Though I've said time and again that I like cooking and baking, and even recounted some of my forays into the kitchen, there seems something lackluster in my recipes. They're disorganized, unclear, and generally unhelpful.
I obviously look at recipes, I mean I own several cookbooks. Which I refer to often. But if you asked me, I think I don't like recipes. For one thing, I hate buying specific ingredients or tools. I'm poor. For another, sometimes my tastes don't align with others.
But honestly, part of me likes the guidelines and structure; it's sort of a safety net to make sure I don't make something completely foul. I think that's why I, and so many others, are initially drawn to baking first. It's a little more predictable I think. It reminds me a little of chemistry too (in a good way). Or something.
I WANT to believe I know enough about cooking and especially baking that I can do it, not from memory, but from intuition. I'm getting better at it, pairing spices and flavors, balancing the 5 tastes, etc. But I'm not there yet.
So I play fast and loose with the rules. Bend them to suit my situation. But rarely break them. So these "recipes" are notes. Things for me to look back on to learn from. Because I keep changing.
Read More......
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Monday, February 16, 2009
Apple of my Pie
So this weekend, trying to put off doing real work, I thought about making a pie. Especially since I felt I flubbed my attempt at baked apples last week.
Except because it was procrastination, I didn't want to go through the motions of making a real pie crust (which I take way too seriously).
So I opted to make a graham cracker crust. And a crumble or streusel topping. So really it was basically just a crumble baked in a circular pan. Whatever.
2 cups graham crackers (about 8-10 of those sheets)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
Crush crackers into a crumbly dust (I put them in a bag and then roll them with a rolling pin).
mix the butter and sugar in
form a 'crust' around the edge of a pie pan
4 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/4 cup sugar
toss to combine the apples and sugar, then drain in a colander over a bowl
(let sit for about an hour or two) also save that liquid.
place the apples neatly in a fan pattern in the pan
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter chilled
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
mix all ingredients except butter. Rub in pats of butter until it's clumpy and loose.
Take the apple syrup and pour over the pie, then top with aforementioned butter/oat mixture.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, then let cool for at least an hour.
It's not complicated or sophisticated, but it's sweet.
Read More......
Except because it was procrastination, I didn't want to go through the motions of making a real pie crust (which I take way too seriously).
So I opted to make a graham cracker crust. And a crumble or streusel topping. So really it was basically just a crumble baked in a circular pan. Whatever.
2 cups graham crackers (about 8-10 of those sheets)
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/4 cup sugar
Crush crackers into a crumbly dust (I put them in a bag and then roll them with a rolling pin).
mix the butter and sugar in
form a 'crust' around the edge of a pie pan
4 medium apples, peeled, cored and diced
1/4 cup sugar
toss to combine the apples and sugar, then drain in a colander over a bowl
(let sit for about an hour or two) also save that liquid.
place the apples neatly in a fan pattern in the pan
1/4 cup oats
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup butter chilled
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
mix all ingredients except butter. Rub in pats of butter until it's clumpy and loose.
Take the apple syrup and pour over the pie, then top with aforementioned butter/oat mixture.
Bake at 350 for 40 minutes, then let cool for at least an hour.
It's not complicated or sophisticated, but it's sweet.
Read More......
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Enthusiasm is the yeast that raises the dough
If you haven't noticed, most of my posts are not really about food. I mean, superficially, they are but when you look at the content, it's really more about memories. My love of cuisine just happens to strongly associate what I eat with what I am doing, how I form memories one may say. It's this joy that I like to capture. It's like a scrapbook centered around my stomach (not literally, obviously).
Which is why, for example, that I am drawn to things like the previously mentioned Lost Nights at the bar. I am very influenced by the atmosphere that surrounds me. When people are excited, I get excited. But when they're not, why bother? It's a problem. I don't want to eat with people that can't match the enthusiasm I want. Because it is supposed to be about more than satiating hunger. It's supposed to be fun.
Maybe I'm doing it wrong. But it's why I love it.
Read More......
You may remember when I wrote about eating Chinese food with friends. Indeed, hanging out with them can in the old apartment can be just as exciting as going out sometimes. And last year my friends Tim, Yeison, Julia, and I started a tradition of ordering chinese food. And watching awesome action movies. Anything from Legend of Drunken Master to Crank.
And finally, we've gotten Madelyn 'Mad Dawg' Frascella and Kyel 'K-rotch' Daes into the mix.
