A Little More On Spice and Herb Blends

19 Thursday May 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in BBQ Class, BBQ Rubs, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Char-Broil Grill, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Grillin' and Chillin', Herbs and Spices, Housemade Rubs, Housemade Sauces, Kitchen Adventures, Local Farmers Markets, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Smoking and Grilling, Spice Blends, What's For Dinner?

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BBQ, herbs and spices

There is a huge volume of information and suggestions and personal “likes” out there on spices, herbs and spices from around the world, herb and spice blends, grilling and BBQ herb and spice mixes. Here, for instance, is information – including recipes for making your own – on spices from around the world from TheKitchn. Spice Mixes From Around The World. (There are some really good ones listed there.)
This is interesting from the FoodNetwork, “Bottled grill seasoning blends are often expensive, heavy on the salt and preservatives and lacking in the flavor department. When you make your own, you control the ingredients and the flavor. Basic blends include salt, red and black peppers and additional flavor from garlic salt or onion powder.” To me the really interesting statement is “…heavy on the salt”. We really try to watch our intake of salt. And here is more information on how to make your own special herb and spice blends – Creating Flavors from Cooksmarts.
Here are some recipes for BBQ Dry Runs. You can print these out if you want.

Here are three rubs that we like to use. They are also located in the Recipe File above. Cheers.
BBQ Rub – [April 2016] Captain’s Shack KC Style Rub – This is a very versitile BBQ rub. Will make a grilled or smoked pork product awesome. [PDF format]
BBQ Rub – [April 2016] Captain’s Shack Memphis Rub – This is a very versitile BBQ rub in the Mempohis Style. Will make a grilled or smoked beef or chicken product awesome. [PDF format]
BBQ Rub – [April 2016] Captain’s Shack Montreal Rub – This is a very versitile BBQ rub in the familiar Montreal Style. Will make a grilled or smoked beef or chicken product awesome. [PDF format]

Please note that there is very little – if any – cayanne or red pepper flakes in these rubs. If you use these, adjust to suit your needs.We are not blazin’ hot spicy folks. Habanero and Ghost peppers won’t be used as one of our spices. Just sayin’!

And after this delicious and adventursome food, how about some ice cream? Homemade? Differently good and vegan! Spiced and with coconut milk.

Golden Milk Vegan Ice Cream
Want the recipe? Golden Milk Vegan Ice Cream – Ginger and Tumeric. Oh! Have fun with this one.

From Our Kitchen To Yours!

18 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop Breads, Alley Gardens, Appetizers, Apricots, Arugula, Avocado, Backyard Garden, Bacon, Baking, Basque Bread, BFM, Boise Area Food Adventures, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Brussels Sprouts, Buy Idaho, Cabbage, Captain's Shack, Comfort Food, Crab Cakes, Dessert, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Eggs, Greek Food, Green Salad, Healthy Eating, Herbs, Herbs and Spices, Ice Cream, Idaho Chicken, Idaho Dairy, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Vegetables, Local Markets, Meadowlark Farms, Ohana Micro Greens, Omelet, Photos By: Bob Young, Rice Family Farms, Salads, Sausage, Scallops, Seafood, Spice Blends, Spices, Spring Greens, True Roots Produce, What's For Dinner?

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BFM, Buy Local, herb chart, spice chart

It could be anything! But hopefully, it’s always pretty good. Mostly healthy and always has a local product element. Local. That’s what we try to feature always! Beef, pork, lamb, seafood, greens, fruit, vegetables, eggs, mushrooms, sprouts. You get the idea. And what’s even more fun – sometimes … most times – is preparing the meals. Here are a few photos of some of the dishes we have made recently. If there is a recipe for the item, it may be in the recipe file as listed above or you can look for it by Clicking Here.
We were going to make Greek kabobs and I wanted to find a good Greek herb blend. There is a really good Greek restaurant near us, Mazzah Mediterrean and every time I walk by it, I get this wonderfully awesome aroma of Greek spices. So I found this chart of cultural Spice Blends. We used the Greek Spice and added Sumac and Marjoram. If you are looking for a particular blend, this may help. Save the image and print it out if you need to.

