Category Archives: Dessert

Purim and Hamantash Cookies

28 Friday Feb 2020

Posted by in Comfort Food, Cookies, Cooking Styles, Dessert, Food - Jewish, Fruit, Hamantash Cookies, History of Food, Holiday Picnic Fare, Recipe - Dessert, Recipe - Jewish, Recipes, Recipes - Dessert, What's For Dinner?

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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

And from the NY Times, “Early versions of the cookies were more commonly known as oznei Haman, meaning “Haman’s ears.” The late Jewish food historian Gil Marks’ Encyclopedia of Jewish Food traces that phrase — but not the cookie — to the Roman scholar and poet Immanuel ben Solomon (c.1261-1328) who, thanks to “a misinterpretation arising from the medieval Italian custom of cutting off a criminal’s ear before execution,” argued that Haman’s ears had been cut off after he was hanged, at the end of the Purim story.”
And Purim is, “Purim is one of the most fun holidays celebrated by the Jewish people, but is often under recognized. Purim (held on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Adar — usually March or April) commemorates the day Esther, Queen of Persia, saved the Jewish people from execution by Haman, the advisor to the Persian king.” Purim this year is March 10, 2020.
Here is a recipe for the cookies. It looks like there are many. Enjoy! Hamantash Cookies

Alyonka Russian Cuisine

08 Saturday Feb 2020

Posted by in 4-Stars, Alyonka Russian Cuisine, Beer and Food, Beets, Blinz, Buy Local, Comfort Food, Cultural Differences, Dessert, Dinner at Alyonka Russian Cuisine, Dinner with Marnie, What's For Dinner?

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A very good and exciting visit to Alyonka Russian Cuisine at 2870 W State St., Boise. (208) 344-8996, and it’s a good idea to call ahead for reservations.

From their website, “Born and raised in the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan, Elena DeYoung is the event coordinator for Boise’s popular Russian Food Festival. She’s organized the fundraiser at St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church since its humble beginnings 14 years ago. Back then, church volunteers baked in her Meridian home. Nowadays, the annual event serves between 3,500 and 4,000 people over two days, and she keeps hearing the same request: “Where is the place we can eat food like this?” As owner and chef, Elena created a familiar menu at Alyonka Russian Cuisine now open at 2870 West State Street in Boise, Idaho.”

As for their menu – you can view it on their website linked above – “We offer all the comfort foods that make the Russian Food Festival a hit: shish kebab, beef stroganoff, Russian crepes, piroshki, lots of desserts …”.
Their food that we had, was delicious. And the service was delightful. The restaurant is small and cozy, and can be somewhat noisy. Seating is open and all seats are near a window. There is a large area in the back for groups. Overall, a 4 Star restaurant, bordering o0n 5 Stars. Here are some photos I took. Enjoy!

The exterior from the parking lot.

A variety of beers are available along with teas and lemonade.

Vegetarian Borscht

Stuffed Pepper, which I love.

Blini with Caviar

Blini with Vegetables

Royal Poppy Seed Ganache

Thanks Marnie. It was super! We’ll go back.

Great Birthday Sunday at Parma Ridge and Elsewhere

16 Monday Sep 2019

Posted by in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Breads, Acme Bake Shop Red Wheat Bread, AirFryer, Avacado, 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, Galaxy Note 9 Photos, Idaho Chefs, Mushrooms, Parma Ridge Specials, Parma Ridge Winery, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Parma Ridge Winery Restaurant, Party Time, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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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!

Bacquet’s Restaurant In Eagle

19 Friday Jul 2019

Posted by in 5-Stars, Appetizers, Bacquet's Restaurant, Baguette, Balsamic Vinegars, Beef, Boise Adventures, Brioche, Carrots, Classic Cuisines, Classic Sauces, Coquilles St. Jacques, Cream Sauces, Dessert, Dinner at Bacquet's Restaurant, Dinner With Robin, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, French Foods, French Wines, Garlic, Green Salad, Merlot, Photos By: Bob Young, Photos By: Robin Young, Restaurant Reviews, Restaurants, Scallops, Squash, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?, Wines - French

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OK. This is an awesome French restaurant in Eagle, ID, just west of Boise. I know of no other French restaurant in the area of this caliber. Definitely a 5-Star restaurant! It really replaces Le Café de Paris and Andrea’s. Both of which have closed. Great interior ambiance – like sitting in a French café. The patio offers seating also, but on our visit, it was very hot. You may also have live music on the patio. It would be best to call for reservations if you decide to go. Both Chef Franck and his wife Michelle are very warm, charming and interesting. Anxious to answer question you may have. Here is some of the dishes we had and they were awesome. Delicious! Beautifully presented. Enjoy. We did. We’ll be back! Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.

