guest star tamales September 30, 2007

These were twice inspired (and you’re both in PA). The first one is “curly’s kale, corn and queso tamales” (not the sum of ingredients, but I wanted to capitalize on the alliteration). I wanted to make an extra special kale tidbit (even better that it lives in a cozy wrapper!) to honor dear, sweet Larisa who is the sole reason I’m blogging at all, and the curliest kale I know. <3 The second is “shauna-shortcake mixed fruit tamales.” Shauna, I will not disclose the meaning of your nickname, but if I may tell a side story…I visited Shauna (& Skimmy) in LA many years ago, and during that trip we went to a food stand. ‘Member? It could have been free standing in a neighborhood, or at the farmers market. Anyway, we had dessert tamales with fruit and white chocolate inside. (!) I think of that experience often. So when I was thinking fruit, creme and dough I thought, “shortcake” and therefore, Shauna. Now that I’m finished with the back story, here’s the savory one in prep. The filling consists of kale, green onion, jack cheese, corn, shredded squash, and green chiles.

And the finished plate (The Tomatoes shown on vacation):

The dessert tamales have cinnamon sugar in the dough, and blueberries, nectarine, and extra dark organic chocolate inside.

and here is the finished version with crème fraîche and dutch cocoa dusting.

meaty loaf and frites September 27, 2007

I’ve always loved meatloaf. Even when it contained meat! This is one of my favorite dishes to make. Very easy, you just take some veggie ground beef (I like Yves “Meatless Ground – original”), a 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 diced bell pepper, a 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, chopped shallot or mild onion, and about 1, maybe 2 eggs. Mix ingredients, and bake for about 4o minutes at 375 degrees. My secret is to crumble Semifreddi’s “Super Garlic Croutons” in the blender/food processor and make my own breadcrumbs. I made a tomato sauce for the top out of thinned tomato paste, oregano, salt and pepper, and placed golden heirloom tomato slices as a finish. Thanks, GP!

As for the frites…basic russet potatoes, sliced into quarter inch width pieces. I read that in order to have crispy fries you need to soak them in cold water to remove excess starch, dry thoroughly, then fry them twice. The first fry was 325 degrees for about 4-5 minutes. The second fry was 375 for about 3-4 minutes or until golden. This method worked very well, I recommend it. Extra crispy and light!

And the very best part of all is that I get to have it for lunch tomorrow!! Yum.

grilled trout, lemon tempura, & olive toasts September 22, 2007

Here is my first non-vegetarian, or pescatarian meal. On rare occasions I eat seafood (I miss you already, veggies!). This being one, I grilled a small trout, stuffed with lemon, onion, cilantro, garlic, and oregano. I also made tempura (see batter), remembering in a previous post comment that Niece recommended I try using lemon slices. This worked very well! The rind is bitter, but I like bitter, and mellowed by cooking. Perfect company with fish. Mmm. I also prepared broccoli, carrot, onion, yellow potato, and zucchini tempura. To drink I had a refreshing pomegranate spritzer! Give this one a try!

pear season September 18, 2007

This tiny, sweet pear is one of the last of the crop from my boss’ tree.

honey challah September 17, 2007

This bread tested me. I had so much doubt while making it! The dough needed to rise twice, in 3 hr increments, doubling, then tripling in size. The process spanned two days, and I often wondered if I’d have to let go and try again, thinking to myself, if this is a sign of the New Year, what exactly was this challah saying? I’ve just torn off the first piece. It is warm, it is sweet, rich, aromatic, and I feel better.

food 4 kids: booby trap egg sandwich September 9, 2007

Big kids, too. Mmm – today I made an egg sandwich and decided to put a child-at-heart twist on breakfast. I hollowed out a poppy seed roll, and hid within it a fried egg on a bed of sharp cheddar cheese. Next, I placed arugula and spinach leaves on top for unsuspecting passers-by, and propped up the bun lid with toothpicks. Finally, I constructed a woodland/jungle scene of veggies (baby artichoke, blue lake beans, The Tomatoes, red onion, pickled daikon radish, bok choy, mushroom caps) and potatoes as the backdrop, on a lagoon of seasoned dried seaweed. At one point I was thinking of crafting a creature that set up this elaborate trap, but I then realized two things: that creature is me, and I’ve got to eat sometime!

