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Category Archives: Ethnic Foods

7 Tips for Cooking At Home

11 Tuesday Feb 2020

Posted by Bob and Robin in Beef, Buy Idaho, Buy Local, Chef Jacques Pépin, Classic Cuisines, Classics, Classis Sauces, Cooking Styles, Educational, Ethnic Foods, Recipes, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment


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!

  1. Start with favorite recipes and organize your list.
  2. Prep ahead of time.
  3. Keep staples stocked.
  4. Whip up one-sheet or one-pot meals.
  5. Host more dinner parties.
  6. Invest in equipment you’ll love and use.
  7. Make now, freeze for later.

And then try this recipe adapted from Chef Jacques Pépin. Great for Valentines Dinner coming up.

Beef Stew in Red Wine Sauce

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.

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Aebleskiver. What?

16 Thursday Jan 2020

Posted by Bob and Robin in Aebleskiver, Apple, Banana, Blueberries, Boise Foodie Guild, Brunch, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Ethnic Foods, Food - Danish, Food - Make Your Own Meals, Food Photos, Fruits, History of Food, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Idaho Polenta Roys Calais, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Aebleskiver, idaho polenta, Make Your Own, polenta


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


Aebleskivers in Coeur D’Alene, ID describe these treats as Danish meaning apple slices. These are traditional Danish pancakes in a distinctive shape of a sphere. Maybe a cross between a Beignet and a Funnel Cake, without all the grease! So maybe all of this will convince you to try these sweet treats. If so, here is the recipe we use. Enjoy! CS Danish Aebleskiver.

Here is our first try. Homemade Huckleberry and Raspberry Jams. Scrambled eggs, too.


And if you want some great polenta recipes – Idaho grows awesome polenta – look here: 17 Polenta Recipes.

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Stroganoff. What Is It?

15 Tuesday Oct 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Beef, Boise Farmers Market, Captain's Shack, Carrots, Classic Cuisines, Classic Sauces, Egg Noodles, Ethnic Foods, Food - Russian, Food - Slavic, Heirloom Carrots, Herbs and Spices, History of Food, Housemade Sauces, Idaho Beef, Local Farmers Markets, Mushrooms, Onion, Petit Syrah, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - Russian, Recipes - Sauces, Russian Food - Stroganoff, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food

≈ 1 Comment

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Hoisin, Stroganoff


Not long ago, we made a Mahogany Beef Stroganoff and it was surprisingly good. Even with some totally different ingredients. Hoisin Sauce for one. But there were two questions: (1) What makes it mahogany? and (2) Is it Russian or Italian or French? Well, the answer to the first question is sort of easy. The mahogany color comes from the addition of the Hoisin Sauce, a Chinese BBQ sauce. Question #2. The short answer is “Yes”. Wikipedia says,

The dish is named after one of the members of the influential Stroganov family. Elena Molokhovets’s classic Russian cookbook “A Gift to Young Housewives” gives the first known recipe for Govjadina po-strogonovski, s gorchitseju, “Beef à la Stroganov, with mustard” [typically French], in its 1871 edition. The recipe involves lightly floured beef cubes (not strips) sautéed, sauced with prepared mustard and broth, and finished with a small amount of sour cream: no onions, no mushrooms and no alcohol. A competition purported to have taken place in 1890 is sometimes mentioned in the dish’s history, but both the recipe and the name existed before then. Another recipe, this one from 1909, adds onions and tomato sauce, and serves it with crisp potato straws, which are considered the traditional side dish for beef Stroganoff in Russia. The version given in the 1938 “Larousse Gastronomique” includes beef strips, and onions, with either mustard or tomato paste optional.

Mahogany Beef Stroganoff

Sautéing of beef Stroganoff
After the fall of Tsarist Russia, the recipe was popularly served in the hotels and restaurants of China before the start of World War II. Russian and Chinese immigrants, as well as US servicemen stationed in pre-Communist China, brought several variants of the dish to the United States, which may account for its popularity during the 1950s. It came to Hong Kong in the late fifties, with Russian restaurants and hotels serving the dish with rice but not sour cream.

