Sunday, February 27, 2005
A taste of heaven
This is easy:
Potato Gratin
2 lbs peeled, thinly sliced russet potatoes
2 cups cream
1 cup grated parmesan
3 tablespoons chives
3 crushed garlic cloves
salt/pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Place in a large casserole dish and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes or more.
I whipped this up Sat night along with Sage-Roasted pork tenderloin for our dinner guests, the recently nuptial-ized Jim-nuts and Holly. I can't take any credit for how tasty the gratin was, because it was so easy. I mean, it had 2 CUPS of cream.
Due to the number of empty wine bottles I saw sitting around this morning, a light headache, along with a rumbling stomache, I knew I needed some comforting grits for breakfast. What made this special was the 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and the two tablespoons of butter I folded in. Seriously, if you haven't had grits before, come over and I will make some for you. One serving, and you will feel like you've been living in the South your whole life.
Potato Gratin
2 lbs peeled, thinly sliced russet potatoes
2 cups cream
1 cup grated parmesan
3 tablespoons chives
3 crushed garlic cloves
salt/pepper to taste
Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl. Place in a large casserole dish and bake at 375 degrees for 50 minutes. Let rest for 10 minutes or more.
I whipped this up Sat night along with Sage-Roasted pork tenderloin for our dinner guests, the recently nuptial-ized Jim-nuts and Holly. I can't take any credit for how tasty the gratin was, because it was so easy. I mean, it had 2 CUPS of cream.
Due to the number of empty wine bottles I saw sitting around this morning, a light headache, along with a rumbling stomache, I knew I needed some comforting grits for breakfast. What made this special was the 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and the two tablespoons of butter I folded in. Seriously, if you haven't had grits before, come over and I will make some for you. One serving, and you will feel like you've been living in the South your whole life.
Thursday, February 24, 2005
Do I really fit in this group?
Check out these knobs who are finalists for the Food Network show. Some are complete tools. Send your best wishes to Hans, he's the only guy who's not a complete fuckwit (I say this without the slightest feeling of envy)
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
In the spirit of culinary exploration, I've destroyed the occasional meal and cooked up some truly unappetizing dishes in my day. Thankfully, this isn't too often, and when I fuck up, I appreciate that it was a "learning" experience, so to speak. Less so when it involves $30.00 worth of veal.
However, in doing research for my other blog, I found out some other people aren't so lucky. According to this UK article, some six million people in the past three years have damaged their kitchens trying to do some shit they saw on a cooking show.
"31 per cent blamed their culinary misfortunes on being distracted while cooking or on falling asleep on the job."
How the fuck do you fall asleep in a kitchen? I can understand when driving, in a meeting, almost anywhere else, but in the kitchen?
However, in doing research for my other blog, I found out some other people aren't so lucky. According to this UK article, some six million people in the past three years have damaged their kitchens trying to do some shit they saw on a cooking show.
"31 per cent blamed their culinary misfortunes on being distracted while cooking or on falling asleep on the job."
How the fuck do you fall asleep in a kitchen? I can understand when driving, in a meeting, almost anywhere else, but in the kitchen?
Friday, February 18, 2005
Did we need more proof that Ted Kennedy is a complete ass?
"President Bush should immediately announce his intention to negotiate a timetable for a drawdown of American combat forces with the new Iraqi government...to send a stronger signal about our intentions and to ease the pervasive sense of occupation. America's goal should be to complete our military withdrawal as early as possible in 2006." --Ted Kennedy
Compare him to the last Democratic President with any vision whatsoever:
Who was it that said, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - JFK
"President Bush should immediately announce his intention to negotiate a timetable for a drawdown of American combat forces with the new Iraqi government...to send a stronger signal about our intentions and to ease the pervasive sense of occupation. America's goal should be to complete our military withdrawal as early as possible in 2006." --Ted Kennedy
Compare him to the last Democratic President with any vision whatsoever:
Who was it that said, "Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty." - JFK
Friday, February 11, 2005
argh
My only relief after a very challenging and frustrating week at work is a Friday Happy Hour stop at the infamous Moonlite Lanes cocktail lounge. There's a million other, much nicer places I could have selected to imbibe with my friends. But why would I want to do that?
