Valentines Weekend – Meals Made For Robin

16 Tuesday Feb 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Bearnaise Sauce, Blueberries, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Carrots, Celebrations, Chef Lou, Classic Cuisines, Classic Sauces, Dessert, Dinner For Robin, Eggs, Eggs Benedict, Herbs and Spices, Hollandaise Sauce, Housemade Béarnaise, Housemade Hollandaise Sauce, Housemade Sauces, Idaho Beef, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Wine, Kitchen Adventures, Lamb, Meadowlark Farms, Mushrooms, Onion, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe By: Chef Lou, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Breakfast, Recipes - Dessert, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - Sauces, Snake River AVA, Special Dinners, Valentines Dinner, Vegetables, What's For Dessert?, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?, Zhou Zhou Winery

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Boeuf Bourguignon, Chef Lou's Orange French Doughnuts, Parsnip and Celeriac Puree, recipes

Such a wonderful Valentines weekend spent in the kitchen making the meals for Robin and I to enjoy! And that we did! “And if you [read this article] in the next 5 minutes, we’ll include a link to the recipes!” where you can find some of the recipes for some of these treats. Boise Foodie Blog Recipes! Enjoy these photos and the recipes. And yes, the Hollandaise and Béarnaise Sauces were all made from scratch! Most of the items here are Idaho products. Zhoo Zhoo Winery Claret was served with the Valentines Dinner. 2009 Bedrock Wine Co. Rebecca’s Vineyard Pinot Noir was used in the bœuf bourguignon (French Beef Stew). Cheers!

Flowers for Robin. Loving her was the easiest thing I ever did!

Flowers for Robin
Loving her is easier than anything I’ve ever done before!

Weekend Appetizers Fennel and Celery Salad Cucumber Salad Chicken Pate Rye Toast Wedges

Weekend Appetizers
Fennel and Celery Salad
Balsamic Cucumber Salad
Chicken Pâté
Rye Toast Wedges

Saturday night Felzien Family Farms Lamb Chops with Bearnaise Sauce Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce

Saturday night dinner
Felzien Family Farms Lamb Chops
with
Béarnaise Sauce
Steamed Asparagus
with
Sliced Almonds and Hollandaise Sauce

Sunday morning breakfast Eggs Benedict and Fresh Fruit

Valentines Breakfast
Eggs Benedict with Fresh Fruit and Sausage Links

Sunday dinner Boeuf Bourguignon with Parsnips and Celeriac Puree

Valentines Dinner
Bœuf Bourguignon
with
Parsnip and Celeriac Puree

Valentines Dessert Skillet Apple Pie [Modified] with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Strawberry

Valentines Dessert
Skillet Apple Pie
[Modified – I added blueberries and pear slices]
with
Whipped Cream and Chocolate Strawberry

Monday Morning Recovery
Scrambled Eggs
Bacon
Chef Lou’s Orange French Doughnuts

And as an added bonus, here is Chef Lou’s Orange French Doughnuts. I worked several years with Chef Lou at the Westside Drive-In in Boise. Great experience. Enjoy!

Chef Lou’s Orange French Doughnuts

Source: Chef Lou Aaron, Westside Drive-In, Boise, ID
Yield: 12 doughnuts

Ingredients:
5 T Butter, room temperature
½ c Sugar
1 Egg, beaten
1/3 c Milk
½ c Ricotta Cheese or Cream Cheese, softened
Juice and Zest from one orange
2 c All Purpose Flour
1 t Salt
1 t Nutmeg
¼ c melted Butter
1 T Cinnamon mixed w/1 T Sugar

Directions:
1. In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar; add egg and mix well. Add Milk and Ricotta, or cream cheese, to the mixture alternately w/dry ingredients. Mix in orange rind and juice.
2. Fill greased muffin cups to ½ full. Baked in a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Cool slightly and pop doughnuts out of pan.
3. Roll doughnuts first in melted butter, then in the cinnamon sugar mixture.
For variation, you can also garnish with strawberries & whipped cream.

Breakfast at St Lukes!