And from Cooksinfo, we learn,

There are at least two popular theories about how Beef Stroganoff originated.
One is that it was created in 1891 in St. Petersburg, Russia, by Charles Brière, a cook who worked for Count Pavel Alexandrovich Stroganov. Brière reputedly submitted the recipe in that year to “l’Art Culinaire” (presumably the magazine whose full name was “La Revue de l’Art Culinaire”.) This is the version proposed in the 2001 version of the English language “Larousse Gastronomique”. If this is so, it would seem to be just about Brière’s only claim to fame. His recipe called for shallots (now onions are used.)
The second is that it was created by an unknown cook for Count Grigory Stroganov (1770-1857), because the Count had lost his teeth and couldn’t chew meat. Beef Stroganoff, though, is probably just a more refined version of similar, pre-existing recipes…The last prominent scion of the dynasty, Count Pavel Stroganoff, was a celebrity in turn-of-the-century St. Petersburg, a dignitary at the court of Alexander III, a member of the Imperial Academy of Arts, and a gourmet. It is doubtful that Beef Stroganoff was his or his chef’s invention since the recipe was included in the 1871 edition of the Molokhovets cookbook…which predates his fame as a gourmet. Not a new recipe, by the way, but a refined version of an even older Russian recipe, it had probably been in the family for some years and became well known through Pavel Stroganoff’s love of entertaining.

There are also variations made with chicken or pork, which to me, looses the original likeness. I have made it with chicken, but always go back to beef. You be the judge. And just to note: we served this with a 2002 Ridge Vineyards Dynamite Hills Petite Syrah and I marinated the beef cubes in a little Hoisin Sauce, garlic powder and Worcestershire Sauce for several hours before browning it off. The marinating really made it rich. We also had it over medium wide egg noodles and topped the dish with sour cream and chopped parsley. Delicious!

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Robin’s Birthday Lunch

18 Wednesday Sep 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Bacquet's Restaurant, Basmati rice, Birthdays, Brunch, Brunch with Robin, Capers, Carrots, Chef Bacquet, Classic Herb Blends, Copper River Salmon, Dinner at Bacquet's Restaurant, Dinner For Robin, Dinner with Marnie, Ethnic Foods, Food - French, Food Photos, French - Bacquet's Restaurant, French Foods, French Wines, Green Salad, Greens, Housemade Pasta, Housemade Salad Dressing, Housemade Sauces, Housemade Soup, Pasta, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Salads, Salmon, Seafood, Special Dinners, Special Events, What's For Dinner?, Whats For Lunch?, Wines - French

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Bacquet's Restaurant


Bacquet’s Restaurant, Address: 1117 E Winding Creek Dr #150, Eagle, ID 83616, Hours: 11:30am – 10PM. Phone: (208) 577-6238. Easily a 5-Star French (the best in the area and the only one) restaurant and well worth the trip. Suggest you call for reservations, though. Here is some of what we had. Enjoy. We did.

Menu

House Salad
organic greens, tomatoes, shallots, parmesan cheese house balsamic dressing

Delicious!

French Onion Soup

Traditional Flatbread
bacon, shallots, Swiss cheese, cream on a cracker-like crust

Salmon with Pasta and Capers

Salmon Champenoise
fresh salmon filet baked in white wine, cream, pesto and crusted with Parmesan cheese and served over vegetable basmati rice

Birthday Lemon Cheesecake

Chocolate Mousse

An awesome, 5-Star late lunch. Thanks Chef for a great Birthday meal. Thanks Marnie for treating us.

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Bacquet’s Restaurant In Eagle

19 Friday Jul 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin 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

≈ 3 Comments

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Bacquet's Restaurant, Escargot, Fois Gras


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.

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Boise Farmers Market Opens!

