Australian Food Specialties

My friend Ron Passfield is from Australia. Or somewhere down under... Naturally, I'm interested in what this guy eats all day long. He looks pretty healthy to me. And he's a really nice guy, to boot!

How Susan Boyle Would Make A Squidoo Lens

Seems like everyone has seen the video and read her story by now. Susan Boyle is all the rage, a media darling, and the inspiration 'du jour' for millions. Yet, she has done what most of us could strive for - in a way that applies especially to us Squidoo lensmasters:

• She honed her craft
• She ignored the nay-sayers
• She aimed high
• She stayed true to herself
• She changed the world

Find more of my thoughts and the links to her bio and famous video on my latest post on SquidLog.com... I also created a TWTTRSTRM lens discussing what we can learn from the Susan Boyle phenomenon.

4-Days Only: Half Price Offer on One Week Marketing by PotPieGirl!

This is PotPieGirl's announcement: ____________________________________ This week marks the 6 month anniversary for One Week Marketing. Did you know there are over 1500 active One Week Marketing members out there changing their lives by learning to make money online? I think that is SO cool! Everyday I get emails from new OWM members excitedly telling me that they made their first sales online. After all their time of struggling to figure all this out, it all *finally* makes sense. And best yet, they have a PLAN to follow. However, I also get emails from folks who really, really want to be a One Week Marketing member... but they can't afford it. I've been there too... and it wasn't so long ago. I want to do something crazy and totally off the wall today to help as many people get their financial situation turned around as I can. I want to make a difference... In celebration of our 6-month anniversary, I am giving you a very special offer so YOU can become a One Week Marketing member, too. From now until 12:01 am EST on April 1, 2009 you can get the entire 5-guide One Week Marketing package for 50% off! But, only thru THIS special link: "Stimulus" Half-Price Offer: One Week Marketing, by PotPieGirl My comments: Friends - I bought this course as soon as it went live, last year - for an introductory price of $37. I would have bought it for the regular price as well ($47). I've made my investment back, many times over! I've recommended this course to my friends and some of them bought it. They're glad they did - just ask Lizzy, Susan, Bambi... Now YOU can afford it as well - the best course for making money online, using Squidoo and other free resources...50% OFF...for only $23.50! 4 days only - until 12:01 A.M., April 1, 2009! 2 years of experience packed into 5 books - step-by-step instructions on how to set up campaigns on your Squidoo lenses, blogs, or other free sites. Tons of tips from one of our most successful lensmasters, PotPieGirl. Think about it. Think hard - it's a fabulous opportunity to learn from the best, for a little over 20 bucks! Here's YOUR link for the HALF-PRICE offer: The best "Make Money Online" course for Squidoo lensmasters. I recommend it with all my heart.

My review of the One Week Marketing Course by PotPieGirl

Chef Keem’s review of “One Week Marketing” by PotPieGirl Posted using ShareThis

The Best Candy I've Ever Made. Ever.

Ladies and Gentlemen: this is it! You will start living again... Seriously, I'm smitten myself. So, I make this caramel from scratch. A smooth, melt-in-your mouth caramel. Not chewy, not hard. Smoooth. Then, I make a dark chocolate shell and fill it with a big glob of caramel. More chocolate on top (which is the bottom in an upside-down candy mold). I chill my truffles and un-mold them onto a sheet pan. The-en, I drop a little white chocolate on top and sprinkle espresso sea salt over it. Voila! Chef Keem's Espresso Sea Salt Caramel Truffles. As a food manufacturer, I usually don't eat much of my own products. I always think about the money I could get for it if I'd sell it instead. Let me tell you - I'm hard pressed to stay away from this morsel. It is so good. Look at the pics and let me know if you want some. I just might share these with ya.

I sell my candy now online. Please visit my new site: i am CHEF KEEM and so can you - and look for the candy page under "Keem's Store".

Please visit my Squidoo lens: Espresso Sea Salt Caramels - My Best Candy Ever.

The Secret of Squidoo Lensrank revealed...

by chefkeem | Create your own Cartoon at www.toondoo.com

How to buy Agasweet flavored agave nectar online!

Are you looking for an easy and secure way to order AGASWEET flavored agave nectar online? Would you like to take advantage of the BEST PRICE for AGASWEET flavored agave? Please visit my brand-new page with info on: "How to Buy Agasweet Online" What is AGASWEET? A 100% natural, pure, organic sweetener made from the juice of the agave plant, flavored with organic essential oils or pure extracts. Sounds good? Wait! There's more... The low-glycemic index rating of this delicious syrup makes it a great alternative sweetener for most diabetics and health-conscious folks concerned with their glucose intake. It won't cause an insulin spike, commonly called "sugar rush". Due to its purity, agave nectar won't crystallize like honey. No refrigeration is necessary! Perfect for cooking and baking, sweetening your coffee, tea, and even cold beverages. Again - wait, there's more... Flavored agave nectar can also be used as a healthy pancake syrup, or even as a glaze for seafood, poultry, and meats. The possibilities are endless! As Chef Keem (that's me, but you knew that...) always says - "Agasweet makes a gourmet chef out of you, with a simple squeeze or two..." The new Agasweet shopping site is up. Please stop by for a visit. Thank you! I would like to thank Squidoo lensmaster extraordinaire, Squid Angel "Squidster", for her generous assistance with coding the ordering widgets. Chef Jenni, over at "Pastry Chef Online", has been very enthusiastic with her support of my Agasweet. Check out JMField's new site for her unique approach to cooking and baking! When you have a moment, visit the incredibly resourceful blog of the "Reluctant Gourmet". Chef Jenni gave a great interview there, and I will be featured soon with my story. Thank you, all my dear readers, for your ongoing interest in my work. I appreciate your friendship so much!

