tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41452145411507151162024-03-05T04:08:54.737-06:00Smart CookingVagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-10118746559869380062012-06-18T15:33:00.000-05:002012-06-18T16:28:09.343-05:00Where Love Grows<br />
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<span class="huge"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Proust</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> It
was 2005 and at forty-five I’d finally fallen in love and moved to
Texas to be with the love of my life. This would be a big adjustment for
a city girl like me. John supported my decision to give up my almost 20
year job in retail to become a homemaker and take time to explore my
creative interests. I wanted to cook, bake from scratch, write my
masterpiece, garden, craft, do yoga and put retail management on the
shelf for a while to discover more of who I was inside. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> My
main priority quickly became learning all I would need to know to get
our food choices in line with our health goals. I read, researched
experimented and developed a plan of action. We would eat fresh foods in
season, prepared simply in moderate proportions. We would eat smaller
meals more often and make our meals interesting and delicious. In no way
were we prepared to sacrifice our love of trying new foods, fine wines
and sweet treats. We were determined to find that balance between our
health and quality of life while never losing the pure joy we find in
eating all kinds of foods. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> Forward to February 2010 John and I
began talking about Valentines Day gifties. We had been learning about
how the food we buy is sourced, reading Michael Pollan and realizing
that the next step in our evolution would be to choose ingredients we
felt were clean and ethically produced. To that end we decided that
since Valentines Day is about our hearts, we would build beds and plant
each other a garden that would care for and nurture our bodies and
souls. I could think of no better gift. John built the beds and we
prepared them for crops. He’d grown up in Ohio and his family had
gardened every year so he was very familiar with what would follow. I
grew up in Manhattan and did not know the first thing about what I was
in store for. I did remember that my first year with John we planted a
tomato and a squash plant and the feeling of bringing something into the
kitchen that I had grown was so rewarding. I took photos as if we’d had
a baby.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> With
limited knowledge and unlimited enthusiasm I set out to comb the
Internet for information. It’s funny sometimes you don’t know what you
don’t know till you know it. I looked up planting layouts but forgot to
look up planting schedules. I planted summer kale and broccoli, which I
eventually found out are crops that thrive in cool weather. I learned
what happen when you don’t get the composters ratio balance correct (its
not pretty). I learned those pretty Disney like white moths will, if
unchecked, decimate my crops. On the other hand I learned that the pesto
I create from my own basil will transport me to herbal ecstasy and that
my non ending crop of cucumbers will provide succulent bread and butter
pickles that I will be enjoying all winter long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> During
this process I made a serendipitous connection between my twitter
account and my inaugural gardening endeavor. I love it when two hobbies
collide and both are made more enjoyable by the collision. I discovered a
community, gardeners of all sorts sharing information and helpful
hints. There were vegetable gardeners Landscapers, community activist
gardeners and cooking enthusiasts like me, making the move to grow their
own. I met some friends who deal with the unsung finer points of making
ones garden a success, providing tools, seeds, fertilizer and décor. I
learned of the magical properties of Moo Poo Tea, which insects were my
friends, which were foes and how be an obgyn for squash blossoms when
the bees never showed up to pollinate them.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">John built these tiered strawberry beds</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> My first
year with a garden has provided me with more than just fresh
vegetables. I have gained new friends, a feeling of accomplishment and
the knowledge that anyone can stretch their boundaries beyond their own
definitions of who they are and become what they dream of being. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-40934644180732397322012-06-14T21:34:00.000-05:002012-06-15T18:55:08.441-05:00Exploring The Navette, Lavender and Orange Flower Water: A Taste of Provence<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span>Some people like to paint pictures, or do gardening, or build a boat
in the basement. Other people get a tremendous pleasure out of the
kitchen, because cooking is just as creative and imaginative an activity
as drawing, or wood carving, or music. ~Julia Child</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> The day had arrived John and I
were actually in Provence. How many times had I imagined what it would be like
to walk in the footsteps of Van Gogh and Cezanne? Today it was happening it
was me touring the coliseum in Arles, smelling the lavender and people watching
at the local café. We wandered the maze
of age old streets lined with shops where seas of napkins and tablecloths bright
with the blues, reds and yellows of Provence seemed to wave a greeting and bid
me to come in. Was everything more vibrant more charming and more delicious in
the South of France or was I just excited beyond belief to actually be experiencing
Arles, Aix en Provence and Cassis for the first time? The answer is probably a
little bit of both. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> It wasn’t long before our love of
cooking and food in general led us to the rich and abundant delicacies
available in the area. I was impressed by the French sensibility about food.
They shop daily for fresh seasonal offerings at a myriad of local farmers
markets that set up on a rotating schedule all over the region. Each shopper
knows on what day and in what town each market takes place. The vendors pay
close attention to the quality of their products and the look of their stalls. Never have I seen more
appealing displays of epicurean delights than I have in France.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> While exploring Arles I met a
woman running a small patisserie who, amused and entertained by my wide eyed
enthusiasm for her baked goods, introduced me to a traditional local
cookie-biscuit called the Navette. I found the delicious lavender navettes to
be much like Provence itself, beautiful, with a colorful history and carrying a
hint of the signature lavender scent. They were a bit harder than a cookie with a slightly chewy quality. They were not what I had expected but I enjoyed the flavor. She explained to me what I was tasting and why it was significant to the culture of Provence. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Legend has it that Saint Marie arrived
in a row boat on the shores of France near Marseille without a sail or an oar. The
boat shaped cookie is said to have been developed in the late seventeenth
century to commemorate that arrival and is closely tied to local Catholic
tradition, so much so that the navette was blessed by the local Archbishop and
to this day carries with it a sense of reverence and tradition. Interestingly enough the word navette translates
to the word shuttle and I can see how the biscuit resembles a weaver’s shuttle. I don't know if there is any history behind that reference but I'd love to find out someday.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Our next stop turned out to land
on market day in the magical port village of Cassis. I scurried through the
small cobblestone streets toward the cheeses, breads, olives and charcuterie
that I knew lay just blocks away. Nothing it seemed could stop me unless of
course it was the cookie shop I passed along the way. I stopped short my eyes
fixed on rows and rows of neatly stacked cookies and I was drawn into the large
welcoming entry, the order and elegance of the cookie displays and the intoxicating
smell. I did get to the market that morning
after a brief pause to sample the local navettes. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span>I
decided then and there that I would bake these special biscuit style cookies when I
returned home. Today is the day I experiment with a small batch of lavender navettes.
I bake and cook all the time but this is a new type of recipe for me and I
wonder if my home version will even slightly measure up to those I enjoyed in
France. Maybe my enjoyment was wrapped up in the entire experience. Maybe my
technique and recipe will improve with practice. Maybe sharing this recipe will encourage others
to step out of their own culinary comfort zone. Maybe sharing this special
moment in my life through food is what matters most. ...Maybe I’ll add
orange zest and a few drops of orange flower water to some butter to serve with the navettes.
hmmmm maybe. </span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Navettes</u></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> 3
cups AP flour (plus a bit more)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1/8 tsp salt </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp baking powder (powder not soda)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3
Tbs softened butter</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">3/4 cup sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">2 eggs </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1
TBS orange Flower Water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">¼
cup water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">1½
TBS culinary lavender </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(don’t overdo the lavender it can taste soapy if
overused)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u>The
Dough</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Add
the lavender and salt to the flour and set aside</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cream
the softened butter with the sugar in a mixer</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> (I used the kitchen aid)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Add
the eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Add
the orange flour water and water </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Slowly
add the flour lavender salt mixture </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(Low
enough speed so the flour doesn’t fly everywhere)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Raise
speed to med till all ingredients are incorporated</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The
mixed dough will look sticky but be fairly easy to scoop out with a bench
scrape.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If
needed add bit flour a bit at a time till it gets dryer and you can handle it. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Divide
the dough into 12 equal balls add flour if you need it</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">(Just
enough to keep it from sticking to you hands)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Shape
each ball into navette shape (oval with pinched ends)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Indent
the top (deeply) lengthwise</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">you can make them smaller and have more navettes if you wish </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> <u>Baking
The Navettes</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Preheat
oven to 350 degrees</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Brush
tops of navettes with an egg wash</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Bake
for about 20-25 minutes or until a light golden brown</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Cool
on cookie sheet.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU8V8tyTU1xwUg1J19EaNkWCSuqQfjbN3odJFByHsTSUC-cDWAOFkmGJMyp61wa2sOqmoMc8ucSeTCApmaXPjDx16w-mOptb1e0eVahSjq0wQiW017i_ytdzdTQPTYx_h4KZFU1lV2R5T/s1600/IMG_0377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWU8V8tyTU1xwUg1J19EaNkWCSuqQfjbN3odJFByHsTSUC-cDWAOFkmGJMyp61wa2sOqmoMc8ucSeTCApmaXPjDx16w-mOptb1e0eVahSjq0wQiW017i_ytdzdTQPTYx_h4KZFU1lV2R5T/s400/IMG_0377.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Tip
of the day: I was delighted to use orange flower water for the
first time. I highly recommend adding a bit of this fragrant water to add a
special twist to favorite recipes. I can’t wait to try it in my French toast batter,
in my crepes and my cookie recipes. No matter how much time you spend in the kitchen
there is always more to learn and more experimenting to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I’ll keep practicing with the navettes and I’m
willing to travel back to Provence for a lesson anytime</span></div>
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<br /></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-46859724638161093182012-05-25T13:21:00.000-05:002012-05-25T14:46:11.402-05:00Focaccia Pizza for our Memorial Day Road Trip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and
adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek
them with our eyes open." -- Jawaharal Nehru<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-ChYKG-HD9aTXIUN3zM7KPl-oMlUpJvHOQ4Q-CBo9CkpHisNpLjmVzACpS6gDd3TpH2v2BFPr6VUF-aNzmWG1AfwlAGhfI17-4egyy1nTk5GtXvmq-Sq-Hh-EyqKxuzgD51909ln2SeQ/s1600/A+DSC_0561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ-ChYKG-HD9aTXIUN3zM7KPl-oMlUpJvHOQ4Q-CBo9CkpHisNpLjmVzACpS6gDd3TpH2v2BFPr6VUF-aNzmWG1AfwlAGhfI17-4egyy1nTk5GtXvmq-Sq-Hh-EyqKxuzgD51909ln2SeQ/s640/A+DSC_0561.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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We are headed out this evening on a road trip to California’s
Central Coast for the Memorial Day weekend. For us travel, exploration and adventure
have become a way of life. Every trip however brief is an opportunity to meet
new friends, discover new towns and gaze in awe at nature’s beauty all around
us. </div>
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<br /></div>
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When we take off on these weekend getaways we usually leave
after work on a Friday evening. It has become a tradition of ours to pack a
picnic dinner to enjoy on the way. Over time
I have become quite creative with ideas that will work well on car trips. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwKN_fIEoi2LisE_lgY4YbxOsLI6K0auMQFjky2r6-mUjQBopS7yD8A788GktqsZRPDoe4d7fUXSGp2lML7rohTHhH8bu95JTCDp_cw_DSji8MMOEBS4NXQqcxmHySaUK4cYq2x0WhAYG/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOwKN_fIEoi2LisE_lgY4YbxOsLI6K0auMQFjky2r6-mUjQBopS7yD8A788GktqsZRPDoe4d7fUXSGp2lML7rohTHhH8bu95JTCDp_cw_DSji8MMOEBS4NXQqcxmHySaUK4cYq2x0WhAYG/s640/DSC_0438.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A splendid setting for a road trip picnic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We always pack an assortment of nuts, dried fruit,
homemade cookies and the ever popular carrot sticks but we try to keep our snack choices
ever changing and tasty. I’ve baked kale chips, sweet potato chips, prepared fresh
almond butter on celery sticks and popped popcorn. One of the handiest most
enjoyed road trip dinners has been the focaccia pizza. Baking the focaccia is
quite easy and provides a blank canvas to any topping that suits your fancy. This
trip I’ll bake the pizza topped with caramelized onion, sun dried tomato, artichoke hearts and sauteed spinach with garlic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: I like to caramelize the onion in advance and set it
aside. It requires cooking at low slow pace to really make it turn out
perfectly. </div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Focaccia</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.5 cups warm water
+1.5 TBS (extra water needed when I use part wheat flour)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 tablespoon
yeast </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.25 teaspoon salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tablespoon
olive oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 cups AP flour </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.5 cups white wheat
flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
¼ teaspoon cayenne
pepper (to taste)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ teaspoon of your favorite herbs (oregano,
thyme, rosemary or any Italian combo)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 tablespoons
grated Parmesan (add it right into the dough)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mix all above ingredients together (I use the kitchen aid
mixer) till combined</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When mixed I place dough on an oiled (olive) ¼ sheet pan
(9X13)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This dough is wetter and softer than other types of dough</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I use a spatula to get it on the baking sheet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also put olive oil on my hands to keep the dough from
sticking to me as I spread it out evenly covering the baking sheet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cover with plastic wrap and let it rise (about one hour)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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After it rises I make indentations with my fingers and drizzle
a bit more olive oil on top.</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeayPtGMVzQbEkXcrXC7lULMBKvEIMZb0sVnpjpWNHS-CQzx0HChHd_8wJKjmu_eX-hwj0xNHksMUJCKAtHdqH_aAZg1A0cZ1_6TDajBCKL3KU3KSYLYOaDm1wKCkHc8nFi22EAdrvNjbk/s1600/DSC_0565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeayPtGMVzQbEkXcrXC7lULMBKvEIMZb0sVnpjpWNHS-CQzx0HChHd_8wJKjmu_eX-hwj0xNHksMUJCKAtHdqH_aAZg1A0cZ1_6TDajBCKL3KU3KSYLYOaDm1wKCkHc8nFi22EAdrvNjbk/s320/DSC_0565.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<u><span style="text-decoration: none;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="text-decoration: none;">I </span>artfully place my toppings on the dough and place in a 375
