My blog has moved! Redirecting…

You should be automatically redirected. If not, visit http://www.thecookingadventuresofchefpaz.com/ and update your bookmarks.

The Cooking Adventures of Chef Paz: September 2006

Saturday, September 30, 2006

The Butterfly Effect meme

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Cardamom Pods

Back in June (Oh, my goodness! Has it been that long!?) Dan from Saltshaker tagged me for The Butterfly Effect meme, which he’d created. Time flew by and for several different reasons, I never responded to the meme. A lot of things were going on around me and I simply wasn’t able to get to it.

Annoyed and disappointed Dan took drastic measures into his hands by casting a kitchen pox on those he tagged who hadn’t responded “May their hollandaise curdle and their mayonnaise separate,” he wrote.

Yikes! After I begged and told him I still intended to do the meme, he somewhat reluctantly removed the pox -- temporarily. The threat covertly still hung over my head.

The other day, I tagged Dan for the Five Things to Eat Before You Die Meme and he put me to shame by doing it immediately. *sigh*

Okay, Dan: Finally, here are my answers to The Butterfly Effect Meme. I thought about doing it a little bit at a time, like Ilva. I liked that idea but since I’ve kept you waiting for so long, here it is in its entirety. I hope the pox is now removed permanently.

The Butterfly Effect Meme asks you to name food items or events that changed your foodie life. Specifically you are asked to recall “an item, person, event, or place” that affected you profoundly – something that created a moment you can look back at and say “that was a defining moment.” It doesn’t have to be “big, splashy” things. Instead, it can be something “small and simple” – something that changed the way you view the world.

These are the categories:
1. An ingredient
2. A dish, a recipe
3. A meal (in a restaurant, a home, or elsewhere)
4. A cookbook or other written work
5. A food “personality” (chef, writer, etc.)
6. Another person in your life


Okay, here are all the defining moments in my baby foodie life span:

1. An ingredient – CARDAMOM: I had never even heard of it before. Then Michele sent me this awesome recipe for Basmati and Nut Pilaf. I had an adventure shopping for the Cardamom. Once I found it, I was so glad. It made a nice difference in my recipe and I’ve used it often, since. I love this spice!

2. A dish, a recipe – TIRAMISU: You may think this is not a big deal but being able to make tiramisu was a big moment for me. After I successfully followed the recipe to make this Italian dessert, I realized that perhaps I had it in me to learn how to prepare other recipes. That was very exciting for me. This occurred in the early stages of The Cooking Adventures of Chef Paz. You can read about it here.

3. A meal (in a restaurant, a home, or elsewhere) SPINACH STEW: I mentioned this stew in my childhood food memories meme. My mom used to make it but we haven’t had it in the longest time. Its main ingredients include spinach and shrimp. I finally decided to attempt to make it and asked my mom for the ingredients. She half-heartedly mentioned them. I think she didn’t believe I was serious. After a thousand questions, I set out to replicate the stew. When it was ready, I served it to my mom. She hesitantly brought the fork full of stew and rice to her mouth. I closely watched the diplomatic look on her face (ready to tell me it tasted fine even if it didn’t) change to a look of disbelief and then pleasure as she savored her meal. “This is very good.” She nodded her head with approval. Later, she asked for seconds. Now, that was another defining moment in my foodie life!

4. A cookbook or other written work THE FANNIE FARMER COOKBOOK and THE FOOD OF LOVE by Anthony Capella. The former is my first cookbook. The latter is a novel that inspired me to attempt two recipes listed in the back of the book. To my surprise, I was successful. Again, it took place in the beginning stages of my cooking adventures. With each success and cooking venture, I became encouraged to continue.

5. A food “personality” (chef, writer, etc.)GIADA DE LAURENTIS and RACHEL RAY: There are more but these two T.V. chef personalities immediately come to mind. Especially in the beginning, I watched a lot of Food Network cooking shows. It would take me about an hour and a half to make Rachel Ray’s 30-minute meals. Hehehe! But the point is that I made them! These were all defining foodie moments for me – someone who didn’t know how to boil water. ;-)

6. Another person in your lifeFOOD BLOGGERS: All the food bloggers that I’ve come across. Everyone’s been so inspiring and creative. I love when I find a recipe from their sites, try it, and it actually comes out. It’s edible! Yay for me! Thanks, everyone! Keep cooking and happy food blogging!