I recently saw an article where folks were planting vegetables and herbs in their front yards, instead of grass! Talk about local and fresh! But we have been doing this for years. Our front lawns, as small as it might be, is our herb garden. Pretty blooms. Great smells and absolutely fresh herbs. Something to think about.

I recently saw an article where folks were planting vegetables and herbs in their front yard, instead of grass! Talk about local and fresh! But we have been doing this for years. Our front lawns, as small as it might be, is our herb garden. Pretty blooms. Great smells and absolutely fresh herbs. Something to think about.

Lamb Kabobs with Greek Spices
From the spice chart above. Local lamb and vegetables.

Greek 5-Cheese Filo on Spinach Bed
Local spinach! No we didn’t make the filo.

Vanila Ice Cream
It was super. Local dairy products.

Bacon and Cheese Omelet
Apricots
Toasted Basque Bread
Local eggs, bacon and Basque bread.

Creamed Spinach Popovers
Local spinach and dairy

Braised Scallops on Shredded Napa Cabbage Strawberries

Braised Scallops
on
Shredded Napa Cabbage
Sliced Strawberries and Kiwi
Strawberries are local.

Braised Scallops on Crab Rice
Green Salad with Carrot Strings and Micro Greens
Greens and carrots for the salad are all local.

Crab Rice and Shredded Napa Cabbage

Sunnyside Up Eggs
on
Spinach and 5 Greek Cheese Filo

Sausage Links
Apricot Chunks
Local eggs, sausage and spinach.

Mushroom Omelet
Sausage
Pineapple
Toasted Basque Bread
Everything but the pineapple is local!

Parsley Salad
with
Shaved Radish and Fresh Miners Lettuce
All local from the Boise Farmers Market (I’m there every week!)

So there you have it. Not 100% local, but darn close. And this time of year with the Boise Farmers Market being open, it gets easier to buy those local products. Plus, our herb gardens are in full swing – bloom! Enjoy.

Thank You “Travel and Leisure Magazine”!

16 Monday May 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Boise Restaurants, Buy Idaho, Dinner Reviews with Robin, Idaho Chefs, Idaho's Bounty, Interesting Information, Juniper, Local Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, Published, What's For Dinner?

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farm-to-table, Travel and Leisure

Wow! Travel and Leisure Magazine has us listed in an article in their latest issue! Here is a link to The Article. This article also makes for a good reference when you are traveling. Scroll through the information to see the different states and the superb restaurants.

The Best Farm-to-Table Restaurant in Every State

Idaho: Juniper
A perfect day in Boise isn’t complete without a bike ride on the Ridge to Rivers Trail System, a turn through the Boise Art Museum, and a meal at newcomer Juniper, which has quickly become a favorite for locals like Boise Food Guild blogger Bob Young. Chef Aaron puts Idaho on a pedestal, working closely with local farmers, growers, winemakers, and brewers throughout the Gem State, but it’s the restaurant’s funky personality that continues to dazzle diners. As a locally spirited gastropub, speakeasy, live music hall, and gin joint, Juniper is like one great love story about Idaho that never gets tired of being told. Pop in on any Wednesday to Saturday to try the $48 five-course dinner at the Chef’s Table.

Beautiful Weekend at Parma Ridge Winery

12 Thursday May 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in What's For Dinner?

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Treasure Valley Food and Wine Blog

Photograph Courtesy Stephanie Hodge

A beautiful weekend is coming up at Parma Ridge
with
Wonderful Wine, Fabulous Food, and an Amazing View!

We are open Friday, 12-7 p.m., Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with Happy Hour specials on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Brunch specials on Sunday. Reservations recommended for parties of 4 or more.

Special Menu Items available this weekend while supplies last:
One-Inch Cut Char-Grilled Ribeye Steak with Bleu Cheese Butter, Rosemary Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Cabernet Beef Demi-Glace, Grilled Asparagus and Storm’s Homemade Grilled Bread for $15.95

Storm’s Famous Salmon, Brined, Lightly Smoked and Pan Fried with Rosemary Truffle Butter on a Bed of Black Forbidden Fried Rice and Grilled Asparagus for $16.95

In addition, we will offer our regular menu all weekend.

