Weekly Cooking (and related issues) Thread

[Jamestown1630]

I attended a buffet-style party recently where the food reminded me of the classic Italian appetizer/starter ‘antipasto’ - which literally means ‘before the meal’, or before the main course. And given the temperatures we’ve had here during the past week, it seems that a nice antipasto platter, along with a good bread and a round red wine would be a perfect meal in itself, for an unbearably hot evening - the kind where one would just like to ‘graze’ lazily on some cold, refreshing bites, and share a long conversation while the cicadas sing.

The offering classically consists of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and various fresh and marinated or pickled vegetables:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/26694/antipasto-platter/

I’ve always liked the Marinated Mushrooms, and especially like this recipe from the website ‘Peas and Crayons’, because the mushrooms are first sauteed in olive oil, instead of blanched in water; and because it uses button mushrooms – a lot of recipes use Cremini, which tend to have slightly tougher surfaces. I just think it works better with buttons. Make them far enough ahead so that they can age at least a day or two, for more intense flavor:

http://peasandcrayons.com/2015/05/10-minute-marinated-mushrooms.html

Another nice addition is Marinated Mozzarella balls; but you can do it with slices of mozzarella too, if you can’t find or don't want to make the little balls:

http://homecooking.about.com/od/cheeserecipes/r/bldairy24.htm

__________________________________________________________________________

I was out shopping yesterday, when our heat index was near 105; and at the point where I was dying for something to drink, I found a ginger-flavored limeade in a drugstore. It reminded me of this recipe from ‘Yin and Yang Living’, which I want to try:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Cnuu6bEi8k

-JT

[Liz]

Another variation of the popular tomato salad....this one has heirloom
tomatoes in colors, watermelon wedges, ricotta salata, and any number of
layers of flavor (your fridge holds the key). A simple dressing brings it
together.

[miss marmelstein]

Watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe work very well with this salad. A little bit of salt, vinegar, sugar and oil. Perfect balance!

[miss marmelstein]

Now that I live in an area overrun by shallow rooted pine trees and tough, clay soil, I’m back to container gardening except for my saffron bulbs.

But it doesn’t matter because the Jersey tomatoes have been excellent this year. A real bumper crop of big, red (all the way through) and juicy as well as yellow and heirloom tomatoes. Finally, the corn is improving after a slow start in July. Our little farmer’s market, filled with fresh eggs and organic meats and bacon is a Godsend.

[thesligoduffyflynns]

a lot of the recipes for chinese dishes call for oyster sauce & it’s pretty potent. many recipes i see mix soy sauce, oyster sauce and brown sugar together along with a tablespoon of cornstarch to marinate beef in for about 1/2 hr or so in a zip loc bag. i marinated sliced beef for more than 1/2 hour and didn’t seem to hurt it but it sure was tender when i stir fried it with broccoli.

[thesligoduffyflynns]

a lot of the recipes for chinese dishes call for oyster sauce & it’s pretty potent. many recipes i see mix soy sauce, oyster sauce and brown sugar together along with a tablespoon of cornstarch to marinate beef in for about 1/2 hr or so in a zip loc bag. i marinated sliced beef for more than 1/2 hour and didn’t seem to hurt it but it sure was tender when i stir fried it with broccoli

[Liz]

Mmmmm.....the addition of sugar to the simple dressing is a nice ouch.

[Liz]

Reminiscent of the chilled soups served on luxury cruises.....appy or dessert---depends on presentation.

Chilled Pear Soup

Proc/smooth 5 c yogurt, 2 1/2 c canned pears, 2 1/2 tea l/juice, 2/3 cup pear juice, tsp Poire William liquor.

Chill for later.

SERVE Garnished with diced pear and mint sprig....or snip of dill.

[thesligoduffyflynns]

yes you add the brown sugar to oyster sauce because when you are also adding the soy sauce it gets really salty

[thesligoduffyflynns]

yes you add the brown sugar to oyster sauce because when you are also adding the soy sauce it gets really salty.........

i’m still learning about rice wine vinegar so i can’t say for anything sure -— but i do know you can use it with chicken dishes in chinese cuisine & + it’s too much info to get into on this thread- perhaps later

[Jamestown1630]

That’s great. I think salami is my favorite of the cured meats.

