Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Alfredo

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/alfredo-sauce.html

So simple that I think I might be able to do it all by myself.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Monday, October 10, 2016

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Tin Cup Whiskey

http://www.tincupwhiskey.com/

Might have to buy some to replace the various bottles that were poured down the sink at The Mansion.

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Alphonso's

http://www.alphonsostheoriginal.com/Alphonsos/Alphonsos_Main_Page.html

We got pizza tonight:

HAMI - like a Hawaiian

Roadrunner - BBQ chicken pizza

Vega - tons of vegetables

All were excellent, as usual.


Cafe Grace

Went to Saturday brunch at Cafe Grace this morning.

http://www.cafegracemke.com/

Coffee by Valentine so of course it was excellent.

I had six mixed oysters from the raw bar, very tasty.

Also had a bowl of the vegetable soup, very good.

Had the burger with a fried egg on top, comes with shoestring fries, very crisp.

Excellent food, excellent service, will definitely return.


Monday, September 26, 2016

Friday, September 9, 2016

Sausage Soup

1 box low sodium beef broth
1 package smoked turkey sausage (approximately 14 oz.)
2 bell peppers
2/3 cup mild salsa
2 cans black beans, drained, rinsed
olive oil

Chop sausage, brown in olive oil, 5-10 minutes

Add chopped bell peppers, saute 5 more minutes

Add broth, stir, bring to boil

Reduce heat, simmer uncovered 15 minutes, stir occasionally

Add salsa and beans, simmer 5 more minutes, stir occasionally

It is fun to consider variations on this recipe.

Add caramelized onions?

Turkey broth and beef sausage?

Hotter salsa?

Pinto beans instead of black beans?

Thursday, September 8, 2016

Monday, September 5, 2016

Bean and Corn Salad

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/rachael-ray/black-bean-and-corn-salad-recipe.html

Looks simple and yummy.

Might have to substitute for the cumin, because although I love it myself, most of my family does not.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Watermelon

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-symon/watermelon-and-halloumi.html

A really good watermelon does not need any marinade, and I do not think a poor melon would be saved by one.

Of course, this is just my opinion, and I am a home cook, not a chef.

Sunday, August 14, 2016

Pepsi 1893

http://www.pepsi.com/en-us/-/1893

I want to try it.

Both the cola and the ginger cola.

Open Flame

http://www.openflamerestaurant.com/index.html

We went to Open Flame for breakfast this morning.

Sat outside on the patio.

Good food, good service, comfortable setting.

Will go again.

Saturday, August 13, 2016

El Jefe

http://www.taqueriaeljefe.com/

Lots of yummy tacos on the menu, and a good selection of tequila.

Brisket

https://www.kitchengardenseeds.com/braised-beef-brisket-with-root-vegetables

I have to make this in cooler weather when I do not mind running the hot oven for hours.

Blackfinn

http://blackfinnameripub.com/brookfield/menu/

Lots of yummy stuff on that menu.

I want to go, more than once.

Grilled Eggplant

Bought an eggplant at the farmers market, sliced it, brushed it with olive oil, grilled it.

Delicious.

Friday, August 12, 2016

Thursday, August 11, 2016

Spaghetti al Melone

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/spaghetti-al-melone-recipe.html

Seems like an odd combination of flavors but I want to try it.

Milk Shake

http://www.purewow.com/food/best-milkshake-in-every-state

Mickies Dairy Bar in Madison.

Never been there but I want to try it.

Cast Iron

https://richsoil.com/cast-iron.jsp

Very interesting article on cast iron cookware.

I started with the rough surface skillet 40 years ago, and it is very smooth now.

I scrape mine down to the bare metal, and re-oil it after every use, and I like the results I get.

Sunday, August 7, 2016

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Slab Pie

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/peach-streusel-slab-pie.html

I have never made a slab pie, this looks interesting with the shortbread-like crust.

Cheese Burgers

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/throwdowns-green-chile-cheeseburgers-recipe.html

Cheese sauce, homemade relish, pickled onions.

That makes for some serious cheese burgers.

Thai Beef

Thai Beef with Basil
It's a great year for fresh basil! If you haven't frozen a batch of pesto already, do so this weekend. (Your winter self will thank you.) Then, make this easy Thai stir-fry, using ground beef, carrots, fresh chiles, garlic and basil from the market. 
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
2 red chiles, thinly sliced,
1 pound ground beef
Kosher salt and black pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 cups fresh basil leaves
2 medium carrots, julienned or coarsely grated
2 scallions, thinly sliced
4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
Steamed rice and lime wedges (for serving)
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add garlic and 1 chile and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add beef and season with salt and pepper. Brown meat for about 8 to 10 minutes, breaking up with a spoon, until nicely crisped in spots. Add broth and 2 cups basil. Continue to cook, stirring, until basil is wilted, about 2 minutes.
Toss carrots, scallions, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and remaining chile, basil, and oil in a small bowl. Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and remaining lime juice in another small bowl until sugar dissolves. Serve cooked beef and carrot mixture over rice. Drizzle with soy dressing. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over. 