Happy Hour Specials Friday from 4-7 p.m. with purchase of glass of wine, mimosa or beer:
2…

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“Holidays in May” at The Buzz

11 Wednesday May 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in What's For Dinner?

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Treasure Valley Food and Wine Blog

As our Son-In-Law Mac and his daughter Sophia slowly make their way along Camino de Santiago in northern Spain and pass by these wonderful “country” homes, we are at The Buzz eating some delightful food and drinking some special wines at the May Wine Dinner, “Holidays in May”. Cristie and her staff, Tommy and Peggy, did another great job. And thank-you Bailey for explaining Lacross to me. One of the best offerings tonight, although I don’t this it paired well with the selected wine, was the Albondiagas Soup – a Mexican meatball soup. And the Teruiyaki Pina Colada Burger with Zuchini Salad and Baked Beans was superb. Wonderful flavors. Here are soime photos from the evening. As a note, I did not get a good photo of the dessert, so yopu won’t see the Cookies and Strawberries. Oops!

Mushrooms and Goat Cheese with Oatcakes
2014 Cotes du Rhone
13.0%…

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Awesome Mother’s Day Weekend in the Kitchen

08 Sunday May 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Bacon, Baking, Blue Crab, Boise Farmers Market, Boise Food Adventures, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Cast Iron, Chicken, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Crab Cakes, Creamed Spinach, Dessert, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Family, Food Photos, French Foods, Green Salad, Herbs and Spices, Housemade Sauces, Housemade Tartar Sauce, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho Wine, Indian Creek Winery, Local Markets, Morels, Mother's Day, Mushrooms, Party Time, Peaceful Belly Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Pinot Noir, Popovers, Recipe: Bob and Robin Young, Recipes - Breakfast, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - French, Recipes - Seafood, Salad, Special Events, Spring Vegies, What's For Dinner?

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coq au vin, crab cakes, Pinot Noir, popover

Just a super fun and good weekend celebrating Mother’s Day with Robin. Exciting coming up with meals that were different and surprisingly good. Fun to make. Easy to make, although some were rather involved. Great to have Marnie over for Sunday dinner. Even Ray, her Golden Lab, had a good time with Buddy.
Some of the photos that follow of the dishes I prepared, have the recipe hotlinked in the article. Please feel free to use the recipe if you would like. The Coq au Vin – Chicken in Wine – is not difficult to do, but it does take some time. The Popovers are quick and easy. The Crab Cakes are different. We had these for both dinner a breakfast! the remoulade is a pretty basic sauce and can vary widely. “… Rémoulade (English pronunciation: /reɪməˈlɑːd/; French: [ʁemulad]) is a condiment invented in France that is usually aioli- or mayonnaise-based. Although similar to tartar sauce, it is often more yellowish (or reddish in Louisiana), sometimes flavored with curry, and sometimes contains chopped pickles or piccalilli. It can also contain horseradish, paprika, anchovies, capers and a host of other items. While its original purpose was possibly for serving with meats, it is now more often used as an accompaniment to seafood dishes, especially pan-fried breaded fish fillets (primarily sole and plaice) and seafood cakes (such as crab or salmon cakes).” Ours is mayo, chilli sauce, ketchup and green tomato relish. And a touch of horseradish.

Crab Cakes on Biscuits with Strawberry Fan and Rumalade

Crab Cakes on Biscuits
with
Strawberry Fan and Remoulade

Here is the recipe for the Old Bay Crab Cakes. They are differently good.

Strawberry Pie

After the Crab Cakes, we just had to have this Strawberry Pie Recipe. I’m not a baker, but this is wonderful!

Crab Cakes and Eggs

This was an awesome breakfast! Nothing better than seafood for breakfast.

Popovers

Fresh from the oven. Great with butter and jam, too!

Popovers
with
Creamed Spinach Filling

Another suprisingly easy recipe. Popover with Creamed Spinach Recipe

Coq au Vin – Chicken in Wine – getting happy!

Coq au Vin Popover with Creamed Spinach Fresh Green Salad

Coq au Vin
Popover with Creamed Spinach Filling
Fresh Green Salad

One awesome and fun to make dinner. Here is the recipe for Coq au Vin, Chicken in Wine. Enjoy this one. It is a superb French classic!

Add to this dinner a very good

2008 Indian Creek Pinot Noir

and we had a fantastic experience. Plus the Coq au Vin had some in it too!

Yum Meals this Week!

