Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Week 16: Montreal, Canada

Dan was out of town again last week and this week being short, I am going to try to get a tabletop meal in before we travel this weekend. 

In March 2006 Dan and I took a trip to Canada that included stops in Montreal, Quebec City, and a stay at the Ice Hotel.  It was an amazing trip with many great memories.  We started and finished the trip in Montreal.  One of our meals included french fries cooked in duck fat...mmmm! I am still not 100% sure what I will be making but am leaning towards a typical dish that I don't think we ate, but sounds sinful.




 Dan got a few stitches from a hockey injury right before the trip.





You can't go to Canada and not go to a hockey game! 

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Filet Mignon and Lobster Mashed Potatoes

There really isn't a step by step guide to this recipe.  And despite being one of the more expensive meals I have prepared, it was also one of the easiest.  I wasn't sure I would be able to buy a live lobster and cook it, so I found frozen lobster tails at a local super market.  If you are up for the live lobster adventure, the taste is going to be even better.  I followed the directions on the package to boil the tails, then removed the meat.  I boiled some Yukon Gold potatoes and mashed them with half and half and butter.  If you have Old Bay on hand I would recommend adding some, we didn't and I didn't want to buy it for just one recipe. I prepared the lobster and potatoes in the morning.  To reheat for dinner I placed the potatoes in an over safe dish and warmed them up at 250 for 20-30 minutes.  Meanwhile I grilled the meat, sauteed some fresh zuchini, and warmed up the lobster with lots of butter in a pan ( I undercooked the lobster in the morning knowing I would have to reheat it.)  I added some salt and pepper and then mixed the lobster with the potatoes.  Simple and delicious!!



Monday, May 16, 2011

Week 15: Los Angeles, CA

Dan was out of town last week, so our tabletop travels were put on hold while I had a "relaxing" week at home with the kids.  We resume this week with a trip to the West Coast.  We visited Los Angeles back in May of 2008.  We enjoyed a few days in the area visiting Santa Monica, Malibu, the Getty Villa, and friends in Huntington Beach.  One night we were brave enough to go to dinner at Mastro's in Beverly Hills with Zachary, who was 20 months at the time.  It wasn't his most cooperative moment, so we took turns eating dinner and walking him outside. 

So this week the menu includes filet mignon and lobster mashed potatoes!



Sunday, May 8, 2011

New York Style Pizza

On this adventure I made my own crust and sauce.  At first I was worried about the dough because I had a hard time shaping it, but I worked with it for a bit and was pleased with the result.

Dough Ingredients

1 (1/4-ounce) package active dry yeast
1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading & dredging
3/4 cup warm water
1 1/2  tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp olive oil

Directions

1. Stir together yeast, 1tbsp flour, and 1/4 cup of warm water in a measuring cup and let stand until surface appears creamy (approx. 5 min)
2. Stir together 1 1/4 cups flour and salt in a large bowl. Add yeast mixture, oil and remaining 1/2 cup warm water until smooth.  Stir in enough of remaining flour so dough comes away from sides of bowl. 
3. Knead dough on a dry surface with lightly floured hands. Form into 1 ball. Loosely cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in bulk (about 1 1/4 hours).

To shape for baking:
1. Do not punch down dough. Carefully dredge dough in a bowl of flour to coat and transfer to dry work surface. Holding one edge of dough in the air with both hands and letting bottom tough work surface, carefully move hands around edge of dough, allowing weight of dough to  stretch round to roughly 10 inches.


Z helping with toppings.
I then decided the par-bake the crust at 425 for 6 minutes before putting on the toppings.

For the sauce I just pureed a can of diced tomatoes, a can of tomato paste, a little olive oil, a little salt, and some Italian seasonings. I boiled it for a few minutes to thicken and added about a tbsp of brown sugar while doing so.

Top with any ingredient you like and bake for 12-14 minutes!


Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Week 14: New York City


My favorite time of year to go to NYC is around the holidays in December.  The crisp winter air combined with the hustle and bustle and decorations make it a magical place.