This recipe from the Wauwatosa Farmers Market.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Gazpacho

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/gazpacho-recipe.html

We love the gazpacho we buy at the farmers market, but maybe I should try making my own from scratch.

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Roasted Okra

http://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1013838-martha-rose-shulmans-roasted-okra

We bought okra at the Tosa Farmers Market this morning, and I used this recipe for a side dish at supper.

Simple, and delicious.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Advice on what to do with all those beautiful onions and tomatoes, courtesy of the Tosa Farmers Market:

Red or green, mild or hot, chunky or blended, fresh or roasted -- you can't go wrong with farm-fresh summer salsa. It's great on steak, homemade nachos, quick cheese quesadillas or plain old chips. Here’s one of our favorite recipes for easy pico de gallo (fresh tomato salsa).

1/2 medium onion, finely diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 lime
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, minced
4 to 6 plum tomatoes, diced
About 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

Place the onion and garlic in a bowl. Juice half of the lime over the onions and garlic, and add the salt. Stir and set aside for a few minutes to marinate. Add jalapeno, tomatoes and cilantro to the bowl. Stir gently to combine. Adjust seasonings to taste, adding more salt, cilantro and lime juice, as needed. Rest for a few hours to blend flavors. Best if used the day it’s made. 

Pickled Onions

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/smoked-spice-rubbed-texas-style-brisket-on-texas-toast-recipe.html

I want to make the pickled onions.  But the brisket would be fun, too.

Monday, July 25, 2016

Encantada Baltimore

On Sunday, July 24, we had brunch at Encantada.

http://www.encantadabaltimore.com/home

Outstanding food.

Main dishes included a burger, steak & eggs, Dutch pancake, and a salmon scramble.

We had three vegetable side dishes: cauliflower, turnips, and beets.

The cauliflower were spiced like buffalo wings.  The turnips had the appearance of deviled eggs.  The beets were sauteed crispy.  All were excellent.

I had a shot of kale juice.  Intensely flavorful.

We were too full for dessert, very disappointing.

Veggie Burgers

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/morgans-veggie-patties-recipe.html

Lot of ingredients in those burgers.

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Rustic Garden Vegetable Soup

http://www.wisconsinsoupcompany.com/

We bought a carton at the Tosa farmers market, it was excellent, will definitely buy again.

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Miss Molly's

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/379968201.html

Very much looking forward to eating at the future Miss Molly's, across the street from Valentine Coffee Roasters.

American Spoon Cafe

https://www.spoon.com/media/wysiwyg/home/opening_menu_2016.pdf

Very yummy gourmet menu.

Why don't we have a similar cafe in Hales Corners?

Maybe the new Bartolotta cafe, while not in Hales Corners, will fill the niche.

Salmon in Foil

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/salmon-baked-in-foil-recipe.html

I am amazed bordering on stupification that I never thought of this myself.

Toxic Kidney Beans

http://www.choosingvoluntarysimplicity.com/crockpots-slow-cooking-dried-beans-phytohaemagglutinin/

I have been eating kidney beans my entire life, and this is the first I have heard of this.

I guess I have been very lucky.

Monday, May 16, 2016

Chicken and Rice

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/arroz-con-pollo-recipe.html

I want to make my own version of this dish, and use boneless skinless chicken thighs.

Monday, May 9, 2016

Off Broadway Drafthouse

http://offbroadwaydrafthouse.com/

Monona, or maybe a block or two across the line into Madison.

I had the dill-brined wings, baked potato soup, pub burger, Saison de Lis, and Bubbler.

All were excellent, as was the service.

Bubbler

http://www.newglarusbrewing.com/index.cfm/beers/OurBeers/Beer/bubbler

On tap at Off Broadway Drafthouse in Monona, where it is described as craft beer for light beer drinkers.

I agree with that characterization and would rate it as very good.


Saison de Lis

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/25888/74388/

I agree with the 86 (very good) score.

It is on tap at the newly opened Off Broadway Drafthouse in Monona.  A wee bit pricey at $5 for 10 ounces, but I really liked it.

Monday, May 2, 2016

Bunzels

http://www.bunzels.com/

Gourmet meat market, never been there, on my destination list.

Siri, remind me....

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Alphonso's Pizza

http://www.alphonsostheoriginal.com/Alphonsos/Alphonsos_Main_Page.html

HAMI (like a hawaiian)
Roadrunner (BBQ chicken)
Vega (vegetables)

All excellent.

