souper snowday

Last night the thunder and lightning, at our mountain cabin, was astounding.  When I was a kid lightning frightened me. I was told that if I counted between the lightning and the thunder, each second between, indicated the miles between the strike and me.

While half asleep, I found myself counting...one-one thousand, two-one thousand....

because

as much as I love a great storm

...and i really do...

living in the mountains

amongst the trees

in a fire zone

lightning still scares me

a little

but I was comforted by the fact that it was raining

or so i thought

However

to my surprise

when the sun began to show

all i saw was white

a blanket of white

our first snow of the season

I bounded out of bed, and still in my flannels

threw on boots

and grabbed my camera

and started snapping

and then i went to the kitchen

and made soup

from the thanksgiving leftovers

Turkey Broth
(printable recipe)

large pot of cold water

turkey carcass and any bits no one will eat 

(in my family there is always an odd wing or leg left)

1 onion--sliced in half--skin on

2  carrots

2 celery stalks

3 or 4 garlic cloves

salt and pepper

fresh parsley

put the pot on the stove and let simmer for 3-4 hours

use the broth for the soup

Turkey and Vegetable Soup
(printable recipe)

olive oil

1/4 chopped onion

1 carrot--chopped

1 celery stalk--chopped

any leftover veggies

i used

sauteed mushrooms

roasted root vegetables

green beans--chopped

kernels from 2 ears of corn

1 roma tomato--seeded and chopped

broccoli

brussel sprouts w/pancetta

and some spices

i went with cumin and cayenne

1/4 cup white wine

turkey broth

bits of turkey 

shot of tabasco (optional)

heat a small stock pot and add just a bit of olive oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.  Add the onion, carrot and celery and cook until they begin to soften but not brown.  Add the rest of the vegetables.  Stir and let cook for a couple of minutes.  Add the white wine and let it absorb a bit.  Then add enough broth to make your soup.  Let simmer until all the vegetables soften.  Add turkey bits both from the broth and any other leftovers you may have.  Add seasonings, including any additional salt and pepper needed. Add tabasco if using. Let simmer just a couple more minutes

Freeze the rest of the broth for future use.

I am going to make twice baked potato soup next

i think it went well

Thanksgiving

we cooked for 35, although we are only 18

18 hungries

of all ages, shapes and sizes

we were equal  in our desire to eat good food

and it didn't disappoint

Our day began at sunrise

off to the grocery to pick up our special order

fresh turkeys

3 of them

yes 3

you heard me

three

one for the roaster

and two for the deep fryer

we worked in the kitchen

my mom, my aunt and I

slowly working our way through the list of tasks posted on the fridge

in a rhythm that only those whom have cooked together season after season could perfect.

We all have our strengths and we eased into our roles as if time hadn't passed between us.

a friend arrived and rotated in and out as help was needed

she sous chef'd with hubster on the turkeys

which were fabulous

by the way

he marinates them with double secret sauce

injecting until they looked like they'd been on 'roids.

and then fries them until they submit

so here was our menu

The first bottle of bubbly popped around noon and we carried on from there.

We had planned to sit for dinner at two..

but

...the best laid plans...

However, when it was ready to serve up the grub...

the vibe changed

big time

and there was a bit of a frenzy

and everything got on the table

and the side table

and the third table we had to move in to fit everything

and soon enough

our dinner plates were full

and the only photo I have

is this one

and as promised 13 days before (click me)

The house was not dirty, and it was tidy.

There was a place for everyone at the table

The food was delicious and plentiful

Laughter floated to the rafters

There WAS football

...and pie

I resolve to carry this feeling of gratitude with me today and all days...

as I have much to be thankful for

and many to be thankful to..

and now to some recipes

Roasted Root Vegetables
(printable recipe)

i used a melange of the following

rutabaga

parsnip

beets

radish

turnip

sun choke

carrots

fennel

whole garlic cloves

and i tossed them in

olive oil

kosher salt

and then I roasted them at 400 turning occasionally for about 45 minutes

then I pulled them out of the oven and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and popped them back in the oven

until they were glazed and cooked through

and a little crispy

I added more salt and pepper to taste

and served

Cranberry Fluff
(printable recipe)

this is a recipe from my husband's childhood. His Aunt Ethel used to make it and it has become a family favorite.