There are so many great restaurants around the city and you can find any type of food there.  But one of our favorite things to do is grab some pizza at John's- usually before catching a Broadway show.
So this week I will be taking on NY style pizza!

Z at FAO when he was 15 months old.


Friday, April 29, 2011

Teriyaki Chicken with Mushrooms & Asparagus

Inspiration for this weeks meal never really came to me, so I took a meal that I did have there (teriyaki chicken) and added the fresh vegetables we got from the farm this week.

I did make my own teriyaki sauce, so here is the recipe I used: 

Ingredients

1/2 cup soy sauce-
  I used low sodium
1/2 cup dry sherry
2/3 cup mirin
2 tablespoons sugar-
  I used brown sugar

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until reduced to about 3/4 cup, about 15 minutes. Pour into a shallow bowl to cool.  It can be kept refrigerated for up to 5 days.

I cooked the chicken, then the veggies, and then added the sauce and let it all finish cooking together.  Next time I will marinate the chicken in it first.


Sunday, April 24, 2011

Week 13: Vancouver, B.C.

After a week off for Spring Break, I am back and a bit stumped this week.  We traveled to Vancouver in June of 2007 prior to our Alaskan cruise.  Through a family friend we were able to get hooked up at the penthouse of the Sandman hotel- awesome room!  We enjoyed exploring the city and I have great memories, but draw a complete blank when it comes to what we ate.  That doesn't mean it wasn't good...maybe had more to do that Zachary was 10 months at the time, so meals were quick and on the go. 

So when researching food from that area, I found some common themes- Salmon and Asian inspired dishes.  Vancouver is known for good sushi (Dan had some while we were there), but I am not a fan.  I am also not a huge fan of salmon, though I wish I was since it is good for you.  As I write this I have no clue what I will be cooking this week...maybe we need to go back.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Cheese Steak

The cheese steak we had last night probably would not qualify as a traditional Philly Cheese Steak, but in this journey I also want to make sure that I am watching costs, health, and trying not to buy too many ingredients that we usually wouldn't buy or that I would only use once (i.e cheese whiz).

Ingredients



  • 1 loaf Italian bread or 1 loaf French bread or 2 large hoagie rolls or 2 large sub rolls


  • 1/2 lb roast beef , rib eye, or any other meat thinly sliced


  • 1 white onion (thinly sliced)


  • 1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced) (optional)


  • 1/2 lb provolone cheese (thinly sliced)                                              


  • extra virgin olive oil (for grilling)


  • salt and pepper



  •  ketchup (optional topping)





  • Directions

    1. Heat a griddle or a large saute pan over medium-high heat.

    2. When hot, cover bottom with olive oil.

    3. Add the onions and bell pepper and cook, stirring, until caramelized, which will take about 6 to 8 minutes.

    4. Add the salt and pepper, and cook for about 30 seconds.

    5. Then, push the mixture off to one side of the griddle.

    6. Add the meat to the hot part of the griddle.

    7. Cook, continuously flipping the meat over and slightly chopping the meat into slightly smaller pieces with two spatulas, until the meat is not pink, which should take about 2 minutes.

    8. Mix the meat and the caramelized onions and bell pepper together.

    9. Divide into 2 portions, and top both portions with the cheese to melt.

    10. If using Italian or French bread, cut the bread in half, crosswise, and slice lengthwise to open for the 2 sandwiches.

    11. Hollow out some of the soft white bread part from inside and place face down on top of the meat and cheese.

    12. When the cheese is melted, and with 1 or 2 spatulas, flip the sandwiches over and add topping, such as marinara sauce or ketchup, if desired, and serve immediately.










    Monday, April 11, 2011

    Week 12: Philadelphia, PA

    The only time Dan and I have been to the Philly area together was to attend a surprise party for one of his friends.  We didn't do any touristy things, though I have done those before.  Philadelphia is a city filled with history and many landmarks. But the main reason for Philadelphia making our list was so that we could have a good excuse for a Philly Cheese Steak! 

