Happy Birthday Leo all-stars!

Born on the 4th of July, Andrew is a Cancer and comes by his foodie talents naturally!*

So universe... cross fingers and give us some of your marketing magic!
Chef Cosmo and paSous

*Andrew Zimmern is a James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, food writer, and teacher. As the co-creator, host, and consulting producer of Travel Channel's series, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern and Andrew Zimmern's Bizarre World, he travels the world exploring food in its own native region, wherever it is found.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

1-1/2 lb small Red potatoes
5 eggs (hard boiled)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup brown mustard
3 tablespoon Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup Black Olives, chopped
1/4 cup Parsley, chopped
2 Green Onions chopped

Boil potatoes until tender then let cool. Boil eggs for no longer than 10 minuets and let cool. Chop potatoes and eggs, add veggies, olives, seasoning, lime juice and mustard. Toss with extra virgin olive oil let set for half hour and then toss with mayonnaise.

And don't forget to spend some positivie time appreciating the great service our men and women are engaged in as soldiers in our military. They should all be home for this holiday, but hundreds of thousands will be at their posts around world thinking about their familes. We thank you!

Enjoy the fireworks, live each moment, and hug each other!
Chef Cosmo and paSous

aries

I didn't see that comin'!

march 21 - april 19
ruled by: mars
status: I am
quickfire: Ok, we all know that you're the true bull... (ssshhhhh, don't tell Taurus!). You're headstrong, pushy, and need to be first... no body sees you comin! You love to cram in lots of experiences and passionately keep moving forward. You're eating birthrights are no exception... furious hunger, fast food, no fuss. You work hard and play harder and magnetically compete with everyone. You're first in the Zodiac for a reason... the rest of us depend on you!

taurus

Hear's a tune you'll soon be humming!

april 20 - may 20
ruled by: venus
status: I have
quickfire: You are a musical being who loves potatoes. Yes, even though you tend to be a mass of contradicitons, it's that simple. You love beauty, converastion, and fine things. These traits transfer nicely to your foodie birthrights.... good service, good food, good value. You equally embrace traditional or exotic cooking and you don't like to repeat your recipies. Of course, you're so stubborn, your best bet is to host the dinner party so your guests can't disagree with you! The bonus is... you're GREAT COOKS! Of course, Chef Cosmo is a Taurus!

gemini

Two by two you travel through life!

may 21 to june 20
ruled by: mercury
status: I think
quickfire: Whoa! You're probably reading this on your iPhone 3GS en route to your next 'to do'... stop for just a minute and breathe. I promise your world won't disolve like a warp in the Matrix. You are constantly on the go, multi-tasking with moody flair. By all foodie birthrights, your favorite foods can be eaten while walking, blogging, or debating. Your liberal nature and quick mind makes you a sought after companion for all entertaining activities. Learn to graze, you'll love the scenery.

cancer

Your shell is not all it's cracked up to be, break out!

june 21 - july 22
ruled by: the moon
status: I feel
quickfire: Our crab-people LOVE their shells and rely on their whole astro-chart to crack them open. The rest of us couldn't survive without these home-loving, sensitive, nurturing, possessive, domestic crustaceons. You are at your best when you are comforting others with food. You derail everyones diets with love. Your friends will have to drag you out to restaurants, but once there, you are the lifeline of the party and grateful that they made the effort (as long as no one hurts your feelings!)

leo

Got a band? I'll lead it!

july 23 -august 22
ruled by: the sun
status: I will
quickfire: Mangiare is not just the Italian verb for 'to eat'. Mangia! is the passionate cry that sounds the beginning of every Italian meal with outstretched arms and huge smiles. A Leo must have started this tradition. You are a community cat, magnetic and generous... especially when you have an audience. You love the best of everything and your foodie birthright is no exception. Bask in the warmth of hosting great meals, you're always a crowd pleaser!

virgo

There IS a big picture, find it!

