It's easy to abandon the farmers this week. Not only did they turn their backs on us the last two weeks, but Seattle doesn't have farmers. If you want to stick with this losing theme, you can stretch the term to include fishermen. There are plenty of fishermen.
This blogger's chosen to return to the food of the opponent's people.Looking at Seattle's iconic food yields some interesting results and comparisons. For example, we have the Chicago Dog - they have hot dogs smothered in cream cheese. You probably need to try it before you recoil - or not.
Seattle is all about seafood including shell fish like the one above. Interesting.
Coffee, apples, Walla Walla onions, dutch babies, teriyaki and rainier cherries are some of the other foods associated with Seattle. Past menus have included coffee rubbed pork tenderloin and shrimp bisque. Both were delicious. If you'd like to look up the recipes, enter Seattle into the search bar.
As you prepare your menu for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, make a bit extra for Jeffrey and Cutler. They'll be sitting on the sidelines and might appreciate having a bit of nosh.
Friday, September 25, 2015
Sunday, September 20, 2015
Some Records Aren't Meant To Be Broken
What is it about farmers? They're not playing into my theory of defeating the opponent with native food. Last week we explored cranberries from Wisconsin. This week it was lettuce from Arizona. Both were disasters on the football field.
Today felt like an Illini game! The score was bad enough - 48/23 - but the penalties, OMG! We tied the team record for penalties, losing 170 yards. This last happened in the 1940's and Papa Bear - who had retired - couldn't stand it. He came back to coach the team and turn things around. Sadly, Papa is no longer an option. Should we look forward to the day when Virginia suits up? I expect she's beginning to consider her options.
I'm not blaming any of this on Coach Fox. I'm willing to give him the time to fix Chicago's broken system but YEESH! this week was ugly. I mean, really, how can you take lovely green lettuce topped with taco meat, refried beans, guacamole and salsa and turn it into hell on earth?
And, by the way, I'm not buying the hamstring injury for Jay Cutler. I expect it's something much more serious. For goodness sake, he wasn't even limping on his way into the locker room. Time for plan B, C or D.
Bears fans and cooks, let's regroup.
Today felt like an Illini game! The score was bad enough - 48/23 - but the penalties, OMG! We tied the team record for penalties, losing 170 yards. This last happened in the 1940's and Papa Bear - who had retired - couldn't stand it. He came back to coach the team and turn things around. Sadly, Papa is no longer an option. Should we look forward to the day when Virginia suits up? I expect she's beginning to consider her options.
I'm not blaming any of this on Coach Fox. I'm willing to give him the time to fix Chicago's broken system but YEESH! this week was ugly. I mean, really, how can you take lovely green lettuce topped with taco meat, refried beans, guacamole and salsa and turn it into hell on earth?
And, by the way, I'm not buying the hamstring injury for Jay Cutler. I expect it's something much more serious. For goodness sake, he wasn't even limping on his way into the locker room. Time for plan B, C or D.
Bears fans and cooks, let's regroup.
Labels:
2015 Chicago Bears,
Arizona Cardinals,
Jay Cutler,
Papa Bear,
Taco Salad
Friday, September 18, 2015
Farmers Uniting Around Football
Last week's recipe and the general play of da Bears were both very positive. Who knew that cranberries were a big deal in Wisconsin? Certainly not this blogger.
Perhaps we should look at the agricultural output of this week's opponent - the Arizona Cardinals. You may be surprised to learn they are the nation's leading producer of lettuce. In fact, 90% of all leafy green vegetables grown in the US between November and March come from Yuma, Arizona - just 190 miles from the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
In addition to corn, squash and heirloom livestock, Arizona boasts an assortment of heritage foods such as saguaro and prickly pear cactus as well as mesquite pod flour. Wonderful Sonoran dishes are popular including menudo, tamales,enchiladas, pozole, etc.
Of course the Cardinals weren't always in Arizona. More recently they were in St. Louis and, at the beginning of their history, they played in Illinois.The Cardinals and da Bears are the only two charter members of the NFL still in existence. Welcome home Cardinals.