Tag
I would like to tag the following for this meme:

1- Sravanthi from When My Soup Came Alive
2- Neil from Food for Thought
3- Elizabeth from Blog from OUR Kitchen
4- Gattina from Gattina
5- Haalo from Cook (Almost) Anything at Least Once
6- Anyone who wants to participate

If you decide to participate, please let Dan know at: dan AT saltshaker DOT net
Also, don't forget to provide a link to his original post: http://www.saltshaker.net/20060630/the-butterfly-effect

Oh! And let me know, too, that you participated. I'd love to read about your experiences.

Thanks, Dan!

Paz

The Me meme

Pam of Posie's Place recently tagged me for this Me meme. Thanks, Pam. Here it is:

I am thinking about: how the weekend is going by so quickly, my grocery list and all the things I have to do before Monday!

I said: I don't remember what I've said.

I want to: buy a PDA or a Blackberry (I have to find out the difference) and an iPod/MP3 player (are they the same?)

I wish: that I had that PDA or Blackberry and an iPod right NOW!

I regret: not having that PDA or Blackberry and an iPod.

I hear: my dog barking at someone standing outside our apartment door.

I am: tired.

I dance: in the kitchen when I’m making something that smells delicioso – called my happy dance!

I sing: when I’m exercising and I’m listening to music of Mana or when I’m cooking and a good song comes on the radio.

I cry: at sad and sappy things I see on T.V. or in the movies. Actually I don’t cry but I get teary eyed and a lump starts to form in my throat.

I am not: going to cook today.

I am: going to walk my dogs right now.

I write: all the time.

I confuse: I do get confused, but I can't think of an example to give you at this moment. Sorry! ;-)

I need to: go walk my dogs right NOW. It’s that time of the day! Ciao!

I tag ANYONE who wants to do this meme. Have fun!

Paz

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Quick French-Style Fish Stew/Broth

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for larger image




I got this recipe while watching Jamie Oliver's show, some time ago, on the FoodNetwork channel. The recipe wasn't posted on the food site. Luckily, I'd scribbled notes as I watched the show.

Jamie's ingredients included clams, mussels, snapper, red mullet, brine (you can use any shellfish and fish). I used salmon, clams, and mussels. The recipe called for potatoes but I decided to add corn, as well.

Loose instructions:

Heat olive oil and add red onions (chopped); add garlic (chopped) and chili (chopped) for taste; let fry for a while; add mussels and clams – when they cook they’ll open up and give flavor; add French white wine (Chardonnay) – about 1 wine glass; add the fish on top – fish will slowly steam; add ½ tin Italian whole tomatoes (or fresh); add chopped parsley – finely sliced; add olive oil; add sliced potatoes (spring/baby potatoes) and let slow simmer for about 5 minutes until the wine evaporates.

Serve and garnish with parsley and top with the aioli. Drizzle evoo on top.


Make aioli:
Mayo; add lemon zest of 1 lemon; add some lemon juice; add one clove garlic grated; mix the mayo mixture.

All I can say that this was simple and good. I liked it a lot!

Paz

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for larger image

Monday, September 25, 2006

New York Monday #42: Statues

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting



Happy Monday, everyone! I'd planned on posting some other photos but for some reason, I had a problem downloading them. So, here are some photos that I took some time ago. What's Magyar, I wonder. I guess I'll have to look it up.

Have a good week!

Paz


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Saturday, September 23, 2006

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Challah Braiding (Wikipedia.com)

Happy Rosh Hashanah, to all who celebrate it this time of the year!

I would have liked to make something but didn't get a chance. Check out two wonderful food related posts about the Jewish New Year:

Aja of Mudpies in Jaffa shares a nice recipe that includes an interesting tidbit about pomegranates, along with her experience in Israel during the holiday.

Rosa of Rosa's Yummy Yums shares more recipe ideas that we can make in celebration of the new year. Thank you ladies, very nice reads!

Best,
Paz


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
A shofar made from a ram's horn (Wikipedia)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Chicken Curry

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting


I got this very easy chicken curry recipe from Kafka Na Praia. I think the mango chutney ingredient made this simple rice and chicken dish taste extra special. It's taste is interestingly similar to an African stew we used to eat and as a result, my family really enjoyed the meal. Oh, I forgot to mention that I didn't have any curry powder, so I omitted it when cooking. Perhaps that's why it tasted like an African stew. ;-) I'll have to remember to buy some curry and try the recipe again.

