Chow & Chatter Is Goan Away

Rebecca @ Chow & Chatter has asked me to guest host, since she has left on a trip. Rebecca is a wife, mother of a beautiful girl, and a working Dietitian. You will always find such great dishes and healthy eating pieces on her site, and she is a sweety.

Go over and see what she and I have been up to, and what 'Goan' has to do with it all!

Caldo Verde- Portuguese Kale Soup

Hubby and I traveled up north to Hoboken, NJ for a family gathering. We ate a modest lunch, and at best had a few vegetables with spinach dip at his sisters apartment; which gave us an appetite for some adventurous and filling food. Hoboken is quite a unique little city, and is often referred to as Little NYC. Almost as if it broke off from Manhattan and floated over to Jersey.

















There are many great restaurants to try in Hoboken, and we do not go as often as we would like. One place caught my eye as we drove down Washington, Piri Piri- Portuguese Cuisine. Food offerings you do not see in the Princeton area, but I am sure you see in places like the real NYC.
Their front windows slide open to the street for an urban city feel, and includes some outside table seating. I call it great 'people watching' decor, one of the lures of any urban area. This particular day was chilly, so we sat inside. Piri Piri's interior had a European feel that consisted of burnt orange and brick walls with a splash of deft blue table tiles.





















Their moderate sized and priced menu offered food for many taste buds. Just across from our table we noticed a small menu board that was black in the dimly lit space, but with florescent wording.

We made our choices. I would have a cup of the Caldo Verde- Kale Soup (they were calling their version collard green soup) and Grandma's Rice and Shrimp. Hubby ordered the BBQ pork ribs that came with rice and Piri Piri potatoes (their version of homemade American chips). The recommended that the special I ordered was hug, and we should share a sample of the soup (no small portions sold).




Waiters bring out a curious little condiment holders filled with Carocos (black olives) and Azeitonas (spicy pickled banana peppers, carrots, and cauliflower pieces). Hubby dislikes olives, so I enjoyed them all by myself.
We were pleased when the food arrived- Grandmas rice and shrimp (a huge portion) was served in a traditional Spanish paella platter, and the flavor was vaguely familiar, but great. In the mood for some spicy flavor after eating the condiments, I asked the waiter if the had a hot sauce. The staff was very friendly in spite of the crowd, but gave great service, answered questions about the food, opened our wine, and even brought me a bottle of Portuguese hot sauce. The bottle sported the same name of the restaurant!

Hubby was not so pleased with his ribs, but was hungry all the same. I found that squeezing the lemon juice on the crispy pork ribs gave it a nice touch. BBQ was the highlight of the menu, and I found the crispy, almost pork skin crisp appealing. The rice however was rather bland, and I never understood rice and chips served together as a side. Realizing they are both traditionally served in Spain and Portugal, but I feel more vegetarian sides should be offered.

Both of us were quite surprised when the soup came to our table. I asked if it was a traditional recipe, and why was there so little collard greens present, as the name mis-represented itself. He explained that traditionally it was a potato and roasted garlic soup. The presentation was however appealing with the garnish of greens and thinly sliced chorizo. No more qualms, I took the first bite...it was delicious!












Even to this day,  I cannot get that restaurant out of my head. Every dish was great, and that soup...what a wonderful way to take the chill off of our evening. I could not wait to talk to my friend Rico @ Rico's Cafe to hear his take on this experience (he is Portuguese) and ask him for more Portuguese recipes like these.

Our day in Hoboken was very eventful. Who does not like walking in that city environment and coming away with a good restaurant experience? The soup kept lingering in the back of my mind, so I did the research and made a pot. I could eat soup anytime of the year...

Portuguese Kale Soup- Caldo Verde

1 large head garlic
4 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for roasting the garlic- save garlic oil
1 large russet potato
3 large stalks celery
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper (I substituted white pepper)
2 cups whole milk (I used goat cheese when I pureed soup)
2 to 3 cups vegetable broth
6 to 7 ounces Russian kale, or other kale

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the garlic heads by removing the loose outer husk off of garlic; slice off a tiny bit of the top, place the garlic on a square of aluminum foil; drizzle a little olive oil over it. Fold the foil up; crimp to seal it. Roast the garlic for about 40 minutes, or until it gives when pressed. Allow it to cool. (I made this the night before)

Meanwhile, peel and dice the potatoes, cut the celery into small dice, and combine the vegetables in a soup pot along with 3 cups cold water. Add the thyme, bay leaf, 1 teaspoon salt, some black pepper, and a large pinch of red pepper flakes. Bring the water to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are completely soft.