What winning menu will you create this week? It's time to start planning and shopping Bears fans!
Perhaps we should look at the agricultural output of this week's opponent - the Arizona Cardinals. You may be surprised to learn they are the nation's leading producer of lettuce. In fact, 90% of all leafy green vegetables grown in the US between November and March come from Yuma, Arizona - just 190 miles from the home of the Arizona Cardinals.
In addition to corn, squash and heirloom livestock, Arizona boasts an assortment of heritage foods such as saguaro and prickly pear cactus as well as mesquite pod flour. Wonderful Sonoran dishes are popular including menudo, tamales,enchiladas, pozole, etc.
Of course the Cardinals weren't always in Arizona. More recently they were in St. Louis and, at the beginning of their history, they played in Illinois.The Cardinals and da Bears are the only two charter members of the NFL still in existence. Welcome home Cardinals.
What winning menu will you create this week? It's time to start planning and shopping Bears fans!
Sunday, September 13, 2015
You Can Only Control the Food
Lunch was delicious. Thanks for asking.
Actually, there isn't a lot of room to complain. Aside from the interception, our Bears looked pretty good. Jeffrey had a slow start but by the end of the game, he was making those amazing catches fans love. And Forte and Gould, fuhgeddaboudit. They are amazing.
Even Cutler seemed more engaged, giving fist bumps when things went right and, if you look at the stats, a lot went right.
It remains to be seen if da' Bears will prove the pundits wrong. They've predicted our Bears will be the worst team in the NFL. Based on today's performance, that prediction may not pan out.
Oh yes, lunch. Cranberries are wonderful and today's recipe was a delight. I teamed up with Pioneer Woman and Coach Ditka to create a simple recipe that is good enough for company and/or the holidays. Da' Coach contributed his Pinot Noir which I added to the sauce and sipped a bit when the going got tough. It's football season, fans. Let's have some fun and enjoy some good food.
Pork Tenderloin with Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
1 # pork tenderloin (I like to let my meat get close to room temperature before I cook it)
Olive Oil
Butter
Salt, Pepper and Dry Mustard
2 sprigs of Fresh Rosemary
1/2 cup Red Wine (I used Mike Ditka's Pinot Noir)
1/2 onion, chopped
1/4 cup Chicken Stock
Cranberry Sauce (recipe follows but you can even use the canned stuff)
Directions
1. Make cranberry sauce a day before the meal if making homemade sauce
2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees
3. Sprinkle pork with salt and dry mustard and generously pepper it
4. Put some olive oil and butter in a heavy pan, heat on high heat
5. When the oil is sizzling, sear all sides of the tenderloin using tongs to move it around (about 3-4 minutes total)
6. Put the entire pan in the oven for 15 minutes or until thermometer reads 155-160 degrees
7. When the pork is done, set it aside and let it rest
While the pork is cooking:
1. Pull rosemary needles off their sprigs and chop finely
2. Heat 1 TB Olive Oil and 1 TB Butter in a skillet over medium heat
3. Add onions and saute until tender
4. Add 1/2 cup red wine, saute until wine is slightly reduced
5. Add chicken stock and the chopped rosemary
6. Add entire batch of cranberry sauce
7. Add 1/4 cup of the juice from the pan with the pork
8. Cook over medium for a few minutes (if your sauce is too thick, add some more chicken stock - you want it thick but still able to drizzle)
Cut the Pork into medallions and spoon cranberry sauce over the top. Tender and flavorful!
Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
1 package of Cranberry Jello
1 Cup Boiling Water
1 Cup Apple Sauce
1/2 Cup Crushed Pineapple - with juice
1 Whole Orange cut in Quarters (Grind in food processor)
1 Can Whole Cranberry Sauce
Directions
1. Mix everything together
2. Refrigerate
Friday, September 11, 2015
Suit Up
Pull out that jersey and get ready for the first game of the regular season. Packers fans, which jersey will you choose - Aaron Rodgers or Matt Forte? According to the Jersey Report from Dick's Sporting Goods, number 22 is the best selling jersey in Wisconsin outselling Aaron Rodgers. What??? You have to respect Matt's talent and demeanor. Well done, Packers fans for recognizing real class.