Thursday, April 28, 2016

Craft beer and Jesus

http://www.jsonline.com/entertainment/beer/bible-and-a-brew-groups-get-together-to-talk-faith-over-a-pint-b99711177z1-377294401.html

Reminds me of the lyrics to a Paul Simon song that went something like, "Drinking craft beer and reading from the Bible...."

OK, maybe it was singing songs, but it is the same idea.

Everything goes better with craft beer.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Red Chair NWPA

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/55564/

I agree with the 96 world class rating.

I had it at the local Starbucks Evenings and it was excellent.

Brewer as Shaman

https://munchies.vice.com/en/articles/how-to-drink-hallucinogenic-beer-like-a-viking-shaman

I am inclined to skip the ergot, henbane, etc, and just go for the delicious craft beer.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Fatal Attraction

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/784/143380/

Fatal Attraction by Tyranena

Imperial Black IPA

Love the taste, but the 8.5% is too much alcohol.

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Easy Tyger

http://www.easytygermke.com/

Looks like my kind of place, I want to try everything on the menu.

Siri, remind me....

Edit: Corrected title from East Tyger to Easy Tyger.

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Chainbreaker

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/63/68942/

Chainbreaker White IPA by Deschutes in Oregon.

Very good, I would compare it to a farmhouse ale.

Starbuck Evenings

Tonight, we attended opening night at Starbuck Evenings in Muskego.

I had the chicken sausage and mushroom flatbread, and the Deschutes Chainbreaker White IPA.

Both were excellent.

Makes we want to go again.

Pan Fried Pork Chops

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/pan-fried-pork-chops-recipe.html

I find pan fried pork chops technically demanding.

No one wants an over done pork chop, tough and dried out.

But I am paranoid about under done pork.

And with bone in chops, they tend to cook unevenly.

Very hard to get them just right.

Sunday, April 10, 2016

Cellar Door

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/22150/58523/

Cellar Door by Stillwater.

Farmhouse ale.

On tap at The Brass Tap in Greenfield, WI.

Excellent but a wee bit pricey at $8 for less than a pint.

Lite

Lite beer from Miller.

Spelled wrong because it is brewed wrong.

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Carrot Cake for Two

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/carrot-cake-for-two.html

I could eat an entire carrot cake by myself, so I am not sure about the motivation to skimp on the amount of cake.

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Sunny Spain

https://www.penzeys.com/online-catalog/sunny-spain-seasoning/c-24/p-281/pd-s

Instantly transmogrifies any chicken or fish into the lemon pepper equivalent.

Particularly good on chicken confit.

One of my favorites, and I use a lot of it.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

Science Babe versus Food Babe, Part 2

http://www.scibabe.com/

The controversy continues.

Science Babe versus Food Babe, Part 1

http://gawker.com/the-food-babe-blogger-is-full-of-shit-1694902226

Since I am a huge fan of both food and science, it was inevitable that I would eventually encounter this.


Super Buttered Noodles

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/chicken-in-mustard-recipe.html

Want to try those super buttered noodles, even if I don't make the chicken.

Craft beer and burgers at Chipotle?

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2016/03/30/chipotle-open-better-burger-chain/82440378/

If Chipotle actually went to gourmet burgers and craft beer, then I would give them a try.

If not, I never have to eat at a Chipotle again.

Evenings at Starbucks

Evenings starts at the Muskego Starbucks April 12.

Craft beer and small plates.

Mark your calendar.

Siri, remind me....

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Dried Beans & Little Stones

Just sorted a one pound bag of dried beans before soaking them overnight.

Found 5 little stones, and every one of them was a potential tooth breaker.

No matter what brand you buy, it is adaptively vigilant to carefully sort through them.

Vintage Milwaukee Menus

http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/menus-are-time-capsules-of-fine-dining-in-milwaukee-b99691603z1-373848101.html?

Some fascinating Milwaukee history.

Includes a mention of Gene Wilder.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Egg Salad

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/chunky-egg-salad-recipe2.html

It makes me want to go out and buy a dozen eggs.

I love a good egg salad sandwich, that is true comfort food.

Monday, March 21, 2016

Pantry Soup

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/pasta-e-fagioli-recipe.html

I used the title Pantry Soup because The Food Network said this was a delicious way to clear out your pantry.

Oven Roasted Chicken Sausage

http://www.marthastewart.com/317296/roasted-chicken-sausage-and-potatoes

I want to try this.  I will have to see if Ray's has any smoked chicken sausage.

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Homemade Sweet Jalapenos

https://www.facebook.com/davesfamouspicklespeppersandjams/

Bought them from Dave at the Greenfield Farmers Market last summer.

Amazingly delicious.

Siri, remind me to buy many more this summer.

Barrel Aged Gin

http://www.vomfassusa.com/barrel-mellowed-gin

I get more citrus than juniper but this is one delicious gin.

