dinner

Let’s Face It – Once In A While, This Is All We Want And Need :-)



Every  chef  knows this feeling, even if it only hit’s once a year – you get home after a crappy day at work and you don’t want to hear or see about cooking for the rest of the day but still want something fine for dinner. Exactly what happened to me today. So, here is what went down at my house today:

Bubbly aperitif by the lake at sunset, then a dinner of strawberry ice cream (store-bought), fresh pineapple and ice-cold milk in front of the TV. Success !  Already feeling a whole lot better.
( I wonder if that’s the ice cream or the bubbly?) 🙂

Bon Appetit !   Don’t let it get to you !


Thank you Dana and Lara for the nice wine and champagne.

Sunset Apéritif  & TV Dinner

Sunset Apéritif & TV Dinner

Sunset Apéritif  & TV Dinner

Sunset Apéritif & TV Dinner

Sunset Apéritif  & TV Dinner

Sunset Apéritif & TV Dinner

Sunset Apéritif  & TV Dinner

Sunset Apéritif & TV Dinner






Korean Dinner – Bulgogi, Gamjajorim, Kimchee & Sukju Namul



Tonight  (Tuesday) my fridge and cupboard were nearly empty and the best thing I had at hand was a great looking rib eye steak. I did not feel like having  just a plain old steak from the grill, so when I saw the mung bean sprouts and the cooked potatoes, first some Asian, then some Korean recipes started to dance around my head and I decided on this menu, which turned out to be just the flavors and textures I craved and they sure hit a home run with my tastebuds 🙂


Bon Appetit !   Life is Good !


Click here for  Kimchi  (Kimchee)  recipe


Bulgogi, Kimchi, Sukyu Namul,

Bulgogi, Kimchi, Sukyu Namul & Gamjajorim

Bulgogi

Bulgogi



Preparation :

rib eye steak

rib eye steak

rib eye steak most fat removed (leave some on)

rib eye steak most fat removed  (leave some on for better taste and texture)

sliced rib eye steak

sliced rib eye steak

sliced beef, scallions, onions

sliced beef, scallions, onions

pineapple, (for tenderizing purpose, (traditionally use asian pear), onion, ginger, garlic, blend until smooth

pineapple, (for tenderizing purpose, (traditionally use asian pear), onion, ginger, garlic, blend until smooth

season with kosher salt, black pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, blended pinepple mix, mix well, marinade for 30 minutes (for a tough cut of beef such as top round, marinade up to 8 hours)

season with kosher salt, black pepper, brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, blended pinepple mix, mix well, marinade for 30 minutes (for a tough cut of beef such as top round, marinade up to 8 hours)

Meanwhile, blanch mong bean sprouts in salted, boiling water for 20 seconds, drain, shock in ice water, drain

Meanwhile, blanch mong bean sprouts in salted, boiling water for 20 seconds, drain, shock in ice water, drain again

add sliced scallions, season with kosher salt, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil

add sliced scallions, season with kosher salt, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, sesame seeds, sesame oil

Sukja namul

Sukja namul

heat sliced potatoes with honey, soy sauce, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, when heated through check/adjust seasoning, add white sesame seeds

heat sliced potatoes with honey, soy sauce, kosher salt, cayenne pepper, when heated through check/adjust seasoning, add white sesame seeds

sukju namul

sukju namul

grilling bulgogi

grilling bulgogi

Bulgogi, Kimchi, Sukyu Namul,

Bulgogi, Kimchi, Sukyu Namul,

Bulgogi

Bulgogi



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Gravlax Dinner



Tonight  I finally got to eat the gravlax I prepared last week. What a great tasting piece of fish. Of course, what makes it perfect is the accompanying dill/mustard sauce, without which a gravlax is not complete. Many restaurants nowadays serve gravlax with all kind of fancy sauces and condiments, which might seem right if you never been to Scandinavia and had the real deal. But please believe me, making the dill / mustard sauce will take you less then five  minutes and only “it” will make the dish perfect.
The ingredients for dill / mustard sauce are few and in everybody’s cup board:
Good quality mustard, white wine vinegar, kosher salt, neutral tasting oil (I used grape seed oil), sugar, fresh dill leaves only, pepper(optional), I used cayenne pepper and replaced the sugar with weisswurst senf (sweet, brown, Bavarian mustard)

Smaklig måltid!    Livet är bra !


