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I love to EAT, TRAVEL,COOK, always searching for foods, restaurants, recipes, a LEVEL ABOVE ordinary fare - SATORI (Japanese word for AHA!) foods . Find my recipes and those I find, restaurants reviews from all over, posted travels, highlights from interesting TV shows (Travel Channel, Food Channel etc).
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Showing posts with label food network. Show all posts
Showing posts with label food network. Show all posts

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Battle Pheasant on Iron Chef America

I’ve never eaten pheasant. However I learned about this bird and its preparations b watching the two chefs battled to show off the various ways pheasant could be prepared. It was quite an eye full seeing Battle Pheasant through Morrimoto vs Virant battle. Virant has his place in Chicago which is named Vie.

Vie on Urbanspoon

He is quite an accomplished chef
http://www.vierestaurant.com/chef.html

and focused on American cuisine with his menu
http://www.vierestaurant.com/menu.html

Morimito had dishes that included pheasant tenderloin, pheasant dumplings with tomato cream with wasabi, pheasant rice balls and soup and pheasant lettuce wraps.

Virant countered with smoked pheasant with blackberry; pheasant gnocchi; pheasant scotch eggs; pheasant roasted livers; pheasant consome and gremolata.

I thought the battle would be close. I picked Morimoto by +2. He won by +1 so I was within my range and on the winning side.

taste : Virant had 26 to 25 points
plating : Morrimoto had 13 to 11
originality: tied 13 to 13

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Next Food Network star: Melissa d'Arabian's recipe finds

I tried out for the Next Food Network star TV series but did not make the cut. I'm too old, have not been to culinary school or one of another reasons. I've been on TV, in the newspaper, Bon Appetite magazine, on radio, for my recipes. I've had my (total eclipse) photo in Astronomy magazine and more of my exploits over the years, but also my teaching, traveling and science exploration in various parts of the world. I love to cook, eat, travel and try new and different recipes and more . I love looking for recipes all over, on TV, internet etc.

But in any case, I watch each year to see what happens and who wins and whether I disagree or agree with the final judgement.

Guy Fieri is a food rock star in so many way. I like his shows and his recipes. His personality is great too. This years contestants seems pretty good on the outside but upon inspection you could see that Melissa d'Arabian was the one to beat in so many ways. For her cooking expertise, her ability to roll with the punches, her presentations and outstanding showmanship and cooking amazing food (especially for semi final and final foods which were judged so far ahead of the semis and the final guy (who turned out to be such a joke).

But unlike the last few years, The Food Network judges disagreed and made poor choices knocking out the winner in the semis. She only got back because of fraudulent information by the one that judges wanted to go to the finals (I really don't know what the judges saw in him). That is why I did not have much faith in the judges.

I cheered and hope she would win because she was the best of the lot by far. It just happened that she did win. I mean it was not even close so maybe I have a little more faith in the judges this time. Or maybe it was just so clear cut it was the only decision. Who know. I'm just glad she won.

Her recipes are really a hit already judges upon all the comments and reviews by people going to her site on FN. I've made salmon cakes before but this one sounds even better because of the potato in it and other ingredients.

This one is a real different take off on salmon cakes. I have not made it yet but it sounds so good I just had to post it for you all. She has some other great recipes and as I try them and others, I will post them with my comments and ratings.

Until if you find good recipes that you like, log in as my friend and place your comments etc. Keep the posts positive or tell how you make the dish better. Found a good restaurant and dish , let me know too.

Salmon Cakes
Recipe courtesy Melissa d'Arabian

2 strips bacon, cooked until crispy, crumbled, bacon fat reserved
1/4 cup chopped onion
1 egg
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 lemon, zested
1 (14-ounce) can wild salmon, checked for large bones
1 baked or boiled russet potato, peeled, and fluffed with a fork
1/4 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Heat 1 tablespoon of the reserved bacon fat in a small saute pan over low heat. Add the onions and cook until translucent. Cool the onions for a bit.

Mix the bacon, onion, egg, mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, and lemon zest in a bowl. Add the salmon and potato, mixing gently after each addition. Form the mixture into 12 small patties. In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, Parmesan, and pepper, to taste. Coat the patties in the bread crumb topping. Heat 1/4 cup of the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat, and cook the salmon cakes in batches until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Add more oil, as necessary. Arrange on a serving platter and serve.

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ease of preparation: easy

Friday, August 14, 2009

Recipe Finds : great Pad Thai throwdown from chef of Thai Basil restaurant in Virginia

Chelsea Thai Wholesale on Urbanspoon

Thai is my favorite cuisine. I hunt for recipes where ever I travel, on the Internet and even from TV shows. One that I have eaten in Kansas City before and made myself is the famous Pad Thai recipe. I have used cookbooks, restaurant recipes and internet sites . Before Bobby Flay went to a Washington, DC suburb to do a battle with Phai Thai, he came to this restaurant in New York City to learn a little more about the cuisine.

While I have been to Virginia, I have not been to this Virginia restaurant yet. But in a way, I was recently as I saw the restaurant on Bobby Flay’s Throwdown contest battle TV show featuring Pad Thai. The chef Nongkran Daks, won the Throwdown by using recipe Kuay Tiaw Pad Thai. (This one along with Bobby Flay’s recipe are featured on this page- see below). Both are great .

Usually the recipes are featured too so the show is a bonus to my recipe collection and for you all. I like trying new “takes” on versions of dishes. Pad Thai, in general is is a very versatile dish and can be made vegetarian, with chicken , seafood, shrimp, beef or combinations. I have made vegetarian and chicken versions myself and also tasted them at several places in Kansas City including the deceased Thai 2000 (which I loved) and the current Bangkok Pavilion in Overland Park , KS.
I also found another recipe like one found at the restaurant, but I substituted chicken for pork. (see it below too).
If you have made a version you like or a place in Kansas City that has a good one that you have tried, let me know.


http://www.northernvirginiamag.com/restaurants/info/802/thai_basil/

Kuay Tiaw Pad Thai

http://www.gayot.com/restaurants/thai-basil-chantilly-va-20151_33vg9958.html


Show: Throwdown with Bobby FlayEpisode: Pad Thai

Ingredients
• Recipe courtesy Nongkran Daks
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra as needed
• 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon dried shrimp, optional
• 1/2 cup sliced pork
• 1/2 cup whole shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon (shredded) preserved radish
• 1/4 pound medium-size dried rice noodles (soaked 60 minutes in cold water and drained)
• Water
• 5 tablespoons Pad Thai sauce, recipe follows
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon ground hot chiles, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons ground roasted peanuts
• 1/2 cup sliced garlic chives or green onion
• 2 cups bean sprouts, rinsed, plus more for garnish
• 1 wedge lime
Directions
Heat the oil in a wok. Add the garlic and stir-fry until golden brown. Add the meat and shrimp and keep stirring until the shrimp changes color. Remove the shrimp to prevent overcooking and set aside.
Add the noodles. They will stick together so stir fast and try to separate them. Add a little water, stirring a few times. Then add the Pad Thai sauce, and keep stirring until everything is thoroughly mixed. The noodles should appear soft and moist. Return the cooked shrimp to the wok.
Push the contents of the wok up around the sides to make room to fry the eggs. If the pan is very dry, add 1 more tablespoon of oil. Add the eggs and spread the noodles over the eggs to cover. When the eggs are cooked, stir the noodles until everything is well mixed-this should result in cooked bits of eggs, both whites and yolk, throughout the noodle mixture.
Add chiles, peanuts, garlic chives and bean sprouts. Mix well. Remove to a platter. Serve with raw bean spouts and a few drops of lime juice.
A viewer, who may not be a professional cook, provided this recipe. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe and therefore, we cannot make representation as to the results.

