What can you expect in the Food Thread on PF?

[Ivan Seeking]

Ah, I did not notice the earthquakes. About the rain, I only remember a very very thin "rain" and that they told me that that's basically the most rain they usuall get which is indeed quite funny.
Wow, not a good experience for sure. About the fog, did you go there in their winter (i.e. summer in the USA)? I think Lima is permanently fogged in winter.

It must have been the end of March because I remember running into a bunch of physicists in Atlanta who had just attended the APS meeting that year; the one where the accelerating expansion [dark energy] of the universe was the hot topic. I found out about this while waiting for my connecting flight from Lima heading home. I heard two of them talking and joined in the conversation. Funny huh! I was also on Atlanta TV News that night talking about Bosnia as a man on the street. A very strange trip...

 

[Evo]

It must have been the end of March because I remember running into a bunch of physicists in Atlanta who had just attended the APS meeting that year; the one where the accelerating expansion [dark energy] of the universe was the hot topic. I found out about this while waiting for my connecting flight from Lima heading home. I heard two of them talking and joined in the conversation. Funny huh! I was also on Atlanta TV News that night talking about Bosnia as a man on the street. A very strange trip...

You were in Bosnia? Bosnia via Lima to Oregon?

 

[Ivan Seeking]

You were in Bosnia? Bosnia via Lima to Oregon?

Haha, no. At the time, the war in Bosnia was just starting... I think, anyway, the issue was the pending mass exodus of something like 100,000+ people due to ethnic cleansing, and I was asked what I think we should do about it. There was a news crew working the Atlanta airport. The timing was incredible because I had hardly slept in two or three days and suddenly I'm being video taped. But he said it was great and to watch the news at 5, or whatever it was. Never did get to see it though.

 

[turbo]

Seat of the Pants Soup. If you want to make an incredible soup and don't mind working without a detailed recipe, here you go.

Cube-cut a decent steak, and mince some yellow onions and garlic. Put the steak, onions, and garlic in the bottom of a hot soup-pot with peanut oil, and sear everything. Add a large can of ground sauce tomatoes ( I like Contadina) and a little water, plus the drained contents of a medium-sized can of black beans.

Now is the time to add barley, chopped carrots, frozen string beans and frozen whole-kernel corn. For a hearty soup, cumin and some cayenne should be in the mix, too. If the soup is a bit too runny, consider adding a small can of tomato paste and simmering longer, but consider that the barley will thicken the soup. I don't like to salt soups, because once the salt is in, you can't take it out. Ground celery seed can be a good addition.

 

[Hygeio]

im so happy you guys had an extraordinary experience food wise in Peru. i will share you how to make ceviche. It is one of the easiest dishes you will ever make.

INGREDIENTS:

1. Freshness. THIS is the most important thing for a ceviche. The fish needs to be day caught and never frozen. The best fish to use for ceviche is pacific ocean flounder. 2nd alternative is 'corvina' or white sea bass.

2.The limes should be key west lime, since we are in the US, or try finding Mexican lemons that are really small about 2 inches. *Edit. if you are able to find, for some miracle, peruvian 'piura' lemons, those are the lemons you should use for ceviche. *

3. Red Onion. 1 per fish will do.

4. kosher salt, white pepper (or black).

5. OPTIONAL: 'Rocoto' or 'aji amarillo' if you can't find any of these, you can try using jalapenos.

Thats it...

Steps.

1. you'll need ~7-10 lemons per fish. (This is where you have to experiment, since fishes vary in size and lemons vary in liquid.)

1a. Squeeze lemons into bowl.Dont squeeze the lemons fully, because when you do, the outer shell *the rind*, which is bitter, also gets squeezed into the bowl.

1b. set aside.

1c. Cut the onions as thinly as you can. put into some kind of strainer. Add lots of salt on top of it and mix well. Leave in sink.

2. Cut the fish in cubes approx. 1/2 - 1 inch cubes. uniformity is key.

2a. place into a bowl. big enough bowl to move the fish freely for tossing.