note: it is best made a day in advance

2 small tubs cool whip

1 medium can pineapple chunks in syrup

1 bag cranberries-remove 1 cup and set aside

3 TBS sugar

1 cup toasted walnuts--chopped

take the 1 cup of cranberries you set aside and  place in saucepan.  Add sugar and 2 Tbs pineapple syrup.  Cook over low heat until the cranberries begin to pop.  Remove from heat and let cool completely.  Meanwhile chop the other cranberries in half if small, quarters if larger and toss into large bowl.  Add cool whip and walnuts.  Cut the pineapple chunks in half and add to the mixture...pour in all the remaining pineapple syrup.  Add the cooled cooked cranberries and fold all together.  Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Green Bean Salad
(printable recipe)

with creamy balsamic dressing

fresh green beans 

sweet 100 tomatoes

toasted almond slivers

durkee onions
salt and pepper

dressing

1 pkg italian dressing mix 

(prepare according to directions except for the vinegar use 1/2 red wine and 1/2 balsamic and don't add water)

2 Tbs light sour cream

The green beans should be crispy for this salad.  You can either quickly toss in salted boiling water and then shock in an ice bath

or

you can put in a bowl and pour boiling water over and let sit until the water cools to tepid. 

layer in serving bowl with the tomatoes and almonds

Toss with dressing, but have a light hand. A little goes a long way..you do not want to glob this dressing on.

Top with durkee french onions

As you can see by the menu, we served so many things.  The pumpkin pie recipe is here.
If you see something on the menu that you want the recipe for...just comment and leave your email address and I will send it to you.

we just might make it...

Thanksgiving is tomorrow

and we have been working diligently on getting the cabin in working condition

and I didn't think we would be ready (click me)
but as I sit here with my cold cup of tea (brewed at 8am and I am just getting to it now)
and a lunch of peanut butter and crackers
and look around the place
i think
we just might make it

our first guest arrives at 3
all the guest rooms are ready
the bathrooms are clean and functioning
the fire is lit
the pies are baked
champagne is chilling
and all that is left to do is dust a bit and move the tools to the basement
and maybe a nap
but probably not
that would be pushing it
..i actually have a tear in my eye as i write this
because
i can't believe
mike and i
with our two hands
have turned this place from a big mess
into a home

...that needs work

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday Night Supper Club

It's Tuesday...so here I am....

I needed to do something easy because we are up at the cabin doing renovations and I don't have a lot of time to fuss about.

...so I went with brisket

I served it with warm rolls, baked beans and a green salad.

And tomorrow it will make a perfect beef dip sandwich for our arriving guests.

Easy Brisket

brisket--trimmed

 generous use of spice mix

 a few glugs of olive oil

325 degree oven

To Make the Spice Mix

mix together: 1 Tbs kosher salt, 2 tsp black pepper (i used pepper with worcestershire flavor combo i found at the market), 1/2 tsp cayenne, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 Tbs dried oregano, 4 1/2 tsp garlic, 2 Tbs chili powder, 2 Tbs brown sugar. Keep in airtight jar.

Dry the brisket with paper towels.  On all sides, lightly coat with olive oil.  Just a bit so the spice will stick.  Then rub with spice mix.  It will make a bit of a paste...be generous.

Place in a roasting dish or casserole...something with a bit of room.

Pop in oven. For a 3lb piece, I put it in the oven for about 4 hours. 

Let rest for 15 minutes or so before slicing.

Eat Up! 

The Renovation and What I Ate Part 3

We are making great progress on our renovation...while the cabin will always be a work in progress...
..we are now comfortable inviting guests to come and stay.


One of the tricks we found for enjoying a project of this size, is to take the time to enjoy a meal out, or the company of friends.  We had such an opportunity on Friday night.


Our friends Joe and Monica invited us for a small holiday gathering at their home.  Although the drive was an hour, it was well worth it.  We had a wonderful time visiting and I couldn't believe the spread Monica put out..and Joe's zagat worthy bar!.  


I hope Monica won't mind me sharing this...but she served an appetizer so yummy that I had to remove myself from the actual kitchen area, for fear that I would eat them all.  I am conscious that there is a polite amount of consumption at a  party. And I am pretty sure the entire platter isn't it.  So as a result, I talked about the bits all the way home and well into the night.  I then got up early the next morning and hit the grocery store to get the supplies for said delight.
..and then we had them for lunch...
my oh my oh my....

