Dollar Diva Meals

A New Beginning!!!!

2012-02-20T12:58:00.000-05:00

Good morning All,

Saturday, The Dollar Diva & The Diva Team had the opportunity to cater a Black History Program at New Beginnings Church of Philadelphia in Philadelphia. The menu was true to our African American roots, we started off with salmon cakes, and a fruit salad, (believe it or not NO WATERMELON anywhere), while the testimonies were flowing, Debbie Harley and Marcus Sydnor served everyone a healthy tossed salad.....then we got down with the main course.....BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, collard greens mixed with kale, I made Al's cornbread (which will be in my next cookbook), and sweet potato biscuits (which is printed in my current cookbook Dining with the Dollar Diva), and my sweet & spicy iced tea, (Marcus is giving me a run for my money making this, but that what your supposed to do pass recipes on!! Great job Marcus!) There was a sweet sweet spirit in that place, we had not one but two desserts, peach & strawberry peach cobbler and bread pudding. And believe it or not, I didn't take one picture.

Thank you Rev Hughes and First Lady Linda for giving Diva Team and opportunity to serve your congregation, family and friends one more time!!!!!

Greetings from The Dollar Diva

2011-12-02T01:53:00.000-05:00

Sorry that I've been out of touch for the past few months. Since April, I've been taking care of my Mother, Lillian Battle, who passed away August 24, 2011. It's been a difficult time for my family and me....but, I've been blessed that my Mother lived to see my 1st cookbook published, my tv appearances, my featured article in the Philadelphia Inquirer, and my successful coup of Dollar Tree purchasing 54K copies of DDD. Another major achievement that my Mother was most proud of was my catering/coordinating the First Ladies Tea at Mother Bethel AME Church. After each one of these events, I would report back to her reliving each minute...although, my Mother is no longer with me, I know that she would insist that I continue on with my passion for bargain hunting.

So, let me update you on other accomplishments that I've done during my Mother's illness, I've presented several cooking demos for the American Diabetes Association. The dishes that I prepared demonstrated how diabetes patients could cook diabetes friendly that were delicious, flavorable and being the Dollar Diva, economical. I also continued to perform workshops at a local Senior Center instructing Senior Citizens how to shop efficiently, effectively and economically. I also did a few workshop on gardening, showing them how to use plant cuttings, and growing herbs. Yes indeed, I'm cooking like mad, (and trust me I have hundreds of new recipes).

Another one of my passions is decorating on a dime, (don't mean to steal HGTV's title). Check out this absolutely beautiful console table, that I was able to "pull together" for $19.99+tax. I bought an IKEA EXPEDIT small bookcase, (yes, even I with my assembly required challenged skills I was able to construct it with the tool provided.) and topped with a glass shelf that I had acquired years ago from a store that was going out of business. I have more decorating tips that I'll be sharing with you later. Take a look....let me know your thoughts..

PS: Dining with the Dollar Diva is available at Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble. Great Christmas Gifts!!!! Who know next year, "Decorating with the Dollar Diva".

Another Review

2011-04-18T12:09:00.000-04:00

I've gone international this reviewer is based in Canada

http://www.walletpop.ca/blog/2011/04/11/cookbook-uses-dollar-store-ingredients-to-create-delicious-meals/

Joseph E. Coleman Library - Cookbook of the Month Club

2011-04-18T11:34:00.000-04:00

Greetings everyone!

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to visit the Joseph E. Coleman Library located at 68 Chelten Av in Philadelphia, PA.

Dining with the Dollar Diva was selected as the first cookbook for this newly established Coobook of the Month Club. There was a wonderful turnout, and we discussed how to shop effectively, efficiently and economically. We also shared helpful hints and great cooking tips.

We dined off of pizza squares, quiche and a 30 minute peach crumble/cobbler that would put Rachel Ray to shame. And of course my spicy iced tea was a hit. (If I must say so myself). It was a wonderful time to be had by ALL!!

I wish to thank Regina Johnson, the Director of Library Activities.