Click here for  Gravlax  recipe


Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce



Preparation :

0

dijon mustard, sweet mustard, dill leaves

dijon mustard, sweet mustard, dill leaves

mix mustards, dill, kosher salt and cayenne pepper

mix mustards, dill, kosher salt and cayenne pepper

slowly drizzle grapeseed oil into mustard and dill mixture until a emulsion has formed, check / adjust taste

slowly drizzle grapeseed oil into mustard and dill mixture until a emulsion has formed, check / adjust taste

dill / mustard sauce

dill / mustard sauce

toast bread until golden

toast bread until golden

toasted sour dough bread

toasted sour dough bread

smear bread with herb butter

smear bread with garlic / herb butter

top with thinly sliced gravlax, serve with dill/ mustard sauce, lemon slices and chilled white wine

top with thinly sliced gravlax, serve with dill/ mustard sauce, lemon wedges and chilled white wine

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce

Gravlax, Sour Dough Bread, Dill / Mustard Sauce



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Sautéed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter



This  evening  I tried a new type of fish which I never had before:  Swai .
When I first saw the fish being sold for $ 4.00 a pound I was naturally very sceptical and went on a bit of research online. Much to my surprise, this seems to be a good choice, healthy and recommended by  fish authorities.
So, with my suspicion nullified I went on to prepare the fish this evening and I must say, it was excellent. Sweet, flaky, white flesh, great taste 🙂

Bon Appetit !   Life is Good !

Sauted Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

Sauted Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

Sauted Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

Sauteed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter



Preparation :

season fish with sea salt and cayenne pepper, dredge in a mixture of half corn starch, half panko bread crumbs

season fish with sea salt and cayenne pepper, dredge in a mixture of half corn starch, half panko bread crumbs

saute filets in butter until golden on both sides and cooked through, reove from pan, reserve, keep butter on heat until starting to foam and brown

saute filets in butter until golden on both sides and cooked through, remove from pan, reserve, keep butter on heat until starting to foam and brown

meanwhile, saute cooked ptatoes in garlic oil until golden, add diced peppers, saute another minute

meanwhile, saute cooked potatoes in garlic oil until golden, add diced peppers, saute another minute

add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper

add tomatoes, season with salt and pepper

transfer potatoes to serving dish

transfer potatoes to serving dish

top with fish

top potatoes with fish filets

top fish filets with peeled, sliced lemon

top fish filets with peeled, sliced lemon

add capers to hot brown butter, saute for a few seconds

add capers to hot brown butter, saute for a few seconds

top lemon slices with chopped italian parsley, top wit brown caper butter

top lemon slices with chopped italian parsley, top wit brown caper butter

Sauteed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

sautéed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

Sauteed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

sautéed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

Sauteed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

sautéed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

Sauteed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter

sautéed Swai Filet In Brown Caper Butter



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Smoked Pork Shank



I cooked  this beauty yesterday for two hours, then let it cool in the stock overnight.
Served today for lunch with german potato salad, horseradish, dijon, pickled tomatoes and rustic Italian garlic bread.
Simple, but oh so good 🙂

Bon Appetit !   Life is Good !

Click here for  German Potato Salad  recipe

Smoked Pork Shank, German Potato Salad, Pickled Tomatoes, Grilled Italian garlic Bread, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Horseradish

Smoked Pork Shank, German Potato Salad, Pickled Tomatoes, Grilled Italian Garlic Bread, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Horseradish



Preparation :

simmer pork shank in salted water with lots of chopped raw garlic, onion and plenty of hot sauce, after two hours, remove from heat and let cool in stock

simmer pork shank in salted water with lots of chopped raw garlic, onion and plenty of hot sauce, after two hours, remove from heat and let cool in stock

grill italian garlic bread

grill italian garlic bread

pickle tomatoes by pricking with toothpick all over, marinade overnight in balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper and kosher saltsalt

pickle tomatoes by pricking with toothpick all over, marinade overnight in balsamic vinegar, cayenne pepper and kosher salt