I didn't get a picture, because well...the hubster and I were burning our fingers plucking them from the dish fresh out of the oven. I completely forgot my senses...
it wasn't until the dogs were "cleaning the pan" that I thought...hmm..i should have taken a photo.


so here's the recipe (gleefully stolen)

Monica's Smokin' Little Smokies
(printable recipe)

1 pkg little smokies

1 pkg bacon

brown sugar

cayenne pepper (my addition)

Cut the bacon pieces in thirds...and wrap a piece around each link.  Place in a casserole dish.  Sprinkle brown sugar over top.  Lightly sprinkle cayenne pepper (if desired).  Place in 375 oven until bacon is cooked and brown sugar is beginning to look like it will ruin your pan.

Now...for the renovation. I have been working on two of the guest rooms.  The loft had been portioned off to 2 rooms and for the time being we are keeping it that way. Our ultimate goal is to knock down the wall and make a nice large loft-slash-den area for music and lounging.  Hubster plays the banjo and the acoustics will be great for bluegrass jammin'.

So...here's what I have done...

rooms before

both rooms looked like this...mirror images of eachother

another angle

and for the after...

green room

and

blue room

to see more of our renovation: see here and here

Now I am off to get more projects done before the crowd arrives on Wednesday...lots of cleaning to do!

deer camp soup {tuesday night supper club}

During the 3 minutes of fall weather that we had this past week, I started thinking about soup.

I heart soup

And then it warmed up

...but my taste buds don't know anything about atmospheric temperature

So I was still craving soup

I married a hunter.

Have I mentioned that about 100 times already?

Well..it is relevant to the story.

When he was a kid his father used to make what they called deer camp soup.

It was what they ate at deer camp.

Now mind you...I grew up in Los Angeles.  For me camp was where city kids went in the summer to sing songs and earn leathers.  The first time I heard deer camp I was slightly confused.  I thought perhaps it was DEAR camp...like a place that he really longed for or that was expensive. But then I thought...that is not how my husband talks.

So I asked...

...in a sort of way that made me feel like a complete and total Chrissy....

me: So...what goes on at this camp for deer?

him: Huh?

him: camp for deer?

him: city girl

me: nevermind

I caught on...eventually....after writing letters to his family in Camp Douglas.  What is it with the liberal use of the word-slash-action camp?

Anyway

Mike had very fond memories of this soup and wanted me to recreate it.  Here is the direction I received. It's tomatoey and I know it has tomato juice in it....and chunks of tomato...and meat..and some sort of beans....but it is very tomatoey.

Well...that's a start

Then one summer in Alaska we were going camping (notice the proper use of the word) and king salmon fishing.  And we set up camp, along side Willow Creek. And it was a bit cold, even for July. And I thought, this would be a great day for soup.  So I started concocting. By the time the guys arrived with their prizes in hand...

...I had something pretty good. And very welcomed.

I have played with the recipe a bit since then...making it a bit more spicy. But you can fine tune it to whatever you like.  It is basic and simple...and a whole meal in one bowl.

Deer Camp Soup
(printable recipe)

slug of olive oil

1/2 large onion--diced in small pieces

2 cloves garlic--finely chopped

1 lb lean ground beef 

(i used ground venison for this particular batch)

3 cups Mr and Mrs T's bloody mary mix

4 1/2 cups tomato juice

1 tsp lemon pepper (optional)

1-15oz can kidney beans--drained

1-28 oz can diced tomatoes

2-3 dashes worcestershire sauce

pinch cayenne (optional)

hot sauce to taste

salt and pepper to taste

Pour enough olive oil in the bottom of a heated pot, to coat in a thin layer.  Drop in onions and cook until translucent and starting to brown.  Drop in the garlic and cook for about a minute.  Add beef or venison and cook, breaking up pieces, until no longer pink. Drain if there is fat at the bottom of the pan. If you use venison, you can skip this part.

Add remaining ingredients and simmer for about 30 minutes allowing all the flavors to meld.  Taste for spice, salt and pepper.

If it is too thick for your liking add chicken stock or water.

I served mine with a cheesy crouton, but that is totally optional. It is great with saltines or oyster crackers crumbled on top.

Eat up!

sunday giving, sunday grace

On Sunday, Julie and I had our box collection party for Operation Christmas Child.

If you measure success in bringing people together for a wonderful cause, sharing stories, laughter and good cheer, and a pile of shoe boxes full of goodies, then our "box collection party" was a great success.
We have such generous friends and family who put together beautiful gifts that will make wonderful surprises for the children who receive them.
So, thank you to my dear friends who generously gave of their time and spirit for this cause.

In order to show our gratitude, Julie and I put out a spread and gave everyone a gift.