Pat Thai Sauce:
• 1 cup tamarind juice
• 1 cup palm sugar plus 3 tablespoons
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
Mix all ingredients in a saucepan for about 60 minutes until it is well mixed and syrupy. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Cook's Note: If you want to double this recipe, DO NOT double the ingredi ents, for the bulk will be too much to work with. Rather, make the dish twice. If you plan to make this for company, cook noodles ahead of time and add bean sprouts and garlic chives when you heat it up. If it is an informal gathering, it is fun to let your guests cook their own noodles.
You can buy premixed tamarind concentrate or make your own tamarind juice. Buy a package of compressed tamarind pulp at any Asian market, cut off 3 tablespoons of paste and soak in 1 1/2 cups of warm water for 20 minutes. Squeeze out the pulp and discard; the remaining liquid is tamarind juice. Store any leftover juice or noodle sauce in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer.

**

Shrimp Pad Thai
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay
Show: Throwdown with Bobby FlayEpisode: Pad Thai
Ingredients
Sauteed Shrimp with Tamarind-Thai Basil Glaze:
• 3 tablespoons tamarind pulp
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
• 3 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 pound shrimp (21-25) size, shelled and deveined
Pad Thai glaze:
• 12 ounces dried flat rice noodles (1/4-inch wide; sometimes called pad Thai or banh pho)
• 3 tablespoons tamarind (from a pliable block)
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup light soy sauce
• 1/4 cup packed Muscavado light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (recommended: Sriracha)
• 1 1/2 cups peanut or vegetable oil
• 4 large shallots, sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices
• 1 (14 to 16-ounce) package firm tofu, rinsed, patted dry and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoons salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 bunch scallions, green and pale green parts, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 cups bean sprouts (1/4 pound)
• Thai basil leaves
• Cilantro leaves
• 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• Lime wedges
For the shrimp:
Directions
Place tamarind in a bowl, cover with the boiling water and let sit until softened. Press the pulp through a sieve into a bowl and discard seeds and solids.
Combine orange juice, tamarind pulp, vinegar, honey, basil and salt and pepper in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a mesh strainer. Return to the blender, with the motor running, slowly add 6 tablespoons of the oil and blend until emulsified.

:
Heat remaining 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large nonstick saute pan over high heat. Season shrimp on both sides with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Stir in the tamarind glaze, turn the shrimp over and continue cooking until shrimp is cooked through and glazed.
For the Pad Thai:
Soak noodles in a large bowl of warm water until softened but not overly soft, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain well in a colander and cover with a dampened paper towel.
Place the tamarind in a bowl and cover with the boiling water, let sit until soft, about 10 minutes. Force the mixture through a sieve (including the water) into a bowl, discarding seeds and fibers. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, and hot sauce to the tamarind, stirring until sugar has dissolved, set aside.
Heat the oil in a wok or a large saute pan over medium heat until hot, then fry half of the shallots over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove the shallots with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.
Reheat shallot oil in wok over high heat until hot. Fry tofu in 1 layer, gently turning occasionally, until golden, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer tofu to paper towels using a slotted spoon. Transfer the frying oil to a heatproof glass and reserve.
Lightly beat eggs with 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper and a tablespoon of water. Heat 2 tablespoons of the shallot oil in a wok or saute pan over high heat until it shimmers. Add eggs and swirl to coat the side of the wok, then cook, stirring gently with a spatula, until cooked through. Break into chunks with spatula and transfer to a plate.
Heat wok over medium heat, add 6 tablespoons of the shallot oil, then swirl to coat side of wok. Stir-fry scallions, garlic, and remaining uncooked shallots until softened, about 1 minute.
Add noodles and stir-fry over medium for about 2 minutes. Add tofu, bean sprouts, and 1 1/2 cups sauce and simmer, turning noodles over to absorb sauce evenly, until noodles are tender, about 2 minutes. Stir in additional sauce, if desired, then stir in the eggs. Transfer to a large shallow serving dish and top with the shrimp, crispy shallots, Thai basil, cilantro and peanuts. Serve lime wedges on the side.


***
Khao Soi
http://www.simply-thai.com/thai-food-recipes-noodles-khao-soi.htm
Chiang Mai Curry Noodles
Ingredients
4 ounces rice noodles
1 tbs chopped garlic
1 tbs red curry paste
1/2 cup coconut milk
4 ounces ground pork
one cup chicken stock
1 tbs curry powder - pong gari
a pinch of turmeric powder
2 tbs fish sauce - nam pla
a pinch of palm sugar
a tsp lime juice

You will also need - for the Garnish
spring onions, sliced shallots and lime wedges

Method - noodles
1. Soak noodles in cool water for 15-30 minutes then drain for use.
2. Bring a pan of water to the boil, then place the noodles in a wire basket or strainer and dip the noodles in the water for a few seconds (no more)
3. drain them and transfer to the serving plate.

Method - Sauce
1. In a wok, heat the coconut milk
2. stir in the curry paste until the aroma is brought out and a thin film of oil separates out
3. add the garlic and stir fry for about 30 seconds
4. Add the remaining ingredients except the pork, and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Add the pork
6. continue to stir until the meat is cooked through.
7. Pour the sauce over the noodles.

***
Pad Kra Praw 1
1 tablespoon canola oil
1-2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
8 ounces boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
1/2 large onion, sliced into strips
3 celery stalks, sliced
2 fresh red chiles, seeded and finely chopped
3/4 teaspoon chile paste (or to taste)
2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
4-5 green onions, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup whole cashew nuts
Stir together the fish sauce, oyster sauce and sugar. Set aside.
Heat oil over high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stir once, then add chicken, celery, onions and fresh chiles. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes or until chicken is nearly cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in the chile paste and fish sauce mixture. Stir-fry another 2-3 minutes.
Quickly stir in the green onions, basil leaves and cashews. Serve immediately with plain short-grain rice.