august 23 - september 22
ruled by: mercury
status: I analyze
quickfire: Recipe dissection is a favorite pastime for our analytical Virgoans. You are likely to be a vegetarian or have acute tendencies toward certain food philosophies. Your foodie birthright is a nourishing diet of nuts, grains, beans, seeds and plain yogurt... boring! It's okay, someone has to keep us healthy! Avoid noisy crowds, they cause stress and disturb your perfectionist eating rituals. You are benevolent to a fault... tweeting your generous spirit helps our world evolve.

libra

Everything really is beautiful!

september 23 - october 22
ruled by: venus
status: I balance
quickfire: Libra's proverbial passionate soul makes them the ultimate dream foodie. You love to orchestrate events and create experiences. You require lots of texture in your foods, friends, and environments. Your need to constantly engage your senses motivates you to experience many cultural and exotic foods and just as many variations of people. Learn to reign in your inner control freak and the world will truly see through your rose-colored glasses.

scorpio

News flash...we know who you are!

october 23 - november 21
ruled by: mars
status: I create
quickfire: Scorpio is the only Sun Sign that can make sleazy the new fine dining experience. You love dark, secluded, mysterious places where you can be incognito and embrace your wild side. Your intense extremes motivate you toward harsh diets. Give yourself a break and create more of your favorite foodie experiences, which will include spicy reds, rich seafoods, and lots of proteins... oh, and cocktails. You keep us on our toes and enrich our spheres.

sagittarius

See the world... must have tickets!

november 22 - december 21
ruled by: jupiter
status: I understand
quickfire: Encarta defines abundance as a fullness of spirit that overflows. That is you, Sag, in loads. Your free spirit craves travel and you adore foreign foods as long as you can find the locals' hangout. You love to be entertained while eating... good jokes or dinner theater, either works fine. Keep the overindulgence in check, except for those first class backyard barbecues you're famous for.

capricorn

Climb every mountain... hurdle every ladder!

december 22 - january 19
ruled by: saturn
status: I use
quickfire: Who says you can't mix business with pleasure? You are a networking, connecting, climbing, dogmatic, misunderstood overachiever! In order to sustain this momentum you need hearty traditional sustenance. You are uncomfortable with self-indulgence and whims... so ask your friends to calendar reminders to poke you to do something to treat yourself. A great meal is the perfect reward for all of your hard work!

aquarius

Continue inventing our future!

january 20 - february 18
ruled by: uranus
status: I know
quickfire: You are living in a time zone ahead of the rest of us happily surrounded by a fray of eclectic friends and family dysfunction. You are innovative, smart, rebelious, and talkative. You will try anything and hate breakfast (for breakfast). Your foodie birthrights feed this stream with lots of weird food, strangely connected dinner guests, and a pda full of great friends who adore hanging out with you.

pisces

Dream a little dream for me!

february 19 - march 20
ruled by: neptune
status: I believe
quickfire: Pisces is the compassionate psychic blend of all the Sun Signs. You believe in everyone and everything, which makes you a sensitive, caring friend. People love to share meals with you, there's always great music, warm aesthetics, and lots of bubbles. If you could have dinner and a massage at the same time, you'd totally do it!

As firm believers that ties should go the way of pantyhose, into the dark reaches of the closet to feed the boogeyman, it’s time to get some inspiration about what your Dad really wants on his day – Sunday, June 20. Chances are it’s much simpler than choosing a tie.

