Breakfast Crepes or Blintzes

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I have never made crepes. Robin has and they are super. This morning she said for breakfast she wanted Ricotta and Fruit Crepes. Here is what I came up with …. under her direction! The filling: 1c Ricotta Cheese, 1/2 c fresh Blueberries, 1/2 c currents soaked in Elderflower Liquor and Lemon Zest. Mix altogether and let set for 15 minutes. Here is what the cooking process looked like. The recipe is attached to each photo.

People have asked if there is a difference between blintzes and crepes and if so, what is the difference. There isn’t much if a discrepancy as both items use the same ingredients and the cooking process and techniques are very similar. Crepes are generally cooked through on both sides whereas blintzes are only cooked on one side; reserving the uncooked side for fillings. Crepes and blintzes have the consistency of thin pancakes. Crepes originated from France. The word “Crepe” is derived from the Latin word “crispa” which means “curled”. The common ingredients used in crepes are wheat flour, eggs, milk, butter, and a pinch of salt. [challahmaidel.wordpress.com]

3 Eggs,m 1/2 c whole MIlk and 1/2 c AP Flour. Mix all together and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place 3 T of batter in a med hot crepe pan.

3 Eggs,m 1/2 c whole Milk and 1/2 c AP Flour. Mix all together and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Place 3 T of batter in a med hot crepe pan.

Cook until bubbles appear or edges are brown.

Cook until bubbles appear or edges are brown.

Gently flip crepe and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from pan. Cool. Fill with the fruit filling, or anything you wish. Envelope fold to seal crepe. Place in well buttered pan and cook until slightly brown. About 2 minutes on each side at most.

Gently flip crepe and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from pan. Cool. Fill with about 2 T of the fruit filling, or anything you wish. Envelope fold to seal crepe. Place in well buttered pan and cook until slightly brown. About 2 minutes on each side at most.

Plate and top with some fresh berries and some of the filling. Dust with powdered sugar.

Plate and top with some fresh berries and some of the filling. Dust with powdered sugar.

Sunday Breakfast and Dinner

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10May2016_2b_Camino-de-Santiago_Spanish-Countryside_Painted-2

These two items are so much fun to make. Somewhat quick. Somewhat involved. Always good. Give them a try. Enjoy!

 

 

Breakfast Potato Eggs Line a muffin tin with thinly sliced potato slices. Bake off for 20 minutes at 425 degrees F until potatoes aare slightly crisp. Fill with a mixture of beaten egg, cheese, green onion, salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees F until eggs are set. Remove an let cool 5 minutes. I used the convection for baking these. Top with Salsa or Pico de Gallo.

Breakfast Potato Cups

Line a muffin tin with thinly sliced potato slices. Bake off for 20 minutes at 425 degrees F until potatoes are slightly crisp. Fill with a mixture of beaten egg, cheese, green onion, rendered bacon pieces, some salt and pepper. Bake at 425 degrees F until eggs are set. Remove and let cool 5 minutes. I used the convection for baking these. Top with Slasa or Pico de Gallo.

Bre akfast Potato Cups Plated. They should come right out of the muffin tins as a unit. Serve with fresh fruit.

Breakfast Potato Cups Plated. They should come right out of the muffin tins as a unit. Serve with fresh fruit.

Heirloom Carrots, Fresh Corn Pork medallions with Port Wine and Herb Reduction

Heirloom Carrots
Fresh Corn
Pork Medalions

with
Port Wine and Herb Reduction

Port reduction – Using the cast iron skillet that the pork was done in, add 1 T Olive Oil, 2 c Port Wine, 1 T fresh Sage chopped, 2 t fresh Thyme and 2 T Heavy Cream. Stir to release the bits of pork that remain in the pan and the wine is reduced to 1 cup and starts to thicken slightly. Place 1 T of the reduction under the pork and 1 T on top of the pork.

Weekend Specials at Parma Ridge Winery


Great weekend coming up! So it is written …. So shall it be!

Bob and Robin's avatarTreasure Valley Food and Wine Blog

11May2016_1_Parma-Ridge_Storm-Clouds

Join us this weekend
for wonderful
Wine, Fabulous Food and an Amazing View!

Enjoy this weekend with wine tasting and excellent cuisine with your friends at Parma Ridge. We are open Friday, 12-9 p.m., Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with our regular menu all weekend long. We have Happy Hour on Friday evening from 4-7p.m. and Sunday Brunch Specials. Reservations are recommended for parties of 4 or more if dining on the patio or in the tasting room.