27 Wednesday Jan 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Eggs, Photos By: Bob Young, Photos By: Robin Young, St Lukes, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

hospital, St Lukes

Well, I could have said, “Breakfast At Tiffanies”,but this is more fun; or so they say. The photo here is from my room at St Lukes Regional Medical Center here in Boise, while I had my OHS. The RN’s all called it the Taj Mahal – the original is in Agra, India – of Boise – one of the better rooms. And while I’m on the subject, let me say this about that. (I’ve heard that before!) My surgical team was superb – there were at least 4 of them. It was awesome. Everyone helped me through the rough spots; the psychological anxiety. I would not hesitate to recommend the surgical staff to anyone who might need heart surgery.
But there is another side of this “coin”. I am very happily married to an RN. So I pretty much know how they react to a given medical situation. The 15 or so RN’s that attended me while I was hospitalized, were outstanding! They were/are the personification for Florence Nightingale. They are Angels of Mercy. And if a stay of this type can be fun, these folks made it so. I just have so much admiration and respect for what they do and how they carry their duties out. Are these the most perfect and awesome Registered Nurses in Boise? I only know these RN’s so my answer is Yes. A heartfelt thanks to all of you!

Sir Koffs-A-Lot

Hold the bear close to your chest if you must cough. It helps to alleviate the pain. (I didn’t call it a Teddy Bear, Barbara RN)

Ready to check out and go home.

Fresh Fruit
Turkey Meatloaf
Carrots and Corn

And it was not bad. Rather good. Not Vincinos, but good! For breakfast I usually had a Sausage and Onion Omelet with fresh fruit and OJ.

Richards Cafe Vicino Brunch

Oh yes. I had surgery on the 19th, went home on Jan 23 and had a birthday brunch to go to on Jan 24. It was delicious! Yes. That’s lox!

Other goodies for brunch!

Brunch plated.

Indian Creek Winery Owners Bill and Mui Stowe

Roast Pork
Spinach and Tomato Salad
Oven Baked Escalloped Potatoes

Marnie and Mac made this for us. Robin had dental surgery.

Brandy Poached Pears on Custard Pie

Marnie and Mac made this, too! I want the recipe for this and the pork above!

Robin making Blueberry Crepes!

Chicken Oveb Roasted Escalloped Potatoes Green Beans and Carrots

Chicken
Oven Roasted Escalloped Potatoes
Green Beans and Carrots

Special Food – Special Family

18 Monday Jan 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Boise Restaurants, Breakfast With Robin, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Comfort Food, Dinner With Family, Eggs, Eggs Poached, Flying Pie Pizza, Idaho Bacon, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Grains, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Idaho Pork, Italian Food, Local Farmers Markets, Meadowlark Farms, Next Generation produce, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Pizza, Pizza and Brew, Restaurants, Salad, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Flying Pie Pizza

Well, tomorrow at this time who knows where I’ll be. Open heart surgery to start at 0530. Do people actually move around at that hour? But I am so thankful for Marnie, Mac, Carlynne – Robin’s sister who came to help all the way from Delaware – Chris and my Super RN’s who are always in my thoughts – Robin, Roli and Cristi. They will hold my hand as will my sister Peggy and my brother Alex, although they will be long distance.
But one must eat first. Carlynne took us all out for pizza last night at Flying Pie Pizza and it was super, although I think the service is really getting slooooooow. The pizza is still great; The service is not. Thanks Carlynne for this treat. I also came across this chart which helps to figure out recipes if you must change the size and servings. A conversion chart of sorts. Enjoy and I will see you all in about a week. Cheers! Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.

Idaho Breakfast
Next Generation Polenta
with
Meadowlark Farms Poached Eggs
Falls Brand Bacon
(Twin Falls)
Blueberries
(not from Idaho)

Flying Pie Pizza
White Pizza
with
Artichoke and Cheese Variety

Flying Pie
Meat and Vegetable Pizza

Tonight? Seafood dinner by Marnie, Mac and Carlynne. Homemade and good! Cheers!

Try This For Breakfast!