28 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Asian Food, Asparagus, Blueberries, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Brussels Sprouts, Buy Idaho, Cakes, Captain's Shack, Classic Sauces, Dessert, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner For Robin, Eggs, Eggs Omelets, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Vegetables, Lamb, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Meadowlark Farms, Mushrooms, Mustard, Omelet, Peaceful Belly Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Purple Sage Farms, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, True Roots Produce, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?

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dump cake

Yum meals an fun to do! Breakfast and twoi dinners. As folks say, “You do eat well!” and yes we do. Meals from scratch make it so much fun, interesting and nutricious. You can pick and choose what ingredients are included in the dishes. We try very hard to eat local. And now that Spring has arrived, the Boise Farm,ers Market is open every Saturday and we get fresh and locally produced items.
Let’s start with Tuesday dinner. A wonderful Asian Grilled Salmon, although I did not grill the salmon thgis time but rather braised it in the Asian marinade. And as a note, most – not all – but most of the ingredients to these dishes are local products – Idaho grown!

Tuesday’s dinner –

Asian Salmon
Braised Mushrooms
Steameed Asparagus

Wednesday –

Mushroom Omelet
Fresh Fruit

Lamb Chops wsith Mustard Cream Sauce Mashedd Parsnips, Turnip and Blue Potato Steamed Brusssels Sprouits in Balsamic Vinegar and Sherry Reduction

Lamb Chops
with
chardonnay mustard cream sauce

Mashed Parsnips, Turnip and Blue Potato

Steamed Brusssels Sprouts
in
balsamic vinegar and sherry reduction with butter

Dump Cake with trawberry fan on whipped cream

Dump Cake
with
strawberry fan on whipped cream

Seafood Stirfry

14 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Asian Food, Asian Stir Fry, Asparagus, Brocolli, Brown Basmati Rice, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Carrots, Cooking Styles, Dinner For Robin, Ethnic Foods, Idaho Greens, Idaho Vegetables, Mushrooms, Peaceful Belly Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Rice, Seafood, What's For Dinner?

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Scallops, Shrimp, Broccoli, Carrots, Onions and Chard. Great stir fry!

Scallops, Shrimp, Broccoli, Carrots, Onions, Asparagus, Oyster Mushrooms, Shiitake Mushrooms and Chard all served over some delicious Basmati Rice. Great stir fry!

Great Weekend Coming Up At Parma Ridge Winery and Restaurant

14 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in What's For Dinner?

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Great food and wine again this weekend. Well worth the 45 minute travel time.

Treasure Valley Food and Wine Blog

Another exciting weekend of great food, super wine and smiling faces at Parma Ridge Winery is coming this weekend! Want a great Rib-Eye and a good wine to go with it? It’s here! Try to call ahead to let them know you are coming and about how many will be in your party. And if the weather is nice, I’ll bet you can sit on the patio and look out over the Snake River AVA, or at least part of it. Here is the offering this weekend. Thanks Stephanie!

Para-motors “Dropping-In” for Happy Hour Last Weekend

It’s sure to be a fun weekend of wonderful wine, fabulous food, and an amazing atmosphere at Parma Ridge!

We are open Friday 12 – 7 p.m., Saturday 12 – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. offering our Regular Menu and Wine Tasting each day — and Happy Hour Specials Friday…

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Superb Winery Restaurant in Parma, Idaho

07 Thursday Apr 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Appetizers, Asparagus, Beef, Beer and Food, Bistro, Bistro - Parma Ridge Winery, Boise Area Food Adventures, Breakfast, Brunch at Parma Ridge Winery, Buy Idaho, Chef Storm Hodge, Dessert, Dinner At Parma Ridge Restaurant, Idaho Beef, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho Wine, Parma Ridge Specials, Parma Ridge Winery, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Photos By: Parma Ridge Winery, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants, Restaurants To Try, Rib-Eye, What's For Dinner?

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And the patio at Parma Ridge Winery Restaurant will be great to go and enjoy the view of the vineyard, have some delicious food and sip a great wine! Yup! It’s gonna be an awesome weekend! I think I finally got my email straightened out to where I can receive these notices from Stephanie. Thank-You Stephanie for your patience. Look what is happening this weekend. Go and enjoy!!

The patio is open! Wonderful sunny and warm day.

