Tag Archives: dinner

Pizza Night

Posted on May 31, 2013 | Leave a comment

Tonight we had special pizza because a member of the flock was leaving. We also had (I bought) a spectacular chocolate/raspberry cake for all to enjoy.

For many years I’ve made “white” pizza without a tomato sauce. I like to make a thin crust and do not enjoy watery tomatoes weighing it down. Today I made my dough more wheaty with whole wheat flour, and added a bit of olive oil to the water/yeast/sugar/flour slurry for an extremely flexible and roll-able dough that fit a large pan.

A few days ago I caramelized some sweet onions. I also got some pitted Kalamata olives from the olive bar, drained and marinated them with some garlic, herbs and olive oil.

I took a 14 oz. can of San Marzano tomatoes and drained it over a bowl (in case I needed some liquid later), and pulsed them with 1/4 cup caramelized onions and 1/4 cup drained (save the olive oil) olives. It made a paste.

I brushed the 1/2 sheet pan with oil from the olives, laid in the thin dough and brushed it with the olive oil then smeared on the paste. Then I added pepperoni and then hand-shredded whole milk mozzarella. Shavings of Parm to top.

Usually, I saute mushrooms but I wanted to taste the sauce so saved them for another meal.

It was tasty pizza, everyone said so. My husband had no idea that for over ten years I’ve been serving “white” pizza. A confluence of bounties led to this easy, uncooked sauce so I thought I’d share it with you in case you have leftovers that will benefit your “pizza night.”

My dough recipe for one pizza is a cup of unbleached white flour (more as needed for dough and bench flour), 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup warm water, 1 1/2 tsp. yeast, 1/4 tsp. sugar, 1 T flour. 1/2 tsp. salt.

Mix the flours and salt in a food processor. Whisk the water with yeast, sugar, flour and add up to 1 T olive oil. Add and let go around 20 times. Add more water if needed, just so it comes together in a ball. Let it rest. Go for 20 more times around, I use the metal blade, then take it out to a floured surface and knead until it is elastic. Place in a bowl and cover with a damp towel (on the bowl surface, not the dough). I put it in the microwave to steer clear of drafts and dogs.

90 minutes. Punch down, roll several times and make a ball, putting flour underneath and atop the ball. Cover it with the bowl it rose in for 15 minutes then roll out.

My pizzas generally take 10 minutes, turning halfway, in a 425 degree oven. The dough should shrink back in the pan and the cheese should be bubbly.

We will miss my “big brother” as he leaves for new beginnings. I said recently that one gent who left was the son I never had, but this one kicks butt and takes names and will also be missed. Best wishes in the big wide world! Auntie Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial

Tagged , , ,

Chili

Posted on February 1, 2013 | 1 comment

After a 60-degree day, it is now three and expected to go below zero before I take the dog out in a couple of hours. Luckily she should be dry after yesterday’s bath and will wear her winter coat as I will don mine with bunny hat and gloves.

I tried to make my riff on Lady Bird Johnson’s Pedernales River Chili yesterday, messing up the first moments in the meat grinder attachment and starting over.

All in all, I boned out 1.5# short ribs, de-fatted 2.5# chuck, and kept it cold. One yellow and one white onion and about 6 cloves of garlic went into the pan after going through the food processor. Then I ground the meat, after the initial hiccup, 20 minutes later the meat was still cold and I could grind it easily.

The onions and garlic were sauteeing away and after they were removed I added the meat in four batches, draining each batch and adding to a large pot with the veg. I salted and peppered every addition.

I added oregano, a tablespoon of ancho chili powder and a heaping teaspoon of cumin, and aleppo chili from Turkey. That’s what I found at Penzey’s, the most incredible herb and spice store in the USA.

After three hours, the house smelled like dirty socks (the cumin) and the chili was done. I added hot sauce and more chile beforehand for a big finish. Perhaps I’ll toast them next time in a dry pan, or try different varieties.

After a day of chili in the frig we’re having a friend over and hopefully she will offer her comments. I did make my own cornbread last time I served chili but will cheat with the boxed version this evening as I’ve much to do today.

I told you that our local grocery is selling jarred Texas “chili base” and the primary ingredient is beans! I talked to my husband’s grandmother today and told her this and she laughed! Real Texans don’t put beans in their chili.

Ten years ago, if I’d put beans into chili, I’d have been drummed out of this family before I was ever in it. Cook something today and tell us about it, Dee

1 Comment

Posted in Editorial, Recipe Ideas

Tagged , , , , ,

Enjoy!

