Monthly Archives

June 2018

ROMANCING THE MEATLOAF

MEATLOAF 101

Innumerable meatloaves have graced countless tables around the world.  Along with meatballs, it’s the ultimate in comfort food and one of the most go-to globally prepared household dishes.  Meatloaves can be simple or have the potential for tremendous complexity, depending on diurnal inspiration and a willingness to be intrepid.  It’s a chameleon dish embracing any flavor profile and accompanied by many sauce variations. In a world ruled by tastes and choices, meatloaf is something you staunchly avoid or it’s a…

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HOMEMADE KETCHUP

HOMEMADE KETCHUP

With the whole organic and wellness movement today, it’s no wonder that homemade is the best way to go. Where would the world be without the notorious Ketchup?  However, if we are to go by statics alone, Ketchup has been dethroned by its eggy counterpart the good ol’ mayo, and now in The Land Of The Free, American mayo lovers can puff up their chests with pride.  Yep, statistics spilled the beans when Quartz.com, published the shocking news that in 2014 we forked…

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LAMB MEATBALLS WITH WHITE WINE SAUCE

lamb meatballs

Lamb meatballs are mostly indigenous to Mediterranean countries, India and the Middle East.  Many shy away from the gamey and pungent lamb flavor and it’s unquestionably an acquired taste.  However, if you wanted to dive into any lamb dish, these don’t particularly have that defined lamby taste.  Lamb is pretty lean, so to ensure that these stay juicy they need a bit of fat hence cooking the onion prior to adding the raw mixture.  The sauce is stellar and I’m…

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STICKY ASIAN MEATBALLS WITH HOISIN SAUCE – TAKE 2

ASIAN STICKY BALLS 2

There is already a post on Asian Sticky Balls which are pretty swanky.  However, I made these for a party and my guests became raving lunatics over the balls and specially the homemade Hoisin sauce, so I think I better share it with ya’ll.   MEATBALLS ½ LB each ground pork and ground sirloin 1 TBSP garlic/ginger paste 2 eggs – beaten 2 TBSP toasted sesame oil ½ cup of minced scallions ½ cup of Panko breadcrumbs Toasted sesame seeds…

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SPANISH CHORIZO CROQUETTES

croquetas españolas

CROQUETAS DE CHORIZO Croquetas in Spain are a diurnal tapas dish that is enjoyed by one and all.  They come in all flavorings – canned tuna, boiled egg and ham, chicken, foie gras, smoked salmon, fish, pork, jamón serrano, shrimp, cheese; the possibilities are endless.  They’re typically served at room temp with or without a sauce and they represent the perfect example of traditional, old-school Spanish fare, served in every household and restaurant.  The liquid for the conventional béchamel can…

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WELLINGTON BITES WITH SHERRY COMPOTE

WELLINGTON BITES

Beef Wellington.  Reading that you may think that it’s an illustrious dish named in honor of the Duke of Wellington, but that isn’t the case at all.  No-one knows exactly where the origin of this puff pastry filet wrapped beef comes from.  It’s a part of British cuisine and very similar to the French filet de boeuf en croute.  Duxelle is a fine mince of mushrooms, shallots and garlic used as stuffing and sauces.  In this recipe it’s mixed with…

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Pantry Rat