degree oven till done</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUekYkehxZTT5vL1AO3piZXPYS9v9YvXOpW1v9DfgbA0CUiZ8ztnzwdKTx3cJkQhGhJcwDTzCPgriduqwUNqCWlBW0NpfSGGT0HCHdIPQiY7I3A9wbWSm7lvV1TgPS2Fk84uBbYUkFdcZ/s1600/A+DSC_0567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSUekYkehxZTT5vL1AO3piZXPYS9v9YvXOpW1v9DfgbA0CUiZ8ztnzwdKTx3cJkQhGhJcwDTzCPgriduqwUNqCWlBW0NpfSGGT0HCHdIPQiY7I3A9wbWSm7lvV1TgPS2Fk84uBbYUkFdcZ/s200/A+DSC_0567.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before adding cheese </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4_Upr1K7N_jI0dZNdYT102uIVfWi30Yvx2q44EzTscLAnuskcLl1kYQrpMSKOw4z9uT4s6qGQjNxmhWMrcpt5AxFwedcWyrQRaJzcCWmKHbbp989yaKo7LYEa-KQUB2Y2ssjktvMVXbL/s1600/A+DSC_0571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW4_Upr1K7N_jI0dZNdYT102uIVfWi30Yvx2q44EzTscLAnuskcLl1kYQrpMSKOw4z9uT4s6qGQjNxmhWMrcpt5AxFwedcWyrQRaJzcCWmKHbbp989yaKo7LYEa-KQUB2Y2ssjktvMVXbL/s200/A+DSC_0571.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After adding the cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<u>Today’s toppings</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ cup artichoke hearts </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1,5 cups fresh spinach (I sautéed with garlic)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 red onion (caramelized)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
½ cup sun dried tomatoes (I chop and sprinkle)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 cup shredded Mozzarella </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I bake the pizza for 35-40 minutes till perfectly done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Total Coast: around $10.00</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TdyiQDVlWQm-lsZAKtzRIpPTnwtwdmytDD15tzVlG4xejkKlvisruy64CxBz4VRhZq6_PI4XG0mMOfIzOO_ZRQ8rtt1kiMKEwEO8sfymEuUtKFTk61yzKZ-OcwzLsUOxANJdaW6D20zj/s1600/A+DSC_0576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TdyiQDVlWQm-lsZAKtzRIpPTnwtwdmytDD15tzVlG4xejkKlvisruy64CxBz4VRhZq6_PI4XG0mMOfIzOO_ZRQ8rtt1kiMKEwEO8sfymEuUtKFTk61yzKZ-OcwzLsUOxANJdaW6D20zj/s640/A+DSC_0576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This pizza is a great alternative to the classic sandwich
and very adaptable to any occasion. When we travel I don’t use meat on the
pizza but when I serve it at home I experiment with all kinds of toppings. If I
have house guests I adapt the topping to include scrambled eggs and bacon
crumbles topped with cheddar cheese for an easy fresh and unique breakfast
offering. The roasted veggie version would even pair splendidly with a classic
Italian dinner.</div>
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As you decide how to spend this Memorial Day weekend
consider a picnic and consider this pizza. Whether you travel to a National
Park, local fields of wildflowers or you simply venture into your own backyard,
get friends and family together and delight in each others company. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7smc59u9yhe5V6xWOBJ_0L1A-kJqBBPGvUCfjjBe2ySO1Y_g481HJ7ibbyK-f3-7wCLzoGev1GBo0OoFgyz4q0CpRiUaF9GtvpJCRX-d391exP63Fy6gyMRrZy8LvD9KZ4cE0d7XBEZ9t/s1600/DSC_0370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7smc59u9yhe5V6xWOBJ_0L1A-kJqBBPGvUCfjjBe2ySO1Y_g481HJ7ibbyK-f3-7wCLzoGev1GBo0OoFgyz4q0CpRiUaF9GtvpJCRX-d391exP63Fy6gyMRrZy8LvD9KZ4cE0d7XBEZ9t/s640/DSC_0370.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy
Memorial Day & Happy picnicking </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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</div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-2129882486004812952011-06-16T20:39:00.000-05:002011-06-16T20:39:29.288-05:00Pork Tenderloin With A Cherry Zinfandel Reduction<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N3U7K4IKksiZtgOjF_50jL8wftgCBxd6Lyd2wP5b1NJC3Rg8_VDOG7ugU0bIFGwDDF61znGNMw079Hzo7LPHC9iMuDerLYeG61Al95Kj6Y8I0RdcsIGO6MgTt9z1tgsiEt-vgCGoXBw2/s1600/DSC_0683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="449" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6N3U7K4IKksiZtgOjF_50jL8wftgCBxd6Lyd2wP5b1NJC3Rg8_VDOG7ugU0bIFGwDDF61znGNMw079Hzo7LPHC9iMuDerLYeG61Al95Kj6Y8I0RdcsIGO6MgTt9z1tgsiEt-vgCGoXBw2/s640/DSC_0683.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> In</span><span style="font-size: large;"> the past few weeks sweet and juicy cherries have been appearing, ripe and ready to devour at Farmer’s markets and grocery stores all over southern California. We always try to buy fresh local food when it’s in season and at this time of year the variety of produce makes cooking and meal planning a dream.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This week I returned from the farmers market with my own bag of ruby red cherries ready to be devoured. I tossed around recipe ideas vacillating between sweet and savory delights and then in a moment I knew just what I wanted to prepare.</span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span> <div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> As I watched my husband pour himself a glass of zinfandel my plan began to unfold. In a matter of moments I knew my cherries were destined to become part of a sweet savory pork tenderloin bathed in a cherry and zinfandel reduction.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Olive oil (to coat pan)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">½<span> </span>yellow onion (diced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup zinfandel</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 cup washed stemmed pitted cherries (diced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 tablespoons Apple balsamic vinegar </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(or any balsamic)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 tsp sugar (to taste)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">herbs ( like rosemary and Thyme</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">¼<span> </span>tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For The Reduction </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add olive oil to pan </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cook on low to medium flame till almost translucent (not brown)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then add cherries and cook a minute or three</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add zinfandel ( use a wine you would not mind drinking)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Raise flame higher and reduce to about half </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add S&P to taste and adjust if needed</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For the tenderloin marinade</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">¼ cup zinfandel</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2-4 tbs olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">S&P</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Herbs ( I like rosemary and thyme)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Garlic to taste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mix well add tenderloin</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Place in shallow dish or zip top bag </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I placed the bag with the tenderloin and marinade in fridge(fridge a must) for 2-3 hours.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJIxCtoFKswzcyuecVuO0IhSeWvZnyDO6zNIzjeAJGpQqtXUxJ4Z-q3-gNhht_51dgurL_znDhVRZOO1ZJ4RkFZidOY82LrF77jqM_J-CPBEVnWuc3LeGZ8QFADUC-SX4j3xXmgFDcWDQ/s1600/DSC_0687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkJIxCtoFKswzcyuecVuO0IhSeWvZnyDO6zNIzjeAJGpQqtXUxJ4Z-q3-gNhht_51dgurL_znDhVRZOO1ZJ4RkFZidOY82LrF77jqM_J-CPBEVnWuc3LeGZ8QFADUC-SX4j3xXmgFDcWDQ/s400/DSC_0687.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning to brown toe tenderloin</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">To cook tenderloin </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Heat a heavy bottom (le creuset type oven-safe dutch oven)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add olive oil to coat bottom</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Remove tenderloin from marinade</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> brown on all sides in dutch oven</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">when all sides are browned</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add 1/2 cup zinfandel and water or broth combined</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">Place in a preheated 350 degree oven till done</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">internal temp of 160 degrees (per USDA)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(while pork cooks warm up your cherry zinfandel topping)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveapzYNTiUOzS7qF3YNn1TyWmvwdTb7HeasLkhRMrSz7Y-mPrMZEOPXeSpbLJYGxsddnp92XbCQlUWc97VIpQuCvoOsEEevL1wmNjusjV0KVofEynsP-4EeSGHxUE0X0F353ItXrTPrit/s1600/DSC_0694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveapzYNTiUOzS7qF3YNn1TyWmvwdTb7HeasLkhRMrSz7Y-mPrMZEOPXeSpbLJYGxsddnp92XbCQlUWc97VIpQuCvoOsEEevL1wmNjusjV0KVofEynsP-4EeSGHxUE0X0F353ItXrTPrit/s640/DSC_0694.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After resting the pork </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(always rest the meat or you will lose the moisture)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">slice and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> top with heated cherry zinfandel reduction</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">About $10-$17 dollars for this special treat including leftovers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-56974961190837352442011-06-06T21:28:00.001-05:002011-06-06T21:33:07.255-05:00Spicy Asian Noodles At Home: Yes You Can<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4J7tZyeK4ZA_7BhJhEqc0ztBldqNkVIXz5Tt8AirEKxtNBLjacrCHqnJXoYBN3U68baSowfFhpBCw3Zs5aHkYevQO9IH18S133ycWCUhK4nGMvGVzjVhwIzk5roJRKBFxE3vI1udtI1n/s1600/0119+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4J7tZyeK4ZA_7BhJhEqc0ztBldqNkVIXz5Tt8AirEKxtNBLjacrCHqnJXoYBN3U68baSowfFhpBCw3Zs5aHkYevQO9IH18S133ycWCUhK4nGMvGVzjVhwIzk5roJRKBFxE3vI1udtI1n/s640/0119+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I inherited my love of Chinese food from my father. I grew up going to our local Chinese restaurant the Harbin Inn on 100<sup>th</sup> Street and Broadway almost every week. As I grew my travels took me all over the world and eventually led me to spend some time living in Hawaii. Why, with all that exposure to Asian influenced cooking was it so difficult to travel to my local Asian market and pick up the ingredients necessary to create one of my favorite ethnic foods at home?</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It was not until I was in my thirties that I began to experiment with unusual labels and ask questions about various exotic sounding ingredients. Through experimentation I found I had been missing out on some wonderful flavors. Since then I have made a point of putting together several delicious and economical Asian meals I can prepare in very little time. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I urge everyone to take a trip to the Asian markets, talk to the vendors and try something new. More and more supermarkets are including larger ethnic departments so if there is no Asian market in your area explore your local grocery store. I’ll bet there is more available than you realize.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #660000;"> </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0_V5dzzUdgFGwKLjW-5H3S5GUt1Yz_HDcj0QTE5uC0BpbDRNVzPyK94d5inVP9B08VLF5r63auuGary5gf1RE4gy33cRA5oEJYqLBivkRmnBBFsk7Y7VMS-V9ZYjypY74f4JgfX-ENZL/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0_V5dzzUdgFGwKLjW-5H3S5GUt1Yz_HDcj0QTE5uC0BpbDRNVzPyK94d5inVP9B08VLF5r63auuGary5gf1RE4gy33cRA5oEJYqLBivkRmnBBFsk7Y7VMS-V9ZYjypY74f4JgfX-ENZL/s400/DSC_0471.JPG" width="237" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have fallen in love with this product called spicy chili crisp</span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">½ olive oil and ½ sesame oil to coat pan (whatever is on hand is OK)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">½ large head of cabbage (shredded)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 med yellow onion (diced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 carrots thinly sliced</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 rib of celery diced</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">¼ cup diced red peppers ~about ½ of a pepper (optional)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1 baby bok choy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">3-6 cloves of garlic ~to taste (minced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1-teaspoon approx Chinese chili sauce </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(to taste as some will find it hot)</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">S&P to taste</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZkS03goSmI2U8i8rT-KzNjkSd8C-RUFTIn7bzbnV1aXqodtADA3TMo3pdPyFqUNRuCgPQS98iixFiJuV36HKocd2w37DDh5Ao90c694kOZKoGLL1WRh9xZkcp6zr88pDJHd_CxcfALsk/s1600/veggies+0007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZkS03goSmI2U8i8rT-KzNjkSd8C-RUFTIn7bzbnV1aXqodtADA3TMo3pdPyFqUNRuCgPQS98iixFiJuV36HKocd2w37DDh5Ao90c694kOZKoGLL1WRh9xZkcp6zr88pDJHd_CxcfALsk/s400/veggies+0007.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Beginning to cook the veggies</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">place the oil in a large skillet </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add the onion to pan and cook till almost translucent</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add the garlic and cook one more minute </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add the cabbage, carrots and bok choy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">cook down till all are soft</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add soy sauce (any kind you wish 2-4 Tbs) (to taste)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add Chinese chili sauce </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(I use the one pictured below)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(invest in a trip to the Asian market or international aisle of your grocery store)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add cooked noodles to the veggie mix and let them soak up the flavors </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">continue to stir and mix the veggies with the noodles</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"> (I made my own noodles but use any kind you are comfortable with maybe try several till you find a few you love) I used my standby pasta noodle recipe.</span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;">Total around $5.00 for this trip across the globe</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuwmUOdFkLYSHMSShDJR7phHnzG1Ti1a9HOcGp8Eqiqu88xWeqM3wM7itblUrAtZG4ejhvD8I5hf0bLcFfwOL-n0vCL7poKOd4XF17GwmFjcQL_3-5KpuGvY1sijVfv2yx5ZhVsPrHJ0C/s1600/DSC_0438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVuwmUOdFkLYSHMSShDJR7phHnzG1Ti1a9HOcGp8Eqiqu88xWeqM3wM7itblUrAtZG4ejhvD8I5hf0bLcFfwOL-n0vCL7poKOd4XF17GwmFjcQL_3-5KpuGvY1sijVfv2yx5ZhVsPrHJ0C/s400/DSC_0438.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ready To Serve</span></td></tr>
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</div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-80571670962115893112011-05-10T18:56:00.002-05:002011-05-10T19:03:02.377-05:00Sharing Seasonality ..It's Just That Easy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Eg2jqG-BSXJRlO6PpCcI5Ho9zGbnaH6rQwLbfBu2xaPN5-Bu_n7-3YI0E9mIX8HXSJ7GZb96U2hHlqJz1V4sth4R8hSkA-bVz9AqPF92cheFifSdoL2A4621MpK6_bPCs6iGFBQn0DPQ/s1600/DSC_0224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Eg2jqG-BSXJRlO6PpCcI5Ho9zGbnaH6rQwLbfBu2xaPN5-Bu_n7-3YI0E9mIX8HXSJ7GZb96U2hHlqJz1V4sth4R8hSkA-bVz9AqPF92cheFifSdoL2A4621MpK6_bPCs6iGFBQn0DPQ/s400/DSC_0224.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> A delicious, filling and reasonably priced meal does not have to be an impossible dream. Spring and summer provide a multitude of fresh seasonal produce literally ripe for the picking. I love the versatility that just a few simple ingredients can provide. At our house, we have developed a love for the taste and texture of home made pasta. Tonight pasta becomes a perfect yet simple complement to our roasted vegetables. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Whenever I’m kneading dough or creating noodles I think of all the families who would so enjoy making pasta together. As a child I loved spending time in the kitchen baking and cooking with my great grandmother. She had a collection of pans and kitchen tools that were just my size and I felt so special helping her. I would love to see more families gathered in the kitchen creating meals and memories. More importantly it would be an excellent opportunity for parents to teach their children a respect food. They could learn where their comes from and how important proper nutrition is while enjoying time spent with Mom and Dad. …And yes….it is just that easy</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkfZo6k4v2p8J0MaLn4zOcOUDBZiAkHoXsU8ZPmfx_1sIKnSJtcv5Wlu_4MdB774HD5tCCXza35RWgPM1elZcr5IYiR6fh_NOlf9S3VpE307ygwlSLPJ0iaNZ5bYu8ovEezv9mGMPugzD/s1600/DSC_0233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkfZo6k4v2p8J0MaLn4zOcOUDBZiAkHoXsU8ZPmfx_1sIKnSJtcv5Wlu_4MdB774HD5tCCXza35RWgPM1elZcr5IYiR6fh_NOlf9S3VpE307ygwlSLPJ0iaNZ5bYu8ovEezv9mGMPugzD/s400/DSC_0233.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">For the pasta</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.5 cups flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">a splash or two of olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">healthy pinch of salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(2-4 teaspoons of water *)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">mix by hand or in a food processor</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">*add just enough water for the dough ball to come together</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">wrap dough in plastic wrap & place in fridge for a least an hour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">then either roll out and cut (on a lightly floured surface)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">or use a pasta machine to create your noodles.