**
Pad Kra Praw 2
1 1/2 cups ground chicken. - you would replace with tofu or asian eggplant-
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce
3 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
1 tablespoon chile paste
in soybean oil
1 1/2 cups sliced white onions
1/2 cup sliced green bell pepper
1 cup Thai basil leaves
1 teaspoon white pepper
Stir together the fish sauce, oyster sauce and sugar. Set aside.
Heat oil over high heat. Add garlic and ginger, stir once, then add chicken, celery, onions and fresh chiles. Stir-fry 3-4 minutes or until chicken is nearly cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium and stir in the chile paste and fish sauce mixture. Stir-fry another 2-3 minutes.
Quickly stir in the green onions, basil leaves and cashews. Serve immediately with plain short-grain rice.
Posted by Dr. Eric Flescher (dreric1kansas@aol.com) at 4:45 PM
Labels: Kansas City, Recipe Finds, Restaurant Recipe Finds, Thai, Throwdown with Bobby Flay

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Next Food Network Star: Melissa d’Arabian wins The Next Food Network Star

The Food Network judges did not flub it this time. I think there was a bias against Debbie and also that there was no way that the judges were going to let two women in the finals. Debbie was too one dimensional while the other two were more multifaceted.
Jeffrey really did not do well in the semis when judges said that his food was an "affront to Italian cooking". That was not good. The FN judges seemed to gloss over that as well as that Jeffrey only spend $350 when he had $1000 to spend.

Meanwhile Bob Tuschman had the audacity to say that Melissa's talk to the judges was too flowery evenwhile it brought tears to the crowd. Jeffrey, always said, over and over again, that he would not let us down and would have inspired meals. But he did let us down when he created unispired food from the many great chefs. In comparison Melissa create two pastry dishes that rivaled ( the judges said) any pastry by other chefs and the rest of the food was amazing. Now that was awesome.

In the end, possibly the three judges saw the same differences that I saw. Both their shows were good but this extra information before the finale possibly tipped the tide to Melissa. I am glad it is Melissa.
I look forward to seeing her shows
Tune in next Sunday at 12:30pm/11:30c for Melissa’s show, Ten Dollar Dinners with Melissa d’Arabian.

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Latest Iron Chef America battle Bananas

Sueños on Urbanspoon

This battle offered up some nice recipes that gave me some ideas. Bananas were main items but also plaintain which I love and have made myself.
Bobby has plantain encrusted red snapper, banana red curry (this sounded sound good) and more . The challenger Sue Torres of Svneos (Mexican fusion fare) from NYC. She had dynamite platings , taco al pastor (never heard of it so I found a recipe and it is posted below), gorditta and plantain encrusted halibut and another carmelized bananas and more.
I thought the plating and food would do the trick. I picked Torres to win by +2 but sort of thought Flay would still win. He did. He beat Torres by +3 in taste (a surprise based on the feedback from the judges) , the plating was a Flay woon by +1 for originality which also surprised me.

Tacos al Pastor
Bon Appétit | May 2008
by Steven Raichlen
Bon Appétit
ingredients
1 large white onion, halved
1 pineapple, peeled, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/4 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup guajillo chile powder
3 garlic cloves, halved
2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 large or 2 small chipotle chiles and 1 to 2 teaspoons adobo from canned chipotle chiles in adobo
1 2 1/2-to 3-pound boneless pork loin, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Corn tortillas
Smoky Two-Chile Salsa
Lime wedges

preparation
Coarsely chop 1 onion half. Coarsely chop 2 pineapple rounds, discarding core; cover and chill remaining pineapple. Place chopped onion and chopped pineapple in blender. Add orange juice and next 7 ingredients; puree marinade until smooth. Place pork in large resealable plastic bag. Add marinade and seal bag, releasing excess air. Turn to coat. Chill at least 4 hours and up to 1 day.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Grill remaining pineapple until warm and slightly charred, 4 to 6 minutes per side. Grill pork with some marinade still clinging until slightly charred and cooked through, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer pineapple and pork to work surface; chop pineapple into 1/2-inch cubes, discarding cores. Chop pork. Transfer to platter; toss to combine.
Meanwhile, finely chop remaining onion half and place in medium bowl. Add cilantro; toss to combine. Grill tortillas until warm and slightly charred, about 10 seconds per side.
Serve pork-pineapple mixture with onion-cilantro relish, Smoky Two-Chile Salsa, and lime wedges.
Test-kitchen tip:
To make your own guajillo chile powder, finely grind about 6 large dried seeded guajillo chiles in a spice mill to yield about 1/4 cup powder.
add your own note

Thursday, July 2, 2009

My take on things : Food Network- Adam Gertler is next joke for the Food Network Star

Guy Fieri is the real deal. This current crop of The Next Food Network stars are a real good crop . There are many that I think may win or have a shot. A couple years ago, that was not the case. The ultimate winner was actually bumped in the semis by a guy who claimed to be a war veteran, wasn't a great chef or cook and has just made it through all the rounds. Last year was a strange one indeed . Aaron McCargo won but did not seem until the last finale, whether he was going to get it down. And he is quite good. But somehow in that current crop, this joke of a guy ( and I don't mean it kindly), Aaron Gertler, made it near to the semi even though he could not cook, made terrible dishes and his performances were far from stellar. Now Food Network has put this joker on his own show and in some other places. I guess he "would work for food" and Food Network has doled out a new show for which is not deserving. Now the fan favorite, (from last year), Kelsey, the judges did not like her. But now she has her own series of shows. At least she can cook and is perky. Adam is just a complete joke. I wonder what comes next for FN.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Diners, Drive-In and Dives : Restaurant Finds

Twisted Root Burger on Urbanspoon

More gems like jalapeno mac and cheese and texas red chili

http://phoenix.about.com/od/restreview/gr/lapiazzaalforno.htm
La Piazza Al Forno on Urbanspoon

This one has velvety chicken pesto lasagna an d

Mike's Chili Parlor on Urbanspoon
claxton’s chicken fries where noted in in gourmet magazine

Friday, May 8, 2009

Recipe Finds : Tuna burger wins competition

I love tuna and always interested in different takes on tuna.This burger won $25,000 in a cookoff against 8 other competitors on this Food Network show. I will post more after I make it. You make it first post a reply.


Island Ahi Burgers with Cilantro-Chile-Lime Sauce

Recipe courtesy Kristine Snyder, Kihei, HI

Show: Ultimate Recipe ShowdownEpisode: Ultimate Recipe Showdown: Burgers

Ingredients
Sauce:

* 2 Anaheim chile peppers
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 3 tablespoons sour cream
* 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
* 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
* 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
* 1 teaspoon minced garlic
* 1/4 teaspoon salt

*

Burgers:

* 1 egg
* 1/2 cup panko (Japanese bread crumbs)
* 4 teaspoons soy sauce
* 4 teaspoons sugar
* 1 tablespoon sesame oil
* 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
* 1 tablespoon minced garlic
* 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
* 1 teaspoon grated lime zest
* 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 1/2 pounds ahi tuna fillets, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
* 4 seeded Kaiser rolls, split
* 1 large Maui onion (or other sweet onion), thinly sliced
* 1 large vine-ripened tomato, sliced
* 1 package radish or sunflower sprouts

Directions

Sauce: Char peppers over gas flame or under broiler until blistered on all sides. Enclose in a paper bag and let stand 15 minutes. Peel peppers, remove stem and seeds, and dice. Measure 1/4 cup diced peppers into a small bowl and add mayonnaise, sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, ginger, garlic, and salt; stir well.

Burgers: Meanwhile, in large bowl, beat egg and stir in panko, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, lime juice and zest, red pepper flakes, and salt. Add ahi and combine gently; form 4 patties.

