Wonderful Easter Ham Dinner

27 Sunday Mar 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Buy Idaho, Cakes, Captain's Shack, Carrots, Dessert, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner For Robin, Dinner With Family, Easter Dinner, Holiday Gatherings, Holiday Menu, Idaho Greens, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Vegetables, Local Harvests, Photos By: Bob Young, Pork, Purple Sage Farms, Vinegars, What's For Dinner?, Wines - NW

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Easter ham, minted peas, The Chew, upside down cake

Such a great time having a meal with family. Robin, Marnie and Mac. We did miss Christopher and Sophia, but they got a “Care Package”. Hope they enjoy it. The photos below are what we had and some of the recipes are with the photos. Mac made some wonderful rolls and there are some left-over for ham sandwiches. A word about the recipes, especially the Holiday Ham recipe by Chef Michael Symon. When we watched him make the ham on the ABC program The Chew, he used a ham steak. I altered that somewhat and use a Shank Portion Smoked Ham. The same technique that Chef Symon used for browning the ham was used so I would have some pan “grameles” for the gravy. I roasted the ham in the oven at 350 degrees F but first, after cross hatching the skin and fat layer and rubbing it with some ground clove and ground allspice and then some good maple syrup. Not much, but enough to give the ham some sweetness. The recipe for the Holiday Ham and the Parsley Salad are permanently located in the recipe file above. It turned out superb. Here are some photos of the dinner. Enjoy!

Parsley Salad with Shaved Radish and Fresh Miners Lettuce

Again, another recipe adapted from Chef Michael Symon. We did alter it by adding honey, radish and miners lettuce. Enjoy the recipe – easy to do and so refreshing. Parsley Salad

Oven Roasted Shank Portion Smoked Ham
Ham Gravy
Smashed Garlic Blue Potatoes
Steamed and Minted Sugar Snap Peas

Mac made some awesome rolls to go with the ham. We also had a 2014 Estancia Pinot Grigio that went very well with the dinner.

Pineapple Carrot Upside Down Cake Marnie made this. She found these individual "cake pans" that worked very well for her. Basically, sliced pineapple on the bottom with brown sugar and then carrot cake batter on top and baked. It was super! Thanks Marnie.

Pineapple Carrot Cake Upside Down Cake

Marnie made this. She found these individual “cake pans” that worked very well for her. Basically, sliced pineapple on the bottom with brown sugar and then carrot cake batter on top and baked. Iced with the standard Carrot Cake Icing. It was super! Thanks Marnie.

Pineapple Carrot Cake Upside Down Cake

Icing is on the bottom! Told you it was an upside down!

Irish Days Are Upon Us

14 Monday Mar 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Ahi Tuna, Asian Food, Asparagus, Avocado, Beer and Ale, Beer and Food, Buy Idaho, Captain's Shack, Carrots, Classic Sauces, Dinner For Robin, Ethnic Foods, Heirloom Carrots, Herbs and Spices, Hollandaise Sauce, Housemade Hollandaise Sauce, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Vegetables, Lamb, Local Farmers Markets, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, What's For Dinner?

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ahi tuna, asian food

And that mean “Party-Hearty”! Time for lamb. Or Laphroaig. Or Glendronach. Or maybe some Corned Beef with some Cabbage. I am going to make some Irish Soda Bread, or maybe an Irish Brown Soda Bread, for a St Patrick’s Day party on Saturday. Gonna wear my kilt, too! And the socks that my niece Beth made me. We just made some Irish Stew, that turned out pretty darn good. Just need to tighten the sauce a little. Doesn’t this just look scrumptious? And yes, the Boise Farmers Market at 10th and Grove in Boise opens up on April 2, 2016! Yea!!!

Prep for the Irish Stew. Carrots, celery, lamb cubes ()Felzien lamb!), Red onion, green onion and spices.

Prep for the Irish Stew. Carrots, celery, lamb cubes (Local Felzien lamb!), Red onion, green onion and spices.