06 Saturday Apr 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop, Arugula, Big Lost River Meats, Boise Adventures, Boise Artisan Bakery's, Boise Farmers Market, Boise Food Adventures, Chef Jake Sandberg, Comfort Food, Crispeats, Desert Mountai Grass Fed Beef, Eggs, Ethnic Foods, Fruits, Greens, Hard To Find Foods, Homemade Stock, Idaho Beef, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Pork, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho's Bounty, Lamb, Local Farmers Markets, Local Harvests, Meadowlark Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Purple Sage Farms, Rice Family Farms, Seafood, Snake River AVA, Sourdough Bread, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Plants, Spring Vegies, What's For Dinner?

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Yea! The BFM (Boise Farmers Market) opened today for it’s 2019 season at their new location at Shoreline Drive and Americana in Boise. It was cold. No rain, though. And it was crowded. They did have treats for everyone as pictured here – Ham and Cheese Croissant – and other “goodies”. Dignitaries were there – Head of the Boise Chamber of Commerce, the BFM President and Mayor Dave Bieter. Great to have them all at the Grand Opening. Thank-You!

Head of the Boise Chamber

BFM President

Mayor Dave Bieter opens the market!

The ribbon is cut!

Carrots look awesome

Ham and Cheese Croissant Samples for everyone!

An overcast morning but great to be at The Market – rain or shine!

Good pies!

New eats in Boise! Also at The Market.

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Air Fryer Recipes and New Location for the BFM

25 Monday Mar 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in air fryer resources, AirFryer, AirFryer Recipes, Argentina Pink Shrimp, Boise Adventures, Boise Area Food Adventures, Boise Farmers Market, Boise Food Adventures, Boise Foodie Guild, Ethnic Foods, Organic Foods, Recipe By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipe By: Robin Young, Recipes - Seafood, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

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AirFryer, burgers, Resources, shrimp


I have a new Air Fryer – actually several – recipe posted at Air Fryer Recipes on this blog and permanently listed above under Air Fryer Recipes. There is something that you should know before you try any of these recipes – and we hope you do and leave a comment – we DO try and work on ALL of the recipes in any of these locations and adapt them to our liking! Ideas come from many locations and resources – other food blogs, recipe connections, Food Network, PBS TV Recipe Saturday and many more.
And another note: The Boise Farmers Market (BFM) moves to it’s new location at Shoreline Drive and Americana Blvd on Saturday April 6, 2019! It’s been a long time in the works. Many, if not most of the produce and products sold at the market, work extremely well with the Air Fryer, and Instant Pot, recipes listed on this blog. See you at the Market! And from their email posting –

The Boise Farmers Market opens in TWO short weeks
on Saturday, April 6th! Join us for our Grand Opening Celebration
and all the goodness of Spring!
Parking and Navigating our New Lot!
The map below is of our new lot and the surrounding streets. Please take a couple minutes to look at it, familiarize yourself, and plan how you will arrive at the market.
Safety for our community, customers and vendors is the most important thing. Please be extra careful!

Please note:
Directional arrows on the streets, entrances and exits.
There are light poles on the lot – be careful to watch for them when parking – especially when backing up.
Pedestrians! Scooters! Bikes! There will be pedestrians, scooters and bikes everywhere. Please look twice, or even three times!
5 Miles Per Hour is the parking lot speed limit. Please drive slowly.
When you are walking to the market entrances, please watch for cars.

We can’t wait to see you on April 6th!

New BFM site in 2019

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A Visit To Le Coq d’Or

25 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Acme Bake Shop Baguette, Boise Restaurants, Chardonnay, Chicken, Classic Cuisines, Cooking Styles, Cream of Mushroom Soup, Dinner at Le Coq d’Or, Dinner With Robin, Duck, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, French Foods, Galaxy 9 Photos, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Main Dish, Mediterrean Foods, Mushrooms, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

≈ 1 Comment

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Le Coq d’Or


What a great way to celebrate the birthday of Scottish Poet Robert Burns! An extremely good 5-Star restaurant in Eagle – Le Coq d’Or! 208-947-2840, 176 S. Rosebud Lane, Eagle, Idaho 83616. Tuesday-Thursday: 5:00pm-9:00pm; Friday and Saturday: 5:00pm-10:00pm.