Dollar Diva at JL Crozer Library

2011-03-28T12:28:00.000-04:00

Great time to be had by all during my appearance at the JL Crozer Library in Chester. The workshop participants were absolutely fabulous. We have a wonderful time swapping recipes, sharing shopping tips and helpful hints in the kitchen. Our late morning brunch included DDD sticky buns, pizza squares, mini quiche and my legendary sweet spice ice tea. And yes I shared the recipe for that since it's not in the Dining with the Dollar Diva cookbook.

Shout out to Kim Braun, Head of Reference & Adult Services who invited me and allowed me to reschedule last month's original date due to inclimate weather.

Ms. Bee: The Good News in Chester Schools: Dollar Diva at Crozer Library

2011-03-28T11:07:00.000-04:00

Ms. Bee: The Good News in Chester Schools: Dollar Diva at Crozer Library: "Book Signing (and Tasting!) with the Dollar DivaEvent Announcement from Crozer Library Find out how to make tasty meals on a budget (an..."

Upcoming Event-J. Crozer Library March 26, 2011 -

2011-03-22T16:57:00.001-04:00

Dollar Diva will be hosting a booksigning and taste testing at the J. Lewis Crozer Library in Chester this Saturday, March 26, 2011 @ 11:00 AM. Click on link below for additional info.

http://www.eventkeeper.com/code/friend.cfm?curOrg=DELCO&curKey1=J%2E%20Lewis%20Crozer%20Library%20%28Chest&tEvt=2148830
http://www.crozerlibrary.org/

Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

2011-03-22T16:51:00.000-04:00

The Dollar Diva was a workshop leader for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Saturday, March 12, 2011. Fifty-one teachers from the Philadelphia School District signed up for my workshop. We started the morning off taste testing The Dollar Diva's pizza squares! The topic of discussion was how to food shop effectively, efficiently and economically. It went over quite well. I provided a PowerPoint presentation and the group was quite interactive. The teachers gave The Dollar Diva alot of good tips that I will pass on to my readers and future workshop participants. Each participant received a goodie bag containing either a Dollar Diva Dolla'bon or a cream cheese white choc brownie. It was a good time to be had by all!!!

CW Talk Philly Video Clip

2011-01-14T10:35:00.000-05:00

I want to thank the folks at the CW for allowing The Dollar Diva to appear on Talk Philly. Ukee Washington & Pat Ciarrocchi, Donna Benner and the camera crew treated me like royalty!!! I hope that my appearance makes their ratings go thru the roof!! LOL! I had a wonderful time.

Click on the link below and check-out my video clip on the CW Talk Philly!

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2011/01/13/dining-with-the-dollar-diva/

CW-Talk Philly @ Noon Wednesday, January 13, 2011

2011-01-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone!! Please what my rescheduled segment on the CW Talk Philly tomorrow (Wednesday, January 13, 2011) at noon. I'll be making tilapia roll-ups!!!!! If you think the picture looks good enough to eat, trying making them for yourself, family and friends. Divalicious!!!

Talk Philly

2010-12-22T19:05:00.000-05:00

UPCOMING EVENT: The Dollar Diva will be on Talk Philly next month. Will keep you updated on the particulars!

Dollar Diva is front page news!

2010-12-21T06:15:00.000-05:00

Currently reading http://m.philly.com/phillycom/article/0z4yxlyDyou

Dining with the Dollar Diva is now available at Dollar Tree!!

2010-12-20T17:25:00.000-05:00

Today I was blessed to see my cookbook, Dining with the Dollar Diva, finally on the shelves at Dollar Tree, nationwide. Talk about a dream come true. WOW!!!!

Dining with the Dollar Diva is an excellent Christmas gift for your family, friends, co-workers, college students, stocking stuffers, and a great cookbook for everyone! Pick up your copy now!!!

Price.....for you....ONE DOLLAR, $1.

54,000 Copies of Dining with the Dollar Diva Sold to Dollar Tree

2010-12-09T13:38:00.000-05:00

WOW!!!!!!

