Something Delicious

[TheMerryFairy]

Hello everyone!

Did anyone get to enjoy a special Valentine's meal? Whether it was for yourself, with friends or family, or a significant other?


I went out tonight and had a wonderful meal that had at least some Valentine's day influence when it came to the dessert . It was a strawberry infused chocolate buttermilk cake with whipped cream and german chocolate drizzle.

[Ursy]

Originally Posted by TheMerryFairy

Hello everyone!

Did anyone get to enjoy a special Valentine's meal? Whether it was for yourself, with friends or family, or a significant other?

I went out tonight and had a wonderful meal that had at least some Valentine's day influence when it came to the dessert . It was a strawberry infused chocolate buttermilk cake with whipped cream and german chocolate drizzle.

Unfortunately I had the 'flu, so no special meal, but I did get a box of chocolates! That has to count for something

That cake sounds wonderful! I hope you enjoyed it

[Sun]

Hola Delicious people!

Whats cooking? I have missed you all.

Feels like I have been away forever.

Started a new job 2 weeks ago and have seen way too much of a
kitchen lately. So I am looking forward to reading about what yall have been up to.

[TheMerryFairy]

Originally Posted by Sun

Hola Delicious people!

Whats cooking? I have missed you all.

Feels like I have been away forever.

Started a new job 2 weeks ago and have seen way too much of a
kitchen lately. So I am looking forward to reading about what yall have been up to.

I hope the new job is going well. I haven't had a lot of time to do as much cooking as I would like. I too started a new job and while the hours are comparible, the commute tacks on about 2 extra hours.

I made a vegetable soup last night, which I am enjoying now and I got to experience a lovely fine dining meal on saturday evening.

[ahk]

I made chicken tortilla soup today---
Takes about 30 minutes, plus 30 for roasting chicken.
It came out delish.

Welcome back, Sun!

[Sun]

Originally Posted by TheMerryFairy

I hope the new job is going well. I haven't had a lot of time to do as much cooking as I would like. I too started a new job and while the hours are comparible, the commute tacks on about 2 extra hours.

I made a vegetable soup last night, which I am enjoying now and I got to experience a lovely fine dining meal on saturday evening.

Oh not commuting!

Yeah I am experiencing morning commute fun
during high season, but hey, 81 degrees and sunny, I can not complain
about a little, or a lot, of traffic. What kind of soup did you make?

[Sun]

Originally Posted by ahk

I made chicken tortilla soup today---
Takes about 30 minutes, plus 30 for roasting chicken.
It came out delish.

Welcome back, Sun!

ahk! You are such a food tease.

Thanks

Where is my soup neighbor?

I swear I am coming up there for dinner. You are not that
far away.

Be warned.

Omg I spent all day avoiding cooking because I was off. Work has been busy and lots of time on the grill. Got some new battle scars that are healing. Forgot how hot a grill can be when its fired up all day long.

A coworker was telling me about a Serrano chili sauce that is made with garlic and then pureed, sounds amazing, and hot. Two of my favorite things, amazing and hot *grin*. Reminds me of someone that I know.

Thinking about working that sauce up for some grilled shrimp.

[Sun]

Originally Posted by jac

Okay this reminds me this morning of a rather embarassing moment....

When I first moved to Maine (many years ago) I was with some friends at a truck stop one early morning after bar hoppin'. Up here they have poutine, which is fries with gravy. This is a Canadian dish and is to be pronounced (pu-teen). Somehow it did not come out of mouth sounding like that...

I think ya'll can figure out how the word was pronounced by a southerner lol...
Yep (pu-tain)... which we all know is not the same thing as fries and gravy.

OMG not just my friends but everyone in the truck stop busted out laughing... Good thing I was a bit lit and really didn't care too much!!

Trying to catch up on all the posts that I missed and this one just cracked me the hell up! Omg, that was good. Interesting to see what foods wind up in our regions borrowed from other places. I've been preaching about how the Taco is going to take over America (I mean a real authentic Taco with a hand made fresh Tortillia) and I see it happening in the west but wow do I miss my east coast seafood. When I see "Maine" I have a very Pavlovian response and think of lobster and blueberries. Better plan to visit in August or September if I am smart.

[TheMerryFairy]

Originally Posted by Sun

Oh not commuting!

Yeah I am experiencing morning commute fun
during high season, but hey, 81 degrees and sunny, I can not complain
about a little, or a lot, of traffic. What kind of soup did you make?

I will trade you for your 81 and sunny even for a day. Though I must admit I would be getting the better deal. I ended up staying home today because of blizzard conditions. I experienced those first hand walking on my paper route first thing this morning, which I picked up as a 2nd job just because it was one street. So much for being easy. I came home to a power outage drenched and caffeine deprived because the coffee I bought on my way home blew into the wind every time I tried to take a drink and my furnace was out. Did I mention that it's bitterly cold and I experienced 2 ft of flooding in my basement yesterday as a result of a rain storm coming in after a snow storm?

