The Taste & Sounds of the Tropics Anytime

THE RE-OCCURRING Z DAY-DREAM:

Lying on a tropical beach with a fruity cocktail in hand - no phone, no email, no worries.  I have at times stared at the Windows 97 "tropical" themed wallpaper and closed my eyes and wished I was basking in the sun on that computer-generated beach...  Alas back to reality - No Hawaii, Jamaica, or Kokomo trips for Z this year... but I did enjoy me some good tropical eating & listening - & just for a minute - that little day dream felt a bit less far away...    

On this lovely Labor Day weekend and as the Summer of 2011 begins to fade (although soak it up while it lasts - the Fall Equinox is a good 20 days away kids), the good news is that you can bring a little of the Islands right to your home with easy recipes containing ingredients found in your local super market all year long.

 Below are Z's picks for a healthy, cool, yet spicy, tropical dinner with many thanks to AG for conceptualizing and preparing this mini-vacation meal.

On the Menu:
Starter: Pineapple Gazpacho
Main Attraction: Curried Sweet Potato Roti wraps 
Dessert: Pineapple Buttermilk Sherbet
Beverages: Fruity Cocktails

Let's begin!

Tropical Pineapple Gazpacho (adapted from Moosewood Lowfat Restaurant Favorites) Serves 4-6




Here is what you need:

-4 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
-1 English cucumber, peeled and seeded (with extra slices for garnish)
-1 medium red pepper, diced
-1 small red onion, diced
-2 medium tomatoes, diced
-1 cup canned unsweetened pineapple chunks in juice (or use fresh if in season)
-2 tbsp. red wine vinegar (optional)
-generous pinch cayenne or chili powder, or more to taste
-1 tsp. ground cumin
-1 1/2 cups crusty bread, crusts removed, torn into chunks (can be old)
-3 cups tomato juice
-salt and pepper to taste

Here is what you do:

In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, 1/2 the cucumbers, 1/2 the bell peppers, the red onion, 1/2 the tomatoes, the pineapple and its juice, vinegar (if using), cayenne or chili powder, cumin, bread chunks, and tomato juice and puree until smooth. If using the blender, it will be quite full so be sure to hang on to the top when you turn it on.

Transfer to a bowl, then stir in the remaining vegetables. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with cucumbers, lemon slices, or cilantro. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 1 day.

Onto the main course - Curried Sweet Potato Roti (adapted from Moosewood Lowfat Restaurant Favorites) Serves 6-8

"Roti" is the name used in the Caribbean for rolled or folded dough turnovers that have a variety of fillings. Here we wrap flour tortillas around a smooth, curried sweet potato filling made more substantial and chewy by the addition of either chicken, beef, seitan, or soy meat products - chef's choice!

Here is what you need:

For the potato mixture:

-4 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes

-1 tablespoon canola oil or 1 tablespoon other vegetable oil

-2 teaspoons black mustard seeds

-1 cup chopped onion

-1/2 cup chopped bell peppers

For the spice mixture:
-1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger root
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

-1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste

-1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
-1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
-1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Filling
-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
-1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
-8 ounces chopped beef or chicken, soy -meat, or seitan
-6-8 eight inch flour tortillas (depending on your filling amount preference)

Here is what you do:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a covered saucepan, bring the sweet potatoes and enough water to cover them to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, or until soft.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a saucepan and add the mustard seeds. Cook, stirring for 1-2 minutes, until they begin to pop. Stir in the bell peppers and the spice mixture ingredients and cook for about 5 minutes, until the peppers are tender, adding about 3 tablespoons of the sweet potato water to prevent sticking.


When the sweet potatoes are soft, drain them and mash them with the lime juice. Stir in the cilantro and meat or non-meat, then add the cooked onions and peppers and mix well. Sprinkle in salt to taste.

Prepare a baking dish with a light coating of oil or cooking spray. Place about 1/2 cup of filling on each tortilla, roll it up, and place it, seam side down, in the baking dish. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until heated through.

And finally, serve hot, topped with a dollop of nonfat sour cream or yogurt, if desired, and some chopped parsley or cilantro.  AG and I added side of TJ's mango ginger chutney which was a perfect sweet spicy compliment!  Yum!

