Monday, July 5, 2010

What to do with all of these cherry tomatoes?


So, I will admit: I was overly ambitious. I saw the 2 pound box of lovely cherry tomatoes at the grocery store and I jumped on it. I'll eat those as a healthy snack...or so I thought. A week later I had a pound of cherry tomatoes going a little soft. What to do?

Simple Tomato Sauce

1 lb cherry tomatoes that you thought you would eat as a "healthy snack"
1/2 yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tbls fresh basil
Italian spices (I like thyme, parsley, oregano, and crushed red pepper)
1 tbls sugar

1. Saute onion in 1 tbl olive oil over medium high heat until soft.
2. Throw in crushed garlic and tomatoes.
3. As tomatoes soften, carefully crush with a potato masher (they will squirt hot tomato lava all over you so be careful).
4. Add spices, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste.
5. Simmer until tomatoes have mellowed and flavors have blended (approx. 10-15min). Add in basil.

Serve over pasta with parmesan and a bit more basil.

See, you're still being healthy!

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Beaver Creek Recipe #1

I was privileged enough to spend a weekend at the Ritz a couple of weekends ago. To try and earn my keep I offered to cook for the other two people joining the boy and me. I thought a seared tuna dinner would be delicious so I got my keister to Sunflower to purchase 2 lbs of tuna filet for $10/lb. I knew that 2lbs would be too much for four people, but I was counting on the boys to eat their fair share. The morning that we left, I was informing the boy that I got way too much tuna to which he replied,

"Did I not tell you how many people are coming this weekend?"

(Color draining from face:) "No..."

"There are going to be 10 people."

Um...quoi?

So, needless to say, tuna dinner, became tuna salad, and dinner became a very-easy-to-make-for-10-people baked rigatoni (recipe to follow later.)

The salad was a hit, so I thought I'd post it here for others to enjoy. Forgive me if some measurements are off, I was just kind of throwing things together.

Seared Tuna with Chopped Asian Salad

Serves 5-6

1lb tuna filet
¼ cup Soy Vey teriyaki sauce (cheapest at Target, so delicious!)
1tbls cornstarch
skinny Rice Noodles

Dressing:
1 tsp Savory Spice wasabi powder
1 tsp warm water
1/8 cup soy sauce
splash rice wine vinegar
1 orange, zested
1 tbls toasted sesame oil
1/8 canola oil

Salad:
½ Napa cabbage, chopped
¼ red cabbage, chopped
3 carrots, shredded
1 cup frozen soybeans (edamame)
1 cup grape tomatoes, sliced in half
½ small red onion, sliced

1. Cook rice noodles according to package directions, drain and coat with a small amount of sesame oil to keep from sticking.
2. Heat large greased grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Steam soybeans until heated through. Shock in a bowl of ice water and drain.
4. For dressing: prepare wasabi according to directions on bottle in a large bowl. Add all other ingredients except oils. While whisking vigorously, add sesame oil and canola oil.
5. Take your zested orange and cut off top and bottom. Cut off the rest of the peel starting your knife at the top and slicing around the meat to the bottom. You should be left with a whole, peal-less orange. Using a paring knife slice the meat of one wedge away from the white separator. Do this repeatedly working your way around the orange until you have a bunch of pretty orange slices in a bowl (sans icky white part), and the center of the orange with a lot of separators left over. Squeeze the juice from the leftover pit into your dressing bowl. (Note: this is really crummy way of explaining this, for video instructions see here).
6. Toss salad ingredients in dressing until coated.
7. Add tuna filet to heated grill pan when oil is slightly smoking. Sear for 2 minutes and flip to sear other side for another 2 minutes. The cooked portion should be no more than ½ centimeter. Remove immediately to cutting board and slice in long thin slices.
8. While searing tuna heat Soy Vey and cornstarch in small not non-stick fry pan until thickened.

Assembly:

1. Start with a cold salad plate. Top with small mound of rice noodles.
2. Layer a portion of salad on top of noodles.
3. Top with seared tuna slices.
4. Drizzle a line of thickening soy vey on top of tuna.

ENJOY!!