[thesligoduffyflynns]

i can tell you when i started this little project of mine on how to make a good stir fry at home a lot of recipes for called for oyster sauce-it wasn’t only til I actually added it that you got a real flavor out of anything= but be forewarned- it’s thick and it’s strong & you’ll need to cut it.
personally? it’s really delicious! I’ve eaten bad chinese from a take out in my neighboorhood- let’s say “bad”= uninspired. I thought why not try to economize and replicate? & hey- i don’t go for type of rice they use in these joints- It’s easier to steam some Jasmine Rice (DEER BRAND) in the rice cooker. I’m a sucker for Jasmine Rice. Ever see that 20lb with the zipper in a brown fabric bag with handle and pic of the deer on the front? I’m a sucker for Jasmine rice that’s why I gave up eating potatoes (lol)

Dont buy pre/par boiled rice in large amounts as a lot of Asian markets put this on their shelves.
Buy regular rice like the Deer Brand & check to see what date it was harvested- the older the rice grain the better because it hardens just by sitting & it steams out great you can steam out this particular brand double the size +1/4 of the raw grain light & fluffy.

[lizma2]

The egg thing is a wayyy cool but “A stirred bath is heated by an immersion circulator which also circulates the water.” just probably won’t happen here!

Egg from fridge to boiling water, 7 minutes and 15 sec. Done. (Yes, multiple attempts with a stop watch on hand to come up with this number.)

Put it in a bowl on browned butter. Heaven!

Torching my meat???? Just moved, don’t have a grill. Possibility...

[lizma2]

Sounds great... and then I put it in the dishwasher! LOL! Thank you.

[r_barton]

A veggie dip sounds good on a hot day. I usually use the Hidden Valley Ranch packet to make Ranch Dressing Veggie Dip. Does anyone have a good from scratch recipe for Ranch Veggie Dip?

[leaning conservative]

Let me ask you, when I make my marinade I use soy sauce, garlic, ginger, Brown sugar, lemon juice & a little hot sauce. How much oyster sauce should I add?

Also, I have been contemplating a rice cooker. What kind d do you have? Thanks!

[kalee]

LOL I have never cooked it n the dishwasher but I imagine it comes out like it is poached in the foil.

[kalee]

Wendy’s has Blackberry Lemonade, which is delicious.

[kalee]

I loved Schlotsky’s but they all closed close to where I live. :(

[leaning conservative]

We would stop going thru Ohio quite a while ago. They were delicious!

[Liz]

Is this the same Schlotzskys Deli?
1380 Ave Of The Americas, New York, NY 10019

Cranberry, Apple, Pecan & Chicken
$8.25

fresh mixed field greens, goat cheese, pecans, dried cranberries, apple wedges, red onion, garlic focaccia croutons and grilled chicken strips. served with a side of hot fla…

Hearts Of Romaine Chicken Caesar
$6.70

crisp hearts of romaine lettuce, grilled chicken breast, shredded parmesan cheese and garlic focaccia croutons. served with a side of hot flat bread and dressing of your cho…

Turkey Avocado Cobb
$8.25

fresh mixed field greens, diced turkey breast, chopped bacon, diced avocado, goat cheese, diced egg, diced tomatoes, black beans and garlic focaccia croutons. serve…

Turkey Chef
$7.20

fresh mixed field greens, shredded turkey breast, chopped bacon, cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, black olives, pepperoncini pepper, red onion and diced tomatoe…

Garden
$6.20

fresh mixed greens, black olives, pepperoncini pepper, cucumber slices and diced tomatoes.served with a side of hot flat bread and dressing of your choice.

Side Salad
$2.25

a smaller portion of our garden salad, including mixed greens, black olives, pepperoncini, cucumber slices and diced tomatoes. served with a dressing of your choice.