The past two weekends have involved Imperial Gardens; the standard fair: general tso's/orange chicken, vegetable lo mein, pork fried dumplings, egg rolls, spring rolls, sweet and sour pork/chicken, beef with pea pods. You know, chinese-y food.
Last week we watched the world renowned Clive Owen save a baby and kill people with carrots in Shoot 'Em Up. And this week was a Statham marathon with the Transporter and The Transporter 2. In a word: AWESOME!
So weekly group meetings of Chinese Food and action movies is, tentatively, in effect. And I so happy that it's back. Because food and fun like this needs to be shared with friends.
Read More......
And finally, we've gotten Madelyn 'Mad Dawg' Frascella and Kyel 'K-rotch' Daes into the mix.
The past two weekends have involved Imperial Gardens; the standard fair: general tso's/orange chicken, vegetable lo mein, pork fried dumplings, egg rolls, spring rolls, sweet and sour pork/chicken, beef with pea pods. You know, chinese-y food.
Last week we watched the world renowned Clive Owen save a baby and kill people with carrots in Shoot 'Em Up. And this week was a Statham marathon with the Transporter and The Transporter 2. In a word: AWESOME!
So weekly group meetings of Chinese Food and action movies is, tentatively, in effect. And I so happy that it's back. Because food and fun like this needs to be shared with friends.
Read More......
THEY ARE LOST
So if you were a follower of my old blog you are aware of my attempts at recapping Lost (amongst other tv). I eventually gave up because watching and rewatching those episodes got to be a little much. The series had all but completely fallen apart.
But I need closure, because that's the kind of guy I am. And instead of ditching the show, I just found a new way to make it fun: Lost Night at a local bar, Professor Thom's!
The upstairs bar is fully stocked, carrying Harpoon IPA and Magic Hat on tap, offering a rum based tropical cocktail special for lost, and a wide array of bar food, from mozzarella sticks, hot wings, to deep fried mac and cheese. They have several high def screens, plenty of chairs, and a few couches for those lucky few who come super early. But yeah, if you want to snag a seat for you and your buds, come early (no one begrudges the coat or bag seat saver). Everyone gets super into the show, cheering and laughing or gasping in shock. It really just heightens the experience, the whole group mentality, you know? But we're all respectful of the show too, when it comes back from commercial, we're all instantly silenced without argument or hesitation.
The bar graciously offers free jello shots every time a specific thing happens on screen, two of which on each night's list but constantly being changed up. But no one knows ahead of time, so sometimes it works out for the bar (Ben gets punched/slapped in the face) or sometimes the patrons (the losties "flash" and change time periods [I did a ridiculous 8 jello shots then]). It's a lot of fun.
Because we got there early for nice seats, and because it was Mad and I, we were hungry. So we used this opportunity to enjoy our weekly burger adventure (side note, because of fiscal reasons, certain funds have been diverted to a new project (don't worry, it adds a new layer to be written about here), so 'TNBC' may become biweekly). We each ordered the 'Hurley Burger', mine with cheddar and guacamole (Hurley would totally be into cheddar and guac on his burger). It was really good for a bar burger. And I loved the fries, seasoned waffle cut. It was pretty fuckin' awesome actually. The only mis-step on my part was ordering a Tommy Bahama tropical rum juice thing. Too strong and sweet for the burger. Magic Hat would've been better. But god those fries were good. And the guac was rich and spicy. So if you have a free Wednesday night, come on over to Prof Thom's, grab some dinner and enjoy Lost with a group of your New York peers.
As a second note, the next week, a group of us got the Prof Thom's Nachos, a favorite of ours. A huge platter of tortilla chips covered in melty cheese, sour cream, guac, salsa, jalapenos, and more is an easily splittable treat for a group of 3 or 4, only for like 8 bucks. It's a good deal and is great bar food. A little awkward to hold in your folding chair with the crowds moving but totally worth it.
A few years ago, I never would've thought I would be into bar culture. But I'm actually really getting into it. I mean, I always knew I loved crappy greasy food but I didn't think I would enjoy the company (and noise) of strangers with my friends too. Go figure.
And because we're talking about lost, here are some sweet vids. I know it doesn't really have to do with food, per se, but I don't want to write the same post on two blogs.
More Funny Videos
Read More......