Kangaroo Lasagna and Funny Animations

Unrelated, friends! This doesn't mean you'll break into funny moves after stuffing your pouch with some saucy marsupial manga... I wanna share some good stuff with you! Number one - what a fine chef he is, this Mr. Benjamin Christie! Australian to boot. Celebrity, no less. Never more than a hop or two away from a bowl of kangaroo mince, his recipes are unique and intriguing, and not too difficult to do. Check out Chef Ben's fine blog and follow him on Twitter, if you like. Number two - looky thar! No more fast food, o.k.! FUNNY ANIMATED GIFS - FunnyAnimatedGifs.net Oh boy! Can I have a few more male subscribers here... FUNNY ANIMATED GIFS - FunnyAnimatedGifs.net Click on the link to get your own animations. They're free and might enhance your pages. You know, the ones with enhancement tips...um...and others, I mean...I'm digging myself into a hole... Better stop digging.

Fabulous Discoveries - SEO Sea Salt!

Two different topics - two fabulous finds! First, a great read on why good content is important for a successful website or blog. Read this article from a fellow blogger on this site. Secondly, my most exciting food find in a long time: Espresso Brava Fusion Sea Salt! I currently work on a few new candy creations for my specialty food biz company, Sweet Venus Delights. While looking around for inspiration on something "caramel chocolate plus?", I discovered that Espresso Sea Salt seems to be the latest addition to innovative dessert dishes. We know that our President-elect enjoys Fran's Chocolates' Smoked Sea Salt Caramels in Milk Chocolate. I wrote about this on my Squidoo lens: Barack Obama's Favorite Chocolates. I personally don't like the taste of smoked salt with my chocolate, but Espresso Sea Salt is a whole 'nuther grain in the shaker! (I just made up this expression, how do you like it? LOL) It makes a lot of sense - espresso and chocolate are a very old couple. Tried and true. And salt is good with anything (except for my morning coffee), especially with caramels. Look at these pics and shopping links on my "Culinary Arts Lensography". I recommend you shop for the bulk offering - it's much cheaper. My local Central Market (in TX only) sells it for $18.99 a pound. Sounds much, but salt is not that heavy. You'll get a lot for a few bucks. I'm sure most Whole Foods Markets carry Espresso Brava Fusion Sea Salt as well. If not, they should, and will - it's that good. Sprinkle some on your dessert preparations and experiment with it on your savory dishes. It opens a whole new door of epicurean pleasures. And your mouth, too.

Holidays over - a whole new year ahead...

This year is going to be about focus - On consistent blogging. On keeping my Squidoo lenses fresh. On writing my ebook. On building my affiliate empire. On helping my Squidoo buddies. On fundraising for Operation Helmet. On loving more. Not necessarily in that order. I love you.

Be my Valentine, forever after...

Is it too early to think about Valentine's Day 2009? Maybe. Is it too early to think about personalized gifts expressing your appreciation? Never! Sure, there's a lot of fluffy junk out there that serves only one purpose - to fill the gift merchants' pockets. However, personalized gifts can be a whole 'nuther story - it's the thought, that counts, right? How about writing a love poem yourself? That "Cyrano de something" guy was pretty successful with that strategy - look it up! (Hint: Steve Martin) ;-) Then, send it in a gorgeous glass bottle to your honey! Engraved jewelry, silver boxes, hearts on a key chain - all great stuff! But guess what... Now they deliver absolutely fabulous gourmet meals (several courses) to your doorstep - all you do is heat them in your oven. No planning, shopping, prepping, cooking, serving, washing dishes - which makes these packages quite a bargain! I made a page with lots of tips on personalized (Valentine) gifts. Some require a little bit of planning ahead - so go and check them out soon. Chef Keem's Personalized Gift Ideas

Cooking Disasters - Part 1

That reminds me of the day when I cooked seafood samples for a large in-store audience at Whole Foods Market. I flipped 2 full pans simultaneously (with greasy hands) and they both slipped out of my grip and sailed smack-dab into the shocked crowd, splashing mahi-mahi all over their shoes. (I am now self-employed.) Bonnie made a fabulous lens about "Cooking Disasters"!

Christmas Eve - aren't we forgetting something?