Smoked Pork Shank, German Potato Salad, Pickled Tomatoes, Grilled Italian garlic Bread, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Horseradish

Smoked Pork Shank, German Potato Salad, Pickled Tomatoes, Grilled Italian Garlic Bread, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Horseradish

Smoked Pork Shank, German Potato Salad, Pickled Tomatoes, Grilled Italian garlic Bread, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Horseradish

Smoked Pork Shank, German Potato Salad, Pickled Tomatoes, Grilled Italian Garlic Bread, Dijon Mustard, Fresh Horseradish

Smoked Pork Shank

Smoked Pork Shank



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Kare Kare



So,  everybody and their mother have the one, the only, the very best  Kare Kare  recipe. Of course, having lived in the  Philippines  for almost five years, I have my very own “best” recipe.
As for the protein, the most common is ox tail, but of course you can substitute it with any protein you like, even omit it completely and make a vegetarian version. The most important part of  Kare Kare  is the peanut sauce, of which a million of fine variations exist 🙂  (and maybe some not so fine)
Here now is my humble version of this wonderful dish:

Saute beef neck bones, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, in peanut oil until browned. Remove bones, reserve. Saute chopped carrots, onions and celery until caramelized, return neck bones to the pot, cover with water. Add lots of garlic paste, a handful of rice, a good amount of turmeric, a few annatto seeds, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer. Cook slowly for about two to three hours or until meat is tender. Add a large amount of peanut butter and simmer until sauce has thickened. Add  Patis  and calamansi juice, check /adjust seasoning. While the meat simmers, blanch zucchini batons, eggplant batons, whole chilies and baby bok choy, shock in ice water, drain. When the stew is done, add the vegetables to it and simmer until vegetables have heated through. Serve with white rice.

Mabuting Gana !   Buhay Ay Mabuti !

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare



Preparation :

saute beef neck bones, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, in peanut oil until browned

saute beef neck bones, seasoned with kosher salt and black pepper, in peanut oil until browned

remove bones, reserve

remove bones, reserve

saute chopped carrots, onions and celery until caramelized

saute chopped carrots, onions and celery until caramelized

return neck bones to the pot

return neck bones to the pot


cover with water

cover with water

add lots of garlic paste, a handful of rice, a good amount of turmeric, a few anatto seeds, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer

add lots of garlic paste, a handful of rice, a good amount of turmeric, a few anatto seeds, salt and pepper and bring to a simmer

ook slowly for about two to three hours or until meat is tender, add a large amount of peanut butter and simmer until sauce has thickened, add  patis  and calamansi juice, check /adjust seasoning

cook slowly for about two to three hours or until meat is tender, add a large amount of peanut butter and simmer until sauce has thickened, add patis and calamansi juice, check /adjust seasoning

while the meat simmers, blanch zucchini batons, eggplant batons, whole chilies and baby bok choy, schock in ice water, drain. When the stew is done, add the vegetables to it and simmer until vegetables have heated through. Serve with white rice

while the meat simmers, blanch zucchini batons, eggplant batons, whole chilies and baby bok choy, schock in ice water, drain. When the stew is done, add the vegetables to it and simmer until vegetables have heated through. Serve with white rice

this weeks herb bush :  Opal Basil

this weeks herb bush :
Opal Basil

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare

Kare Kare



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Iced Tomato Soup With Vodka And Tropical Fruit



The  day before yesterday I started to make a tomato bisque for dinner but had to abandon the plan when unanounced visitors arrived. So I put the tomato stock  overnight in the fridge to finish the bisque yesterday after work. However, it was a rough day at work and whenI came home I wanted to spend some time outside on the terrace. Yesterday was a fairly hot day, so a hot tomato soup did not sound like the best of dinner ideas. Instead, I prepared for myself this delicious, refreshing cold soup which hit the culinary nail right on the head 🙂

Bon Appetit !  Life is Good !