Dollar Tree purchased 54,000 copies of my cookbook "Dining with the Dollar Diva". It is projected to be on the shelves at Dollar Tree Friday, December 10th. In time for your Christmas holiday shopping season. If you haven't had an opportunity to get your copy, now's your chance. For you $1!!!!

Divalicious & fabulous Christmas gifts.

This is the best-est Christmas gift ever!!!

Check out my new website www.diningwiththedollardiva.com

for holiday gift basket ideas.

Contact Dollar Tree http://www.dollartree.com/ to purchase bulk quantities for church, school and other fundraisers

Dining with the Dollar Diva Review via Netgallery.com

2010-11-29T02:36:00.001-05:00

FYI: About a week ago my publisher sent this review to me. It was from detweilermom a fellow blogspot blogger. Thanks for your kind words

http://detweilermom.blogspot.com/2010/11/dining-with-dollar-diva.html

EJF/The Dollar Diva

Thankful this Thanksgiving!!!

2010-11-29T02:20:00.000-05:00

The Dollar Diva is thankful for Thanksgiving leftovers. I made a delicious vegetable medley casserole. Used up all of my winter blend/normandy veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, onions/peppers, squash, zucchini). by layeriing with shredded cheese in a buttered (used vegetable spray) baking dish. This was a true hit and I assume less carbs and calorie friendly than macaroni & cheese.

I also made a divalicious candied sweet potato & pineapple dish that was fabulous. Will share recipe & a picture when I make it again!!! So many possible leftover recipes so little time. But then again, don't forget, FREEZE, FREEZE, FREEZE

Have a divalicious day!!!!

Elizabeth J. Fisher

Overjoyed!!!!!!!

2010-09-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

Over the past week, Dining with the Dollar Diva has just been truly and wondrously blessed with two great 4 STAR reviews. Angie Lippard, “All Things Angie” blog wrote “Unique idea with satisfying results” and gave Dining with the Dollar Diva 4STARS!!!!!! Click on this link to review Ms. Lippard’s’s complete review on Hot Christian Books. http://www.hotchristianbooks.com/2010/08/book-review-dining-with-dollar-diva.html. My second 4STAR review was from Colleen McMahon, who stated that Dining with the Dollar Diva provides “Economical and Tasty Recipes on the Super-Cheap”. I loved the fact that Ms. McMahon enjoyed reading my vignettes. She said that my personality shone through with each recipe introduction and that reading my stories was like standing in the kitchen chatting with me. Ms. McMahon’s complete review can be read at http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=3293779. While Ms. McMahon found my stories enjoyable, she was very astute as describing me as a devout Christian and that I credit God for inspiring some of my recipes. However, she mentioned that this may be and/or could be irritating to some of my readers. I truly understand that, and that is okay, but I just can’t make any apologies or deny God’s role in my life. “In God we trust” is printed on the $1 bill. Sorry had to throw that one in!!!!

Both reviews can be read on amazon.com, just click on this link http://www.amazon.com/Dining-Dollar-Diva-Divalicious-Ingredients/dp/0982528248/ref=cm_aya_orig_subj.

Both Ms. Lippard and Ms. McMahon had concerns about the pricing of some recipe ingredients not costing $1.00 or not being able to purchase a specific item when you want to prepare of the recipes. I suggest that when you see items that are ridiculously priced, if your budget can stand it, pick it up so you’ll have it on hand when you need it. That’s what happened when I saw the imitation crab/lobster on sale for $1.00 at a grocery chain. Remember almost everything can be frozen, even flour, Save-A-Lot’s Ginger Evans flour has directions on freezing flour. Every ingredient that was used I purchased at either a dollar store (Dollar Tree, local area non-chain dollars stores,) local supermarket chains (ACME, SuperFresh, Pathmark, Genuardi’s, GIANT, and when I visited my son (ATL) and brother (Florida) WinnDixie, Publix, Kroeger), big box stores (Wal-Mart, Kmart), discount supermarket and variety stores (ALDI, Save-A-Lot, Big Lots), drug stores/pharmacies (Rite-Aid, CVS, Walgreens). I also recommended using fresh produce and in my area there are a significant amount of cost saving fruit and veggie marts called Produce Junction. Living in the Main Line area of Philadelphia, has its perks; many of these local dollar stores chain and non-chain, have fully stocked shelves of cooking staples, flour, sugar, baking powder, spices, seasonings, condiments, jarred/canned foods, sodas, juices, nuts, cereals, crackers on the list goes on and on. And then in the back of the store, ½ of the back wall is reserved to refrigerated items and frozen foods. I’m in heaven just writing this. After releasing Dining with the Dollar Diva, I came across a store called Amelia’s Grocery Outlet. NICE!!!!

