So, I am trying something new. I have decided to enter two cooking contests, one for Chicken of the Sea, and the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger. It's a lot more work than you might think. And, we have been living off burgers and tuna for a week !
I will share the recipes later (they are top secret for now), but I have a new admiration for the people I have watched on TV with these events. I cook a lot, but trying to come up with something new, unique, visually appealing that meets the other contest criteria is quite challenging.
I can tell you about the ideas that didn't make it. I tried a tuna pesto pasta, with sundried tomatoes and black olives. It tasted good, but was not very pretty to look at. I considered tweaking it, until I found a couple other items that were more successful
I also tried to make Asian tuna wraps. It seemed like a good idea, because I like the Asian chicken wraps we get at restaurants. But, the tuna did not taste so great with the Napa cabbage I had wrapped it in. It did, however, make a decent salad the next day, But definitely not contest worthy.
The burger was a hit on the first try, but will need some tweaking. Still another few days left of burger and tuna experimentation, and I will post the results !
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Leftovers...well, my way !
It's been awhile. Gosh, we have been so busy ! But the garden is exploding with wonderful things. Tonight was cleaning out the refrigerator to add more stuff !
We had some corn on the cob, which we just grilled. And, the usual jalapenos, which I stuffed with some spiced cream cheese.
What the heck is chayote ? And why the heck did I buy it ? Well, after some internet research, I found it is much like zucchini. So, I peeled it ( I had 2 small ones), julienned, I added about a cup of sour cream, a small diced onion, half a red pepper, and a jalapeno, diced small. I stirred in some salt, pepper, and about half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Put some more cheese on top, and baked.
It had a different texture, but really good ! Leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
We had some corn on the cob, which we just grilled. And, the usual jalapenos, which I stuffed with some spiced cream cheese.
What the heck is chayote ? And why the heck did I buy it ? Well, after some internet research, I found it is much like zucchini. So, I peeled it ( I had 2 small ones), julienned, I added about a cup of sour cream, a small diced onion, half a red pepper, and a jalapeno, diced small. I stirred in some salt, pepper, and about half a cup of shredded Mexican cheese. Put some more cheese on top, and baked.
It had a different texture, but really good ! Leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Fresh from the garden
We were on vacation for a bit earlier this month, and when we came back the garden had exploded ! Weeds everywhere, garlic that developed curliques so that it looks like something out of Doctor Suess, and STRAWBERRIES everywhere. I couldn't wait to get in and cook some of the bounty !
After spending a day doing yardwork, I wanted something simple. I stole a bunch of rhubarb from my parents (well, they knew about it, so I suppose it wasn't stealing), and combined with the strawberries from the garden, I was able to make a really great cobbler. The nice biscuit topping and the fresh fruit were a great combination. I added a little bit of cinnamon to the fruit, flour, and sugar, and that was it. The topping was just basic biscuits (flour, sugar, butter, buttermilk) but I added a little bit of almond extract to give it a different flavor. I think Ray ate half of the pan on the first day !
We have a lot of fresh herbs, and lettuce that needed to be picked, so I marinated some chicken breasts in a tarragon mustard vinaigrette, made with fresh tarragon from the garden. I also made a lemon thyme vinaigrette for the salad, which had fresh mixed greens from the garden, onion, tomato and bacon. Although this was a really simple dinner, Ray thought it was one of the best he had ever had !
And, we can't forget the cocktail. I wanted to take advantage of the fresh mint and strawberries, so I blended them together into a smooth syrup. Then, I added vodka, Sierra mist and a little lime, and it was the perfect compliment to our garden fresh dinner.
I am planning a nice ceviche for Saturday, contents will depend on what is fresh at the fish market !
After spending a day doing yardwork, I wanted something simple. I stole a bunch of rhubarb from my parents (well, they knew about it, so I suppose it wasn't stealing), and combined with the strawberries from the garden, I was able to make a really great cobbler. The nice biscuit topping and the fresh fruit were a great combination. I added a little bit of cinnamon to the fruit, flour, and sugar, and that was it. The topping was just basic biscuits (flour, sugar, butter, buttermilk) but I added a little bit of almond extract to give it a different flavor. I think Ray ate half of the pan on the first day !
We have a lot of fresh herbs, and lettuce that needed to be picked, so I marinated some chicken breasts in a tarragon mustard vinaigrette, made with fresh tarragon from the garden. I also made a lemon thyme vinaigrette for the salad, which had fresh mixed greens from the garden, onion, tomato and bacon. Although this was a really simple dinner, Ray thought it was one of the best he had ever had !
