Saturday, December 29, 2012

Cocktails








Most cocktail parties have your fair share of cheeses and the likes, but recently I had the pleasure of attending a cocktail that had raclette. Sliced smoked meats, small potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and yummy hot smooth creamy cheese smothering everything!
I like cocktail parties...

Friday, December 28, 2012

The Opposite of Turkey


After three turkey diners in a row, my palette is craving something that is as far away from turkey as can be... 
A pile of Sushi was the first to be had, and it was wonderful - clean, smooth, colourful, and somewhat lighter than the gravy and mountains of mash...


I made a huge pot of Pho the following night, from the bones of said turkeys, creating a rich broth that was the foundation for bowls and bowls of fresh and savour.
Happy New Year...

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Goose Stuffing


i cooked the goose slowly for four hours at 250 degrees - I covered it with butter and my special rub and sage...


Blueberry bagels were an excellent bread to use...


Cleaned all the bones of the meat...


Apples and onions were caramelized...



Mixed the goose and the dressing together - rest overnight. 
Stuff it all in a big turkey - 23 Pounds... Base often... The bird took 4 hours at 325. 
It was wonderful! Happy Family this Christmas...

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Insane Holiday Foods

Swamp Water
Ingredients
3 parts pre-made powdered lime drink
2 parts apricot brandy
1 part lime vodka
Splash sweetened lime juice
Directions
In a large pitcher mix all ingredients together. Pour into glasses filled with ice.

Butter Balls
Ingredients
2 sticks butter
2 ounces cream cheese
Salt and pepper
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Peanut oil, for frying
Directions
Cream the butter, cream cheese, salt and pepper together with an electric mixer until smooth. Using a very small ice cream scoop, or melon baller, form 1-inch balls of butter mixture and arrange them on a parchment or waxed paper lined sheet pan. Freeze until solid. Coat the frozen balls in flour, egg, and then bread crumbs and freeze again until solid.
When ready to fry, preheat oil in a deep-fryer to 350 degrees F.
Fry balls for 10 to 15 seconds until just light golden. Drain on paper towels before serving.


Baked Potato Ice Cream
Ingredients
For the "butter" frosting:
Yellow frosting
For the potato ice cream:
1 pint vanilla ice cream
Cocoa Powder
Whipped topping
Yellow frosting
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
For the "butter" frosting:
Directions
Line the inside of a cover of a butter dish with plastic wrap. Fill the cover completely with yellow frosting and freeze until hard. Lift the "butter" out of the cover using the plastic wrap. Cut into squares.
For the potato ice cream:
Have a sheet pan covered with plastic wrap. On 1/2 of the pan, place the pint of ice cream down on its side. Fold the plastic over the ice cream and make a seal.
Using your hands, quickly form the ice cream into a potato shape. Then, create a wedge across the length of the potato. Tightly twist the ends of the plastic wrap and make knots at each end, like a mozzarella ball.
Place the ice cream in the freezer until it hardens, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Remove the ice cream from the freezer, unwrap and dust all over with cocoa powder. Fill the wedge with whipped topping and place a pat of "butter" frosting on top. Sprinkle with pistachios and serve immediately.

Christmas Tree



Now that the tree is done I can focus on some serious holiday food...

Monday, December 17, 2012

The Best Poutine continues...




La Frite Alors!
Mushrooms, fried onions and red peppers, cheese, fries and sauce... Excellent mix! 



The Original
My lady had to have the standard in a small format to boot... I didn't make fun, I just focused on my bowl and enjoyed.


I nice local beer to help make it all wash down.

Sushi Shop's Stainless






I have visited the sushi shop a few times lately and have really enjoyed their fresh rolls. One thing I remarked was the silver of the stainless that is everywhere; clean crisp places make me like the food more.

Want Cheap Indian Food?




An amazing quick Indian meal can be had at DAD's Bagel. It is delicious curries that will be sure to satisfy all appetites. Butter chicken, curried veggies, samosas, onion baji, nan, rice and a few cold beers - a gorgeous meal in minutes.
And their bagels are not shabby either. 

Saturday, December 8, 2012

"Tur-duc-kens" - What the heck is that?



I wanted to do something new this holiday feast, so I asked my hunting buddies if they could get me some wild fowl. In the end I was able to get a goose. So my plan is to create a new dish called, turgoosen... The same premise as a turducken, but with a wild twist to it!
The research continues for now...



Hopefully I don't kill any guests.


Monday, December 3, 2012

Taco Night [2012]






Kids love tacos, especially when they can create their own flavours! This is becoming a family favourite with many many bowls of selection and an empty canvas  of a shell. No complaints, no comparing, no crying... Taco night, give it a shot, it will become routine.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

St-Sauveur [2012]



I took some much needed time away from the city - the Manoir is great for TLC... Great service, great spa, great rooms and the food was pretty tasty too...


Escargot Provencal


Mushroom Ravioli


Filet aux Poivron 


Veal Rose