The foodie side is a barbecue breeze thanks to Food Network Magazine for their scrumptious 50 Burgers article and booklet insert in the June issue. The wine pairings are a celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Great Wine Captials Global Network. All nine world-renowned Great Wine Capitals' countries are represented in the World Cup!

 aries
march 21 - april 19

Hoisin Burger (#23)– with hoisin and soy sauce, rice wine and honey; on a Asian-spiced bun with broiled scallions and mayo! Exotic, spicy, at the head of the table, just like Aries Dad. Let him put his mega-mojo on it and don’t worry about the 3-foot flames, it’s his day.
Wine pairing: Porto - Port
Gift suggestion: A silver-plated, engraved fire extinguisher with a quick release wall mount.

taurus
april 21 - may 21

Gift suggestion: Patio massage chair and 4-hour gift certificate to Gardeners-4-U.

gemini
may 22 - june 21

Chipotle Corn (#32) – toss corn kernels and bell peppers with lemon juice, olive oil and salt; mix into burger and dust with cumin before grilling; serve on crusty bun with Chipotle mayo! It’s two burgers in one… a true veggie burger!
Wine pairing: Mainz | Rheinhessen - Riesling
Gift suggestion: The new iPhone 4, nuf said!

cancer
june 22 - july 22

Creole Crab (#38) – crab cakes on a roll with Creole slaw! What could be more comforting than breaded seafood on bread? Your Dad will come out of his shell for this amazing creation, just give him a distraction to keep him out of the kitchen until it’s ready.
Wine pairing: Cape Town - Sauvignon Blanc
Gift suggestion: A great piece of sports memorabilia from his favorite team.

leo
july 23 -august 21

Chile (#17) – classic burger mixed with diced roasted poblanos topped with sharp cheddar! Top with salsa verde and sliced chiles. Don’t forget the ice cream!
Wine pairing: Chianti – via Firenze!
Give suggestion: Celebrate their flair for vanity and promote cardiac health with a monogrammed gym bag.

virgo
august 22 - september 23

Portobello (#49) – wow this burger would make a vegetarian out of a Leo! Season two Portobello caps, fill with 2 slices Muenster cheese, and secure with toothpicks. Dip in beaten eggs, then panko and fry in hot oil until crisp. Serve on soft bun with his favorite condiments!
Wine pairing: Christchurch | South Island - Pinot Noir
Gift suggestion: A luxurious Turkish bath robe… something he won’t buy for himself, but will completely appreciate!

libra
september 24 - october 23

Pesto Chicken (#46) – chicken burgers (#45) topped with sliced mozzarella melted on at last minute. Mix up equal parts pesto and mayo for the bun and top with tomato and arugula.
Wine pairing: San Francisco | Napa Valley – Zinfandel
Gift suggestion: A subscription to Zagat.com to keep up on the best restaurants and a gift card to iTunes for new music!

scorpio
october 24 - november 22

Smashed Onion burger with French Onion twist (#35 & 36) – season thick onion slice and brown on one side in hot cast-iron skillet, flip, separate rings and smash hamburger meat on the rings. Brown on both sides and serve on crusty herbed bun with 2 slices of gruyère cheese.
Wine pairing: Mendoza - Pinot Blanc
Gift suggestion: Handset-style police scanner with bar mount attachment.

sagittarius
november 23 - december 22

Thai Pork (#34) – this is a mixed up international sensation… you’ll have to click on it to believe it... you had me at pork!
Wine pairing: Bordeaux – Cabernet Franc
Gift suggestion: A weekend getaway that includes his favorite sport and visit to a nearby weird monument (World’s Largest Ball-O-String!).

capricorn
december 23 - january 20

Turkey (#39) – just like our Caps, this steadfast bird meets Dad’s Day with aplomb! Mix with green apple, scallions, and seasoned panko; grill and serve on whole-wheat bun with his favorite fixin’s.
Wine pairing: San Francisco | Napa Valley - Chardonnay
Gift suggestion: An engraved silver money clip or a first edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

aquarius
january 21 - february 19

Trattoria (#20) – innovative, yet perfectly classic… spread a thick, well-seasoned burger with gorgonzola and serve on an Italian role topped with arugula, pomi tomatoes and fried pancetta!
Wine pairing: Firenze - Super Tuscan
Gift suggestion: An eco-friendly Lava Lamp and a lifetime subscription to Popular Science.

pisces
february 20- march 20

Scallop Sliders (#37) – sear sea scallops in butter, serve on mini buns with fresh avocados and mayo spiced with hot chili sauce. Dreamy!
Wine pairing: Bordeaux - Sémillon
Gift suggestion: Fantasma's Deluxe Legends Of Magic DVD Set.