Heat vegetable oil on nonstick griddle over medium-high heat. Add patties and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side. Toast rolls under broiler during last few minutes of cooking. Spread sauce on roll bottom and top with onion, tomato, sprouts, and additional sauce. Add roll tops and devour.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Food Finds : The Hotest Pasta in the world (it's in Cambridge, MA baby!)

East Coast Grill on Urbanspoon
I worked at Harvard University for 3 astronomy projects. I loved just strolling down to Cambridge and trying the Caribbean, Thai and other food. While I took in many restaurants, I missed this place. I was in Providence in March but I wish I was also back in April to run up to Boston and try this famous night’s hottest entrees. A special night and a menu that includes the hottest delectable entrees featured here in the entertaining Travel Channel’s Man vs Food.
The hottest grub was rated on a scale of 1-9 with the hottest being the Pasta from Hell, the featured entree of this episode while engaged with the East Coast Grill not rated #32 most popular restaurant and the #9 (now) best fine dining rating.
http://www.eastcoastgrill.net/menus/hellmenu.htm

The hottest pasta in the World uses the hottest goat chili. He survived it. I don’t usually go for really hot items preferring to opt for spicy and flavorful versus just HOT.

When I make it here sometime I might try the

9.50
Smoked Duck Leg ... with Pineapple - Red Curry, Coconut & Chick Pea Crisp (4 Bombs)
or
9.50
Dry Fried Chile Squid Taco ...with Roasted Green Chili
or
Boston Bay Spit - Roasted Jerk 1/2 Chicken ... with Inner Beauty Hot Sauce, Banana Guava Ketchup, Rice N' Beans, Plantains & Callaloo Greens (5 Bombs)
17.50

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Culinary Explorations : Gazpacho, Grapes and New Ingredient Find (VerJus)

Malaga on Urbanspoon

I found information online concerning this restaurant after seeing Bobby Flay’s Boy Meets Grill show. On this episode, he highlighted the restaurant Malaga in NYC where he frequents. Urbanspoon did not have much about the restaurant or any related reviews which is surprising because had been around for many years. Perhaps the Urbanspoon crowd has not found it yet . But I found more at

http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7150627/new_york_ny/malaga_restaurant.html#profileTab-reviews

This place does a lot of tapas, lobster and Spanish / Mediterranean inspired dishes. One day it will be on my radar to visit and try for myself. But for now I wanted to find some gazpacho recipes that were different than the ones that I normally create. Most of the ones I have made and which we like are the tomato based variety. However, ones with grapes sounds so different and could go with many other meals.
After I was in Boulder, CO at my daughter’s graduation and her favorite restaurant there , Mediterranean, I started to look for restaurants like this in the Kansas City area. There are not many "pure"Mediterranean restaurants in this area. Some have the entrees so I went looking for more foods to try.

I’ve made falafel and more for hundreds of people at the Ethnic Enrichment Festival at Swope Park, Kansas City, MO, the last couple of years. It is non stop, from earlyh morning until night. Making falafel, frying, cutting the pita, making salads, working with the rest of the people in the Israeli booth, plating the different entrees or appetizers, and also handing out items at the check out and taking the money. It’s a lot of fun and I also take look at the other booths also see what interesting food items they have. But I digress.

I’ve never made white gazpacho but since hearing about it from Bobby Flay’s show, I think it might be a great and festive soup to try someday. One reason that I like searching for new recipes is I learn more myself . One of the ingredients that Flay uses in this recipe is called VerJus which I never hear of . Looking up some sources I found a good definition and recipoe for it. VerJus can be used as an alternative to vinegar or simply added as an acid related condiment, to bring out the natural flavors foods. Sounds good to me and I will have to try it as well.

I also found a slightly different one that is good too (see below). Enjoy and let me know what you think. I will make them soon and comment myself.
**
Chilled White Gazpacho

Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay

Show: Boy Meets Grill Episode: Mediterranean
Ingredients

* 1/2 cup lightly toasted almonds
* 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
* 2 cloves garlic, smashed
* 2 1/2 cups white grapes
* 1 cup white grape juice
* 1/2 cup water
* 2 slices country white bread, crusts removed and cubed
* 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
* 2 to 3 tablespoons verjus (VerJus can be used as an alternative to vinegar or simply added as an acidulant - to bring out the natural flavors in your foods. see recipe below)
* 2 to 3 tablespoons walnut oil
* Chopped chives, for garnish
* Toasted slivered almonds, for garnish, optional
* Champagne grapes, optional

Directions

Place almonds, pine nuts, garlic, grapes, grape juice, water, and bread in a blender and puree until smooth. Strain the mixture into a bowl. Chill the soup for at least 30 minutes.

Remove soup from refrigerator and fold the whipped heavy cream into the soup. Finish with a few tablespoons each of the verjus and walnut oil. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish each with chives, almonds and grapes, if desired.
**
VerJus can be used as an alternative to vinegar or simply added as an "acidulant" ( acid like condiment) - to bring out the natural flavors in your foods.
Finally found a very nice website with the recipe.
http://18thccuisine.blogspot.com/2005/01/verjus.html
Here is Madeleine Kamman's recipe for verjus: "2 pounds green grapes (berries only), as green and sour as possible but already juicy (1 kg.), sugar, 90 proof alcohol or Armagnac, wine vinegar. Select about 30 very large berries and prick them with a fork in 4 different places. Put the berries in a half-gallon jar. Crush the remainder of the grapes. Rinse and squeeze dry a large piece of cheesecloth. Line a strainer with the cheesecloth and strain the grape juice, squeezing well to extract all the juice. Measure it accurately. For each cup (1/4 liter) of grape juice obtained, measure 1/4 cup (75 g) of sugar, 2 cups (1/2 liter) of alcohol and 1/2 cup wine vinegar (1 generous dl). Dissolve the sugar in the grape juice. Add the alcohol and vinegar; pour over the berries in the half-gallon container. Store in a cool place (60-65(F) for at least 2 months before using. It keeps forever, and is good in all chicken dishes, with ham, ducks and so forth. A supply made with 1 quart of grape juice, 2 quarts of alcohol and 2 cups of vinegar lasts one year." (Try this with apples off that flowering crab in your front yard; the taste should be very close to true Canadien.) __________________________
*


White Gazpacho with Grapes and Toasted Almonds

2007 Ellie Krieger, All rights reserved

Show: Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger Episode: Get the Party Started

* RECIPE
Ingredients
* 2 large English cucumbers (or 3 large regular cucumbers), peeled and roughly chopped
* 3 slices white bread, crusts removed
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 3 cloves garlic
* 6 scallions, whites only, divided
* 1/4 cup white wine vinegar or Sherry vinegar, plus more, to taste
* 1 teaspoon lemon juice, plus more to taste
* 1/4 cup plus 4 teaspoons slivered almonds, lightly toasted, divided
* 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more, to taste
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 cup green grapes, halved


Directions

Set aside 1 cup of chopped cucumber for a garnish. Soak the bread in water until soft, about 2 minutes. Place soaked bread, the rest of the cucumber, garlic, 3 of the scallions, vinegar, lemon juice, 1/4 cup of the almonds, salt and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in the bowl of a food processor and process until cucumbers are completely blended and liquid and almonds are almost completely invisible, about 1 to 2 minutes. Season with additional salt and vinegar, if desired.