</span></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizCRnnwQn5EiO437n1pqV6iRkXRVQmn_d-UYaHAWu0qyyM9snUjcvEDQ_z_ry9ixsxil63w1JJT34UyfKkmSt4Uf8JlPu9gbnSNqR3a33GSglOHZS9ZGq1kw-QJCR9Bt29ds2XvkNL-iS/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizCRnnwQn5EiO437n1pqV6iRkXRVQmn_d-UYaHAWu0qyyM9snUjcvEDQ_z_ry9ixsxil63w1JJT34UyfKkmSt4Uf8JlPu9gbnSNqR3a33GSglOHZS9ZGq1kw-QJCR9Bt29ds2XvkNL-iS/s400/DSC_0228.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">for the veggies</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">toss the </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">diced Zucchini</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">sliced onion </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">slit Cherry tomatoes </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">in a bit of olive oil </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">salt and pepper & red pepper flake (to taste)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">place on a sheet pan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">in a 350 degree oven</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">till soft and slightly caramelized </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">boil the pasta to cook 2-3 min</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(it will cook much faster than dry pasta)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add noodles to the veggie pan and toss</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(add a bit of the pasta water too)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">snip some basil from the garden</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">tear it into pieces and add a palmful to the pasta</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">drizzle with olive oil </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add some fresh oregano</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and ½ cup grated cheese</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I like romano or Parmesan </span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: #783f04;">(experiment with other hard Italian cheese too)</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbhFSG8GNihPTYUNccBIdwiCUXXhqZn3wALWbFHvtszl4C9jW9xw0xWbfLVNnLtPVeGDp02mHHanNylP2DkCxkFS95XMl3OJAltDIGvR5g8TU9VdiAcxAGkCzaF2laKN-AV7_xVxouPoo/s1600/DSC_0240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikbhFSG8GNihPTYUNccBIdwiCUXXhqZn3wALWbFHvtszl4C9jW9xw0xWbfLVNnLtPVeGDp02mHHanNylP2DkCxkFS95XMl3OJAltDIGvR5g8TU9VdiAcxAGkCzaF2laKN-AV7_xVxouPoo/s400/DSC_0240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Total under $5.00 for this simple but satisfying meal </span></span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-34961933214021275612011-05-06T15:09:00.000-05:002011-05-06T15:09:52.685-05:00Baked Blossoms of spring<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkihub3MsStSndhymcOOB2qz2OH1EHZqjlYjGKXaRjyE4lYqV77tsbBjNVs6LiHSxY-Elo6xslBvyOlXMX-Cyrn_yG7vcP5Jtp8ZH5LUKbd6hFhTNQOs-s_I8lWauGtZ8nlje00FHnoDk4/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkihub3MsStSndhymcOOB2qz2OH1EHZqjlYjGKXaRjyE4lYqV77tsbBjNVs6LiHSxY-Elo6xslBvyOlXMX-Cyrn_yG7vcP5Jtp8ZH5LUKbd6hFhTNQOs-s_I8lWauGtZ8nlje00FHnoDk4/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="255" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Spring is here and each week our local farmer’s markets add more gorgeous fresh produce to their stalls. I arrived at the South Pasadena Thursday market wondering what delicious crop would be showcased this visit. In weeks past we enjoyed the fresh garden peas, adding their shoots to our lettuce wraps and opening each pod to release six to eight little green jewels of freshness which were to become the stars of our cold pea & leek soup.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMMMAZgCaPfnaEhRPwvdqz_JTwmNm8xUzm6B5UWExURikj3qYANcdx6kVH1HUdNIs0qvugcLFaVBUJFFOq1-U_kRiAV0MpVifH-kZKosWvJIabSx87uvodV9FFobhpqKcV9CKCZ8XYy7Y/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMMMAZgCaPfnaEhRPwvdqz_JTwmNm8xUzm6B5UWExURikj3qYANcdx6kVH1HUdNIs0qvugcLFaVBUJFFOq1-U_kRiAV0MpVifH-kZKosWvJIabSx87uvodV9FFobhpqKcV9CKCZ8XYy7Y/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> I wandered among the stalls becoming part of the market dance. Each week as if choreographed we shoppers rhythmically dodge each other as we dip into our chosen stalls, eyes on the foot traffic, yet distracted by the sample trays. I greeted several of the farmers I have come to know and we chatted about what was growing, recipe ideas and of course the weather. There is a palpable spirit of community at most markets where consumers and farmers connect. I like looking into the eyes of the people who grow my food and supporting their efforts.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> As I approached one of my favorite stalls I spotted the most beautiful squash blossoms nestled together in their basket looking like the very picture of spring.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I knew right away they had to be on this week’s menu. Today is the day we will enjoy stuffed squash blossoms. I did not deep fry these blossoms opting to bake them instead. They are not exactly like the deep fried version but I enjoy this lighter adaptation just as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">6 squash blossoms<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(cleaned blossoms<span> </span>with all the stamen completely removed)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uo0nP47fD2yukBLAcFfTWVQDHHBatgxadsTRht102YvZMTMlqgm98MToJAziDIJqA_FmmEmPnYnVWh8IgLBPbm7YAb_kENR4HE_TunOsX5aDPNbruDhFr2STCrtkfmMQu_JkleWOEGUT/s1600/DSC_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4uo0nP47fD2yukBLAcFfTWVQDHHBatgxadsTRht102YvZMTMlqgm98MToJAziDIJqA_FmmEmPnYnVWh8IgLBPbm7YAb_kENR4HE_TunOsX5aDPNbruDhFr2STCrtkfmMQu_JkleWOEGUT/s640/DSC_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For The Filling:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">½ -¾ cup part skim ricotta</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 tbs.finely grated Parmesan cheese</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">¼ tsp tarragon </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">white pepper to taste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">salt to taste (be careful because the cheese is salty too)..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">healthy pinch of lemon zest</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">a tiny pinch of nutmeg (if you like nutmeg ~I do)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">For The Batter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">white vermouth (white wine or milk will work as well)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">water.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Batter should be thick enough to lightly coat (not too thick)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Add flour with equal amounts water and white vermouth </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Till you achieve the desired consistency </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Use your favorite batter recipe. (I experiment all the time)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">carefully open each blossom (cleaned & stamen removed) <span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span> </span>add cheese mixture</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">cover the cheese with the leaves and twist top to close</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">(Don’t over fill)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">dip blossoms in batter:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span> <span><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iqK7bpdapGDSanjas1UPScI2iITZ6j5h5uTmTlB4ZYZq5Se-XKDkEj-DG89YtBMd5YUXJrgnJ9vNyU-k2DCIzfUMTUXvNVWfUDXWMs8DVME4r48-QRHKytAs5ZAHnXM0_IxOBcvPGRGw/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2iqK7bpdapGDSanjas1UPScI2iITZ6j5h5uTmTlB4ZYZq5Se-XKDkEj-DG89YtBMd5YUXJrgnJ9vNyU-k2DCIzfUMTUXvNVWfUDXWMs8DVME4r48-QRHKytAs5ZAHnXM0_IxOBcvPGRGw/s400/DSC_0011.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Lay the batter-dipped blossoms on a lightly oiled sheet pan (I used grapeseed)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grate a bit more Parmesan cheese on top of the blossoms</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bake at 400 till cheese is browned slightly and melted 15-20 minutes or so</span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">keep your eye on it as ovens vary </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaBkaBQC_YHTOuQ_Vtmuvcf3m12zTMaI7tO8r4msCsXe_aY6zDrtGweKYrPej4rOBcufQPAzOdmSQcc34mqdM3HWYiJaQSxOYNIahWeiqX6snPBeyz2U1dzoP7BPfwAIVU6pfvu05EmAe/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyaBkaBQC_YHTOuQ_Vtmuvcf3m12zTMaI7tO8r4msCsXe_aY6zDrtGweKYrPej4rOBcufQPAzOdmSQcc34mqdM3HWYiJaQSxOYNIahWeiqX6snPBeyz2U1dzoP7BPfwAIVU6pfvu05EmAe/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Total under $4.00 for this side dish </span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-65714719628309595312011-04-23T10:52:00.000-05:002011-04-23T10:52:53.385-05:00Signs of Spring ~Chilled Fresh Pea Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVucFXehfqRJzra1nmcVBermCjKGSk6MwU-hcWdwGWGwfBT4C1nkXRDbIgs1nyTqhxl-iVcdBYCJcp4U5ECNzhLJZ0QRggCHbnDbLNg0ZnxfSYNv5-Gw-z-Q68SGDHw39MldZMCvdzORx/s1600/DSC00862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnVucFXehfqRJzra1nmcVBermCjKGSk6MwU-hcWdwGWGwfBT4C1nkXRDbIgs1nyTqhxl-iVcdBYCJcp4U5ECNzhLJZ0QRggCHbnDbLNg0ZnxfSYNv5-Gw-z-Q68SGDHw39MldZMCvdzORx/s400/DSC00862.JPG" width="400" /> </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span></span><span style="color: #783f04;"> I strolled through the South Pasadena Farmer's Market last Thursday afternoon brainstorming ideas for a special dish to enjoy this weekend. I love examining all the fruits and vegetables, tasting samples and sharing recipes with the vendors. It was a classic spring day, warm, with blue skies, puffy white clouds and a gentle yet still slightly cool breeze. As I turned the corner to enter the next row of stalls I spotted fresh garden peas, still in their pods and I knew immediately it would be the perfect dish to herald our Easter celebration. </span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span><span> </span>There is something so very springlike about preparing and enjoying chilled garden pea soup.<span></span>Seasonality is key as fresh tasting and vibrant ingredients require only the simplest of preparation to taste extraordinary. The ridiculously easy preparation of this soup makes it a perfect meal for the day before a holiday when there is so much to prepare and very little time. No soup says spring to me the way this one does.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy Easter</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRwyP19QxYKcVZ4vTRwE3ovGen7ujZ5uPXuisPuBmAjyzmhstd0BCcbboe8wICHU8d5zzJWkW4WtGHNsqSlTNaRJyZq4uOTH4NLh6CogujakTLbkoVBa-WdserEjxCrhrK6oA1pzA8_sY/s1600/Copy+of+DSC_0539.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRwyP19QxYKcVZ4vTRwE3ovGen7ujZ5uPXuisPuBmAjyzmhstd0BCcbboe8wICHU8d5zzJWkW4WtGHNsqSlTNaRJyZq4uOTH4NLh6CogujakTLbkoVBa-WdserEjxCrhrK6oA1pzA8_sY/s320/Copy+of+DSC_0539.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">2 1/2 cups fresh garden peas. (Removed from pod)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">½ cup of cleaned sliced leeks</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Salt and white pepper to taste.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Boil the peas till tender in 2 cups of spring water </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Drain peas and reserve the water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Combine a 50/50 mix of oil and butter to a sauté pan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">enough to cover well</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add leeks and wilt till tender but not brown.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add peas for the last minute or two.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Place peas and leeks into a small food processor</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">process adding small amounts of the reserved water </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">a little at a time till the soup is smooth and lovely.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LH0H6Z4bWW3zF6NbwBbhy3mFjpAoVxpWt5uHe_xHpQKo0b59eeCTPdXEzF9HX-y70o60zyK7Ao7EBc3tSfXjjBdudZlm661PcTQ1YcbLewtM5DnthY0ckxgniF1LfcfU_uBK36ikEoEI/s1600/Copy+of+DSC_0575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4LH0H6Z4bWW3zF6NbwBbhy3mFjpAoVxpWt5uHe_xHpQKo0b59eeCTPdXEzF9HX-y70o60zyK7Ao7EBc3tSfXjjBdudZlm661PcTQ1YcbLewtM5DnthY0ckxgniF1LfcfU_uBK36ikEoEI/s400/Copy+of+DSC_0575.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">You could strain the soup if you wish but I rarely do with this recipe.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add salt and white pepper to taste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serve cool topped with crème fraiche or</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">add a touch of half and half as I did</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4ZrtqQ4i8K4Y1ZUCtcttkdYYWp4G-7Fm0MliAsmsQlhnRljFchAhIBDb9tGiXVhZg9CnBMb96gsdBY8_45Jf0icdnhFwvz9rD9QEP9yWnwkcjLx0wDWsCK8iyaFGCM51jV-XEkV9Ifue/s1600/Copy+%25282%2529+of+DSC_0579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw4ZrtqQ4i8K4Y1ZUCtcttkdYYWp4G-7Fm0MliAsmsQlhnRljFchAhIBDb9tGiXVhZg9CnBMb96gsdBY8_45Jf0icdnhFwvz9rD9QEP9yWnwkcjLx0wDWsCK8iyaFGCM51jV-XEkV9Ifue/s400/Copy+%25282%2529+of+DSC_0579.JPG" width="400" /> </a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Total Under $5.00 for this taste of Spring</span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-41541289838794981182011-04-16T00:34:00.000-05:002011-04-16T00:34:29.182-05:00A "Grate" Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibULdyfx0yk5KIncJZ3a_O7dzKUCfziHWd1FIJPxEVevSmqQKqA_GRr74j7QjRqr6R88ai_pF-Js4mkbWX8amkCCDnusJbTOYgmpbrF53VdBwlhAVTuz_v-fg9APTjFgwi2_OtcmrGRRjh/s1600/Copy+of+DSC01349-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="451" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibULdyfx0yk5KIncJZ3a_O7dzKUCfziHWd1FIJPxEVevSmqQKqA_GRr74j7QjRqr6R88ai_pF-Js4mkbWX8amkCCDnusJbTOYgmpbrF53VdBwlhAVTuz_v-fg9APTjFgwi2_OtcmrGRRjh/s640/Copy+of+DSC01349-1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">We are excited to be attending a local wine festival this coming weekend. It’s only a couple of hours drive from our home but, we have opted to stay overnight and enjoy some time with friends. That means we will be spending two days enjoying parties featuring delicious treats and good wine. We, like so</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> many people </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">have a tendency to overeat a bit when we are away from home. Although we always try to be careful about what we eat there are weekends when discipline is a bit more difficult. I do believe in balance so tonight I have opted for a light but flavorful Friday night dinner. I’ll be serving zucchini cakes (<i>think potato pancakes but lighter</i>),a Mexican salad with a creamy balsamic yogurt dressing, and pea shoots sauteed with red onion, ginger, garlic, orange zest, and chili paste added to leftovers from a dish John ordered at lunch out with his co-workers.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Grate (ed) Zucchini Cakes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 2-3 zucchini</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 clove garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/8<sup> </sup> cup red onion</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">1-2 eggs (depends on zucchini size) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1-2 oz Gruyere cheese </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2-3 tbs flour (till it has a semi-loose but not runny consistency)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NNFSCcJk_nDMY9ZBUkolYr8f1mRCw-eGNiUbp9ZjokHkFkfzj1eiSpHaU7FASr2zu67LOEFOPVTfMlD8rQ937sWFVLCOpkARzo_UY1kDpsb0FDf9peneTGsUCWjTdso9dYr-mTGHFlX4/s1600/DSC_0541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4NNFSCcJk_nDMY9ZBUkolYr8f1mRCw-eGNiUbp9ZjokHkFkfzj1eiSpHaU7FASr2zu67LOEFOPVTfMlD8rQ937sWFVLCOpkARzo_UY1kDpsb0FDf9peneTGsUCWjTdso9dYr-mTGHFlX4/s400/DSC_0541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grate the zucchini </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">with a clean cloth) ring</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> out the excess water. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grate garlic clove </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(using a grater is best for this recipe)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grate in red onion </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(or very very fine dice)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Grate in Gruyere</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S&P</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mix well </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(I set it in the fridge for about an hour)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Form patties (if loose spoon in to pan)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pan fry (both sides) till golden brown</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In a mix of olive oil and butter </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbcELiz3_QxrGpMuShh6q3i0t_tjL6xDThIfYkn4mJWvjFVWIk1ffo7k7mCILTrhYFH8_3HdDYA5VilEwC02YRVH-4TDx3HunDy4AyOa6sVoa4c_-8gKnuK4fTdddPDtPXgyXxnIdY8X/s1600/DSC_0542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNBbcELiz3_QxrGpMuShh6q3i0t_tjL6xDThIfYkn4mJWvjFVWIk1ffo7k7mCILTrhYFH8_3HdDYA5VilEwC02YRVH-4TDx3HunDy4AyOa6sVoa4c_-8gKnuK4fTdddPDtPXgyXxnIdY8X/s400/DSC_0542.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