Friday, April 16, 2010

Transitions

Okay, so I have grossly fallen off the wagon, and for that I apologize. New stories and recipes are soon to come. I promise. You can especially look forward to my 10 course tasting at Colt and Grey, and the impromptu dinner I cooked up in Beaver Creek this past weekend. Until then, enjoy polishing off the last little bits of Easter candy you have lying around. I just ate the ears off of the hollow bunny my father gave me this year. Ah, high fructose corn syrup.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Pennette with Pesto and Eggplant

Serves 4-6

1 lb of pennette or penne

2 cups of packed basil leaves
1/4 cup of toasted pine nuts
1 clove garlic
1 1/2 cups of coarsely grated parmesan

1 medium Chinese eggplant

olive oil
salt and pepper

1. Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of cooking water.

2. Heat large sauté pan over medium high heat. Add a generous amount of olive oil. Cut eggplant into half inch pieces, and add to hot pan. The eggplant will soak up oil like a sponge, continue to add oil in order to coat eggplant. Season well, and continue to stir periodically since eggplant is soft and caramelized (brown). Turn off heat.

3. While cooking eggplant, blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, and 1/2 cup of parmesan in small food processor. Add olive oil a little at a time until creamy.

4. Add pesto to cooked eggplant and stir to melt cheese.

5. Add 1/2 cup of parmesan to cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Stir to melt cheese. Add pesto and eggplant mixture and toss to coat pasta.

6. Serve topped with remaining parmesan.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Pasta Carbonara

1 lb dried spaghetti

1/2 lb pancetta
4 eggs
1/2 pint heavy whipping cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
freshly ground pepper

2 cups of peas, steamed

1. Set a large pot of heavily salted water to boil. Once water reaches a heavy boil, add pasta.

2. Heat a large straight sided pan over medium/high heat. Add pancetta and sauté until golden. Turn off heat and drain/pat off any excess grease.

3. Set up double boiler (water should be at a gentle simmer, and top bowl should not touch water). Whisk together eggs, cream, parmesan, and pepper in top section of double boiler. Continue to whisk until thickened and hot to the touch (approx. 10 minutes).

4. Drain pasta and add sauce, pasta, and peas to pan with pancetta. Stir over low/medium heat until sauce sticks to pasta. Do not overheat or sauce will become clumpy.

5. Serve in warm bowls with freshly ground pepper on top.

Monday, February 8, 2010

The Warehouse

Drove down to the Springs for a date at Warehouse on a Wednesday night. The restaurant at 7:30 was pretty much deserted, which sort of put a damper on the vibe for the evening.

I have a confession. I...love....carpaccio. Knowing this about myself I jumped on the opportunity to try bison carpaccio for the first time. The plate was gorgeous and full of little delectables to complement the bison. The bison had been smoked, which imparted a lovely bbq-ish richness, however it wouldn't have been better had they used a cold smoking process. The smoking cooked the outer inch or so of the meat, ruining its cold raw flavor.

For my main I ordered the boar with chipotle clementine glaze. The plate looked lovely, but the first words out of my mouth were, "Wow, that's a lot of food." For the $27 I expected something more refined. I'm always about quality, not quantity (see my review of Beatrice and Woodsley). Half of the plate was covered in polenta sticks, and the boar itself was pretty dang tough. Now I know that boar by its nature is a tougher meat, but with proper and loving cooking it can be fall off the bone tender. This was not. I though I was going to break my knife trying to get through it. The flavor though was good. My biggest annoyance is that the plate was full of stuff that wasn't even mentioned on the menu. Steamed baby carrots, broccoli, etc. A glance at my date's plate showed me that these are the default veggies that go on every plate. I hate that. It's just plain lazy cooking. Everything on the plate should mean something. Every element should contribute to one perfect bite. This plate was just busy.

On a brighter note, our waitress was wonderful. Attentive and charismatic. They also have a great selection of local Colorado wines. I should mention that the whole menu is local, but local or not, it should still be inspired.

In the end, I will never go back; even if my car breaks down a block away in the Springs. It's just not worth it.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Beatrice and Woodsley

One word...gorgeous. From front to back, top to bottom this place is beautiful.

I arrived a B&W on a Monday night in search of some small plates, tasty drinks, and cozy atmosphere. This restaurant is beautiful. You feel like you're sitting in the middle of an aspen grove, or that you've wandered into Rivendell (LOTR, anyone, anyone? So...moving on).

My date ordered a gin and tonic, and I, not being able to make up my mind just said, "I'll have the same."

The waitress looked at me with a knowing eye and responded, "Do you like earl grey?"

How did she know? "Why yes, I love earl grey."