To serve, ladle 1 cup gazpacho into a bowl. Mound 1/4 cup reserved chopped cucumber, 1 tablespoon scallions, 2 tablespoons grapes and 1 teaspoon almonds in the center of the soup.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Culinary Combat : An Iron Chef (America) loses in Apple Battle

Tarbell's on Urbanspoon During the Iron Chef America battles, I try to size up who will win and by how much. I also notice some of the recipes, try to find similar ones and post them on this blog for you all to try before and after I try them. Most of the time, I am on the right side of the decision and am very close to the winning score (how much the winner wins by). I analyzed right this time when the challenger Tarbell winning over Kat Kora in the Apple battle.
I watch really closely analyzing the words of the judges, as they sample each dish. Tarbell scored with several dishes that I want to find and try: Apple fry bread, Celery root apple soup, and unusual Apple tamale with polenta. They rally liked the marrying of the Apple with the dishes.
Meanwhile Kat had some nice dishes that I want to find: Curried Apple Soup, Apple Walnut vinaigrette with a dish, Apple and sunchoke puree, Apple Hash.
It seemed like they liked Trabell's dishes better.
I thought Tarbell would win by +4 and he won by +6.
He outpointed her in taste 24 to 18 while the other categories evened each other out.

combatant Kora Tarbell
_____________________________________
taste 18 24
plating 12 13
originality 44 50
____________________________
+6
While it will be awile until I get to this restaurant, I can sample some of his culinary works sooner by searching for some of those recipes. In fact, what is also nice is that Chef Tarbell has a very nice website with many more recipes.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Passovers coming up but Bobby Flay does a throwdown with Abigael's on Broadway

Passover starts in a week but Bobby Flay had a Kosher Throwdown tonight about Abigaels and the Chef. This is what I was looking for - a kosher restaurant with a Neuvo American ecelectic take on kosher foods and recipes.
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/3/20547/restaurant/Midtown-West/Abigaels-on-Broadway-New-York

Here is information about the menu

http://www.greatrestaurantsmag.com/KOSHER/restaurant_view/2/


The chef Jeff Nathan also has a cookbook that I have to find!
http://www.abigaels.com/

Joan Nathan who originally comes from Providence ( and is the author of one of the books I have Jewish Cooking In America (I also met her at the Jewish Festival here at the Jewish Community Center a few years ago ) was one of the judges.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Higher Level Palate Pleasers : Macaroni and Cheese

Butter on Urbanspoon Everyone likes Mac(aroni) and Cheese or do they ? I find that I eat less and enjoy foods, especially this one, if I make it "differently". Why not take it to a different level with 3 cheeses? I found two that I would like and want to try.
Alex Guarnaschelli’s has a very good recipes that I saw on her own cooking show, The Cooking Loft, on the Food Channel. She also appears on other shows where she is a judge for American Iron Chef , Chopped etc). I love her manner and her show. I am sorry to say I could not make it to her restaurant in NYC when I was there recently but maybe someday.

Here's her rendition on a recent episode that I want to try. I did not want to wait to share it with you-all though.
Her restaurant is in New York City and someday I might be able to try it (its pricey though)
There is also another one below.

Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe courtesy Alex Guarnaschelli
Show: The Cooking Loft
Episode: Perfect Pasta
10 cups water
Kosher salt
3 cups elbow macaroni (preferably De Cecco brand, if available)
1 quart heavy cream
2 cloves garlic, peeled and lightly crushed with the back of a knife
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 to 3 1/2 cups grated Gruyere
Freshly ground white pepper
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan
1/2 cup grated sharp Cheddar
Worcestershire sauce, to taste
Hot sauce, to taste
1/3 to 1/2 cup toasted bread crumbs

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large pot, bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the salt. Taste the water. It should be salty like sea water. Add the macaroni and stir, with a wooden spoon or large slotted spoon, to ensure the macaroni does not stick to the bottom of the pot as it cooks. Cook until the macaroni is still quite firm, 8 to 10 minutes.

Pour the macaroni and water into a strainer placed over the sink. Allow the water to drain out, reserving approximately 1 cup of the liquid.

In the same pot, bring the cream, garlic cloves, and the reserved cooking liquid to a simmer. Add the mustard and 3 cups of the Gruyere. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Simmer gently, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and has integrated with the cream. Add the Parmesan and Cheddar. Stir with a wooden spoon and simmer again until smooth. Add a splash of Worcestershire and a splash of hot sauce. Stir to blend. Taste for seasoning.

Add the macaroni to the cream and stir gently to blend. Allow the macaroni to rest on the stove, 5 to 10 minutes, so the pasta absorbs the flavors. Remove and discard the garlic cloves.

Fill a baking dish with the macaroni mixture, top with the bread crumbs, the remaining Gruyere cheese and bake 10 to 12 minutes or until the bread crumbs crust on top. Serve immediately.


::
3-Cheese Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe courtesy Costa Vanikiotis at Eveready Diner, Hyde Park, NY
Show: Diners, Drive-ins and DivesEpisode: Local Legends

Ingredients
• 1 tablespoon salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1 pound large elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound white Cheddar, shredded
• 4 ounces Romano, shredded
• 4 ounces Asiago, shredded
• 2 cups bread crumbs (suggested: panko (Japanese) available at most markets)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In large pot filled with water add 3 pinches of salt and the macaroni and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and let cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter. Sprinkle flour over butter and cook 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat, whisking until a roux or paste forms. Add cold milk and whisk vigorously until dissolved. Cook sauce on medium-low heat until thick and bubbly. Add heavy cream, all cheeses, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper. Cook until cheeses are fully melted, stirring occasionally.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture and mix thoroughly. Place macaroni mixture in a 13 by 9 baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
For variations, add cooked lobster meat, truffle oil, bacon and/or garden fresh vegetables.
This recipe was provided by professional chefs and has been scaled down from a bulk recipe provided by a restaurant. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe, in the proportions indicated, and therefore, we cannot make any representation as to the results.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Rick Bayless recipes and Mexican Everyday book

My wife comes from Chicago originally. While I have been to Chicago, I have never been to one of Bayless's restaurant. I've known about his recipes and his battles with Iron Chef Bobby Flay (Bayless lost by 1). My cable can't get his shows so I started to search for his recipes and books. Recently on Emeril Live on Fine Living he talked about his book while doing a trout entree. His book was mentioned.
Mexican Everyday (Recipes Featured on Season 4 of the PBS-TV series "Mexico One Plate at a Time") (Hardcover)
by Rick Bayless (Author), Deann Groen Bayless (Author)
Whenever I search for books I start at Amazon.com. While I post my own book review there too, I also look for reviews by others concerning books I might be interested in purchasing. Their views are insightful and I learn more about whether I should buy the book and why. It is more convenient to start her until I check them out personally if I need to. Also I start at Amazon because there are excellent and better prices. There are even used and even new ones (check for the prices and the condition to meet your needs). Usually even with the postage (usually under $4) you save almost half the price! For the price of almost 1 recently, I ordered 3 books about China traveling etc as we are going to China in the summer 2009 to travel and see the total solar eclipse and I want to be prepared as I always am wether I have traveled to Arizona, Europe, and elsewhere.