Squeeze the soft roasted cloves out of their skins and add them to the soup. Stir in the milk and puree the soup in a blender, in batches, or with an immersion blender, but be careful not to over process. Stop the moment the vegetables are smooth, or the potatoes could turn too starchy.

Return the soup to the pot, and stir in enough vegetable broth to give the soup the consistency you like. Taste, and add salt and pepper if needed. I stirred in the goat cheese at this point until it blended well.

Clean, dry, trim the kale, slicing away the tough stems, and cut it into 1-inch squares. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick pan and stir the chopped garlic in it for a minute or two, just until it begins to color. Add the kale and saute it, stirring constantly at first, then frequently, until it thoroughly wilts. Add a splash of soup broth (a few tablespoons); then cover the pan and let the kale steam until the water is gone and the kale is tender, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir the kale into the soup.

Drizzle about a teaspoon of the remaining roasted garlic olive oil over each serving of soup, and like the Portuguese restaurant I dined at, Piri Piri, I added some slivers of chorizo I crisped in the pan before cooking my kale. Also throw a splash of hot sauce on top before eating; it will heat up the upcoming cold nights! I scored some of this hot sauce to take home. Thanks guys for letting me have this great taste of Portugal!

















I am looking forward to visiting Piri Piri again and having another helping of 'Grandmas Rice'...













Piri Piri Barbeque- Portuguese Cuisine
515 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
(201) 710-5333
Closed Mondays

Piri piri is the name used in the ex-Portuguese colony of Mozambique to describe the African bird's-eye chili. There are several variations in spelling derived from various pronunciations of the word throughout Africa, but "Piri piri" is the correct spelling in Portuguese.

Piri piri is widely used in Portuguese cuisine. (from Piri Piri website)

In Japanese, in some cases, the term piri piri is used to describe something stinging on the tongue.

Salmon- King For A Week

The king in my house is hubby, so I decided after talking to Gordon in Florida, about how hubby and I like fishing, to take him salmon fishing for our anniversary. Explaining to him that we have not caught any fish over two pounds since a trip down to his part of the country years ago, and hubby was frustrated. He asked if we had ever been to Alaska fishing for salmon. Saying no, Gordon suggested we meet up in Pulaski, NY October 10th. The Salmon River; where many pull in the big catch. He promised that we would never forget the feel of yelling 'Fish On' when we felt a thirty pound salmon on the other end of our line. The biggest fish I had ever pulled in the boat was twenty two pounds.

October 11th is our wedding anniversary. The day we knew we were in love, and shared a passion for food, wine, travel, and fishing. As my plans began to fall in place, I learned that this trek meant booking your rooms months in advance, and I got lucky. Did it, all done, and packed. We were ready to hit the road!

First we headed up to the Finger Lakes, and spent our actual anniversary night at a bed and breakfast. A little exploration, good wine tasting, and a fabulous breakfast was waiting that blissful morning!










The Anna Rose Wine Country Bed & Breakfast comes highly recommended in the Seneca Lake region. Inn keepers Sharon and Ken Miller run a beautiful place that is located in the heart of the Seneca Wine Trail. They are very knowledgeable about the area wineries, and go out of their way to make you feel at home. If you want the utmost in hospitality with their beautiful accommodations, I have listed the information on the photo below.






They offer six rooms that appeal to all sorts of taste. We stayed in the 'Anna Rose' room. If you have a group, or just want to have a weekend get away, I recommend you try this spot for your retreat. We are hosting an even with our American Wine Society group here in the spring.
















Check out what is in their backyard!














I love this time of the year with fall colors, and the cooler weather. So many breathtaking pictures can be pursued. Inspiration for my poetry, and short story writing.