"You should try our earl grey infused gin and tonic. It's not on the menu, but it's really good."

And it was so very very good. Very aromatic, floral, and perfumey. I could feel it in my nose

For our meal my date chose the cheese plate, and I chose the savory bread pudding. The cheese plate was a lovely trio of cow's milk cheeses: a French blue, Italian fontina, and English Stilton (my new favorite). The cheeses were accompanied by fresh berries, delicious white bread, and a raspberry and blueberry jam served on a large spoon (my date said it tasted like "melted smoothie"). My only small complaint is that is was a little tricky to tell what to do with the jam, and it was a little hard to eat out of the spoon.

Then something happened. Our bread pudding arrived. In all its beautiful and delicious glory: a wedge of pudding, speckled with wild rice topped of by fresh basil chiffonade and carrot mousse all on top of an amazing sorrel cream sauce. I constructed my perfect bite, and died a little on the inside. My date was not as speechless, "That's f****ing delicious." True dat.

Overall, too short a stay at B&W. I will for sure be back...like tomorrow night.

Sunday, January 31, 2010

15 minute lunch

Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese

1.5 28 oz cans chopped tomatoes
.5 cup heavy cream
1 tsp cayenne
.5 tsp cumin
1 tbls parika
salt
pepper

1 slice whole wheat bread sliced in half
1 slice cheddar cheese
1 tbls butter

1. Add tomatoes, cream, and spices to small sauce pot on medium heat, and blend with immersion blender until to desired creaminess. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring to boil, and simmer for 10 minutes.

2. Melt 1/3 of butter in small non-stick fry pan. Toast bread inside side down until golden brown. Add second 1/3 of butter, flip toast and top one half with cheese. Make into a sandwich and toast first side, and then second side with remaining butter.

Serve in warm bowl with sandwich on the side.

Chili Verde Redux

This is not Benny's. THIS IS A GOOD THING.

Had a wonderful night at Chili Verde last night. Took a first date there, which I thought was a bit of a risk, but it turned out to be a great decision.

I arrived a little bit early so I sat at the bar and chatted up Eder, his wife, and his dad, who are all some of the most warm and kind people I have met. Order a Dos XX lager for which they gave me a glass. Andres, the patriarch, did the gentlemanly thing of pouring my beer. I was quickly brought a basket of light and crispy chips with their signature chili sauce, salsa, and pinto beans. (A NOTE: for those of you whining about the amount of beans and salsa that you get, ORDER MORE, they will bring it to you). Eder made me a glass of pulque for me to try: a traditional mexican drink made with fermented mango juice mixed with tequila. It was delicious.

When my date arrived our waitress kindly brought my untouched chips to our table (I didn't want my first impression to be a massacred bowl of beans with two chips left in the basket. I'm a lady, people). Once we sat down I order a small bowl of the refried black beans to have with my chips. The brothers tell me that black beans are more traditional than pinto, and they are unbelievably delicious.

For our appetizer we decided to try the mixed ceviche (shrimp and fish). Previously I have only had fish, and he had only tried shrimp, so it was a good compromise. As I remembered the ceviche was refreshing and full of creamy avocado. A perfect start.

I wish I could say I went out on a limb and tried something new, but I love their Mole too much. Mole again, delicious again. I'm also totally fine with the smaller portions, they are the perfect amount to not feel completely like a stuffed pig afterwards, and they are appropriate for the price. It's about quality, not quantity.

My date ordered the fish tacos, and kindly let me Great-White style have a bite (I'm pretty sure that my eyes do roll back in my head). In the tacos a smokey and creamy chipotle sauce complements the light and flaky fish, and there is the added surprise of melted cheese. All in all, a fabulous combination.

For dessert I insisted upon the Obelix Crepe served with dulce de leche made with goat's milk. The goat's milk lends a slightly tart flavor to the sweet dessert that couples nicely with fresh banana and strawberry.

I will happily continue to patronize Chili Verde. The family is friendly, the food is authentic (all family recipes from Puebla), and the interior inviting. It is clear that they have hired extra staff in an effort to improve their service. Every bit of our service last night was exceptional.

Friday, January 29, 2010

The Cheeky Monk

Firstly, the selection of quality beers at the Cheeky Monk is pretty exceptional. I'm not a huge beer buff, but I like drinking the stuff, and have yet to be disappointed by the Cheeky Monk. Ask your server for suggestions, they are quite knowledgeable. Prices during happy hour (3pm-7pm, 10pm-close) are really great as well. Half off on draughts ain't bad.