Irish Stew with Sourdough Bread and Guinness!

And the other night we had this delicious beef dinner. The beef was just OK. Nothing to brag about. But the dinner was good.

Beef Tenderloin with Mushrooms and Sherry Cream Sauce, Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce, Twice Baked Potato and Green Salad with Tomatoes

Beef Tenderloin
with
Mushrooms and Tarragon Sherry Cream Sauce

Steamed Asparagus
with
Hollandaise Sauce

Twice Baked Potato
Green Salad with Tomatoes

And then we also had,

Ahi Tuna with Avocado Slices
Steamed Asparagus with Almonds
Green Salad with Radish Slivers

Yummy Beef Short Rib Borscht

12 Tuesday Jan 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop, Acme Bakery, Beef, Captain's Shack, Classic Cuisines, Dinner At The Captains Shack, Dinner With Family, Idaho Beef, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Vegetables, Local Farmers Markets, Main Dish, Photos By: Bob Young, Recipe by: Robin and Bob Young, Recipes, Recipes - Dinner, Recipes - Russian, Russian Food - Borscht, Stew, Traditional Food, Vegetables, What's For Dinner?

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beets, borscht, Carrots

You say you don’t like borscht? Or beets? The addition of the beef short ribs and the carrots, sure does sweeten the flavor of the shredded beets. The red color is still there for the soup, but the beet flavor is very mild. Robin and I think it is a superb alternative to an “official” borscht. Here is the recipe, if you want to try this – Beef Short Rib Borscht. Print one out. It takes a while to cook, we use the CrockPot, but it is well worth the effort. Left-Click any of the following photos to see them enlarged. Enjoy and let us know how you liked it. Notice that there is no cabbage in this borscht. Cheers!

Onions are caramelizing in the beef fat.

Braised – caramelized – beef short ribs, beet stems and potatoes are waiting for the beet cooking liquid.

Oh my. The finished product! And as the recipe says, “Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the scallions, dill and a dollop of crème fraîche [or sour cream]. Serve with spicy mustard and slices of dark bread.” The diced scallions and dill or fennel will really add to the flavors.

Eggs In The Basket

09 Saturday Jan 2016

Posted by Bob and Robin in Acme Bake Shop Sourdough, Boise Farmers Market, Breakfast, Breakfast At The Captains Shack, Breakfast With Robin, Brunch, Brunch with Robin, Cheese, Eggs In The Basket, Idaho Eggs, Idaho Potatoes, Meadowlark Farms, Photos By: Bob Young, Prosciutto, Recipe By: Bob Young, Recipes, What's For Dinner?

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baked eggs, eggs, eggs in the basket, Prosciutto

A good, and different, breakfast. Easy to do, just takes a little time. Simply potato hash browns, bacon or prosciutto and a little cheese. I also mix in some turmeric and onion powder with the melted butter when I add it to the potatoes. Really good flavors. Here are some sequential photos of the process. Takes about 1 hour, 20 minutes until it is ready to eat. Enjoy!

Prosciutto is diced and lightly browned.

Shredded potatoes are placed in a muffin tin and cooked - browned - in a 350 degree F oven for about 25 minutes. Let cool before adding the eggs.

Shredded local Idaho potatoes are placed in a muffin tin and cooked – browned – in a 350 degree F oven for about 25 minutes. Let cool before adding the eggs.

Eggs are placed in the cups and baked for about 20 minutes until the whites are set.

Idaho eggs from Meadowlark Farms, are placed in the cups and baked, with the prosciutto, for about 20 minutes until the whites are set.

Plated. Prosciutto is added and a little cheese. Place under broiler until the cheese is melted. Remove and plate.

Plated. A little shredded cheese is added. Place under broiler until the cheese is melted. Remove and plate. Everything in one serving. About 13.5 carbs per serving.