Another thing I’d like to add is I am starting to notice that many of the local grocery chains are mandating that the shopper make a minimum purchase or has to purchase a specific amount of the sale item in order to get the sale price. I’m not feeling the coercion. I have politely told different store managers and have written letters to the store’s headquarters service that I will not be a victim to their priced demands. And will got to another store were a minimum purchase isn’t required. Budget conscious shoppers unite!!!

In closing thanks for support and Many blessings,

The Dollar Diva

Dining with the Dollar Diva Review

2010-08-09T20:24:00.000-04:00

http://missyreadsreviews.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-dining-with-dollar-diva-by.html

Dining with the Dollar Diva was recently reviewed by Missy Reads & Reviews an fellow blogspot.com blogger.

Hi Missy,

Thanks for your wonderful review of Dining with the Dollar Diva. 5STARS!!!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! I was pleased to hear that you enjoyed the recipes and I'm tickled pink to learn that your followers will also follow your lead in purchasing my cookbook and trying out the divaliious recipes. I know you had concerns about not being able to locate some of the ingredients at the dollar store. But please let your followers know that many of the $1 items purchased for my recipes were not just bought at local dollar stores, I shop all over, big box stores (Walmart, Kmart, etc.), small discount grocery stores (Sav-a-Lot, ALDI), produce stands, local pharmacies anywhere I can get a bargain. And I do keep my eye out for expiration dates. Shopping for sales and stocking up I found to be extremely helpful too. I recently located a grocery store outlet in Lancaster. All I could say is WOW!!!!

Since I'm not sure which recipe you chose to make, I'll post a picture of one of my favorites childhood stories about the dining at The Horn & Hardart Automat
Thanks again!!!!
Dollar Diva

I'm going back to NYC!! Hope to see you there

2010-07-20T11:32:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, July 21 at 6:00 PM

Wakefield Library4100 Lowerre Place (at E. 229th St.), Bronx, NY 10466

Saturday, July 24 at 2:00 PM

St. George Library5 Central Avenue (near Borough Hall)

Staten Island, NY 10301

Booksignings..Booksignings...Booksignings!!!!

2010-07-12T18:42:00.000-04:00

Hey Everyone,

Hope that everyone has survived the holiday, heat, and the rain!!!! I have THREE, count 'em!!! Three booksignings this week and I ain't complaining about either.

Yeadon Public Library
809 Longacre Blvd.
Yeadon, PA
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
7:00 P.M.

Norristown Public Library Summer Festival
Come meet the Authors of The Elevator Group
1001 Powell Street
Norristown, PA
Thursday, July 15, 2010
3 – 7 P.M.

Borders Bookstore
931A Capital Centre Blvd
Largo, MD
Saturday, July 17, 2010
2:00 P.M.

Pssssssst....You know I'll have some samples for everyone to taste test! I hope to see you at one of these locations!!!

Elizabeth aka Dollar Diva

SELL OUT!!!!!! Dining with the Dollar Diva Borders~Harrisburg

2010-06-30T05:34:00.009-04:00

Good morning!!!

Dining with the Dollar Diva booksigning at the Borders in Paxton Town Center in Harrisburg, was a huge success!! It was a sell-out!!!! I had a wonderful time, the folks at Borders were absolutely wonderful, I met some really interesting people, and my blueberry peach multigrain muffins were a hit.