The food doesn't knock my socks off, but it's good. I have had both the Italienne Mussels as well as the Mushroom and Creamed Leeks Mussels. The frites are crisp and delicious, with a subtle hint of sweetness that is unexpected and quite nice. They bring you a soft baguette to soak up your mussel sauce which is great, but if it were toasted, it would be even better. I just wanted a bit more crunch.

Ordered the dark chocolate and orange fondue. My big beef was that our fondue was over cooked-super separated, clumpy, and greasy. I tried my best to whip it into shape to no avail. However the flavor was fantastic, and went great with my Chimay Triple.

The huge disappointment of the whole experience was their crappy website. Note to businesses: just because your website is Flash, doesn't mean it is useful or worthwhile. Firstly, try to turn off the music. I dare you. Then try to find any information about their happy hour. You won't find it. That's dumb, plain and simple.

Pictures of My Offal Dinner at Opus





Top: Peanut Butter Spring Roll with various types of jellies and jams
Middle: Sweetbreads with oxtail jus and mustard crusted lamb kidneys
Bottom: Garnishes for Sea Urchin Pho

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Snooze

Anyone who doesn't think the food at Snooze is delicious needs to get the taste buds checked. Really!

With that said. If you want to eat here you will have to wait. It's just that simple, and you need to get over it. Patience is a virtue, and good things happen to those who wait, so suck it up, buster. Here's what you do, go put your name down, go run some errands for 1.25 hrs, and come back five minutes before they told you to. Chances are you'll be seated pronto, and in the meantime you've worked up a healthy appetite.

I have been to Snooze about four times, and every time I have had phenomenal service by some very fun/flamboyant waiters, amazing food, and yummy brunch cocktails. Again good things happen to those who wait, so don't begrudge them if service is a little slow. They're busy; enjoy your morning!

My favorites thus far have been (in no particular order), steak and eggs benedict served with smokey and savory poblano peppers, doused in homemade hollandaise. I don't even like hollandaise and I could drink this stuff from a gallon jug. Pineapple upside-down pancake topped with sumptuous creme anglais and cinnamon/ginger butter--delicious as an appetizer (why don't we always have those at breakfast?). The creme de la cream, however, is the breakfast sandwich. Made with eggs, swiss cheese, regular or french toast (duh, french), your choice of breakfast meat (duh, sausage), and your choice of dipping sauce (duh, homemade house raspberry jam--order extra jam, trust me). Here's what you do: cut off bite of sandwich making sure you have all 5 layers (french toast, cheese, egg, sausage, french toast) and slather it with a healthy dose of the jam. That perfect bite is better than sex. I'm not kidding. To top it all off you also get a side of hash browns which are divine with a little bit of ketchup. This sandwich is not the flashiest thing on the menu, but it is unreal.

If you go to Snooze with a few friends, I recommend doing what my friends and I like to call a "Benediction." Everyone orders a full order of one of the several styles of eggs benedict (when they have it, try the pulled pork benedict on corn bread), and then you need to get a side of pancakes (cause you need something sweet). Then everyone gets an extra plate upon which they put half of their portion. You pass all the plates around so that every gets to try each incredible eggs benedict concoction. That's how we do in D-Town.

As for cocktails: their bloody mary's are entirely homemade, and the secret ingredient is Marmite. Hair of the dog, anyone?

Opus

I had the pleasure of eating at Opus last night as part of the Denver Adventurous Eaters Club. Chef Michael Long created a four course menu showcasing the often ignored category of offal. All 54 RSVP's for our group arrived promptly at 7pm, which totally overwhelmed the kitchen (but I won't fault the restaurant for that). We started with three homemade breads (fennel sourdough, focaccia, and spicy southwestern cornbread) which were all delicious.

The first course was a hot pho bowl fill with a rich broth, sea urchin, lotus root, chili pepper noodles, and tempura tripe. I have had sea urchin previously-- didn't like it then, and didn't like it now, but at least I tried. The tempura tripe was delicious (but then, what isn't when it is breaded and fried). The suggested rice wine pairing complemented the soup perfectly, and the garnishes of cilantro, lime, basil, and chili pepper were beautifully served inside the urchin shell.