    
    Picture copied from on-line image
    

    Wednesday, April 6, 2011

    Crab Cakes

    Ok so this week I was a little spoiled since I am using the crab cake recipe from Dinner Done and I just so happened to have some in my freezer.  So all I had to do was cook them!  I am very thankful to have found a place like Dinner Done (http://www.dinnerdone.com/) and grateful that they shared the recipe with me.



    Ingredients & Preparation


    1.   In a large bowl, whisk two eggs. 

    2.   Add to the eggs:

    ·         ¼ cup pimentos, drained
    ·         ¼ cup green onion
    ·         ¼ cup diced onion
    ·         ¼ cup mayonnaise
    ·         1 Tbls fresh parsley
    ·         1 Tbls Old Bay Seasoning
    ·         ½ tsp pepper
    ·         1 cup Panko breadcrumbs           

    3.   Gently fold in 1 can crab meat using a large spoon.

    4.    Form the patties.  Place patties in pan.  If patties aren’t holding together, add a little more mayo or an egg to the mix.  If they are too wet, add more Panko. Makes around 8 patties.

    5.   These are best sautéed, but if you think you will be baking them, you may want to sprinkle a little extra Panko on each crab cake for extra crunch.

    You can make these and freeze them and then thaw as needed. Mmmm good!


    Next week we are packing the car and traveling two hours north of D.C. to the city of brotherly love!

    Monday, April 4, 2011

    Week 11: Washington D.C.

    This week just so happened to coincide with a trip back to DC to see the in-laws, Cherry Blossoms, and Washington Capitals.  I moved to the DC area after graduate school and stayed longer than planned because I met Dan there.  We lived in Fairfax, VA for six years and both our kids were born there.  So the whole area has many memories for us.  One of our favorite things to do in DC was to explore new restaurants, especially during Restaurant Week twice a year. 

    You can find all types of food in DC, so instead of trying to pick a dish from one of our favorite restaurants, I am going to cook a meal that is often associated with the area- Crab Cakes!


    Wednesday, March 30, 2011

    Deep Dish Pizza

    There are many recipes out there when you google "Chicago Deep Dish Pizza", so finding the most authentic is almost impossible.  I read over many of them and once again just kind of created one based on ingredients I had and what sounded good to me.  The result was a delicious pizza!

    Ingredients

  • 1/4 ounce active dry yeast (2 1/4 tsps)

  • 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water

  • 1 teaspoon sugar

  • 3 1/4 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dusting

  • 1 teaspoon table salt

     

  • 1/2 cup olive oil, plus more olive oil, for oiling bowl and pan



  • Directions

    1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in1/4 cup of the warm water. Add the sugar and 1/4 cup of the flour and stir with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula to combine.
    2. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 20 minutes.
    3. Add the remaining 1 cup warm water and 3 cups flour, the cornmeal, salt, and 1/2 cup olive oil.
    4. Using a wooden spoon, mix the dough, incorporating as much of the flour as possible.
    5. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured work surface and knead until soft and elastic, 10 to 12 minutes. It will be a little sticky, but shouldn't stick to your hands.
    6. Add only a minimum amount of flour to the work surface to keep the dough from sticking.
    7. Lightly oil a large bowl. Add the dough and turn to coat on all sides.
    8. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place a clean, damp, kitchen towel over the top.
    9. Set the bowl in a warm spot and let rise until doubled in volume, 1 1/2 to 2 hours. (For a slow rise, place the covered bowl in the refrigerator and let rise for 10 to 12 hours, returning dough to room temperature before using).
    10. When the dough has doubled in volume, punch it down and knead it for 2 to 3 minutes. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of an oiled 14-inch round deep-dish pizza pan.
    11. Let the dough rise in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes.
    12. Press the dough until it comes 2 inches up the sides and is even on the bottom and at the corners of the pan.
    13. Preheat the oven to 475°F (220°C). Prick the dough bottom with a fork at 1/2-inch intervals and parbake the crust for exactly 4 minutes in the preheated oven. Brush the crust lightly with olive oil.
    14. Lower the oven to 425°F. Add toppings to the parbaked crust and bake in the over for 25-30 minutes.  Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before cutting.
    I layered the crust with shredded mozzarella, italian sausage, and a can of diced tomatoes (drained).  I used my cast iron skillet to bake the pizza.