02 Saturday Jan 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Alpicella Bakery, Bearnaise Sauce, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Classic Sauces, Eggs, Eggs Poached, Herbs and Spices, Housemade Béarnaise, Housemade Sauces, Idaho Eggs, Local Harvests, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipes - Breakfast, Recipes - Sauces, Salmon, Seafood, Spinach, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Béarnaise, classic sauces, Poached eggs

Now this is a great twist on Eggs Benedict. Instead of Hollandaise Sauce, use a Béarnaise Sauce. This is one of the sauces that you should have in your recipe box, or book, or file or pocket. Basically a Hollandaise Sauce, but with the addition of tarragon – lots of tarragon – and diced shallots. Hollandaise Sauce on Eggs Benedict or fresh steamed asparagus. Béarnaise Sauce on beef, salmon or these eggs. Enjoy! The photo here is to Parma Ridge Winery Bistro entrance. I bet if we talk nice, Chef Storm could/would try this. Hmmmmm!

Eggs Béarnaise with Fresh Baby Spinach and Salmon on Sourdough Toast

Swimming Eggs Béarnaise Florentine
with
Fresh Baby Spinach and Salmon
on
Sourdough Toast

Ah yes! Good Breakfast!

28 Monday Dec 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Blueberries, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Brioche, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Eggs, Gaston's Bakery, Local Farmers Markets, Meadowlark Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Turkey, What's For Dinner?

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

blueberries, brioche, French toast

We have just a little brioche left, so what to do before it goes bad – no preservatives? How about a French Toast using the brioche? Wonderful! And easy. The addition of fresh nutmeg really adds a different flavor level. And then just a small dusting of powdered sugar. No syrup or butter needed. How about, too, some fresh blueberries on top? Can’t have breakfast without some bacon. Everything is better with bacon. In this case, turkey bacon. And this particular brand from Costco is very good. And it crisps up well, too. And we just found out that some information found on the Boise Foodie Blog, will be in the next issue of Travel & Leisure! Yea!

Brioche French Toast with Blueberries and Powdered Sugar Turkey Bacon

Brioche French Toast
topped with
Blueberries and Powdered Sugar
Turkey Bacon

Modern Motel Brunch

19 Saturday Dec 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Beef, Boise Restaurants, Bread, Brunch, Brunch at Modern Motel, Brunch with Robin, Buy Idaho, Comfort Food, Eggs, Greens, Idaho Beef, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Greens, Photos By: Bob Young, Restaurants To Try, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

brunch, Modern Motel

The Modern Motel Restaurant, 1314 West Grove Street, Boise, ID 83702, never ceases to amaze me with the quality of food that they present and serve. We have been there several times and I have never had a meal I did not like. Today was no exception. Their Brunch Menu offers at least 1 special. It changes. See if they have the Cauliflower Grits or the Squash Bread with Coffee Butter. If they do, get some! Here is their Dinner Menu, which is also subject to change. Here’s what we had. It’s really great to see that they use local products whenever possible.

Squash Bread with Coffee Butter

Tiramisu Crepes

Steak
Mixed Greens
Cauliflower Grits
Egg Yolk and Balsamic Drizzle

Two Super Breakfasts!

08 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Apple Sauce, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Comfort Food, Eggs, Eggs Poached, Idaho's Bounty, Local Harvests, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Meadowlark Farms, Poached eggs

Potato Latkes
Apple Sauce
Sour Cream

Mostly all Idaho products. Yummers!

Basil Poached Meadowlark Farms Eggs
Toasted Acme Bake Shop Sourdough
Ham

Here’s a Different Breakfast

17 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Brussels Sprouts, Captain's Shack, Classic Sauces, Eggs, Eggs Beurre Blanc, Eggs Sunnyside Up, Fruits, Healthy Eating, Heirloom Tomatoes, Herbs and Spices, Housemade Sauces, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Meadowlark Farms, Mother Sauces, Photos By: Bob Young, Raspberries, Recipes - Sauces, Spinach, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Breakfast?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

beurre blanc

Last night I made an Icelandic Flounder with Beurre Blanc, a great Mother Sauce for white fish and other delights, and Green Peas and a Brussels Slaw with Heirloom Rainbow Carrots. A super dinner. But I had some sauce left over so here is what I made this morning utilizing the Beurre Blanc.

