Phoebe's Profile
Steaming Crabs: Season the Water or the Crabs?
I live on the coast and have steamed many, many bushels of blue crabs in my lifetime. Have always flavored the "steaming" water with beer. It does make a difference over just using plain water. And when layering the crabs in the pot....each layer gets a generous amount of Old Bay, placed directly on the crabs. This is the only way I seen it done by others too. You don't want to boil them. Steaming is the only way to go!!!
Kaffir lime leaves - do you really eat them?
I too grow my own. Purchased 2 trees from Four Winds Growers in CA (mailorder) several years ago and have had great success. I live in zone 7-8 and do have to bring them in each fall/winter to be safe. Prefer my fresh leaves over the "frozen" sources I used to have to use in the past. Better flavor by far!!! I use the leaves both ways. Leave whole to flavor a dish, and then remove them last minute. But I also do the thin slivers 1/32" chifonade and leave them in the dish. My trees have fruited before. The limes are very small. Have used the juice and zest to flavor dishes. Freezing the leaves is a perfectly acceptable way to store any extra you might have.
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
It better come with some diamonds for that price!!!
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
While out of town, I happened to pick up a chipolte Cabot cheese at a local grocery store. Really enjoyed it!!!
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
JMF,
Problem is ...it isn't really a cheese shop. It's a wine store that happens to sell select cheeses. My area is really remote and quality is a concern. Most of my "high-end" purchases usually come from mailorder. Don't mind paying...but it has to be worth the $$$.
Duck Breast...Cold Pan Method...
I will make a trip to the library and see if they have this book. Thanks for the info.
Duck Breast...Cold Pan Method...
Caitlin,
I puchased several duck breasts from D'Artagnan's...so I can "experiment" a few different ways. For my first attempt, I will skip putting them in the oven and use your estimate of 15 minutes. My main goal is to render out as much fat as possible and end up with a crispy skin. I've cooked over 40 "whole" ducks in my lifetime, but....duck breasts are new to me.
Duck Breast...Cold Pan Method...
sunshine,
Does this result in a crispy skin for the breast? Adding water would seem to be more of a steaming method that would produce a "soggy" skin. I do plan on using your suggestion of using Grand Marnier to make the sauce. Thanks!
Duck Breast...Cold Pan Method...
Would you please estimate the total cooking time for this. (I do realize it will vary depending on the breast size.) Thanks!
Duck Breast...Cold Pan Method...
While searching for a different way to cook duck breast, I came across a recipe that says to start with a cold pan. Do not pre heat pan. Place breast side down, and once you hear sizzling, start timing for 5 minutes. Sear other side for 2-3 minutes. Flip to skin side and place in a 200* oven for 5 to 8 minutes. I've seen several posts using this "cold pan method". Supposedly, it renders more of the fat out, and results in a crispier skin. Any truth to it? If anyone knows...it's here on Chowhound!!! Also, please be specific on timing if this is the method you've used. Thanks for your advice.
I made yummy dog treats for pills
My pup got wise to the "cheese sandwich", hot dogs, and even rolled lunchmeat a long time ago. She'd eat the cheese...and spit the pill/capsule out. Cooked sweet potatoes cut into small bites works great. Both my dogs get some in their food daily. Tricks them everytime. Healthier too!
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
Don,
Thanks for being specific. I will try to locate some of your suggestions!!!
I made yummy dog treats for pills
I have to give one of my dogs 4 pills, 2x daily. Sounds like you go to a lot of trouble. For the "coated" pills...I just give them a dab of peanut butter. For the capsules and tablets...I either put them in a thin slice of banana...or a small piece of sweet potato. She loves them both ways!!!
A Birthday Cake for...."ME!"
Sandy...Let me wish you a Happy Birthday. Hope you're feeling better. Great topic. My birthday is next week also, and I too will be baking my own cake. Love all of the suggestions. Keep them coming.....
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
ferret,
Have you actually ordered anything? Looks like some great products....including the cured meats. Thanks for the site!!!
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
I have had to settle for supermarket cheeses due to my location...and am very fond of Cabot.
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
I'm in NC on the Outer Banks. Although there are 1 or 2 cheese shops here.....the "turn-over" isn't all that great and I'm unsure of their quality. (It's the "off season".) Don't mind spending extra for really quality cheeses of any type.
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
I love sharp...the sharper the better. I do have to admit my actual "knowledge" of cheese is limited. Is the age of cheese directly linked with it's sharpness, or is it the ingredients that go into making it? I must say that there has never been a cheese (of any variety or type) I've eaten that I didn't like. Any direction is helpful. Also, because I live in area where "good" cheese is hard to come by...any recommendation for online sources would be appreciated. Thanks everyone!
Cheddar please??? Who makes the best cheddars???
Would love to hear everyone's suggestions as to some of their favorite cheddars. Also, would like to know who makes the best cheddars??? Specific dairy farms...online sources, etc. Thanks!
What do you do with Spam?
Harters,
You beat me to it! Before I even started reading the comments, that's exactly what I was gonna write. A can of Spam on the shelf brings thoughts of terror.
Chefs and SMOKING
This is SOOOO TRUE!!! Years ago I used to cook on the line for several different restaurants. I used to smoke, but had quit by this time. I was always joking that the only way you could get a break was if you DID smoke!!! I honestly think I was the only non-smoker on the line. Got "stuck" on the line all of the time being abandoned by the smokers. Glad to see I wasn't the only one!!!
On another note...Never noticed a difference in my ability to taste things better after I quit smoking, but there was a MAJOR difference in my ability to smell after quitting.
Top Chef Texas - Ep. #13 - 02/01/12 (Spoilers)
Nope...you're not the only one!!! Love Pee Wee too. He was the only thing I found watchable about the episode. Tom C. commented on "Watch What Happens Live", which followed the episode, how fun it was to work with Paul Reubens.
What's The One Thing You Can't Eat, even for money.
I could NEVER eat veal. Not even for $10,000!!! I know many love it, but just can't get past the "ethical" personal issue for me. Not judging...just saying....
What's The One Thing You Can't Eat, even for money.
Totally disagree....SPAM is EVIL!!! Just the look and smell of it would have me "running for the hills".....I have to admit I do love sausage, chorizo, saucisson....but SPAM is a totally different product. Would add scrapple to the "bad" list also. I know it's very hypocritical...but that's just the way it is!!!!
Fantastic Poblano Peppers....Recipes Other Than Chile Rellenos???
CanNaus,
Very inventive. Will definately try your suggestions next time I make mac & cheese. Sounds great as a queso also. Thanks!!!
Fantastic Poblano Peppers....Recipes Other Than Chile Rellenos???
Val,
Took your suggestions with the additions of adding chipolte and chorizo. Fantastic!!1 The extre heat was really to my liking.
Fantastic Poblano Peppers....Recipes Other Than Chile Rellenos???
Sounds absolutely delicious!!!
Fantastic Poblano Peppers....Recipes Other Than Chile Rellenos???
Sorry this is so late....Thanks. I'll report back after making it. Thanks once again.
D'Artagnan's Free Shipping.....
D'Artagnan's is offering free s&h once again through out the month of February for orders of $100+ or more. Great deal. Would love to hear what you've ordered before. The good, the bad, an not so ugly.
Fantastic Poblano Peppers....Recipes Other Than Chile Rellenos???
Looks good!!! I just added another dish to make to my list. Thanks!