Posted on December 23, 2012 | 2 comments

It’ll just be us two this year, me and my husband, plus Zoe the dog of course. She has her dinner, taking up much of my freezer.

When I shopped I forgot that we needed to eat for two days, was thinking long-term. The holiday desk didn’t want to deal with me but sent me right to the butcher’s counter (I’m cooking for two) and they took our order. The produce section was busy and if I go again it’ll be early in the morning, or go to another market.

I did make some awesome meatballs for our spaghetti this evening with ground round, sauteed shallot and garlic (allowed to cool), one egg, seasonings, parmigiana and bread crumbs. Plus parsley. They were baked for 40 minutes then simmered in sauce.

Holiday Menus:

Christmas Eve: Rack of Lamb Persillade; Scalloped Potatoes and Haricots Vert. Yes, lamb with potatoes and green beans.

Christmas Dinner: Filet Mignon with Brussels Sprout and Cauliflower Gratin.

Appetizers? I made some spiced nuts today, also perhaps something based on spinach. Desserts? Tomorrow I’d like to make mincemeat tarts. I don’t do dessert except for ice cream and berries and perhaps a berry coulis.

Wishing you the best of times with your family and friends. Cheers and happy holidays! Dee

 

2 Comments

Posted in Editorial, Recipe Ideas

Tagged , , , ,

Stuffed Peppers

Posted on September 24, 2012 | Leave a comment

Years ago my mother used to make this dish with a recipe and precision. I wing it. Saturday afternoon I got out two huge bowls and made a double batch and gave half to a young couple who just had their first child last week.

I’ll give you my ideas for a single batch. This would serve four and I use an 8×8 pyrex baking dish and crowd things a bit.

1# ground beef or turkey

1/2 onion, chopped

3/4 cup rice, cooked (I use half broth, half water in a 2:1 ratio)

2 peppers (I prefer red ones for color and flavor), halved lengthwise and seeded

tomatoes, about 1/2 cup canned chopped whole or ripe fresh to taste, for moisture

thyme, salt and pepper

breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, optional

Get the rice cooking. Saute the onion and add the meat, seasoning and browning until nearly cooked. While these are cooking, halve and stem and seed the peppers and nestle them in the dish. My mother used to boil them, no need as it takes away both vitamins and flavor.

Salt and pepper the peppers. I get a fattier cut of meat for flavor then drain it thoroughly before mixing. Mix the meat, onions and tomatoes and rice and season to taste. Add a little parmesan into the mix if you like it. I didn’t as I was cooking for a very healthy and athletic couple and wanted to keep it as free of salt and fat as possible.

Fill the peppers. Over-fill. Top with 1-2T bread crumbs and parmesan, if you wish. Pop into a 350 degree oven for about 50 minutes to reheat the ingredients, cook the peppers through and brown the top. If everything is hot, prick a pepper with a knife and if it goes through easily, the dish is done.

So yesterday this dish did double duty. In a town that doesn’t welcome newcomers, where we live it’s all newcomers and we “pay it forward.” I’ve an easy meal for anyone new who moves in on our floor because I know they’re living in box-land after a long day’s drive and unloading. Also for new families. Come up with your own riff on it and let me know!

Cheers, Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial, Recipes

Tagged ,

Grilled Salmon

Posted on August 7, 2012 | 1 comment

This is a really simple recipe. Get equally sized salmon fillets and make sure to use your kitchen needle nose pliers to get out those pin bones (no, not the pliers in the garage, the one from your secret kitchen stash).

Oil the skin side, yes, keep the skin on as your guests will be able to discern whether they wish to eat it or not. On the flesh side, season with salt and pepper and slather with a very good whole grain mustard.

Grill, closing the top so you don’t need to flip it, remove and with a simple squeeze of lemon juice you’re ready to serve.

It would be great with a homemade slaw, a jicama salad, quinoa salad or even cold sesame noodle salad. May I thank Mark Bittman for making minimalism chic. I’m certain we’ve both been minimalists for years, he’s just on TV and writes for my favorite newspaper. Happy cooking! Dee

1 Comment

Posted in Editorial, Recipes

Tagged , , , , ,

Signs

Posted on April 30, 2012 | 1 comment

Sign, Sign everywhere a sign
Blocking out the scenery breaking my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign

That was from 1971, Five Man Electrical Band. They’re worse now, but not about long hair.

The rules for our condo/apartment comprise a lengthy lease with rules about dog poop, combined with a printed brochure that encompasses more rules.

We went to a mall restaurant (not food court) for lunch yesterday and they have one huge page, on the opposite side of their map at every entrance, for how kids must behave. They even kick kids out at 5:00 on weekends.