Paz


Chicken Curry

2 chicken thighs and 2 drumsticks, no bone , no skin

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 onion, chopped

1 teaspoon ginger, minced

1 big tomato, peeled and seeded, chopped

1/4 cup chicken stock

2 tablespoons cooking oil

salt to taste

1 teaspoon mango chutney

1/2 cup yoghurt


Sprinkle chicken with a little salt and half curry powder.

Heat oil in a pan. Add chicken, browning on both sides. Add garlic, onion, ginger, tomato, remaining curry powder, mango chutney, and chicken stock. Mix gently, cover and simmer over low heat for about 20-30 minutes or until tender. Taste, and add salt as needed. Serve with rice and 2-3 tablespoons yoghurt.




Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Mango Chutney is the secret ingredient that makes this dish special

Monday, September 18, 2006

New York Monday #41 - A Chess Game

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for a larger image!


There's always something happening on the streets of New York City. Here are two men playing a game of chess, while another looks on. The chess set is out everyday and different people stop by to play. I've even seen children sitting across from the adult to play chess, while their parents patiently and silently observe the game.

Although I don't know how to play chess, I like the fact that anyone -- the young and old-- can play. It is not a restrictive game.

Have a great week, everyone!

Paz

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for larger image!

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Guacamole and Chips

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Click on photo for larger image


I think guacamole and chips are the perfect snack at anytime. I found this "perfect guacamole" recipe on Simply Recipes. It really is perfect! ;-)

Paz


Here’s the recipe:
The Perfect Guacamole
Simply Recipes

2 ripe avocados
½ red onion, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1-2 serrano chiles, stems and seeds removed, minced
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh lime or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
A dash of freshly grated black pepper
1/2 ripe tomato, seeds and pulp removed, chopped
Garnish with red radishes or jicama.

Serve with tortilla chips.

Cut avocados in half. Remove seed. Scoop out avocado from the peel, put in a mixing bowl.
Using a fork, mash the avocado. Add the chopped onion, cilantro, lime or lemon, salt and pepper and mash some more.

Chili peppers vary individually in their hotness. So, start with a half of one chili pepper and add to the guacamole to your desired degree of hotness. Be careful handling the peppers; wash your hands thoroughly after handling and do not touch your eyes or the area near your eyes with your hands for several hours.

Keep the tomatoes separate until ready to serve.

Remember that much of this is done to taste because of the variability in the fresh ingredients. Start with this recipe and adjust to your taste.

Cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface of the guacamole to prevent oxidation from the air reaching it. Refrigerate until ready.

Just before serving, add the chopped tomato to the guacamole and mix.

Serves 2-4

Monday, September 11, 2006

New York Monday #40: Park Bench/Bed

The chronicles of a NYC park bench continue. For earlier posts see here and here.

Here someone has used a park bench as a bed. The person even managed to find a big fluffy pillow and covered it with a bed sheet of cardboard.

I didn’t see the owner of this bed. He or she had left by the time I’d passed by, but many a time, early in the morning, I’ll see someone sleeping on one of the benches. Unfortunately, homelessness is a problem in the city. The situation is better than it was a few years ago but it still presents a problem.

I’m currently reading a book called Points of Light: A Celebration of the American Spirit of Giving by Robert Goodwin, Thomas Kinkade, and Pam Proctor. It features inspiring stories of everyday people who show the spirit of caring and giving by volunteering to help others in so many different types of situations. Their stories are very encouraging. I think about how I can help others more. No matter the gesture, big or small, there'll always be someone who needs and appreciates the help.

One of the authors, Robert Goodwin, shares his experience with a homeless man he saw regularly on the street. Sometimes, the author would give the man money. On this particular occasion, things turned out a little differently. Here’s a portion of Goodwin's story:

Walking at a steady pace, I took off my glove and reached into my coat pocket to find some change. But I didn’t have a dime, not one penny to put in that sack on a cold winter morning.

I could have simply shrugged to myself and passed him by, determined to help him out the next time. But as I drew in front of him, something told me to stop. I looked him in the eye and said, “I’m sorry, my brother. I don’t have anything to give today.”