3. OPTIONAL: if you're going to use any of the chili peppers I posted. Cut the chili in the middle and just rub the cut portion along the wall of the bowl. Make circles along the bowl to get the spiciness. (the longer you do this, the spicier it will get. adjust accordingly.)

3a. after 10-15 minutes water the salt away from the onions. use your hand to squeeze the onions' water. or you can use a salad spinner.

3b. add onions to where fish is.

4. splash in some lemon juice and use a wooden spoon to fold the fish over the liquid.

4a. add your salt and pepper to taste.

4b. continue to add lemon juice until the fish can no longer soak up the liquid. you can still add more lemon juice it will not 'destroy' the dish but the fish will no longer absorb more lemon juice. you can use the rest of the lemon, if there's any left over, to make a 'salsa criolla'. (ill post later if people are interested).

5. SERVE IMMEDIATELY. Some recipes will tell you to cook the fish in lemon 30 minutes. but dont. you want the fish taste and not the overpowering of lemon 'cooking' the fish.

Super Easy. Told ya. Hopefully, this makes sense. I'll answer any questions.

 

[Evo]

And to guarantee that you don't ingest live parasites from the fish, make sure the fish was frozen first.

http://seafoodhealthfacts.org/seafood_safety/patients/parasites.php

 

[Hygeio]

If you are weary about parasites, I guess go for frozen. I will never do that. Been eating ceviche for 25 years the same way and I am still ticking. :)

 

[Evo]

If you are weary about parasites, I guess go for frozen. I will never do that. Been eating ceviche for 25 years the same way and I am still ticking. :)

So was the person on tv last week, until the worm made it into their brain.

Here's a nice video about worms from raw fish.

 

[Hygeio]

So was the person on tv last week, until the worm made it into their brain.

ha! maybe the worm is typing this sentence.

 

[Monique]

Flash-frozen fish is also fresh, I'd even say fresher since in places the law dictates that the fish needs to be frozen on the boat right after it's caught.

I have a colleague who has no problem eating sushi that has been sitting in the grocery store fresh food aisle for days, I don't know.. I just think something is very wrong with that

 

[Hygeio]

ya i will not eat fish after 2-3 days caught. (if kept in the fridge) a large population of japanese eat raw fish and they are fine. responsibly farmed fish is also a good route. buying from whole foods for example, you can be sure they are buying from responsible farmers.

 

[Evo]

ya i will not eat fish after 2-3 days caught. (if kept in the fridge) a large population of japanese eat raw fish and they are fine. responsibly farmed fish is also a good route. buying from whole foods for example, you can be sure they are buying from responsible farmers.

On Top Chef tv show, they had to throw out all of the shrimp they bought from Whole Foods, it was spoiled.

I won't buy from Whole foods, the produce I bought on several occasions had fruit lies. Had to throw everything out and spray the house, every time. No more.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

Whoa ho ho! I just discovered these last night and they taste just like the real thing!

http://ozbo.com/media/24916.jpg

and this is awesome

But to me, this stuff tastes tart - not good at all.

But that's okay because this stuff is fantastic!

http://www.buythecase.net/uploads/products/200/5150004450.jpg

And so is this

 

[HeLiXe]

Hmm... nice signature...be prepared for an attack when Hostess soon goes out of business

 

[Monique]

Whoa ho ho! I just discovered these last night and they taste just like the real thing!

[..]

And so is this

How do they get away with calling a product composed primarily of the oligosaccharide maltodextrin (glucose polymer), sugar free? It's converted into sugar the moment it enters the mouth, I hope diabetics are not reading those marketing slogans.

 

[Ivan Seeking]

How do they get away with calling a product composed primarily of the oligosaccharide maltodextrin (glucose polymer), sugar free? It's converted into sugar the moment it enters the mouth, I hope diabetics are not reading those marketing slogans.

The total grams of carbs are indicated, including sugar alcohols, which is the bottom line. But the equivalent content of sugar is still signficantly lower than regular treats.

Typically it is suggested that a 50% multiplier be used for the sugar equivalent of sugar alcohols.

