Recipe II: Risotto
No saffron… We’re in college don’t judge.
Turned out pretty good especially the topping part- and fresh grated cheese= major yum
So Brendan and I decided to buy a cookbook to cook our way through…(except maybe the recipes that call for like 6lbs muscles or a whole octopus)
So stay tuned for updates on our cooking ventures…
The Eat Seasonably Calendar
Long time no type- I’ve actually been in Maine for a bit with my parents and boy friend. Lot’s of lobstah and haddock, not so much cooking :( Now I’m back in the big city though so here’s a little description of my latest culinary exploit (no picture though so here’s some squash)
So today for lunch:
I went to Rodeo (27th and 3rd ave) last night with the boy- ok food, good atmosphere. They do have HUGE portions tho so I still have considerable beef brisket and chimichanga in my fridge. Luckily that brisket went to good use. Had a beef brisket quesadilla for lunch with Louisiana cajun seasoning and cheddar cheese cooked in olive oil. Totally delish!
ME GUSTA MILLET
I’ve been shopping at Trader Joe’s for quite some time now. The change from my local Food Emporium to TJ’s was a vast improvement: half the cost, more organic choices, products I love, and a happier staff. However, there are some things that really bug me about TJ’s, like the fact that I can’t buy just ONE avocado or onion, I need to buy a bag of 5. Or that most of their produce comes wrapped in plastic. Why?? I also get a little skeptical that ALL the brands in the store are Trader Joe’s brand.. where do they come from? Where are they made? TJ’s likes to keep its price-slashing secrets a bit mysterious.
It just so happens that the church of Whole Foods is next door to my Trader Joe’s. Oh, how I longed for the the massive cheese section! The most typical complaint about Whole Foods is that it’s too expensive, but I think that’s because shoppers usually buy way more than usual because they’re woo’ed by the yummy buffet, gourmet cheese selection and massive array of products. I figured I could make it work just this time.
OH I DID. I managed to stay exactly within my weekly food shopping budget AND get super amazing items. Above is my full spread. Some highlights include:
Wallaby yogurt! I love this stuff and they don’t sell it at Trader Joe’s. MMMmmmm why is it so extra tasty? Probably because it’s packed with SUGAR. I like to allow myself one “treat” purchase when I shop and this was it.
My vice. I have a strict “no processed foods” rule and mac & cheese is usually the only product I break the rule for. It makes for a great emergency meal when I’m in a rush. I love adding peas or black beans.
And now for the most exciting…
Whole Food’s grain and nut selection is RIDICULOUS!! I picked up some millet, barley, flax and dates for about $3. I had never tried millet before so I got to work on a meal pronto.
Millet is soooo tasty! It has such an unusual nutty, flowery flavor. I cooked it with some black beans and added roasted broccolini. I stuffed it all inside a whole wheat pita (with some goat cheese!).
Whole Foods did not disappoint. As long as you stick to your list and don’t buy $25 worth of cheese (as I’ve been known to do) you don’t have to break the bank.
While I’m catching you guys up on my culinary adventures, let’s flash back to my 21st in May. The wonderful boyfriend got me a lovely collection of cheeses from the Whole Foods down on Bowery. Yeah Whole Foods has a BALLER (not to mention not that expensive) collection of cheeses including an aging room. Here is a pincorino, a chevre, and a wensleydale with cranberries along with some honey. If you haven’t paired cheese (especially more potent ones) with honey, I promise it is a treat NOT TO BE MISSED! Also shown is some magnificent French hard cider.
Also, thanks Steve, for a spectacular birthday!
Sorry for the lack of updates but I’m back. Stay tuned for more recipes and foodstuffs! Now I’m all settled into my beautiful apartment with a magnificent kitchen I AM SO READY TO GET COOKING!
In the meantime, here’s some fabulous edamame that I’ve been meaning to show off. Totally easy crowd pleaser!!
recipe: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/garlic-teriyaki-edamame/detail.aspx
Let’s Talk About Kale
So today’s topic is Kale. Unfortunately cooking is a little bit on hold for me until I move into my new place next weekend (later I’ll post a picture of my kitchen right now and you will see why) However, I do have some goodies to share when I get around to uploading pictures from this weekend. But lately I’ve been going through some of my pictures from when I studied at the la Pietra estate last spring and I came across this gem.
Here is some magnificent Kale from the gardens. So I’ve thinking that I’ve been seeing/hearing a lot about Kale lately so I’m wondering what it’s like. I think next week I may try making Ribolita next week- which is this Tuscan peasant dish that has stale bread and winter greens in it like Kale (which according to this one Italian guy we talked to, is no good unless it’s frozen at least once)…
Think I may give this recipe (http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2010/02/ribollita) a whirl since most of the stuff in it is available at the greenmarket. Does anyone one have any other recipe suggestions?
Stopped in at Dean and Deluca this morning while shopping (unsucessfully) in SoHo for a birthday outfit (what is it with the spring season?) For those of you who don’t know, Dean and Deluca is an incredible, and very very expensive, food shoppe. They sell all kinds of goodies ranging from meats and cheeses to sandwiches and wines. Someday when I am wealthy I will shop there all the time. Didn’t pick anything up this morning but always a delightful place to stop in.
I was particularly impressed with their produce department- lots of exotic fruits and vegs… Looking forward to going back when I have a little more case <3
Ridiculous Food Network recipe of the week
Always classy Rachel Ray… Thanks for the revolutionary cooking ideas
(Source: brokeneggs)