An interesting fact about Matt: He lives in a small community of 547 whose mayor is Brian Urlacher's brother.
As we prepare to face off for game 1 of the season, are all the cooks ready with their winning recipe? This Bears fan has chosen. The recipe, pictures and comments will be posted after the game.
In the meantime, if you need some help choosing, here's a recap of some of the delicious recipes in the Bears/Packers rivalry:
- Cheesehead Chowder
- Sausage and Smoked Cheese Balls
- Tailgate Chili
- Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup
All were delicious, but perhaps the most unique was the Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup. Enjoy!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
2 TB butter
1 1/2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 small onion, diced
2 TB flour
1/4 cup plus 2 TB half and half
1/12 cups chicken broth
1 cup cubed, cooked chicken
2 TB buffalo wing sauce
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Melt butter, saute celery and onion until tender - about 5 minutes
2. Add flour and cook about 2 minutes - stir constantly
3. Slowly stir in half and half and broth. Stir until slightly thickened
4. Add chicken, buffalo wing sauce and cheese. Season with salt and pepper
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally. Simmer until cheese has completely melted - about 10 minutes.
Saturday, September 5, 2015
Kickoff in 8 Days
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Speaking of opening day, da Bears' long-standing rival - the Green Bay Packers - are coming to Soldier Field next Sunday. Will you be ready? This Bears fan is reviewing her options. You've got your sausage and your cheese. Perhaps some smoked fish.
What's that you say? Cranberries? Let's talk.
A friend from college, who has settled behind the Cheddar Curtain, suggested this recipe saying "The cranberries are what makes it truly Wisconsin." TravelWisconsin.com claims that Wisconsin is the largest producer of cranberries. I checked the Ocean Spray website and the dudes from Massachusetts say that "while cranberries are primarily harvested in the Northeast, they are also grown in other places like Wisconsin ..."
So his claim panned out but I'm still suspicious of a tip coming from the enemy camp. For you more trusting types, here's the recipe he suggested. It won Jennifer May a blue ribbon at the Wisconsin State Fair. I wonder how it will do in Chicago?
Whatever winning recipe you choose, get cooking and Go Bears!
Bucky Badger's Game Day Cheese Fudge (36 pieces)
Ingredients:
8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
2 TB heavy whipping cream
4 Cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 oz white chocolate, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp strawberry extract
3/4 Cup cashew halves (divided)
3/4 Cup cherry-infused dried cranberries (divided)
Directions:
1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with the cream until smooth
2. Beat in powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Scrape sides with each addition
3. Blend in white chocolate and extracts until smooth
4. By hand, stir in 1/2 cup each of cashews and cranberries
5. Spread and press mixture into a buttered 8 inch square pan
6. Sprinkle with remaining cashews and cranberries; press lightly into the fudge
7. Chill in refrigerator until firm; cut into 36 pieces
Friday, January 30, 2015
Super Bowl Worthy
Super Bowl XLIX kicks off this Sunday at 5:30 CST on NBC. Just so you know, the Puppy Bowl begins at 2:00 CST on Animal Planet and the Kitten Bowl will begin at 11:0 CST on the Hallmark Channel.
Whether you're cooking for Seahawks, Patriots, Puppies or Kittens, here are four of my favorite tailgate treats. Find more on my blog and let me know your favorites. Enjoy!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
2 TB butter
1 1/2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 small onion, diced
2 TB flour
1/4 cup plus 2 TB half and half
1/12 cups chicken broth
1 cup cubed, cooked chicken
2 TB buffalo wing sauce
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Melt butter, saute celery and onion until tender - about 5 minutes
2. Add flour and cook about 2 minutes - stir constantly
3. Slowly stir in half and half and broth. Stir until slightly thickened
4. Add chicken, buffalo wing sauce and cheese. Season with salt and pepper
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally. Simmer until cheese has completely melted - about 10 minutes.
