, the fillet and sometimes even the chicken - basically all the meat. It is all  really delicious. I even like how they will bring it out and cut your pieces for the perfect temperature for you. I like medium rare. I think they brine it first to make it tender and juicy.



Dad likes to go for lunch instead of dinner because it is a bit less expensive and he has all day to get over eating all that MEAT.

So if you want an endless array of yummy roasted meat in a super cool atmosphere with great sides this is the place for you and ME!

Love the Cabbage Leaf
Logan

PS. I really like the blue glasses and the meat!
Just so excited I forgot to take the photos!

Follow me on my MasterChef Junior Facebook

Masterchef Junior here I come!

I have a secret, I love Chef Gordon Ramsay and all of his TV shows. Last year when I saw Masterchef Junior on Fox I said to myself "well, I can do that"  They had a commercial for the auditions and I said to Dad, Can we go? Now, my Dad loves reality tv almost as much as hamburgers so he said yes.

MasterChef Junior 2 Auditions - Dallas

I filled out all the paperwork and we got accepted to go to Dallas and audition. I am gonna say this again my
Dad LOVES reality TV so he drove me all the way to Dallas to try out! 

I cant say too much about the casting process it is all top secret. I can tell you it was a lot of fun and I loved it!

It took some time then I heard the news. I MADE it!!!!

So,that means basically, I get to be on the show, meet Gordon Ramsay and try my best. I do hope that Chef Ramsay does what he does best and yells at me just a bit! 
I cant tell you how great it will be to meet Chef Elliot and Joe. I have Chef Elliot's autograph and he wrote me a real letter. 





It is SO EXCITING.

So tune in and watch me on Master Chef Junior.

PS. The other best part of the road trip was getting to see my cousin Michael! I love him and we had a great time eating pizza together in TX.

Here's my Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Logan-Masterchef-Junior-2/322716741231433?ref=hl

Love the Cabbage,
Logan






Links to all my blog posts on the episodes:

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/masterchef-junior-final-episode-i-am.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-6-masterchef-junior-attack-of.html

Episode 5:  Episode 5 The Pop Up In MasterChef Junior

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/12/episode-5-pop-up-in-masterchef-junior.html

Episode 4:  MasterChef Junior Episode 4 Signature Dish

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-4-signature.html

  

Episode 3:  MasterChef Junior Episode 3 The Journey Continues

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/masterchef-junior-episode-3-journey.html

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

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-masterchef-junior-experience.html

Episode 1:  MCJ2 I finally get into the Masterchef Kitchen

http://orderupwithlogan.blogspot.com/2014/11/mcj2-i-finally-get-into-masterchef.html

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

The T.A.C.O T.R.U.C.K.

The Totally. Awesome. Craveable. Oval. Tacos. Rustic.Unlimited. Cooked. Killer.

Or the T.A.C.O T.R.U.C.K.

The T.A.C.O T.R.U.C.K. is parked outside of a gas station 

on Summer Ave. near Elwood's Shack. It serves tacos obviously, and burritos, and quesadillas just to name a few.

There are several types of meat you can order including, carne asada, spicy pork, carnitas, and spicy chorizo.
The tacos are very inexpensive only a dollar!

I've tried the carne asada, the spicy pork, the carnitas, and the spicy chorizo.


I like the spicy pork its my favorite its nice and hot and the pork has a great flavor.
I have also tried the melon water drink it was tasty.

Its a great food truck so stop by when you need an inexpensive lunch.

Love the Cabbage, Leaf
Logan

  

  

    

Tacos Los Jarochos

On the Tour Corky's a Memphis Classic

You might know that the BBQ tour t-shirt my Dad and I dreamed up finally got printed and so now I am on "The Tour" to be a Q king.

 I started at Corky's a Memphis icon of great Q. Robert Boyd told me about running the pit long ago and how the business has grown to more restaurants, cookbooks, stores and QVC. 

I mean these folks know BBQ and sell BBQ. 

 Now, I have had Corky's ribs many many times and I can tell you they are very good. They have a great smokey taste and just fall off the bone. I like them dry, of course - I am a Memphian! But the wet are pretty darn tasty too. I like the pulled pork it has a perfect BBQ flavor. The onion loaf, cheese plate and tamales are all good. I just noticed they are selling a cat fish so I ordered that even though I was on the tour the allure of something new could not be passed up. It came out hot and fried. I liked it but the sauce was just a bit too pickley for me. My Mom tried the turkey club also new to us and it looked good. 


 They just put up a new wall decoration and it really has brightened the place up. I loved the coke bottle cap detail.



 If you are from Memphis you have already tried Corky's if your from out of town and think QVC has given you the Corky's experience- try them anyway cause no one tells you about the toasty, buttery sourdough rolls almost the best part of eating there !  






I also got to meet the Pitmaster Mr. Robert Boyd!




 Love the BBQ,
 Logan








Corky's Ribs & BBQ