Crepes a la Matt - Nutella Heaven Part II

When Matt Finnerty, my step son, found jars of Nutella in the pantry he immediately asked me if I knew how to make crepes. And I answered with a sly smile, "But of course!!"
"Well, okay," he said, "so let's make them."  Such exuberance cannot be resisted.  And I love the fact that a 14-year old has developed a taste for crepes with Nutella spread on them.  He had them when he was in France with his Mom and 2 sisters and hadn't seen Nutella since then.  Just the very sight of Nutella brought his memories of a big fat french guy making large fluffy crepes with Nutella.  He said they were, "the best!!" Matt wanted to get right down to making them ASAP. What I had to explain is that crepe batter must be made ahead -  it needs to sit for a few hours so the flavors meld and the flour hydrates.
We made the batter on Saturday afternoon.  We made the crepes on Sunday after a vigorous snow shoe outing - so we earned them!!

Crepe recipes are actually quite easy.  Flour, water, melted butter, milk, sugar...

Here's the recipe:
1 cup flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1/4 cup skim milk
1/4 cup half and half
3 large eggs
2 Tbsp melted butter
lemon zest from one lemon

Blend all ingredients.  Store covered overnight.
Using a well-seasoned crepe pan or non-stick 5-6" frying pan, heat on low-medium flame, brush pan with canola oil or melted butter. (I usually do a tester before I really get started to make sure pan it hot enough etc.)  Then ladle the batter into the pan and swirl it so it spreads into the entire surface.  Cook until the edges start browning and top seems dry.  I use a fork but a spatula would do the trick as well to loosen the edges.  Then flip the crepe and let it cook for a few seconds. (I find this is a feel sort-of-thing - you just can tell when it's ready!!)
Matt took each crepe as it came out of the pan and spread Nutella on it.  He ate several on the spot and took the rest back with him to his Mother's house to delight in at a later time.

I don't know about you but there is NOTHING more satisfying than making food that makes people happy!!  Thank you Matt!!

Sustaining Berkshire Grown

Berkshire Grown's mission is to support our local farmers and promote locally grown food, which results in strengthening our local economy and preserving open spaces.   It's a winning mission and one that I support whole-heartedly!

Last night I hosted the newly formed Development Committee for Berkshire Grown.

Our goal is to make Berkshire Grown "sustainable" without state funding.  In 2010 we have to do without a $50,000 state grant. And personally, I think that is OK.  We just need to do and think differently.

Our goals are to run events that are meaningful and in line with our objectives of helping farmers connect with food buyers - both restaurants through the farm to table program; and people through farmers markets and CSA's.  We need to reach out to the community and build membership, and pursue corporate sponsors who want to align with our message.  Restaurants play a key role for Berkshire Grown.  Their commitment to buying local ingredients and serving them is critical to the sustainability of our local small farms and our local economies.  If you are a local or own a second home in the Berkshires, please consider sending a donation to preserve the connection between farmers and eating.  I do.  I do it through my membership to Berkshire Grown (www.berkshiregrown.org), my membership to 2 CSA's (www.indianlinefarm.com and www.farmgirlfarm.com), raising my own chickens for meat and eggs, and using my land to raise Scottish Highland Cattle for grass fed beef for my family's consumption and ultimately for sale.

Food glorious food!  Don't we all live for that? Don't we all want to put what's best in our bodies and lower our carbon footprint?  If you answer YES - then support Berkshire Grown or support your local farmers wherever you live -  DO IT TODAY!!

And, yes I did serve food.  Our meal consisted of organic rice, chicken breast with chick peas and tomatoes and a green salad.  Laura Meister (Farm Girl Farm) brought chocolate chip cookies and local ice cream.

Chicken with Chick Peas and Tomatoes 
2 whole boneless chicken breast, cut into 8 pieces
4 garlic cloves, pressed
1/4 cup olive oil
1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
1 Teaspoon Cumin
1/2 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
1 cup minced cilantro
1 cup plain yogurt (I like 2% greek but any will do!)
1 can chick peas
1 can of diced tomatoes (I use Muir Glen)

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Mix the garlic, oil, paprika,cumin, red pepper flakes. Spoon 1 tablespoon in the yogurt and set aside.  Place chicken in a baking dish and spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the spice mixture on the chicken.  In a bowl, mix the chick peas, tomatoes, remaining spice mixture and 1/2 cup cilantro.  Pour over chicken.  Bake for 30-40 minutes.  Serve over rice with a dollup or two of yogurt and sprinkle with cilantro. Enjoy!!