 
Wine pairings inspired by: Great Wine Capitals Global Network
Wine pairings assist from: Nat Decants fantastic FREE mobile app!
Photos by: Tina Rupp (Food Network Magazine)

Gemini thrives on great conversations at the table, but don’t monopolize their attention or bore them with long monologues. Oh, and don’t ignore them either. Sound a bit contradictory? Hmmm… the sign of the twins is the model of duality. They can keep track of several conversations at one time, including the ongoing debate in their own heads.

Running the gamut of emotions in record time can seriously affect their eating habits and digestive tracts. This moodiness and non-committal behavior gives them a bad reputation. Justified or not, the good news is that they are a lot of fun to hang out with, just try to keep up. Happier to read a cookbook on Kindle™ than to actually cook the meal, you will always impress them by offering to cook for them or suggesting the restaurant. Keep it interesting though, they need ethnic diversity and interesting food combinations. And don’t forget the eco-friendly doggie bags for the leftovers. Leftovers are a staple in the Gemini diet; food that is already cooked, in a to-go container, and they know they liked it!

Gemini loves a good mystery because they can’t stand not knowing what’s going on and will thrive on figuring it out. Meet them at the hot dog kiosk with your latest Agatha Christie, but be on guard, they will grab it out of your hand to read the last chapter (bring the latest gossip tabloid for back up).

Favorite Foods: anything that can peak their attention and spark conversation. Cultural diversity, buffets for variety, salads full of crunchies, casseroles, or foods with layers and complicated presentations. It’s a challenge to create foods in a hurry that still provoke mental activity. Normally they don’t have many eating rituals because they are constantly morphing, but they do love historical landmarks that have restaurants with traditional foods and will actual still themselves long enough to blend with an environment that can feed their soul.

The next time you see a group of mall-walkers and one is eating, talking, and micro-blogging in unison with butterfly grace, you’ve spotted a Gemini.

An excerpt from Stars in Your Stomach, Chef Cosmo's Planetary Cucina!

This Mother’s Day, take a look at the Sun Signs of the maternal figures in your life and give them a day full of gratitude, food they love in an environment they welcome, and quality time with you!

“To the world you might just be one person, but to one person you might be the world.” ~unknown 

Here are Chef Cosmo’s picks for your all-star Mother’s Day brunch celebrations.

aries
march 21 - april 19

Jalapeno-cornmeal pancakes… the winner (dahhhh!) of Food Network magazine’s 2010 chile pepper contest! A 30-year-old recipe for Mexican cornbread supports this sweet and fiery flapjacks breakfast with a double dose of jalapenos. The first choice for Aries!

(Source: FoodNetwork.com)

taurus
april 21 - may 21

Hotlanta Style Chicken and Waffle sandwich with Spicy Maple Mayonnaise – OMG! We can’t think of anything else to say, except that we’re having them for dinner after we finish this blog.

(Source: FoodNetwork.com and Ultimate Recipe Showdown)

gemini
may 22 - june 21

Chocolate & ricotta waffle sandwich…
Creamy ricotta and lip-smacking chocolate make this easy recipe irresistible for both your Gemini personalities!

(Source: TastingTable via taste.com.au) 

cancer
june 22 - july 22

Candied Bacon and Pecans in Classic Waffles… homey, comforting goodness with a classic foundation… perfect for Cancer and easy enough for us to prepare for them! They are the ultimate Mothers so keep them out of the kitchen and pamper them on their day.

(Source: Food Network “50” article*, #37)

leo
july 23 -august 21

Basic buttermilk waffles with an upgrade! Stacked 3-high with ice cream in between… oh, that would be a vertical waffle sundae! Switch up the ice cream flavors and add their favorite toppings… or keep it pure with vanilla, a little maple syrup and top with mascarpone!