We left The Finger Lakes area on Sunday, and headed over to Pulaski, NY where the King 'Chinook' Salmon a week before had begun to head upstream to spawn. The second or third week of October female salmon head to the shallow gravel beds of the river to lay their eggs. The males follow, and then cover the eggs with milt. Eventually they finish their life cycle and die; then the Steelhead Trout head into the area to eat the eggs. This is one of the reasons many feel its a challenge to snag one of these big fish. (this shot was taken near Orwell Brook, a place known for spawning beds)














I was bothered about the fact that fishermen were trekking all about the eggs that lay under their feet, but felt re-leaved to find out there was a hatchery nearby. They raise Co Ho, Chinook, and Steel-head Trout to replenish the rivers and lakes supplies. I spared you the many pictures taken of the hatchery workers removing eggs and milt; fertilizing the eggs, and placing them in holding buckets. The holding room were they go after they are hatched was huge. They explain how the fish are released into the wild at an early age, so that they can swim to area waters such as Lake Ontario.

I believe they told us that only one in five hundred fish return to the place of their birth. They are either eaten by other fish, are fished out, or simply die.














Gordon giving us advise- Types of rods, reels, bait to use, tips on casting, and pulling these big fish in.





















Another section of Orwell Brook- a location where we heard they had been pulling in salmon by the dozens. Gordon and Hubby finally land one.














Gordon and I showing off one of our day's catch at sunset for our Friday Shoot Out- 'Sunrise/Sunset' post last week.










Our Drift Boat guide, Don Kingsley. We started at 5:15 AM; making stops during the day along the river to cast some spinning and fly rods.






















Cleaning stations are positioned in and around Pulaski, and are required by law; unless you live in the area, you cannot clean and fillet your own fish. Many years before the state created these rules, fishermen and hunters would come in by the droves leaving animal, fish carcasses along with trash on the river banks.They will fillet, smoke, and store your catch; until you are ready to leave.
















On our last night in Pulaski I asked our hosts if I could cook for the whole house, and would have to borrow their kitchen. The agreed, so I made Baked Salmon with Penne Amore (below). The house was full of wonderful and friendly people who go each year return to experience the fishing. The three other gentlemen fish in the No Fly Zone. They believe in a catch and release philosophy, but they were kind enough to accept my offer to eat the salmon I caught.

Joanna and Steve Young run this beautiful house, Woodlawn Bed & Breakfast. They treat you like family. I will be posting the photos of the whole house in a few weeks. They have it up for sale, and are looking for someone who would keep the bed and breakfast business going. So much work went into their 1800's farmhouse (with original barn). This wonderful couple have turned it into a place were most feel like family! I will be posting pictures of the rooms soon...














I was a bit apprehensive about cooking and eating the salmon we caught. I heard so many different stories about how the salmon's meat deteriorates as it begins its adult spawning cycle. Many locals who fish in Pulaski (our guide Don) said they bake, or smoke it. A few locals I spoke to in town said they would not touch it. Gordon on the other hand said he bakes and smokes all of the fish he brings back home. Internet information reads that only the males are worth eating if they have not spawned, and it all depended on what part of the river you catch them. The older they are, the tougher the meat. This holds true in most of the foods we consume.

Now that I have gone through the experience- two of the males we caught down stream still had their nice silver coloring, so I made the decision to have one smoked, and would cook one half fillet for dinner and freeze the rest. Thanks Buffalodick, he was kind enough to collaborate on these findings by stating "The older and larger the salmon, the worse it gets eating fresh... brine and smoke them, and use in dips and spreads..."

I looked up recipes for salmon roe we took from the females. Wanting to see if it was worth the process, and it was. We learned that many Russians from the NYC love to fish for the salmon, and collecting the roe; even selling their catch when they return to the city.

Hubby enjoyed his anniversary trip; along with the meals I made- Salmon Roe, Smoked Salmon, and more baked fillet dishes. I need a bigger freezer!

















Baked King Salmon Fillets with Penne A'more

Preheat oven to 375 degrees;

7- 4 oz salmon fillets
1 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons chopped basil
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1/4 red onion, diced
4 tablespoons EVO
salt/pepper to taste

Cut, clean, and separate fillets in baking dish; pour above mixture over salmon; let sit for 20 minutes in refrigerator; prepare 1 package Penne pasta al dente; bake salmon for 20 - 27 minutes.