Robin is happy with the food.

House Salad and Dressing.

Escargot in Garlic Butter

Coquilles St Jacques in Saffron
Super with 2016 Bourgogne Pinot Noir

Beef Tenderloin with Fois Gras and Baby Vegetables
Super with Les Jamelle Merlot

Opera Cake with Almond and Chantilly Cream

Chocolate Mousse with Chantilly Cream

We were treated to this awesome port. Thank you Chef Franck and Michelle!

Glass of port

Robin and Chef Franck Bacquet

Bob and Michelle Bacquet discuss photos and port.

Specials board

Anyone in Boise remember this French restaurant? Right now, Bacquet’s Restaurant is the only one that I know of.

Celebrating Valentines Week

16 Saturday Feb 2019

Posted by in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop Breads, Baking, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Captain's Shack, Cookies, Crab, Dessert, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner For Robin, Eggs Omelets, Food Photos, Food Prep, Greens, Herbs, Hollandaise Sauce, Homemade Sauce, Housemade Hollandaise Sauce, Housemade Sauces, Housemade Soup, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Potatoes, Lobster, Lunch For Robin, Omelet, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Recipe By: Captain's Shack, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - Sauces, Salad, Sea Scallops, Seafood, Special Dinners, Vegetables, Watercress, What's For Dinner?, Wines - Idaho

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This week in mid February, 2019, was dedicated to the one I love. (There ought to be a song written to that phrase!) A week in the kitchen. Planning. Finding. Testing and tasting. Preparing. Serving. It was an exciting week and very fulfilling. I know she liked the meals – they are all gone! That’s always a good sign. Here are some of the dishes we had. And to answer the question – someone did ask – yes I did make all of this. There are recipe links where available. Enjoy! (Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.)

Eggs Benedict are always liked. Especially on a Sunday morning.

Crab Louie salad is awesome.

Or maybe a Crab Omelet one weekday morning.

Scallop and Watercress Salad makes a great dinner.

The absolute best meal, and the one that took the most time, patience and tasting, was this one. The sides that Robin wanted are checked in red. The salad and the entree are fixed.

Valentines Day Dinner Menu
We had a 2014 Indian Creek Winery (ID) Chardonnay with this dinner

Caprese Salad

Stuffed Lobster with Crab
Brussels Sprouts in Balsamic Reduction
Parsley Potatoes
Two sauces were made for the entree – Lemon Butter Sauce for the lobster, and Brandy Mayonnaise Sauce for the crab.

Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Peanut Butter Cookies

After all of these delicious seafood meals and all, we had to make something, well ………. more subtle. Like some Robin’s Vegetable Soup. But this is not your standard peas, corn, tomato, etc soup. Try some leek, celery, turmeric, etc soup. It is delicious!!

Robin’s Vegetable Soup

So there it is – Our Valentines Day (Week) in the kitchen. Nothin’ says lovin’ like something from the kitchen! Cheers and enjoy the recipes.

Richard’s and Clearwater Canyon Winery Dinner

30 Friday Nov 2018

Posted by in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop Breads, Appetizers, Boise Area Food Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Brunch at Richard's, Buy Idaho, Cheese, Chef Richard Langston, Chocolate, Classic Cuisines, Clearwater Canyon Cellars, Cooking Styles, Dessert, Dinner At Richard's, Dinner With The Winemaker, Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho Wild Game, Idaho Wine, Inn At 500 Capitol, Lamb, Local Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurants, Restaurants To Try, Richard's, Salmon, Seafood, Sourdough Bread, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?

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Richard’s interior

A wonderful event at Richard’s in Boise, an “…Inventive European bistro dishes & regional fine wines served in an elegant, romantic atmosphere. 500 S Capitol Blvd, Boise, ID 83702. 208) 472-1463”
The dinner was wonderfully paired with wines from Clearwater Canyon Cellars, 3143 10th St, Lewiston, ID 83501. 208.816.4679. Tasting Room Hours: Friday & Saturday, 12pm – 5pm & by appointment. Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.