We had a

give a box, take a box 

Table

Each box was filled with cream scones and a bundle of tea

we also gave each person a jar of marmalade

so they could sit back, enjoy a bit of tea

and revel in their generosity

it was the least we could do

We also had a

please eat a lot 

Table

I love German Chocolate Cake...but I also love pie. So, Tedesco Tart was born.

Tedesco Tart 
(printable recipe)

(tedesco is german in italian--how's that for complicated!)

1 recipe chocolate crust

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips--melted

1 recipe vanilla custard (or 2 boxes pudding if you are going rogue)

1 recipe coconut topping

1 recipe bittersweet chocolate ganache

Blind bake the chocolate crust in a tart tin at 325 until done.  Once it is cooled, spread melted milk chocolate in a thin layer over the entire bottom and up a bit of the sides.

Once the chocolate is cooled, pour cooled custard or pudding in the crust and spread evenly. Pour an even layer of ganache over the top and let firm up in the fridge.  Top with coconut topping.  Remove from fridge about 30 minutes before serving if a cold day. If a warm day, it will need less time to ease up.

Chocolate Crust

( from Claudia Flemming's "The Last Course")

1 cup unsalted butter--softened

1/2 cup + 1Tbs confectioner's sugar

2 egg yolks

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups flour

1/2 cup cocoa powder

pinch of salt

In a mixer cream butter and sugar until just combined...you do not want to incorporate too much air in this.  Add yolks and vanilla and beat until just incorporated.  Mix all dry ingredients together and add to the butter mixture.  Mix until just combined.  Pat into a circle and chill until firm, about 1 hour.  Roll out and fit into a 9" tart pan.  You will have excess dough. I like to have my crust a bit thicker than normal for this tart as it is holding a lot of stuff! But if you like a thinner crust, by all means, roll it thinner.

Blind bake at 325

Vanilla Custard

2 1/2 cups whole milk

pinch of salt

2 tsp vanilla

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

3 Tbs unsalted butter

1/4 cup + 3 Tbs Cornstarch (i know it seems like a lot but this recipe needs to have a firm custard)

Heat the milk to just a simmer over low heat.  Meanwhile whisk together the yolks, sugar, cornstarch and salt.  Once the milk comes to a simmer, use it to temper the yolks.  Put the entire mixture back into the pot and on the stove over low heat. Use a whisk to whisk while the mixture begins to thicken.  You do not want to cook the eggs, but you do need the custard to thicken.  Once the mixture bubbles in the middle, and is a big thick mess, take it off the heat.  If you think you may have cooked the eggs, then run it through a sieve...if you are confident, then don't.  Pour mixture into a clean bowl and add the butter and vanilla.  Whisk until the butter is melted.  Cover with clingfilm and refrigerate until cold. Or you can put the bowl over a bowl of ice and stir until it cools.

Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache

1/2 lb bittersweet chocolate (use 60% or higher)

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 tsp vanilla

heat heavy cream to just a simmer. Pour over chocolate and let sit until chocolate begins to melt.  Stir until it becomes nice and glossy. Add vanilla. Let cool just a bit, but make sure it is still pouring consistency when you pour onto tart.

Coconut Topping

1 cup evaporated milk

1 cup sugar

3 egg yolks

1/2 cup butter

1 tsp vanilla

2 1/2 cups shredded coconut

1 1/2 cups toasted pecans

Place milk, sugar, yolks and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.  Cook until thickens--about 15 minutes or so.. Keep an eye on it and stir frequently. Don't freak out if it looks like the eggs are cooking, because they will. It will also start to darken a bit.  Remove from heat and stir in coconut and pecans.  Let cool before placing on tart.

So, that is it.  Looks like a lot of work, but it isn't..it comes together nicely.  It's a great holiday dessert.

The Renovation and What I Ate Part 2

We have been working on the cabin.

Well, kind of

There was so much to do, so much we have done...so much left

There's the interior work, but we also have the whole yard/garden to deal with.  It took me an entire day to sort out just a corner of it..

I pulled up the tomato plants, the pumpkin patch, and the rest of the carrots and lettuce and cut back the roses to just about the nub.  They hadn't been tended to in 4 years and had grown to over 6 feet. I am hoping that we can get them back in the great shape that would make Dodo proud.  Have I mentioned that the previous owner of the house was Dodo Denny? She played Mike TeeVee's mom on the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

Could it get any better?