I found a great review for this book at
http://www.amazon.com/review/R260IYV4SZ34NM/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt#R260IYV4SZ34NM

but even before I (might) get the book I found some links to the recipes on this show including the sauce I was looking for
http://www.foodnetwork.com/emeril-live/mexican-mania-with-rick-bayless/index.html

Sopa de Lima (Yucatan Lime Soup)
Grilled Flank Steak Tacos with Roasted Poblano Chiles, Grilled Onions and Mexican Crema
Striped Bass Veracruz-Style
Traditional Mexican Flan Flavored with Orange and Lime
Lime Ice with Cucumber and Mint
Trout with Macadamias, Serrano and Green Beans (Trucha con Macadamias, Chile Serrano y Ejotes)
Here is one of the recipes
Grilled Flank Steak Tacos with Roasted Poblano Chiles, Grilled Onions and Mexican Crema
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2006
Show: Emeril LiveEpisode: Mexican Mania with Rick Bayless
RECIPECOMMENTS & REVIEWS(2)
Cook Time
18 min
Level
Intermediate
Yield
6 to 8 servings
Recipe Tools:
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Ingredients
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons buttermilk
3/4 cup finely chopped onion
6 cloves garlic, minced
6 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crumbled
2 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 3/4 pounds flank steak, trimmed of surface fat and silverskin
4 to 6 poblano chiles
2 large onions, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices
Toothpicks for securing onion slices on grill
12 to 16 corn tortillas
2 limes, cut into wedges, optional
Directions
The day before you plan to make the tacos, combine the heavy cream and buttermilk in a glass bowl or jar with a lid and stir or shake well to blend thoroughly. Allow to sit in a warm place, unrefrigerated, until cream is thickened and somewhat "set," up to 6 hours. Shake well and refrigerate overnight before using.

In a blender or in the bowl of a food processor, combine 1/2 cup of the onion, the garlic, 3 tablespoons of the vegetable oil, half of the lime juice, cumin, oregano and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Process until smooth. Place the flank steak in a shallow non-reactive dish and spoon the marinade over the meat. Turn the steak so that both sides of the meat are in contact with the marinade and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours, turning occasionally.

While the meat is marinating, prepare the poblanos: Place the poblanos over a direct flame and roast, turning occasionally with tongs, until the skin is charred and blistered all over. Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid, cover, and let sit for 20 minutes. Remove the poblanos and, when cool enough to handle, carefully remove the charred skin by rubbing with your fingers. Remove the stems and any seeds and, if necessary, rinse briefly under cool running water to remove any remaining skin. Slice the poblanos into thin strips and place in a small mixing bowl. Set aside at room temperature for up to 2 hours, until ready to serve the tacos. (Poblanos may be roasted 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before using.)

Preheat a grill to high.

Place the onion slices on a flat surface and insert 1 or 2 toothpicks into the concentric rings in order to hold the rings together on the grill. Brush the slices on both sides with 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil and place the onion slices on the grill. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on the edges and soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the toothpicks from the onion slices and add the onions to the poblanos, separating the onion rings with your fingers. Toss to combine. The heat from the hot onion slices will warm the poblanos. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside until ready to serve the tacos.

Remove the meat from the marinade and shake or use a spoon to remove any excess. Rub the meat all over with the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and season on both sides with the remaining teaspoon of salt. Grill the steak, turning once, to the desired degree of doneness; for medium rare, this should be 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.

While the meat is resting, heat the corn tortillas as instructed on the package. Wrap in aluminum foil to keep warm.

When the meat has rested, slice against the grain into very thin strips and serve, with the warm tortillas, poblano-onion mixture and crema. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

This one also looked good

Grilled Flank Steak Tacos with Roasted Poblano Chiles, Grilled Onions and Mexican Crema

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 2 tablespoons buttermilk

• 3/4 cup finely chopped onion

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil

• 1/4 cup lime juice

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crumbled

• 2 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 1 3/4 pounds flank steak, trimmed of surface fat and silverskin

• 4 to 6 poblano chiles

• 2 large onions, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices

• Toothpicks for securing onion slices on grill

• 12 to 16 corn tortillas

• 2 limes, cut into wedges, optional

Directions

The day before you plan to make the tacos, combine the heavy cream and buttermilk in a glass bowl or jar with a lid and stir or shake well to blend thoroughly. Allow to sit in a warm place, unrefrigerated, until cream is thickened and somewhat "set," up to 6 hours. Shake well and refrigerate overnight before using.

In a blender or in the bowl of a food processor, combine 1/2 cup of the onion, the garlic, 3 tablespoons of the vegetable oil, half of the lime juice, cumin, oregano and 1 teaspoon of the salt. Process until smooth. Place the flank steak in a shallow non-reactive dish and spoon the marinade over the meat. Turn the steak so that both sides of the meat are in contact with the marinade and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours, turning occasionally.

While the meat is marinating, prepare the poblanos: Place the poblanos over a direct flame and roast, turning occasionally with tongs, until the skin is charred and blistered all over. Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid, cover, and let sit for 20 minutes. Remove the poblanos and, when cool enough to handle, carefully remove the charred skin by rubbing with your fingers. Remove the stems and any seeds and, if necessary, rinse briefly under cool running water to remove any remaining skin. Slice the poblanos into thin strips and place in a small mixing bowl. Set aside at room temperature for up to 2 hours, until ready to serve the tacos. (Poblanos may be roasted 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated in an airtight container. Bring to room temperature before using.)

Preheat a grill to high.

Place the onion slices on a flat surface and insert 1 or 2 toothpicks into the concentric rings in order to hold the rings together on the grill. Brush the slices on both sides with 1 tablespoon of the remaining olive oil and place the onion slices on the grill. Grill, turning occasionally, until lightly charred on the edges and soft, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove the toothpicks from the onion slices and add the onions to the poblanos, separating the onion rings with your fingers. Toss to combine. The heat from the hot onion slices will warm the poblanos. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice and season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside until ready to serve the tacos.

Remove the meat from the marinade and shake or use a spoon to remove any excess. Rub the meat all over with the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and season on both sides with the remaining teaspoon of salt. Grill the steak, turning once, to the desired degree of doneness; for medium rare, this should be 6 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes.

While the meat is resting, heat the corn tortillas as instructed on the package. Wrap in aluminum foil to keep warm.

When the meat has rested, slice against the grain into very thin strips and serve, with the warm tortillas, poblano-onion mixture and crema. Serve with lime wedges, if desired.

also recently I had tried Emeril's Yucatan Lime Soup (see below) but it was not as good as I thought it was going to be . It was too limey or something needed to be with it to make the Lime better.