The Restaurant at the Chateau draws upon flavor profiles from around the world: focusing on old-world traditional French and European cuisine, with subtle Eastern and Persian influences. All food served in our restaurant is made from scratch in our kitchen using locally sourced Idaho produce whenever possible. Fresh dining and artful ambiance makes the Restaurant at the Chateau a truly one-of-a-kind, well-rounded dining experience that will continue to enthrall you long after the last bite. Enjoy our house wine Roghani Vineyards or allow Christian Lamotte, our Maitre D’, to suggest one of our 100+ hand-selected wines from around the world.

And a great Truffle and Wine Dinner coming up Saturday, February 23, 2019. Call to make reservations and we will see you there! You will not be disappointed. In the meantime, here is what we had today. (Some of the photos are not the best – first time using the Samsung phone camera. Can only get better.) Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.

Miss Fisher watches over the dining hall!

Robin in the dinning room.

Always a good wine from their winery. In this case, Shiraz

Green Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette

I had this awesome Creamy Mushroom Soup. Delicious!

Robin had French Onion Soup

Duck and Truffle Potatoes

Chicken with Mediterrean Sauce and Polenta

I would have any of these items again.Super good!

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3 Horse Ranch Winery and Bacquet’s Restaurant Dinner

10 Monday Dec 2018

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Bacquet's Restaurant, Boise Area Food Adventures, Cooking Styles, Dinner at Bacquet's Restaurant, Dinner With Family, Eagle Hills AVA, Ethnic Foods, Food Photos, French - Bacquet's Restaurant, Green Salad, Honey, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Vegetables, Idaho Wine, Lamb, Merlot, Mushroom - Truffle, Mushrooms, Photos By: Bob Young, What's For Dinner?, Wines - Idaho

≈ 1 Comment

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Bacquet's Restaurant, French Food, gelette, quail


This photo is at The Pond in Marsing, ID

Wow! What a delightful and exciting wine dinner in Eagle, ID at Bacquet’s Restaurant. Yummy French cuisine! And the wines that paired so well with dinner from 3 Horse Ranch Vineyards. Just look at this menu, the wines and the photos of the food. Great to have a truly French restaurant in the area! (Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged. Enjoy!

Entrance to Bacquet’s Restaurant in Eagle, ID

Main dining room

Wine dinner area

Daughter Marnie and Robin

2017 Select Eagle Foothills AVA Viognier/Roussanne

2014 Eagle Foothills AVA Merlot

Truffle Asparagus Cream Soup
2017 Select Eagle Hills AVA Viognier/Roussanne

Fresh Mussels
fresh mussels cooked in a Chardonnay cream sauce with a touch of lavender and honey
2017 Select Eagle Foothills Chardonnay

Lamb Rack with Sauce Diable
roasted young vegetables and Chef’s famous potatoes au gratin
2013 Heritage Syrah/Mourvedre

[Sauce Diable is one of many sauces that can be made from a basic and versatile recipe for Quick Brown Sauce. James Beard famously served it with his Deviled Beef Bones, but it is equally delicious with broiled flank steak or broiled chicken. For an even tangier preparation, add small capers and finely chopped sour pickles…A basic brown sauce with the addition of wine, vinegar, shallots and red or black pepper. It’s usually served with broiled meat or poultry.]

Quail Parisienne aux Poivre Rose (Pink Peppercorns)
pink peppercorns give pepper flavor without the bite. Served with mushroom risotto and a vegetable galette
2014 Eagle Foothills AVA Merlot

[A savory galette is the easier and more streamlined cousin of a classic Quiche.]

Tarte Fromage
from the north of France, Chef Franck’s home, this tarte is filled with Gruyere and five cheeses
2014 Eagle Foothills AVA Cabernet Sauvignon

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What is this thing called …. Borscht?

19 Friday Oct 2018

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Boise Food Adventures, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Ethnic Foods, Food - Slavic, Food Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Russian, What's For Dinner?