THIS FRIDAY — LIVE MUSIC ON THE PARMA RIDGE PATIO
Join us Friday, August 12 from 5-9 p.m. on the Parma Ridge patio – with Bad Dog Lou, a Local Blues and Rock Band made up of Mick Sharkey, Toby Leonard, Herb Chase and Jay Stark. Call today to reserve your patio table! Please expect longer wait times on food as we anticipate a larger crowd on…

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Chili Rellenos

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26Feb2016_1_Sushi-Joy_Robin_Right-FacingAh yes! Chili Rellenos. Robin makes the best I have ever eaten. It must be in the soft peak egg whites. Mine were good, but not that good. Here is a link to Robin’s Chili Rellenos. Fun to make. More fun to eat! Just takes a little time. And if you want to, you can roast the peppers over charcoal to give them an interesting twist. I used the stove. The eggs and the peppers came from our local farmers market.

Roasting the poblanos on the gas stove.

Roasting the poblanos on the gas stove.

Frying the stuffed peppers in a neutral oil. I used Crisco. And in the stuffing, I used the Mexican blend cheese, available at most grocery stores, two of the egg yolks, cilantro chopped, coriander, cumin, sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.

Frying the stuffed peppers in a neutral oil. I used Crisco. And in the stuffing, I used the Mexican blend cheese, available at most grocery stores, two of the egg yolks, cilantro chopped, corriander, cumin, sea salt and fresh ground black pepper.

The finished product on a bed of Bib lettuce. On these we used a enchilada sauce, but you could use pico de gallo or a salsa.

The finished product on a bed of Bib lettuce. On these we used a enchalata sauce, but you could use pico de gallo or a salsa.

Sakana Boise Revisited

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05Aug2016_1_Sakana-Sushi_Sushi-BarSecond time we have been here, not counting take-out, and we are still very happy with the food, the Sushi Chefs and the Waite Staff. Definitely 5-Stars for Boise. Superb.They are located at 7107 W State Street (at Glenwood). (208) 853-4993. Look for their webpage at Sakana Sushi Boise. They also have an Extensive Menu, which might be wise to look at before going, to see what they have to offer. Thanks Marnie for joining us!
From their website, “In far Eastern countries, such as China, Japan and Korea, fish have always been used to symbolize for harmony, wealth and the freedom to live as one wishes.
Over here, it is known that healthy eating and the art of the oriental cuisine have been extended to the fullest. Our restaurant, Sakana, is using the finest raw material, as well as an exquisite way of cooking. Please experience the essence of a mysterious world of oriental food while you are enjoying your time here at Sakana. It will bring you a great amount of surprise and happiness.” Here is what we had. Enjoy!

House Salad Saki Appetizer

House Salad
Saki
Appetizer

Miso

Miso

Seafood Appetizer

Seafood Appetizer

Mango Sushi

Mango Sushi

Robin had this. Sweet and spicy. You may have to ask for this one. We had to show them a picture of it and they made it.

Sashimi Delux

Sashimi Delux

If you like sashimi, and I do, this is a delicious medley of salmon, octopus, tuna, mackerel, diacon, cucumber, ginger and wasabi.

Orange slices to counter the spiciness.

Orange slices to counter the spiciness.

Making ssushi. It's an art form!

Making sushi. It’s an art form!

Finishing touches.

Finishing touches.

Sushi plated

Sushi plated

Types of seafood used in sushi and sashimi.

Types of seafood used in sushi and sashimi.

Types of seafood used in sushi and sashimi.

Types of seafood used in sushi and sashimi.

Saki goes extremely well with sashimi or sushi.

Saki goes extremely well with sashimi or sushi.

This Weekend at Parma Ridge Winery


Great weekend coming up!

Bob and Robin's avatarTreasure Valley Food and Wine Blog

6April216_1c_Parma-Ridge-Restaurant_HeaderI am sorry that I missed posting some Parma Ridge Winery weekend information last week. We had a family issue that neede to be taken done. But hare we are this weekend and it looks like a delightful weekend. I know Chef Storm will provide you with some awesome food. Here’s what’s going on! Cheers!

Join us this weekend for wonderful
Wine, Fabulous Food and an Amazing View!

Enjoy this weekend with wine tasting and excellent cuisine with your friends at Parma Ridge. We are open Friday, 12-9 p.m., Saturday 12-5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. with our regular menu all weekend long. We have Happy Hour on Friday evening from 4-7p.m. and Sunday Brunch Specials. Reservations are recommended for parties of 4 or more if dining on the patio or in the tasting room.