I need a break from this winter weather. Come on spring!

Needless to say I have spent the day bundled up and enjoying my homemade garden vegetable soup . I even had a nice fresh italian loaf of bread for dunking.

[Sun]

Originally Posted by TheMerryFairy

I will trade you for your 81 and sunny even for a day. Though I must admit I would be getting the better deal. I ended up staying home today because of blizzard conditions. I experienced those first hand walking on my paper route first thing this morning, which I picked up as a 2nd job just because it was one street. So much for being easy. I came home to a power outage drenched and caffeine deprived because the coffee I bought on my way home blew into the wind every time I tried to take a drink and my furnace was out. Did I mention that it's bitterly cold and I experienced 2 ft of flooding in my basement yesterday as a result of a rain storm coming in after a snow storm?

I need a break from this winter weather. Come on spring!

Needless to say I have spent the day bundled up and enjoying my homemade garden vegetable soup . I even had a nice fresh italian loaf of bread for dunking.

You have just explained why AZ and FL are full of Canadians right now.

Sounds like a rough day. Glad you are warm and well fed!

I am warm but not well fed. At all. I have been living on a high carb diet when I do eat which is not often enough. I'll go all day at work with no food or break and if I break its maybe a ten minute break. Just enough to catch some sunshine. That has to change. Guess its a good thing that I am storing some body fat to burn off for energy huh?

*smirk*

Ok that was a statement that I never thought that I would make.

On the brighter side of life...I need a juicer. I left mine in CA and really want some fresh vegetable juice. My bff and I have been playing around with making ice cream since that is something that I do not do with any regularity and it has been a lot of fun. Right now I am working on an Espresso Ice Cream. Made the Espresso syrup last night...Oh MY GOD...it is craaaaazzzzy good. Will let yall know how the ice cream turns out.

[ahk]

Originally Posted by Sun

ahk! You are such a food tease.

Thanks

Where is my soup neighbor?

I swear I am coming up there for dinner. You are not that
far away.

Be warned.

Omg I spent all day avoiding cooking because I was off. Work has been busy and lots of time on the grill. Got some new battle scars that are healing. Forgot how hot a grill can be when its fired up all day long.

A coworker was telling me about a Serrano chili sauce that is made with garlic and then pureed, sounds amazing, and hot. Two of my favorite things, amazing and hot *grin*. Reminds me of someone that I know.

Thinking about working that sauce up for some grilled shrimp.

My bad --

1 whole chicken breast (boneless/skinless)
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chopped onions (2 onions)
1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks) -- I leave out, because I don't care for it.
2 cups chopped carrots (4 carrots)
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in puree, crushed
2 to 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, optional
6 (6-inch) fresh white corn tortillas
Directions
For serving: sliced avocado, sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the chicken breasts skin side up on a sheet pan. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until done. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, cube or shred the meat. Cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until the onions start to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes with their puree, jalapenos, cumin, coriander, 1 tablespoon salt (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock), 1 teaspoon pepper, and the cilantro, if using. Cut the tortillas in 1/2, then cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch strips and add to the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and season to taste. Serve the soup hot topped with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and broken tortilla chips.

Sun, you are more welcome to come for a visit anytime!! I'd love to cook with you or for you, drink a few whatevers, and whatnots.

It's only Tuesday and I'm ready for the weekend.

[Sun]

Originally Posted by ahk

My bad --

1 whole chicken breast (boneless/skinless)
Good olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups chopped onions (2 onions)
1 cup chopped celery (2 stalks) -- I leave out, because I don't care for it.
2 cups chopped carrots (4 carrots)
4 large cloves garlic, chopped
2 1/2 quarts chicken stock, preferably homemade
1 (28-ounce) can whole tomatoes in puree, crushed
2 to 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander seed
1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, optional
6 (6-inch) fresh white corn tortillas
Directions
For serving: sliced avocado, sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and tortilla chips

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Place the chicken breasts skin side up on a sheet pan. Rub with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, until done. When the chicken is cool enough to handle, cube or shred the meat. Cover and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onions, celery, and carrots and cook over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until the onions start to brown. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the chicken stock, tomatoes with their puree, jalapenos, cumin, coriander, 1 tablespoon salt (depending on the saltiness of the chicken stock), 1 teaspoon pepper, and the cilantro, if using. Cut the tortillas in 1/2, then cut them crosswise into 1/2-inch strips and add to the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 25 minutes. Add the shredded chicken and season to taste. Serve the soup hot topped with sliced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, grated Cheddar cheese, and broken tortilla chips.

Sun, you are more welcome to come for a visit anytime!! I'd love to cook with you or for you, drink a few whatevers, and whatnots.

It's only Tuesday and I'm ready for the weekend.

ahk this looks like a good recipe. Any preference on the Cheddar? Mild, medium, sharp, extra sharp?

Also any advice for people who can not get fresh white corn tortillias? That was me until recently. Made me crazy.

I will definitely come up for a visit while I am in AZ. What a great road trip.