The optional additional started course was a foie gras terrine on brioche with white asparagus, balsamic vinegar, and cranberry sauce. This was by far my favorite course, and it's not just because foie gras is the most disgustingly delicious culinary concoction ever invented (I know that sounds snobby, but it's true). The combination of the excessively rich and fatty foie was perfectly foiled by the acid in both the cranberry and balsamic. The asparagus was light, and tender.

For our main Chef Michael pan seared a whole chunk of sweetbreads with oxtail jus, mustard-crusted lamb kidneys, mashed potatoes (forgettable), carrot, red cabbage,and an interesting root vegetable called salsify. The oxtail jus completely made the dish (I could have done with a glass of it on the side), the sweetbreads were crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. Lamb kidney's....just not my thing, but others at my table at them readily. Again the chef balanced the rich and fatty meats with delicious acidity. My only complaint is that with so much rich food, I found myself getting a little overwhelmed early on.

Dessert included no offal (Chef Michael couldn't find pig ears), but was adventurous nonetheless. Homemade peanut butter spring roll, dipped in strawberry sauce with additional berry sauces and jelly's on the side--a really fun take on class PB&J.

Although the kitchen was overwhelmed and a therefore a little slow, the wait staff was extremely friendly and attentive.

I know this is not the everyday meal at Opus, but Chef Michael Long's skill with offal makes me eager to return and sample the everyday fare. The atmosphere is beautiful complete with white table clothes, and arm chairs (yay). It was an extremely enjoyable and well executed evening. I can't wait to come back.

Chili Verde

Authentic food straight from this Plueba, Mexico family. The interior here is surprisingly upscale, and the food is drop dead delicious. Thus far in my two visits I have tried the mole (twice), nachos (amazing!!), green chili bowl, flautas, ceviche, flan, and dulce de leche crepes (made with goat's cheese). Nothing has disappointed, everything has exceeded expectations (built on years of mediocre, run-of-the-mill "mexican.") It's sad to see that they are struggling in the front of house, but it's great to see a family doing what it loves to do and really making an effort to do it well. If you don't see something on the menu that strikes you (which is weird, but whatever), they will make you whatever you have a hankering for. Support a fantastic local spot and give Chile Verde a try!

Savory Spice Shop

This is the only place to get your spices. Forget the grocery store, and definitely forget Whole Paycheck (Foods), Savory Spice is the place to go from your most rudimentary oregano (Mexican or Greek) to at least 5 different kinds of salt. Amazing curries, and their own specialty rub mixes. If you're a seasoned chef, or just starting out this is the place to go to build your spice collection. Also, many of the prices are less expensive than your average grocery store (i.e. vanilla beans). Just remember, spices should be replaced every year in order to get the best flavor (but you'll probably use them so frequently that you'll be back before the year is out).

Cucina Calore

Cucina is always dependable. The bread and seasoned oil is delicious, and for a light lunch I love their arugula and grilled shrimp salad. I'm taking off a star for the changed they made in their carpaccio a few years back. It used to be my favorite (parmesan, mustard, lemon, oil, capers and arugula), but now it is mediocre at best. The penne telefono and arrabiata are alway delicious. Of course I can't not talk about the peach bread-pudding. I don't care if you don't like peaches, bread pudding, or butter (communist), you will LOVE THIS DESSERT. The best guilty pleasure out there.

Snarf's

I frequent Snarf's about once a week (at least). I'm a huge, huge fan of the Italian, but the Veggie, Prime Rib and Provalone, and BBQ Brisket are all wonderful. Their house hot-pepper mixture is delicious and the bread is the best of any sub shop I have ever tasted. I like the wheat (it adds a fuller, nuttier taste), and since they toast the bread it's perfectly crunchy, but doesn't make the roof of your mouth bleed. The sammies take some time to put together so I like to munch on a bag of jalapeño chips as an "appetizer."

Since it's been so nice lately, I like to eat outside. This also helps me to avoid the obnoxious hipster music blaring from the speakers inside. The music and the unprofessional phone service when I called to order delivery for work are the only downsides to my favorite new sammie shop.

Benny's Restaurant and Cantina

The service is really fast and the drinks are strong. I love, love, love their queso. Last time I was there I enjoyed the sloppy burrito with chicharrones. My only critique would be that their was a little too much sour cream (but I'm not that big of a fan in the first place), and I had wicked heartburn a few hours later. Overall, Benny's delivers as expected, I just wish the service were a little more friendly.