SAVE THE DATES — LIVE MUSIC ON THE PARMA RIDGE PATIO
Friday…

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Visiting The Melting Pot

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03Aug2016_1_Melting-Pot_SignVisit The Melting Pot in Boise for a fun dinner or Happy Hour. Good food with a fun presentation. And yes, the kids are welcome! 4-Star restaurant in Boise. And here is a link to their extensive Fondue Menu. Check it out! More importantly, I think, is “just what is a fondue?”
According to the Cambridge dictionary, “a hot dish prepared by keeping a container of either hot oil or melted cheese over a flame at the table and putting pieces of meat in the oil to be cooked or pieces of bread into the cheese.”
And from Justhungry.com, “In Switzerland, ‘la fondue’ means a cheese fondue and nothing else. Other types of dip-bits-of-food-in-a-communal-pot dishes are specifically called fondue-something, e.g. fondue bourgignonne (bits of beef filet fried in a pot of oil), fondue chinoise (thin slices of beef or other things cooked in a pot of broth), and so on.”
The cheese fondue at The Melting Pot consists of, “CLASSIC ALPINE – rich, sweet-yet-earthy
Featured Cheeses: Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina. Melted with: White wine, garlic, fresh nutmeg. Gluten Free $8.95” Delcicous. Here is what we had to complete this 4-Star evening. Enjoy!

Window sign at 6th and Main Streets in Boise.

Window sign at 6th and Main Streets in Boise.

Main bar. A large variety of beer and wine.

Main bar. A large varity of beer and wine.

I you wish in season, a nice patio.

I you wish in season, a nice patio.

A 2013 Ravenswood Zen of Zine for us!

A 2013 Ravenswood Zen of Zin for us!

And yes, a salad at the Melting Pot. They have 3 selections, although since the Caesar Salad has minimal, and barely noticeable anchovies, I don't really call it a Caesar Salad. (That was the Waiters words.

APPLE BACON SPINACH
Fresh spinach, crimini mushrooms, sliced egg, spicy pecans, Granny Smith apples and apple bacon vinaigrette
Gluten Free 5.75

And yes, a salad at the Melting Pot. They have 3 selections, although since the Caesar Salad has minimal, and barely noticeable anchovies, I don’t really call it a Caesar Salad. (Those were the Waiters words.) The above salad was delicious!

CLASSIC ALPINE - rich, sweet-yet-earthy Featured Cheeses: Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina. Melted with: White wine, garlic, fresh nutmeg. Gluten Free $8.95

CLASSIC ALPINE FONDUE
rich, sweet-yet-earthy
Featured Cheeses: Gruyère, Raclette, Fontina
Melted with: White wine, garlic, fresh nutmeg

Gluten Free $8.95

Stirring the Classic Alpine Fondue

Stirring the Classic Alpine Fondue

Classic Alpine Fondue

Classic Alpine Fondue

Hmmm. It was good!

Hmmm. It was good!

Salmon

ATLANTIC SALMON FILET
potato, mushroom and brioccoli

21.50

How To Make a Caesar Salad Dressing

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Actually, it’s not hard. Just takes some patience. And ANCHOVIES! I really don’t think a Caesar Salad is just that without the anchovies in the dressing. A Caesar Salad must have the anchovies! Here is a recipe we use. Enjoy.

Caesar-Salad-Dressing

Caesar Salad Dressing

Source: adapted from and photo from – http://www.thekitchn.com/
Makes: 1 cup

Ingredients:
1 (2-ounce) can oil-packed Anchovy Fillets, drained
2 cloves Garlic, coarsely chopped
3 lg Egg Yolks
1 t Dijon Mustard
2 T Lemon Juice
2 T Olive Oil
½ c Vegetable Oil
2 T finely grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground Tellicherry Black Pepper

Directions:
Make an anchovy-garlic paste: Mince the anchovies and garlic together until the mixture is mostly smooth and the garlic is minced, about 3 minutes; set aside.
Whisk the egg yolks: Whisk the egg yolks together in a medium bowl until smooth.
Add the mustard: Whisk in the mustard until just combined.
Add the anchovy-garlic paste: Whisk in the anchovy-garlic mixture.
Whisk in the lemon juice: While whisking, pour in the lemon juice, then whisk until smooth.
Whisk in the olive oil: While whisking, stream in the olive oil to create a thick emulsion. Once all of the olive oil is added, whisk for another minute to thicken.
Finish with vegetable oil: Continue whisking and slowly stream in the vegetable oil. Again, once all of the vegetable oil is added, whisk for another minute to thicken.
Season and serve: Whisk in the Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with fresh ground Tellicherry Black Pepper as needed. Serve immediately on Chopped Romaine Lettuce or grilled Romaine Lettuce.

Meals for Robin


01Aug2016_1e_Captains-Shack-Robin_ Robin-SmilesLove the beaming smile she has in this photo! After she got home from the hospital, I had to change the meal plans, somewhat. Watch the sugars, not totally eliminate them. Keep the carbs to 60 or so a day, which is not hard to do. Keep the calorie count to a max of 2000 per day. That’s harder, but not impossible. Here are some of the dishes I came up with. Enjoy! All made from scratch with mostly local products from the Boise Farmers Market – eggs, sausage, Acme Bake Shop Breads, Fruit, Salsa, Pico de Gallo. We’ll start with breakfast.