And, we can't forget the cocktail. I wanted to take advantage of the fresh mint and strawberries, so I blended them together into a smooth syrup. Then, I added vodka, Sierra mist and a little lime, and it was the perfect compliment to our garden fresh dinner.
I am planning a nice ceviche for Saturday, contents will depend on what is fresh at the fish market !
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuna Tacos
The tuna tacos were a big hit ! And very simple and fast.
I bought some frozen ahi tuna steaks from Sam's Club. They are not very expensive, and perfect for a dish like this. I marinated them in Cuban Mojo marinade. I purchased this pre-mixed...take the help where you can get it, right ?
I had small tortillas, soft shell size. Salsa from last years canning run, lettuce from the garden, shredded cheese and sour cream. I added a diced avocado and some left over roasted corn to the salsa for a little different texture.
To grill tuna, you want your grill very hot, and just cook the tuna a couple minutes on each side. Good ahi is meant to be eaten medium rare, and these came out perfect ! I just sliced the steaks like fajita meat, and we built our own tacos.
The perfect compliment to this quick and easy meal was a mojito ! We are growing spearmint in the garden this year, so I dusted off my bartending chops to take a stab at these yummy rum cocktails. In true "Lisa" fashion, however, I had to give it my own twist...
I muddled the mint with some fresh lime juice, and dropped half a lime into the bottom of the glass. I added some agave syrup instead of the traditional simple syrup, and topped off with ginger ale instead of soda. They were delicious, and since our mint plant is taking over the planter it is in, there are more mojitos on the horizon !
Off for some camping this week, but I will blog from the road !
I bought some frozen ahi tuna steaks from Sam's Club. They are not very expensive, and perfect for a dish like this. I marinated them in Cuban Mojo marinade. I purchased this pre-mixed...take the help where you can get it, right ?
I had small tortillas, soft shell size. Salsa from last years canning run, lettuce from the garden, shredded cheese and sour cream. I added a diced avocado and some left over roasted corn to the salsa for a little different texture.
To grill tuna, you want your grill very hot, and just cook the tuna a couple minutes on each side. Good ahi is meant to be eaten medium rare, and these came out perfect ! I just sliced the steaks like fajita meat, and we built our own tacos.
The perfect compliment to this quick and easy meal was a mojito ! We are growing spearmint in the garden this year, so I dusted off my bartending chops to take a stab at these yummy rum cocktails. In true "Lisa" fashion, however, I had to give it my own twist...
I muddled the mint with some fresh lime juice, and dropped half a lime into the bottom of the glass. I added some agave syrup instead of the traditional simple syrup, and topped off with ginger ale instead of soda. They were delicious, and since our mint plant is taking over the planter it is in, there are more mojitos on the horizon !
Off for some camping this week, but I will blog from the road !
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Stuff from the garden !
Haven't done much interesting cooking over the last week. We went camping over Memorial Day weekend, so meals were potluck with a large group of friends. I made chicken wild rice salad, with water chestnuts and dried cherries. It was quite good. And easy to make on the camp stove !
We are just starting to get a few things from the garden. We have had a couple salads from lettuce we started early in a little planter. On Thursday, I made a pasta with italian sausage, peppers, tomatoes, onions and fresh basil and oregano from the garden, Yummm !! The mint plant has exploded, so I think some mojitos are on the horizon!
Tonight we will grill some tuna steaks and have tuna tacos, with homemade salsa from last years garden. And tomorrow, we break out the smoker ! We have 2 big pork roasts, a chicken and a pheasant to smoke. Should be some good eats at our house !
We are just starting to get a few things from the garden. We have had a couple salads from lettuce we started early in a little planter. On Thursday, I made a pasta with italian sausage, peppers, tomatoes, onions and fresh basil and oregano from the garden, Yummm !! The mint plant has exploded, so I think some mojitos are on the horizon!
Tonight we will grill some tuna steaks and have tuna tacos, with homemade salsa from last years garden. And tomorrow, we break out the smoker ! We have 2 big pork roasts, a chicken and a pheasant to smoke. Should be some good eats at our house !
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Homemade green sauce
I like most mexican food; however, the red sauce comes with enchiladas really is not my favorite. I prefer the green, which is a bit spicier, but also very expensive to buy for homemade enchiladas. So, I made my own.