(Source: TastingTable**)

virgo
august 22 - september 23

Pumpernickel Waffles… mashed potatoes in the batter give these waffles a soft, chewy texture. Top them with poached eggs, chives and raw sunflower seeds. Just do it… Virgo will understand.

(Source: foodandwine.com)

libra
september 24 - october 23

MB9 waffle “Dutch taco” from Flavourspot’s food cart in Portland, Oregon - “100% maple spread with three pieces of strip bacon and six Canadian bacon. Sweet, salty, SMOKEY and delicious. This is what is tastes like when pigs cry.” ...nuf said!

(Source: TastingTable**)

scorpio
october 24 - november 22

Rum-Raisin Pancake Sundaes… buttermilk pancakes with plump sweet raisins topped with French vanilla ice cream, caramelized Vidalia onions and rum syrup! The perfectly extreme mix of the four food groups with a cocktail included!

(Source: Food Network mag “50” article*, #15; except we added the onions :)

sagittarius
november 23 - december 22

Chicken and Waffle Monte Cristo sandwich with Rosemary-Maple Gravy… wow, the planet of abundance reigns supreme with this decadent, hearty delish dish!

(Source: Rachael Ray at foodnetwork.com)

capricorn
december 23 - january 20

Red Velvet Pancakes made with cocoa powder and topped with whipped cream cheese. The perfect opportunity for a much-need, always neglected, self-indulgence… you deserve it!

(Source: Food Network mag “50” article*, #21)

aquarius
january 21 - february 19

Fresh Bing cherry topped Futuristic Flapjacks - made with robotic love in the ChefStack Automatic Pancake Machine… it’s like an ATM for pancakes. Ok, if you can’t afford to buy this new-fangled wonder for your Aquarian matriarch then just print the article and present it on the brunch tray!

(Source: Food Network mag “50” article*, #13 and PopSci.com)

pisces
february 20- march 20

Cocoa-Banana Pancakes… they’re not just for kids anymore! These special pancakes call for cocoa powder, a dash of dreamy, topped with sweet whipped creamy. Don’t forget her favorite flower on the tray!

(Source: Food Network mag “50” article*, #11)

(Pair these scrumptious brunches with a crisp, chilly Prosecco or use the NatDecant’s wine and food pairing widget in our sidebar to match up the perfect beverage!)

resources:
*50 Pancakes and Waffles from Food Network Magazine, May 2010

**Tasting Table: Layered Effect - For the ultimate breakfast sandwich, skip the bread

GIFTS: Tarot.com has a great ideas for Mother’s Day gifts for each Sun Sign!

Wikipedia: Global history and a list of the dates for global Mom’s Day celebrations.

Your StarLites give you a quick glimpse into your strengths and weaknesses where food and exercise are concerned. Awareness is the key… you can make healthy choices and still honor your astro-influenced individuality. There’s no fun in fighting your foodie quirks, just understand yourself and make smarter choices.

aries

march 21 - april 19
ruled by: mars / status: I am

StarParts: head, face

StarLite:

• You can’t always fight illness with willpower… force yourself to rest more to keep energy charged.
• Hungry in a hurry isn’t a healthy combination, try to plan for meals ahead of time to mitigate crankiness!
• Make sure you have lots of bright color on your plate: spices and ethnic foods, or just put purple food coloring in your oatmeal!

taurus

april 20 - may 20
ruled by: venus / status: I have

StarParts: neck, throat

StarLite:

• Stick to your dogma of not being rushed and chewing slowing, they can wait.
• Explore the vast world of non-starchy vegetables, err on the green side!
• Unplug your iPod and buy a Wii or Guitar Hero to get off the sofa. Or better yet, join a community garden and grow non-starchy vegetables.
• Take the time to enjoy your practical hobbies... work is not officially a relaxation.