    Tuesday, March 29, 2011

    Week 10: Chicago, IL


    This week we are headed to the Windy City, a place near and dear to my heart.  My Dad was born and raised in Chicago and I lived in Crown Point, IN for 5 years as a child, so I remember many wonderful trips to the city.

    Dan, Zachary, and I visited in June 2009 and had a wonderful time. We visited the museums, went to a Cubs game, and ate our way through the city.  Chicago is known for several different foods including the Chicago style hot dog and deep dish pizza.  I will be attempting to make the pizza this week!







       

    Thursday, March 24, 2011

    Grilled Mahi Mahi w/ Coconut Vanilla Sauce

    
    Tahitian Vanilla Bean
     Great vacation, not so great recipe. It was edible, Dan even said he liked it-though we both agreed the sauce was missing something. 
    Below is the recipe for the sauce, it can be used for shrimp, fish, or chicken.

    Ingredients



  • Tahitian vanilla bean -- 1

  • Rum -- 1/2 cup ( I used light because it is what we had, but other recipes I saw called for dark rum)



  • Coconut milk -- 1 cup (I used light)



  • Heavy cream -- 1 cup




  • Directions

    1. Slit the vanilla bean down the middle and scrape out the seeds. Add the rum, vanilla bean pod and seeds to the pan and bring to a boil. Cook until the rum is largely evaporated.
    2. Pour in the coconut milk and cream. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer slowly until the sauce is thickened and its volume is reduced by about half. I didn't get a thick consistency-and watch out for boiling over.
    3. Serve with your choice of protein over rice.
    * I removed the vanilla bean pod before pouring the sauce over the fish.  I then rinsed it and let it dry.  I placed it in a container and covered it with sugar. It will sit for a few weeks and then hopefully I'll have some vanilla suagr for baking or coffee.


    So as I sip on some Vanilla liqueur from Moorea and think about how to improve on this recipe, I am also planning for a trip back to the States next week.  We are headed to a great city, with wonderful food, but not such great winters...

    Monday, March 21, 2011

    Week 9: Moorea, French Polynesia

    Ahh right about now I would sell most of what I have for a few weeks of relaxing on a beach!  And since I am dreaming, I might as well head back to paradise.  Dan and I spent our honeymoon on the islands of Moorea and Bora Bora.  Breathtaking scenery, amazing underwater life, and delicious fresh fish.  One meal that we remember fondly was at a restaurant called La Plantation.  Being a constituent country of the French Republic, among the local cuisine are classic french dishes with a tropical flare. 

    On the flight home from Bora Bora, we were looking at over the 200 pictures we had taken.  In an attempt to edit on of the pictures I pressed the format button, thinking edit, not erase.  Next thing I know there was a blue screen and the picture numbers were going down.  In a matter of seconds ALL our pictures were gone!  Such a heart breaking way to end an amazing trip.  So at the airport in Tahiti, still crying I approached some of the other couples I had seen at our resorts and asked if they would send me their honeymoon pictures.  Between the ones that were sent to us and some that I managed to get on-line I was able to put together a scrapbook. The only pictures of Dan and I on our honeymoon are the few we had taken with our underwater disposable cameras.  So it's us and a bunch of fish!  All the more reason to one day go back, but for now I will have to settle with my version of a Polynesian dinner.