Dodo was a big fan of the garden and an obvious bird watcher.  There are bird houses in every corner of the garden, on the deck, attached to the house, on the roof...

This past Spring, there were lots of little birdlets chirping around here.

Today, Mike trimmed the pear tree, and is contemplating taking down another tree that just makes a mess and is poorly placed.

 I vote yes.

 Please don't tell the Audubon Society.

 To be fair there are a ton of other trees for the birds...and I let them eat all the grapes

What we didn't do was rake the leaves.

Too many of them

and it is cold out

and i am a city girl...come on!

But what we did do was finish the master bedroom.
There's a small problem...we only seem to have 1 before picture. So you will have to use your imagination.  Imagine a room, shaped like a box.  With white walls and "trim" of 1x2 floor boards. The floor was rust shag carpet, covering 1950's striped carpet, covering old crusty glue on top of sub-floor.

Our inspiration for this room is Africa.

master bedroom before

still before with a makeshift paint job i did to cover the tobacco stained walls

the awful floor after pulling 2 layers of carpet and crusty glue

and after

still after

I have loads of photos from my trip years ago, along with several Masai wedding necklaces which I think will look fetching on the walls of our newly fabulous room.

We did all the work ourselves...including the floors. Although I need to give Mike the full credit for them. I really had nothing to do with it..except I did the math.

and supported the purchase of a really cool smoker-slash-Q

which I used to make us our very first homemade dinner

...in the cabin

I also feel the need to say this...

...after a day of hard physical work

a glass of wine doesn't do it.

But a bottle of beer.

That is the trick

try it...you'll agree

and if you need a project to do

to work up the thirst

i have one or two for you...

just ask

I'll make some dessert

like this one

*for previous renovation blog post see the renovation and what I ate part 1

When Ready is Relative...

For those of you who aren't panicking, like me...

...Thanksgiving is 13 days away...THIRTEEN DAYS!!!

okay, that is almost 2 weeks...

But we are hosting

In our mountain cabin

that is under construction

and not, oh its a bit untidy because we are under construction

But

oh...don't mind the hole in the wall because we bought this fixer-upper that was empty for 3 years-except for the family of mice we found in the wall, and the ground squirrels that seem to have made a home in the loft, and the arachnid-land we have set up in the sun room.  And I call it the sun room because that is a nice way of saying, the room with the rotting walls that lets the sun in.

Oh...and can you pee before you come?

I thought it would be nice to have a holiday in the cool mountain air, just like John Denver.

So I put it out there, like 3 months ago.

Hey...we would like to host Thanksgiving if anyone is interested.

 And I figured we would have 3 months to get the place in tip top shape.

But then there was the end of summer traveling.  And then the October traveling...and then Halloween. And here we are 13 days before the big day and I am sorta thinking, we might not be ready.

I have always done my best work at the last minute.  I work well under pressure.  Which is great. But this isn't a term paper...this is Thanksgiving!  Who wants to be the one who threw the Thanksgiving that people whisper about?

Not me.

Here's the good news.

 I have the menu figured out and everyone has an assignment.

I ordered the fresh turkeys which will be ready for pick-up and the deep fryer on T-Day

Today we purchased a second fridge and an awesome smoker-slash-Q.

Not on the critical list...

...but more fun than pulling up carpet.

Here's what I haven't done:

ANYTHING

is that even grammatically correct?

I want to make this announcement....Mike and I are committed to being ready

But ready is relative.

The house will not be dirty, but it might not be tidy.

There will be a place for everyone at the table

The food will be delicious and plentiful

Laughter will float to the rafters

There WILL BE football

...and pie

So I Spent the Afternoon In Tears....

...weeping, like I had a year's worth of crying stored up and hit my breaking point.  And in public no less.  But it isn't a rare occasion that I cry, actually I do it a lot.  Not, oh you hurt my feelings, so I am going into the corner to cry.  More like...that scene from Chariots of Fire where they are running on the beach and the music is building to a crescendo and you can see toil and victory on their faces.

Add music to just about any situation and you can just hand over the kleenex.

Today I attended a beautiful and emotional Veteran's Day celebration at our American Legion Post.  Every year, they hold a flag retirement ceremony. Flags that are too damaged to be flown, are respectfully disposed of by fire.  Veterans, children of veterans, friends of veterans, lined up to dedicate flags to fallen comrades.  As each flag was dedicated and subsequently burned, my emotions became more and more exposed.  It was a bit distracting...thank goodness we were outside and I could wear my over-sized sunglasses---it, combined with my camera--were very good camouflage.
It was an amazing afternoon and I am filled with Gratitude for the men and women who are our military.  I am Proud of my country and flag.  I am filled with Faith.