Immersion Blenders - A Cook's Best Friend

My friend Joanna recently told me that she wanted an immersion blender for her birthday but she didn't know which one to buy.  And as you might imagine, I immediately told her which one I purchased, and why.  But I know there are a few great models out there - so Joanna - this review is for you!!

Breville BCS500XL 9.6 Volt Cordless Immersion Blender with Recharging Base

This is the immersion blender that I use.  One of the main considerations for me was the convenience of a cordless immersion blender.  I have limited counter space near my stove where I predominantly use it.  It does the trick for me but its controls are sensitive and finicky, and sometimes stalls out.  I, of course, have figured how to outwit it but it may frustrate others.  I think if you can live with a corded model, I would get a different one.  You can buy this model at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BCS500XL-Cordless-Immersion-Recharging/dp/B000MDASFC

SmartStick Brushed Chrome Hand Blender 

by Cuisinart

I figure when a model is back-ordered due to overwhelming demand and the majority of the reviews are raves, AND if the price is compelling, look no further....Here are the features according to the manufacturer:

Powerful 200-watt motor handles more blending tasks

Stick design reaches into pots, pitchers and bowls to extend blending options

Ergonomically designed grip offers comfortable hold and more control while blending

Operates with a one-touch control for easy, one-handed blending

You can purchase this model at www.cooking.com    http://www.cooking.com/products/shprodde.asp?SKU=624175

KitchenAid® Immersion Blender

Here are the benefits according to the manufacturer:

• Variable speeds provide greater processing control that adjusts to handle a variety of foods, beverages and soups.
• The premium stainless steel blending attachment reaches an 8-inch immersion depth.
• The stainless steel splashguard covers the blending blade to prevent splattering of ingredients.
• The stainless steel whisk maximizes air in mixtures for fluffier egg whites and whipped cream.
• The 4-piece chopper attachment quickly chops herbs, vegetables, fruits, cooked meats, nuts and cheese.
• 5-ft. power cord provides exceptional freedom to move around the kitchen.

Most of the Kitchenaid reviews were extremely positive.  I think these new models have a lot going for them - the 8" immersion depth, for one.  And they have made the power cords longer if you can live without the cordless.  Some of the Kitchenaid models come in fun colors like red.  The one I would have on my wish list, if price were not a concern can be purchased at www.surlatable.com  http://www.surlatable.com/product/id/131824.do#

The Organized Cook - Must Haves in your Pantry, Spice Cabinet and Fridge/Freezer

I realize that sometimes the obvious is not so obvious.  And for me, it is very obvious to keep certain items on hand at all times in my kitchen so I can whip up breakfast, lunch or dinner.  I also have a very organized mind when it comes to cooking and menu planning.  While I do enjoy grocery shopping, I know it is chore for some. So I thought I'd share some of my thoughts on weekly menu planning and then provide a list of items to keep in your larder.

I generally do my shopping on Saturday morning.  The first thing I do is look in my pantry, fridge, and spice cabinets for items that I am "out" of that I need to replenish.  Then I think about meals for the next 6-7 days. What did we eat last week?  Will I be traveling this week and need to make extra so there are plenty of leftovers for Jim?  I like to eat a balance of meat, poultry, fish, pork and lamb with leafy greens and vegetables. I decide that we'll eat lamb, shrimp and chicken this week.  Then I think about how I might want to prepare them.  Right now it's winter and I love to make stews and braises.  Lamb works up nicely in a stew.  Shrimp would be perfect cooked in a risotto and chicken breasts can be done several ways but I know I don't need to decide.  If you can tell, these three meats will probably provide six nights of dinner.  My shopping list has the three meats, any vegetables that accompany the main meals - for the lamb stew - potatoes and green salad; for the risotto, broccoli or spinach; for the chicken, a green vegetable or two, some root vegetables etc.  To then re-invent the left-overs, I would make polenta with the lamb stew night two; I might add some asparagus to the risotto for night two; and with the chicken, I might turn it into a stir-fry - onions, garlic, peppers, diced chicken and rice.  My shopping list grows out of my menu.  But I don't need to buy everything because I already have many of the building blocks.