No tropical daydream is complete without a summery beverage.  AG and I made our take on a Tequila Sunrise, but summer cocktail varieties are endless, and for other options check out this blog posting from Summer 2010 serving up the 7 cocktails shown below.  

Lastly, time to indulge the sweet tooth with a cool (fairly figure friendly) easy tropical dessert:

Pineapple Buttermilk Sherbet (Serves 8; makes 5 - 6 cups) (adapted from Moosewood Lowfat Restaurant Favorites)

Here is what you need:

-2 cups nonfat or regular buttermilk

-2 cups undrained canned crushed pineapple (20-ounce can) or fresh pineapple
-2/3 cup sugar
-A couple ounces finely sliced and chopped ginger root (optional for an extra refreshing blast)

Here is what you do:

In a bowl, stir together the buttermilk, pineapple, sugar, and ginger (if using) until the sugar has dissolved.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. After about an hour, when the mixture has begun to harden, stir it with a fork until it becomes slushy. Cover and return to the freezer for another hour or two, until it is very stiff but not frozen solid. Stir it again with a fork and serve. If the sherbet has frozen hard, remove it from the freezer to soften for about 30 minutes before serving or whirl it in a food processor, scraping down the sides several times, for about 2 minutes, until well blended and smooth.  And that's it - No fancy gadgetry required!  Our sherbet came out a hair on the runny side, albeit tasty and smiling, so best to freeze this for about 5 or 6 hours for solid consistency. 

Onto the music selections for our dreamy tropical mini-getaway evening.  Since AG gets the credit for this dinner, we mutually selected music for your listening pleasure... From Mr. AG - The Bomboras - An all-instrumental LA surf band formed in the summer of 1994, sharing a love of 60’s Surf/Garage such as The Ventures, Booker T, and The Sonics.  Check out this live rendition of "Garage Grinder" and feel free to bob your head up and down quickly and repeatedly. 

And from Z: To go with our Caribbean inspired main-course - Jamaican reggae from Mr. Bob Marley, and to end with a relaxing finish - the beautiful serene voice of Hawaii's great - Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. 

Sigh... I can practically feel the gentle breezes and warm sun on my face...

Hugs and kisses friends.

I'm Living Social in Gilt City L.A. using my Groupons to see Andrew Belle at The Foundry on Melrose

Remember how there was an iPhone App for everything?

Now there's a hip coupon for everything.

Whatever you fancy - yoga classes, marathon entries, hair removal, botox, bartending, dental work, dining out, concerts - a coupon is likely available somewhere between Groupon, Living Social, Active's Shwaggle, Amazon, Open Table, and Restaurant.com.  And to add to the list, Gilt City L.A, my most recent coupon discovery.  Guilt City is a site that offers (among other things) discounts for sought-after events in your city - mine being the City of Angels. 

My good friend HBJ sent me a link for a Gilt City L.A. event, and it was right up my alley: Up-and-coming singer/songwriter, Andrew Belle, performing at celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan's casually elegant restaurant, The Foundry on Melrose.  So we bought the deal!

HBJ w/ art-deco lighting fixtures in background

Set in The Foundry's intimate art-deco-esque dining room, Andrew performed as part of The Foundry's continuing Sunday series featuring singer/songwriters.  In fact, the Foundry features live music almost every day of the week. I like :)

As Andrew was warming up and sound checking - HBJ and I opened our customized Gilt City L.A. menus to see what was in store for us.  The menu not only featured the specialty appetizer and cocktails themed around Andrew's latest album, THE LADDER, but also had Andrew's bio - a nice touch and helpful for context about his music. 

We started with selecting our specialty cocktails.  HBJ got the slightly tart, but zingy rum option, "The Ladder", and I chose the Vodka option because it had TANG in it so I had to try it.  It was strong, but had a light fruity sweetness - I plan to make a Crystal Light variety at home.