What an wonderful day...despite the tears.

By the time I got home I was in need of some comfort.  But it was too early for a drink, and I don't find solace in ice cream. What to do, what to do?

Donuts make me happy.

I thought, "I should make donuts"

So I did

and I took a photo--okay about a thousand photos

and then I gave the donuts away

almost all of them

i kept a few

because they look so yummy

and I have a husband who is a veteran

and he deserves a treat

on Veteran's Day

But I abstained

which I don't really don't want to do again

Red-White and no more Blues Donuts
(printable recipe)

2 cups flour

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp kosher salt

1 Tbs baking powder

2 Tbs melted butter

1/2 cup whole milk

1 egg + 1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla

Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add the butter and mix in until well incorporated.  Stir in the dry ingredients.  Turn onto a floured board and gently knead, incorporating more flour if needed.  You will probably need about another 1/4-1/3 cup flour.  Flatten dough out to about 1/2" and cut in donut shapes. I used a 2" round cutter and then the large end of a frosting tip for the center hole.  

Fry up.

You can dip in a icing made of powdered sugar mixed with a bit of vanilla and some cream, or chocolate ganache, or powdered sugar...or a myriad of other things. I am thinking that an icing made from apple cider might be delish.  But I'm only looking at the donuts...not tasting.

Today.

Tuesday Night Supper Club

When  I was a kid, on Halloween my mom would serve meatball sub sandwiches.  I don't remember exactly, but I think the tradition started  because the kitchen was under construction and rather than cooking another meal on the hot plate, she picked up meatball subs from Shakeys.  Each year, I think about that tradition, and wish that I was carrying it on.

But we spend Halloween away from home, and I am not so bold as to suggest to our host, what to serve  for halloween dinner. 

At least not yet. I'm still young.

Rewind to this past Halloween. I was in half-costume and hungry.  I ran to a local sandwich shop to pick up a couple of italian subs and what do I see?  A meatball  sub and it looked so delicious.  I thought, next time, that is what I am getting.

And a couple of days later I did.

And it was terrible.  

Not like anything I remember or want to eat again. I am not even sure the balls were meat.

And right then I decided meatball subs were going in the rotation...and soon.

So, tonight, Tuesday night, I made them, with homemade bread, and they were pretty darn good.

Meatball subs are easy.  Especially if you do a bit of planning and use store bought rolls (which I suggest doing unless you are obsessed like me). 

I made Sunday Sauce, on Monday and I loaded it with meatballs in preparation for tonight's dinner. 

Sunday Sauce

1/2 large onion--finely chopped

1 medium carrot--finely chopped

1 celery stalk--finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic--finely chopped

olive oil

1 1/2 lbs beef short ribs-bone in

1 lb country style pork ribs--boneless

3 links italian sausage cut in half

as many meatballs as you please

2 sprigs rosemary

2 sprigs thyme

1 heaping tsp dried oregano

2-14oz cans crushed tomatoes

2-14 oz cans tomato puree

1 cup white wine

salt and pepper to taste

Heat the olive oil in large pot.  Toss in onion, carrot, and celery.  Do not let them brown, but cook until they begin to soften. Add garlic.  Add meat in batches to brown (not the meatballs).  Pour in wine and let it sizzle a bit and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.  Dump in the tomato puree and crushed tomatoes.  Add herbs.  Put burner on low, cover and let simmer.

Meanwhile, prepare the meatballs.

Meatballs

I usually add raisins and pignoli nuts to my meatballs, but since I knew I was using them for the sandwiches, I omitted this step.

ground beef

ground pork

eggs

milk

grated parmesan cheese

bread crumbs (if you use store bought go for the seasoned one)

salt

pepper

I mix the beef and pork together half and half.  Use 1 egg per pound of meat.  Put the meat in the bowl and break the eggs on top.  Shake the breadcrumbs over the top of the meat so it covers the expanse of the meat, but only a dusting.  Do the same with the parmesan, but a bit more than a dusting..but don't dump. Pour enough milk on top so that it can moisten the bread crumbs, but you don't want mush.  I would say about 1/4 cup per pound of meat.  Add salt and pepper...add a bit and then fry up just a smidge to test the seasoning.  Bottom line, you can always add salt to your meatballs when you are eating them...it's not like you are cooking in a restaurant and people are judging you...or people who are paying that are judging you.