His eyes brightened and his lips turned up in a slight smile.

“Oh, but you already did,” he responded. “You called me brother.”


Have a great week, everyone!

Paz


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for larger image

Saturday, September 09, 2006

Chronicles of a NYC Park Bench Continues

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo to enlargen image


A few weeks ago, in a New York Monday post (#32), I’d highlighted a park bench that underwent a transformation.

Initially, shrubbery covered the bench and while it looked beautiful, it also appeared wild and a bit scary to me. Months later, the greenery around the bench was cleared. You can check out the before and after photo here.

This bench continues to undergo a new look. Today, tiny white flowers surround it. I promised Elizabeth that I’d post the photos. Does anyone know the name of these flowers? I have no idea. You can click on the photos for larger images.

Have a good weekend.

Paz


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photos to enlargen


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photos to enlargen


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photos to enlargen


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photos to enlargen


Thursday, September 07, 2006

Roasted Baby Roma Tomato and Feta Tart

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for larger image

Some time ago, I made this Roasted Baby Roma Tomato and Feta recipe. It's created from a combination of three different recipes found on Haalo’s Cook (Almost) Anything At Least Once.

One day during the week, I first made the Marinated Feta. I liked the feta because I was able to eat it with different foods. The effects of the feta marinated in the olive oil with the herbs made taste extra special.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Marinated Feta
Click on photo for larger image


Another day, I tried Haalo’s recipe for slow roasted baby roma tomatoes. This is another recipe I love. Throughout previous posts, I’ve mentioned other foods I never cared for, until I fell into my cooking adventures. I liked tomatoes until I started cooking. I loved the simple combination of the roasted baby tomatoes, garlic, thyme, and olive oil. Really good! Kalyn’s Kitchen and Küchenlatein have also made their version of roasted tomatoes. Yup! I’ve become a lover of tomatoes, all right. ;-)


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Tomatoes going into the oven
Click photo for larger image



Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Tomatoes after roasting
Click on photo for larger image




Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for larger image


A few days later, I was ready to make Roasted Baby Roma Tomato and Feta Tart. I started with making the tart shell. Haalo provides a recipe to make the shell, but I couldn’t figure out the European measuring system -- 250g, 150g... I always have a problem, so I decided to use the recipe from the first pie that I made (much simpler for me). Tanna has recommended that I get a measuring scale to figure out the European measuring ingredients. After my first experience where I had a bit of trouble making the pastry, I was a bit nervous to try again. However, I used all the comments and advice everyone gave me and it turned out perfectly! Thank you all! I’m feeling very confident now in making the pastry.

Haalo made two medium-sized tarts from this recipe, but as I only had one nine inch tart pan, that’s what I used.

A little bit of drama occurred when it came time to par bake (Am I using the right word?) the shell. The instructions call for covering the pastry shell with baking paper and filling it with weights before baking it for a few minutes. I had no weights. Neither did I have baking paper or aluminum foil, but I felt too lazy to go out to buy them. I learned from Kathleen and Kalyn that I could probably use the method called docking, where I pierce the bottom of the shell and bake uncovered for a short time.

However, I ended up going to the store and bought the aluminum foil. For weights, Tanna gave me a great suggestion of using tightly wrapped pennies. I had a lot of pennies! So, the first time I made this recipe, I used the pennies. The second time I made the recipe, I used beans as weights.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Weights made of beans. Next time I'll use wrapped pennies or better yet the docking method

I liked the idea of using the pennies; they worked really well. I would use them again. I didn’t like using the beans because I had to throw them away afterwards; I felt it was a waste of food. So, the next time I make this recipe again, I’ll use the pennies as weights or I use the docking method.

After making the filling of milk, eggs, my marinated feta, and roasted tomatoes, I added it to the pastry shell. Then I sprinkled it with basil and chives and placed it in the oven.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Preparing the filling
Click on photo for larger image

Not long after, my tart was ready. I enjoyed it so much that I made it again the next day. Roasted Baby Roma Tomato and Feta tart two days in a row! Yum! Thanks for the recipe, Haalo!