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borsch, borscht, Ethnic Foods


I’m not sure that Cole Porter or Ella Fitzgerald would approve of the title, but I think it is appropriate. Keep reading.

“Borscht (English: /ˈbɔːrʃ, ˈbɔːrʃt/ ) is a sour soup commonly consumed in Eastern Europe. The variety most often associated with the name in English is of Ukrainian origin, and includes beetroots as one of the main ingredients, which gives the dish its distinctive red color. It shares the name, however, with a wide selection of sour-tasting soups without beetroots, such as sorrel-based green borscht, rye-based white borscht and cabbage borscht … Borscht derives from an ancient soup originally cooked from pickled stems, leaves and umbels of common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium), a herbaceous plant growing in damp meadows, which lent the dish its Slavic name. With time, it evolved into a diverse array of tart soups, among which the beet-based red borscht has become the most popular. It is typically made by combining meat or bone stock with sautéed vegetables, which – as well as beetroots – usually include cabbage, carrots, onions, potatoes and tomatoes. Depending on the recipe, borscht may include meat or fish, or be purely vegetarian; it may be served either hot or cold; and it may range from a hearty one-pot meal to a clear broth or a smooth drink.” [Wikipedia] And “those other sour soups” that are cousins to borscht may come from day Lithuania and Belarus, the Ashkenaz Jews, Romanian and Moldovan cuisines, Poland, Armenia and even Chinese cuisine, a soup known as luó sòng tāng, or “Russian soup”, is based on red cabbage and tomatoes, and lacks beetroots altogether; also known as “Chinese borscht”. Wow! There are many varieties of borscht.

But there is only one original or authentic borscht. Borscht derives from a soup originally made by the Slavs from common hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium, also known as cow parsnip), which lent the dish its Slavic name. Growing commonly in damp meadows throughout the north temperate zone, hogweed was used not only as fodder (as its English names suggest), but also for human consumption – from Eastern Europe to Siberia, to northwestern North America.
And what is generally served with borscht? “Pirozhki, or baked dumplings with fillings as for uszka, are another common side for both thick and clear variants of borscht. Polish clear borscht may be also served with a croquette or paszteciki. A typical Polish croquette (krokiet) is made by wrapping a crêpe (thin pancake) around a filling and coating it in breadcrumbs before refrying; paszteciki (literally, ‘little pâtés’) are variously shaped filled hand-held pastries of yeast-raised or flaky dough. An even more exquisite way to serve borscht is with a coulibiac, or a large loaf-shaped pie. Possible fillings for croquettes, paszteciki and coulibiacs include mushrooms, sauerkraut and minced meat.” [The Book of Tasty and Healthy Food, Anastas Mikoyan]

So. What is borscht usually made of? What are the components? Ingredients? Borscht is seldom eaten by itself. Buckwheat groats or boiled potatoes, often topped with pork cracklings, are other simple possibilities, but a range of more involved sides exists as well.
In Ukraine, borscht is often accompanied with pampushky, or savory, puffy yeast-raised rolls glazed with oil and crushed garlic. In Russian cuisine, borscht may be served with any of assorted side dishes based on tvorog, or the East European variant of farmer cheese, such as vatrushki, syrniki or krupeniki. Vatrushki are baked round cheese-filled tarts; syrniki are small pancakes wherein the cheese is mixed into the batter; and a krupenikis a casserole of buckwheat groats baked with cheese.

But please note, your borscht may be different from your neighbors. There are cultural differences in the borscht. Ingredients may include,beet juice, beet root, veal, ham, crayfish, beef, pork, sour cream, buttermilk, yogurt, cucumbers, radishes, green onion, hard-boiled egg halves, dill weed, leafy vegetables, sorrel, spinach, chard, nettle, dandelion, cabbage, tomatoes, corn, squash, to name a few.