Sopa de Lima (Yucatan Lime Soup) was e-mailed
Emeril Lagasse
Sopa de Lima (Yucatan Lime Soup)

Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2006

Show: Emeril LiveEpisode: Mexican Mania with Rick Bayless

Ingredients

* 8 corn tortillas
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* Salt
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
* 1 carrot, thinly sliced
* 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, stemmed, seeded and finely chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bay leaf
* 1/4 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, crumbled
* 1 large tomato, peeled and chopped
* 8 cups chicken stock or canned low sodium chicken broth
* 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 green onions, finely chopped
* 3 limes, juiced (about 1/3 cup)
* 1 large avocado, pee

Directions

Cut the tortillas into 1/4-inch strips. Heat the oil in a medium skillet and, when very hot, fry the tortilla strips, in small batches, until lightly golden and crisp, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Transfer to paper towel lined plate to drain. Season with salt, to taste. Repeat until all tortilla strips have been fried. Set fried tortilla strips aside and reserve the vegetable oil.

Transfer 1 tablespoon of the reserved cooking oil to a large saucepan and add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and jalapeno pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened, about 4 minutes. Add the garlic, bay leaf, and Mexican oregano and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the tomato and season lightly with salt. Cook, stirring, until the tomato is softened and has released its liquid and the mixture is nearly dry, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the chicken stock and chicken breasts and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a slow simmer and cook until the chicken is just cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove chicken from the soup and set aside until cool enough to handle. Allow soup to continue simmering.

When the chicken has cooled a bit, shred into bite size pieces and return to the pot along with the green onions and lime juice. Cook for 5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the soup is piping hot. Season the soup, to taste, with salt and ladle the soup into wide soup bowls, with a handful of tortilla strips added to each bowl. Garnish with the avocado and cilantro and serve immediately.

I found this one that was pretty similar
http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1648,130176-249196,00.html

another recipe had a pinch of cloves in it and maybe that is what was missing in some of these soups. The Worcestershire sauce might be the missing "keep it up another level " that I was looking for. I will let you know when I try it. If you try it first let me know!

CHICKEN, LIME AND TORTILLA SOUP

1/2 lb. chicken breast, boneless and skinless
4 cups chicken stock
juice of 3 limes
1/2 cup tomato juice
1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tsp. chopped green chilies
1 jalapeno, chopped
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup rice
1/4 cup corn
1 avocado per each bowl (diced small)
1 cup mixed Mexican cheese (shredded)
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
salt to taste
tortilla strips

Simmer chicken stock, tomato, Worcestershire, and lime juices with the jalapeno, cilantro for 45 minutes.
While simmering; grill the chicken until cooked all of the way through, then dice into small cubes or strips.

Strain soup and add green onion, chilies, red bell pepper, rice, corn, garlic and simmer for 20 minutes.

Place the tortilla strips, diced Avocado and shredded cheese on a side plate to be added by the guests as desired. (To make sure that your avocado doesn't turn brown toss it in some extra lime juice.)

Splendid Soups: Recipes and Master Techniques for Making the World's Best Soups

Sunday, July 20, 2008

The Travel Gourmet Throwdown: Anthony Bourdain vs Andrew Zimmern

Anthony Bourdain started his culinary adventures while working in a restaurant in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He has risen to be a chef, author, writer, TV show producer and judge / critic for Top Chef. I liked his first show Cooks Tour but the No Reservations I just can't stomach. Instead his name should be BORE-DAIN. He is too full of himself, likes to use fancy words. He plops into his restaurant once in awhile while the underpaid Mexicans who cook do the work for him while he is away (most of the time most likely). With Cooks Tour he actually talked about the finer points of foods and cooking and finding new ideas, restaurants and places to eat from all of the world. But now he is just boring. His shows are back on the Food Channel now that Emeril Lagassiz left to the Fine Living Channel (I had heard that Bourdain left the Food Channel as he had disparaging words to say about Emeril.)
In contrast, I find Andrew Zimmern and his Bizarre Foods (Travel Channel) , quirky, funny and more informative. At least Mr. Zimmern has insights into the foods he likes and does not like. While most of the stuff is weird, I still learn about cultures, food and about people from around the world. For my money I will keep watching Bizarre foods and turn off Bourdain's shows when I see them coming.
http://www.andrewzimmern.com/
http://www.travelchannel.com/TV_Shows/Bizarre_Foods

I hate to say it but but I found the NFS last episode incredibly boring

I hate to say it but but I found the NFS last episode incredibly boring (and I really do/did love the show). They all should NOT have their own show and none of the finalist deserved to have all of the components to be there. That is by the judges own admission. So what does that say? The judges look for perfection and yet somehow they completely “missed the boat” or purposely chose the finalists based on “being parts of the whole”. I have no idea what their criteria was or is. And that goes for picking them and “offing ” them off on each round. Still all each finalist have to do is survive til the next round somehow.

I liked Kelsey. What got her to this stage is exactly what the judges did not want "to hear". They were just waiting for her to "fall on her face". Too bad.

Adam really stunk up the show with his cooking and his “acting” and he survived which in itself is ridiculous. He failed at his restaurant business ( how I would like to hear about that!) and yet he is within reach of doing his own cooking show? Oy veh.

I don’t mind Aaron’s cooking and it might be a fun show. However Lisa handled the kids episode really well (working with them) and her recipes well she has been consistent which is more then I can say for Adam. I’ll watch til the end, but I am now bored because of all the inconsistencies , the JAG thing last year, the judges last year and this year and all of the finalists this year. If one has to make it I hope it is Lisa or Aaron. It will be quite a shame if Adam makes considering he has been so ridicuously terrible in the beginning . But that was then, this is now. We shall see

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Fusion gourmet near Detroit, MI- The Flytrap

I raise carnivorous plants like Venus Flytraps and more and I love to cook and try new recipes. When I heard there was a restaurant named The Fly Trap on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives (Food Channel), my interest was piqued. I lived in Michigan for 6 years so how come I never heard about this place? What I found is this well known restaurant that I never knew about has a fusion style menu with great food. (When I go to Michigan again I will try to find this place).

http://www.theflytrapferndale.com/
22950 Woodward Ave.
Ferndale, MI 48220
248-399-5150
dine@theflytrapferndale.com
It has New American approach with Asian, Italian and African touches that apply a fusion style in Michigan. Classic diner fare, including the lemongrass pho bowl, the
chef's takeoff on Vietnamese noodle dish, a North African spiced chicken breast
with Monterey jack cheese, caramelized onion and aioli served on grilled sourdough
bread, spicy chickpea falafel and caperberry salad over grilled pita and much more.

These were featured and look so good
Red Chili Salmon Burger* – with Shaved Cucumber and Ginger Lime Aioli $8.95 ( I saw as they made this on the show and I have to find a recipe for it!!!). I love salmon burgers!

