Rachel Sandwiches For Lunch

Tags

, , , , , , ,


No. That’s not a misspelling. You might think that I meant a Reuben Sandwich. No. A Reuben is made with corned beef and a Rachel is made with pastrami. Everything else is the same. You must use a Russian Dressing [PDF format], this is our recipe, and Thousand Island is a poor substitute. (There is also a copy of the Russian Dressing recipe in the Recipe File above.) Rye bread, we use only Acme Bake Shop Rye. This is a full bodied, full flavored rye, not a “rye swirl” bread that is a substitution for the “real thing”. Boars Head Brand Lacy Swiss Cheese and Pastrami. Kosher dill pickle. Sauerkraut is also a must. Again, we use our homemade kraut. I use a panini grill (George Foreman) to grill these sandwiches. The Stella Artois is an added bonus! Cheers and Gut essen! Left-Click to see enlarged.

Rachel Sandwich

Rachel Sandwich
pastrami, Russian dressing, sauerkraut, Acme Bake Shop Rye, kosher dill pickle
Stella Artois

Celebrate National Blueberry Pop-Over Day ……..

Tags

, , , ,


09Mar2014_2_Captains-Shack_Blueberry-PopOvers_Out-of-OvenWe did!! These were awesome. Robin made these this morning and I do like blueberries. I did not know it was National Blueberry Pop-Over Day. What a surprise when Robin made these. I have the recipe that she used below. It is not hard, but it is precise. Enjoy these photos and the recipe. Cheers! But first, here is some interesting information about National Blueberry Pop-Over Day:

March 10 is National Blueberry Popover Day
Five things you should know about Blueberry Popovers
1) Native Americans once called blueberries “star berries,” because the five points of blueberry blossoms make a star shape.
2) They held blueberries in high esteem, believing that the “Great Spirit” created the berries to feed their hungry children during famine.
3) Blueberry juice had medicinal value for Native Americans as well and was used to treat persistent coughs and other illnesses.
4) American poet, Robert Frost, loved blueberries so he wrote a poem about them.
5) Blueberries are one of the only natural foods that are truly blue in color. [foodimentary.com]

Blueberry Pop-Overs

Blueberry Pop-Overs

These are the ones that Robin made this morning.


Here they are with confectioners' sugar on them.

Here they are with confectioners’ sugar on them.

The Recipe:

Blueberry Pop-Overs

Ingredients:
1¼ c All-Purpose Flour
¼ t Salt
3 eggs, room temperature
1¼ c Milk
1 T Butter, melted
2 T Butter, cut into pieces
1 c fresh or frozen Blueberry (if using frozen do not thaw)
Confectioners’ Sugar for garnish

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.
Grease a popover pan and heat in the oven for 2 minutes. While pan is heating combine flour, salt, eggs, milk and melted butter in a blender – mix for 1-2 minutes, or until mixture is the consistency of heavy cream.**
Remove pan from oven and place a piece of butter in each cup – return to oven until butter is melted and bubbling, about 2 minutes. Fill each cup with batter and sprinkle with blueberries.
Bake for 20 minutes. Reduce temperature to 300 degrees and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Remove from oven, dust with confectioner’s sugar and serve immediately.

People are intimidated by popovers – they are sort of like the soufflé of the bread world. You want a nice, tall “rise” and a hollow, yet cooked-through, interior. The truth is, popovers couldn’t be easier to make, as long as you follow a few simple rules:
Buy a popover pan. Popover pans are different from muffin tins. The cups are taller, for one, and they are separated from one another to allow for even heat circulation. This is critical for achieving a light, airy result. Can you use a muffin tin? Sure. But you won’t get popovers. You’ll get muffins.
Pre-heat the pan. Even if your recipe doesn’t call for it, do it anyway – for about 2 minutes. A hot pan is essential for that quick rise when the batter goes into the oven.
Your recipe should instruct you to melt a little butter in each cup just before adding the batter. Do NOT skip this step. As the butter heats up it pushes steam through the batter, creating the height that is the hallmark of a perfect popover.
You can make the batter the night before and keep it in the fridge. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature prior to baking.
Serve these babies immediately! Nothing is sadder than a “deflated” popover. Time it to serve them fresh out of the oven. Trust me, it’s worth it.