Eggs Beurre Blanc on Toasted Acme Bakeshop Brioche
on a bed of
Baby Spinach, Baby Arugula and Bean Sprouts

Fresh Raspberries and Blueberries

Winter At The Boise Farmers Market

14 Saturday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop, Apple, BFM, Boise, Boise Farmers Market, Buy Idaho, Carrots, Coffee, Eggs, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Idaho Polenta Roys Calais, Idaho's Bounty, Local Farmers Markets, Photos By: Bob Young, True Roots Produce, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

BFM, Boise

The “Spoon”

It’s winter! Snow in the mountains where it should be. In the high 20’s at night. And the Boise Farmers Market has moved inside at 8th and Fulton in the Linen Building. Free parking for the first hour, but you will need to get a receipt for that hour at the pay booth. They are open each Saturday now, through December 19th, from 9am – 2pm. Then we go through “Produce Withdrawl”. You can follow the BFM on their website at Boise Farmers Market. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter on their web page. Here are two photos that I took this morning at The Market. I have my specific vendors who I look for: Meadowlark Farms, Purple Sage Produce, Rollingstone Chevre, Acme Bakeshop, Desert Mountain Farms, True Roots Produce, Gaston’s Bakery, Next Generation Organics, The Mushroom Farm and Neckar Coffee, to name a few. There are more. Left-Click any of the photos to see them enlarged. These are panoramic photos and quite large.

The Boise Farmers Market

I was asked this morning, “Why do you come to the market?” I told him: I go to see the people. To visit with the farmers. To support our local farmers as much as possible. To make “my rounds” at the above listed farmers. And I miss the Market between December 20th and March 1st. I totally believe in Buying Local and I support that philosophy as much as possible.

The Boise Farmers Market open indoors now through Dec 19th.

Great Sunday Brunch at Parma Ridge Winery

08 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Appetizers, BBQ Sauce, Bistro, Braising, Brunch, Brunch with Robin, Buy Idaho, Classic Cuisines, Classic Sauces, Coffee, Comfort Food, Dill, Eggs, Eggs Poached, Herbs and Spices, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Pork, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Parma Ridge Winery, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Salads, Sliders, Special Information, What's For Dinner?, Wines - Idaho

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bistro, brunch, Parma Ridge Winery

Yea! Parma Ridge Winery, 24509 Rudd Road, Parma, ID has re-opened! Under new owners Chef Storm and Stephanie Hodge, the venue has changed also. They are now serving a wonderful Sunday Brunch from 12 noon to 5:00pm. The space indoors is limited in the winter season to about 25 seats. The deck is open in season. Wonderful owners. Wonderful location. Wonderful food. The wine pictured is really a good Rosé of Merlot. Not too sweet and with a little spice to it. It was named after their daughter. You might want to call for reservations if you have 4 or more people. Or visit their website at Parma Ridge Wine and Spirits. From their website, “Tasting Room hours are 12-5 p.m., Friday – Sunday. Now open for Happy Hour Friday from 4-7 p.m. Join us for a glass of wine, a bite of food and take in the amazing view!” Enjoy the creations of Chef Storm and/or the artwork of Stephanie. Here is what we had and some photos of the area. Enjoy! Ranks very high for winery food – 5-Stars! It’s that good! I have also listed it on TripAdvisor.

The sign at the entrance.

The tasting room and restaurant.

View from the patio at the tasting room.

There is a variety of herbs from the garden for the kitchen.

Artist Stephanie Hodge at the tasting counter.

Chef Storm Hodge in his kitchen.

The seating area in the restaurant.

Happy Hour menu.

Sunday Brunch menu in addition to the Happy Hour menu.

Cheese and Salami Platter
smoked provolone, Boursin, dill Havarti, muenster, fresh mozzarella, warm brie and bleu cheese with dry salami and fresh baked bread

Parma Ridge House Salad
mixed greens with apple cider vinaigrette, Bleu cheese and poached pear with grilled bread

Sliders and Rosemary Garlic Truffle Fries choice of Ground Beef with smoked provolone, bacon and mesquite aioli "Triple B" Ground Beef with bacon, bleu chees and BBQ Braised Pulled Pork with black cherry BBQ sauce

Sliders and Rosemary Garlic Truffle Fries choice of
1. Ground Beef with smoked provolone, bacon and mesquite aioli
2. “Triple B” Ground Beef with bacon, bleu chees and BBQ Braised
3. Pulled Pork with black cherry BBQ sauce