</div><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Under $5.00 for these savory and delicious <i>GRATE </i>zucchini cakes.</span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-24228316498645164162011-03-30T09:36:00.001-05:002011-03-30T09:38:17.921-05:00Lettuce Enjoy Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaXomXlcZEnN8TRHZA5cA_tEgfOSBB8GqVvcYuzy_CNJO2TPLw5bdw1XByBcGobDBurRj2IbD_TUVUOw-GU7WToW84o9jbvMlnb9D-yCDgKq4Oo12_Ld2nq66L1bC9v_ykovaqUVIk-7Q/s1600/DSC00866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqaXomXlcZEnN8TRHZA5cA_tEgfOSBB8GqVvcYuzy_CNJO2TPLw5bdw1XByBcGobDBurRj2IbD_TUVUOw-GU7WToW84o9jbvMlnb9D-yCDgKq4Oo12_Ld2nq66L1bC9v_ykovaqUVIk-7Q/s400/DSC00866.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Yesterday felt like the first day of spring. Suddenly the chill in the air was gone, the sun was bright and the winds blew warm. It was the kind of day that made me yearn to put the top down on the car and travel up the California Coast. Absent one convertible, I opened the moon roof and sang along as the radio played a late sixties music mix. As I ran the usual weekly errands I thought about dinner. What could I prepare that would represent the freshness of this perfect spring day. I decided on lettuce wraps knowing that the spicy Asian filling would contrast perfectly against the cool crispness of the lettuce. I didn’t have a few of my lettuce wrap staples on hand but, I decided to use what I did have and it turned out very well.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8RyeJzLeoQltnpl1UNl1c5on3RKhSysl5xJDcEYDrJjY0rwRiZ58-Wj2wWae8CgK_gG2QFWHV0e20Xm4z-HImkPvCnX3fVMYFE5BQAW9jH-ceq7tj3nX9wgdaO8D2fFx4pPBvJLb1fWx/s1600/DSC_0465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8RyeJzLeoQltnpl1UNl1c5on3RKhSysl5xJDcEYDrJjY0rwRiZ58-Wj2wWae8CgK_gG2QFWHV0e20Xm4z-HImkPvCnX3fVMYFE5BQAW9jH-ceq7tj3nX9wgdaO8D2fFx4pPBvJLb1fWx/s320/DSC_0465.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The mix is just about ready</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/3 head of cabbage (shredded)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 cloves garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 small carrot</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 mushrooms (I used baby portabellas) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">6 oz roasted chicken</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 tsp Asian chili paste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 tsp soy sauce</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp cayenne</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 head of romaine lettuce </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(washed & chilled) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In a large frying pan </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cook the onion till almost soft</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add cabbage, mushrooms, carrot, and garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cook together till soft about 7 minutes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add chili paste, salt, pepper to taste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">spoon into the lettuce and enjoy. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAkQQdMrUaqd0pGOae-Yh0rZ7F-Bmyi3fmiZp7XcBepKZrjBF7b9NmeCRCNth2jqpolGnQIJBQp6gtxMZ1VT6EcIj3POneKFuEhvXe_IVaPHPIYQnRDF_QljqpFHgIbEFVYBiL6RbopMP/s1600/DSC_0471.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihAkQQdMrUaqd0pGOae-Yh0rZ7F-Bmyi3fmiZp7XcBepKZrjBF7b9NmeCRCNth2jqpolGnQIJBQp6gtxMZ1VT6EcIj3POneKFuEhvXe_IVaPHPIYQnRDF_QljqpFHgIbEFVYBiL6RbopMP/s320/DSC_0471.JPG" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Experiment with ingredients. This one was delicious</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(One could add Hoisin sauce and water chestnuts at this point but I was out so I omitted them this time)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu3byHpZn1BeHXOSAVTd85yiu6_PU94Nn8cQfSN8hskh_LxduSQfXvSpY7H5pAULj9tKIPItrD8kmoBhcvGZSe5yO-KPAjqyipengopo6OK-gJ-5s1edp08npXvC2EE42LsTG_d6nBv-l/s1600/DSC_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuu3byHpZn1BeHXOSAVTd85yiu6_PU94Nn8cQfSN8hskh_LxduSQfXvSpY7H5pAULj9tKIPItrD8kmoBhcvGZSe5yO-KPAjqyipengopo6OK-gJ-5s1edp08npXvC2EE42LsTG_d6nBv-l/s400/DSC_0469.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Total: Under $7.00 for this spicy and cool spring treat</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: navy; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">TIP OF THE DAY: If you are missing some of the ingredients for a regular recipe improvise. It is fun to play with flavors and develop new ways to prepare old favorites </span> </span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-26808212151364046012011-03-17T19:10:00.002-05:002011-03-17T19:11:46.149-05:00Faith and Begorrah ~There's a pint in my stew !<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="sqtdq" colspan="2"><span class="sqq"><span class="sqq"><span style="font-size: small;">“May God grant you always...A sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, a sheltering Angel so nothing can harm you. Laughter to cheer you. Faithful friends near you. And whenever you pray, Heaven to hear you.” ~Irish Blessing</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXRDN0vc7bcm_NDzIMmbNAoTlFY3R2fzP5vcB5qv-lE_dvsJwHrNzvwlFs09EYzyEMXKZatEcm4VM8rqs9Q2INt9WWBhtWrRzxybwpKaUjOKffgIN4L6a49YCYPNEwRi49BcvwHRFjo_k/s1600/DSC_0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXRDN0vc7bcm_NDzIMmbNAoTlFY3R2fzP5vcB5qv-lE_dvsJwHrNzvwlFs09EYzyEMXKZatEcm4VM8rqs9Q2INt9WWBhtWrRzxybwpKaUjOKffgIN4L6a49YCYPNEwRi49BcvwHRFjo_k/s320/DSC_0705.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Irish soda bread turned out very well</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Normally on St. Patrick’s Day I’d be fixing corned beef and cabbage but, this year I thought I’d try something different. I’ve always wanted to prepare Beef and Guinness stew and what better day to try it than St. Patrick’s Day?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I pride my self on my stew making ability but this is a version I have not tried yet. I’ve been researching many recipes and I’ve come up with a plan. Normally I put red wine in my stew but today it’s Guinness all the way.I’ve adapted the classic recipe by adding potato and green beans to the stew pot. I’ve also cut up the vegetables in large size pieces because I want this to be a really chunky stew.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-n78_i_oXbDpVnyMdR84xdkNUeoqYXb9IfqoQDTgbhU_R1p7VMpDzGTOrb2sFq73relXT4NLmq_KfnHFX-Hto0FvtXSr9CjyVEtOag1OexkLY81naib1zAdzi3C4zIdgvgkf7iPey_FX/s1600/DSC_0393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk-n78_i_oXbDpVnyMdR84xdkNUeoqYXb9IfqoQDTgbhU_R1p7VMpDzGTOrb2sFq73relXT4NLmq_KfnHFX-Hto0FvtXSr9CjyVEtOag1OexkLY81naib1zAdzi3C4zIdgvgkf7iPey_FX/s400/DSC_0393.JPG" width="203" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The star of the stew</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 ½ lbs stew meat cut in 1-2 inch cubes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 onion roughly chopped</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 red potatoes </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 carrots </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 bottle Guinness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ cup flour (to the flour add ¼ tsp salt & ¼ tsp pepper ¼ tsp cayenne)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">salt to taste</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">pepper to taste </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">cayenne</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">pinch allspice (optional)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 bay leaf (remove the bay leaf before eating stew)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">String beans (small handful)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I browned the meat and onion in a fry pan </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">with a bit of cooking oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">when browned</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I added enough flour S&P mixture to coat the meat</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I cooked it a few minutes longer (to cook the flour)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I moved the meat & onion to a waiting stockpot</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I deglazed my fry pan with some of the Guinness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">then I put the contents from the fry pan in to the stock pot </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I added</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The rest of the Guinness</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3-4 cups of stock</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The rest of the cut up veggies</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 bay leaf</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">let it all stew on low for about 1 ½ -2 hours</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uWRnhe6v0FvrUWNdxBBjUCIaAwI-7GlUyZU6mSrAvraDH2_bcrKUaZvhvp5gwx50s7zK01kNBmNVk9OihpXgi0Abnh5or5wFzN1RKoYaIHp3J4Z2d_nTPRrVCh8vREM_Q7Hm_mo2Q1zZ/s1600/DSC_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="473" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uWRnhe6v0FvrUWNdxBBjUCIaAwI-7GlUyZU6mSrAvraDH2_bcrKUaZvhvp5gwx50s7zK01kNBmNVk9OihpXgi0Abnh5or5wFzN1RKoYaIHp3J4Z2d_nTPRrVCh8vREM_Q7Hm_mo2Q1zZ/s640/DSC_0463.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Happy St. Patrick's Day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Total for this salute to Ireland under $10.00</span></span></div><div style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A Happy and blessed St. Patrick's Day to you all. </span></span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-79532733002998104502011-03-10T20:53:00.000-06:002011-03-10T20:53:31.359-06:00Gruyere and bacon for everyone: Macaroni and Cheese night<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdjJqLjeIYte79lsnid2bhUk7-S-VoUv0VEegaOFLSNz2bEOi36Wj3poiWixbhADGhtSAXeVSXWAOYGqfTYHbI5jJKq-MdGb48HSRH7pESSsaBZEVSogwG9KO8OxB7tVWnqpeg4LLdw4v/s1600/DSC_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdjJqLjeIYte79lsnid2bhUk7-S-VoUv0VEegaOFLSNz2bEOi36Wj3poiWixbhADGhtSAXeVSXWAOYGqfTYHbI5jJKq-MdGb48HSRH7pESSsaBZEVSogwG9KO8OxB7tVWnqpeg4LLdw4v/s400/DSC_0702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Some dinners just beg for cheese</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">It’s been a long time since we enjoyed the decadent goodness of macaroni and cheese. Between TV and Twitter it’s been mentioned a lot lately and today seemed like a good day to jump on the bandwagon.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1iRuHjJv4m-7WWctldF25NUIPzdgX5P1xCQut8nTcis7aYMbdDBWwV9tBI-1T9sAco4sw9mU09LQGs_J1sdVkugFqde-ZslwXNEn0dyaCh_kr8wGm1pvwJD7AKj4Kf4GoDA8dV-dPyjF/s1600/DSC_0009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK1iRuHjJv4m-7WWctldF25NUIPzdgX5P1xCQut8nTcis7aYMbdDBWwV9tBI-1T9sAco4sw9mU09LQGs_J1sdVkugFqde-ZslwXNEn0dyaCh_kr8wGm1pvwJD7AKj4Kf4GoDA8dV-dPyjF/s400/DSC_0009.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Use a macaroni that is ribbed to hold the cheese sauce</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-right: -0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ Lb pasta (I used whole-wheat fuisili pasta that has ribs to hold the cheese sauce)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4 Tbs Butter (3 for the roux and 1 for the breadcrumbs)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Tbs Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 cup 1% milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pinch or 2 of nutmeg</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Salt & pepper to taste (I use cayenne for this dish)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 slice bacon (Cooked and minced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>½ cup breadcrumbs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the cheese sauce:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 Tbs Butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3Tbs Flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Make a roux of these two in a saucepan (stir or whisk constantly)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When the flour has cooked for a minute or two</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In the melted butter </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 cup 1% milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bring to just a boil then lower temp</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sauce will thicken</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add a pinch or two of nutmeg and</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 cup grated cheese (I used Gruyere, Cheddar and a hint of Parmesan)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Stir till smooth</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6SBGBmZXf5HMWOT6aNOtbMI4QEs1nKZ9HhHacOmRjt91cMqRNaxzar-4JkBCPJcqPXoL77sLVDg5owSxLGtgzDLVsvhXyJIbN-5xG94GgiwW35l0CWwVcO3R9ElnjZhkfp_qKDy1texV/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6SBGBmZXf5HMWOT6aNOtbMI4QEs1nKZ9HhHacOmRjt91cMqRNaxzar-4JkBCPJcqPXoL77sLVDg5owSxLGtgzDLVsvhXyJIbN-5xG94GgiwW35l0CWwVcO3R9ElnjZhkfp_qKDy1texV/s400/DSC_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The cheese sauce is ready. See how it should look </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Assemble the dish:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Strain the cooked pasta and put it into a baking dish<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add the cheese sauce and incorporate well</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mix in the cooked minced slice of bacon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the topping:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Melt 1Tbs butter add to</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ cup breadcrumbs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">top the mac and cheese with mixture</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sfQbMqhwXGjy-J6P1H1BfztdlObMCS6jf7P3R38r0WCMCNz5PI7HqFknwA8EMAQHzwx2DbEKBaDL5-z_B9AIAImH11eBMRtxBycfJt60ocvmy-SL_eySCKf7aC_SaEsojy5pxb9uIXJZ/s1600/DSC_0011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-sfQbMqhwXGjy-J6P1H1BfztdlObMCS6jf7P3R38r0WCMCNz5PI7HqFknwA8EMAQHzwx2DbEKBaDL5-z_B9AIAImH11eBMRtxBycfJt60ocvmy-SL_eySCKf7aC_SaEsojy5pxb9uIXJZ/s320/DSC_0011.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I Love using my old school corning ware for this dish</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">bake at 375<span> </span>till heated browned and bubbly (about 25 minutes)</span></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Total Under $6.00 for this cheesy treat </span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-37729099851177923732011-03-09T21:06:00.001-06:002011-03-09T21:12:20.989-06:00Memories of Seborga on Pizza Night<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThMsRv7YdsiJkRnOHRHgLGAMANwPcQPc1UCI5cD5BiI82aqr6hk_zzUN8szjb9MLf-Dju3CYIC4BPjnEdgyZMo6BizH2oeFuZyW7nX76Y_yOBi6Vw0O6NLv238ya8CXRZKpSxHVI3s7bl/s1600/DSC_0741.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThMsRv7YdsiJkRnOHRHgLGAMANwPcQPc1UCI5cD5BiI82aqr6hk_zzUN8szjb9MLf-Dju3CYIC4BPjnEdgyZMo6BizH2oeFuZyW7nX76Y_yOBi6Vw0O6NLv238ya8CXRZKpSxHVI3s7bl/s640/DSC_0741.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight I'm reminded of our visit to Seborga Italy just over the border near Monaco.We stayed in this town founded in 954 AD and ate at this restaurant.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I thought of Italy today as I baked my fresh focaccia. How many cooks in how many kitchens have through the ages loving prepared this same bread for their families. How many children have listened carefully to their grandmas as traditions were shared and secret recipes exchanged. I can’t think of a better use for my foaccia than as a pizza. I baked the bread in a 9x13 pan and it became the perfect canvas for my culinary creation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I roasted:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Three tomatoes (chopped)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 onion (sliced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ head of garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tossed in olive oil salt & pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">on a sheet pan for about 40 minutes at 350 degrees.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2hTChqTrQm3Zi64hWVjQT6tG1-4oR-9bFN31FgkkbiBA8NnjJy1qIBvNDKtjE-8EpYtNg3L7orRfiy04S-5_P8XVEG1Gp-F89jB-L7KCDRGxmnd1bxiAYIANNVYChyz9K8Jv7tR-GgrX/s1600/DSC_0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd2hTChqTrQm3Zi64hWVjQT6tG1-4oR-9bFN31FgkkbiBA8NnjJy1qIBvNDKtjE-8EpYtNg3L7orRfiy04S-5_P8XVEG1Gp-F89jB-L7KCDRGxmnd1bxiAYIANNVYChyz9K8Jv7tR-GgrX/s400/DSC_0001.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="center"><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I added herbs and cayenne to the dough. Look carefully and you can see it in this photo</span></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Meanwhile I sautéed mushrooms and spinach in a touch of vermouth</span></div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When all the toppings are cooled I top the focaccia with the tomato onion and roasted garlic (no skin).</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I then layer on the spinach and mushrooms</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I top with a finely grated mixture of Parmesan and cheddar and broil till bubbly and warm.</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2dTf1NTNSDrHNMnkOMkwrsWtoIFhTmIcpvdFxLg-AwXptUDe5JYzOfHeQapZfu3x264zy8I_sW3fYnGcL17M1KlvzNWhNF6J7vlBDmeepBP4Bwi1iwVjA9DuqY8LipGi5xbVBwOK_Dj_/s1600/DSC_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz2dTf1NTNSDrHNMnkOMkwrsWtoIFhTmIcpvdFxLg-AwXptUDe5JYzOfHeQapZfu3x264zy8I_sW3fYnGcL17M1KlvzNWhNF6J7vlBDmeepBP4Bwi1iwVjA9DuqY8LipGi5xbVBwOK_Dj_/s400/DSC_0002.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is a wonderful meal for the whole family to enjoy</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's as easy as that a yummy veggie pizza for under $6.00</span></span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-59691040902404315572011-03-08T21:00:00.004-06:002011-03-08T22:07:27.091-06:00Loaves and Fishes<div style="color: #783f04;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #783f04; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tYbAcnSX3M5iwUm3LF0wi5MTqcW0kXLZI7XBjD450kvVRutFnr5UihWwywPDPkCSNyNNAz6GXkxMWu9g5qMO5qTKp2ycPe-ecipKmg6Bhuywbpt-1ge_SrG-Sr4JvYwZygyCXaXT1MWH/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tYbAcnSX3M5iwUm3LF0wi5MTqcW0kXLZI7XBjD450kvVRutFnr5UihWwywPDPkCSNyNNAz6GXkxMWu9g5qMO5qTKp2ycPe-ecipKmg6Bhuywbpt-1ge_SrG-Sr4JvYwZygyCXaXT1MWH/s400/DSC_0257.