It is going to be another beautiful weekend…
What better way to spend it than at Parma Ridge?

It’s sure to be a fun weekend of wonderful wine, fabulous food, and an amazing atmosphere. We are open Friday 12 – 7 p.m., Saturday 12 – 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. offering our Regular Menu and Wine Tasting each day — and Happy Hour Specials Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Sunday Brunch Specials. Reservations recommended for groups of 4 or more if dining in the tasting room or on the patio.

Due to last weekend’s popularity (and the fact that we sold most of our steaks on Friday!) Storm is running another steak special this weekend —
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY ONLY due to limited stock from the butcher. Try the Delicious Char-Grilled Fillet Mignon with Smoked Bleu cheese butter, Rosemary Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Cabernet Beef Demi-Glace, Grilled Asparagus and Storm’s Homemade Grilled Bread for $11.95, while supplies last. (See below for a mouth-watering pic).

Happy Hour Specials Friday from 4-7 p.m. with purchase of glass of wine, mimosa or beer:
2 Sliders with Rosemary Truffle Fries: Pork, Mesquite Ground Beef, “Triple B“ or “Deluxe” – $6.50
Parma Ridge Grilled Romaine Salads: Bacon & Blue Cheese or Chicken Caesar – $6.50
Char-grilled Kielbasa or Andouille on a Hoagie Roll with Black Cherry BBQ sauce, Deli Mustard and Caramelized Onions – $5.95
Personal size Flatbread: BBQ Pork, BBQ Grilled Chicken, “The Patricia,” “The Kathleen” or Pepperoni – $5.95
Parma Ridge House Salad: Mixed greens with apple cider vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese and poached pear – $5.95
Basket of Rosemary Garlic Truffle Fries with House-made aioli – $5

Sunday Brunch Specials:
Bacon, Egg and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich with Cheesy Bacon Fries – $6.95
Best Ever Biscuits and Gravy with a Fried Egg – $7.95
We are no longer offering Mushroom Soup and will only be offering Storm’s Northwest Creamy Clam Chowder for one more weekend, so be sure to get your fill this weekend before it’s gone!

Bob Young from the Treasure Valley Wine and Food Society enjoyed his birthday celebration at Parma Ridge last Friday (I certainly did!), enjoy the wonderful write-up from his experience here: https://treasurevalleywinesociety.wordpress.com/2016/04/01/great-dinner-at-parma-ridge-winery-bistro/.

Dont’ Forget – Vote for Parma Ridge Winery for the Best of the Treasure Valley! http://idahostatesman.secondstreetapp.com/l/2016-Best-Of-Treasure-Valley-/Ballot/Dining
Click on Best Idaho Winery and scroll down to vote for Parma Ridge Winery. Thank you for supporting us!

In addition to our unreleased 2015 Parma Ridge Wines – Dry Riesling, Dry Unoaked Chardonnay and LaRea Dolce Sweet Riesling; we have a new addition in the tasting room. We are now offering Bartholomew’s 2013 5th Quarter Blend: This Red Mountain Carmenere dominant 5 varietal Bordeaux style blend is like none other. Plenty of spice and earth balanced with great color, tannin and fruit flavors. Varietals: Carmenere, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc. Pairs nicely with steak! Retail $32/bottle, $8/glass.

Mark your Calendars – Mother’s Day Weekend at Parma Ridge
Take your mom to Parma Ridge for Mother’s Day Weekend for a Special Menu created by Chef Storm. Moms will enjoy a free glass of wine. We will also be having a 30% Off Painting sale of our Stephanie Lindsey original oil paintings all weekend. Open Friday, 12-7 p.m., Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call now to reserve your table.

Enjoy the Sunshine and See you this weekend!

Cheers,
Steph & Storm
Parma Ridge Winery
208-946-5187
info@parmaridge.wine

Last weekend to enjoy Storm’s Northwest Creamy Northwest Clam Chowder — Claimed the “Best Chowder” by over 12 of our very own customers. [Make that 13.]

Char-Grilled Fillet Mignon with Smoked Bleu cheese butter, Rosemary Truffle Mashed Potatoes with Cabernet Beef Demi-Glace, Grilled Asparagus and Storm’s Homemade Grilled Bread. [These are super great!!]