Fresh Made Chicken Pot Pies

Tags

, , , , ,


09Mar2014_1_Captains-Shack_Chix-Pot-Pie_OvenOur $7.95 whole chicken, just gave us 7 meals. That’s $1.11 per meal. Or, if you figure per person for the chicken, that’s $0.56 per plate. Guess we can get our meds this month! The chicken was a little over 6 pounds. Not one of Frank Purdue’s chickens (“It takes a tough man to make a tender chicken”) but it was good. The final meal was these Chicken Pot Pies that Robin made. The pies are ready to be placed in the oven in this photo. We use both round and rectangular bowls to make the dinner. Add to this a good Tuscan wine, and we had a good dinner. Here are photos of the final dish. Enjoy!

Robin's Chicken Pot Pie

Robin’s Chicken Pot Pie


Chicken Pot Pie in a rectangular dish. Works any way you want to make them. Delicious!

Chicken Pot Pie in a rectangular dish. Works any way you want to make them. Delicious!

Guess Who’s Coming To Our Neighborhood?

Tags

, , , ,


Yup! You guessed it! Carl’s Jr at 17th and State where Burger King used to be. Ample parking and access in the Albertson’s parking lot. To open soon. Real soon, I hope! Stay tuned. Welcome to our neighborhood!
09Mar2014_1_Carls-Jr_17th-and-State

Lox and Scrambled Eggs for Breakfast

Tags

, , ,


Here is an awesome recipe for Robin’s Icebox Lox. It can also be found in the recipe file above. We had this for breakfast this morning. Yum!

Robin's Icebox Lox Scrambled Eggs Acme Bake Shop Toasted Sourdough

Robin’s Icebox Lox
Scrambled Eggs
Acme Bake Shop Toasted Sourdough

Trader Joe’s Boise Finally Open

Tags

,


28Feb2014_1_Trader-Joes-Opens_Store-Window_OpenerYes! Finally the store is open! Not as big a crowd as I expected though. Weather was good … slightly cool but no rain. I am sorry that my request to attend the Media Day was rejected, Whole Foods was more than happy to have us and even went out of their way when they first opened here in Boise. But at least I got to attend the Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting. It was good. Here are some photos of the event, Trader Joe’s Opens.

Would you believe we started out as a small chain of convenience stores? It’s true. Way back in 1958. We were called Pronto Markets. In ’67, our founder, the original Trader Joe, changed our name (yes, to Trader Joe’s) and the way we do business.
1967 – The first Trader Joe’s opened its doors in Pasadena, California. Still there today – same spot, same parking lot.
If you were into wine – especially California wines – Trader Joe’s was the place to go. Still is. But back in the late 1960s, we sold every California wine there was.

Do enjoy the photos and Left-Click to see them enlarged. Cheers! The above quote is from the Trader Joe’s website.

The 6:30am group. Not yet a crowd but still very congenial.

The 6:30am group. Not yet a crowd but still very congenial.

As the morning awakened, the group became a small crowd.

As the morning awakened, the group became a small crowd.

"Trader Joer's"

“Trader Joer’s”

The rising sun brings activity to the store.

The rising sun brings activity to the store.

Boise's Mayor Dave Bieter opens the store. Thank-You Mr Mayor for taking time from your busy schedule and attending.

Boise’s Mayor Dave Bieter opens the store. Thank-You Mr Mayor for taking time from your busy schedule and attending.

Inside the store. Just one of many products. I like Lemon Curd. So does Robin.

Inside the store. Just one of many products. I like Lemon Curd. So does Robin.