 

[Monique]

The total grams of carbs are indicated, including sugar alcohols, which is the bottom line. But the equivalent content of sugar is still signficantly lower than regular treats.

Typically it is suggested that a 50% multiplier be used for the sugar equivalent of sugar alcohols.

Good thing that nutritional facts must be listed. I checked the sugar content of the regular vs sugar-free product, which is 41% vs 40%. Maltodextrose is easily digested, so where does the 50% multiplier come from?

http://www.smuckers.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?groupId=4&categoryId=342&flavorId=749
http://www.smuckers.com/products/ProductDetail.aspx?groupId=4&categoryId=8&flavorId=55

They should call the sugar-free brand fat-free, that would actually be true..

 

[dlgoff]

I had no idea how good making a sire fry out of a smoked pork loin could be. Last summer I froze back a loin I smoked that I sliced up and stir fried with veggies. OMG Soooo gooood.

 

[Monique]

This saturday I'm having guests over for dinner, with the requirement of no egg, no dairy products, no tomato, no animal protein and two young kids that have their heart on their tongues

I have the first course covered, a beet/carrot soup that will be sweet with natural sugars. Now, for mains I'll probably make chickpeas with purple sweet potato and rocket.

My mind is boggled over the dessert... the only thing that comes to mind is a fruit salad, but it's January and thus not much is in season. Any ideas here for relatively simple desserts without eggs or dairy?

 

[Andre]

Any ideas here for relatively simple desserts without eggs or dairy?

stoofpeertjes?, (http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/566/)?

 

[Monique]

Good idea. Somehow I disregarded it since it requires wine (the kids are ~6 & 8), but all the alcohol should evaporate (and I could use juice as in the second recipe). My mom used to make stewed pears for dinner, with boiled potatoes and breaded chicken.. yummy!

 

[Monique]

stoofpeertjes?, (http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/566/)?

The pears were a big success, thanks for the idea! I stewed halved pears in sugar water with a cinnamon stick, two cloves and a piece of lemon rind and it turned out great: to be repeated

Yesterday I also had dinner guests, I was plating up the first course and one of the guest says: "oh, I don't like to eat cheese" great timing when the most of the cooking has been done. There was nothing I could do at that point, but fortunately he ate everything and actually liked it.

 

[Astronuc]

Tomorrow would be a good day for a bisque.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisque_(food )

or clam chowder.

 

[turbo]

Don't pay for Chicken of the Sea "premium" crabmeat. It is bland and lacks the sweetness of the real thing.

 

[Evo]

Don't pay for Chicken of the Sea "premium" crabmeat. It is bland and lacks the sweetness of the real thing.

Well, it IS canned.

 

[turbo]

I'm used to peekytoe (rock) crab, which is native to Maine waters. Very sweet!

Those crabs were a lobstering by-catch for many years, though lots of lobstermen would keep them and give them or sell them (cheap) often to elderly people who would steam the crabs, pick the meat and pack it for sale. Some of the best crab you can get. I don't think they survive shipping well, so getting fresh peekytoes in a restaurant will be nigh impossible. My father's closest neighbor is a lobsterman, and he gave crabs to an elderly couple in his village. It's a welcome source of income for the crab-pickers. Many are retired fishermen with no pensions.

 

[DiracPool]

I made corned beef and cabbage last night and I'm having the leftovers today. Yummm. Just stick the corned beef in a pot, cover it with water, bring to a boil. Dump that seasoning packet stuff in, let it simmer for 3 hours. That's the ticket. Add a head of cabbage, some carrots, onions, red potatoes about 40 minutes before its done. Voila.

It's even better the next day, add some stone ground mustard. Life's good.

 

[Astronuc]

NEW YORK (AP) -- Grey Poupon's famous "Pardon Me" TV commercial is returning for a moment of Oscar glory.

After a 16-year hiatus, the mustard that mocked its own stuffy image in one of TV's most famous commercials will once again take to the airwaves during the Academy Awards show on Feb. 24. The spot comes as Kraft Foods looks to boost sagging sales of the Dijon mustard, which is facing competition from a growing variety of high-end condiments on supermarket shelves.

