05 Wednesday Aug 2020
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Now don’ let the name of this dish fool you. This is one awesome chicken dinner. Try it! You’ll like it! (*Left-Click these photos to see them enlarged.) IP Chicken with Ketchup, Honey and Soy. And if there are any leftovers, it makes a great chicken/rice soup.
IP Chicken with Ketchup, Honey and Soy
And when you get done with the main dish and you have these wonderful leftovers, try some Chiken/Rice Soup. Delicious!
Leftover Chicken/Rice Soup
29 Sunday Mar 2020
The time really has come. We are supposed to stay “self quarantined” and restrict our travels and public “contact”. Robin and I try to practice this and, I think, we are succeeding. With that in mind, think about creating a “Victory Garden”. We have no grass to mow in the front yard – it is mostly herbs and flowers. More herbs than flowers. And I have some pots going in flowers, Pansies right now, but there will be more and a pot of micro greens. You really can grow squash or zucchini or tomatoes or cucumbers or beans and the list goes on and on. Use your imagination. And then grow it. It will help to keep you home and away from the store and the crowds. Here is some information on growing edible flowers and some suggestions. You can print these out for your use. Left Click the graphic and then CTRL+P to print. (Zucchini and squash flowers can be picked and stuffed.)
Some edible Flowers
Spinach and Rainbow Chard for pots is a good idea. Healthy too!
Here are some things we have made with edible flowers and vegetables grown in pots.
German Potato Salad with Pansy and Nasturtium
Cheesy Chicken with Salad and Edible Flowers
Buffalo and Garden Potted Vegetables
28 Friday Feb 2020
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I love it when I hear of a new food item. New to me, at least. Hamantash Cookies is just that. Thanks to my friend Joe Levitch for mentioning them. An so I search.
Hamantash cookies are associated with the Jewish Festival Purim. The Purim cookie is, “… all associated with the Purim story involving a bad guy name Haman, a Jewish lady named Esther, and her victory over his plot to destroy the Jewish People. The cookie is shaped to resemble the three corners of Haman’s hat. Purim is the name of the festival and both Hamantaschen and Oznei Haman are derived from his name.” [Veenaazmanov]
Jelly Filled Hamantash Cookies for Purim
11 Tuesday Feb 2020
There are many times when I get ideas/suggestions from the food blogs that I subscribe to. One such reference is Foodie Crush. Recently they offered suggestions on tips to make superb meals at home. (It’s not difficult!)
I will list the headings here and then you can read the entire – it’s not long – article by using the link above, “7 Easy Tips to Cook More at Home“. Enjoy!
And then try this recipe adapted from Chef Jacques Pépin. Great for Valentines Dinner coming up.
Source: adapted from Chef Jacques Pépin
Active Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 2 hr 40 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 T unsalted Butter
2 T Olive Oil
2 lbs trimmed Beef Flatiron Steak, Beef Cheeks or Chuck, cut into 8 pieces
Celtic Sea Salt and fresh ground Tellicherry Black Pepper to taste
1 c finely chopped Onion
1 T finely chopped Garlic
1 T All-Purpose Flour
750-ml bottle dry Red Wine – Cab Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah or Zinfandel
2 Bay Leaves
1 med Thyme sprig
5 oz Pancetta
15 Pearl or small Cipollini Onions, peeled
15 Crimini Mushrooms
15 Heirloom Baby Carrots, peeled
Sugar
Chopped fresh Italian Parsley, for garnish
Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, melt the butter in 1 tablespoon of the olive oil. Arrange the meat in the casserole in a single layer and season with salt and pepper. Cook over moderately high heat, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, 8 minutes. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened, 5 minutes. Add the flour and stir to coat the meat with it. Add the wine, bay leaves and thyme, season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot.
2) Cover the casserole and transfer it to the oven. Cook the stew for 1½ hours, until the meat is very tender and the sauce is flavorful.
3) Meanwhile, in a saucepan, cover the pancetta with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Drain the pancetta and slice it ½ inch thick, then cut the slices into 1-inch-wide lardons.
4) In a large skillet, combine the pancetta, pearl onions, mushrooms and carrots. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ¼ cup of water and a large pinch each of sugar, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer until almost all of the water has evaporated, 15 minutes. Uncover and cook over high heat, tossing, until the vegetables are tender and nicely browned, about 4 minutes.
5) To serve, stir some of the vegetables and lardons into the stew and scatter the rest on top as a garnish. Top with a little chopped parsley and serve.
16 Thursday Jan 2020
OK. What is an Aebleskiver?