Many thanks to my BFF Catherine Muhammad for accompanying me. We had a fantastic adventure, we rode up the PA Turnpike in my convertible with the wind blowing in our air!!!! I enjoyed her presence and am blessed to have Catherine as such a great friend who constantly encourages me!!!

Looking forward to my next booksigning event back in NYC.
Saturday, July 10 at 2:00 PM
Parkchester Library
1985 Westchester Avenue (at Pugsley Ave.), Bronx, NY 10462

Hope you can join me!!!!

Dollar Diva's Capital Event!!!!

2010-06-22T09:54:00.003-04:00

Hi Everyone,

This Saturday, June 26th, I'll be having a booksigning at the Paxton Town Center Borders in Harrisburg. Please come out and support your Dollar Diva.

Thanks,

Elizabeth

Dollar Diva and the City

2010-06-20T14:14:00.003-04:00

Good afternoon everyone,

The Dollar Diva is going to be taking a bite out of the Big Apple for the next few months. I've been very blessed to have been asked to do booksignings, readings, recipe samples and cooking demos and sell my cookbook at several NYC public libraries. Below is my summer booksigning schedule for NYC. Hope you can join me.

Monday, June 21 at 5:00 PM
Countee Cullen Library104 West 136th Street (near Lenox Ave.), New York, NY 10030-2695

Saturday, July 10 at 2:00 PM Parkchester Library1985 Westchester Avenue (at Pugsley Ave.), Bronx, NY 10462

Wednesday, July 21 at 6:00 PM

Wakefield Library4100 Lowerre Place (at E. 229th St.), Bronx, NY 10466

Saturday, July 24 at 2:00 PM

St. George Library5 Central Avenue (near Borough Hall), Staten Island, NY 10301

Wednesday, August 4 at 3:00 PM

Woodstock Library761 East 160th Street (west of Prospect Ave.), Bronx, NY 10456

Monday, August 9 at 5:30 PM

Baychester Library 2049 Asch Loop North (north of Bartow Ave.), Bronx, NY 10475

Wednesday, August 11 at 1:00 PM

Mott Haven Library321 East 140th Street (at Alexander Ave.), Bronx, NY 10454

Dining with the Dollar Diva @ Book Expo America NYC

2010-06-02T06:24:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone,

I had the absolute time of my life last week. Tuesday and Thursday, I attended the 194th Philadelphia Annual Conference where I had the opportunity to sell Dining with the Dollar Diva. Sales were good!!! Praise da Lord!!! (pictures to follow) Then on Wednesday, I attended the Book Expo America and had my first national booksigning. It was like surreal!!! My neighbors Deborah Harley and Lesa Pierce-Ellis were a big help with this endeavor. Thanks to Lesa's Indy500 driving skills, we were able to bypass the Lincoln Tunnel traffic and she wheeled her big RAM TOUGH DODGE through Kennedy Av in NJ and got us to Jacob Javitz Center with time to spare. Once we reached The Elevator Group booth, Deborah pulled out my legendary (if I must say so myself) triple chocolate butterscotch cream cheese brownies (check out my FB page for pictures -EJ Fisher) and the pizza squares and I was in for the time of my life signing away numerous copies of Dining with the Dollar Diva. I don't know who enjoyed the moment the most, my "fans" eating my recipe samples or me autographing my cookbook. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to meet with Maggie and Kim who hosted an interview with me on Sirius XM. I met alot of wonderful people and I hope that they will post to my blog like my neighbor "Janice".

Life is good!!!!!

Elizabeth aka Dollar Diva

Dining with the Dollar Diva View my TV segments (Be the first to post your Comment)http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/video?id=7343528

http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/shows/10-show/_Dining_With_The_Dollar_Diva__Philadelphia.html

Midwest Book Review!!!!!!

2010-05-19T20:28:00.005-04:00

Hey everyone,

The Midwest Book Review (MBR) Bookwatch is a monthly online book review publication that will showcase the reviews and commentaries of MBR editors and specialized reviewers who have demonstrated expertise and mastery of their particular fields, responsibilities, and interests. They recently reviewed my cookbook Dining with the Dollar Diva.