The Menu

Chef Richard Langston, Richard’s

Coco Umiker, Winemaker

House-Cured Ora King Salmon
Oyster Aioli
Toast
Greens
2017 Lochsa Chardonnay

Buttermilk Marinated Fried Quail
Crispy Potato Pancake
Organic Oregon Cranberry Sauce
2016 Heritage Series Mary Bonita

Delicata Squashed Stuffed with Risotto, Pecans and Imported Taleggio
2016 Coco’s Reserve Blend No. 5

Naverin of Lamb with Winter Vegetables
2016 Louis Delsol Cabernet Sauvignon

Chocolate Mousse
Almond Lace Tuile
Emmett Cherry Sauce
2016 Renaissance Red

Buffalo Roast for Friends and Dinner

11 Monday Jun 2018

Posted by in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Apple, Boise Farmers Market, Brown's Buffalo Ranch, Buffalo, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Dessert, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner With Friends, Eggs Benedict, Garlic Scapes, Herbs and Spices, Hollandaise Sauce, Housemade Sauces, Idaho Buffalo, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Vegetables, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Peaceful Belly Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Pinot Noir, Purple Sage Farms, Recipes, Roasted Vegetables, Rutabaga, Salads, Special Dinners, Spring Vegies, True Roots Produce, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

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This was such a delightful meal to make for friends Krista and Jess – Krista helps weed the flower beds. And she even gave us a beautiful White Daisy plant for the front bed. – A couple of weeks ago, we made breakfast for Donna who also helps us in the garden. The breakfast was Eggs Benedict! – The buffalo was local from Brown’s Buffalo Ranch in Nyssa, Oregon. Phone: 1-(541)-372-5588 or 208-741-5449, 720 Stephens Blvd., Nyssa, OR 97913. Hump roasts can be tough. But this one cooked for 6 hours on low in the crockpot 1/2 cup bone stock and 1 cup sherry and it was awesome! Spring vegetables – baby carrots, baby turnips, spring onions and rutabaga – were placed in the broth at different times. Here are some photos. Enjoy!

Eggs Benedict

Fresh Beet Salad

Buffalo Hump Roast and Fresh Garden Vegetables. Served with Acme Bakeshop Garlic Scapes and Rosemary Bread.

Skillet Apple Pie with Cinnamon Fresh Whipped Cream (Recipe – Skillet Apple Pie)

The dinner

Thanksgiving 2017

27 Monday Nov 2017

Posted by in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Bacon, Baking, Boise Farmers Market, Brine, Brining, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Cheese, Classic Cuisines, Dessert, Dill, Dinner At Marnies, Herbs, Herbs and Spices, Housemade Gravy, Housemade Pie Crust, Housemade Sausage, Idaho Bacon, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho Wild Game, Mascarpone, Onion, Oysters, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe By: Captain's Shack, Recipes, Recipes - Dinner, What's For Dinner?

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And a good Thanksgiving it was! Marnie had us all down to Marsing, ID for dinner. Robin, Chris, Eric, Emmet, Marnie and me. Beautiful view across the Snake River to Lizard Butte. Sunny and warm. We ate on her back porch. Served dinner buffet style. Much easier.
Eric made some fresh venison summer sausage so we had cheese and sausage to start. And yes, there was a variety of wine and drinks for those who do not drink wine. Emmet made a wonderful Pecan Pie and Marnie made Port Poached Pears. Oh yum! Robin and I made the turkey and some trimmings, including Crockpot Mashed Potatoes, a wonderful and easy way to make mashed potatoes. Chris made the Dried Corn for the first time. Good job, Chris. If you want to see these photos enlarged, Left-Click them.

Lizard Butte from Marnie’s front porch.

Robin on the porch.

The turkey is brining. Here’s how to brine the turkey – How To Brine a Turkey

Robin’s Orange Cranberry. (The recipe is on this site. Don’t leave home without it.)

Marnie, Chris and Eric in the kitchen at Marnie’s house, including Lola waiting patiently!

In the kitchen.

Marnie and Eric making Wilted Lettuce Salad.

Chestnut Stuffing ready for the turkey.

Dilly Bread is ready. Robin’s Dilly Bread

Candied Orange Peel

Dinner is plated.

Emmets Pecan Pie. It was good.

Marnie’s Port Poached Pear with Mascapone

Some Good Summertime Meals at The Captain’s Shack

06 Sunday Aug 2017

Posted by in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Asian Foods, Atlantic Salmon, Avocado, Bacon, Baking, Baking - Papillote, Boise Artisan Bakery's, Boise Farmers Market, Boise Food Adventures, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Chicken, Cooking Styles, Crab, Curry, Desert Mountai Grass Fed Beef, Dessert, Dinner For Robin, Eggs, Eggs Over Easy, Eggs Poached, Eggs Sunnyside Up, en Papillote, heirloom beets, Heirloom Carrots, Heirloom Tomatoes, heirloom vegetables, Herbs and Spices, Homemade Sauce, Housemade Sauces, Ice Cream, Idaho Bacon, Idaho Chicken, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Grains, Idaho Trout, Idaho Vegetables, Korean BBQ, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Martin's Swiss Dressing, Meadowlark Farms, Oma and Popie's Sauces, Oriental Food, Photos By: Bob Young, Purple Sage Farms, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - Sauces, Salads, Salmon, Sausage, Teriyaki, True Roots Organics, What's For Dinner?, Yakitori

