Showing posts with label Is Perishable. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Is Perishable. Show all posts

Monday, June 21, 2010

Sardines Revisited

When I first started this blog, I posted a quick write up on how I love Sardines (Saltines and Omega 3) and the fact that I think they get a bad rep. I also posted a link to an Alton Brown, Good Eats recipe “Sherried Sardine Toast” that I had not tried out at the time, however recommended to folks who are willing to eat these lovely little fishes.

Well, I took the plunge and tested out this recipe and OH MY TASTE BUDS! The Alton Brown episode was extremely mouth watering, especially if you are a person who loves to eat sardines like me, but at the same time it does not do the justice it really deserves until you taste this wonderful snack/lunch and even more.

I personally had this tasty delight for what I call “Lupper”, the time between a late lunch and supper, which is generally when I eat, as I am not a big breakfast or for that matter a big lunch eater. I mainly see myself as a dinner hound and the occasional over the sink/counter eater.

Not to get off subject, but did you know that there is a difference between Supper and Dinner? Well, there was in my family according to my Nana on my father’s side. Supper was the feast between 4pm and 7pm on holidays and Dinner was any meals eaten a few hours later-between 7-9pm. Now…Don’t have a frenzy, I know this is backwards as the dictionary is Dinner first, then Supper. But hey, I loved my Nana (even though not that educated) and that’s how it was in my family.

So, back to the Sherried Sardine Toast…Again, WOW! I really think, if you are a person who may be a bit squeamish about sardines, to try this recipe out. The toast and the smooth buttery taste of the Avocado; with the initial splash of the sherry vinegar on the tongue really tones down the Sardine fishiness. I even believe that if the canned Brisling Sardines are still not something you want to be adventurous with, try just canned tuna in oil as a starting point. I might even try this with anchovies and add some small capers (not caper berries-but hey this could work too)!

So the pictures I have posted are not exactly the "Toast" the recipe calls for exactly, but at the time, I only had what I had.  So that should tell everyone that you don't necessarily have to have a boule to make this treat.  I used an italian long loaf of bread and cut it in long wedges, which is actually perfect for the snack/appetizer form which will yield 8 smaller slices instead of the bigger 4 the original recipe recommends.  For a more substantial meal, then use a thicker loaf of crusty bread as stated.

So, be adventurous for the rest of this month! This recipe is perfect for a Snack, Appetizer and if you are like me, perfect for “lupper” and a late night snack!  Just keep in mind, this is a recipe that does not store for more than the day you prepare it. Yes, you can make half (the toast should be prepared as you serve it)  for the early part of the day, but best make and eat the next half before the day ends.



Friday, January 29, 2010

Cucumber Cravings

I was watching the food network-Iron Chef (repeat) with Bobby Flay and Morimoto the other day. Flay created some dish, can’t remember the main ingredient, but he did something with Cucumber that got me thinking...

Flay’s soux chef had cut the cucumber into a noodle style and mixed it with sherry vinaigrette. Sounded so yummy, so I came up with my own version.
 
Cucumber Noodle Salad
Approx 2 Servings
Special Equipment: Mandoline with a thin Julienne blade.
  • 1 Large Cucumber
  • Half Pint Cherry Tomatoes quartered
  • Few Sprigs of Tarragon roughly chopped
  • About 10 Leaves of Mint roughly chopped
  • 1/4 lbs or less of Feta Cheese
  • Juice of 1 Lemon
  • 2-3 Tbls of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • S&P to Taste

Preparation Instructions:
  • Use your Mandoline with a the Julienne blade to cut the cucumber into long noodles.
  • Add Cucumber to a bowl with chopped herbs and tomatoes, mix gently with your hands.
  • Place mixture on plate or in a Bowl. Sprinkle Feta Cheese over salad mixture, then add S & P. For each serving, drizzle extra virgin olive oil and squeeze the juice of 1/2 lemon over the salad.