Sufficiently
cocktail lubricated, we were ready for the appetizer, a Beet and Carrot Latke.  Chef Eric, quite the latketeer, is well known for his latke varieties.  Check out this link to a Youtube video where Eric is making latkes live on the Snyder Diamond coking show.  I will admit, I haven't had too many latkes in my life, but the only ones I have eaten were made out of potatoes so a latke made out of root veggies was definitely a fresh whimsy twist for me.  The latke had a nice bright red color when you cut it into it - almost like a medium done hamburger patty and a light crisp - like a hash brown but was slightly sweet.  It was topped with glazed carrots and a dollop of caraway seed creme-fraiche and was sitting on creamy bed of carrot puree.  I really enjoyed it and gobbled it up quickly.  What a tasty and interesting low-carb alternative for the old Hanukkah dinner - or anytime since beets and carrots are available all year round.  In case you are interested in making beet latkes, check out this cool blog for a recipe.

After we finished our yummy latkes, HBJ and I went in for the piece de resistance - Chef Eric's award winning Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Short Ribs.  This is the Elvis of all Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.  If you like Grilled Cheese (and who doesn't) I highly recommend this dish because its truly unlike any other Grilled Cheese you have ever had.  And I am not the only one who recommends it, check out the below clip from The Food Network show "The Best Thing I Ever Ate" featuring Eric's amazing Grilled Cheese. Adam Gertler perfectly describes the "symphony of flavors" that will be dancing in your mouth as you experience this cheesey/meaty food fantasy.  After watching the video, I suspect you will run out to The Foundry ASAP - and good news -  I have seen two Groupons for The Foundry!

Watch below and you may salivate on your keyboard.  It's OK.

While we munched on our latkes and grilled cheese, we took in the songs and stories of the talented, yet humbly earnest, Andrew Belle.  What I love the most about watching singer/songwriters is their stories about how and why they wrote their songs.  Although I was familiar with his music, I didn't know a lot about him so I was glad that Andrew personalized the event by talking about himself and his music.

Originally from Tennessee and Chicago, Andrew has recently been touring in LA, and the first thing he talked about were his LA culinary experiences - a great move considering the room was full of foodies.  Having dined at both the chic Gjelina in Venice and the wildly popular pescatarian favorite, Son of a Gun, on Third St. in the Mid-Wilshire district, he said he needed expandable pants after all the good eating, which made me love him and connect with him right off the bat!  I might own a pair of expandable pants or two...

It's apropos that Andrew started his set talking about food because Andrew is a foodie himself.  He actually has his own food blog with great pictures!  You are quite a food photographer sir Andrew (and from personal experience, I can tell you that photographing food is really hard).

After breaking the ice with the food talk, he got into more details about the stories behind his music.  He shared with us that his grandparents paid for him to go to college and that he majored in marketing although ultimately pursued his passion - obviously music. He then played a beautiful song called IN YOUR SLEEP which he wrote near his college and is featured on his 2008 debut EP, ALL THOSE PRETTY LIGHTS.  Check out the below live version of IN YOUR SLEEP - A song that I felt was about the potential between two people when only one of them can see that potential....

He also told us how he recorded THE LADDER (which all Guilt City L.A.er's got a complimentary copy of with their purchase) in his friend's basement in Nashville. No expensive fancy studio - just friends making music from the heart in their homes - simple, pure.  And that simplicity and purity showed through in his performance.

Next he played a gorgeous song, IN MY VEINS, which I knew from my favorite medical drama/soap opera/sleep-around fest, Grey's Anatomy.  Prominently featured in the Season 6 Finale (synopsis: crazy gunmen opens fire at Seattle Grace Hospital and kills two doctors and shoots McDreamy and Karev), IN MY VEINS plays when Dr. Bailey realizes she cannot operate on fatally shot Dr. Percy and holds him in her arms as he slowly dies.  I cried during that scene.  I cry a lot - so not surprising.  IN MY VEINS also plays behind the montage created to depict the entire massacre - I cried during that too. 

In this song, Andrew's voice is airy, but a bit sombre.  What I hear: uncontrollable and unforeseen bad things happen, and in that moment when tragedy strikes, people - whether friends or strangers - are bound together forever.  A timely sentiment as those in various cities across the East Coast suffer together through Hurricane Irene's wrath. 