Have a gentle hand and mix all together. Form into balls--the size is your choice.  

Heat a frying pan over medium heat.  Put a bit of olive oil on the bottom and fry the meatballs until the outside is browned evenly. The meat will not be fully cooked, which is the point.  As you take the meatballs out of the frying pan, place them in the sauce to finish cooking.  Both the sauce and the meatballs benefit from this process...trust me.

Continue cooking the sauce under simmer until all the meat is cooked well. The rib meat should be falling off the bone and the meatballs should be firm.

When you make the sandwiches--toast the bread and then be generous with the meatballs and sauce.  Top with provolone cheese and pop in the oven or broiler to make the cheese nice and melty.

On Sunday I made a tart and I had a bit of  the custard in the fridge.  I had been promising the hubster that I would make ice cream for him, so I had to make good. My word is my bond you know.

Ice Cream in a Pinch

I took about 1 cup of custard and added to it  1 cup of milk chocolate chips melted in about 1/4 cup of cream making it a bit of a ganache. I threw in a shot of very strong espresso and whisked it all up.  The mixture was cool, so I didn't have to chill it in the fridge and I dumped it right into the ice cream machine.  30 minutes later I had a mildly chocolate, minimally coffee flavored, very smooth ice cream.  As I packed it into the tub for future eating, I swirled in nutella...for nutella ripple ice cream. 

While the ice cream was freezing, I made a quick hazelnut brittle

Hazelnut Brittle

1 cup sugar

water

1 Tbs honey

hazelnuts

Put sugar in a saucepan.  Add enough water so the sugar has the consistency of wet sand.  Add honey and put over low heat.  Let cook away until the sugar and honey is melted and the mixture starts to turn color.  Once you see the color beginning to amber, swirl the pan....to even out the color.  I like mine a soft amber, so a few minutes into coloration, I throw in the hazelnuts and swirl a couple of times. Don't be vigorous...just do it a bit to move the contents around.  Pour the hot sugar on a silpat or parchment lined cookie sheet.  Let cool. Be very careful..hot sugar is like molten lava...it will burn, and burn bad.  Let the brittle cool and then break into pieces

Eat Up!

OMG or Oh My Ganesha

My friend April and I had an amazing meal at Jitlada Restaurant last week. April had been reading about it in various magazines and on internet sites for months and was anxious to try it out. I, on the other hand, hadn't heard of it--and had sort of written off thai food for a bit because I couldn't convince my husband that thai food is good.

He's not a fan.

But he hasn't been to Jitlada-land

Surprisingly we walked into a nearly empty restaurant, just before noon, on a Thursday. Apparently the best kept secret is Jitlada, just before noon, on a Thursday. Review after review, talks of having to wait for a table and a constantly packed dining room. Tip of the day---go there for lunch.

The only other occupied table was a group of LA County Sheriffs.

 Hot diggity---good food and men in uniform...could a better day be had?

The menu is enormous. And not in a Cheesecake Factory way...where there are pages and pages of random stuff...and really only 2 things you want to eat. This menu looks like the best dinner party I ever attended--pages and pages of unbelievable treats.

 Authentic, spicy treats.

I couldn't wait to order...but how to decide?

April had done her research, so had a general idea of some items that were a must. Also...Jitlada helped us out a bit by pointing out some of the Chef's specials both on the menu and a framed notice of really special specials. Thank goodness, because it will take me a very long time to get through the whole menu.

I might even be tempted to try lamb here...the food is that good!

The owner...Jaz is adorable.  I just want to hug her.  It was like we had entered her kitchen at home. She is dedicated to serving fresh, authentic Thai food. She is also dedicated to making sure each customer has a delicious meal and a great time.

 There is no compromising.

We ordered 4 dishes....

Chef's special-special-- Morning Glory Salad--fried watercress salad with shrimp. Eventhough the watercress was battered and deep fried..it was crispy and very fresh tasting. It was, in a word, amazing. I can't do the salad justice here, believe me...it is worth trying...and then eating the entire plate. *this photo is courtesy of jitlada restaurant's website.

Our waiter recommended the rice salad. He felt it would go well with the other dishes we ordered, so we went with it. I am so happy we did. It might have been my favorite dish of the afternoon. It was a cold salad and very simple. But it had a flavor that I can't quite get my finger on..but I am almost certain there is lemongrass in there somewhere. Lemongrass and a melange of goodness that is unnmistakably yummy. Yes...words are currently escaping me. I mean really, how many times can I say good without it becoming an ineffective adjective?*this is a photo i hastily took before polishing off the entire plate of rice.