Take a look at the link http://www.midwestbookreview.com/sbw/may_10.htm (you have to scroll down a bit to see the the review or just review the the copy below.

THE COOKING SHELF
Dining with the Dollar Diva
Elizabeth J. Fisher
The Elevator Group
PO Box 207, Paoli, PA 19301
9780982528242, $15.95, www.theelevatorgroup.com

Good food is not synonymous with expensive food. "Dining with the Dollar Diva: Divalicious Menus with Ingredients Costing $1 or Less" is a guide for the cook on a budget who doesn't want to spend a lot on their food but still wants to eat like a queen. Elizabeth Fisher gives guides to how you can be a dollar store gourmet without making the term ironic, with plenty of tips and tricks to making exquisitely cheap exquisite cuisine. "Dining with the Dollar Diva" is a must for the cook on a budget.

WOW!!!!!

Elizabeth J Fisher aka Dollar Diva

I am sooooo back!!!

2010-05-15T09:01:00.005-04:00

Greetings everyone,

I have sooooo much to share with you. Since, I've last blogged, I've been to the Sr. Center @ the York House on Old York Rd & Broad Street (I have pictures that I'd like to share so more on that later), had a few book signings (Quest Diagnostics, Borders), currently consulting with the ADA's Project Power (I do cooking demos for faith based diabetes awareness workshops, Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church -was able to sell a few books there), and Dollar Tree is setting up a pilot test market in the Chesapeake, VA area and my cookbook Dining with the Dollar Diva will be on the shelves in the upcoming weeks.

By the way, I was on the 10! Show on April 5th and since then a few people have approached me and told me that they recognized me from my two taping segments Saving with 6ABC, and the 10! Show.

I will be back later with more news, pictures and a couple of recipes!!!

(Attached is a picture of me at my appearance at the York House with Lisa. After tasting my chicken corn chowder, chicken enchilada dip (frozen chicken thighs are NOW sold at Dollar Tree) and Joe's chips (all in Dining with the Dollar Diva cookbook), she became a dollar store convert!!!!! And she bought one of my books!)

God continues to bless.

Love,

EJF aka Dollar Diva

2010-03-26T06:10:00.002-04:00

Good morning everyone!!!

I know I'm late with this bit of news, but there just isn't enough hours in the day!!! Last Saturday was the launch of my new cookbook, "Dining with the Dollar Diva"!!! It a beautiful Spring day and everything and everyone were absolutely stupendous!!!!! The cookbooks sold extremely well !!!

It was a good time to be had by all!!! My family was there to provide the loving support that I needed. My Mother, Aunt Ev and Uncle Ed, nieces and nephews, cuzins, other family members, friends, neighbors, former co-workers, even a fellow Upper Merion High School 1972 classmate was there!! My Pastor and Assoc Pastor were in attendance and the Bethel Bryn Mawr congregation was in the house!!!! I was also blessed that my Presiding Elder Charles H. Lett, Sr. and his beautiful wife Sis. Sylvia also made time in their busy schedule to attend!

My "Dream Team" Debbie, Ms. Alice, Greta, Vanessa, Carol, Florence, & Betty handled the kitchen expertly, beautifully setting up the recipe samples for the test testing. My sincerest gratitude to my sisters and brothers who helped me out with purchasing the food. This endeavor was a labor of love!!!!

I felt the love and I know that I continue to be truly and wondrously blessed.

Luv and many blessings,

EJF aka Dollar Diva

PS: I will post more photos later. The attached picture is with my Presiding Elder and hiswife.

Book Launch/Signing & Recipe Sampling!!!!!!!

2010-02-26T15:07:00.004-05:00

Good afternoon everyone!!!

Well it's finally official!! My Dining with the Dollar Diva cookbook will be available mid-March 2010. My book launch and first book signing will be on Saturday, March 20th at my church Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr. Not only will my cookbook be available to purchase, but you will be able to taste test many of the recipes in the cookbook as well. So.......save the date, come with an appetite for reading, cooking, and taste testing.