2-Egg Cheese Omelet with Pico de Gallo Bacon Acme Whole Wheat Toast Fresh Canteloupe

2-Egg Cheese Omelet with Pico de Gallo
Bacon
Acme Whole Wheat Toast
Fresh Canteloupe

Sausage Gravy on Acme Sourdough Toast Over-Easy Egg

Sausage Gravy on Acme Sourdough Toast
Over-Easy Eggs

Strrawberry Waffles with Strawberry Sour Cream Topping Sunnyside Up Egg

Strawberry Waffles with Strawberry Sour Cream Topping
Sunnyside Up Egg

Idaho Polenta Acme Bake Shop Toasted Whole Wheat BFM Strawberries Pico de Gallo Soft Scrambled Eggs

Idaho Polenta
Acme Bake Shop Toasted Whole Wheat
BFM Fresh Strawberries
Pico de Gallo
Soft Scrambled Eggs

Lunch and “Tea Time”

Grilled Spam and Cheese on Acme Sourdough Toast Housemade Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil

Grilled Spam and Cheese on Acme Sourdough Toast
Housemade Cream of Tomato Soup with Basil

Bacon Wrapped Avocado Fried Chicken

Bacon Wrapped Avocado
Oven Fried Chicken

Salsa Sour Cream Canteloupe Cubes Blue Corn Chips Corn Chips

Salsa
Sour Cream
Canteloupe Cubes
Blue Corn Chips
Corn Chips

Dinner

Braised Scallops in Garlic Butter Zucchini and Baby Turnip with Rainbow Chard Medley Braised Salmon and Halibut in a Tarragon Cream Sauce

Braised Sea Scallops in Garlic Butter
Zucchini and Baby Turnip with Rainbow Chard Medley
Braised Salmon and Halibut in a Tarragon Cream Sauce

Fresh Tamale with Pico de Gallo and ShavedRed Onion Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce Baby Beets and Cauliflower in Brown BUtter

Fresh Tamale with Pico de Gallo and Shaved Red Onion
Cauliflower with Cheese Sauce
Baby Beets and Cauliflower in Brown Butter Sauce

Steamed Asparagus Halibut with Tarragon Cream Sauce

Steamed Asparagus
Braised Halibut with Tarragon Cream Sauce

Braised Sea Scallops on Jasamine Rice Steamed Baby Carrots and Turnips

Braised Sea Scallops on Jasamine Rice
Steamed Baby Carrots and Turnips

Salmon Scewers Asian Salad Polenta

Salmon Scewers
Asian Salad
Idaho Polenta

Greatly Improved Sausage Gravy

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A couple of weeks ago I was talking to Chef Storm Hodge of Parma Ridge Winery Restaurant about sausage gravy. He makes an awesome biscuits and gravy that are rightly called Best Ever Biscuits and Gravy with a Fried Egg served Sundays for brunch at the winery. And they are that good. I spent many years in south central Tennessee where biscuits and sausage gravy are a mainstay – especially with fresh poke greens. But Chef Storm’s sausage gravy is far superior! Yes it is! Thank you Chef for your suggestion.

Acme Bakeshop Toasted Sourdough Imkproved Sausage Gravy Over Easy Eggs

Acme Bake Shop Toasted Sourdough
with
Improved Sausage Gravy
Over Easy Eggs


Up to now, I always made my sausage gravy, or any gravy for the matter, using a roux of butter and flour. That probably has come to an end. Here is the recipe for the above pictured Toasted Sourdough and Sausage Gravy. (I didn’t have any biscuits – I could have made some – so I used the sourdough. Thanks Acme Bake Shop!)

Sausage Gravy
Ingredients:
1/4 lbs Country Sausage
2 c whole Milk
1/2 c Heavy Cream
1 t fresh grated Nutmeg
Sea Salt and fresh ground Tellicherry Pepper to taste
Thickening Slurry – 1 T Cornstarch + 2 T Water. Mix to make a slurry

Directions:
Crumble the sausage and brown over med-high heat. Set aside reserving 1 T liquid.

Make the thickening slurry.

Place the milk, cream, nutmeg, salt and pepper in a sauce pan. Heat to a simmering boil. Do not scorch! Add browned sausage and 1 T of sausage liquid. Stir to combine. Stiring, add the thickening slurry. Stir gently, but constantly, until thickened to your liking.

Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary. Remove from heat, but keep warm.

Serve with biscuits and an egg.