Towards the end of the set, he played the song I knew the best off THE LADDER, the current single, STATIC WAVES. It's catchy, but its bittersweet.  It's about the conflicted feelings you go through when breaking up with someone you love and don't want to hurt, but you have to end the relationship because it's just not working out anymore.  On the one hand, you will miss that person and the relationship, but on the other hand, you are excited for the possibility of a new chapter and know a weight will be lifted because you had been prolonging this decision long enough.

It's a sucky human feeling, but Andrew helps and he gets it.... Check out the lyrics as you listen because they are right on target to that conflicted feeling.

i count the steps from where i am

to where i started

i tap my feet

and close the door, to your apartment

and i know you're never gonna understand

its too late for you to stop and think

too late to mention

i make a move and spill my drink

to break the tension

i know you're never gonna understand

ill try my best to follow if i can, but

i would have let you leave (x3)

the static waves across the screen

define this notion

back and forth and in between

like my emotion

and i know you're never gonna understand

and wont you slow this down oh if you can

you swayed your hips and stole the breathe

that i was taking

i touched your lips and held your hands

when they were shaking

look how we've fallen upon our knees

how we forgot it

these empty halls held our disease

before we caught it

now out the door and down the stairs from your apartment

i would have let you leave

the static waves across the screen

define this notion

back and forth and in between

like my emotion

now out the door and down the stairs
from your apartment

i count the steps from where i am

to where i started

i would have let you (x3)

i would have let you leave.

As if the night could not get any better, the climax of the evening came when HBJ and I got to chat with both Andrew and Eric after the show.  They were so cool and friendly, and I was totally star struck - and they were even kind enough to let us take a photo :)


It was a beautiful night.  Thanks to HBJ for making this happen and to Chef Eric and Andrew for such an irresistible pairing of food and music - and for the photo op! 


I've got my Groupon so I will be back to the Foundry shortly for some treats and some more tunes.  And you should go too - and by the way, The Foundry is super affordable too!


Hugs and Kisses my darlings.







Patriotic Cupcakes, Redneck White Socks, & Blue Ribbon Beer!

4th of July Checklist:

1. Make Patriotic Cucakes - Done!

2. Purchase Red Dress - Done!

3. Buy Illegal Fireworks - Done! (shhhh!)

4. Find Perfect Red Neck 4th of July ditty - Done! (see below - it's funny!)

4. Go Celebrate with loved ones!  Soon!

                   

Happy 4th to all - I'm out to play :)

Hugs and Kisses.

Life, Liberty, Food, Music, & the Pursuit of Happiness

Icky June gloom is over and the 4th of July long sunny holiday weekend has arrived.  YAY!!!!

The 4th means celebrations all over the US of A with friends, family, food, and fireworks. 

Amidst all the festivities though, I can at times lose sight of what we are actually celebrating - which is freedom from oppression and tyranny achieved in the United States in 1776 with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. (Note: Go see it in the National Archives if you haven't - Coolest historical thing in DC in my opinion).


I wasn't born in the US and my family is not originally from the US, but I am grateful to be here now, to be accepted, and to live my life the way I please without fear of retaliation or censorship.  I think it's a particularly poignant 4th of July celebration this year as people around the world strive to be free from oppressive governmental regimes.  I am inspired and humbled by the brave struggles of the men and women in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and Syria as they have fought this year, and continue to fight, to have the unalienable rights we have enjoyed for 236 years - Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.

And to celebrate Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, below are three really great videos that I think depict each one these unalienable rights.

LIFE

The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Mr. James Brown (RIP) shows us his interpretation of "Living in America".  This 1985 gem is flashy, dancey, and inter splices scenes from Rocky movies - an American pop culture cornerstone.  This video is awesome - lots of sequence and classic shots of 1985 US work force.  Enjoy. Woot!

LIBERTY

I know what some of you are thinking: "Really Z?  Kid Rock?  What's next Nickelback?"  Alright - admittedly sort of outside my general genre, but this is a good song and the lyrics depicts Liberty - the idea of being born free "like a river raging . . . and Wild like an untamed stallion".  I like the expansive beachy and open road shots... You keep on Kid Rock - there ain't no chains on you sir!!! Now go drink a handle of Jack for breakfast.   