I checked many of the produce items and most were 3000, 4000 and 9000 PLU series. That;'s good .... No 8000 series that I saw.

I checked many of the produce items and most were 3000, 4000 and 9000 PLU series. That’s good …. No 8000 series that I saw.

And of course, there is always a good wine selection.

And of course, there is always a good wine selection.

This is just one of the worldwide wine types available. All of the wines have a good price on them.

This is just one of the worldwide wine types available. All of the wines have a good price on them.

So that’s it for the Opening Ceremony. Short. Sweet. And Boise was ready for this to happen. A different type of grocery store from Whole Foods or Albertsons. I wish them great success.

Le Cafe de Paris is Closing!

Tags

,


LeCafeDeParisLogoIt is a sad happening when a really good – Really Good – restaurant closes. I received this from Mathieu today. Good Luck with your new and enhanced adventure, Mathieu, and Thank-You for all the treats and recipes!

Customers and Friends,
In April 2002 I opened Le Cafe de Paris with the belief that good food and good service, hard work and dedication would make me happy and create a successful restaurant. I never thought I would still be here now, married since 10 years to Angela and father of 2 great kids. You don’t really plan that far when you are 23.
In 2007 I started Gaston’s Bakery to respond to the demand for wholesale breads and pastries. A few months ago we moved the bakery to a larger building on the bench. We now deliver fresh breads and pastries daily around the valley, frozen breads to restaurants in 6 states and frozen croissants nationwide.
While still loving my little café, I am not able to give it the proper attention anymore. This is why I have made the decision to not renew the lease. We will still offer catering for breakfast and lunch and be part of the farmers markets around town. Our products are available at the Coop, whole foods and the valleys best restaurants and coffee shops.
Our new catering menu will be available in a couple days. Follow us on Facebook to stay up to date with our offerings!
There is still 4 days to enjoy the Café, we will also open Friday night for a special dinner featuring some of our most popular dishes.
Call to make your reservation: 208.336.0889

Thank you for your support
Mathieu

Our mailing address is:
Le Cafe de Paris
204 N Capitol Blvd
Boise, ID 83702

Robin’s Baked Chicken Roll-Ups

Tags

, ,


But before we get to the Roll-Ups, we had an awesome lunch at Sushi Joy again yesterday with friends Russ, Carinjoy, Maggie, Robin and myself. Here is some of the plates we had. All were delicious again and Thanks Winnie and Tiger for an awesome lunch. Left-Click any of these photos to see them enlarged.

Epi Tempura

Epi Tempura

Sashimi Lunch

Sashimi Lunch

And then, this is what Robin made tonight, the Baked Chicken Roll-Ups. They were delicious. A real change! Serve the dish with a 2011 Ste Chapelle Grenache and you have an awesome dinner.

Cream of Chicken soup on the bottom and the Crescent Rolls laid out on top.

Cream of Chicken soup on the bottom and the Crescent Rolls laid out on top.

Roll pre-cooked chicken pieces in the rolls and lay them on the soup bottom.

Roll pre-cooked chicken pieces in the rolls and lay them on the soup bottom.

Slightly cover the roll ups.

Slightly cover the roll ups.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 540 minutes or until they turn brown.

Bake at 350 degrees F for about 50 minutes or until they turn brown.

Steam some broccoli with leek and serve this with the roll ups. Really a yummy dinner. I liked it! I want to try this with some crab sometime and use a lobster bisque as the soup.

Steam some broccoli with leek and serve this with the roll ups. Really a yummy dinner. I liked it! I want to try this with some crab sometime and use a lobster bisque as the soup.

Valentines Day Breakfast

Tags

, ,


Oh yum! This is going to be a delicious day! Robin made these

Red Velvet Pancakes
with
Coeur à la Crème, Caramelized Strawberries and Red Raspberries

 
Add some delicious Honey Blueberry Sausage and it’s a wonderful breakfast. What did you have?
14Feb2014_1_Valentines-Day-Breakfast_Red-Velvet-Pancakes

Filet-Mignon-Glazed
 
 
And then for dinner tonight I am making this Filet Mignon with Rich Balsamic Glaze. The recipe suggests the wines to have with the dinner and a side.