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">We enjoy so many gifts from out oceans</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tonight we are enjoying lovely breaded Dover sole paired with Swiss chard, onion and garlic from our local farmers market. We so enjoy our weekly Farmers market which is held every Friday night right outside our door. The vendors are dedicated to providing fresh, clean and natural food and they deserve our gratitude and our respect.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the sole </span></div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A simple egg wash and panko breading with herbs.</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> pan fry till golden brown </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Small bunch chopped stemmed Swiss Chard </span></div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ onion and</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 cloves garlic</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">sauté and add</span></div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leftover rotelle from last night’s dinner</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDK3h8NS6XDqe1NjRMSLjKf89HiURnIy7bEt7tuswDb9o-uEsLOu-ePahwzWQodx_wG8eUVRcEz8J6z9yA3littupu2vGppwUGAKwAg0m15om_XJnUkVduBw1TGcKAuS5DFcYhgBhxdE_/s1600/DSC_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDK3h8NS6XDqe1NjRMSLjKf89HiURnIy7bEt7tuswDb9o-uEsLOu-ePahwzWQodx_wG8eUVRcEz8J6z9yA3littupu2vGppwUGAKwAg0m15om_XJnUkVduBw1TGcKAuS5DFcYhgBhxdE_/s320/DSC_0372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Serving this with my fresh baked Honey oatmeal pain de mie </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsX5AILSh4qIXSuU8nSnTjIEUSatiBQQ0FqVCVOWg2Oe0KtbZhHfjq8-5l-73ZdceYs1kMatGLC68HMJKTQ2ZkSBX685ZhS3MCqBfyUeEtR8mh8URH4OjUsDSZwj3kIFiDScUWoMR-Duf_/s1600/DSC_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsX5AILSh4qIXSuU8nSnTjIEUSatiBQQ0FqVCVOWg2Oe0KtbZhHfjq8-5l-73ZdceYs1kMatGLC68HMJKTQ2ZkSBX685ZhS3MCqBfyUeEtR8mh8URH4OjUsDSZwj3kIFiDScUWoMR-Duf_/s400/DSC_0374.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #783f04; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Total under $7.oo for this light fresh dinner</span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-48171986179953250472011-03-02T21:13:00.000-06:002011-03-02T21:13:05.512-06:00I Might Rethink Green Eggs and Ham ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ I Really Like Them Sam I Am<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYmXljHexgRi5tX3UzNVmUsrdupOnOPSRPCK42TOad8pGdnjEOi5gJQ-Q8zFuBKhp3H9NAUjwWKQ0VH2moAQeXs2S2luYJmVpro5Yb-XnhnfIM3h1HJ-f6hhxoqBl_Zvv01lN_yxj1iQv/s1600/DSC_0134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYmXljHexgRi5tX3UzNVmUsrdupOnOPSRPCK42TOad8pGdnjEOi5gJQ-Q8zFuBKhp3H9NAUjwWKQ0VH2moAQeXs2S2luYJmVpro5Yb-XnhnfIM3h1HJ-f6hhxoqBl_Zvv01lN_yxj1iQv/s400/DSC_0134.JPG" width="183" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today I created a dish that even Dr, Seuss might embrace. I don’t know who prepared his green eggs and ham in the past but today I’m serving A Seuss worthy feast that I think he'd be happy to enjoy on his birthday.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-6twj-P-BQPTHpOI2HbVJP6_cJ64sB-GMxjhga2B3DL-GPT21lxk4HXO2Z-CT2P515XH4S5e0Rr-PoMli3DJ9pNFT9xKtAHRwrBEyemfu0JitINlOcLcsl-nbvAZMX34NMCbXboHFEME/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-6twj-P-BQPTHpOI2HbVJP6_cJ64sB-GMxjhga2B3DL-GPT21lxk4HXO2Z-CT2P515XH4S5e0Rr-PoMli3DJ9pNFT9xKtAHRwrBEyemfu0JitINlOcLcsl-nbvAZMX34NMCbXboHFEME/s400/DSC_0274.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 bunch Spinach <span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ Onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 cloves Garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">5-6 cremini Mushroom</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/8 lb Gouda cheese</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 slices Prosciutto</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaupCtOHzLm8iP4rt0t0Ooe7G8_9x4eG4poV6RTHN-m6mEdYhSZhiwdhc4iiYfHJPuPdaZXvwSBIzVkkJy8b8t-FlAiRnxFJ62mLgQ6JTpBkkK2MKA7w5W9V0jhsyGpjB1t1JJjfiv3C0g/s1600/DSC_0129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaupCtOHzLm8iP4rt0t0Ooe7G8_9x4eG4poV6RTHN-m6mEdYhSZhiwdhc4iiYfHJPuPdaZXvwSBIzVkkJy8b8t-FlAiRnxFJ62mLgQ6JTpBkkK2MKA7w5W9V0jhsyGpjB1t1JJjfiv3C0g/s400/DSC_0129.JPG" width="196" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Crepe batter ( this is where the eggs come into play)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sauté the onion and mushrooms </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When almost done add spinach (chopped) and cook it down</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ tsp red pepper flake</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ tsp salt</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83C0zejnVqiPZTT3f6me7uMvZoICHjUsi6Oc07M-1-K-Qg4nunuEIpZ1BVdGL9NNj6yeHeJpbRT7kLu9hUOZxRcwfM-1TLlTKD2E3-lAkfCB8tmxrtlyH3fcMTlTeSP2TyJzpJxcYFU2I/s1600/DSC_0131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83C0zejnVqiPZTT3f6me7uMvZoICHjUsi6Oc07M-1-K-Qg4nunuEIpZ1BVdGL9NNj6yeHeJpbRT7kLu9hUOZxRcwfM-1TLlTKD2E3-lAkfCB8tmxrtlyH3fcMTlTeSP2TyJzpJxcYFU2I/s400/DSC_0131.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>In a pan crisp up the Prosciutto and crumble then set aside</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiPbFlxJxUoLsWmsJBTaQggUNxOPmlcjR94tDbCZByU-x38_5uUcycDurxEE8990YjuRNgfA14_iWCDGTD7wewOJyR017x4fjCiY3M4zsA6WmkqRnJtV3bsqRRXbYf7PBFMaEGm2kR-wm/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiPbFlxJxUoLsWmsJBTaQggUNxOPmlcjR94tDbCZByU-x38_5uUcycDurxEE8990YjuRNgfA14_iWCDGTD7wewOJyR017x4fjCiY3M4zsA6WmkqRnJtV3bsqRRXbYf7PBFMaEGm2kR-wm/s320/DSC_0271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I can think of dozen of uses for crumbled prosciutto </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Make crepe batter </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Refrigerate for at least 1 hour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Make crepes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">fill with spinach mix</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Crumble a little Prosciutto</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add some Gouda cheese</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">garnish the top with leftover filling</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Fold </span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Serve</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Total under $6.00 for this whimsical feast</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">TIP OF THE DAY: Buy just what you need. I purchased two slices of prosciutto. It is normally a costly item but, I paid under a dollar for the amount I needed to make this dish extra Seussworthy.</span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-52142332875201550872011-02-27T21:03:00.004-06:002011-02-27T21:16:15.952-06:00An Economical Yet Elegant Oscar Night Dinner<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS5OTQkhUVurr_VuPq2gHxE4wc6FZ0GZwLwCb5gIrJekwTCmaaDpBM09OUuaQnQ_7tZxP1TUMrWUZs-jN1vbPsDLcjU3bsFYRnZnI-nEALlbdDix8xL3TwxITrTgfus6HJOYTFhH20CEP/s1600/DSC_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVS5OTQkhUVurr_VuPq2gHxE4wc6FZ0GZwLwCb5gIrJekwTCmaaDpBM09OUuaQnQ_7tZxP1TUMrWUZs-jN1vbPsDLcjU3bsFYRnZnI-nEALlbdDix8xL3TwxITrTgfus6HJOYTFhH20CEP/s400/DSC_0256.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our oceans rivers and streams provide us with so much nourishment,lets treat them with respect</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> It’s a red carpet night at out house and it has nothing to do with the Oscar ceremony on television. We are preparing mussels in garlic white wine lemon butter sauce and serving it over homemade pasta. We saw some beautiful mussels in the market today and decided to put the regularly scheduled meal on hold. This afternoon I quickly prepared pasta dough that I rolled out just before dinner. It cooked in minutes and provided the perfect complement to the fresh mussels. This simple and economical dish was truly an elegant feast for two. I donned my fanciest pajamas poured, a glass of wine, served our red carpet meal and settled in to watch, at least part of the Oscars.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGiKVnVWAQxSCUa7WhY2uTqCO7iLYqscmZEwEHrpvOq-rwfWSqGOdVJqwYLloyq4hWyo-6lrhye1XG9K1lzdgI5ZqwVwxmZWokQSsXAyo6kDuzUzMs_Db2Cr-CbsBH5pI8PsObE6PBgcD/s1600/DSC_0269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZGiKVnVWAQxSCUa7WhY2uTqCO7iLYqscmZEwEHrpvOq-rwfWSqGOdVJqwYLloyq4hWyo-6lrhye1XG9K1lzdgI5ZqwVwxmZWokQSsXAyo6kDuzUzMs_Db2Cr-CbsBH5pI8PsObE6PBgcD/s200/DSC_0269.JPG" width="60" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cook with wines you'd actually enjoy drinking, They don't have to be expensive</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 Tbs butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 Tbs olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4 cloves garlic (minced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 large shallot (minced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Red pepper flake </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/4 tsp white pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 tsp pot herbs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 ½ cups white wine (a good bottle found on sale) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1.25 Lbs Mussels </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Homemade pasta (flour egg oil water) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehrR0Xmi1PwgoF_EwLYmC0jT6DOMaPx3wI8n4j0BnZV9xN-cC_aem1si2nZZeI_BqtvjaAARtfuNbd3iDRrcxPRF9NVOPC7HPvtSu6dr0f3ZBrKt2X1743WSHUQCzY6Gf139D53R_bRDB/s1600/DSC_0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiehrR0Xmi1PwgoF_EwLYmC0jT6DOMaPx3wI8n4j0BnZV9xN-cC_aem1si2nZZeI_BqtvjaAARtfuNbd3iDRrcxPRF9NVOPC7HPvtSu6dr0f3ZBrKt2X1743WSHUQCzY6Gf139D53R_bRDB/s400/DSC_0268.JPG" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Making pasta is easy and delicious</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add butter and oil to the pan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Lightly sauté the garlic and shallot </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add the white wine and lemon juice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bring to a boil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add the cleaned scrubbed mussels.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">add pot herbs pepper & salt </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(Make sure mussels are closed before cooking and review mussel safety)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(if they won’t close prior to cooking toss then out and don’t eat them)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cover and let the cook/steam till all are open (about 5 minutes or so)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> (If any mussels don't open throw away)</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYvmK__N1LZfySvY4zGh9Gtd5knCcLHAvuSVhvz1xlfzTjWoAPqfiUPmzTJxxG7F3Psbpp7tnydFVPF4RzSGM8bATdn8Bf_gm78bTADrlrztx-KFRb4dGK_l00VHHY3Y_DBlobBF7AIIr/s1600/DSC_0272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYvmK__N1LZfySvY4zGh9Gtd5knCcLHAvuSVhvz1xlfzTjWoAPqfiUPmzTJxxG7F3Psbpp7tnydFVPF4RzSGM8bATdn8Bf_gm78bTADrlrztx-KFRb4dGK_l00VHHY3Y_DBlobBF7AIIr/s400/DSC_0272.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fresh pasta cooks quickly and tastes terrific </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Serve over fresh pasta and use plenty of wine garlic lemon butter sauce</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Serve with crusty bread to mop up the leftover sauce </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Total under $11.00 for this Oscar night feast</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGQzDkZHxAWiNhFm2El2nQBpN8LBVuCaRLiwdPuajE-eReklp-4aJ722JVwVkwVvC_f3WU9HHbdyrpLnBRGJm6WFTRb3BBpIK9JNIIYIdzuOl1Rm_P6OFMloiVQUG2wk6UqWKTVP5XdDV/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGQzDkZHxAWiNhFm2El2nQBpN8LBVuCaRLiwdPuajE-eReklp-4aJ722JVwVkwVvC_f3WU9HHbdyrpLnBRGJm6WFTRb3BBpIK9JNIIYIdzuOl1Rm_P6OFMloiVQUG2wk6UqWKTVP5XdDV/s400/DSC_0276.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> red carpet comfort food</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">TIP OF THE DAY: If you see an ingredient that inspires you use it. Don’t waste what you have on hand but if possible put it on hold. The butternut squash risotto I had planned will easily keep till another day</span></span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-52803954676948603332011-02-14T13:42:00.000-06:002011-02-14T13:42:28.229-06:00Epic Valentinapalooza Cincinnati Chili Lasagna<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham6HtXP-AFjbUaEnSbSTnZdbpSzwqTJJbwYgCuCSyyBPQZQQ-pbo5p8Xw4VI35GkztFZgg6hlg_wtLkMP7kJzK-admdn5rV946fLiVJfHjFJa0ZffREDcyzVQdTRh4ytWcLVGOFgsAFKL/s1600/v+day+1056750828_31625812_5184547_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEham6HtXP-AFjbUaEnSbSTnZdbpSzwqTJJbwYgCuCSyyBPQZQQ-pbo5p8Xw4VI35GkztFZgg6hlg_wtLkMP7kJzK-admdn5rV946fLiVJfHjFJa0ZffREDcyzVQdTRh4ytWcLVGOFgsAFKL/s400/v+day+1056750828_31625812_5184547_o.jpg" width="378" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> We all know that true Valentines gifts are not about how much money is spent or how extravagant the evening might be. If you asked most people, feeling cared for and cherished on Valentines Day tops their wish list. To show John how much I love him I have developed a twist on the classic Cincinnati Chili recipe. I’ve taken this special dish and turned it into a delicious lasagna. I hope it will remind him of his hometown and how grateful I am for his love in my life. The people we love are a product of all their history and experiences. When a piece of John’s history is this delicious I can’t help but want to share it with him on this special Day.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #660000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkw-i_-UnufCvuQ_9rozybtI1vM9WBRjq6Y9n7jTLvfaai0_DMSDvHScZ69SyoJ3gVBn6V71sSYl2-yBsJC9_lcTwc5CYY3TnaAS7Fan-ko46SC56b4Uaa74ErBUCdUoeh1_fCtBnAZSh/s1600/DSC_0012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkw-i_-UnufCvuQ_9rozybtI1vM9WBRjq6Y9n7jTLvfaai0_DMSDvHScZ69SyoJ3gVBn6V71sSYl2-yBsJC9_lcTwc5CYY3TnaAS7Fan-ko46SC56b4Uaa74ErBUCdUoeh1_fCtBnAZSh/s400/DSC_0012.JPG" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Preparing the ingredients </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #660000; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: red;"><span></span><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="color: #660000;"> One of the first things you learn about Cincinnatians is the love they have for their food traditions. When one asks a local for advice on what to do in town the answer will invariably be a list of the most amazing places to eat. These ice cream parlors, grocery shops, bakeries and butcher shops are described with pride and affection and are as much a part of their history as Riverfront stadium. A million memories of family, friends and growing up are tied to each one. When you see the smiles on their faces and the light in their eyes as they share these recollections you instantly understand who they are. It is the connection we all have to food memories and feelings and nowhere have I found it to be more evident than in Cincinnati.</span></span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #660000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm63g3TZO4tejK5pMlFDsMaD8AvqAiuihA2x8WoKgl2cQhABWbcUeASh6YYrE-_1or-MGRzTKiw6eDCmfcQWIBePmYZwN1-CMuun9ZE5t5rmAWvshSnznAOpyuTwoWhHKn-3NxR4Ss2tUD/s1600/DSC_0015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm63g3TZO4tejK5pMlFDsMaD8AvqAiuihA2x8WoKgl2cQhABWbcUeASh6YYrE-_1or-MGRzTKiw6eDCmfcQWIBePmYZwN1-CMuun9ZE5t5rmAWvshSnznAOpyuTwoWhHKn-3NxR4Ss2tUD/s400/DSC_0015.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Chocolate helps make this dish oh so perfect for Valentine's Day</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> It was there I was first introduced to the glories of the delectable Cincinnati Chili. This is not the earthy sturdy Chili of Texas or New Mexico whose flavors fed the west. The Western Chili has a refined sophisticated Northern sister who has traveled the world picking up ingredients as souvenirs, hints of exotic flavors is so tantalizingly different that your palette is at once surprised and intrigued and you must have more.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #660000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaE1YY9y7NjP97b14Q30_eBQumZC6nPz4a1-JNlwRpfnj_OE7oJE8r2TpXwdiiJ-296KTzdQJY6Wr0WaWvnT8zzm-sv3Ysvn4aossw2urWqVi-mptIVE5fF1C5yFgyz8eHcRqUa59DOk0/s1600/DSC_0022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDaE1YY9y7NjP97b14Q30_eBQumZC6nPz4a1-JNlwRpfnj_OE7oJE8r2TpXwdiiJ-296KTzdQJY6Wr0WaWvnT8zzm-sv3Ysvn4aossw2urWqVi-mptIVE5fF1C5yFgyz8eHcRqUa59DOk0/s400/DSC_0022.