Sunday, October 17, 2010

The One-Two Punch

Lunch was delicious; the game gave me heartburn. Hester's 86 yard run was a thing of beauty but watching Cutler get sacked and sacked and sacked is beyond ugly.

I thought I'd chosen the perfect menu. I described it as the one-two punch: Shrimp Bisque and Smoked Salmon. When I heard the announcers regularly use the term "one-two punch" to describe what Seattle was doing to the Bears, my heart sank. I'll have to do better next week when we take on the Redskins. In the meantime, here's the recipe from the Williams-Sonoma "Soups" cookbook:

3 TB unsalted butter
2 Carrots, finely chopped
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 small baking potato, peeled and finely chopped
2 LBs small shrimp, peeled and deveined, shells reserved
2 cups fish stock (or chicken broth)
2 cups light cream
1/2 TB dried Thyme
1 bay leaf, crumbled
Salt and White pepper to taste

In large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add carrots, onion, celery, potato and shrimp shells and saute until the onion is translucent and the shells turn pink (about 3 min)

Add stock, cream, thyme, bay leaf and all but a handfull o9f the shelled shrimp. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 min.

In small batches, puree the soup in a food processor or blender - guard against splattering

Force the puree through a strainer pressing the solids with a wooden spoon.

Return the soup to the pan and season to taste with salt and white pepper. Cut the remaining shrimp into small chunks and add to the soup. Simmer until warm (about 3 min).
Serves 4-6

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Seems Fishy to Me

Other than a good strong cup of coffee, Seattle is known for its seafood. While you don't usually think about Tailgaiting and Seafood together - I think it can be done. Sunday's weather at Soldier Field should be sunny and 60's - a beautiful fall afternoon. My stream of consciousness goes .... fall, crisp, soup, football, Campbell's Chunky Soups, seafood soup - That's it!

First stop is Pike's Place Fish Market - Seattle's favorite fish market - for some recipes and tips. Join me as we virtually browse the market and put together the winning recipe. What do you suggest?

Sunday, October 10, 2010

BBQ Rocked My World

A tasty and winning combination of spices, flavors, field goals and touchdowns. What a great recipe! Even though Cutler was on the sidelines, the Bears looked like Bears immediately out of the gate.

I did have to shovel in some BBQ early in the second half but all was good and we're now 4 and 1 winning 23-6. Hip, Hip, Halas! Just as my joy reached its crescendo, I had this thought "Yeesh, next week is Seattle. What are their foodie specialties? Coffee what?" I really need your help on this one folks. Log in with your ideas and Go Bears!!


Saturday, October 9, 2010

Bears BBQ!

Okay fine, last week happened and now it's over. Jay Cutler will be sitting this one out but I won't. The cook is on the field!

I've received some great suggestions and I've done my research as well. Here's the decision. North Carolina is all about Pork BBQ with Cole Slaw on top so let's give them a taste of the winning recipe.

Early in the season I found Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa at World Harvest here in Champaign. After last week I decided another trip to World Harvest - the Mecca of the Foodie World - was a good idea. Based on input from Southern Belle Marjorie Williams, I chose Mike Ditka's Bourbon Blast Hall of Fame Salsa. I also purchased a totally delicious and appropriate BBQ sauce - 3 Buddeez -One of a Rind- Sweet Pickled Watermelon Rind BBQ Sauce.

The pork and sauce is going in the crock pot tonight. Let's hope by Noon tomorrow the Bears are ready to cook the Panthers.

Doing my part ...


Monday, October 4, 2010

Recipe for Disaster

The Bears set a record for allowing the most sacks in one half in NFL history. Jay Cutler left the game with a concussion. Second string quarterback Todd Collins got knocked out of the game leaving it to Caleb Hanie to finish.

Rather than my Giant Fat Sandwich - which was delicious by the way - leading us to a 4-0 record, it led to Giant Ugly Football. While the Bears are busy regrouping and tending to their wounds, I have to do the same in the kitchen. What's the perfect recipe for success against the Carolina Panthers? Help!

Friday, October 1, 2010

And the Winner Is ...

Thanks to Terry Lenaghan for his input. I've decided to go with the Giant Fat Sandwich as a nod to the Grease Trucks of Rutgers University and New York's Italian heritage. Here's the recipe:


3 LB Sirloin Tip Roast
32 Ounces Beef Broth
1 package of Good Seasons Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
1 jar Pepperoncini Peppers
1 jar Giardiniera
1/4 cup Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa

Spray your crockpot with Pam. Add all ingredients and cook on Low for 18-24 hours turning every 6 hours.

Pull apart with a fork and serve on Hoagie Rolls topped with choices of:
  • Mozzarella Cheese
  • Cooked Onions and/or Cooked Green Peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • More Mike Ditka Salsa
  • Cole Slaw
Hopefully this sandwich will slow down Eli Manning and his team. Kick off is 7:20 CST on NBC. Go Bears! I'll be doing my part.