Aebleskivers are a type of pancake cooked in a special stove-top pan with half-spherical molds. The center is soft and fluffy, almost creamy. The crust is crisp and browned. In Denmark, aebleskivers are traditionally plated in threes, dusted with powdered sugar, topped or filled with tart jams of Nordic berries and served with mellow Scandinavian coffee. There, aebleskivers ( may be pronounced as “eb-el-ski-ver” , “a-bla-ski-va”, “eb-el-sku-wyr” , “ebb-ull-skee-vers” or “able-skEEvers”) have typically not been served in restaurants or for breakfast, but rather at the family table for afternoon coffee breaks. On long and cold Nordic winter evenings, they are served with glögg. In the wintertime, aebleskivers are often sold by street vendors. A symbol of community and hospitality, they are very popular at Scandinavian charity and open-air events.
There are many recipes for the batter, but they generally fall into two categories: those made with baking soda (or baking powder) as a leavening agent, or those made with yeast. The batters vary in texture and flavor — and yeasted batters take a bit more patience to prepare and will expand more in the pan — and which you prefer is a matter of personal taste … Here’s a little of Aebleskiver history:…. During that time of the Vikings, when they roamed the coastal waters of England and the Atlantic, one band of these rough Vikings was hard hit in battle. As they returned to their ship with dented horn helmets and shields, they made pancakes to regain their strength. They didn’t have proper cookware so they greased their dented shields and poured the batter on them over a fire. The first aebleskivers were born. (So they say:)…) [http://www.aebleskivers.com/history.html]
Cast Iron Aebleskiver Pan and Turners
Here is our first try. Homemade Huckleberry and Raspberry Jams. Scrambled eggs, too.
22 Sunday Dec 2019
Posted in 5-Stars, Beef, Bistro, Bistro - Parma Ridge Winery, Brunch, Brunch at Parma Ridge Winery, Buy Local, Chef Storm Hodge, Chocolate, Classic Cuisines, Cooking Styles, Dinner at Parma Ridge Winery and Bistro, Dinner With The Winemaker, Idaho Wine, Merlot, Parma Ridge Specials, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Snake River AVA, Special Dinners, What's For Brunch?, What's For Dinner?
Always good food! And good wine! And good visits. But then, I am extremely biased. Definitely a solid 5-Star restaurant and superb Wait Staff. You can always see what they are doing by looking at – and following – Snake River AVA Happenings and their page Parma Ridge Winery and Bistro Information. It is a good idea, and sometimes extremely necessary, Sunday brunch for example, to make reservations. Parma Ridge Winery, 24509 Rudd Road, Parma ID, 83660. 208-946-5187. Here is their website: www.parmaridge.wine. So what did we have for dinner? (Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.)
Robin enjoys the Bistro
Wonderful, fresh made Cream of Mushroom Soup. They also have Storm’s Northwest Clam Chowder which is super!
We also tried Chicken Tortilla Soup, which is not on the menu yet.
Robin had the Filet Mignon, which was awesome.
I had the Ribeye Steak,which is also superb.
Avielle Rosé of Merlot, a good breakfast wine
Late Harvest Riesling. These are both new releases.
Chocolate Bread Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream. Oh yum!
Wow! Just a superb meal. You really need to go sometime. Just Call First!
> View from the patio. Open seasonally.
29 Sunday Sep 2019
Posted in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Red Wheat, Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, AirFryer, Argentina Pink Shrimp, Avocado, Banana, BBQ Beef, Beans, Blueberries, Boise Artisan Bakery's, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Buy Idaho, Buy Local, Captain's Shack, Classic Cuisines, Classic Herb Blends, Classic Sauces, Classic Spice Blends, Classis Sauces, Cooking Styles, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner For Robin, Eggs Basted, Eggs Omelets, Eggs Poached, Food Photos, German Food, Greens, Grilled Beef, Grilling, Herbs, Herbs and Spices, Hollandaise Sauce, Homemade Sauce, Housemade Hollandaise Sauce, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho Wine, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Omelet, Parma Ridge Winery, Peaceful Belly Farms, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Purple Sage Farms, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes - Breakfast, Recipes - Sauces, Rice Family Farms, Salads, Salmon, Seafood, Shrimp, Sourdough Bread, Spinach, Things To Do, Traditional Food, True Roots Produce, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?
Fun time in the kitchen this past late summer. Mostly “playing” Chopped of the Kitchen: “These are the ingredients, make something edible!” In other words, mostly no recipe, just do it!