I experimented with a couple of different preparations, but so far the favorite has to be tomatillo. I roasted the tomatillos in the oven, with just a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. I used my cool immersion blender to puree one small onion, 2 jalapenos, a handful of cilantro and about a quarter cup of green Tabasco sauce. Then, added the roasted tomatillos, and blended it all together.
It is a really pretty color, you can see flecks of the cilantro in it. Then I just did the usual enchilada prep, poured my sauce over, added cheese and baked. So much better, and I made enough for 2 pans of enchiladas, for a cost of less than $5.00. How cool is that ?
I experimented with a couple of different preparations, but so far the favorite has to be tomatillo. I roasted the tomatillos in the oven, with just a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper. I used my cool immersion blender to puree one small onion, 2 jalapenos, a handful of cilantro and about a quarter cup of green Tabasco sauce. Then, added the roasted tomatillos, and blended it all together.
It is a really pretty color, you can see flecks of the cilantro in it. Then I just did the usual enchilada prep, poured my sauce over, added cheese and baked. So much better, and I made enough for 2 pans of enchiladas, for a cost of less than $5.00. How cool is that ?
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sunday Morning Dinner Prep
That sounds strange, doesn't it ? But, I had some time before church, and decided to get some of my dinner preparations started. And, unbelievably, I am done in just over an hour !
We had some rhubarb in the freezer from last years "harvest" (I picked a bunch in my parents garden, which we chopped and froze). I let that thaw overnight, and put together a rhubarb crisp this morning. Crisp is a very quick, easy dessert that is very much a comfort food. I got some big, nice blackberries yesterday, so I added those as well. It bakes for about 45 minutes, and it is ready to go !
I wanted to make a couple of appetizers for my guests to have while I grill. I had soaked and cooked some garbanzo beans yesterday, so I made homemade hummus in the food processor today. Of course you can used canned and save the cooking, but these dried beans have a brighter, fresher flavor than the canned. Garlic, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil, it tastes great !
I also made a tapenade, with some olives we got at the Farmers Market yesterday. Again, very simple with the food processor, capers, anchovy paste, garlic, parsley, lemon and olive oil. I also added a bit of rosemary and thyme for a bit of a twist. **One lesson about the food processer**. DO NOT attempt to put the blade in after putting ingredients into the bowl. Needless to say, had to take an emergency break for a Winnie the Pooh bandaid, and then back to the cooking.
While I was doing this, I cooked bacon in the microwave, and softened the cream cheese for poppers. I was trying desperately not to muck up the newly cleaned stove, so other than a few dishes (OK, a lot of dishes), the kitchen is relatively unscathed.
Now, for dinner, I have a salad to make, baked potatoes to prep, and everything else is ready ! Pork chops have been marinating in a Greek vinaigrette, and it should be a wonderful meal. Oops...better put the wine in to chill !
We had some rhubarb in the freezer from last years "harvest" (I picked a bunch in my parents garden, which we chopped and froze). I let that thaw overnight, and put together a rhubarb crisp this morning. Crisp is a very quick, easy dessert that is very much a comfort food. I got some big, nice blackberries yesterday, so I added those as well. It bakes for about 45 minutes, and it is ready to go !
I wanted to make a couple of appetizers for my guests to have while I grill. I had soaked and cooked some garbanzo beans yesterday, so I made homemade hummus in the food processor today. Of course you can used canned and save the cooking, but these dried beans have a brighter, fresher flavor than the canned. Garlic, pepper, lemon juice and olive oil, it tastes great !
I also made a tapenade, with some olives we got at the Farmers Market yesterday. Again, very simple with the food processor, capers, anchovy paste, garlic, parsley, lemon and olive oil. I also added a bit of rosemary and thyme for a bit of a twist. **One lesson about the food processer**. DO NOT attempt to put the blade in after putting ingredients into the bowl. Needless to say, had to take an emergency break for a Winnie the Pooh bandaid, and then back to the cooking.
While I was doing this, I cooked bacon in the microwave, and softened the cream cheese for poppers. I was trying desperately not to muck up the newly cleaned stove, so other than a few dishes (OK, a lot of dishes), the kitchen is relatively unscathed.
Now, for dinner, I have a salad to make, baked potatoes to prep, and everything else is ready ! Pork chops have been marinating in a Greek vinaigrette, and it should be a wonderful meal. Oops...better put the wine in to chill !
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