Whether you're cooking for Seahawks, Patriots, Puppies or Kittens, here are four of my favorite tailgate treats. Find more on my blog and let me know your favorites. Enjoy!
Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
2 TB butter
1 1/2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 small onion, diced
2 TB flour
1/4 cup plus 2 TB half and half
1/12 cups chicken broth
1 cup cubed, cooked chicken
2 TB buffalo wing sauce
3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Melt butter, saute celery and onion until tender - about 5 minutes
2. Add flour and cook about 2 minutes - stir constantly
3. Slowly stir in half and half and broth. Stir until slightly thickened
4. Add chicken, buffalo wing sauce and cheese. Season with salt and pepper
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, stirring occasionally. Simmer until cheese has completely melted - about 10 minutes.
Bear Down Hoagie
Ingredients:
1 pkg of refrigerated crescent rolls
2 oz sliced salami
2 oz sliced ham
3 slices cooked bacon
4 slices provolone cheese
4 oz shredded Chihuahua cheese
1 beaten egg
Directions:
1. Cook bacon, set aside
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
3. Spray 9 x 13 baking pan with Pam/cooking spray
4. Cover bottom of baking pan with half of crescent roll dough
5. Layer dough with meat and cheese
6. Spread half of the beaten egg over the cheese
7. Top with remainder of egg
8. Bake uncovered for 25 minutes
9. Cover with foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Monstrously Good Red Beans and Rice
Ingredients:
1 pound Chorizo
1/2 a bunch of Cilantro, chopped
1/2 onion chopped
1 Cup long grain white rice, cooked
according to directions
2 cans of Red Beans
1 can Diced Tomatoes
Salt, Pepper and Garlic Powder to taste
Chili Powder (lots) to taste
1 TB Red Chili Flakes
Directions:
1. Remove Chorizo from its casing, in a
heavy pot brown the Chorizo, onion and cilantro
2. Meanwhile, prepare the white rice
(1 cup rice, 2 cups water)
3. When Chorizo is browned add Salsa,
Red Beans, Tomatoes and Seasonings, Simmer
4. Add cooked rice and adjust seasonings, Simmer
Minnesota Swedish Meatballs
3servings
Ingredients:
1 slice day-old white bread, crumbled
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon butter
1/2 small onion, minced
5 ounces ground beef
2-1/2 ounces finely ground pork
1/2 egg
1-1/2 teaspoons brown sugar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1-1/2 teaspoons butter
2 tablespoons chicken broth
1 tablespoon and 1-1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, or as needed
1 cup beef broth, or as needed
1/4 (8 ounce) container sour cream
Directions:
NOTE: Recipe directions are for the original serving size of 6.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place the bread crumbs into a small bowl, and mix in the cream. Allow to stand until crumbs absorb the cream, about 10 minutes.
While the bread is soaking, melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion until it turns light brown, about 10 minutes.
Place onion into a mixing bowl; mix with the ground beef, ground pork, egg, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, allspice, and ginger.
Lightly mix in the bread crumbs and cream.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Pinch off about 1 1/2 tablespoon of the meat mixture per meatball, and form into balls. Place the meatballs into the skillet, and cook just until the outsides are brown, about 5 minutes, turning the meatballs often. Insides of the meatballs will still be pink.
Place browned meatballs into a baking dish, pour in chicken broth, and cover with foil.
Bake in the preheated oven until the meatballs are tender, about 40 minutes. Remove meatballs to a serving dish.
To make brown gravy, pour pan drippings into a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the pan drippings until smooth, and gradually whisk in enough beef broth to total about 2 1/2 cups of liquid.
Bring the gravy to a simmer, whisking constantly until thick, about 5 minutes.
Just before serving, whisk in the sour cream. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. Serve the gravy with the meatballs.
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