And let’s remember: The best ingredients are not processed ingredients, but rather go to your local Farmers Market. Visit your local fruit stand. You control what ingredients to use, not a major super market. Although, there are some really good super markets available, Just look at the ingredients and where the fruits and vegetables are grown, In My Not So Humble Opinion. Buy Local! Look at some of these meals. Enjoy, we did! Here is a link to Kelley’s Canyon Orchards for fantastic fruits. Look in the sidebar for more links to some fantastic produce and farm products.
Shrimp Omelet with Herbal Hollandaise Sauce. Here is the recipe that we use for making our own – from scratch – Hollandaise Sauce. CIA Basic Hollandaise Sauce. We modified this one to add fresh herbs, from the garden.
Robin said she wanted a toasted shredded wheat biscuit for breakfast with bananas. I added the blueberries. The biscuit has brown sugar on it that is caramelized with a torch.
Or how about this Toasted Whole Wheat Sandwich with Avocado and Tomato for breakfast. The tomato was from True Roots Gardens and the Whole Wheat was from Acme Bakeshop. Both vendors are at the Boise Farmers Market,
German Benedict for breakfast. The Hollandaise is linked above. Why a German Benedict? The spices on the Air Fried potatoes is a blend or German spices.
You like Eggs Benedict? Look at these.
Salmon Benedict on a Bed of Spinach and Fresh Idaho BFM Fruit – Israeli Melon (Awesome!) and Blueberries. The Hollandaise is linked above and we added tarragon and thyme from our garden.
Grilled Brisket Benedict on a Bed of Spinach on Toasted Acme Bakeshop Sourdough and Fresh BFM Fruit. The Hollandaise is linked above and we added tarragon and thyme from our garden.
Grilled brisket? Or AirFryer goodies? Here was an awesome meals.
German Potato Salad
Grilled Brisket, German Potato Salad, Fresh BFM Fruit and Cowboy Beans
2017 Parma Ridge Winery Cabernet Sauvignon
Chicken? How about AirFryer Asian Chicken and Grilled Baby Bok Choy and Green Salad Here is the recipe: AF Asian Chicken.
AirFryer Steak with Sauteed Summer Squash and Fresh Beet and Beet Green Salad Here is the recipe – AF Ribeye Steak
AirFryer Pork Chop, Green Peas, Potato Cubes and Cantaloupe Malheur River Meats is where we got these pork chops. Awesome products! See their link in the sidebar.
Crab Cakes with Caprese Salad
Cognac Shrimp Reduction
Cognac Shrimp with Vegetables
So there are some of our meals. We eat well and very good. Thank goodness for the Boise Farmers Market every weekend during the season. Be sure to check our recipe file above. It gets updated regularly. Cheers and Cook Your Own Meals – They’re better!
16 Monday Sep 2019
Posted in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Breads, Acme Bake Shop Red Wheat Bread, AirFryer, Bistro - Parma Ridge Winery, Boise Food Adventures, Boise Foodie Guild, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Brunch at Parma Ridge Winery, Captain's Shack, Chef Storm Hodge, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Dessert, Dinner At Parma Ridge Restaurant, Dinner at Parma Ridge Winery and Bistro, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Family, Dinner With Friends, Eggs, Eggs Omelets, Food Photos, Idaho Chefs, Mushrooms, Parma Ridge Specials, Parma Ridge Winery, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?
Happy Birthdays –
Myra
Chris
Robin
And to Robin – we have some feeders attracting the hummingbirds – Happy Birthday!
And here are some things that Stephanie and Chef Storm Hodge made for us. Delicious! Thank-You!
The Bomb. 2016 Big Red
Coconut Shrimp
Romaine Caesar Salad
Mushroom Omelet
Wine Lovers Chocolate Cake
And earlier this week, I made Robin –
AirFryer Shredded Wheat with Caramelized Sugar and Fruit
Avocado Sandwich on Toasted Acme Bakeshop Whole Wheat, Garlic, Avocado and Heirloom Tomato Slice
And this, too!
Chicken Potpie
Chicken Potpie. And all from Scratch!
28 Sunday Jul 2019
Posted in Brats, Cooking Styles, German Food, Pork, Potatoes, Restaurants, Sauerkraut, What's For Dinner?
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This riverside restaurant has been serving customers since 1146. “In 1146, German builders completed work on a bridge crossing the Danube river in Regensburg, [Germany]. With the project finished, the tiny construction office next to the bridge found new life as a food stand serving meat dishes. Today, it still serves customers, making it one of the oldest restaurants in the world.
Customers in the early days were mainly dock workers, sailors, and builders constructing the nearby Regensburg Cathedral, which was built between 1280 and 1520 in the Gothic style.
In 1806, the Schricker family took over and started offering mainly charcoal-grilled sausages and sauerkraut. The family still runs the restaurant and gave it its current name, Wurstküche (“sausage kitchen”), or Wurtskuchl in the local dialect.” [ Atlas Obscura] Wurstküche or Wurstkuchl.