In separate pan prepare Penne ingredients on medium-high heat;

3-4 tablespoons olive oil
4-7 garlic cloves, diced
1/3 red onion, medium pieces
3 tablespoons pine nuts

begin to saute for about 7 minutes, and then add:

1 bunch asparagus, cleaned, drained, cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces

1 jar roasted red peppers in oil, 1/3 oil drained out
1 jar artichokes in water, drained completely

Turn off heat; toss with Penne, and cover with lid until ready to eat; toss once again before serving with salmon.








If anyone is interested in the fishing tour guide of their lives- Contact: Tightlines Guide Service, Captain Don Kingsley-Owner, (315) 298-3833, 1(800)452-1176, or email: alaska.don@gmail.com

Anna Rose Wine Country Bed & Breakfast, 524 Rock Stream Road, Rock Stream, NY 14878 Innkeepers- Sharon & Ken Miller

Woodlawn Bed & Breakfast, 4677 Salina Street, Pulaski, NY 13142, Steve & Joanna Young

Summer Still Lingers

I can't help thinking about how summer just flew by this year. Going through some of the recipes and pics I have left over from my trips to Texas just makes me want to beam back and enjoy it all again. This dish I have posted works as a good crossover 'summer/cold weather' comfort food.

While I was with my friends in Dallas I made (upon request) brunch food. Cheryl wanted me to make spinach artichoke dip when I was there in June, but I ran out of time. Giving her idea another thought I decided it would make a good topping for English muffins. Spinach is good all year round dark green leafy vegetable, and was great as that days main attraction.

Simple, easy, healthy, filling, and delicious!

Lisa was not so sure about my dish, but decided to try one. Once she took a bite, she asked for another helping!






























I reminded her that as kids we witnessed Popeye's incredible strength from eating his spinach, and his came straight from a can. We get the benefits of adding extra flavors to ours.

























How about my incredibly blurry photo here of the spinach artichoke spread before it went into the oven. This is what you call 'in a hurry to feed hungry women'...

Spinach Artichoke Spread/Dip on English Muffins

Saute:

2 bags of fresh spinach
head of roasted garlic
1 can artichokes, in water and dice
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of salted butter
Salt/Pepper to taste

-until spinach wilts; add:

1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup of heavy cream

-cook until liquid begins to disappear; toast English Muffins, and spread as much of this spread as you desire; sprinkle with cheddar cheese, and serve.

An afterthought: I should have broken an egg on top and made 'Green Eggs Benedict', but it was all gone by the time that thought hit the table!

I guess it will be next years 'Summers End' post...

'Putting Up' With Me

This month it has been one great year of blogging for me, and I do not plan to stop any time soon. I love everything about food; discovering, cooking, and eating as much as I can, as well as writing on the subjct. There will be many more fun dishes on my site, and I thank all of those who come over and read my blog!

While on my long drive this past September visiting areas of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and then down to Texas; I had the opportunity to listen to one of my favorite NPR programs, The Splendid Table hosted by Lynne Rossetto Kasper. 'She gives public radio listeners a fresh take on their love of food' the website reads, and I feel this is so true. Many of the programs are great, but one in particular was so relevant to my visit in the Appalachian mountain area.

[The rolling hills of my friends family farm land]




















NPR's Splendid Table host, Lynn began interviewing a woman who is part of the 'Canning Across America' group. Go over and check out their website, as well as the September 26th program that discussed the movement they refer to as 'Putting Up'. A term I heard my own grandmother use on many occasion. Many of us grew up eating canned goods; whether in small batch canning from items passed to us from friends and neighbors, or crops our families grew on their own property. Canning was a way of life for many in the south, and has made a come back in the recent years as part of the broader sustainability movement. Also associated with locally grown and organic eating of localvors involved in Slow Food.

In farm communities like the Appalachian mountain area; 'putting up' has never wavered. Canning has long been a way of preserving foods through the winter months. Tiding over families that have little or no money; when waste of crops is not an option. Canning today for the most part has become more of a hobby. A hobby out of necessity for my own family while my children were small, and with little money; it was well worth the labor it took to collect, clean, prepare, cook, and can the piles of home grown, or farmers market goods (I was part of a farmers market co-op for many years, and now a CSA local program).