Now, I know that these are only put in place to allow HOA’s, managements to kick people out that they don’t like for violating even one rule (your TV was too loud). It’s all about liability.

Children cannot gather in groups of larger than four. Monitor that.

This leads me to think that management companies have gone over the top with liability issues, and parents have been absent in teaching their children manners.

Whatever failings my childhood family had, we had dinner together every night. We talked about everyone’s day and when I was older, what was news that day. Then we had to ask to be excused from the table to do our homework.

I’ve even taken on some of my husband’s Texas traits. When you need to talk with a company or government agency, add “ma’am” or “sir” to the “thank you” and you’ll get nicer and faster service.

I don’t do this because it makes my life easier, though it does. I respect everyone who vies to make a living wage, if it’s my supermarket checker or TSA agent. That respect is conveyed in how they are treated. And I’ve been treated pretty badly by the TSA in the past! Turns out they were putting me through extended searches so they could smuggle drugs in another line!

Still, parents have to start early. Please and thank you. I’m sorry is a really good one to know. Fork and knife skills, Yes, ma’am, no ma’am. Thank you sir. I appreciate your time with me today. Thank you for the offer, I’ll talk to my husband and get back to you in the morning. Yes, I look forward to starting Monday.

You get my drift. But I did have to walk with the OED on my head for posture, and take ballet, piano and violin. Best wishes to the younger generations, Dee

1 Comment

Posted in Education

Tagged , , ,

It’s a $10 million home…

Posted on September 5, 2009 | 1 comment

… and I still have a few issues with it! We went on a home tour today and I only saw two, the first was 5,000 sf and the second a ski-in, ski-out 10,000 sf on the Canyons Resort. This is a designer’s showcase and the first one we saw was sold. The second is for sale with designer furnishings. Both were lovely.

To live out here with a heated roof and garage and driveway… that’s the way to do it. Now how do we get the $10 million? Different countertops in each bath, onyx or fossilized marble or granite. Put up your skis and boots and come in where at least ten people can take a steam shower. And there’s ski storage inside in two places (in-season and off-season) plus three front-loading washers and dryers, two pair on the living level and one pair downstairs for ski gear.

The kitchen was amazing. We were at least at 8,000 feet above sea level. We stopped on the way out of this private complex of multi-million dollar homes to take a photo and Jim’s mother (his mom and dad are visiting from TX for a week) said she thought someone was burning something. I said that was the brakes on our AWD vehicle!

Friends are driving into town tomorrow so I’m meeting them for lunch. Jim and his folks will continue the tour or go to Park Silly market first. It’s good that he also has some quality time to spend with them without me. We’re having a good time together. It’s always good to see them when they’re “off” work, really off work. His dad still sits on the corner of the sofa and reads a book. Mom is more animated and likes hanging out and wants to help but I haven’t let her so so much as she’s on vacation! Dad’s off the ranch and can’t do anything with the cattle but call the guy who’s helping out for a few days. The guy’s in his 80’s and they’ve been friends for probably 40 years so what can they talk about that hasn’t been talked about in that time?

Jim and I’ve been married near 7 years and while new things come up, new jobs and moves and issues, the old stories remain the old stories! I wouldn’t trust him to take care of this place when I was away. He’d go back to clean pile, dirty pile for laundry and he’s good at taking the dog out but I’d definitely have to get a maid and he’d run up some restaurant bills, to be sure.

So we came back to our probably 1,300 sf townhome happy to be where we are and hope we can stay a while. So what if the hot tub is 18″ from a public pathway. We had it drained. Oh, there was a nice one that the skiers schuss through on the deck of the $10 mil home but those skiers don’t stop to tell the residents “You’re planting those herbs too soon, it’s going to freeze!” and all the other unsolicited advice we’ve received over the last five months.

I cooked a nice simple dinner that you’ve heard before. Baked chicken breasts dipped in milk, flour, egg and panko crumbs. Loaded baked potatoes, and sliced cluster tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper and dried basil.

I couldn’t take pictures of stuff. We have guests and the counter is not quite camera-ready. Hope you’re cooking away and having a marvelous weekend. Cheers, Dee

1 Comment

Posted in Editorial, Utah

Tagged

El Paso II

Posted on December 27, 2008 | 2 comments

My hombre braved the big mall and crowds and traffic, just to make it to the Apple Store to buy new video software. En route home I asked him to stop at the store and pick up milk and honey. He called from the store.