“On the Danube Troll, right next to the Stone Bridge, stands the historic Wurstkuchl for over 500 years. Where, even in the Middle Ages, the Regensburg stonemasons and dock workers allowed their strengthening, much remains the same today: the open charcoal grill, the homemade sausages from pure ham, the sauerkraut from the own fermenting cellar and the famous Wurstkuchl mustard the historical recipe of Elsa Schricker…The origin of the historic Wurstkuchl was a small building leaning against the city wall, which was used as a construction office during the construction of the stone bridge from 1135 to 1146. When the building, celebrated at the time as the eighth wonder of the world, was completed, the construction office moved out and the small building became the “cookshop on the little church”. The patrons of the cookshop were harbor and construction workers, hence the name “Kranchen,” the word for cranes or cranes. There were many dockers because the wealthy trading patrons of the Free Imperial City of Regensburg used the port intensively for centuries as a hub for goods from all over the world. The hungry construction workers, however, came mainly from the construction site of the Regensburg Cathedral.” [Wurstkuchl]
Interested in their products? Sausage? Sauerkraut? Potato Soup? All traditional German. Look here – Wurstkuchl Products. (Our sweet Mustard in USA: Our sweet mustard can be found in the USA through our wholesaler: http://www.mygermancandy.com)
So if you are in Germany and want some traditional food in an old, old restaurant, look here. Enjoy!
01 Saturday Jun 2019
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OK. Flowers on a plate make for great “eye candy”. Flowers in a salad can really spice it up. Like in these photos below. But a word of caution – Know what you are eating. Not everything on a plate is edible – although it should be: If it’s not edible, don’t put it on a plate! Ask if it is edible. If the kitchen or Wait Staff don’t know, it might be time to find another restaurant. Just use caution and be smart. Know your edible plants. Left-Click the photos to see enlarged.
Deviled Eggs with Pansy Decorations
Seafood Stir Fry with Flower Decoration
Edible Pansy in a Potato Salad
Buffalo Ribeye, Baked Onion and Potato Salad and Red Pansy
But, diner beware!
“Ten Rules of Edible Flowers
by Sherry Rindels, Department of Horticulture
The culinary use of flowers dates back thousands of years to the Chinese, Greek and Romans. Today there is a resurgence of interest in edible flowers. Are all flowers that aren’t poisonous edible? Definitely not. Listed below are a few simple rules to follow before sampling flowers.
Just because flowers are served with food does not mean they are edible. It’s easy and very attractive to use flowers for garnish on plates or for decoration, but avoid using non-edible flowers this way. Many people believe that anything on the plate can be eaten. They may not know if the flower is edible or not and may be afraid to ask.
If pesticides are necessary, use only those products labeled for use on edible crops.
Do not eat flowers from florists, nurseries or garden centers. In many cases these flowers have been treated with pesticides not labeled for food crops.
Do not eat flowers picked from the side of the road. Once again, possible herbicide use eliminates these flowers as a possibility for use.
Remove pistils and stamens from flowers before eating. Eat only the flower petals for most flowers.
Different flavors occur in plants when grown in different locations because of soil types, fertilization, and culture. Environmental conditions play a big role as well. What has excellent flavor at one time may taste different at the end of the season or the next year.
Introduce flowers into your diet in small quantities one species at a time. Too much of a good thing may cause problems for your digestive system.
If you have allergies, introduce edible flowers gradually, as they may aggravate some allergies.
Enjoy the different flavors and colors that edible flowers add to many foods.
Collect flowers at the optimum time. Pick fully open flowers in the cool of the day. Flowers that are not fully open (unless buds are desired) or those starting to wilt should be avoided. Sample a flower or two for flavor before harvesting. Remove the pistils and stamens because the pollen can detract from the flavor of the flower as well as cause allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. After harvest, place long-stemmed flowers in water and then in a cool location. Short stemmed flowers should be placed between layers of damp paper toweling or in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Immediately before using, gently wash the flowers to remove dirt and check for insects. Before washing, test one flower for colorfastness. Some tend to discolor in water.
Only the petals of some flowers such as rose, tulip, yucca and lavender are edible. Separate the flower petals from the rest of the flower just prior to use to keep wilting to a minimum. Roses, dianthus, English daisies, and marigolds have a bitter white area at the base of the petal where it was attached to the flower. Break or cut off this portion before using.” [hortnews.extension.IAState.edu]
Here are some edible flower charts. Print them out if you wish.
Enjoy your dinner. Eat wisely!