My friend, Lisa (who grew up, and lives in the Virginia mountains) took me out to visit some friends and relatives. We collected a few canned items, and stories along the way. One item still a favorite of mine today, Apple Butter. Did your mom ever burn toast like mine, but save it with home made jam? I have heard similar stories from people on how their mom's would burn toast, but after spreading this thick sweet concoction, or any homemade jam on a dark slice; that helped salvage breakfast. Boy did it taste great then!

My own grandmother canned many things like tomatoes, concord grapes, peaches, and made apple butter from ingredients they grew on their property. Like many of our own families; they learned from their parents; who learned from theirs, and on down the line. Chronicling my dad's genealogy this past June I found that his side of the family came from this area, and lived here for many years before moving to Texas. I plan on passing down this 'putting up' family tradition to my own grand kids one day. The areas history of 'putting up' Apple Butter (as found on this blog site), and other Appalachian customs make an interesting read.

I headed back home with jars of apple butter, salted pork loin, and shhh! even a jar of Corn Mash aka Moonshine...better known as white lightning in the area. The government now allows a legal version of moonshine to be produced in the area; it is 80 proof, 40 % alc/vol they call Georgia Moon Corn Whiskey (sold in local liquor markets). I have not sampled any of the goods yet, and the decision is also still out on what recipes will be used for each gift I received.






















When you go over to the 'Canning Across America' site you will see the tops of light blue mason jars. They were and are still used for canning. and from what I am told moonshine in the mountains. Bootleggers also used recycled jug handle vinegar bottles that appear in the Tennessee area if you search hard enough.

While shopping at local antique stores I found the blue Mason/Ball jars, as well as vinegar bottles for a pretty penny- $45 each or more. Simple unmarked glass jars (pictured above) are sold at a much less price in grocery stores. Traditional new or used Ball and Mason jars are still however the popular choice for 'putting up' in most parts of the country.

[A local coal mine processing station near Nickelsville, Virginia; were I was visiting in September, 2009]

I was telling a story...

I am going away to fish for King Salmon in Pulaski, NY for our anniversary. An anniversary present for hubby, and a chance to catch Steel Head Trout, and maybe a brown, or river trout while we ware at it. I will be back to report on the outcome. This time of year the Kings come to spawn, and we hear they catch them on a daily basis (up to 30 lbs). Debates have sprung up on whether the fish is worth eating due to its deterioration after spawning begins, but we will see. Maybe there is a 'drunken' salmon recipe in the making here...

Appalachian Mountain Cuisine History

Food served in the Appalachian Mountains differs slightly from other southern cuisine, but was molded much of the southern foods that made its way to harsh territories of the old west- The Southeastern region of the mountains was settled mostly by English, Scottish, and German decent. Terrible travel conditions and poor roads limited most settlements to only foods that could be produced locally. Seafood, beyond the occasionally locally caught fish, were unheard of.

Diets were almost meatless, except for wild game, particularly during the winter. Pigs were raised and the meat cured for later consumption, but often the meat was used as a flavoring instead of as the main course. For example, sausage was often cooked in small portions primarily to obtain grease for use in gravy instead of as a main course.

Corn introduced into our culture by native Americans also influenced our diets and cuisine in many parts of our country. Cornbread was eaten regularly since corn grew well locally. As flour became available, biscuits and johnny cakes became more popular. Salt was available, notably from Saltville, Virginia, but until black pepper appeared, few other seasonings were used. Meats were generally smoke cured until then.

Women in this area were often herbalists, and may used local plants in seasoning. Chicory, which could be grown locally, was a well known coffee substitute. Corn whiskey, milk, and water were available from the farm. Coffee, sugar, and tea were all slow to become available. Fruits that tend to be more popular in this area are berries and apples.

Home canning is a strong tradition

Dried beans are a major staple food during the winter months, and were the cheapest of the foods available. Typically they are served as soup beans with wild onions and salt pork for seasoning. Kieffer pears were available along with apples that are used to make pear honey and apple butter. Canning included green beans (half-runners, snaps) as well as shelled beans (green beans that were more mature, and had ripe beans along with the green husks). Also popular were bread and butter pickles, pickled beets, and chow-chow (something my dad loved to make). Tomatoes were canned in large numbers. Along with sausage gravy, tomato gravy, a roux thinned with tomatoes, was very popular.