Valentines Wine Dinner at the Buzz

Tags

, , , ,


11Feb2014_1f_The-Buzz-Valentines_Two-Angels_Pitite-SyrahAnother superb wine dinner at the Buzz in Boise! So far this year, the dinners have been great. Tommy’s Asian Dinner last month and now this dinner for Valentines Day. And then too, it is Cristi’s birthday at the end of the month. Oh yes. I forgot. She was born on February 29th. But I bet she will have something. As for the dinner tonight, most of the wines were pretty good. Out of 7 wines, 3 were scored [19], 2 were [17], 1 at [16] and one at [15]. Thanks to Michelle and Cristi for this great dinner. Here are some photos from the dinner. The wine above, 2008 Two Angels Petite Sirah, was probably my favorite of the night with a score of [19]. Enjoy and see you at the next dinner! Cheers!

Assorted Chocolates

Assorted Chocolates

Caponata Crostini reall a good appetizer. Too bad the wine was not up to the spiciness. 2012 Heritage Cote du Rhone 14% alc. definitely not the best wine of the evening. not enough body and finish to go with the appetizer [15] $14.00

Caponata Crostini
really a good appetizer. Too bad the wine was not up to the spiciness.
2012 Heritage Cote du Rhone
14% alc. definitely not the best wine of the evening. not enough body and finish to go with the appetizer [15] $14.00

Tomato and Chocolate Soup such a good soup! 2012 Heritage Cote du Rhone 14% alc. not my favorite. [15] $14.00

Tomato and Chocolate Soup
such a good soup!
2011 Tomero Cabernet Sauvignon
15% alc. went very well with the soup. good body and finish. [17] $16.00

Pear and Spinach Salad truly a great salad that went extremely well with the wine. 2011 Jack Cabernet Sauvignon 13.8% alc. This wine went superbly with the salad! great body and finish. [19] $18.00

Pear and Spinach Salad
truly a great salad that went extremely well with the wine.
2011 Jack Cabernet Sauvignon 13.8% alc. This wine went superbly with the salad! great body and finish. [19] $18.00

Pasta Marinara and Beef Kabob I really enjoyed this entree. Great sauce on the kabobs made with beer. 2008 Two Angels Petite Sirah 14.1% alc a superb wine with this plate. great taste, body and a good finish.  [19] $21.00

Pasta Marinara and Beef Kabob
I really enjoyed this entree. Great sauce on the kabobs made with beer.
2008 Two Angels Petite Sirah
14.1% alc a superb wine with this plate. great taste, body and a good finish. [19] $21.00

Brownie Tiramisu Such a delight to end the dinner with this. Great ending! 2011 Renwood Zinfandel 14.5% alc. just OK with the dessert. Almost to big for the chocolate. [17] $15.00

Brownie Tiramisu
Such a delight to end the dinner with this. Great choice!
2011 Renwood Zinfandel
14.5% alc. just OK with the dessert. Almost to big for the chocolate. [17] $15.00

And as a side note and information that Cristi presented last night, the Thursday before Labor Day is known as Cabernet Day and Cristi said she might think of a wine dinner that goes along with this event. And another, Zinfandel is a great partner with curry and hard cheeses. And as for a Petite Sirah, which is not by any means a small grape or wine, “… goes well with any food with which you would normally pair a big red wine: grilled meats, roast duck, lamb, pot roast, rabbit in mustard sauce (ed note: I have a great recipe for this), mushrooms and chocolate. Petite Sirah can age for years. Even decades.” (Cristi Takeda, the Buzz) Hope you make the next wine dinner. They are really fun and informative. Cheers!