The Fastest way to peel a  pomegranate ever, in less than 20 seconds, or there about.

Sometimes we only have a few over for Thanksgiving, here's how to cook turkey for 2 or 3 or even just 1.

Ribs don't have to be low and slow if you know what to do. Here's how to do ribs in under 15 minutes.
cook well,
Rob B

Peanut Butter Cheese Burgers, two of the things that made this country great. RBJ

Pigs in a blanket, No. Sandwiches in a Sleeping Bag

Gluten Free Bread in under 5 minutes

Rice Chex Flat bread:

In a medium mixing bowl add 3 cups rice chex. Crush in hands until in smal pieces. Add a pinch of salt and 1/2 spoonful sugar. Stir. Then add 3 egg whites and stir until combined.

Form into patties and place on skillet cooking for 1 minute or until just browned, flip over until browned on the other side. Keep flipping every so often to firm up but not burn.

Easy Cheesy Slow Cooked Beef

Couldn't be easier.

So You Want to be in Show Business - PBS interactive and Me

So you want to be in show business? Be careful what you ask for. Below is a series of communications between PBS interactive and myself. To be honest I've had about 20 experiences like this one, but this one particularly shows the travails of entertainment and entertainment people.

It started of when Dani, I won't use full names, from PBS Interactive contacted me through my website:

comments: Hi Rob,    Congratulations on all of your success with Cooking for Dads – we at PBS are big fans!     I work as a producer for PBS’ Interactive and for PBS Parents and would like to talk with you about the possibility of working with us on a web series for PBS. In March of this year, we launched our network of web original video series’ called PBS Digital Studios*, which features talented people on YouTube (like yourself) producing smart content that aligns with PBS’ values, i.e. music, arts, food, education, parenting, etc. We think you would be a great fit and would love to talk some more about your goals and future plans for Cooking for Dads. Perhaps there is a way we can work together or form some sort of partnership to see if there is a possibility we can help you achieve those goals.     Looking forward to speaking,    Dani   PBS Interactive

Now I know better than to get my hopes up as I've been to this dance before, but it did seem like a cool fit. So after a couple emails I write:

Dani,

I'm open this afternoon and some tomorrow am. Would today work? The rest of the week gets squirrelly

IPhone, therefore I am

Rob Barrett

Dani writes: 

Hi Rob,

How about next Monday? Say 12pm EST? Also, is there a number where we can reach you?

Thanks! Looking forward to speaking,

Dani

I write back

Subject: Re: Cfds and pbs

Yes, next Monday at noon est. 612-3##-###1 is my cell

IPhone, therefore I am

Rob Barrett

At the time I was in the middle of a supposed contest for Everyday Health's show Recipe Rehab and the video that i let them use was on my channel page. (That another story)

Dani writes:

Great! Lastly, can I ask you about your affiliation with Everyday Health? It might make things difficult if you have some sort of contract/partnership with them already. Thanks!

Dani

I write back:

I don't, they are considering me for Recipe Rehab. But it's in it's early stages. I'd much rather be part of PBS as I grew up with the galloping gourmet. :-) If I were to be on recipe rehab, I think it's a one time deal, would that be a problem? 

IPhone, therefore I am

Rob Barrett

Dani writes:

Not at all - just thought I'd ask to save our legal department from yelling at us :)

We'd much rather you be a part of our team too! Looking forward to speaking next week,

Dani

I move my schedule around so I'm free on that monday, 11 central - 12 EST. I go to my office, close the door and wait.  

After 15-20 minutes I pick up the phone and call them. nothing.

I wait until the full hour and then leave a message on Dani's voice mail:

"Sorry, I thought we had set up a meeting for today at 11, 12 eastern. If you'd like to reschedule or if I was mistaken let me know. I'd still really like to work with you and PBS Interactive."

I also send an email of similar content.

2 1/2 weeks go by and I never received a response. So finally I write this email:

Dani,

Just wondered if you would give me a little explanation about what happened? I know you don't owe me an explanation but it seemed you wanted to partner with me and you said you were big fans. 

But then our phone call time didn't happen, my message and emails went unanswered, and I assume you are no longer interested. But I just wondered what happened? Did I say something?

It would be nice to get some closure.

Thanks for your response.

Rob Barrett, Jr.

Cooking for Dads

I get this the next day.

Hi Rob,

Sorry for the miscommunication -  I never had any call scheduled. 