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

The Pursuit of Happinss means many things to different people, but without getting philosophical... A good party makes most people happy - and the Beastie Boys do it well.  America's ancestors fought hard for our right to party, and I believe we all should make them proud this weekend :)  

Partying and food go hand in hand, and as such it just wouldn't be a true 4th of July celebration without copious amounts of desserts (we Americans like excess - it's OK we can cop to it).

Here's a no-brainer, 4th of July desserts generally incorporate the ol' Red, White, and Blue elements - and that's easy.

Red: Strawberries, blueberries, red hots, fruit roll ups (red stripes), red sprinkles, red food coloring 

 White: White frosting, white chocolate chips (white stars)

Blue: Blueberries, blackberries, blue food coloring, blue m&ms

And there you have it - Flag waving desserts! 

Although I would love to bake from scratch this weekend, I am alas a little pinched for time.  So, I am going "Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade" Style with Flag Cupcakes made from the items you see below.  And because I am party hopping on the 4th, cupcakes are perfect for me to bring along to share at each celebration (hopefully they don't melt along the way!)

If you do have a little more time this weekend, I recommend trying out the most famous of Flag Cakes - Ina Garten's tried and true recipe - Over 600 home cooks can't be wrong - this recipe is fab and not hard!  Check out Ina making her patriotic cake below, and for the recipe - click here.

 I say unto all of you this weekend - Rejoice in your freedoms, Be safe, Enjoy your loved ones, Eat well, and finally...

As Katy says - Be a firework, and don't forget to let your colors burst :)

Happy 4th!!! 

Hugs and Kisses



Risotto & Radiohead LIGHT! Lo-Cal Recipe Makeover + South Park

It's the brink of Summer kids which means bikini and sundress weather abound...

For Z, this means an attempt to reign it in calorie-wise and to consider dusting off the gym membership card... Neither a success today - BUT tomorrow is a new day :)

Because I suspect I am not the only one who is thinking "Time for the Summer Slim-Down", please meet my health and fitness guru and pal, Julie S. over at The Calorie Rebel blog.  Julie's entertaining and inspiring blog posts focus on healthy eating, weight management, and provide great tips (even for foodies) on how to navigate daily high-calorie temptation (e.g., the huge bowl of M&Ms sitting on my co-worker's desk).

Julie checked into my May 18 post "Commitment and Dedication: Radiohead and Risotto" and has come-up with a creamy lo-cal alternative to the featured Mushroom and Gorgonzola recipe.  Her version uses less rice, more veggies, and less butter and it looks divine!   Right in time for Summer - this recipe is an excellent choice if you too are looking to reign it in...

Check out Julie's Risotto Recipe Make-Over as well as her other insightful and encouraging posts at The Calorie Rebel blog.  You will be glad you did once it's time to don that new swim suit...

Julie's Yummy Light Risotto at http://www.calorierebel.blogspot.com/


And now for a little Radiohead humor - In 2001, Radiohead made a guest appearance on South Park in an episode called "Scott Tenorman Must Die".  The plot involves Cartman's attempt to get revenge on Scott Tenorman whose favorite band is Radiohead, and Radiohead shows up in South Park at Cartman's request... It's actual pretty weird... 

For a detailed plot summary, see the Wikipedia article.  And to watch the whole episode click here.

For a couple of the Radiohead related clips from this quasi twisted episode, see below...

Scott Tenorman Must Die
Tags: SOUTH
PARKmore...

Scott Tenorman Must Die
Tags: SOUTH
PARKmore...

Alright - it's 10:30 and still early enough to burn a few calories on the ol' stationary recumbent bike...

Hugs and Kisses.

Commitment and Dedication: Radiohead and Risotto

Darling friends, some things in life require commitment and dedication.

In no particular order, the following are examples of such things:

1. Assembling IKEA furniture
2. Watching (or mentally preparing to watch) "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
3. Reading "War and Peace"
4. Repeatedly choosing to date players
5. Learning how to ride a bike (or maybe that's just Z...).

