cbritton's Profile
recipes using green tomato?
I just made this delicious Thai Green Tomato Soup: http://28cooks.blogspot.com/2009/10/thai-green-tomato-soup-okay-so-let-me.html
Do you have a favorite I'm-alone-now-so-nobody-will-know favorite dish?
I always keep a box of frozen Goya fried plantains on hand. They are so delicious, baked in the oven, dipped into Wegmans' garlic caesar dressing.
Spiced nuts
I just made an Indian Spiced Nuts version that is insanely tasty. Here's the basic recipe, although a picture and more spiced variations are on the blog www.28cooks.com:
Indian-Spiced Nuts
1/4 heaping tsp coriander seed
1/4 heaping tsp fennel seed
1/4 heaping tsp yellow mustard seed
1/4 heaping tsp white peppercorns
1/4 heaping tsp cumin seed
1/2 tsp black sesame seeds
1/4 tsp coarse kosher salt
1/8 tsp ground chipotle chile powder (optional)
1/4 c raw pinenuts
1/2 c raw walnuts
1/2 c raw almonds
3/4 c raw cashews
1/2 c sugar
In a small skillet, toast coriander, fennel, mustard seed, peppercorns, and cumin seeds for a few minutes, or until they start to pop. Shake continuously throughout this process. Remove from heat and allow to cool for a minute or two. Place in mortar and pestle (or spice grinder) and process until coarsely ground. Place in a small container and add sesame seeds, salt, and chipotle powder.
In large pan, combine nuts and sugar over medium high heat. Stir frequently until sugar starts to melt. Lower heat, and stir continuously for 10 minutes, or until sugar starts to fully melt and cover nuts. Add spice mixture and continue to cook for an additional 30 seconds, until nuts are well glazed and pepper is well mixed in. Pour onto sheet of wax paper on a cooling rack and spread out. Allow to cool. Store in tightly-sealed container.
Smoked Garlic
Actually, I left the bulbs intact. I tossed them with olive oil, coarse salt, and some freshly cracked pepper and then put them on the smoker rack. I smoked them over hickory wood for about 45 minutes, turned the heat off, and then let them cool, undisturbed.
They came out perfect!
Smoked Garlic
The spread sounds great. I bet that would be fantastic smeared on a crispy piece of bread...
Smoked Garlic
No, more like roasted garlic - soft, but still retaining its shape. I'm thinking I'm going to dehydrate some of it and grind it in my spice grinder, aka. coffee grinder. The rest is going to be used in various ways. Tonight, I'm hoping to make a smoked garlic cream sauce to go over pasta.
Smoked Garlic
So I just threw a few heads of garlic in my stovetop smoker with some hickory wood chips. Any suggestions on what I can do with the finished garlic??
Five Guys Burgers
As a vegetarian, I am in LOVE with Five Guys. We have 2 here in Lancaster and they make the most fabulous veggie burger. They put whatever toppings you'd like on a bun - mine normally contains sauteed mushrooms and onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, jalapeno, and a touch of A-1 sauce. It reminds me a lot of In-N-Out Burger on the West Coast where I'm from.
I'll agree with the assessment of the fries however. They are often overdone, but tasty nonetheless, especially the cajun fries.
Good Restaurant in Penn State
Hello! My boyfriend and I will be going to Penn State next Monday for a concert at the Bryce Jordan Center and are looking for a nice place for dinner before the show. Preferably we are looking for a nicer-style restaurant with a decent wine list. Any recommendations??
Stuffed Portobella Mushrooms
I make stuffed portabellas quite a bit and I don't precook them before stuffing and baking them. I like them stuffed with a crabmeat mixture (8 oz cream cheese, 8 oz crabmeat, 1 pkg Lipton Garlic and Herb mix) or I also have a recipe for Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Portabellas on my website (http://28cooks.blogspot.com/2008/01/spinach-artichoke-stuffed-mushrooms.html) with is also super tasty. Good luck!
Where can I get Schweppes Bitter Lemon?
I actually just found Schweppes Bitter Lemon in my local Weis market (Fruitville Pike in Lancaster). I was absolutely shocked since I haven't seen it around in years. I immediately purchased a few since it's fantastic, but there were plenty left!
Lancaster next week...Are we on the right track?
Actually, there's a brand new Indian restaurant on Columbia Avenue in the Travelodge where 3 Crowns used to be. From the reviews I've heard from friends, they have a lunch buffet that rivals Taj Mahal and the food is much better. It's on my list of things to try.
As far as Lemongrass, I've never been impressed with it. Rice and Noodles is definitely superior, in my humble opinion.
I agree with the review on Effie's - I had what was quite possibly the best meal I've ever eaten in Lancaster there. Definitely worth trying to get in, plus it's BYOB.
Gibraltars used to be a top restaurant for me, but unfortunately has declined in service and food. Although the atmosphere is still there, I find the rest to be lacking.
For my money, the best all purpose, yet still absolutely fantastic restaurant in Lancaster is Checker's on the corner of Mulberry and James Street. The food is moderately priced, yet everything is absolutely fantastic. The owners are there daily and make sure that everyone has a great dining experience. If they have a daily fish special, order it. Every single one I've tried has been absolutely fantastic. Give Checkers a try - I promise you won't be disappointed!
http://checkersbistro.com/index.html
Who Stayed In and What Did You Make For NYE?
We had a lovely little sushi making party at a friend's house. It was a grand success, although we overbought on the fish. Who knew 2 pounds each of salmon, tuna, and mackerel was too much? In addition, we had some chili glazed edamame, crab spring rolls with an asian aioli, and plenty of wine. It was quite fantastic!
Happy New Year to all!
Smoked Salmon @ Home
Hey ya'll!
I've been dying to try my hand at smoking my own salmon at home. I don't have a smoker, but I'm not going to let that hold me back. =)
Has anyone made their own?
I'll also take any good gravlax recipes.
Thanks!
Christiane