Southern Cuisine of the Appalachian Mountains

Mountain dwelling was very common for not only mountain men but it was very common for large families.With the exception of coffee, food supplies many times duplicated the diet of native tribes in various locations. Wild game hunting and trapping was the source of the meat; which gave them fresh red meat, fowl, and fish. Fresh water was always available due to pure mountain steams. Plants such as fruit and berries, were easy to harvest. Until sugar became available, beet sugar was used to sweeten dishes used for dessert and pies. They also had plenty of time for food preparation, such as roots, dried meat, herb gathering and gardening but this was and is no easy chore.

Fire Side Cooking- Grilling/BBQ

Fire side cooking would be compared to Barbecuing and grilling as we know it today. We all know how delicious food tastes when cooked on the grill. Hillbillies and mountain dwellers ate this way all the time. Black cast iron pots and skillets were perfect for fire side cooking.

Modern Living exists in rural communities, but is not preferred.

Many of the people that lived in the early 1700's did not have the conveniences many of us do today. They lived and some still live that way because they like being away from civilization of big city life. Their use and knowledge of surviving off of the land with many skills we practice today, and how we consider them hobbies as Survivalists- such as foraging wild fruits, berries, roots, hunting and trapping.

Information provided by:

Daryl & Lisa Combs, as well as Combs family members, Nickelsville, VA

A History of Appalachia - by Richard B Drake
Appalachian home cooking: history, culture, and recipes By Mark F. Sohn

Stuffed Grape Leaves- Roasted Lamb & Squash

The cool weather has put me in the mood to make hearty fall worthy dishes in spite of my wanting to continue to wear shorts and sandals, and play in the sun. Dishes that include root vegetables, and the many numerous annual trailing plants of the genus Cucurbita grown for their fleshy edible fruits- like pumpkins, butternut, and other varieties of squash. Many recipes using these fall vegetables have been appearing in magazines and on blogs since the beginning of September, and I was not sure this girl was ready. The grocery markets and roadside farms have been on the band wagon as well, so I gave in and purchased an assortment of fall vegetables for baking and making soup.




















The lamb just followed Mary home... Oh, that is not my story!

Once I put this meal together in my head I began by preparing the spaghetti squash. Remove the stem, cut the squash in half, and microwave for about two and a half minutes to loosen up the seeds for removal. Garam masala is one of my favorite spices, and it just seemed a natural choice to add it to the recipe. Such a sweet/savory touch to this dish...Stash this is one for you!




















Mise:

50 grape leaves*
2 to 4 Lamb Shoulder Round Blade Chop* (meat optional; may season with stock)
1 sliced red onion
½ cup sun dried tomatoes
6 garlic cloves, whole
4 halved small red bliss potatoes
1 small spaghetti squash cut in half, and seeds removed
Drizzle with olive oil
Garam masala spice
Salt/pepper to taste
½ cup couscous
½ cup olive oil (EVO works fine)
¼ cup lemon/vinegar mixture

Place all ingredients into baking dish, and sprinkle with seasonings. Make sure you place some red onion and sun dried tomatoes inside of squash halves to help season during baking process.

Cover with foil and bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes until lamb and all other ingredients are tender.

Remove squash, and lamb from dish; mash potatoes into pan juices; add couscous, and cover pan for ten minutes; letting the couscous cook in the juices. Stirring occasionally to insure couscous is cooked through.

Take a fork and remove squash from its skin. (The cooked squash flesh shreds into threads like thin spaghetti or vermicelli, hence its name. Spaghetti squash has a very mild flavor, thus it is usually served with a sauce of some sort, and works perfectly as a filling like this.)

After lamb chops cool remove meat from bones, and mince with cleaver. (The meat of this cut is a bit tough, but the bone marrow and fat along with all ingredients cooking together will enhance the flavor of stuffing.)

Whisk olive oil and lemon/vinegar mixture together and set aside.

Fold minced meat, mashed potatoes, and squash into couscous. Stuff individual grape leaves with about one heaping teaspoon full of stuffing. Cover with oil and vinegar mixture and refrigerate overnight. After they have cured overnight, you may add them to a sauce pan, fitting them closely together; then pouring over juice from container, and adding extra lemon/vinegar mixture; cooking them on low for about 15 minutes or so. I enjoy eating them warm as a side with extra lamb, or a salad.



