gemini

may 21 to june 20
ruled by: mercury / status: I think

StarParts: hands, arms, shoulders, lungs

StarLite:

• Monitor caloric intake by watching portions… all those quick meals add up!
• Make sure you’re as physically active as you are mentally; use a personal trainer (your alter-ego doesn’t count).
• Respect the “no snacking while spinning” rules at the gym.
• Increase your intake of Vitamin B complex to sustain nervous system and maintain energy.

cancer

june 21 - july 22
ruled by: the moon / status: I feel

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite:

• Go out to eat more often, you’ll be forced to eat portions.
• Add a gym extension to the kitchen and set your timer!
• Use demitasse spoons to taste test while cooking.
• Find hobbies that don’t revolve around food, I know it’s hard, but you can do it!

leo

july 23 -august 22
ruled by: the sun / status: I will

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite:

• Monitor your intake and portions of sauces, casseroles, and ice cream!
• Yes, we know you're not inclined to veggies, but force yourself to eat more colors!
• Get a personal trainer and wear Prada to the gym!

virgo

august 23 - september 22
ruled by: mercury / status: I analyze  

StarParts: intestines, colon

StarLite:

• Not too many indulgence issues here… just try to control portions of grains and starches, try eating outside of the granola box for fun!
• Lighten up on the personal perfection trip; stress will melt and life will relax.
• Embrace your nature walks by sharing them with friends, they would love to have more of your company!

libra

september 23 - october 22
ruled by: venus / status: I balance 

StarParts: kidneys, adrenal glands, lower back 

StarLite:

• Are you eating out too much?  Focus on fresh veggies and salads while at home.
• Join a walking group or find a cardio-buddy at the gym.
• Find healthy ways to cope with the stress from being alone (and that doesn’t mean making plans to go out with someone).
• Keep your spaces in serene harmony and pamper yourself regularly at the spa or golf course!

scorpio

october 23 - november 21
ruled by: mars / status: I create 

StarParts: heart, back, spine

StarLite:

• Pay close attention to what you eat; your all or nothing approach can backfire!
• Fussy eating habits cause stress, find your grey area and embrace it.
• Total emersion physical exercise is great for you… focus your passion and commitment on your health.

sagittarius

november 22 - december 21
ruled by: jupiter / status: I understand

StarParts: hips, thighs, liver

StarLite:

• Overindulgence you say! Excess sugar and fat are bad for the liver!
• Try to curb the nibbling habit – taste... but don’t eat all those carbs.
• Your innate positive outlook helps to quickly overcome illness, use it to your advantage.
• Satisfy your urge to travel, walk 2 miles a day!

capricorn

december 22 - january 19
ruled by: saturn / status: I use

StarParts: joints, knees, bones

StarLite:

• Monitor the starchy comfort food you love so much, it won’t help a gloomy mood.
• Choose more seafood restaurants by a busy harbors for light meals, it will help with a new look on life.
• The need for calcium is a no brainier for you… make sure vitamin D and magnesium are the side dishes.
• Structural and physical exercise is the prescription for those bones and joints, climb to the top of the gym!

aquarius

january 20 - february 18
ruled by: uranus / status: I know

StarParts: ankles, circulation

StarLite:

• Try harder to eat on a schedule and watch salt intake (invent a sodium level monitoring watch)!
• You can’t save the world if you don’t stay fit… exercise!
• Keep your hunger tantrums in check, your friends are immune to them!
• Make sure your weird food combinations include lots of vitamins and magnesium.

pisces

february 19 - march 20
ruled by: neptune / status: I believe

StarParts: feet, hormonal system, immune system

StarLite:

• Flip on the caution light with your intake volume on everything from bread to champagne; food does not replace love!
• Turn up your iPod while dining; creating a satisfying atmosphere will help curb caloric self-indulgence!
• Dreamers need a consistent regime of holistic fitness to care for body and soul, embrace some structure.