[ahk]

In our house, we eat nothing but Sharp Cheddar-- or extra. But I think its up to your taste buds, really. Jack is good too!!

If you can't find fresh, get the store bought -- I have used before.



You know I never use a recipe really-- its like I see one I want to try but then I put my own twist on it.

Just facebook me or something when you do plan on coming on over-- what part of AZ you in? We have family there- in Chandler.

[TheMerryFairy]

Originally Posted by ahk

In our house, we eat nothing but Sharp Cheddar-- or extra. But I think its up to your taste buds, really. Jack is good too!!

If you can't find fresh, get the store bought -- I have used before.



You know I never use a recipe really-- its like I see one I want to try but then I put my own twist on it.

Just facebook me or something when you do plan on coming on over-- what part of AZ you in? We have family there- in Chandler.

I am exactly the same way when it comes to recipes! Sometimes I will try the original first then put my spin on it and sometimes it's mine from the get go. A lot of times when I cook I don't even use a recipe. I like to throw things together with what I have. Thank you for the one you just shared.

[ahk]

Yeah no problem.
I am really weird with recipes -- its really how I learned to cook, by just reading them and figuring out what I enjoyed to eat and such.
Most of meals are from here and there -- unless its more complicated, I write it down and figure out what works best.
Its really neat to hear how others cook and figure out what works best for them.
If you try the recipe, let me know how it comes out. Enjoy!!

[Sun]

Getting ready to taste test my first batch of Espresso ice cream. Well I cant take the credit for it my bff is the ice cream expert I am just learning. Ive been making the syrups and pralines and such. Then we collaborate. The Espresso syrup was insane!! I cant wait to make it again.

ahk I am in Mesa right now but usually in Scottsdale. I go to Chandler all the time. Come down and visit sometime.

[Sun]

So...the Espresso ice cream tastes like Latte' ice cream and is very good but not fabulous. Needs some work. I want a stronger coffee flavor.

Back to square one.

[ruffryder]

Originally Posted by Sun

Hola Delicious people!

Whats cooking? I have missed you all.

Feels like I have been away forever.

Started a new job 2 weeks ago and have seen way too much of a
kitchen lately. So I am looking forward to reading about what yall have been up to.

Hey Sun! Hope your new job is going great!

What's everyone making this weekend?

Tonight we are making meatball grinders on hoagie buns with melted mozzarella on top! Can't wait to taste them!

[Sun]

Originally Posted by ruffryder

Hey Sun! Hope your new job is going great!

What's everyone making this weekend?

Tonight we are making meatball grinders on hoagie buns with melted mozzarella on top! Can't wait to taste them!

Hey ruff! Can I come over and have some?

I am not cooking at home this weekend I cook all day long at work and am burned, cut, bruised and otherwise beaten up. New routine, new kitchen, new everything and they require that we wear cut gloves. Shoot me.

Lots of heavy grill work, marinades, spice rubs, lots of heat, which I like. Give me a hot fire any day. There is something so primal and intense for me about fire. I crave it. I want it around me all the time.

Been doing a really simple but good marinade for grilled shrimp and flank steak. Easy, to a quart and a 1/2 of Oil, add roughly, 2 cups of chopped parsley, 12 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup rosemary, 1/4 cup fresh thyme, 1/4 cup Kosher or sea salt, 1/4 cup fresh ground black pepper. Fresh herbs only. Use blender or immersion blender, and blend for 2 mins. Toss shrimp in marinade and let sit for one hour. Then grill.

Flank steak, coat in marinade and let sit for one hour minimum or overnight. Grill. Charcoal grilling is my first choice, add some soaked wood (apple, mesquite, oak) for flavor. Get creative. Make it your own as I always say!

[TheMerryFairy]

Originally Posted by Sun

Hey ruff! Can I come over and have some?

I am not cooking at home this weekend I cook all day long at work and am burned, cut, bruised and otherwise beaten up. New routine, new kitchen, new everything and they require that we wear cut gloves. Shoot me.

Lots of heavy grill work, marinades, spice rubs, lots of heat, which I like. Give me a hot fire any day. There is something so primal and intense for me about fire. I crave it. I want it around me all the time.

Been doing a really simple but good marinade for grilled shrimp and flank steak. Easy, to a quart and a 1/2 of Oil, add roughly, 2 cups of chopped parsley, 12 garlic cloves, 1/2 cup rosemary, 1/4 cup fresh thyme, 1/4 cup Kosher or sea salt, 1/4 cup fresh ground black pepper. Fresh herbs only. Use blender or immersion blender, and blend for 2 mins. Toss shrimp in marinade and let sit for one hour. Then grill.

Flank steak, coat in marinade and let sit for one hour minimum or overnight. Grill. Charcoal grilling is my first choice, add some soaked wood (apple, mesquite, oak) for flavor. Get creative. Make it your own as I always say!

I feel the same way about fire, I start to feel that craving under my skin and I need to break out the grill or maybe dance around the flames in a non harmful way LOL