veggie pesto pizza ‘n beer September 5, 2007

There are forces in this world I don’t understand. Not a very profound statement, but I am confused! Am I supposed to just follow signs, “understand”, and live life for what it seemingly brings me or wants of me? Or do I react to messages that run counter to my wishes and wants? Don’t know. Can’t she just stick to the food?, you might wonder. Uh, yes. ‘Cause that I do understand. That, and lemon colored lion t-shirts (see end of post).

So the pursuit of life’s simplicity brings me to today’s post: pizza ‘n beer. This is one of my favorite pizzas! Partially because I was hungry for dinner and didn’t have to make the crust, but mostly because this is really tasty bread. I used a flatbread available for purchase and immediate consumption. My second favorite pizza involves homemade crust with olive oil and cornmeal baked on the bottom. I went again to my loving, family run, local grocer Golden Produce on Church St. For about $10 I got organic components to make my dinner and lunch for the remainder of the week. Today’s toppings: fresh mozzarella, pesto, basil, heirloom tomato slices, and mushroom. Today’s beer: Hoegaarden

Today’s t-shirt: Raaawwr!!!!

Summer Refresher part II: korean BBQ kebabs September 4, 2007

I have often been welcome at the family table of one of my best friends – there his mother shared exquisite meals and family recipes. Although my friend has moved away from home, (he now lives with me in SF) his mom still sends foodlove, double ziplocked and tupperwared for safe travel all the way to her son’s tummy. He’s 35! It’s really sweet. The best part is that on many occasions, once she learns your favorites, she’ll send a sizable helping of those, too. Thank you, Mrs. Kim!

I found a marinade online for vegan seitan Korean BBQ, but next time I’ll try this one: “Seitan cut into strips, marinated with tamari (soybean sauce), garlic, ginger, brown sugar, sesame oil, scallions, and [toasted] sesame seeds”. I used hunks of marinated seitan, slices of corn ears, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and orange bell pepper. Very “meaty”! Served over a bed of brown rice.

Also, as promised, a second summer refresher!! Cold brewed “Black Cherry Berry” tea with hibiscus yummy, slices of lemon from our landlord’s tree, and a splash of grapefruit pop. Ahhh…

Leah stopped by, and is shown enjoying a dessert (I will catch hell for this!) of grilled white peaches, honey drizzle, and mascarpone.

I do the best I can as a friend, in my ability to forgive others, in my willingness to forgive myself, and in eeking my heart open a little for those around me. This b-b-q is dedicated to my friend Andy – I’m not always a good friend, but I love you.

hooray, labor day!! September 3, 2007

I am grateful for today. According to “the first proposal of the holiday”, in the 1880’s, “a street parade to exhibit to the public ‘the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations’ of the community” was in order, along with a festival celebration for “workers and their families”. (Wiki-what? you don’t see too much of this original meaning these days. Today’s SF Gate front page news was about the Bay Bridge closure.)

I did enjoy a day of rest from work, let me tell you! I was invited to brunch with Heather and Arpi (left to right), a couple I find mesmerizing – individually, as well as together in partnership. They celebrated their ninth anniversary this weekend and still made time for me. Wow.

Arpi made a delicious meal! We had gourmet coffee, moist and delicate corn muffins, and omelets. Let’s talk omelets for a moment. These were fluffy, half moon pillows filled with just the right textures, including a perfect dice of creminis, and red bell pepper. Mmm-mmm!

All that, AND we went on a walk to visit with the neighborhood cats! What a day. Thanks, Heather and Arpi!!