Charmoula Chicken - North African Spiced Chicken Breast, Jack Cheese, Caramelized Onion on Grilled Sourdough with a Lemon, Garlic Aioli $7.95 (Charmoula is an fruit found in some groceries so I will have to find a recipe and try this one too)

The Chop Chop – Greens, Mushrooms, Ham, Salami, Provolone and Olives Chopped Together with an Herb Shallot Dressing sm. $5.95 lg. $7.95 (They showed this one but I don't eat Ham)

Monday, January 14, 2008

Chicken wing challenge battle and the Famous Anchor Bar

I like Bobby Flay Throwdown show on Food Network. This week (I think originally aired in JUne but I missed it) , it was Throwdown Smackdown chicken wings. I have to hand it to them for coming up with something competitive oriented but original.
I really love when Bobby always sneaks up in a contest to challenge the person he has been checking out and their expressions (but how do these un competitors now that they now the Food Channel is doing this series- not know they are being targeted? Do they send in there stay and wait to hear never knowing when Flay will show up?).

In any case, the place was non other the Anchor Bar, in Buffalo, NY, were the recipe of Buffalo chicken wings was born years ago. The Wing King who sponsors the Chicken Wing festival (SEE NOTE BELOW) was challenged by Flay and the recipes(see below).

It was a close battle, very close but Drew Cerza, alias Wing King won ,(see the video here on the link at Youtube).

I love chicken wings! While I have been to Buffalo several times a long time ago, I never got to this restaurant. I recently tried the Mano- Habnero ones and Cajun ones at Buffalo Wild Wings at their happy hour and they were great.

I also love to make my own chicken wings from recipes that I find from the Food Channel. Also many years ago I purchased the book The Complete Book of Chicken Wings by Joie Warner (1985). I have used many of the recipes and most of them were good 8 to 9/10 on my scale.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Complete-Book-Chicken-Wings/dp/0688057136


::
Hot Wings with Blue Cheese-Yogurt Sauce
Recipe courtesy Bobby Flay, 2007
See this recipe on air Sunday Jan. 13 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.
Show: Throwdown with Bobby Flay
Episode: Buffalo Wings
For the Blue Cheese Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (recommended: Cabrales)
2 tablespoons finely grated red onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Hot Wings:
Peanut oil
1 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ancho chili powder, plus 2 tablespoons
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 pounds chicken wings split at the joint, wing tips removed and discarded
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 to 2 tablespoons pureed chipotle chile in adobo
1 tablespoon New Mexico chili powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 tablespoons honey
1 stick unsalted butter, quartered
Finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Jicama sticks (instead of celery)

For the Blue Cheese Sauce:
Stir together the yogurt, blue cheese, red onion, cilantro and salt and pepper in a bowl. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

For the Hot Wings:
Heat 2-inches of the oil in a large, high-sided pan until it reaches 375 degrees F on a deep-fry thermometer.

Stir together the flour, salt, pepper, to taste, 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. Season the wings with salt and pepper and add the wings in batches to the flour mixture to lightly coat and tap off excess flour. Add the wings in batches and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a plate lined with paper towels.

Bring the vinegar, chipotle puree, 2 tablespoons chili powder and New Mexico chili powder to a simmer in a large high-sided saute pan over medium heat. Remove the mixture from the heat and whisk in the mustard, salt, honey, and butter until smooth. Add the wings to the mixture and toss to coat. Garnish with cilantro and serve with jicama sticks and blue cheese sauce.
***
Bourbon Street Buffalo Wings
Recipe courtesy Drew Cerza, The Wing King
See this recipe on air Sunday Jan. 13 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.
Show: Throwdown with Bobby Flay
Episode: Buffalo Wings

For the sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
1 large shallot, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
2 ounces bourbon
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon ancho pepper, finely chopped
8 ounces chili sauce
8 ounces barbecue sauce
3 ounces wing sauce

For the wings:
Oil, for frying
50 chicken wings

Blue cheese dressing, for serving
Bourbon, for serving

For the sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the shallot and garlic cloves and saute, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the bourbon, brown sugar and the honey to heat through, 1 minute. Next add the ancho pepper, chili sauce, barbeque sauce, and wing sauce and cook, stirring occasionally for 2 minutes. Keep warm until ready to serve.

For the chicken wings:
Heat oil in a deep-fryer. As you make the sauce, drop chicken wings, in batches (the amount you drop in at 1 time will depend on the size of your fryer) into the deep-fryer. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove the wings from the oil and drain.

Add the wings to a large mixing bowl and toss in the sauce, coating each wing.

Serve blue cheese dressing and 1/2 shots of bourbon, on the side, for adults to sip.
**
anchorbar
http://www.anchorbar.com/
Link
video etc
http://buffalogeek.wnymedia.net/blogs/2007/06/15/bobby-flay-loses-throwdown-to-wing-king/

Championship
http://www.buffalowing.com/
(In the 2007 (I.F.O.C.E. UNITED STATES NATIONAL CHICKEN WING EATING CHAMPIONSHIP) championship, Sonja Thomas, 40 Years Old - 100lbs, from Alexandria, VA. consumed 173 Chicken Wings in 12 minutes, 5.17 Pounds. This was a new official world record).

Sunday, November 11, 2007

The Next Iron Chef tonight finale

Well tonight is the night Besh vs Symon for all the New Iron Chef marbles. But before that the last show
Donatella- she is so annoying, and her breasts were half way out of her dress. I loved it when the other guy said twice " do you know what you are talking about?"

It is picky time . It was what the guests liked and did not and the 3 judges.
The cheese soda root beer float was colorful and a hit (Symon)
Cos and Symon were noted for their lobster roll and lobster hot dog.
Besh's oyster dish was great
Judges did not think that Cos fruit desert was innovative enough
The Philly cheesesteak had few croutons and no bread and little if no cheese (what ?)

Donatella complained about the truffle lack of (she is so annoying)
one of the people complained about the potato chips (should have been something better) Cos?

Meanwhile each made their 3 meals in 3 hours with a wanna-be sous chef. I guess this was because the iron chefs are always working with people during their battles.

I have liked Symon for innovative and neuvo latino ways and his infectious laughter even since Food Network shows with Sanchez. He has come on strong and won out. But I like Besh's Moxie. Both tied or beat an Iron Chef so they are both worthy of being the Next Iron Chef.

I think the ingredient for the final will not be a meat, ham or such.
It could be sweet potato or something like that to tie in with the entrees.
I am out on the limb here and I am not sure why- but I predict
it will be so close or a tie that they will take both of them.
Otherwise I pick Besh by a hair. It will be a shame for either to lose.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Sanchez goes down

Well a mad dash to the finish line . I am constantly making a mad dash in my mind to figure sometimes what the judges are saying, meaning, being picky about and why and making sense of what is going on , on this show.

The judges listen, the lady makes all sort of funny grimaces (she looks like she is constantly in the middle of shaving food in her mouth that has not been swallowed but not getting down and pickiness is the rule.


The two judges said Besh's consomme was too murkey and that is all one really said while other defended him but he harped on that miniscule thing.

Constantino keeps giving "bombs" to the judges in the form of shallots, chives and cauliflower stuff which instead they called crudites (spelling? )

Santchez they did not like the scallops the sirloin was good but the red snapper was not.

While Constantino's mistakes were many seasoning related Sanchez lost because of the meals .


I have thought all along Besh is the odds on favorite.
But them again they can use another ethnic chef like Symon and he is great and has done great the last two rounds. They liked the fact he seasoned things very well. So he is now giving Besh a run for the gold . It will be between Besh and Symon.