gabby29's Profile
Wine Shop
If you go to Binny's on Grand ask for Steve. Whole Foods in Lincoln Park on Kingsbury ask for Keith. Both are very well versed in the wines you're seeking. Enjoy!
your favorite way to use ground lamb?
I love making kafta with lamb. I discovered the recipe in the Arabesque cookbook. Sometimes I make them as greek burgers, other times I use the meat for different purposes. You're able to make the batch and keep it in the freezer, taking what you need as appropriate.
in search of the perfect blender
I just saw a VitaMix demo at Costco. The unit is not loud and was able to make a tasty chicken tortilla soup, mocha frapp, and an applesauce including the seeds. I previously wanted this unit but after seeing the demo I am definitely sold. Costco was offering a roadshow special price of $394
healthy cooking -- cookbooks
As one that has lost a significant amount of weight I would caution you to be realistic about what you will or won't sacrifice. The posters that have suggested that you use fresh quality ingredients are correct. The flavors are more pronounced and ironically more fulfilling than processed foods. In essence you eat less and will lose weight assuming you don't overindulge in other areas. I think Julia said it best, eat what you like but in moderation.
Make exchanges, enjoy your cheese and chocolate but simply purchase better products and you will notice a huge difference. Increase your water intake and when you're craving soda opt for an Italian soda instead. In other words mix it up. I don't suggest that you forsake sugar completely as some radically do and I can assure you the weight does return if you ever start consuming it again. I believe food is meant to be enjoyed and eating for pleasure makes all the difference.
As for books, look at used bookstores and Zooba.com. The latter does carry one of Deborah's books and many of the others suggested for only $9.95 a piece without tax or shipping. Whatever you decide I wish you much success on your quest for a healthier lifestyle.
Pot Roast Bacon / Pork Belly Question
Check the CH board. Others have posted comments about the pork belly recipe and gave it high marks.
home made pizza dough
Have you tried changing the manufacturer of the ingredients you use to impart different flavors? For instance, you could try KA flour, a different olive oil, perhaps Sicilian which has a deeper flavor, something other than the standard clover honey, maybe roasting some garlic in the oil and using that instead, etc. The wonderful thing about this recipe is the ability to play with it.
Pot Roast Bacon / Pork Belly Question
All About Braising has a wonderful recipe using pork belly that is prepared slowly. If you don't have access to the book I can find the recipe or paraphrase it if you'd like.
Brown sugar too dry to use?
Placing a slice of bread in your container also works wonders.
Marble slab for pastries, where to buy?
I second the Sur La Table recommendation. It is a very large slab with 4 small rubber pegs on the bottom to help with adhesion. The slab is quite heavy and is white with black markings. It usually retails for $39.
A French Laundry Dinner at Home
Simply amazing. Thomas Keller is my favorite chef and I'm oogling your dishes! Congratulations on a successful meal and a gorgeous presentation.
Baking with Dorie Greenspan
I just received this book myself and you must try the Coffee-Break muffins. They are very flavorful, the perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of coffee and extremely moist. Furthermore they keep well and retain their moisture.
Vodka Martinis?
Semantics aside I would agree that homemade infusions are much better. I finally tried my hand at one and have a nice raspberry vodka to enjoy. They are simple and much more cost effective in the long run. While testing my infusion I added a little cointreau and chambord to the raspberry vodka and it was heavenly. I'm a definite convert!
Please Post New No Knead Bread Recipe From Cooks
As you requested. Let us know how it turns out.
http://www.cooksillustrated.com/printrecipe.asp?recipeids=4748&bdc=56976
Your best cabbage recipes?
I've only made cabbage once but I really enjoyed the Braised Cabbage dish from All About Braising. It is simple, rustic, and easy to make.
Copper cookware from Sur La Table
Actually this occurs more than you realize. A couple of years ago I noticed a sale on Bloomingdales branded cookware on their website, but the specifics and description were identical to a similar set of All-Clad. It appears that it was once popular for a store to produce their own line of products. I was fortunate to nab a 12 piece set for next to nothing.