I have true appreciation for bona fide dive bars. This was likely culivated during my college years in Missouri. Friday nights could mean a short drive to Fulton (population 11,423) and hang out with Bobby, the local alcoholic. Bobby whiled away his days in the Main St. Bar or "The Post Office". I particularly enjoyed his ability to fade out sitting at the bar. He'd come to about ten minutes later, greeting everyone with "What the hell's going on 'round here!?", and continue eating his cheeseburger, still in his hands. Later my friend Mike's high school buddies would show up and regale us with stories I'm sure they've told million times. Be sure to ask me about the "chili-masturbation" tale.
Other nights I found myself at the "Black and Gold" (college colors), where a Jack and Coke only set you back $2.50, and would lead me to wake up in the back seat of my own car. The bathroom was always flooded, and required tricky manuevering to aim and not get your shoes soaked with the mystery filth.
I have true appreciation for bona fide dive bars. This was likely culivated during my college years in Missouri. Friday nights could mean a short drive to Fulton (population 11,423) and hang out with Bobby, the local alcoholic. Bobby whiled away his days in the Main St. Bar or "The Post Office". I particularly enjoyed his ability to fade out sitting at the bar. He'd come to about ten minutes later, greeting everyone with "What the hell's going on 'round here!?", and continue eating his cheeseburger, still in his hands. Later my friend Mike's high school buddies would show up and regale us with stories I'm sure they've told million times. Be sure to ask me about the "chili-masturbation" tale.
Other nights I found myself at the "Black and Gold" (college colors), where a Jack and Coke only set you back $2.50, and would lead me to wake up in the back seat of my own car. The bathroom was always flooded, and required tricky manuevering to aim and not get your shoes soaked with the mystery filth.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
The old college try
I've recently come to the conclusion that I didn't make the "Next Food Network Star" audition round. I mean, the eight finalists are to be in New York from February 12th to the 20th, and they haven't called with my flight number.
However, I did learn a few things. First, it is very difficult to shoot and edit a decent video. I am not nearly as charismatic or have the camera presence as I thought I would. Once the camera is on, the any pretense of being "natural", and just myself vaporized. Getting used to the camera sounds easier than it is.
On the good side, I am very glad I went through with it. So many times in life I wanted to this, should have done that, I would have been good at that, etc. So I felt great just having submitted the audition tape, and even showing it to a few friends.
I'm still going on a culinary journey, because of all the reasons I gave it a shot, love of food and cooking is number one. So let me tell you about what I made last Sunday night. Pan roasted NY Strip steaks, sliced and served over a bed of arugula, green and black olives, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, tossed in a olive oil-lemon juice vinagrette. All this was topped with a pan sauce made from cabernet reduction, olive oil, and a touch of sugar to even out the bite from the tannins. Oh, it was so good.
Ryan. Lunch. Soon. Yes.
However, I did learn a few things. First, it is very difficult to shoot and edit a decent video. I am not nearly as charismatic or have the camera presence as I thought I would. Once the camera is on, the any pretense of being "natural", and just myself vaporized. Getting used to the camera sounds easier than it is.
On the good side, I am very glad I went through with it. So many times in life I wanted to this, should have done that, I would have been good at that, etc. So I felt great just having submitted the audition tape, and even showing it to a few friends.
I'm still going on a culinary journey, because of all the reasons I gave it a shot, love of food and cooking is number one. So let me tell you about what I made last Sunday night. Pan roasted NY Strip steaks, sliced and served over a bed of arugula, green and black olives, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, tossed in a olive oil-lemon juice vinagrette. All this was topped with a pan sauce made from cabernet reduction, olive oil, and a touch of sugar to even out the bite from the tannins. Oh, it was so good.
Ryan. Lunch. Soon. Yes.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
For Future Reference
I have this habit of saving pictures to my hard drive that I come across. Looking back, I can't remember why I saved some of them. Others moved me, some were funny, personal, historical, or just a "neat" pic on its own. But I did save these for some reason, and I guess it was for "future reference".... So, welcome to a small sampling of "Future Reference"!
Courage
Beauty in the midst of war
Kindness
Well timed pic
Old roommates
Come and knock on our door
No idea...
Train Wreck
"That wasn't her toe, Dude."
Presidents' day invite.
You should see the one of Scott Baio.
Wisdom
"Illegal Ninja Moves"
Home protection
That's not me
Thunder Valley Casino
Courage
Beauty in the midst of war
Kindness
Well timed pic
Old roommates
Come and knock on our door
No idea...
Train Wreck
"That wasn't her toe, Dude."
Presidents' day invite.
You should see the one of Scott Baio.
Wisdom
"Illegal Ninja Moves"
Home protection
That's not me
Thunder Valley Casino