That was the first time he left home today, nearing 5:00 p.m. Three things I asked him to do today: replace a pendant light bulb I really need to cook by (and I had one on hand) that I couldn’t reach; walk the dog; and go to the store for two things.

Upon returning he walked the dog and stepped in a dog mess because there have been no bags out here or irresponsible owners or holiday caretakers don’t give a darn about picking up after their pooches. That really irks me, that people don’t pick up. He’s just had me wash everything he was wearing (yes, Val the Vet) and just took a 30-minute shower while dinner is in the oven.

I really don’t want to write something nasty about all of the people who make our lofts work, but so many things were left undone before they took off for the holidays. Simple things like doggie bags and paper towels and toilet paper for residents and their guests during a long weekend, in the public areas.

This is our second Christmas here, out of five. During the latter portion of the week, we basically were meringue mushrooms sitting on a chocolate hazelnut buttercream yule log cake, so far. Now we have a weekend but are still getting over this cold we got from different places starting at Thanksgiving. Personally, I’m working on pneumonia and am sitting up, here, in the middle of the night so as not to fill my lungs with fluid. ‘Tis time for drastic measures, Whole Foods beckons for Wellness Formula.

Even though this is a semi-transient locale, some of us actually stay here for the holidays. I’m even learning how to make latkes. So we need the people we pay to prep this place when they close things down.

Anyway, my cowboy Knight in Shining Armor took a bullet tonight. He’s picked right up and started all over again and looks forward to dinner. Yes, this man in near middle age has never changed a diaper in his life. I’ve done at least a few hundred. Icky stuff is out there. Cowboys deal with the situation, make their peace and go on with life.

Hopefully my Jim will be able to, as all he did was essentially step in a dog patty (and he grew up on a dairy), grow from this experience and see what mothers and cooks and veterinarians and nurses and others go through every day, without whining.

Yes, he’ll get a good dinner this evening: ham with grainy mustard and honey; scalloped potatoes and a salad. And we care for all the people who make our lives easier, pleasant and interesting. Hope you enjoyed the sales today – I stayed away. Dee

ps He’s watching Alton Brown on dips, loves the science of it, not the cooking. OK, he’s redeemed, except he did wash his leather driving shoes in the shower and they may never recover. D

2 Comments

Posted in Editorial, Pet

Tagged ,

Date with a Car

Posted on August 28, 2008 | Leave a comment

I had a date with a car today, a Honda Pilot. Then I saw I Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Veracruz and a Saab, all sport utilities.

Yes, early weekend traffic was intense so I got there about six minutes late but the dealer I had the appointment with came out and said he was on the phone with a client and would get back to me ten or more minutes later. The car I wanted to check out was on the showroom floor so I didn’t get to drive it. Then because I’m a woman, alone, he tried to make me apply for financing. No way, dude. I’m not falling for this. We’ll arrange financing then choose a car we can live with for the next ten years.

I need meat for dinner, perhaps I can finagle something. Plus a nice Romaine salad, maybe hard-cooked eggs. Fried green tomatoes and I’m going to look up a beer batter for them as I’m still trying to get rid of the beer we bought for July 4 guests, and using one on my hair is the last possibility. Cheese (Cabot cheddar). I think we’ll have bacon-cheese pitas in the oven as the bacon is deep applewood smoked from the butcher counter.

So I think we’re set for dinner. There’s a music festival down the street this weekend, along with Hurricane Gustav. Remember when they named all hurricanes for women? Now they alternate but are only using foreign names (Edouard? Gustav?) Sounds like my family has something out for the Gulf coast. Dee

Leave a comment

Posted in Editorial

Tagged

Care to Spin the Wheel?

Posted on July 18, 2008 | Leave a comment

Feels like Vegas. As job offers begin to roll in we need to decide what part of the country we’ll be living in, in less than two weeks. Roll the dice, spin the wheel, we’ll go where we’ll go.

I haven’t packed a thing yet or started throwing away any paper (cooking magazines, etc) I manage to collect on any horizontal surface to Jim’s chagrin.

We had a nice evening capped off by dinner at a local Mexican eatery where the spinach enchiladas were very tasty. Tomorrow we’re having a friend and perhaps Zoe’s sister dog (who locals named Zoe II for there was already our Zoe living here) over for dinner.

Hopefully a last quiet weekend, the calm before the storm. Actually we did quite well in Vegas, our brief honeymoon destination. We walked the Strip and put a quarter in every hotel’s slot machine. Spent $4 total and ended up with $6. Not bad! It was quite hot out so we spent the winnings on bottled water.

Leave a comment

Posted in Uncategorized

Tagged