Be blessed,

Elizabeth J. Fisher aka Dollar Diva

Taste of Lower Merion

2010-02-26T07:43:00.004-05:00

Greetings everyone!!!

Last Sunday, I had the pleasure of being a vendor for the Taste of Lower Merion. I had to prepare individual serving samples for approximately 1500 guests. I prepared fried meatballs with 5 dipping sauces (my jalapeno apricot dipping sauce won hands down), pear fig pizza, a tomato artichoke pizza, quiche, and chicken divan. All of these dishes with the exception of the chicken divan came from my cookbook "Dining with the Dollar Diva". I hate to toot my own horn, but the food was divalicious and my table scape was lovely. By the way, my signature ice tea, also keep the folk coming back for more. It was a wonderful experience, and I was advised by the Event Coordinators that I'll be put on the list for similar events i.e. Taste of Philly, and other open air functions this Spring and Summer.

Be blessed,

EJF aka Dollar Diva

Good morning!!!

2010-02-15T07:58:00.004-05:00

Praise the LORD!!!!!!! Last week "Dining with the Dollar Diva" went to the printer and will be available mid March 2010. The upscale recipes are absolutely diva-darn-good, easy to prepare and are easy on your wallet. Thanks to my publisher, Sheilah Vance and the talented illustrators Stephanie Vance-Patience and George Hilton, we also have a new sleek, eye-catching book cover. You can pre-order on-line via Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble.com. I thank everyone who accompanied me on this journey. Now come out for my book launch, book signing on March 20th at 2:00PM. By the way, there will also be a taste testing of many of the recipes printed in the book.

Bethel AME Church in Bryn Mawr
50 South Merion Avenue
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Please call 610-864-8091 for additional information

Catering 3Xs

2010-01-15T00:07:00.003-05:00

Good morning everyone,

Today I spent about 6 hours shopping for 3 catering projects. Today's event is for an Open House for The Elevator Group publishing company. CEO & President Sheilah Vance will be hosting the grand opening of her new office in Paoli, PA. She will be serving appetizers fresh from my book Dining with the Dollar Diva. Chicken medallions, meatballs w/dipping sauce, sausage pinwheels, baked muenster in a puffed pastry, fellowship break, and Butterfinger brownies. Saturday afternoon, I will be providing absolutely diva-licious hors d'oeuvres, artichoke&spinach dip, pizza squares, mini cheese steaks, and full course lunch that will include vegetable ravioli lasagne, turkey divan, pork loin, and string beans for a baby shower for a church member. Dessert will be supplied by her sorority sisters. Sunday, I will be supplying approximately 150 mini meatball sandwiches for the attendees of the MLK Scholarship Association program. WHEW!!! I'm tired just bloggin' about it.

Please send a prayer up for me, cuz I need for serious blessing to come down.

Blog to you later,

EJF

Busy as a bee!!

2010-01-13T02:01:00.003-05:00

Today I turn in all of my edits and photos for Dw/DD which will go into print in 3-4 weeks. This is uncharted territory for me, but I am up to the challenge.

Dollar Diva

Jamil King this one's for you

2010-01-12T09:35:00.002-05:00

DOLLAR DIVA

Oyster Stew
1 can whole white potatoes
1 stalk celery
1 small onion
1 can smoked oysters
1 4 oz can mushrooms
1 can evaporated milk
1/2 cup frozen peas & carrots thawed and drained (optional)
croutons
2 tbsp butter/margarine

Set oven to 350 degrees
Drain potatoes and dice into bite size pieces
Dice celery and slice onions
Drain oysters and mushrooms
Place large sauce pan on medium heat, melt butter/margarine don't allow to brown (this is a light color soup)
Sautee mushrooms, onions & celery until translucent, then add potatoes, allow all vegetables to be covered with butter/margarine
Sprinkle 3 tbsp of flour over vegetables, stir gently until all vegetables are covered
Slowly add evaporated milk, stew base will become a little thick (I add a little bit of nutmeg)
Reduce heat to low stir often
Place oysters in a serving soup bowl with peas and carrots (p&c are optional)
Pour stew base into soup bowl (bowl must be able to use in oven)
Place oyster stew in oven and continue to cook for approx 15 to 20 minutes
Remove and top with croutons, herbs, cheese etc, optional.