But I need closure, because that's the kind of guy I am. And instead of ditching the show, I just found a new way to make it fun: Lost Night at a local bar, Professor Thom's!
The upstairs bar is fully stocked, carrying Harpoon IPA and Magic Hat on tap, offering a rum based tropical cocktail special for lost, and a wide array of bar food, from mozzarella sticks, hot wings, to deep fried mac and cheese. They have several high def screens, plenty of chairs, and a few couches for those lucky few who come super early. But yeah, if you want to snag a seat for you and your buds, come early (no one begrudges the coat or bag seat saver). Everyone gets super into the show, cheering and laughing or gasping in shock. It really just heightens the experience, the whole group mentality, you know? But we're all respectful of the show too, when it comes back from commercial, we're all instantly silenced without argument or hesitation.
The bar graciously offers free jello shots every time a specific thing happens on screen, two of which on each night's list but constantly being changed up. But no one knows ahead of time, so sometimes it works out for the bar (Ben gets punched/slapped in the face) or sometimes the patrons (the losties "flash" and change time periods [I did a ridiculous 8 jello shots then]). It's a lot of fun.
Because we got there early for nice seats, and because it was Mad and I, we were hungry. So we used this opportunity to enjoy our weekly burger adventure (side note, because of fiscal reasons, certain funds have been diverted to a new project (don't worry, it adds a new layer to be written about here), so 'TNBC' may become biweekly). We each ordered the 'Hurley Burger', mine with cheddar and guacamole (Hurley would totally be into cheddar and guac on his burger). It was really good for a bar burger. And I loved the fries, seasoned waffle cut. It was pretty fuckin' awesome actually. The only mis-step on my part was ordering a Tommy Bahama tropical rum juice thing. Too strong and sweet for the burger. Magic Hat would've been better. But god those fries were good. And the guac was rich and spicy. So if you have a free Wednesday night, come on over to Prof Thom's, grab some dinner and enjoy Lost with a group of your New York peers.
As a second note, the next week, a group of us got the Prof Thom's Nachos, a favorite of ours. A huge platter of tortilla chips covered in melty cheese, sour cream, guac, salsa, jalapenos, and more is an easily splittable treat for a group of 3 or 4, only for like 8 bucks. It's a good deal and is great bar food. A little awkward to hold in your folding chair with the crowds moving but totally worth it.
A few years ago, I never would've thought I would be into bar culture. But I'm actually really getting into it. I mean, I always knew I loved crappy greasy food but I didn't think I would enjoy the company (and noise) of strangers with my friends too. Go figure.
And because we're talking about lost, here are some sweet vids. I know it doesn't really have to do with food, per se, but I don't want to write the same post on two blogs.
More Funny Videos
Read More......
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Superbowl Sunday
So what do you on the biggest sports event of the year? Drink a bunch of beer, eat hot wings, and of course chips and dip.
For the classic super bowl food, we relied on our platter dealer of choice, Atomic Wings, which you may remember from the Secret Santa Party. So nothing new to report there.
But I did decide to make a mexican layered bean dip. I would call it a 7 layer dip...but really there were only 6. I made two trays, both were cleaned out phenomenally quickly. Good thing I staggered them. Anyways, here's my recipe, pieced together from memories of dips past and from wandering the grocery store slash cleaning the fridge.
32oz Refried Beans
20oz Sour Cream
24oz Guacamole
16oz Salsa
16oz Shredded Cheese (Kraft Mexican blend)
1 pack taco seasoning
1 Green bell pepper
(I would've added scallion and olive...but I didn't buy them)
Anyways, in an oven safe casserole dish, spread out the refried beans, mix in the taco seasoning (half).
Layer on the sour cream.
Then the guac.
now the salsa.
Drop in some diced bell pepper.
Top with cheese and some more taco seasoning.
Bake in a 300degree oven for 30-45 minutes, until warm and melty.
Dig in with tortilla chips or a spoon.
Splash with hot sauce if you want.
It's not hard but it is delicious, if not sophisticated.
Read More......
For the classic super bowl food, we relied on our platter dealer of choice, Atomic Wings, which you may remember from the Secret Santa Party. So nothing new to report there.
But I did decide to make a mexican layered bean dip. I would call it a 7 layer dip...but really there were only 6. I made two trays, both were cleaned out phenomenally quickly. Good thing I staggered them. Anyways, here's my recipe, pieced together from memories of dips past and from wandering the grocery store slash cleaning the fridge.