New to us: BrickYard – Steakhouse – Spirits – Dueling Pianos

17 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Beef, Boise Adventures, BrickYard Restaurant, Comfort Food, Hamburger, Hendrick's Gin, Housemade Soup, Idaho Beef, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Potatoes, Local Harvests, Local Markets, Lunch With Robin, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurants, Restaurants To Try, What's For Dinner?

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BrickYard Restaurant, Chihuly, glass art, piano bar

In Boise, one of the better burgers! Almost as good as Storm’s Burger from the Parma Ridge Winery Bistro in Parma, ID. The BrickYard, Boise offers a very attractive dining area and a good BrickYard Menu along with Idaho, and other, wines and spirits. Children are welcome! I need to say right now, our Waiter, Brandon, was superb. Friendly, polite, and liked to engage in good conversation and could answer all of our questions. He even made my lunch a little different and not on the menu. Well worth a trip and be aware, one of the best burgers in Boise! We will go back. “… Brickyard Music – This weekend scheduled to play Friday December 4th, & Saturday December 5th featuring dueling pianos with Robert Morrow, Danny Beal and on the drums (& Vocals), Adam Troutman, playing all requests starting at 10pm. For an extended music calendar and ticket information on upcoming events, follow us on Facebook! The BrickYard strives to showcase local products when available.” Definitely a 4+-Star restaurant. Here are some photos. Enjoy! This would be a good restaurant for the Idaho Wine Commission Restaurant of the Year Award.

The front door sign on Main Street in Boise. 601 Main Street, Boise, ID 83702, Mon-Wed: 11am – 10pm, Thu: 11am – 10pm, Fri: 11am – 2am, Sat: 5pm – 2am. Phone: 208.287.2121, Fax: 208.287.9203, Parking: Street, Food Styles: Steakhouses, Attire: Dressy, Culinary Team: Executive Chef – Drew Ledger and Owners: Chad and Kristi Johnson.”

The restaurant is in what used to be the Idaho Statesman Building.

The dining area.

Chihuly glass art on the wall! “… Dale Chihuly (born September 20, 1941), is an American glass sculptor and entrepreneur. His works are considered unique to the field of blown glass, “moving it into the realm of large-scale sculpture”. The technical difficulties of working with glass forms are considerable, yet Chihuly uses it as the primary medium for installations and environmental artwork.”

Close up of the wall art.

Chuhuli Light in the main dining area! If you know glass art, you know Chuhuli!

Chuhuli Light in the main dining area! If you know glass art, you know Chihuly! This light art is probably worth in the neighborhood of $14000.00 – $15000.00. Just thought I’d let you know.

Flora Dora

Ahi Club
Thin sliced seared Ahi tuna on a toasted ciabatta bun with wasabi sauce, applewood bacon, lettuce leaves, fresh tomato slices and shaved pickled ginger
Smoked Bacon and Potato Soup
Idaho Yukon gold potatoes poached in chicken stock then slow cooked with hand cut shoestring fries

BrickYard Burger
Hand formed half pound ground chuck patty infused with smoked bacon, char-grilled and crowned with sharp cheddar. Dressed out with crispy onions, butter leaf lettuce, sliced fresh tomato and mayonnaise on a fresh baked bun served with hand cut steak fries

I had them hold the bun and they did that. It was good to see that they would alter their menu to suit the client. I ate about 1 cup of the fries and Robin ate the rest.

Weekend Specials at Parma Ridge Winery

03 Thursday Dec 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Beef, Biscuits and Gravy, Bistro, Eggs Poached, Idaho Beef, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Local Markets, Parma Ridge Specials, Parma Ridge Winery Bistro, Party Time, Photos By: Bob Young, Salads, Sliders, What's For Dinner?, Wines - Idaho

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biscuits and gravy, bistro, Parma Ridge Winery, salad

Here is the latest from Parma Ridge Winery. Great weekend specials!

Join us for delicious food, a glass of wine and a beautiful view. Check out our specials this weekend!