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Ah yes! Life in the kitchen in one of the hottest July’s on record at The Captain’s Shack (The Shack). But so much fun to make and serve. Some of these dishes are “eye candy”, too. Some have recipes; Some don’t. (If you want a recipe, just let me know. I’ll see what I can do.) As with most photos on this blog, Left Click them and see them enlarged. Enjoy these photos and if you make any of the recipes, let us know how you liked them. Thanks and Cheers!

Mango Salsa

Fruity and sweet with a moderately spicy component. Great with seafood.

Huevos con Mango Salsa and Avocado

Poached Idaho Trout Nage
Here is the recipe: Idaho Trout Nage

Eggs Florentine
with
Tomato and Bacon Sourdough Toast

Zucchini Galette

Crab Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms
Recipe: Crab Stuffed Zucchini Blossoms

Chicken Yakitori with Jasmine Rice
Recipe: Chicken Yakitori

We modified the Yakitori sauce somewhat and have our own Teriyaki sauce that we use. Here are the recipes: Sauce Recipes.

And if you are interested, here are some of the main sauces we use. Enjoy.

Salmon
Peas and Beet Greens
Jasmine Rice

Salmon Yakitori
Lemon Rice
Green Salad
with
Shaved Baby Golden Beets
White Carrot Threads
Heirloom Tomato
Martin’s Swiss Dressing

Biscuits and Herbal Sausage Gravy

Curry Chicken Salad
Avocado Slices
Heirloom Tomato Slices
Acme Toasted Sourdough

Peach Jam on Cinnamon Pinwheels

Peach Jam on Cinnamon Pinwheels
Vanilla Ice Cream and Peach Jam Drizzle

Wild Root Cafe and Market at the JUMP in Boise

22 Sunday Jan 2017

Posted by in 4-Stars, Beans, Beef, Beets, Boise Adventures, Buffalo, Buy Idaho, Cheese, Cooking Programs, Dessert, Dinner With Robin, goat cheese, Green Salad, Idaho Buffalo, Idaho Greens, Idaho Vegetables, JUMP, Malbec, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?, Wild Root Cafe and Market

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21jan2017_1a_jump-wildroots_prep-areaA good evening. Thanks to the JUMP Staff (Jack’s Urban Meeting Place – named for Jack Simplot) for their assistance in having a wheel chair available for Robin and handicap parking available for the car. Security was extremely helpful as was the Staff. Here is a link to their site: JUMP Boise.
I believe that this was the first time that Wild Root Cafe and Market was at the JUMP. They are located at 276 N 8th Street, Boise, ID 83702, Call. (208) 856-8956 Their hours are: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Monday – Wednesday; 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM – Thursday-Saturday; Brunch served until 3:00 PM on Saturday; Closed Sunday. Kitchen closes 15 minutes prior to closing. Here is what was on the program tonight.

The menu was really interesting.

The menu was really interesting. Mignardises are: Small sweet tid-bits served at the end of the meal (after dessert), usually with coffee. It’s derived from the old French word, “Mignard” which means either small child, or graceful, pretty and delicate.

Endive, citrus, shallots, pistachio cracker, cheese cake, pomegranate vinaigrette

Salad –
Endive, citrus, shallots, pistachio cracker, cheese cake, pomegranate vinaigrette

Main Course - Coffee bison short rib, beet gnocchi, celery root, fava, winter vgreens, dmi and micros

Main Course –
Coffee bison short rib, beet gnocchi, celery root, fava, winter greens, demi and micros

Dessert -Orange hazelnut mignardises, passionfruit puree, goat caramel, meringue, chocolate and citrus oil

Dessert –
Orange hazelnut mignardises, passionfruit puree, goat caramel, meringue, chocolate and citrus oil

2013 Tikal Merlot

2013 Tikal Malbec and Bonarda

2015 Moscado d'Asti

2015 Moscado d’Asti

Preparing dessert

Preparing dessert

Three rows of tables were setup. This was our table.

Two rows of tables were setup. This was our table.

All in all, a good night. The food was good, although Robin and I both thought a little salty. We really watch our salt intake and use very little at home. The room tended to be a little noisy and could use some sound baffles – tapestry on walls, etc. Wild Root Cafe uses as many local products as possible. Not much grows around here in the winter – especially this winter.