*If using fresh grape leaves, you'll need to do something to make them soft enough to work with. The traditional method is to place each leaf in boiling water for a few seconds, and then move it into a ready bowl with cold water. Repeat this for all the grape leaves you have. An easier method for the modern man is to place the leaves in a microwave for 1 minute to soften them up. Of course you can also buy grape leaves prepared in brine from the supermarket, but I find these very salty. If you purchase them in the jar- rinse them with cold water first to get rid of the excess salt.





















I served this with a Greek salad, and pan seared a few Lamb Rib Chops with only a dash of salt and pepper for flavor.















Lamb Shoulder Round Blade Chop: I often purchase this cut of meat for braising, or even grilling after it has marinated over night; it can be found for as little as $2.99 a pound. The meat is a bit more chewy, but just as flavorful. As in cuts used for dishes like Osso Bucco, the bones will offer up a tasty marrow that adds a nice flavor to a dish, or just for eating along with the surrounding meat.

















lamb blade chop = lamb shoulder blade chop = lamb shoulder block = shoulder lamb chop = shoulder blade lamb chop Notes: These are usually broiled, grilled, or pan-fried. Substitutes: lamb arm chop OR lamb loin chop OR lamb sirloin steak

Information on LSBC provided by Cook's Thesaurus...

A Blog Date at Jaspers Restaurant

I have truly enjoyed meeting blog personalities this year. My latest was in the Dallas area- That Darn Girl @ Just Telling It Like It Is; whose uses her site to express herself in a creative manner with her own personal life stories (she claims to add lib on many of her adventures). We have been following each other for a year this month, and enjoy reading the others candid and casual post sites.

This fun girl mentioned a while back that she would be in Texas around the same time as I in September, we set up a girl's night out at one of my favorite old haunts, Jasper's Restaurant in Legacy Park, Plano.



















This is the second restaurant concept of Kent Rathburn, who opened and created Abacus in 1997 in the Turtle Creek area. Jasper's website mentions that their menu is back yard style cuisine with dishes like Aged Ham-Gouda 'Mac n Cheese' and Wood 'fire' Roasted Breads as you see in the photo above. You can clearly see the yummy mozzarella is melting over the crusty edges. I had been wanting an excuse to go back to see if Kent was keeping up with his past reputation.

Hubby and I visited Kent's restaurants on many occasions when we lived in Texas years ago. I also had the opportunity to be part of 'The Dirty Dozen' cooking team, and work in Abacus's high tech stadium kitchen along side one of his pastry chefs, Shannon Swindel. The experience was wonderful, and I walked away with many friends I still keep in contact with today.

Once Darn Girl and I settled into our bar booth table and realized we both liked dirty martinis. We ordered Jasper's signature Ketel One Vodka Dirty Martinis with Blue Cheese stuffed Olives, and boy did the blue cheese make that drink!



















We also agreed to share one of their small plate appetizers. This left room for us try a few other light dishes like the Grilled Chicken Masa Soup- clearly an up scale name for a pureed bowl of chicken tortilla soup.





















I soon asked our waitress if the Chef de Cuisine would make there Cast Iron side- Wilted Spinach, Crispy Shallots with an extra addition of tomatoes, and my wish was granted; great staff too. Luckily no one from the kitchen came and popped me over the head with a skillet!


















I felt clearly after a few hours of talking with my new friend, she had to be a great inspiration to her patients (working as a nurse) in the past. I let her know that mom's (like me with a chronically ill daughter) who had to deal with the painful issues of long and tedious hospital stays considered her 'More than a friend'. She is a beautiful person inside and out! I look forward to more of girl's night out with her in the future!

If you get a chance to visit Dallas and head out to Legacy Park in Plano, you have got to stop into Jasper's for a wonderful meal. I think Darn Girl would agree, the Wood Roasted Bread topped off with Spicy Italian Sausage, red onion, and basil pesto was really great, and is now on my 'cravings' list. I would absolutely order it again when I return!

Jaspers
7161 Bishop Road, G-1
Plano, Texas 75024