Friday Happy Hour Specials from 4-7 p.m. with purchase of glass of wine or beer:
2 Sliders with Rosemary Truffle Fries: Pork, Mesquite Ground Beef, “Triple B“ or “Deluxe” – $6.50
Chargrilled Kielbasa on Pretzel Bun with Black Cherry BBQ sauce, Deli Mustard and Caramelized Onions – $5.95
Personal size Flatbread: BBQ Pork, Grilled Chicken, “The Patricia,” or Pepperoni – $5.95

Ridge House Salad: Mixed greens with apple cider vinaigrette, Bleu Cheese and poached pear – $5

Basket of Rosemary Garlic Truffle Fries with House-made aioli – $5
Sunday Only, in addition to our regular menu items, you can choose from:
Bacon, Egg and Cheddar Breakfast Sandwich with Cheesy Bacon Fries – $5.95

Best Ever Biscuits and Gravy with a Fried Egg – $6.95

Slow Braised Beef Short Rib over Mashed Potatoes with Grilled Asparagus and Fresh Baked Bread – $10.95

Now serving our
Creamy Northwest Clam Chowder
all weekend!

Try our Desserts:
Viognier Poached Pear – Brown Butter Sautéed Pears with a hint of coriander and star anise deglazed with Parma Ridge Viognier and honey served with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – $5
Decadent Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Chocolate Drizzle – $5
Dining Room and Tasting Hours are Friday 12 -7 p.m., Sat & Sun 12-5 p.m. and we offer our regular menu all weekend.

We were joined by Bob and Robin Young this past weekend, thanks for the awesome write up about Parma Ridge! https://boisefoodieguild.wordpress.com/2015/11/29/brunch-again-at-parma-ridge-winery/#comments

We are now offering gift certificates, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like the Parma Ridge Experience.

See you this weekend!
Cheers,
Steph & Storm
Parma Ridge Winery
208-946-5187
info@parmaridgewineandspirits.com

Storm’s Deluxe Burger – An All-Beef Patty with American cheese and Old-School Diner Sauce served with Fresh Cut Truffle Fries, offered all-weekend

photo courtesy of Bob Young

Northwest Creamy Clam Chowder with Storm’s Fresh Baked Bread, offered all weekend
photo courtesy of Bob Young

24509 Rudd Road, Parma ID, 83660
208-946-5187
http://www.parmaridgewineandspirits.com
https://www.facebook.com/ParmaRidgeWineandSpirits

Fine Steaks at Ruth’s Chris in Boise

20 Friday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 5-Stars, Boise Adventures, Caesar Salad, Chicken, Creamed Spinach, Dinner at Ruth's Chris, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Greens, Idaho Chicken, Idaho Potatoes, Photos, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurant Reviews, Ruth's Chris Steak House, Salad, Spinach, What's For Dinner?, Wines - French

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#RuthsChris
Ah yes! Once again a really good steak dinner at Ruth’s Chris. Good chicken also. Good service. Polite service. Great food. One of the better restaurants in Boise that ranks a definite 5-Star rating. Kids are welcome, but you also need deep pockets. Happy Hour from 4 – 6 with specials at that time only. Here are some photos of our visit and hopefully you will get an idea of the superb food. Cheers. Here is a link to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, their Menu and their Happy Hour Menu.

Robin is checking the extensive wine selection.

The wine we had with our dinner. Went very well with everything we had.

Caesar Salad
fresh crisp romaine tossed with romano cheese and a creamy Caesar dressing. shaved parmesan cheese and black pepper

Ruth's Chris is known for their steaks and here is why. Robin had this. Too big. Brought some home.

Filet
the most tender cut of corn-fed Midwestern beef

Ruth’s Chris is known for their steaks and here is why. Robin had this. Large servings. Brought some home.

Stuffed Chicken Breast
oven roasted free-range double chicken breast stuffed with garlic herb cheese and served with lemon butter

I had the chicken. Again, large serving. Brought some home.