32oz Refried Beans
20oz Sour Cream
24oz Guacamole
16oz Salsa
16oz Shredded Cheese (Kraft Mexican blend)
1 pack taco seasoning
1 Green bell pepper
(I would've added scallion and olive...but I didn't buy them)
Anyways, in an oven safe casserole dish, spread out the refried beans, mix in the taco seasoning (half).
Layer on the sour cream.
Then the guac.
now the salsa.
Drop in some diced bell pepper.
Top with cheese and some more taco seasoning.
Bake in a 300degree oven for 30-45 minutes, until warm and melty.
Dig in with tortilla chips or a spoon.
Splash with hot sauce if you want.
It's not hard but it is delicious, if not sophisticated.
Read More......
I don't go into your house and steal your Hello Kitty backpack.
So it was my birthday (the big 22) and I wanted to celebrate it right. The party bar had been set pretty high this past year with two great parties for two great roommates (All You Can Eat Hot Wings, Ribs, and Beer for this guy) (and laser tag adventures for this gal). So I had to take it to the next level. And then inspiration struck. What do we all love? The Office! And what was the best episode? A Benihana Christmas!
So the game plan was to go gather all of my friends for dinner at Benihana's and then go out to a private karaoke room afterwards!
The great thing about Benihana's is that it is both dinner and a show. Aside from the awesome onion volcano, there was shrimp tails a flying, some usuba (not nakiri) knife action, and plenty of fun food sights.
I had the Teriyaki steak (a little white wash, I know, but look where we were) and while the steak was a little closer to well done than medium rare, it was good. The sauce was thick and sweet, and made my friend Tim jealous enough to keep stealing it.
In general the food was hot and filling, but ultimately forgettable. I was there for a full sensory experience with friends, I wasn't expecting a gastronomical festival. It served its job beautifully.
The karaoke place, somewhere in K-town, was very nice. We had a large room accommodating of all 14 of us and it was BYOB, which meant we could totally save money and still get hammered. Though I warned people we didn't know liquor stores in the area (indeed there weren't really any) we went ahead with many cans and bottles of beer. And shots of shochu. We had a good time. There was Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Journey, Kansas, Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World, and of course to round out the night, Closing Time by Semisonic.
All in all, a very good night. You'd be lucky to have friends half as good as these guys.
Read More......
So the game plan was to go gather all of my friends for dinner at Benihana's and then go out to a private karaoke room afterwards!
The great thing about Benihana's is that it is both dinner and a show. Aside from the awesome onion volcano, there was shrimp tails a flying, some usuba (not nakiri) knife action, and plenty of fun food sights.
I had the Teriyaki steak (a little white wash, I know, but look where we were) and while the steak was a little closer to well done than medium rare, it was good. The sauce was thick and sweet, and made my friend Tim jealous enough to keep stealing it.
In general the food was hot and filling, but ultimately forgettable. I was there for a full sensory experience with friends, I wasn't expecting a gastronomical festival. It served its job beautifully.
The karaoke place, somewhere in K-town, was very nice. We had a large room accommodating of all 14 of us and it was BYOB, which meant we could totally save money and still get hammered. Though I warned people we didn't know liquor stores in the area (indeed there weren't really any) we went ahead with many cans and bottles of beer. And shots of shochu. We had a good time. There was Rihanna, Avril Lavigne, Journey, Kansas, Third Eye Blind, Jimmy Eat World, and of course to round out the night, Closing Time by Semisonic.
All in all, a very good night. You'd be lucky to have friends half as good as these guys.
Read More......
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
to do list
this (hopefully) will just be a place holder as a list of posts that have been stewing in my head. Unfortunately, I have not been working as hard as I could be here.
1. Benihana's
2. Super bowl sunday's (hot wings and) mexican chip dip
3. Prof. Thom's lost night and hurley burger
4. Burger Creations
5. Chinese food/Action movie night
6. The arts of cooking and baking
7. Posto
8. Haute Cuisine
here's to hoping I get back on this horse Read More......
1. Benihana's
2. Super bowl sunday's (hot wings and) mexican chip dip
3. Prof. Thom's lost night and hurley burger
4. Burger Creations
5. Chinese food/Action movie night
6. The arts of cooking and baking
7. Posto
8. Haute Cuisine
here's to hoping I get back on this horse Read More......
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