It's not exactly a novel, but Michael Ruhlman's Elements of Cooking has me riveted! I just started it yesterday and I'm already inspired to get into the kitchen and make things happen. Veal stock here I come!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Book Recommendation
It's not exactly a novel, but Michael Ruhlman's Elements of Cooking has me riveted! I just started it yesterday and I'm already inspired to get into the kitchen and make things happen. Veal stock here I come!
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Switching Up Sunday Dinner
We generally have the simply roast chicken on Sundays, but for some reason today I was craving pot roast. I never crave pot roast. In fact, I can't remember the last time I made pot roast, although I do remember when I did make it it was dry.
Not so this time. I've really come to appreciate the benefits of braising and pot roast, made with a chuck roast, is an exceptional piece of beef to braise. The recipe I used, Red Wine Pot Roast with Porcini, was very well done, balanced and flavorful. I think I would have done something a little different with the sauce, but for a first time recipe it was a hit. I served it with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.
One note about this recipe: it's not a weeknight dinner, unless you happen to be home during the weekday. It took four hours from start to finish, including side dishes. You could, however, make it in a slow cooker. If you choose that method I would follow the recipe as written until it says to put it in the oven, at that point put every thing in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
Not so this time. I've really come to appreciate the benefits of braising and pot roast, made with a chuck roast, is an exceptional piece of beef to braise. The recipe I used, Red Wine Pot Roast with Porcini, was very well done, balanced and flavorful. I think I would have done something a little different with the sauce, but for a first time recipe it was a hit. I served it with mashed potatoes and roasted asparagus.
One note about this recipe: it's not a weeknight dinner, unless you happen to be home during the weekday. It took four hours from start to finish, including side dishes. You could, however, make it in a slow cooker. If you choose that method I would follow the recipe as written until it says to put it in the oven, at that point put every thing in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
WOOHOO!
It's that time of year again -- the time when the holiday cooking magazine issues arrive. Last week we received Cook's Illustrated and today, my favorite, Bon Appetit arrived. And a bonus when I opened it up: I'm published! Okay, not really. But a couple years ago Big J and I had dinner at Southpark Seafood Grill and Wine Bar in Portland and I had the most amazing martini I had to write into RSVP to get the recipe. They finally put it in the magazine and I can't wait to try it out, perhaps with oysters on the half shell for a Thanksgiving appetizer.
So no the fun begins -- planning Thanksgiving dinner. It's a little over a month away and I have a lot of work to do! Stay tuned.
So no the fun begins -- planning Thanksgiving dinner. It's a little over a month away and I have a lot of work to do! Stay tuned.
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