Based on recommendations from YELP we ordered the crouching tiger hidden dragon beef. Actually, that wasn't it's name...let me check my notes..
ah yes, the crying tiger beef. You know what...i am crying too...crying that I can't eat it every day.

 This is the dish that I am convinced will turn my hubster into a Thai Tippler. Seriously delicious.

Our final and most serious dish was the Spicy Brown Sugar Chicken. This dish is not sweet at all. But I imagine there is a bit of sugar to assist in the spicy aspect. This dish will get ya coming and going... in a good way. SBSC is spicy. without hiding the appeal.

It is a real skill to be able to create a dish so spicy that it cures nasal congestion, but doesn't mask the amazing flavors.

During our meal, Jaz flitted in and out...sharing stories and generosity.  She offered beer to match the food, a dessert of warm coconut pumpkin custard that melted in my mouth (something else I know hub will love), and a not very subtle thai coffee that kicked me into top gear.  I am hooked.  Coffee, coconut, beer, spicy food....AND men in uniform.

 Call the medics, I feel a swoon coming on.

*some photos are from the jitladala.com website (the good ones!)

** while at Jitlada we met Jo, a food enthusiast/blogger and Jitlada-fan. She eats here quite often and has very good taste, so if you don't believe me, believe her! You can find her here.

Jitlada Restaurant

5233 W Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027

(323) 663-3104

Mon. 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Tue-Thu. 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.

ladies with marmalade and a cause

I know it is only November, but Christmas is right around the corner and it is never too soon to start collecting prezzies.
My cousin, whom also happens to be my friend, and I came across a charity called  samaritan's purse.  The group that runs this program is a religious organization which neither of us are affiliated with--but like its holiday project, operation christmas child.  Each November, they collect and distribute shoe boxes, filled with Christmas goodies, to underprivileged children around the world. Julie and I thought it would be fun and rewarding to throw a "box collection" party. So we are.

We LOVE putting together parties and supporting a good cause, makes it that much more enjoyable.

We both are a bit crafty, have similar taste, and  have a secret sewing weapon in Julie's mom.  Here are some pics from a baby shower we threw (for another cousin who also happens to be Julie's sister-in-law).

Champagne and coaster "baby blocks"

I made these favors to resemble baby bibs and filled with jelly beans.  We made the cookies too!

I especially love the "Ethan" banner that Julie created and draped across the mommy-to-be's chair.

It really was a bunch of fun.

But I digress...

Julie and I have been planning for this party for a couple of months and what is most  important to us is that everyone brings a christmas box, has a great time, and leaves with a treat.
One of the yummies we are giving is a jar of homemade carrot-orange marmalade.  Before you say...oh yuck...it is really good.
This is a recipe I learned in India. Each morning, I would enjoy this marmalade with warm croissants (yes plural) and a nice smear of sweet butter.  I fell in love with the flavor and didn't have to beg too much to get the recipe.

These two lovely and helpful young ladies are Julie's daughter and my niece.  They are smart and nice and never do anything wrong (wink, wink).














So last Sunday afternoon we buckled down and canned a bunch of jars of marmalade.

The party is this weekend, so stay tuned for pics and more recipes from the event...

Carrot-Orange Marmalade

6 medium carrots--grated

12 oranges peels on--thinly sliced

3 lemons peels on--thinly sliced

6-7 cups sugar (depending on the sweetness of the oranges)

1 cup orange juice

2" knob of ginger--peeled and kept whole

1 Tbs fresh ginger-very finely chopped

2 star anise

2 cinnamon sticks

pinch of salt

Place all ingredients in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Let sit overnight or at least 6 hours in the refrigerator to meld flavors.  When you slice the fruit, make sure you catch all the juice in the bowl.  When you are ready to cook the marmalade, dump everything in a large heavy pot on med-low heat.  Cook for several hours covered--checking periodically to make sure the bottom isn't burning. After several hours, remove the top and lower the heat and cook until the sugar syrup begins to thicken and get nice and sticky. Do not let it burn. The cooking process should take 4-5 hours.  But you can walk away...you don't have to stand over the stove.

Once the marmalade is ready, you can put it in jars and store in the fridge. If you want to store for longer you must go through the canning process.  Please use proper and sanitary procedures to do so.

This recipe makes approximately 15-5oz jars.