Paz

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Click on photo for larger image

Roasted Baby Roma Tomato and Feta Tarts
Makes 2 x 15cm tarts
Haalo’s recipe

½ portion Shortcrust Pastry
10 slow roasted baby roma tomatoes, depending on tomato size cut them in half
a few pieces of Marinated fetta, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
6 large Basil leaves, ripped roughly
2 eggs
½ cup cream


Make the tart shells:
Roll out the pastry and line two 15cm tart tins, leave a little overhanging to compensate in case of shrinkage. Let this rest an hour. Cover with baking paper and fill with weights. Cook in a preheated 180°C/350°F oven for around 15 minutes or until the pastry is starting to become golden. Remove paper and weights.


Make the filling:
Place the eggs and cream in a bowl and whisk until amalgamated. I find I don't need to use salt and pepper here as the tomatoes and fetta are already seasoned.


Prepare the tarts:
Place the par-cooked tart shells onto a baking tray - this makes it easier to place into the oven and helps contain any spills, if they occur. Place the tomato pieces in each of the pie shells, then add the fetta. Sprinkle over with the basil and chives. Pour in the filling and place back into the oven and cook until the filling has set - this should take between 10-15 minutes. Remove from the tins and serve immediately

Monday, September 04, 2006

New York Monday #39: Brazil Day 2006

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Brazil Day 2006 - New York City


In what has now become a yearly tradition, my friends and I get together to attend the Brazil Day festival held in the Little Brazil section of New York City (Read about last year’s fun here.). Thousands of people attend, making it the largest Brazilian-themed festival held outside of Brazil. Brazilian celebrities show up, popular Brazilian musicians perform, and related paraphernalia are sold.

Up until the day of the festival, we weren’t sure if we’d go because it had rained for the past couple of days, including the day before the festival (See the Mackerel Sky, which means rain in two days. Interestingly enough, it did rain two days later! Then, it rained some more, the effects of Hurricane Ernesto.). However, the morning of Brazil Day, the rain stopped and the sun miraculously came out. So we met at our special meeting spot, right on the corner of Little Brazil – 46th Street and 6th Avenue.

At 11 in the morning, crowds already filled the streets. Vendors had already set up their wares – foods, books, CDs, jewelry and other things of interest to a street fair attendee. Brazilian music competed with Peruvian music on the other side of the street.

Excitement filled the air as proud Brazilians roamed the streets wearing their country flag colors – yellow and green. Many wore shirts; others wore scarves, and hats, while others draped the flag on their backs. Every year, I always say I’ll wear something green and yellow but I don’t have those colored clothing in my closet. I wore pink and white! To my chagrin, I stood out like a sore thumb. Uggh! I’m going to start looking now for something more appropriate to wear for next year’s Brazil Day. ;-)

We joined the crowds and walked down the very packed street. In particular, we looked for Brazilian foods we’d tasted the previous year. Last year, we had a wide variety of Brazilian foods, from which to choose. This year, not so. Despite it being Brazil Day, we saw more foods from other countries (i.e., Colombia, Thailand, Mexico, Greece) than from Brazil. It was kind of strange and disappointing. After all, for Brazil Day, we expected Brazil food.

My friend, A, wanted Pão de queixo, a cheese roll/bread that we tried the year before and enjoyed. We searched up and down the crowded streets but didn’t find it. It seems that nobody sold it this year. ;-(

I did see Pastels (deep-fried pastries) and Brigadeiro (Chocolate fudge sweet), but I did not see Churrasco (Brazilian BBQ), foods we tasted last year.

Another thing we looked forward to having and did find was Caipirinha, a traditional Brazilian drink, made from sugar, lime, and Cachaça, a Brazilian rum (See the recipe here.). This year the alcohol in the drink was very strong but it sure tasted good. A and I shared the drink. A very interesting note is that the description of the drink posted for everyone to see was very misleading. The sign read, “soda and water!” Yeah, right! Obviously, the cops monitoring the crowds knew nothing about Caipirinha because vendors are not allowed to sell alcohol at a festival. They should have had a clue when they saw such a long line to buy the so called “soda and water.” ;-)

My friend Kathleen and I bought a churro recheado com doce de leite, a pastry filled with sweetened milk (condensed milk). I have to say it was pretty expensive, unlike last year, as was the chicken empada (not to be confused with empanada, which is what I’d done) that I'd bought. I’d never had the chicken empada before and I expected a food of reasonable size. Instead, for my two bucks, I was handed a small finger-like food, the size of a quarter that disappeared in my mouth in one pop. It should have cost a dollar, if not 50 cents. Ya live and ya learn.