A novice cooks plates for the week, w/ pics.
Congratulations on your success. The dishes look very nice and I really like your presentation. What are you hoping to conquer next?
The Ultimate Pound Cake
Wow this is great thank you! I will definitely share this one with my mother.
mac n'cheese with egg or no egg in the sauce?
Barefoot Contessa makes a version. Some have opted to replace the bread crumbs with panko. Alas, she does not use egg and her version is creamy and adaptable.
http://www.recipezaar.com/202981
"Indian Food Made Easy"
I've caught the show as well and the first one was quite intriguing, but I wasn't as impressed with the second that I saw. On the other hand, I'm really enjoying Kylie Kwong and await the arrival of program that focuses on Indian cuisine that will have a longer shelf life than the present.
Meat and Fish
Yes I've noticed the inconsistency as well, but the prices can't be beat. Like most I'm looking forward to the farmer's market and have considered signing up with Local Harvest for good produce during year.
Meat and Fish
How uncanny, I was thinking of grabbing both to prepare recipes from All About Braising. I've actually been in there before and I recall the tables of meat out in the open but I wasn't bothered by it.
Meat and Fish
I wanted to pick up some shrimp and basicly see how the place is. I'm not sure what to expect regarding quality but appears that many feel that the prices are competitive.
Dorie's Sticky buns
Keep an eye out at Amazon. They carry the refurbished Kitchen Aid Pro 5 and I've seen it for as low as $129. As with all Kitchenaid products that have been returned, they have been tested and are under warranty. You will find similar items on the Kitchenaid website in the outlet area.
The Ultimate Pound Cake
Thank you for all the suggestions and feedback. I think this is something that we'll experiment, trying different recipes for variety's sake. For what it's worth my non-baking daughter is excited about making the egg now pound cake.
Meat and Fish
I believe Paulina will be my place with intermittent stops at Gepperth's when necessary. What do you recommend from Isaacson's and what should I stay away from?
As for Costco, the only meat I ever purchased there was salmon when I had not developed the palate I have now. It was good and the price wasn't bad but now I'm more particular.
Glad to hear the feedback about Green City Market. I saw the stand for Heartland but wasn't sure how the meat tasted. I will definitely give them a try.
While we're on the subject of good food, is Stanley's my only option for good produce in this area that won't break the bank?
Meat and Fish
My apologies I used the wrong verbiage. I was thinking about the places along Lake Street near Halsted and slightly west but posted something different.
Fox and Obel has its merits but I don't shop there. I can't justify the mark up and will only consider it if I'm seeking a rare item that can't be found elsewhere or one I need at the last minute.
Best butter for baking?
Thanks for the resource information. I'm just beginning to bake and prepare desserts on a frequent basis (3-4 times per week) and I can't imagine using the expensive butters for these dishes. While I have considered doing so for a plain pound cake, for everyday baking I think I'll stick with the organic butter from Trader Joes.
Baking Stone
Thank you all for the wonderful responses. I think I'm going to go with the stone from King Arthur's catalog. It is large and has been tested by CI which actually matters in this case. I considered the heart kit but it leaves little room in the oven for anything else and for my purposes that isn't practical. Although I do have an internal thermometer, what are your opinions on the digital ones that reside on the outside? Are they more accurate/beneficial particularly for those that bake frequently?
Meat and Fish
I've nearly consumed all the meat in my freezer and I've decided that I will purchase these items from a butcher from now on. I'm seeking recommendations for meat and fish purveyors in the loop or near north area of the city. I am willing to travel a little further if necessary. While quality is a big issue for me, I also am seeking places that offer great meats for braising or stews. I realize some outlets may not be fully organic and this is fine. Due to the proliferation of places in the stockyard area and my lack of experience with any, I'm hoping you can fill in the blanks. Thanks in advance.