. . . .

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/grey-poupon-air-pardon-ads-114126721.html

Consumption of mustard is down about 2%, but consumption of hot sauce is rising!

 

[lisab]

I made corned beef and cabbage last night and I'm having the leftovers today. Yummm. Just stick the corned beef in a pot, cover it with water, bring to a boil. Dump that seasoning packet stuff in, let it simmer for 3 hours. That's the ticket. Add a head of cabbage, some carrots, onions, red potatoes about 40 minutes before its done. Voila.

It's even better the next day, add some stone ground mustard. Life's good.

*drool* I'm going to do that this weekend!

 

[Jimmy Snyder]

No, I don't have any grey poop on.

 

[DiracPool]

No, I don't have any grey poop on.

Very appetizing Jimmy..

 

[ChiralWaltz]

No, I don't have any grey poop on.

Party time?

 

[Velikovsky]

A lentil and bacon soup I made last night.
Ingredients:
2lb "cooking bacon" that,s the cheap offcuts that come in a vacuum packed bag.
3 medium onions.
4 medium carrots.
2 bay leafs.
1 tsp ground black pepper.
1lb split red lentils.
potatoes* {yes I'm Irish.}
salt to taste.
Method:
Gently cook of the bacon in a large stock pot with a little oil or lard/dripping. Turn the heat low and add the two bay leafs and pepper.
Chop the onions as you please and add to the bacon and sweat then down till translucent.
Now grate your carrots and add to the mix and gently let them go very soft.
Pour in all the lentils, and mix very thoroughly.
Now add approximately eight litres of boiling water/boiling your kettle about four times.
Put a lid on and let it gently cook on a simmer for about 1.5 hours.
*I like to add peeled sliced potatoes halfway through cooking.
And there you have it my Bacon and Lentil soup. If you are Jewish or Moslem you can substitute the bacon with Mutton or Lamb, it tastes just as good!

 

[Evo]

A lentil and bacon soup I made last night.
Ingredients:
2lb "cooking bacon" that,s the cheap offcuts that come in a vacuum packed bag.
3 medium onions.
4 medium carrots.
2 bay leafs.
1 tsp ground black pepper.
1lb split red lentils.
potatoes* {yes I'm Irish.}
salt to taste.
Method:
Gently cook of the bacon in a large stock pot with a little oil or lard/dripping. Turn the heat low and add the two bay leafs and pepper.
Chop the onions as you please and add to the bacon and sweat then down till translucent.
Now grate your carrots and add to the mix and gently let them go very soft.
Pour in all the lentils, and mix very thoroughly.
Now add approximately eight litres of boiling water/boiling your kettle about four times.
Put a lid on and let it gently cook on a simmer for about 1.5 hours.
*I like to add peeled sliced potatoes halfway through cooking.
And there you have it my Bacon and Lentil soup. If you are Jewish or Moslem you can substitute the bacon with Mutton or Lamb, it tastes just as good!

YUMM! Thank you for sharing!

 

[Evo]

So I went to Walmart today because there were some grocery items I needed that only they carry. I've stopped doing regular grocery shopping at Walmart because they are about 20% more expensive than even the over priced grocery store, but Walmart offers a much wider selection of ethnic and gourmet foods. For example, I can buy escargot at Walmart but none of the grocery stores here carry it.

 

[lisab]

So I went to Walmart today because there were some grocery items I needed that only they carry. I've stopped doing regular grocery shopping at Walmart because they are about 20% more expensive than even the over priced grocery store, but Walmart offers a much wider selection of ethnic and gourmet foods. For example, I can buy escargot at Walmart but none of the grocery stores here carry it.

Hopefully not in the Garden Department.

 

[Evo]

Hopefully not in the Garden Department.

Lol!

 

[Evo]

Making chopped chicken livers tonight. YUMM!

Edit: OMG! the onions, the garlic, the schmaltz. I've boiled the eggs and they're in an ice bath cooling off to be peeled.

Edit: Edit: Ugh, I ate too much. I'm dying.