Kathleen bought a shish kebab from the Greek food stand, which she said tasted excellent. It looked good. Later we bought a beef empanada and I bought a roasted plantain from the Mexican food stand. So much for eating only Brazilian foods.

Despite the slight disappointment with the choice of foods offered this year at the festival, I still had a fun time. With gorgeous weather, a festive crowd, and the good company of my friends, I couldn’t have asked for anything more. All in all, I had a fun time. Who knows what next year will bring.

Paz


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Brazil shirts


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Wearing the Brazil flag


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Some advertisements


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Lining up for food served by women from Bahia (wearing white)
Photo by Kathleen R.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
A beautiful woman in white from Bahia
Photo by Kathleen R.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
A celebratory band
Photo by Kathleen R.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Band continues to celebrate
Photo by Kathleen R.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Misleading ad for Caipirinha. It is NOT soda and water!
Photo by Kathleen R.


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Cups in which to serve Caipirinha


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Making Caipirinha. Main ingredients include lime and sugar


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
The end product: A nice up of Caipirinha to enjoy


You can see more photos below (Part II). Check them out!

New York Monday #39: Brazil Day 2006 Part 2

More pics from Brazil Day 2006. You can find Part I here.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
A sign advertising the sale of Pastel and Coxinha (Brazilian food)


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Pastels -- Here, you have a choice of chicken and beef


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Green and Yellow Hatter selling CDs

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
A display of Brazilian CDs for sale

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Jorge Aragão CD -- my favorite Brazilian musician



Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
More of the crowd


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Shopping


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Little girl


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Passing by a restaurant


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Practicing the martial arts/dance -- I don't remember the name


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Ad for sweets


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Delicious churrasco with rice and vinagrette

To see photos from last year 2005, go here.

Paz

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Five Things to Eat Before You Die

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

Melissa of Traveler’s Lunchbox has started a meme of sorts asking food bloggers to recommend "things you've eaten and think that everyone should eat at least once before they die."

Susan of Porchini Chronicles, Kalyn of Kalyn’s Kitchen, Gilly of Humble Pie, and Tony of Bachelor Cooking have tagged me to participate. Thanks, ladies and gentleman!

I’ve seen a lot of wonderful lists. Here’s my humble list. I wish it could be longer but this time, I’m going to be good and stick to the required five-list instruction. ;-)

Paz

1- Fried plantain – (called kelewele in Ghana, West Africa) or ripe plantain in any recipe form: Everyone knows by now this is my number one favorite food from childhood. Plantain, sprinkled with salt, sometimes fresh ginger, and then fried – delicious!

2- New York City hot dog – In particular, Nathan's hot dog from the original Nathan's at Coney Island (Brooklyn). There are other Nathan's around the city but the hot dogs don't taste the same. My friend Kathleen wonders if it's the salty air by the beach that makes the difference. ;-) Another recommended hot dog place in the city is Grey’s Papaya Hot Dog. My favorite hot dog topping is mustard and sauerkraut but other topping choices are available.

3- New York City pizza: There’s nothing like a NYC pizza; one can become addicted to it. It’s so different from other pizza made elsewhere. It’s unlike deep-dish pizza, thin crust pizza, Chicago pizza, and Italian pizza… You get the idea. You can order different toppings -- either vegetables and or meats -- on your pizza. While I like that, my favorite is a plain ole’ slice (just cheese and sauce).

4- BLT sandwich (Bacon, lettuce, and tomato): From the right NYC deli, this is a simple yet mouthwatering, tasty sandwich.

5- Italian gelato: One of my favorite memories of Italy was having delicious gelato every evening after dinner. Yeah, every evening! It's too bad I didn’t try all the available flavors.


Tag:
I tag anyone who would like to participate in this meme. Go for it! What’s your list of five things to eat before you die?


* * * * *

Man eats 53 ¾ hot dogs in 12 minutes!

Every July 4th, there a hot dog eating contest held at Coney Island in Brooklyn. A Nathan’s hot dog is pretty good, but I do not suggest you gorge yourself like this, as you will not enjoy your hot dog.

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Six-time hot dog eating champion, Takeru Kobayash from Japan.
Photos from news.yahoo.com


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Champion's hot dog contest eating technique


Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Wiener Wars