Ironically, the last thing we want to think about on Christmas Eve is death, murder, danger, bombs, children screaming in pain, and the like...right? But we should make it a priority. Especially on Christmas. These brutal realities of war are daily occurrences for many thousands of our fathers, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters in Iraq and Afghanistan. How can we possibly enjoy a peaceful Holiday without a mere thought or prayer for our troops? How can we possibly form the right thoughts in our minds without being thoroughly informed about the realities of life for our loved ones in arms? On this Christmas Eve of 2008, I made a Squidoo lens with war videos by Casey Porter. He took it upon himself to show us what's really going on in Iraq, by letting the soldiers and images speak for themselves. Watch these videos! It's the least you can do for our troops - as a Christmas present. Stop the loss - Iraq war realities on video. Photo courtesy of takomabibelot. Thank you.

Thank you for the dance, JaguarJulie!

Merry Christmas, dear Squidoo buddies!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

George Eckrich has vegan problems!

George is a master baker - he developed the wonderful Whole Foods Market bread bakery! A few years later, he brought an outstanding product to America: Dr. Kracker flat breads. Originally created in Germany by Dr. Karg, these healthy crackers can now be found in almost every supermarket across the USA. Good for George, and good for us, of course! George Eckrich and I both live in Austin, Texas and we're friends. This super-friendly guy has helped me a lot with good advice, over the years. George knows bread. Trust me on that one. Some time ago, I had made a Squidoo lens on Dr. Krackers. Meanwhile, George has picked up a vegan life style and he wrote a candid article about it. So, I made a new Squidoo page featuring George's experiences and I'd like for you to take a look: Dr. Krackers and George Eckrich

Learn "Spanish" in under 60 seconds. Really!

Ready? Go! Say... S as in "Scam" P as in "Put-on" A as in "Asinine" N as in "Nonsense" I as in "Idiot-proof" S as in "@&%#" H as in "Hey, this ain't funny!" There. Learned it. It takes a liiiitle bit longer to make a Squidoo lens. It takes no time at all to make a Squidoo Zazzle Gallery Showcase!

The Temperer's New Clothes

Nice cooking clothes - don't you think? Wrong! A hot oil splash would singe through them leopard patches quicker than you can say "meow"! I know it's hard to shed the "little black one" for a stiff chefs coat, but Miss Keemie has the solution for you: Shop at Chef Keem's new fancy chef apparel page. That was easy, wudn't it? It's pretty incredible what you can find these days on the chefs clothing market. Of course, these "European-style" "Bistro" "Executive" "Asymmetric" "Pullover" (!) rags won't make a great cook out of a burger flipper, but it sure 's nice to pretend... Go take a look: Chef Wear and Cooking Clothes

Come - Thing a Thong...

Photo courtesy of grendelkhan. Thank you. A thong contest is a beautiful thing! Sometimes, the music is so loud that nobody will notice your lisp. I wonder what moron came up with the idea to put an "s" in the word "lisp", anyway. Even though I find a lisp cute and/or funny, I would never make fun of the person having a lisp. Especially, if they are depressed about it. I made a somewhat confusing lens, playing around with the words "thong" and "song". It might be a fun experiment to see how the search robots react to this. I can't wait! A Thong is a Beautiful Thing

Aging Rock Star - I'm talking about me...

Before this year is over, I wanted to look back - 40 years ago... I played in a semi-professional Top 40 band in Munich, Germany. Most of our gigs were for American soldiers stationed in one of the military bases in our area. We played rock, soul, R & B, you name it. We didn't play very good, but everyone drank a lot of beer and that made our music sound acceptable, I guess. Our band was called 'The Penny Dreadful": Josef - drums, vocals Harro - bass, vocals Juergen - keyboards, vocals Bernd, Andy, Rolf, Harry (one at a time, over the course of 4 years) - guitar Achim (Chef Keem) - keyboards, saxophone, percussion, vocals Earlier this year, my former band mates organized a reunion. They all played together again - without me, I'm in Texas now. My friends sent me pictures. I post one here, next to a black & white image from a contact print of our band promo material. It's amazing to look at these side by side, and wonder what happened with 40 years' worth of time. I'm looking at our old band pictures and it feels like it all happened...well...40 years ago. (In case you were wondering - I'm the second from the right in those old prints.)

2008 Giant Squid Awards - May I ask for your vote, please!

Would you please take a minute - wait, in all honesty, it'll take about 5 minutes - and cast your vote for the 2008 Giant Squid Awards? I am humbled and honored by my 3 nominations: Best Baking Lens - "Best Peach Cobbler Recipe" Best Lensography - "Chef Keem :: My Lensography" Giant of the Year - "Chef Keem" What can I say? There are so many deserving lenses and lensmasters - it's hard to make a single selection. On the other hand - you know what you like. And if that happens to be one of my lenses, or my personality for the Giant Award, I'd appreciate your vote in deep gratitude. Main thing - vote. Please. Thank you.