And when it comes to music and food:

1. Internalizing a Radiohead album
2. Successfully making risotto

RADIOHEAD

Without many repeated hooks and easily decipherable lyrics, the ever expansive and cathartic Radiohead, in my view, require serious listening commitment before one fully appreciates the genius behind Radiohead.  Between front man Thom Yorke's ethereal and wistful vocal style, three guitars, atmoshperic electronic beats, an occasional glockenspiel, PLUS the usual suspects of keyboard, bass, drums -- Radiohead's sound is textured and layered.  As such, I need to listen to a Radiohead album several times in order to grasp the lyrics and unpack the music - and it's only then when the album clicks for me.

And since Thom's lyrics can be a bit obscure, I may consult with one of the 8,000+  (probably illegal - shhh) lyric websites for some help.   For example, check out the lyrics to the popular track KARMA POLICE  (off the 1997 album OK COMPUTER) below... I definitely hear "This is what you'll get when you mess with us", but "He speaks in maths"? "Hitler hairdo"??



Truth be told, the first time I saw Radiohead live in 2004 (front row, standing for 3 hours), I got bored.  Although I did casually listen to KID A (2000 release) and HAIL TO THE THIEF (2003 release) a couple times, I didn't take the time to internalize those albums.  Not surprisingly, the music was going over my head and it all sounded the same.  And they didn't even play the one song I knew well -- obviously CREEP.  But on a positive note, we were so close to the stage that Thom was actually sweating on me.  Keen.

For my second Radiohead show in 2008, I was prepared.  I made a conscious effort to spend time with IN RAINBOWS (2007 release) prior to the show.  And the effort was worth it because they played most of that album, and it was one of the best shows I have ever seen.  The Hollywood Bowl on beautiful Summer night + one of my fav concert mates Ms. LK + Pool Circle box seats + Trader Joe's munchies + wine + full immersion into the music = Transcendent Evening.

I became particularly attached to IN RAINBOWS.  The album impressed me musically as did Radiohead's decision to allow fans to purchase the digital album online at that consumer's desired price point - An elegant way to connect with fans and maintain loyalty.

HOUSE OF CARDS, off that album, became my anthem for the reflective Summer of 2008.



And after more than 3 years, Radiohead's 8th studio album KING OF LIMBS finally arrived this past February.  I went through the listening ritual: a few dry runs in the car, putzing around the homestead, while cooking, while running, laying in bed, lyric searching, and I have now finally internalized it...

My current fav track - MORNING MR. MAGPIE because it's taunting and eerie.  I also dig the steady electronic beat because it sounds like a soundtrack to a common re-occurring dream.  You know that dream where you are trying to get somewhere, and you are running, and you feel like the world is chasing you, and you are so close to your destination, but you can't get there... and then you wake up...  And when I awake from that kind of dream feeling a touch disoriented, I naturally go to the kitchen for a middle of the night cheese sandwich... I suspect others have experienced that dream and perhaps have also indulged in 3 AM cheese sandwiches...



But now for the star off KING OF LIMBS - LOTUS FLOWER, the current single.  This video is like Flaming Jalapeno Cheetos - I can't stop consumption.  I watched it like 8 times in a row.  I am no pro dancer, but I want to break out Thom's jig below one day at a boring wedding (ala Romy and Michele's with "Time After Time"). In fact, I would rather learn Thom's spas-tastic, writhing, wrenching moves any time over the Thriller dance (with all due respect to the late MJJ).

If you haven't seen this, YOU MUST!

Radiohead Radiohead Lotus Flower Music Videos

And if you haven't picked up KING OF LIMBS, I say grab it and commit to it.  It's worth the investment.

On to FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!

RISOTTO

Making the Italian rice dish Risotto is a labor of love. And, like internalizing a Radiohead record, you can't rush the process... it takes consistent attention and time, but when it's done - its a beautiful dish made with heart, soul, and sweat (literally because a couple drops may fall in as you stand over the hot stove - sweat is the secret ingredient actually).

Before diving into the recipe, check out this memorable clip from the movie "Big Night" which showcases the emotion that goes into risotto...  And this one of the best food movies ever, and I am not just saying that because Tony Shalhoub - one of my people - plays the impassioned Italian Chef, Primo. If you haven't seen it - add to Netflix queue.