Our Borscht

So whatever inspired me to write this post? Well, we made a borscht and I posted a photo of it (the one pictured here actually) and I got comments. One of them in particular, from a Ukrainian lady, and she said,”That’s not real Russian Borsch (smiley face). It’s beet soup (smiley face). My mom makes the best, she is a Gourmet Chef for over 50yrs, and specializes in Jewish Cuisine.” [Mara Rizzio] I spoke to Mara – she makes awesome pirogies – and it was a good discussion. Thank-You Mara for “setting” me straight. Thus, this blog post. Cheers. And here is a recipe for Borscht that I found in the internet, from NPR, that includes various ingredients. Have fun! Borscht Recipe.

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This blog and all work herein is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

The Current Weather at the Captain’s Shack

Click the image to see the very latest and current weather at the Captain's Shack in Boise, Idaho

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Assoc of Food Bloggers

Association of Food Bloggers

BFM Drive-Thru

Boise Farmers Market Drive-Thru

Air Fryer Cooking Time and Temperature Conversion Calculator

To convert to the AirFryer

AirFryer Recipes

https://www.airfryerrecipes.com/

Air Fryer Conversions

Rule of 25%. Reduce oven/frying temperature by 25% and time by 25%.

Fork To Spoon – Air Fryer and Instant Pot Recipes

Great resource for AF and IP information and recipes.

AirBnB Buhl, Idaho

Welcome to Mary Anne’s place, a historic cottage in the heart of Kelley’s Canyon Orchard. Just 20 minutes from Twin Falls, unwind in this quiet retreat by enjoying the pleasant sound of a nearby creek and views that look out into the orchard. 4 guests · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bath, Wifi · Free parking · Kitchen, Entire House! 1903 River Rd, Filer, Idaho 83328

Snake River AVA (Idaho Wine Districts) Happenings

Follow what is happening in the Idaho wine districts, Snake River AVA, Eagle Foothills AVA and the Lewis and Clark AVA. Events, tastings, dinners and other exciting happenings. Look for BNB's at a winery.

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I Know. Not Idaho Products, But still Worth A Try!
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Rockin’ Rs

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Items of Blog Interest.
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Member of The Internet Defense League

The History Kitchen

Interesting historical information about food - prep, origins and uses. Written by a kitchen anthropologist!

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Of Concern To This Blog
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Recent Posts

  • Bacon Blueberry Waffles
  • Smoked Venison
  • Awesome Roast Beef
  • Woodsman Pasta
  • Smoked Brisket

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Think Local!! Buy Local!!

Let them know you saw their logo on this blog. Thanks!
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Buy Local!

If you are not from Idaho, think about Buying Local in Your area! As for us, we have lived in Idaho since 1982. We Buy Idaho wherever possible.

Chef Jake Sandberg, Crispeats

Food References and Recipes

Buy Local

And it does ... Just Make Sense! Regardless of where you are from.

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Think Local!! Idaho Products.

Let them know you saw their logo on this blog. Thanks!
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The New Boise Farmers Market

Summer and Winter - 1500 Shoreline Dr, Boise (Americana and Shoreline)

Idaho Farmers Markets

A listing of statewide Farmer's Markets with contacts.

Find Your Local Farmers Market

Click on the graphic to find your local farmers market either by city or zip code.

Acme Baked Shop, Boise

Available at the Boise COOP. Some of the best bread in Boise and all local!! They make the bread for the 10 Barrel Brew Pub, Angell's Bar and Grill, Salt Tears, all here in Boise. Awesome rye bread that actually tastes like rye bread. And the baguettes .... Wonderful. (208) 284-5588 or runsvold2000@gmail.com

Brown’s Buffalo Ranch

Give them a call or EMail for awesome buffalo meat.

Desert Mountain Grass Fed Beef (formerly Homestead Natural Beef)

Desert Mountain Grass Fed Beef, with Bob and Jessica Howard of Howard Ranch in Hammett. The company will only sell whole animals to the Boise Co-op and Whole Foods stores in Boise and Utah. They will also be at the Boise Farmers Market.

Falls Brand Pork roducts

Click the image for pork recipes.