Like drinking dessert.

l'hiver

http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/32249/200100/

l'hiver by door county brewing

A dark farmhouse ale, delicious, but the 8% ABV is a little higher than I would like.

If it was 4% ABV, it would be just about the best beer in the whole world.

Nori Komi Hawaiian Rolls

http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/whole-foods-market-somerville-2?select=AbmCnJGTex22ARXB97m_Qg

Bought some at Whole Foods on the sushi chef's recommendation, they were excellent.

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Craft Chocolate

https://www.spoon.com/chocolate-fudge-sauce.html

I love deeply delicious craft chocolate as much as anyone.

But why don't they get their chocolate from Kilwin's, their neighbor in Petoskey, Michigan?

Salmon

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/whole-wheat-spaghetti-with-lemon-basil-and-salmon-recipe.html

I think I might be over cooking my salmon, I always cook it more than 2 minutes per side.

Spicy Kale

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/spicy-kale-and-corn-stuffed-chicken-breasts-recipe.html

I like spicy and I like kale, so why not?

Tuesday, March 1, 2016

Corned Beef, Hales Corners Style

Corned Beef, Hales Corners Style

Corned beef brisket, 3-4 pounds (with seasoning packet, optional)
one quart vegetable stock
2T Penzey's salt-free seasoning (your choice, they are all good)
small cabbage, sliced into chunks
3 sweet onions, cut into quarters
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 apples, peeled and chopped
one head garlic, separated into cloves, peeled
8 red salad potatoes, cut into quarters
a couple of handfuls of carrots, peeled and chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Pour stock into roasting pan, add seasoning packet if available. Add salt-free seasoning. Stir.

Add corned beef, fat side up, roast covered, 2 hours.

Add remaining ingredients, roast covered, one hour.

Let stand covered 20 minutes.

Slice corned beef, serve on fresh-baked rolls.

Serve other ingredients as vegetable soup.

That is how we do it here in Hales Corners.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

Whole Foods in Wauwatosa

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/wauwatosa

We went to the new Whole Foods in Tosa this morning.  What a fabulous place.  There are not enough words in my vocabulary to describe how great this place is.

I had a Dark Mocha from the gourmet coffee bar, as good a cup of coffee as I have ever had.  Heavenly aroma and taste of coffee and chocolate but not sweet.

Draft beer includes some of my favorites: Booyah, Fat Squirrel, and Riverwest Stein.  We got a growler of the Booyah.

Awesome bakery selection, fresh fish counter, etc.

An outstanding addition to the Tosa community.

Friday, February 26, 2016

Point Burger Bar

http://www.pointburgerbar.com/

Features beers from the Point brewery in Stevens Point, WI.

On my wish list.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Dawson's Wild Spice

http://www.mcssl.com/store/add1769958bd476592530d3c411e26/classic-red-wild-chili-mix

Dawson's Wild Spice Classic Red Wild Chili Mix

I received this as a Christmas present.

Particularly excellent on chili and bean soup.

Heavenly fragrance, marvelous flavor.

Very odd that neither their website nor their facebook page is functional.


The Perfect Grill

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Comfort Food Casserole

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/spaghetti-and-meatballs-casserole.html

I had no idea that spaghetti and meatballs used so many eggs.

Hales Corners Shortbread

Hales Corners Shortbread

4 sticks butter, softened (but NOT melted)
1 cup sugar
5 cups flour
1T vanilla (yes, tablespoon, NOT teaspoon)

Cream butter and sugar together.

Mix in vanilla.

Add flour, mix until uniform, it will be very dry and crumbly.

Knead until texture is similar to a drier version of play dough.

Roll into one inch balls, press onto cookie sheets.

Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes, or until lightly browned.

Important note: Since there is no risk of raw-egg disease, just go ahead and eat the dough. No baking required.


Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Cast Iron Skillet Vanilla Almond Corn Bread

Cast Iron Skillet Vanilla Almond Corn Bread

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Preheat skillet in oven.

Mix all ingredients.

Remove hot skillet from oven, grease (for example, high temp pan spray).

Pour batter into skillet, return to hot oven.

Bake 25 minutes (you want a good crust, but do not want the center too dry).



1 1/4 cup corn meal

3/4 cup flour

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/3 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

2 eggs, well beaten

one stick butter, melted

1 tablespoon vanilla extract (no, that is not a typo, tablespoon, NOT teaspoon)

Onion Turkey Meatballs

Onion Turkey Meatballs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Grease cookie sheet (high temp pan spray works well).

Mix all ingredients, shape into about two dozen gold ball size meatballs.

Bake 25 minutes, or until browned and not pink in center.



2 pounds ground turkey

1 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoon salt-free seasoning (any Penzey's mix works great)

one medium sweet onion, finely chopped

2 eggs, well beaten



Further note: I covered the cooked meatballs in marinara, baked them an additional 45 minutes, and served them over pasta.  Yummy.