Many thanks to my fellow Radiohead fellow concert mate, LK who sent me great recipes and a great blog posting about risotto making tips, which was helpful because this was my virgin dance with risotto.  I ultimately chose a Giada recipe which called for porcini mushrooms and Gorgonzola (although I didn't use porcinis, but LOVE Gorgonzola).  It took dedication because I could not leave the rice unattended while it was cooking for even a minute, but ultimately I was very satisfied with the outcome, and KING OF LIMBS was right there with me in the kitchen.

Gorgonzola and Mushroom Risotto (4 - 6 Servings)

Here is what you need:

•4 cups low-sodium chicken stock (I used 6 cups to achieve desired creaminess, but heated up 8 cups (2 boxes) just in case)
•1 1/2 ounces dried porcini mushrooms (Any mushrooms will work.  I used 8 oz of baby bellas because I couldn't find porcinis.) 
•3 tablespoons butter
•1 medium onion, diced
•1 1/2 cups Arborio rice (The special rice that Stanley Tucci is talking about!)
•1/2 cup dry white wine (and the balance of the bottle in your mouth - OPAH!)
•1/2 cup grated Parmesan (I omitted this because I forgot to buy it and didn't notice any lack of flavor or texture)
•3/4 cup (3 ounces) Gorgonzola, crumbled (consider using sparingly because Gorgonzola is sharp!)
•1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (I couldn't find chives so I substituted green onions)
•1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
•1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Here is what you do:

If using porcinis: In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the porcini mushrooms. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside for 30 minutes until the mushrooms are tender. Using a slotted spoon, remove the mushrooms and set aside.  Reheat the stock to a simmer and keep warm over low heat.

If using any other type of mushrooms, no need to pre-soak the mushrooms.  Just begin simmering the stock in a medium saucepan.  If you have a simmer burner on your oven, now is the time to use it. In a large, heavy saucepan, melt the 3 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion and mushrooms and cook until the onions are tender but not brown, about 3 minutes.

Add the rice and stir to coat with the butter. Add the wine and simmer until the wine has almost evaporated, about 3 minutes.

Add 1/2 cup of warm stock (about a ladleful) and stir until almost completely absorbed, about 2 minutes. Continue with remaining stock, adding 1/2 cup at a time, and allowing each addition to be absorbed, until the rice is tender to the bite and the mixture is creamy, about 25 to 30 minutes.  You can't go anywhere dung this process - don't text, don't pee, don't check on your dessert - because you need to constantly stir the risotto as it absorbs each ladleful of broth or the rice will begin to stick to the bottom of the pan... Don't say I didn't warn you. 

When the rice is to your desired creaminess, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan (if using), Gorgonzola, chives or green onions, salt and pepper. Transfer the risotto to a serving bowl. Serve immediately. For next day eating, microwave is the best way to re-heat this... and its really good the next day after the flavors cozied up with each other over night ;)

Risotto is great because its filling, versatile, and works as a side dish or a main course all four seasons.  Plus it's fun to make, and your loved ones will appreciate your commitment, dedication, and devotion as they savour each lovely bite.

Hugs and Kisses.



SXSW Day 3: Moonshine, The Head and the Heart, Fitz live, and SPEAK!

After sampling Austin's finest BBQ at Ironworks (Day 1), then grubbing on Austin's "grab and go" street foods (Day 2), it was time to have a proper sit-down meal to round out the SXSW 2011 culinary adventure. On a recommendation from a friendly Austin-based colleague, my fashionable and fab co-worker and I headed to Moonshine Patio Bar and Grill, right in downtown Austin.  And we weren't the only ones - the place was packed with fellow SXSW'ers - biz folks, musicians (saw Fitz there!), and other locals coming to check out shows.   Built circa 1835, Moonshine is housed in one of the oldest commercial buildings in Austin that was previously home to (among other things) a general store, an overnight home for rural settlers, and a pre-Prohibition era saloon.  Moonshine honors the building's long Austin history by serving-up innovative takes on classic American comfort foods to satisfy the biggest of appetites. 