We have a strategy meeting today where I can play a few of your videos for my colleagues, so let me get back to you early next week. Again – apologies for the miscommunication.

Best,

Dani

PBS Interactive

I wrote back:

That would be great. Let me know. Rob

On Dec 7, 2012 I hear back from PBS

Rob,

The way we usually work with people is a revenue shared, **% to you and **% to us to cover our distribution and outreach efforts as well as potentially helping with uploading and annotating. Is that something that would interest you? It would be helpful to know your feelings on this before we schedule a call.

Thanks!

Dani

I answer:

Dani,

That would be fine.

IPhone, therefore I am

Rob Barrett

December 10, 2012 she says:

Great – I’ll get back to you by the end of the week with more details.

Danielle,

I hear nothing.

Well, I'm nothing if not persistent, so after a month I write back:

Dani,

Just wanted to follow up. Any updates on working together? PBS would be a great fit for me and I think i bring enough variety to the table (see latest episode on Ice Globes and Luminaries) to keep people's interest.

Hope you had a great new years.  Rob

I hear back from Dani, (inexpicably)

Hey Rob,

Let’s start here: Where do you see your channel going in the next year? How are ways you hope to improve or expand your channel – i.e. content, camera/editing, etc.

Thanks!

Dani

Hmm, back to square one. So I write back about all the exciting things going on with radio interviews, new cameras, exciting new recipes and ideas for expanded episodes, etc, etc.

Needless to say, I'm not expecting a call from them. It's amazing how many people in this business are like this as it has happened to me quite a few times. Like the time I flew out to LA to meet with Mylie Cyrus' agent who had called me, only to get a text message canceling as I landed.

So when you find someone who is straight up with you, you really appreciate them. I've had dealings with Target and the LWN network which didn't work out but they were honest and straightforward. I will do business with them any time if things are to change.

So be careful out there. It's a tough business.

cook well,

Rob Barrett

Cooking for Dads

5 Minute Chinese Beef - no more take out

Here's the written version:

Rob's 5 Minute Chinese beef.

1 pound sirloin steak cut in small pieces, about 1/2 inch cubes.

Add a little sesame oil to a frying pan on high heat. Once pan is hot, add beef and fry until outside is brown flipping often. 

Lower heat and add:

2 spoonfuls hoisin sauce

2 spoonfuls soy sauce

1 spoonful sugar

2 spoonfuls rice vinegar

1 spoonful peanut butter

Stir until combined. Serve over rice. 

Optional, add 2 handfuls pea pods with ingredients for sauce. Stir until hot.

© 2012 Cooking for Dads

Pan-fired T-bone Steak with Pepper Cream Sauce

Here's an easy way to make a steak that you'll really love.

Try it, you'll like it.

Rob Barrett
Cooking for Dads

Meat Muffins and Sloppy Joe Bowls on Fox

Here are some super fast and easy meal ideas that you'll love if you like meat and good taste. Try  'em and let me know what you think.

Thanks for Chef John at Foodwishes for inspiring the Stuffed corm muffin idea. He truly is a great one.

cook well,
Rob Barrett, Jr.

Chicken, Jalapeño and Cashew Wraps

Here's a fun recipe that's easy to make in around 5 minutes and will keep all week if you want to pull some out and have it for a snack or a quick meal.

Here's the written version.

Chicken, Jalapeno and Cashew wraps

3 boneless chicken thighs

cut in small pieces

1 small handful chopped onions

2 garlic cloves chopped

1 inch jalapeno chopped

1 handful cashews, preferrably raw

italian dressing

lettuce leaves or tortillas

in  small bowl combine chicken, onion, garlic, jalapeno with a little bit of salt, pepper and 1/2 spoonful sugar. add 2 or 3 spoonfuls italian dressing. Stir and set aside for around 30 minutes.

Heat frying pan and add cashews, stirring until they are just browned, about 2 minutes, then add chicken mixture. Cook over high heat until chicken is cooked through, stirring often. Turn off heat and add just enough italian dressing to make the mixture wet, around 3 or 4 spoonfuls. Continue to stir as dressing cooks off.

Place in tortilla, fold together and eat or put in lettuce leaf for a lo carb treat. Enjoy.

© 2013 Cooking for Dads

Cook well,

Rob Barrett, Jr.

Ice Globes and Luminaries, some new tips

Some new tips for making your own ice globes, luminaries and turning your yard into a wintery wonderland. Enjoy.

Ice Globes in our yard