 

[Borek]

Pea puree - the beauty of simple things.

 

[Evo]

Pea puree - the beauty of simple things.

Fresh peas, or dried?

 

[Monique]

Tonight I will be attempting two Sichuan dishes: mapu doufu (spicy silken tofu) and Sichuan eggplant... I can't wait to start cooking

 

[Borek]

Fresh peas, or dried?

Dried, husked.

I think last time I ate it must be somewhere in seventies. And to my surprise Marzena told me she never had it before.

I remember when I was a kid we had a bag of instant pea puree in the kitchen cupboard, but I haven't seen it since then.

 

[lisab]

I admit it, I crowded the pan .

But I think it'll be OK.

 

[Evo]

I admit it, I crowded the pan .

But I think it'll be OK.

What did you make?

 

[Evo]

Ok, I have my corned beef brisket, cabbage and potatoes, so I am ready to make St Patrick's day dinner. I bought a flat this year instead of a point.

 

[lisab]

What did you make?

Chicken wings. Browned on the stovetop, then finished in the oven. They were yummy ! Served with "vegetable medley", which is a euphemism for "whatever I found in the vegetable drawer that wasn't well on its way to being compost".

 

[turbo]

Chicken wings. Browned on the stovetop, then finished in the oven. They were yummy ! Served with "vegetable medley", which is a euphemism for "whatever I found in the vegetable drawer that wasn't well on its way to being compost".

We have stir-fried "medley" at least once a week. It sucks to have to treat $$ store-bought food that way, but in the off-season you don't get a lot of options. BTW, ever since "wings" took off decades ago, it has been possible find thighs at wing prices, so we get those. My wife and I lived near a chicken-processing operation next to a university town and we could get thighs and livers (my favorite) by the bucket for cheap. Home-made macaroni (good sharp cheese from the local market) and chicken livers pan-fried with peppers and onions was a favorite supper. I could have started a restaurant (or at least a push-cart) based on that combo alone.

 

[leroyjenkens]

Last night I took a premade pie crust, filled it with bananas, melted chocolate in a pan, poured it on the top, and put it in the refrigerator to solidify. This morning I ate a small slice of it, and it was the sweetest thing I've ever eaten in my life.
I got to stop making up my own recipes. There's got to be a better way to make chocolate banana pie than that.

 

[trollcast]

Last night I took a premade pie crust, filled it with bananas, melted chocolate in a pan, poured it on the top, and put it in the refrigerator to solidify. This morning I ate a small slice of it, and it was the sweetest thing I've ever eaten in my life.
I got to stop making up my own recipes. There's got to be a better way to make chocolate banana pie than that.

Ewww, I'm trying to imagine the sugar explosion from that in your mouth.

Whats sounds much better (well in my head anyway) would be to take a pre-baked (or make your own) sweet pastry pie base, melt some chocolate and seal the inside of the pastry with the melted chocolate.

Allow to cool then slice up your banana and layer into the bottom of the pie base.

Then mix up a cheesecake mixture (about 60:40 cream, cheese:marscapone) but grate in a handful or 2 of chocolate (depending on how sweet you want it a mix of dark and milk could be used to balance the sharpness of the cheesecake mix).

Then chuck in the fridge for a couple of hours until set.

 

[leroyjenkens]

Oh wow, and I love cheesecake. I'm going to do that next time.
Actually, I made two of these. The first one was with strawberries and I put milk and chocolate together, but I put too much milk, so it won't solidify in the refrigerator. So it's in the freezer right now. I can warm it up in the microwave, but the chocolate just melts and the strawberries stay frozen.
I'm going to take this one over to my friend's house and hope he has a lot of people over so they can all eat it. I don't need this thing in my refrigerator. It doesn't taste bad, it tastes pretty good, it's just that you can't eat a whole slice of it. Maybe one spoonful and you don't want any chocolate for the rest of the day. Did I accidentally concentrate the chocolate or something? Normally I can eat a lot of dark chocolate no problem, but one slice of this, which is mostly banana, is just too chocolatey.