 

 

    

It was a tough decision between "Pecan Crusted Catfish with Crawfish Tails, Homemade Hot Sauce and Brown Butter Sauce" and "Broiled Rainbow Trout with Cornbread Stuffing and Chile Sage Butter."  I decided on the Trout because I have never had fish stuffed with cornbread (and I love cornbread) so it was a must. For my side dish, I figured "go big, you're in Texas" so I ordered the Baked Macaroni (at this point - health considerations have been tossed out the window like a cheating ex-husband). My friend ordered the Smoked Half Chicken because it came with Dr. Pepper BBQ Sauce - an uncommon find! As we waited for our dinner plates, we munched on Moonshine's famous seasoned popcorn and cornbread muffins (both complimentary with every meal), and I sipped on a Sauvignon Blanc (my fav white) from a TX vineyard.

Moonshine's hefty portions certainly epitomize the ol' saying "Everything's Big in Texas!"  It's a good thing we had been walking a lot!  My trout was out of this world! The fish was perfectly cooked and melted in your mouth; the sage flavored sauce nicely complimented the herbs in the cornbread; and the baked macaroni was a perfect ramekin of cheesy down-home comfort; and lastly - look at that - there are even veggies! The carrots were a touch sweet (perhaps maple glazed) which paired well with the sweetness of the cornbread. 

When the very-friendly server came around asking if we had saved room for dessert the realistic answer was "No - I have consumed my body weight in butter" however what came out of our mouths was "we could do a bite of the Sweet Potato Pecan Pie."  Holy hell - what arrived was A LOT more than a bite! It was a whole pie!  A mix between traditional pecan pie and a cake, the crust was a little thicker than a normal pie crust.  It was drizzled with a brown sugar glaze and topped with a huge scoop of vanilla ice cream.  Needless to say it was spectacular, and we may have had a little more than just a bite, then gave the rest to our appreciative fellow SXSW'ers at the neighboring table. 

Others recommended sushi or Italian food restaurants in Austin which I am sure are great, but for me... when in Rome... you get me.... this was a perfect last meal in Austin.

And after that mega-meal, I took a few minutes to re-group before hitting the town hard for the last night of running around...

The Day 3 band highlights:

SPEAK:  An up-and-coming foursome actually from Austin, these guys are young, energetic, and infuse their pop sound with well-placed electro-beats.   I was excited to see them play SXSW because I have been digging their EP "Hear Here" (available on iTunes) and they certainly lived up to my expectations!  Recently signed to Atlantic, their full length LP should drop sometime this year - look out for it and see video below!   And as a side note, They played this day time show at perhaps the coolest venue of my SXSW experience to date - The roof of the Whole Foods, just right outside of downtown Austin.  If you like Whole Foods, the Austin flag-ship location is like Disneyland!

Fitz and the Tantrums: If you have been following along, you already know I dig this band have been looking forward to seeing them at SXSW (see this post for videos and more about Fitz). It was an 11:15 PM show and it was packed - We had to fight, wheedle, and plead our way in, but we did it! And it was awesome!  The guys wore their trademark skinny ties and Noelle rocked a gold short dress (a la "Dream Girls"). They danced, they played their hearts out, the audience was totally into them and singing along - I was happy :)

And now it was on to my final show for SXSW 2011, and it was far far away from the Fitz show.  Hardly able to stand on my kankles at this point, but undeterred, I turned to the best mode of transportation in Austin - a pedi-cab.  I am a pedi-cab lover - these boys (and girls although, I only happened to ride the gents ;) ) are super friendly and get you where you need to go FAST with little regard for silly traffic laws. I wish we had these in LA (although people would hate them and run them over). Oh and isn't "Pedi-Cab" a great name for a band? Chew on that Austin youth.  Thanks to one of Austin's finest on the right, I made it on-time to catch The Head and the Heart's final SXSW show.

The Head and the Heart:

A Seattle-based 6-piece folk-ish rock group, H and H finished out their last SXSW show with a high energy bang!  The audience was so amped a few guys jumped on-stage (far left guy and middle dude) and were promptly handed shakers to join the fun. H and H is authentic and their songs are diverse - some introspective & mellow others lively & folksy.  I loved their use of violin and long-keyboard flourishes - I was bopping along!  Recently signed to Sub-Pop, their current self-entitled LP (available on iTunes) will be emimently re-released.  Look out for it and see below!  

Phew!!! Until next year darling Austin...

  Thanks to all of you wonderful readers for following me along.

Hugs and Kisses as always :)