This may seem like a lot of steps, but it's a really robust diva-licious oyster stew.

Technology is failing me at the moment....Wish I could upload the picture for you. But I'm working on it.

I'm Back!!!!

2010-01-10T03:09:00.004-05:00

Good morning everyone!!!!!

Haven't been blogging for a minute, trying to get my cookbook together. I've been busy as I don't know what, cooking, taking pictures, creating new recipes, editing, and gaining a bit of weight taste testing. I've enjoyed every minute of this adventure.

I've attached a picture of my hot queso dip with sausage with a side order of pepper lime "Joe" chips. This is a quick and easy dish that is a great crowd pleaser.

Remember March 2010 is the release of my first book.

Holla back

Dollar Diva

ADVANCE PRINT

2009-10-24T10:44:00.002-04:00

Good morning everyone,

After 22 hours of editing/corrections, my book was forwarded to the book designer Prayerfully, next week it will be forwarded to the printer for printing of advance copies! "Dining with the Dollar Diva" is posted on Borders.com, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com and you can place advanced orders.

This has been such a wondrously challenging journey, thus far.

Click on the link below for additional info

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbninquiry.asp?box=9780982528242&pos=-1&EAN=9780982528242

A time to reflect!!!

2009-10-09T06:44:00.006-04:00

By profession, I was/am a recruiter, and sourced qualified professional candidates for various industries. I love recruiting, but the companies that I worked for produced some of the most insensitive, ignorantly naive, and sometimes mean spirited egos I've ever met. Last April, 3 days before my birthday, I was laid off of my "job". And during this time I reflected on what direction I wanted my life to go. I decided that this was "make or break" time for me. So, I focused on completing my cookbook, "Dining with the Dollar Diva".

Just last night I attended a Revival and the Rev. Jamal Bryant preached from John 9:4 (entire text John 9:1-12), and his topic was "I don't need this job", and he prayed for those individuals who are in the "embryonic stages of their entrepreneurship". Yes, the bills are piling up, budget is tight, but I continue to smile in the face of adversity. I also believe that nothing beats a failure but a try, and I have to dismiss the JEH and the naysayers, who I allow to keep me from my successful future and much happiness. I truly believe that the righteous will not be forsaken and the seed will not go beggin for bread. Now, I am in the 4th draft of my cookbook and will soon be given a deadline from my publisher to get my book to the printer, for a March 2010 release. Praise the Lord!!!!

So, I pray that those who are following my blog will continue to be a part of this culinary pleasure trip for the next 5 months. I also pray that you will invite your family & friends to join delicious journey. I may not give you the actual recipes but I'm willing to share tips, provide you with suggestions for your upcoming meals or special occaisions, etc. I've attached a picture of one of my favorite D/the DD affordable and easy to make recipes, Ravioli Carbonara .

PS: Keep in mind that photography is not my area of expertise, some of my dishes I may not photograph well, but they are absolutely divalicious!!!!!

2009-10-03T02:47:00.006-04:00

Good morning everyone!

Haven't been blogging for awhile, have been busy editing my cookbook which will be published March 2010. Even though, it will/should be at the printers soon, I'm still creating new recipes that need to be taste tested. I know I have to stop and focus on what I have. But I just want to share my culinary ideas with the world.

I kinda been having a sweet tooth lately, so I thought that I would share this early morning delight with you. So grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

Tilapia Roll-up

2009-09-14T14:35:00.000-04:00

This is my Tilapia Roll-up. Easy to prepare and all ingredients cost $1 or less. This is a extremely satisfying meal that you can prep in about 20 minutes, bake for about 15 and serve your most persnickety dinner guests.

You'll be able to find this divalicious recipe in The Main Course Entree section of "Dining with the Dollar Diva" cookbook

Holla back
Dollar Diva