Made Cornish hens tonight. Haven't made them in many years, and Signora V. has never had them. Stuffed 'em with chopped onion, parsley, sage, and rosemary (no thyme!). Steamed a bunch of string beans and covered them (sort of) with a country gravy. Cooked up a box of au gratin potatoes and added some salt, paprika and rosemary to that.
Quite nice. The Missus approves.
Since we're pretty much snowed in here, I made sure to stock up on essentials for us and the cat. We're definitely good for a few days.
Signor V.
Look's Great Signor...didn't u say u were going 2 mail me some of that??..lol..good job!!
Last night's dinner was an Irish favorite - beef braised in Guinness. (Signora V. is Irish-American) You'll find this on the menu in just about any Irish restaurant or pub that serves food. I have to say that ours is a bit better (IMO) because I more than doubled the Guinness. Otherwise I think it comes off tasting too close to a traditional American beef stew. This way, you really taste the Guinness.
And to hoodlum or anyone else who would like our recipes, if I have it on file I'll be glad to provide it. My files and notes are pretty extensive, though I have been known to improvise when the mood strikes.
Thanks, folks, for the kind words!
Signor V.
"For me, there's only my wife..."
"Sure I cook with wine - sometimes I even add it to the food!"
"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?"
"It was a grass harp... And we listened."
"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"
That looks delicious !!!!! Signor...How can u cook (and i'm 100% Irish)..w/ a foamy stout like Guinness (as I do for Irish lamb stew) ..w/ out the fat mixing into the brew...which means U MUST give me the recipe!!!!!
I didn't want to leave blood on your carpet...
Re: Tonight's Dinner
[Re: hoodlum]
#1004727 02/09/2109:16 AM02/09/2109:16 AM
That looks delicious !!!!! Signor...How can u cook (and i'm 100% Irish)..w/ a foamy stout like Guinness (as I do for Irish lamb stew) ..w/ out the fat mixing into the brew...which means U MUST give me the recipe!!!!!
This is basically Irish stew..but...I know u by now my friend...there is a twist somewhere..how do u thicken ur version?....any secret Signor spices? ...etc..etc...
Going for a traditional Ragu Bolognese tonight. We've been watching Stanley Tucci's series Searching for Italy on CNN and last night's episode ("Bologna") lit a fire under me. Had some ground veal in the freezer but I'll make do with bacon instead of pancetta. The version prepared on TV was basically an adaptation of the original Artusi recipe. Pretty much simple and basic. Can't get tagliatelle at any of my local stores within walking distance so I'll go with fettucine. (And what brand? Why, Luigi Vitelli, of course! )
Hoodlum - I'm gonna get my full recipe for you. The one I have in my computer files is taken straight from the Guinness website, but it is not the adaptation we make. So, I'm gonna dig out the paper printout version with my additional handwritten notes (and food stains).
Stay tuned.
Meanwhile, since it's Lent and Signora V. is Catholic, I've been making seafood dishes on Friday. Last Friday it was salmon (she likes hers well-done) with long grain & wild rice (courtesy of soon-to-be-renamed Uncle Ben's) and fresh string beans. Seasoned it before cooking with a bit of salt and fresh pepper then squeezed some lemon juice over everything on the plate. Went over quite well.
Signor V.
"For me, there's only my wife..."
"Sure I cook with wine - sometimes I even add it to the food!"
"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?"
"It was a grass harp... And we listened."
"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"
The Bolognese was incredible. However, it's quite fatty, owing to neither the veal nor bacon being drained - they cook with the onions, carrot, celery and broth all in one pot.
I had no problems with it, but Signora V., being senza gallbladder, found that it, ah... came back to bite her.
Be warned.
Signor V.
"For me, there's only my wife..."
"Sure I cook with wine - sometimes I even add it to the food!"
"When life itself seems lunatic, who knows where madness lies?"
"It was a grass harp... And we listened."
"Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it? Every, every minute?"
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