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I prepared homemade pasta try it once and you will always want to prepare it yourself </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoBodyText" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span>Cincinnati Chili Lasagna</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½-3/4 Onion (diced) <span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 lb Ground beef </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ lb<span> </span>Ground pork <span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3/4 Tbs Chili powder </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2-4 Cloves garlic <span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 tsp Allspice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3/4 tsp <span> </span>Cinnamon</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 tsp Cumin </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/4 tsp <span> </span>Cayenne</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 ½ tsp<span> </span>Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/4 oz Chocolate (1-2 Tbs) <span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½-3/4 Tbs Cider vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/4 cup Water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 24 oz can Tomato diced <span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½-3/4 tbs Worcestershire sauce</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 Bay leaf</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ~</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #660000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB8aj4ljkvs6lKBMRo3oPWKRUw8rXoN2m8Rv3KtYLtOILwiAgJQcfMI8_5IoJrFpn2_yzqgjBNRsuYrvv0aFfQ7rZy0f5tE9bAo8XM6Za2zvBNggdUu48lNrVSW0kyebWLgZqfvC9ywFX/s1600/DSC_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBB8aj4ljkvs6lKBMRo3oPWKRUw8rXoN2m8Rv3KtYLtOILwiAgJQcfMI8_5IoJrFpn2_yzqgjBNRsuYrvv0aFfQ7rZy0f5tE9bAo8XM6Za2zvBNggdUu48lNrVSW0kyebWLgZqfvC9ywFX/s400/DSC_0019.JPG" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">This chili smells as good as it tastes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sauté the onion beef till just about done</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add garlic & chili powder </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(I grated the garlic on a garlic grater) </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add allspice cumin cayenne pepper, salt, chocolate </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tomatoes, cider vinegar &</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Worcestershire sauce </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I add a bay leaf (remove before serving)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Simmer for about an hour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoBodyText" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Begin the lasagna process by layering a small bit of the chili on the bottom of the dish</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Lay out the cooked pasta sheets</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Ladle chili evenly over pasta</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Sprinkle finely grated cheddar on top</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Lay next layer of cooked pasta sheets</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Ladle more chili on top</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Sprinkle more cheddar on top</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Continue till done</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Top with cheddar </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Bake at 350 degrees till bubbly and hot</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #660000; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlittMMVS5kmCynVSDyoICgobe8cz5mNxFxWnZ05eWkrGFYJ6GX6XF001ZJDrrRt5ww66ChVrjhudSCtkbczKLb9koWs0Pzda06KGSRkxVSa4R3NJzHPXCVL5oLbIuLIoivCWqgTkW18y/s1600/DSC_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidlittMMVS5kmCynVSDyoICgobe8cz5mNxFxWnZ05eWkrGFYJ6GX6XF001ZJDrrRt5ww66ChVrjhudSCtkbczKLb9koWs0Pzda06KGSRkxVSa4R3NJzHPXCVL5oLbIuLIoivCWqgTkW18y/s400/DSC_0024.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ready to pop in the oven</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>Serve with grated cheddar</span></span></div><span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Diced onion and even red beans if you wish.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Happy Valentine's Day from home to yours. </span></span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-25201188285632806152011-02-09T21:57:00.004-06:002011-02-09T23:11:47.521-06:00My Summer Staycation<div style="text-align: center;"> "In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."</div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.yenra.com/quotations/albert-camus.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> -- <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Camus">Albert Camus</a></i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcpwewc2ghoveC3NCrhVJLpEKPeR0sO26blPs9eHEtgi4tJvENnELuwK3YBfpRTPmuZTtgNokMQDnWH2aSfL5NTb1MsJh5ySjBKTTgsX2DNyYEFRVqVxFAq3FNQL7KLBcDzSQSu0us54z/s1600/DSC_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcpwewc2ghoveC3NCrhVJLpEKPeR0sO26blPs9eHEtgi4tJvENnELuwK3YBfpRTPmuZTtgNokMQDnWH2aSfL5NTb1MsJh5ySjBKTTgsX2DNyYEFRVqVxFAq3FNQL7KLBcDzSQSu0us54z/s400/DSC_0018.JPG" width="383" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> It is mid February and most of the country is covered in snow with frigid temperatures and biting winds that make the idea of a beach day almost inconceivable. The long gray days of winter can begin to wear on a soul when spring seems so far away. Most of us can not escape to a tropical island until spring comes along so I thought I'd serve up a little summer vacation in tonight's post.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55EJ4L7H0CFFLuN2g5k9wo_t6IhOAMO7uVsxGosr-OPKHPT7QXCRmAml0iW7nTMkMAcIsW9SIHRgYVnYKZFWYdcCTAovWExgd1CWZRRrGDAc5IgSX8jbw45GU2AzI2EImSZW9AvgsAlT2/s1600/DSC_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55EJ4L7H0CFFLuN2g5k9wo_t6IhOAMO7uVsxGosr-OPKHPT7QXCRmAml0iW7nTMkMAcIsW9SIHRgYVnYKZFWYdcCTAovWExgd1CWZRRrGDAc5IgSX8jbw45GU2AzI2EImSZW9AvgsAlT2/s640/DSC_0999.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I took a ride to the ocean the other <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">day and as I watched the seagulls soaring and the puppy dogs at play in the waves, I wished I could share this summer moment with those who are feeling the weight of an abominable snow season.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"> How could I convey the spirit of such a day and remind my friends that summer will be here soon with flowers and vegetables blooming in the garden and a pitcher of lemonade to be sipped on the porch. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiTCJ62S98z0W15VxJ2bZFkJGzNxoB81W2nz2IEIShs0QNUq-y8yKT3S-ZVphwpx75WW0-UjmQdFa0E_8z5gcdEOkuG1c0eqGGsYB1Mt_aOmcjxm2RXSukmujs3mckCDsGvB_PngJKppw/s1600/DSC_0357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiTCJ62S98z0W15VxJ2bZFkJGzNxoB81W2nz2IEIShs0QNUq-y8yKT3S-ZVphwpx75WW0-UjmQdFa0E_8z5gcdEOkuG1c0eqGGsYB1Mt_aOmcjxm2RXSukmujs3mckCDsGvB_PngJKppw/s400/DSC_0357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Beginning to cook the veggie<span style="font-size: large;">s</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"> My solution is of course to provide you with a summer beach picnic in the midst of the depths of winter</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">. So get out those Beach Boy records, lay a blanket on the floor make some lemonade and enjoy a taste of summer on a winter night.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"></span> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUcePlxyHrCCneVLecIbPm5hGJl_Ke_DeLdYG0717sdKJP9veK_nA8KdfABelVrqtIEN38OLp-H2M3wUWHJa-GEpNDeJXLk9uvNGT-QEjcE0QpCQFmZuQ7PXixVyDU3l-6BMKkfmk-uE/s1600/DSC_0359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJUcePlxyHrCCneVLecIbPm5hGJl_Ke_DeLdYG0717sdKJP9veK_nA8KdfABelVrqtIEN38OLp-H2M3wUWHJa-GEpNDeJXLk9uvNGT-QEjcE0QpCQFmZuQ7PXixVyDU3l-6BMKkfmk-uE/s320/DSC_0359.JPG" width="226" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">I sometimes use these. They are terrific </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Crab Cakes </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ yellow pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ red pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Add</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ -1/2 tsp hot sauce</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ Worcestershire sauce</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp old bay</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">cook till soft</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">cool completely </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When the veggies are cool </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">add </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ cup mayo</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ cup panko bread crumbs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ lb flaked crab</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsEXHeScA3vY3F433JUsf0SsCDbF-3DJad7Kk2CKZPnewikaOnVbZC3G4Brh-udY2L-avz-EWYlmm4fiY0Os1S_F6RKzm1XDT9AL3UvILB80YrGPd1_zHxPP-DLCFfwA_kUfLDCmmJMA9/s1600/DSCa_0356+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjsEXHeScA3vY3F433JUsf0SsCDbF-3DJad7Kk2CKZPnewikaOnVbZC3G4Brh-udY2L-avz-EWYlmm4fiY0Os1S_F6RKzm1XDT9AL3UvILB80YrGPd1_zHxPP-DLCFfwA_kUfLDCmmJMA9/s400/DSCa_0356+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">They look good so far</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blend the cooked (cooled) mixture with the eggs mayo and crab</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Form into cakes</span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Pan fry in butter and oil</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Total Under $7.00 </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">not bad for a summer vacation.</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd92iqAKz4wxuisz50YlsuipqtvdI_MfyL-P0fQO2rP0ZydegJu3k2FSOEiRjtDdmaUobz2FDaetMbcxP6VMgYqbO9XCurYtHpsPX8NLhTezMzbvJo0k6kNh4FgfPJkPNQXtyNHddKJdf/s1600/DSCa_0356+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLd92iqAKz4wxuisz50YlsuipqtvdI_MfyL-P0fQO2rP0ZydegJu3k2FSOEiRjtDdmaUobz2FDaetMbcxP6VMgYqbO9XCurYtHpsPX8NLhTezMzbvJo0k6kNh4FgfPJkPNQXtyNHddKJdf/s400/DSCa_0356+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Crab Cakes transport ~ a dinner by the sea</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I served the crab cakes with </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">a diced red onion and tomato salad</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">tossed in a blood orange vinaigrette </span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-30437340887747731332011-02-01T12:19:00.001-06:002011-02-01T12:21:56.525-06:00Comfort Food For A Stormy Snow Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc1zPfuphio_Iqsz8UYVhZaxt8LLLbw557n7peE7_Q4aXUEd0AZY53bw2rTR7QOaRG-ILIl_btIyRY4pkCLSdBq9JbaB3KTuBrp4MpUv5dZqKbK6lJ1_rAtOrXd-CEy1wZNgn9H4OAo2Q/s1600/DSC09787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuc1zPfuphio_Iqsz8UYVhZaxt8LLLbw557n7peE7_Q4aXUEd0AZY53bw2rTR7QOaRG-ILIl_btIyRY4pkCLSdBq9JbaB3KTuBrp4MpUv5dZqKbK6lJ1_rAtOrXd-CEy1wZNgn9H4OAo2Q/s400/DSC09787.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For most of the country today is a day to stay indoors, put on your warmest comfiest clothes, select a few good movies and prepare this one pan turkey chili. This delicious adaptable recipe will accommodate just about whatever you have on hand. I suggest you make a big pot of it and enjoy the warm feeling it will give you throughout the stormy days ahead.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEAHw8QrJMemuQXyPhs8MXl8AB8fn0ehySGVbG_iy3KqvqD_J8BYQX8as0yhCzVY4Gd7yEmI3FpW6L-5VR873zYcql3trQhOsC9IhZVZuVWTlmgY6tF3Yjjwba8O4Db0CseeYcU85e1F7/s1600/DSC09788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwEAHw8QrJMemuQXyPhs8MXl8AB8fn0ehySGVbG_iy3KqvqD_J8BYQX8as0yhCzVY4Gd7yEmI3FpW6L-5VR873zYcql3trQhOsC9IhZVZuVWTlmgY6tF3Yjjwba8O4Db0CseeYcU85e1F7/s400/DSC09788.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In my large pan </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I added 1 Tbs olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Then…</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sauté a large onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A red Pepper </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A yellow pepper</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11j-_7yP5OGCd_faGIc-soDceKl4sxt7R4RwDgYHuPi0zvV3I-wjCZLCOKY6QVCD-CyzYuMDjBbzixvyBdNo_yDSNJX0CrY8O3nPxCqtDZmBR-SWgUFL7oD0TuPq78m_xQ0BifoxOjOT3/s1600/DSC_0277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11j-_7yP5OGCd_faGIc-soDceKl4sxt7R4RwDgYHuPi0zvV3I-wjCZLCOKY6QVCD-CyzYuMDjBbzixvyBdNo_yDSNJX0CrY8O3nPxCqtDZmBR-SWgUFL7oD0TuPq78m_xQ0BifoxOjOT3/s400/DSC_0277.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1-2 Tomatoes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Several garlic cloves (to taste~we like garlic)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Parsley and raw garlic (minced combo I have on hand)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Some leftover roasted garlic cloves</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I seasoned the mixture with salt, pepper, cumin, mixed herbs</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2RxZtYNuvpWGNhUigmoKAe1FNkFoJXkCHm6TGDpRgaq3OBxPNYHQmpG4EZziUypDNIIrCPxEnDmdQygYTNgFszcPqRvphz-PhWM-G8y1vxDUPX7M1Fz1bW93VuMtQoYjusQOSOUk7a7t/s1600/DSC09795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2RxZtYNuvpWGNhUigmoKAe1FNkFoJXkCHm6TGDpRgaq3OBxPNYHQmpG4EZziUypDNIIrCPxEnDmdQygYTNgFszcPqRvphz-PhWM-G8y1vxDUPX7M1Fz1bW93VuMtQoYjusQOSOUk7a7t/s400/DSC09795.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When all the ingredients are cooked </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I added</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cooked black beans ~about 15 oz. (If using a can I rinse them thoroughly)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Leftover turkey breast ( I had roasted the breast earlier and used the leftovers for this dish)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I served this delicious mixture on tortillas with avocado and salsa on top.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLerBlRhfem7smorOvoNB-3RJEu-5jcz1S74E6KqkmfeJZXXnBvh37fighROSlPW6M6Afm0UyOmsU2n0lk4aeXIqtys6kToF26nKDE1xkQ31Yo1h6hvToWah7wKousmWU_rTFai16S-LI/s1600/DSC_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLLerBlRhfem7smorOvoNB-3RJEu-5jcz1S74E6KqkmfeJZXXnBvh37fighROSlPW6M6Afm0UyOmsU2n0lk4aeXIqtys6kToF26nKDE1xkQ31Yo1h6hvToWah7wKousmWU_rTFai16S-LI/s400/DSC_0278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Use the above recipe as a guideline and adapt it to use what you have on hand. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">You could add jalapeños</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Use chicken or pork instead of turkey </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Use pinto beans if you have them on hand</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Green chilies are a fantastic addition to this dish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Use your imagination to create a snow day comfort food feast. </span></div><div style="color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Stay indoor and safe while enjoying a fast easy hearty meal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm0SQOzJ50EttoL4JeChW09GQsIfg8eAKw_dKsqk9AJ_M_-u89LgfwehpO_dq7ay5g0xzSwU_a1BBcVWyHXd9xSxELuzzb19XRTORqSB2EfPhcmcuD0KwZ_zKfL3WlOWbDfTjrlni6OQF/s1600/DSC_0280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCm0SQOzJ50EttoL4JeChW09GQsIfg8eAKw_dKsqk9AJ_M_-u89LgfwehpO_dq7ay5g0xzSwU_a1BBcVWyHXd9xSxELuzzb19XRTORqSB2EfPhcmcuD0KwZ_zKfL3WlOWbDfTjrlni6OQF/s400/DSC_0280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-47113886066193140062011-01-24T22:45:00.001-06:002011-01-25T09:26:26.618-06:00Spaghetti is your canvas~ Create My Friends~ Create<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuNtFoKj-dL896URWx1hyQ9-RlTkiBKV6L4cqzleuyxWcpvdmZ4GnCcKPHXNXGaQQN0MH0cchqwczniiMo2BG6XKFypwzwqgffS9b-HhQJYQclSDKcY25ogeb369yOCeDTde2qWWgb15u/s1600/DSC_0893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm8PYRKzJ6L44wzh6JlF5Be0lxyCv_rQgCOPjNC32pdI_2WclxloDtzjJRSxHutpCF4jRLTLcUaTb37Q-GVZ86jjibLR2otz_-EFQGTcLCbdcchyAEXyW6IA8KqUHh3qRKpS8d7UV82ea/s1600/Copy+of+DSC00019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWm8PYRKzJ6L44wzh6JlF5Be0lxyCv_rQgCOPjNC32pdI_2WclxloDtzjJRSxHutpCF4jRLTLcUaTb37Q-GVZ86jjibLR2otz_-EFQGTcLCbdcchyAEXyW6IA8KqUHh3qRKpS8d7UV82ea/s640/Copy+of+DSC00019.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Tonight's Masterpiece ~ Spaghetti with chicken and vegetables</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">I love the versatility of a meal that lets me be creative. Spaghetti was my canvas this evening and I enjoyed the process of creating it. </span></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuNtFoKj-dL896URWx1hyQ9-RlTkiBKV6L4cqzleuyxWcpvdmZ4GnCcKPHXNXGaQQN0MH0cchqwczniiMo2BG6XKFypwzwqgffS9b-HhQJYQclSDKcY25ogeb369yOCeDTde2qWWgb15u/s1600/DSC_0893.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUuNtFoKj-dL896URWx1hyQ9-RlTkiBKV6L4cqzleuyxWcpvdmZ4GnCcKPHXNXGaQQN0MH0cchqwczniiMo2BG6XKFypwzwqgffS9b-HhQJYQclSDKcY25ogeb369yOCeDTde2qWWgb15u/s400/DSC_0893.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Getting ready to create the pasta</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">When kneaded for ten minutes or so the </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">pasta dough becomes</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">soft and pliable.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"> I love the beautiful color and texture of the fresh dough.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp46Ohe7h1cgdXD9MAealQlyM20cq2hcpGDkDTlysZpnAbTQ_1E2z6GhiOJZKj0u9eYufItnh6mzk3JrNyGZB4jJtx4SA4FaNtuykztDZwGjb5rXU8eN721Rd73O9jk-voQ84doqk-kTBm/s400/DSC_0899.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="233" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I love the way the spaghetti looks as it comes through the roller</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">There is definitely a technique to making fresh pasta. It will require some practice but, before long you will know the dough is ready by the way it feels as you knead it. </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6VxtUyHDThidHtM3u0vCs7xC508CCUwKokHGVRbKknQHC5iSMvP33VMQcUFepOO-mpZpXkJRg9h0a8n9d21U6jmPMXViyMueheJnoNYfWmB5yMR1HZPJtv17El7oi4x495Nx0OS-M1yd/s400/DSC_0902.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nothing tastes like fresh pasta</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Fresh pasta cooks much more quickly then the dry version and the taste will tempt you to make your own from now on. </span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUACAgS7-lBKKcha5eOSvMMRlh9q71EwVUQuocK0uak8JXzVKx5VJZBnnS4RQTxezBntp2FHyu4imlIB0AJNS3-lvV2p0mAh_rqQwkyBy7tFqfvlb5ZdVug7X0IwkyCrS0MXU7MtV0DSM/s400/DSC_0900.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Use veggies you have on hand to create a colorful dish</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I used vegetables I had on hand</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 leek</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 zucchini</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/2 onion</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">red orange and yellow peppers</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">garlic</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Red pepper flake</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Italian spices</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Sun dried tomato </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Salt & Pepper</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsFphCs7VUEZYOEYfKB8-eiimLBbdjgPB4mY34aLNOoLsmfAhgOJU8hCv9fSR7HJFnU8u5ePIAdmBrndsOCRTLtM7gb_31tPoPwx_mxnIhIytZkBElK0q9_ox1oZP_dsoDDpbIPV65pudF/s400/DSC_0901.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adding the chicken to the veggies</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I roasted two bone- in chicken breasts, removed the meat from the bones and added the chicken to the veggies. Shrimp or scallops would work beautifully in this dish as well.</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />
</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Total under $10.00 for a feast that includes the leftovers I will use </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">for my husband's </span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">lunch tomorrow </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody><tbody></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RIyq0GeV54wfFXfySPbQFQu6lkVtb-B7giIbvMdepWPc5kN31lQD9fDHD4MQR9t5-jdQjI35mSkI4wwr6E4-uJ3lw8ix8dQjieNTx6bvKGVYVc-NuAiwh-soFIxyeGaSQiG4oFKEM3cv/s1600/DSC_0903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RIyq0GeV54wfFXfySPbQFQu6lkVtb-B7giIbvMdepWPc5kN31lQD9fDHD4MQR9t5-jdQjI35mSkI4wwr6E4-uJ3lw8ix8dQjieNTx6bvKGVYVc-NuAiwh-soFIxyeGaSQiG4oFKEM3cv/s400/DSC_0903.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Fast easy and oh so delicious</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-32407913652794859922011-01-18T22:14:00.002-06:002011-01-18T22:17:37.873-06:00Give me A Quiche To Build A Dream On And My Imagination Will Thrive Upon That Quiche<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuH2-b7BmLAXbUegFWfQ2v008NmX0A_5kcN3vN6g9dYw_-N5Xeqlg-SxdK2AC75tnR6aDRxxErmBd1Lf1ovzb02xSusNHYVla2VuTUmd4XjHSsxwB-mQe76IY-8JMyODwCH2e5_VmWPSM/s1600/CA+Sand+Diego+Balboa+Park+D15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsuH2-b7BmLAXbUegFWfQ2v008NmX0A_5kcN3vN6g9dYw_-N5Xeqlg-SxdK2AC75tnR6aDRxxErmBd1Lf1ovzb02xSusNHYVla2VuTUmd4XjHSsxwB-mQe76IY-8JMyODwCH2e5_VmWPSM/s400/CA+Sand+Diego+Balboa+Park+D15.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">The greatest delight the fields and woods minister is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and the vegetable. I am not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to me and I to them. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;">If asked to name a perfect, easy to prepare dish for a family brunch, a get together with friends or a fast and easy supper for busy nights like tonight I would have to say quiche. We are expecting company tomorrow so dinner can’t be to complicated or I won’t be able to finish getting the house ready. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Quiche used to be so popular and lately it seems to have fallen out of favor. I’ve tried to update and lighten up the recipe by using only half of the allotted crust and by using mostly 1% milk. I’ve chosen to prepare a veggie cheese quiche tonight. I really hate to waste food so, I am using bits and pieces of leftover vegetables and creating a delicious and economical meal. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGEaaC7oZ3X1HS7jhcQ8fRGkxE_g6cszS4GsI2C7yaeZ4XTCd3jarcTRUQhuGpEBYRhZ8ejgGo8tB1MxK4cxa2YYy2ijWYP1oK14pgGb8j7NaTTECMYFANrqJyT0pOpfnXLo8VEb4xOO5/s1600/DSC_0524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGEaaC7oZ3X1HS7jhcQ8fRGkxE_g6cszS4GsI2C7yaeZ4XTCd3jarcTRUQhuGpEBYRhZ8ejgGo8tB1MxK4cxa2YYy2ijWYP1oK14pgGb8j7NaTTECMYFANrqJyT0pOpfnXLo8VEb4xOO5/s320/DSC_0524.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I cut the ice cold butter before adding it to the flour</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE CRUST</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I make my own crust because it’s easy to do and I know and trust the ingredients,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1.1/4 cups flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 stick of butter</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp Salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4-6 tbs Water</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">That is all, no ingredients you can’t pronounce and it took me all of five minutes to do.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I put the salt and flour in my food processor and pulsed once or twice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Added 1 stick of very cold almost frozen butter, which I cube to help the mixing along</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I add the butter to the flour and process till the butter looks pea sized.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I slowly add about 4-6 TBS cold water till the dough forms a ball and then I stop</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don’t over mix.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I divide the dough in two and refrigerate for an hour before I roll it out to the size of the quiche dish.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Notice I’ve made two portions. One to use now and one to freeze for another meal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I roll our crust thinly, which makes it a bit less caloric and works for us. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cIF806d7JUWd1icOb8I8e3aYJkEYEXj1ErQ-dEsOU0dkm6QwlwCqN_rxZBii_UqHMhnHTEyKxh1Z1jPdV_5nDKz-vn0ZI810BXWau1xuA-uQhndHa9s7sufqQzbOc2nUTL_kHO5IWPXA/s1600/DSC_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cIF806d7JUWd1icOb8I8e3aYJkEYEXj1ErQ-dEsOU0dkm6QwlwCqN_rxZBii_UqHMhnHTEyKxh1Z1jPdV_5nDKz-vn0ZI810BXWau1xuA-uQhndHa9s7sufqQzbOc2nUTL_kHO5IWPXA/s320/DSC_0525.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> THE FILLING</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 tsp olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1-cup kale (I sometimes use spinach or broccoli as well)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/4 cup leftover leek (cleaned and sliced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">5 sun-dried tomatoes </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">(if packaged in oil~ blot them)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 roma tomato (diced)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ cup crumbled feta cheese</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ cup grated Parmesan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sauté the vegetables in the oil till softened</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I then completely cool them</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjT_ZMUI_nnQhm2kzLUP0-uOeyrS73e4GqGuwxMJwx3GEDj5niYn7FbQtDhhaR-j57SJPG95s5EYzQUvytq1GOLDHMVuR-zVdCZ_eKL_Nl_UxHp62gHNrqXCDGpwfh-3TQxcGfW9znObO/s1600/DSC_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjT_ZMUI_nnQhm2kzLUP0-uOeyrS73e4GqGuwxMJwx3GEDj5niYn7FbQtDhhaR-j57SJPG95s5EYzQUvytq1GOLDHMVuR-zVdCZ_eKL_Nl_UxHp62gHNrqXCDGpwfh-3TQxcGfW9znObO/s320/DSC_0528.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Whisking the egg mixture</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Scramble four eggs </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> ¾ cup of 1% milk</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ cup half and half</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ tsp cayenne</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp salt </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqGvZhp9-ewT4n7hJxxQXwdfearGK0oB_yj6R8Clrxp2agphPkFvbjSzO0su1DcHUqxNPoiCjM30NtfIYuXFF4glTTzpFsgGhQvkurhdNkSYtVa3Jizor_3fEDpKerF26zfm3wR2Kdy8Y/s1600/DSC_0530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqGvZhp9-ewT4n7hJxxQXwdfearGK0oB_yj6R8Clrxp2agphPkFvbjSzO0su1DcHUqxNPoiCjM30NtfIYuXFF4glTTzpFsgGhQvkurhdNkSYtVa3Jizor_3fEDpKerF26zfm3wR2Kdy8Y/s320/DSC_0530.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Add the veggies and the cheese</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Blind bake the crust for 10-15 minutes till firm but not brown</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Remove from oven </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cool for a few minutes</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add the cooled veggies</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Add ½ cup feta</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ cup Parmesan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Gently pour egg mixture over the top</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Bake for 30-40 minutes till done</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3qraVNpW5CNXrC_Y45if-3wBDaoG3os5ZhV73PbPodmKpsVZZZj3SFo50ACLYllw6O5OBk_EnOhhRyFX2ySRHbSPtn8eswQn2pBsYoZefLNaAeEs9EZZyYlh1L1tGK7R6F911r7cpx2H/s1600/DSC_0544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv3qraVNpW5CNXrC_Y45if-3wBDaoG3os5ZhV73PbPodmKpsVZZZj3SFo50ACLYllw6O5OBk_EnOhhRyFX2ySRHbSPtn8eswQn2pBsYoZefLNaAeEs9EZZyYlh1L1tGK7R6F911r7cpx2H/s320/DSC_0544.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Adding the filling</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Total Under $6.00 for a meal with plenty of leftovers</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ei9MM9S3LsDJU6kpw_YEZ_ddvO3chhoF6OkOoqpAhl6f_naf9JBfsf1gYGPyoi5n8oa_H9htDwOttHTuvNXLmnYhvXHdUcRkrJLgnBcF1H_Dj0071derHadXYYMTDdVkRVBDv1MsTKNr/s1600/DSC_0547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Ei9MM9S3LsDJU6kpw_YEZ_ddvO3chhoF6OkOoqpAhl6f_naf9JBfsf1gYGPyoi5n8oa_H9htDwOttHTuvNXLmnYhvXHdUcRkrJLgnBcF1H_Dj0071derHadXYYMTDdVkRVBDv1MsTKNr/s320/DSC_0547.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">TA-DA</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">John loved the quiche. We found it to be rich and flavorful despite the thin crust and the use of 1% milk.. He enjoyed the flavor of the sun-dried tomato in the dish and said it turned out to be one of the best he has ever had. </span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-23960598086424827682011-01-13T21:55:00.000-06:002011-01-13T21:55:26.345-06:00Lady And The Tramp Revisited<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBymeIX-fSrxhtSGAhleFFlqEoI8P5opeArHiz3WZpuKW4_gXf3zQYIzD6_rcgw-t7gYrU9Kn2gygxu-vXv2vUxN_elnZ6AgIq6dRaQRE_s9P0DXVJely4QpsKvZUd2CbTZeSSo09A897z/s1600/DSC_0074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBymeIX-fSrxhtSGAhleFFlqEoI8P5opeArHiz3WZpuKW4_gXf3zQYIzD6_rcgw-t7gYrU9Kn2gygxu-vXv2vUxN_elnZ6AgIq6dRaQRE_s9P0DXVJely4QpsKvZUd2CbTZeSSo09A897z/s640/DSC_0074.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We depend on chickens for so many meals ~lets treat them properly with respect and raise them cleanly</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I love the scene in Lady and the tramp where the pups share a string of spaghetti and a romantic moment. For me tonight’s dinner falls into that category as well. John and I will share a petite portion of pot pie. This is a rich dish so the servings will be more than enough to satisfy us as we share a romantic pot pie moment. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A couple of weeks ago I made a basic Pate brise dough and found I had a bit leftover. I didn’t have enough for a pie pan or a casserole dish but I did have enough for a small 5x5 circular pan. I decided it was the perfect size for a chicken pot pie built for two.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInGBdRI895EjEXq0cHC2F2aDRRhQdehK1Pws0tliBFv7wKdzPEY6Au0K6IfEIR-RVuquwKQXl7rWZrMHXh2KaL5Zm9P6QpprzoYwxOEUNBGgxwNJat6QUifimEumfIBixQ8zZQfcpZoUT/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhInGBdRI895EjEXq0cHC2F2aDRRhQdehK1Pws0tliBFv7wKdzPEY6Au0K6IfEIR-RVuquwKQXl7rWZrMHXh2KaL5Zm9P6QpprzoYwxOEUNBGgxwNJat6QUifimEumfIBixQ8zZQfcpZoUT/s400/DSC_0334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">Nice to have this meal ready for a busy day</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The pate brise recipe is a basic standard </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> </span></span><span class="value">2 1/2</span><span class="amount"> </span><span class="type">cups</span><span class="ingredient"> AP flour</span><span class="name"> </span><span style="color: windowtext;"></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼<span> </span><span class="amount"><span> </span></span><span class="type">tsp</span><span class="ingredient"> </span><span class="name">salt</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span><span> </span></span><span class="value">1 t</span><span class="type">bs</span><span class="ingredient"> </span><span class="name">sugar</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span>2 sticks</span><span class="ingredient"> </span><span class="name">unsalted butter chilled and cut into small pieces </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">I put it all in the food processor and slowly add</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">ice water till it all forms a ball</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">Note: this recipe will make more than you need for this dish</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">Remember the leftovers are what I used for this potpie.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">I’d cut it in ½ for this dish or use half and freeze half.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">(Or you could make cinnamon buns for breakfast the next morning)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">Store bought pie shells will work as well use what you have on hand. </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">For the filling sauté </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">½ onion</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">2 ribs celery (chopped)</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">3 small chopped carrots</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">1 small potato cut in small pieces </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name"><span> </span>in butter and oil (about 2 Tbs total)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">When softened 6-7 minutes I sprinkle with flour (about 1 Tbs)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">Which makes it like a little roux keep cooking it<span> </span>(1 minute more or so)</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">Then:</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">add approx ½ cup 1% milk </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">and ½ cup chicken stock</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name"> heat till it thickens adjust thickness to your liking by adding stock</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">add </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">½ cup thawed frozen peas</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">3/4 cup leftover chicken I had on hand</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">S&P to taste</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">poultry seasoning or sage to taste</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvX3o80mINX_OnlXBCD1J4ZmsBZz-2ckVDNNGVyAHM-sQhFfJ8qcaJ9ivBXP3_qio0IOMg1RwTzI2wTuB3eaH66gKyy8jIihMHEggW81iaESPR-LZDKdh9eMmNq6sGgmQvH9Am0aWK7lU/s1600/Copy+of+DSC_0503.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvX3o80mINX_OnlXBCD1J4ZmsBZz-2ckVDNNGVyAHM-sQhFfJ8qcaJ9ivBXP3_qio0IOMg1RwTzI2wTuB3eaH66gKyy8jIihMHEggW81iaESPR-LZDKdh9eMmNq6sGgmQvH9Am0aWK7lU/s320/Copy+of+DSC_0503.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Classic ingredients are so versatile ~ keep these on hand </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">I add the mixture to the crust</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">I top with more crust</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">I cut air vents on top</span></span></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">I cook for 45</span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="name"> minutes</span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">-1 hour at 375 degrees</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">till the crust is browned and the potpie is bubbly </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">Total under $5.00 for this treat for two</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfX5Xma0xiFBxZy0IQcMmtD2vTYaSdQPV6NMQxxeEdYtRr4liSBU8ZOyQdyPXH4s6JkFmwD-60tBNfzODcPq-esWU6NIzQe3hf5DvOL6Ukvc-nw0KwT1EyIEOMkoA5olFrzBiKf-iNQK3/s1600/DSC_0336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfX5Xma0xiFBxZy0IQcMmtD2vTYaSdQPV6NMQxxeEdYtRr4liSBU8ZOyQdyPXH4s6JkFmwD-60tBNfzODcPq-esWU6NIzQe3hf5DvOL6Ukvc-nw0KwT1EyIEOMkoA5olFrzBiKf-iNQK3/s400/DSC_0336.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A whole bowl of Happy</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;"><span class="name">TIP OF THE DAY: Even a small amount of leftover dough can be made into a tasty dish. If I hadn't had enough for a pot pie I would have made cinnamon bites or maybe Apricot jam filled treats. Use it all and save money in a delicious way.</span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-26706559003817362102011-01-11T19:23:00.000-06:002011-01-11T19:23:04.651-06:00Todays Meal Is Brought To You By The Letter P<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr2KVKoEtxvlXWrWAr026BMb1mPx7y-KETzHJKy_f9NXSFF4q_7zNoOpMEA2zfNO0Hq3y_vdHHiOLlBCvfDV2c7ArMDl3e7Mt6ZeXaxWB8pbkSMc3Nai-52sTaWsCPC5aVk3HTJUXwRWh/s1600/DSC00338.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPr2KVKoEtxvlXWrWAr026BMb1mPx7y-KETzHJKy_f9NXSFF4q_7zNoOpMEA2zfNO0Hq3y_vdHHiOLlBCvfDV2c7ArMDl3e7Mt6ZeXaxWB8pbkSMc3Nai-52sTaWsCPC5aVk3HTJUXwRWh/s400/DSC00338.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Delicious Ham </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">There are days I feel like getting in the car and going on an adventure. Our temporary move to Los Angeles has given me the opportunity to explore many new and exciting places. After all the rain we had during the holidays I was more than ready to get out of the house and drive. I had a great day discovering several new neighborhoods, listening to oldies on the radio and letting the GPS guide me. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr-60UmCVswBohJpTnumgZBxQb44vocvMW443JKaoVje4qkL4O1QtLURBpDLZ2WEOcltuA5ENou8wmMYdIJKh0-VQbEBB8r3aVdQgrLP5wrufPeWKkNFWZ7UbrkJYucVQszFuMkiuUtzo/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwr-60UmCVswBohJpTnumgZBxQb44vocvMW443JKaoVje4qkL4O1QtLURBpDLZ2WEOcltuA5ENou8wmMYdIJKh0-VQbEBB8r3aVdQgrLP5wrufPeWKkNFWZ7UbrkJYucVQszFuMkiuUtzo/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A little bit goes a long way and tastes terrific</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I didn’t have a great deal of time to plan or prepare a complicated dinner today. I wanted to fix something flavorful and not too heavy. I’d planned ahead for a day like this and I knew just what I was craving. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPCQWLUe9WWmK0KW86625pJmgLgP6T80kS_Q79ZCuwnWiiiPETOINubD0PjKbwZF9NfhHFWE5NQOiZH5lHsD77vuTTIm8fzIszMBECDAK3GPScEkB4TdlXM7xIC367y2CGenJrS9bgcRV/s1600/DSC_0326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKPCQWLUe9WWmK0KW86625pJmgLgP6T80kS_Q79ZCuwnWiiiPETOINubD0PjKbwZF9NfhHFWE5NQOiZH5lHsD77vuTTIm8fzIszMBECDAK3GPScEkB4TdlXM7xIC367y2CGenJrS9bgcRV/s400/DSC_0326.JPG" width="325" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My oil decanter makes me smile every time I use it</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 slices Prosciutto $1.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 cup dry whole wheat penne pasta $.75</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ cup frozen peas $.50</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ cup gated Parmesan cheese $.75</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1Tbs olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I cooked the Prosciutto till crispy and crumbled it</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I cooked the penne pasta till al dente </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I put the </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">Prosciutto</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> and pasta</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">In a pan with the peas</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Place the Parmesan in the pan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mixed well<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Drizzle olive oil<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sprinkle with red pepper flakes to taste<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m serving the pasta with a green salad topped with a tangerine vinaigrette </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Total under $5.00 </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiteOQD4Blvfa3t64r52eHOvrzJWe7q1dIoJK9zjd1nWmbhRbFe01v716RFhl_unBtXq1fCwErM_FKjw2AI0GHKNVPuMllwIZmeDTK0qtJvosPtoVzEl6QYh_8noUUt89N1GTnmaBh83Z/s1600/DSC_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRiteOQD4Blvfa3t64r52eHOvrzJWe7q1dIoJK9zjd1nWmbhRbFe01v716RFhl_unBtXq1fCwErM_FKjw2AI0GHKNVPuMllwIZmeDTK0qtJvosPtoVzEl6QYh_8noUUt89N1GTnmaBh83Z/s400/DSC_0323.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Comfort food with lots of flavor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span></span></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">TIP OF THE DAY: Products like Prosciutto tend to be expensive however; you don’t need to rule these items out entirely. Many ingredients are available for purchase by the slice (or the ounce) and as you can see from this recipe just two slices gave this meal a real flavor boost.<span> </span></span></span></div>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-47728995687152528372011-01-10T22:00:00.000-06:002011-01-10T22:00:31.647-06:00A Gift Of Tangerines:Seasonality Times Three<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdmDzbEwUfa5ABf5hlaTo-sNY0DWstfgWlTXPQA8e0bk8xtmYP0Mz5eZggrlkyec797lVxxDNBAJHNIOIDTjlFPeNj7FpLO-QpnRjTMjqCo461bNsw6rPE8ntD_Me8mRFEJvlyZjqv-Hg/s1600/DSC_0414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdmDzbEwUfa5ABf5hlaTo-sNY0DWstfgWlTXPQA8e0bk8xtmYP0Mz5eZggrlkyec797lVxxDNBAJHNIOIDTjlFPeNj7FpLO-QpnRjTMjqCo461bNsw6rPE8ntD_Me8mRFEJvlyZjqv-Hg/s640/DSC_0414.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: large;">When we care for the earth the earth will in turn sustain us</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span></span> This is the time of year when everyone takes a moment to reevaluate their eating habits and incorporate even more good choices into their meal planning.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqiDEpwXQ7RehSRJN_JtY8t9RSlOaxVZrNDDDhA486ViI9HPiyqnsoKGXk8M33CCxArhx9MPv9kJvn3VP3UM08PDqDcbF_cZBvovOU4AmsBk2YDUSdrBB_3Xg2iPvz_rATQwSVA5EP7hY/s1600/DSC_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwqiDEpwXQ7RehSRJN_JtY8t9RSlOaxVZrNDDDhA486ViI9HPiyqnsoKGXk8M33CCxArhx9MPv9kJvn3VP3UM08PDqDcbF_cZBvovOU4AmsBk2YDUSdrBB_3Xg2iPvz_rATQwSVA5EP7hY/s320/DSC_0413.JPG" width="209" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Beautiful Tangerine tree</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> At our house we are also looking at our food choices and continuing our efforts to eat delicious yet healthy and seasonal foods. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr85mT9_ZcLXk74KJlW4WuVhlCFq42lH07RhTXPW2g6slMZkDw6wXk37YN6vH-lKK1GuGHEJQjCtJUsYJNZyfL4GWZXhfxKFImtw_Aknmp-AXuMplt8a7JP4JoTNBUtLGvgjf7cofbcCz/s1600/DSC_0419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDr85mT9_ZcLXk74KJlW4WuVhlCFq42lH07RhTXPW2g6slMZkDw6wXk37YN6vH-lKK1GuGHEJQjCtJUsYJNZyfL4GWZXhfxKFImtw_Aknmp-AXuMplt8a7JP4JoTNBUtLGvgjf7cofbcCz/s640/DSC_0419.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Seasonality is a cornerstone of smart cooking</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">This weekend</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> we were grateful to be given tangerines and oranges that were picked right off my Aunt and Uncle’s fruit trees. I’ve decided to make a meal for us today that celebrates the tangerine and the sharing of natures bounty with family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The menu will include</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tangerine ginger soy snapper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tangerine glazed carrots</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And a festive salad with a </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tangerine vinaigrette </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE FISH</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¾ Lb wild caught snapper </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">(The store was out of wild salmon) $5.00</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ inch piece of ginger (grate it)<span> </span>$.15</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3 tangerines juiced a lovely gift..</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sprinkle of hot pepper flake</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 tsp soy sauce </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I marinated the snapper in the above for 1-2 hours </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I then bake it in a 350-degree oven for 18 minutes or till done</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE SALAD</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Small green salad with tangerine vinaigrette</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IGW27SzL_c7vxr0U4dRiScQvk23d5fRFptZLMqlc0z4NpNzgAGzPWn5gyFI65_ODJULdWf9EZUNHpFG8RBJtdPuyq37QINsmAiEPtgzksFDO5hYaRgnBniKkec-DBN3NUuONHYAA3m4k/s1600/DSC_0509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IGW27SzL_c7vxr0U4dRiScQvk23d5fRFptZLMqlc0z4NpNzgAGzPWn5gyFI65_ODJULdWf9EZUNHpFG8RBJtdPuyq37QINsmAiEPtgzksFDO5hYaRgnBniKkec-DBN3NUuONHYAA3m4k/s320/DSC_0509.JPG" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We love to experiment with new and interesting vinegars</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the dressing I combined</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A tiny bit of tangerine zest</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Juice of 1 tangerine</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tbs honey</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 tbs white balsamic vinegar</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> and then I slowly drizzled in the olive oil (about 2 tbs) as I whisked it to an emulsion </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHsXwrNuIzME4dHZzqK1ua0NdoZSSkGz7LaWAF8YaqT8oXS3T9_a0cjWekLPay4oRMajS9rYHPV1Bi9dvW1SWAq-dAKln8YQTEICMuRIW4AdFTE8QLD-sHsf4EBuJl75MDI3yQGLdsgUY/s1600/DSC_0510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaHsXwrNuIzME4dHZzqK1ua0NdoZSSkGz7LaWAF8YaqT8oXS3T9_a0cjWekLPay4oRMajS9rYHPV1Bi9dvW1SWAq-dAKln8YQTEICMuRIW4AdFTE8QLD-sHsf4EBuJl75MDI3yQGLdsgUY/s640/DSC_0510.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This salad would also make a wonderful meal topped with grilled salmon </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I tossed the dressing with</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1/4 head Lettuce </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1 Roma tomato</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tangerine sections</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Crushed pecans</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Dried cranberries</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Artichoke hearts</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">S&P</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">THE CARROTS</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Brazed carrots glazed in tangerine juice<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I added a tsp of olive oil to the pan </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I pan braze the carrots in water and</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">tangerine juice</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When done to al dente add juice of one tangerine </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">As it reduces it will form a glaze over the carrots</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I add a touch of cayenne and salt during the cooking.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojNr1gv9Okh4Pf0GcYbfskuuJHFrQd_nqwbN6S2NwFsKum51n4JMxrYjtRlfL5KSS79K-V0mH_zjqoOdQZq1ai9RXNsqULKarZSR-lVs8L9HNgeyIIYf_QXIs0AzuNAw5VItR_RMos_1M/s1600/DSC_0517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="595" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiojNr1gv9Okh4Pf0GcYbfskuuJHFrQd_nqwbN6S2NwFsKum51n4JMxrYjtRlfL5KSS79K-V0mH_zjqoOdQZq1ai9RXNsqULKarZSR-lVs8L9HNgeyIIYf_QXIs0AzuNAw5VItR_RMos_1M/s640/DSC_0517.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A Healthy and delicious tangerine themed meal</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Total under $10.00 for this Tangerine dream dinner</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">TIP OF THE DAY: When given a wonderful seasonal ingredient like the tangerine, it is fun to build a menu around it. Take standard dishes you cook regularly and put a fun twist on the recipe. Some of them are bound to <span> </span>become family favorites</span></span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4145214541150715116.post-78109709441638903072011-01-06T15:52:00.000-06:002011-01-06T15:52:39.055-06:00Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Ravioli An Unlikely Yet Yummy Hostess Gift<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldOf9IPLnUdBz3StLmBjxh3KplVmRV_aYjC5ErlTOcoLEqR7MXwrypy5pSnBvUP2bV0FGOIVZq-8bLbwXb0kJQV9zf-szKkc12E4aZvTAZJuPbT5R0IoIHXUGE5fNouhvBvPoJXJFJRbB/s1600/DSC_0050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldOf9IPLnUdBz3StLmBjxh3KplVmRV_aYjC5ErlTOcoLEqR7MXwrypy5pSnBvUP2bV0FGOIVZq-8bLbwXb0kJQV9zf-szKkc12E4aZvTAZJuPbT5R0IoIHXUGE5fNouhvBvPoJXJFJRbB/s640/DSC_0050.JPG" width="523" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">One of the many reasons we love visiting famil<span style="font-size: large;">y</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span></span> We are going away for the weekend to visit my aunt and uncle and we are bringing part of Saturday night’s dinner as a gift for our hosts. I’ve spent this morning making spinach ricotta ravioli and on Saturday night all they will need to prepare are the bread and a beautiful salad.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX4UHPYQsGiYBXcwrB4KPwZx9RRRqcBJF5UaQim_j0MYi2a2C-xFRgSr9kVxpeLDp6u86BSp6SjfiBWZQkxIKQkMNfRKIrHRvOlGskRATnYj2XLfq3UsxXAQzlXi7PfxXXvmtqOcGrgf4/s1600/DSC_0317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcX4UHPYQsGiYBXcwrB4KPwZx9RRRqcBJF5UaQim_j0MYi2a2C-xFRgSr9kVxpeLDp6u86BSp6SjfiBWZQkxIKQkMNfRKIrHRvOlGskRATnYj2XLfq3UsxXAQzlXi7PfxXXvmtqOcGrgf4/s320/DSC_0317.JPG" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The dough is ready to roll. Its a beautiful color and has a great texture</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> I prepared the standard pasta recipe I’ve discussed in previous posts and this time I’m filling them with spinach and ricotta.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSV_6tTT9btdJFPauGIKMcC2wXCSWUqT6H8eO_9BB2F3fGaw2kIvl3Ne2EFLHrcnYnr_6XHbuiHwVOgv8bXq8uoU9OGKa72_hxmFzgoOTxB_lMVCnkU_QqbkG_OMaEYzP8FBPe57f52VG/s1600/DSC_0316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSV_6tTT9btdJFPauGIKMcC2wXCSWUqT6H8eO_9BB2F3fGaw2kIvl3Ne2EFLHrcnYnr_6XHbuiHwVOgv8bXq8uoU9OGKa72_hxmFzgoOTxB_lMVCnkU_QqbkG_OMaEYzP8FBPe57f52VG/s640/DSC_0316.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cooking the Spinach</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pasta</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3.5 cups All Pourpose flour</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">4 eggs</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">3/4 tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">splash olive oil</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">water if needed</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">mix by hand </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">kneed till smooth and soft</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FNZ0Xhgi0wm6ytO2nQt0eS_cTTPP0G0AKnP3d-yubNJfn22073H51GtNDPl-OSoRY7Wahmkn1NrXu_bQMKV-o3Ek8MrbFiuaZ2kPA6Dtdv-aKBgH4sCCSiKQqCbY7cscVanVuNf8T1v1/s1600/DSC_0319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FNZ0Xhgi0wm6ytO2nQt0eS_cTTPP0G0AKnP3d-yubNJfn22073H51GtNDPl-OSoRY7Wahmkn1NrXu_bQMKV-o3Ek8MrbFiuaZ2kPA6Dtdv-aKBgH4sCCSiKQqCbY7cscVanVuNf8T1v1/s320/DSC_0319.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The filling is ready to use</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">For the filling</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">10 oz frozen spinach</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¾ lb of part skim ricotta</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¾ cup grated Parmesan</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">2 cloves garlic</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">¼ tsp black pepper</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">½ tsp salt</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">a dash of nutmeg</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I sauté the spinach in butter and olive oil </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">with garlic and a touch of minced onion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">When done I cool completely </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Cx8xd0O4YomDzfBPhVvu1TRrDcfjzvoD_BnJ6te42GvgLxvHXEoOJFQcHd6ESJ-bWAjH8PKRddBxSh_7cmy_2ErazrczXpXCMUL-_kE-m0rnYqwei5ZW2yWflAzr-aAV5saEHRbZZk-Y/s1600/DSC_0321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2Cx8xd0O4YomDzfBPhVvu1TRrDcfjzvoD_BnJ6te42GvgLxvHXEoOJFQcHd6ESJ-bWAjH8PKRddBxSh_7cmy_2ErazrczXpXCMUL-_kE-m0rnYqwei5ZW2yWflAzr-aAV5saEHRbZZk-Y/s320/DSC_0321.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Time to make the ravioli</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Prepare the filling:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I place ricotta in a bowl </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I add an egg</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I add ½ cup</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A touch of nutmeg</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Pepper and Salt </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I then add the cooled spinach</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I put a small amount along the pasta</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And make the pillows </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I trip them with a cute little pasta cutting tool</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">And set them on a cookie sheet.</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxmHqeQlESAHR8D4e-CUGWgTfeP5QQ64dTsqLJyxLsS55gHaybE83ZoDFN6yQHt27cCt8YBE7qQmZ4KLHL-IvDC81dsjspCofKEIveUscnq3w1nnNNmLUgsM0h6mnbo_PxZJOuxEPVQIG/s1600/DSC_0322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhxmHqeQlESAHR8D4e-CUGWgTfeP5QQ64dTsqLJyxLsS55gHaybE83ZoDFN6yQHt27cCt8YBE7qQmZ4KLHL-IvDC81dsjspCofKEIveUscnq3w1nnNNmLUgsM0h6mnbo_PxZJOuxEPVQIG/s400/DSC_0322.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This pasta tool is a fun toy </span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I’m freezing these to take on out trip as I will not cook them till Saturday. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">To cook them I will place them in boiling salted water</span></div><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">When they are done they will float to the top of the water.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">Total under $10.00 to feed four people</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: x-large;">TIP OF THE DAY: Consider bringing part of the meal as a hostess gift. If you love to cook prepare a loaf of bread, a soup or even a frozen dish the hosts can enjoy during the week. Time to relax and not worry about cooking is generally a much appreciated gift.</span>Vagablondehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08598216169367404472noreply@blogger.com3