Creamed Spinach

Good side dish served family style. Delicious.

Au Gratin Potatoes

was really good, too.

Chocolate Sin Cake

There’s a reason they call this Chocolate Sin Cake!

A Good Night at the Boise Fry Company

18 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Beef, Beer and Ale, Beer and Food, Boise Adventures, Boise Restaurants, Burger and Brew, Comfort Food, Cooking Styles, Dinner With Robin, Idaho Beef, Idaho Breweries, Idaho Buffalo, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Idaho's Bounty, Photos By: Bob Young, Potatoes, Restaurant Reviews, What's For Dinner?

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Boise Fry Co, buffalo burgers, vegan burgers

The really are a lot – many, many, many – places to get some burgers and fries – didn’t Charlie Pride sing a song about that? – in Boise, but the Boise Fry Company – Burgers On The Side is by far one of the better places. Fries from russets, golds, lauras, yams, sweet, purple, Okinawa potatoes and Brussels sprouts. And the side burgers from beef, bison (the best ones!) and vegan. Craft beer, local wines and house made sodas are also in the offering. And the kids are welcome, too! The one we went to is on 204 North Capitol Blvd (where Cafe de Paris used to be). (208) 949-7523. Easily a 4-Star eatery. Here are some photos from our visit.

A spacious dining area. Tables and chair or couches.

A spacious dining area. Tables and chairs or couches.

The ordering area and more seating.

Artwork on the wall.

A wide variety of fry dips and salts are available. Help yourself.

Buffalo Burger with Classic Topping (garlic aioli, spring mix, red onion, pickles, tomato) Russet Fries for Two

Bison Burger with Classic Topping
bacon plus garlic aioli, spring mix, red onion, pickles, tomato
Russet Fries for Two
IPA for Two

Pictured are three fry toppings: Blueberry, House Made Fry Sauce and Garlic Sauce. We liked the Blueberry the best but all were good.

It was a good night!

It is interesting to see that they use all “… natural, local and whenever possible, organic products.” The prep work for making their fries takes up to 5 steps and they are then fried in GMO free sunflower oil, which is then recycled to be used in cars. The bison is “… local, natural, grass-fed … We use free-range, grass-fed beef.” Depending on what you are looking for, this might just be the burger and fry place for you. We’ll go back.

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

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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

Best Ever Biscuits and Gravy with a Fried Egg

Slow Braised Beef Short Ribs
rosemary mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, homemade bread

Great Visit to Capitol Cellars

26 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by Bob and Robin in 4-Stars, Beef, Boise Adventures, Capitol Cellars, Dinner With Friends, Dinner With Robin, Food Photos, Idaho Beef, Idaho Chefs, Idaho Greens, Idaho Lamb, Idaho Polenta Floriani, Idaho Potatoes, Idaho Wine, Lamb, Photos By: Bob Young, Seafood, Shell Fish, Shrimp, Special Dinners, What's For Dinner?, Wine and Food, Wines - Idaho, Wines - Washington

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Capitol Cellars, lamb, seafood, shrimp

Really a good visit tonight to the newly opened – March 2015 – of Capitol Cellars at 5th and Main Streets in Boise in the Belgravia Building. (There is also an AirBNB in the building, Belgravia AirBNB.) The ambiance is like entering a “wine cave”. Dim lights; cool air and wonderful Waite Staff. In certain sections of the restaurant, it is like sitting in a wine cellar – because you really are! I have placed a permanent link in the sidebar of this blog so you can contact them, make reservations or check their manu. Definitely a 4-Star (out of 5-Stars) restaurant. My only comments about the food is that the risotto seemed to be a little gummy – undercooked. The crispy fries were not really as crispy as I had expected. I expected more of a twice fried Belgium style potato. Here are some photos from our visit. Enjoy! It is great to see that they use Idaho products and produce as much as possible. This would be a great Date Night restaurant or Special Occasion.