Kelley’s Canyon Orchard

1903 River Rd, Filer, ID 83328 Hours: 10am - 6pm, Phone: (208) 543-5330

Malheur River Meats

Matthews Idaho Honey

Matthews All-Natural Meats

Meadowlark Farms

All natural Eggs, Lamb and Chicken

Purple Sage Farms

Reel Foods Fish Market

1118 Vista Avenue, Boise, ID 83705 (208) 713-8850 Monday-Friday: 10am-6pm, Saturday: 9am-5pm. Sunday: Gone Fishin’

Standard Restaurant Supply

Plenty of items for the home, too. Check them out. 6910 Fairview, Boise 83704 (208) 333-9577

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Some Awesome Recipe and Spice Sources. Culturally diverse.

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Crockpot Recipes

Many good recipes here.

A Taste of France

A collection of French recipes

Basque Recipes

Best Ever Recipes of Mexico

Malaysian Recipes

Awesome Malaysian recipes.

Memorie di Angelina Italian Recipes

My Best German Recipes Web Site

Regional and Oktober Fest Recipes

There are a lot of recipes here.

Sauer Kraut Recipes

Recipes By Robin and Bob

Recipes that we have collected and created throughout the years.

Recipes of Elizabeth W. Young, Bob’s Mother

These are the recipes that my Mother collected over 85 or so years. The photo of my Mother was one of the last I have of her. It was taken in July, 1987.

Recipes From The Mediterranean Area

Soup and Chowder Recipes

Recipes from "My Recipes"

Deep South Dish Recipes

The Recipes of Greece

Tasty Mexican Recipes

The Shiksa In The Kitchen

Great Jewish recipes!

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Some Great Boise Restaurants.

Let them know you saw their logo on this blog. Thanks!
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Asiago’s – Italian

Bella Aquila, Eagle, ID

775 S Rivershore Ln., Eagle, ID 83616 (208) 938-1900

Bar Gernika – Basque Pub and Eatery

202 S Capitol Blvd, Boise (208) 344-2175 (Checked)

Chef Larry’s Cafe, Titusville, FL

1111 South Washington Street, Titusville, Florida

Capitol Cellars

Awesome food and wine!

Cottonwood Grille

913 W River St., Boise (208) 333.9800 cg@cottonwoodgrille.com

Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant

482 Main St., Kuna (208) 922-5169 New name. Was El Gallo Giro. Same owners and kitchen. The Best Mexican restaurant in the Boise/Kuna area, bar none!

Flying Pie Pizzaria

Goldy’s Breakfast Bistro

108 S Capitol Blvd., Boise (208) 345-4100

Goldy’s Corner Cafe

625 W Main St., Boise (208) 433-3934

Guanabanas – Island Restaurant and Bar

960 N Highway A1A, Jupiter, FL

Janjou Pâtisserie

Janjou Pâtisserie, 1754 W State St., Boise, Idaho 83702 (208) 297.5853

Mai Thai Asian Cuisine

750 West Idaho Street Boise, ID 83702 (208) 344-8424

Mazzah Grill – Mediterranean and Greek Cuisine

1772 W State St., Boise (208) 333-2566

Richards Inn by Chef Richard Langston

Formerly - Vincino's. New location at 500 S Capitol Blvd., Boise (208) 472-1463. Reservations are highly suggested.

Sakana Japanese Sushi Bar

7107 W State Street, Garden City. (208) 853-4993 and they are open Mon – Thursday: 11:00am – 10:00pm, Friday and Saturday: 11am – 11pm, Sunday: 12 noon – 9pm

The Orchard House

14949 Sunnyslope Rd., Caldwell (208) 459-8200

The Ravenous Pig

1234 N. Orange Ave. Winter Park, FL

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Think Local!! Boise Breweries, Brew Pubs and Wine Bars.
Let them know you saw their logo on this blog. Thanks!
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10 Barrel Brewery Boise

830 W Bannock St., Boise (208) 344-5870

Cloud 9 Brewery and Pub

Opening Fall 2013 in the Albertson's Shopping Center, 18th and State in the old Maxi Java

Edge Brewing Company

525 N Steelhead Way, Boise, ID 83704 (208) 323-1116

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Miscellaneous Items
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