Here's the list of must-haves for every organized cook:

Spice Cabinet
Salt ( regular, kosher and sea salts)
Pepper (ground and pepper corns)
Nutmeg
Cinnamon (ground and sticks)
Crushed Red Pepper
Cayenne
Cumin
Bay Leaves
Tarragon
Thyme
Curry Powder
Chile Powder
Cardamon
Coriander (ground and seeds)
Paprika (smoked, spicy, plain)
Vanilla (extract and beans)
Sage
Marjoram
Ground Ginger
Cloves (ground and whole)
Molasses
Honey
Cocoa

Pantry
Flour
Sugars ( granulated, light and dark brown)
Powdered Sugar
Oats
Cornmeal
Pasta
Rice (white, brown, risotto)
Canned Tomatoes
Canned Beans (chick peas, cannellini, red kidney)
Lentils and Split Peas
Chicken Broth and Bullion Cubes
Bread Crumbs
Mustard
Vinegars ( red wine, cider, rice wine, tarragon, champagne)
Oils (olive, canola, sesame)
Shortening (I found some non-transfat organic)
Raisins
Chocolate Chips

Bittersweet Chocolate bars
Potatoes (russett and sweet)
Onions
Garlic
Shallots
Coffee (beans and instant)

Fridge

Milk

Half and Half

Heavy Cream

Butter - sweet

Eggs

Plain non-fat yogurt

Mayo

Cheese - parm, romano, mozzarella, goat, cheddar, ricotta

Capers

Olives

Lemons

Limes

Freezer

Bread

Organic Frozen Spinach, Corn and Broccoli

Nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)

Phyllo

Puff Pastry

Chicken Breast

Sausage

Cooking Chat

Each week I co-host a radio show called Radio2Women with Serene Mastrianni. And Serene decided that she wanted to "interview" me.  We had a great time discussing how easy cooking really is.  The interview has inspired my next blog post....Alway prepared - must have spices, must have pantry and fridge/freezer items....so stay tuned!!

In the meantime, listen to the interview here and get ready for Heirloom Meals Radio beginning in February!

Chow Time at Boulderwood Farm

Even the animals have to eat!  And their excitement when the see the hay coming is pretty amusing.  This winter we've kept the horses and cows in the lower pasture because it is flat and there is a wonderful flowing stream where they can get fresh water that doesn't freeze.  Our upper pasture is pretty steep with many under ground springs that create a skating rink environment which is hazardous to the animals.  The hay barn is however at the top of upper the steep pasture.  We heave the bales into the truck and drive them down. When we go to the barn, the cows begin to moooooo with excitement and the herd descends on the gate. I don't have to come up with a menu for the animals but it sure is fun feeding them.

And for my other herd....here's a meal I put together after a vigourous cross country ski outing.  While there was no mooing, the herd descended upon the table which always makes a cook feel good!!

Our meal consisted of:
Caesar Salad
Mushroom Quinoa Risotto
Cream of Cauliflower Soup
Left over roasted chicken with gravy
Dark chocolate and clementines to sate our sweet tooth!

A Meal for the New Year

I don't know about most of you but the holiday season seemed long, replete with parties galore and food a-plenty.  This is not an overt complaint, just an observation.  And for me, I am looking to eat on the lighter, healthier side as we march into the new year and decade.

So, what to eat?  What not to eat?  I remember this dialogue between my Mom and Nana when we were little, as they, too, were sick of cooking, eating all the impossible to resist goodies and undoubtedly feel as loagy as I do at the end of the season.  I think this is where all the religious fasting rituals have evolved.  I grew up a practicing Catholic so we were always giving something up for Lent, eating fish on Fridays, etc. I'll stop digressing and get to the point - I'm ready to dine on less fattening meals.

One of my goals for this blog in 2010 is to actually report the "meals" I make as frequently as I can, the inspiration and photos and recipes.

Our Monday night meal:
Broiled Salmon with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and rosemary
Steamed Asparagus
Mixed Greens and cherry tomatoes tossed with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and some goat cheese.

I didn't use a recipe.  I just concocted.