    Wednesday, March 16, 2011

    Chicken Enchiladas

    Ingredients


  • 2 (4 ounce) cans green chilies


  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes


  • 2 teaspoons salt


  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded                          


  • 2 cups sour cream


  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated


  • 6-8  flour tortillas


  • * I had a can of black beans already open so I decided to add them to the mix




    Directions





     Next week we will keep the suncreen in our bags as we head to one of the most beautiful tropical locations in the world...
  • Drain and break up tomatoes, reserving 1/2 cup liquid.

  • Add tomatoes,1 teaspoon salt, reserved tomato liquid and chilies to a pan.


  • Simmer, uncovered until thick, about 30 miminutes.                                


  • Remove sauce from skillet and set aside.


  • Combine chicken with sour cream, cheese and remaining salt.

  • Fill tortillas with chicken mixture.


  • Roll up


  • Arrange side by side, seam side down, in 9 x 13 x 2 inch baking dish.


  • Bake at 350 until warm in the middle, around 30 minutes. 

  • Pour sauce over enchiladas and serve.







  • This dish is not spicy, but you can add some heat by using hot chilies or adding some spices to the chicken mix.

    Monday, March 14, 2011

    Week 8: Playa del Carmen, Mexico

      In May of 2006, Dan and I took a trip to Playa del Carmen to celebrate our Babymoon and his 33rd birthday.  Playa del Carmen is located south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula. We stayed at the Secrets all-inclusive resort and spent the days just relaxing and enjoying our time as a couple.  One day we took a side trip to Tulum, a beautiful Mayan outpost.
      Since we were staying at the resort and I was pregnant, we didn't venture out to eat.  And although the resort food was good, nothing really stood out.  So this week I am actually going to cook a recipe for Chicken Enchiladas that I have been using for years.  Now this recipe probably has no Mexican authenticity, but it tastes great!

    Tuesday, March 8, 2011

    Salt Crusted Fish

      One of the most wonderful meals we remember eating was a salt crusted fish in Algeciras, so I attempted it at home.  The hardest part of this meal was finding the whole fish-finally found a large selection at our local Grand Asia Market.  Now if you have never been to an Asian market, you are missing the opportunity to feel like you are in a foreign country.  Aisles of so many different types of food that I have no idea what they are or how to cook them, but I am sure in the right combination can make a great meal.
      I walked up to the fish counter and realized this was the first time ever buying a whole fish and I felt a little lost.  I tried to explain to the lady working the counter how I planned to cook the fish and got a blank look back, so I knew that picking the type of fish was up to me.  Luckily I had done some google searching and recognized some of the fish names.  So I picked out two Porgies and had them cleaned and packed.



    Ingredients                                                                       

    4-6 egg whites (depending on size of fish)
    1 48oz box Kosher salt
    1 large or 2 smaller firm fish (porgy, black sea bass, snapper)
    Herbs (thyme, basil or any others you may like)
    1 lemon
    Olive Oil

    Directions
    Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.
    Whisk egg whites till they form soft peaks, and fold in salt.
    (1) Place herbs & two lemon slices in body cavity of fish, and set the fish aside. Spread a cup of egg-white mixture on a large oven-safe platter.
    (2) Place fish on platter and spoon remaining egg-white/salt mixture over top.
    (3) Place the platter in the oven, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 10 minutes.
    (4) Using a wooden spoon, strike crust to crack. Carefully remove pieces of salt crust from top of fish and divide meat among plates. Serve with your best extra-virgin olive oil and lemon wedges.
    

    Sunday, March 6, 2011

    Week 7: Algeciras, Spain

      Algeciras is a port city in southern Spain.  Dan and I traveled there by train from Madrid in December of 2003 to visit family from my mom's side.  Our first meal there was at a beach side restaurant and both Dan and I had some of the best fish dishes we've ever tasted. I will be attempting one of them later in the week!
      Unfortunately our last meal there made me sick just in time for a three hour bus ride to Sevilla.  The morning of our departure our hosts took us to a local cafe and I tried manteca colorada ( lard seasoned with paprika) on toast.  I didn't know what it was when it was given to me and it is one of those things that once was enough for me.

    Exploring Gibraltar