6

8


Preparation :

simmer water, red wine, garlic paste, kosher salt, sugar, cayenne pepper for two hours, cool overnight

simmer  very ripe tomatoes, water, red wine, garlic paste, kosher salt, sugar, cayenne pepper for two hours, cool overnight

mix in blender until texture is very smooth

mix in blender until texture is very smooth

add wodka, check / adjust seasoning

add vodka, check / adjust seasoning

add fresh pineapple, honey dew melon and passion fruit seeds to serving bowl

add fresh pineapple, honey dew melon and passion fruit seeds to serving bowl

ladle iced tomato soup on top of fruit, sprinkle more fruit, garnish with opal basil

ladle iced tomato soup on top of fruit, sprinkle more fruit, garnish with opal basil

Iced Tomato Soup With Tropical Fruit

Iced Tomato Soup With Vodka And Tropical Fruit

Iced Tomato Soup With Tropical Fruit

Iced Tomato Soup With Vodka And Tropical Fruit

 

Iced Tomato Soup With Tropical Fruit

Iced Tomato Soup With Vodka And Tropical Fruit



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Croque Madam



I am  trying to vindicate the Croque Madame, who has been so brutally mistreated in so many kitchens lately that her true identity has been all but forgotten 😦
During the past couple of years I have ordered a croque monsieur (without fried egg)  or croque madam (with fried egg) on several occasions late at night, usually in a hotel lobby or nightclub. What I have been served on every occasion has been less than stellar, to say the least. Typically what is being served nowadays is a grilled cheese sandwich wich has been stuffed with a few thin slices of ham and american sliced cheddar, topped with more sliced cheddar and then finished under the broiler. This is no doubt a fine ham and cheese sandwich but that’s where the similarities with a croque mensieur or croque madame end.
Both croques in it’s original form should be prepared in the following way:
Toast slices of rustic bread, top with bechamel to which a fine mustard has been added. Top first slice with cooked ham and lot’s of shredded  Gruyere Cheese , top with a second slice of bread, cover with mustard-bechamel and plenty more shredded gruyere. Sprinkle with herbs de province or other herbs of your choice. Bake at 425 F until the bechamel/cheese bubbles.
There you have it – Croque Monsieur ! Top with fried egg for Croque Madame !

Bon Appetit !   Life is Good !

Croque Madam

Croque Madam

Croque Madam

Croque Madam



Preparation :

mise en place

mise en place

toast thick slices of sour dough bread on bothe sides, mix bechamel with grey poupon mustard

toast thick slices of sour dough bread on both sides, mix bechamel with grey poupon mustard

top bread with mustard-bechamel

top bread with mustard-bechamel

top with grated gruyere

top with grated gruyere

saute thick slice of ham on both sides

saute thick slice of ham on both sides

top first bread with ham, sprinkle with grated cheese and scallions or herbs of your choice

top first bread with ham, sprinkle with grated cheese and scallions or herbs of your choice

top with second slice of bread, sprinkle with scallions or herbs of your choice

top with second slice of bread, sprinkle with scallions or herbs of your choice

bake until cheese and sauce bubble

bake until cheese and sauce bubble

almost.....

almost…..

meanwhile, fry eggs, season with cosher salt and chili flakes

meanwhile, fry eggs, season with cosher salt and chili flakes

Croque Madam

Croque Madam

Croque Madam

Croque Madam

 

Croque Madam

Croque Madam

Croque Madam

Croque Madam






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EASY DOES IT # 14 – Fondue Au Fromage Sec #2

:

Click here for all previous  EASY DOES IT  recipes

Click here for previous  Fondue Au Fromage Sec  recipe


This  is a dish you want to share with your best buddy or closest family on that special, informal occasion. That time when you just want to have a few drinks and eat good, without spending too much time in the kitchen (- or non at all – you can prepare this the day before without baking it, keep it in the fridge and then just jugg it in the oven 15 minutes before you are ready to eat).
Goes great with cold beer, cold white wine or slightly chilled red wine.
P.S.
Although there is a knife and cutting board in the picture below, the whole thing is even more agreeable if you just grab a piece and rip it from the loaf 🙂


Bon Appetit !    Life is Good !


4

Fondue Au Fromage Sec #2

Fondue Au Fromage Sec #2



Preparation : 

mise en place: Sour dough loaf, sun dried tomato, sliced chives, sliced asiago cheese, crumled gorgonzola, mustard, sriracha, olive oil

mise en place: Sour dough loaf, sun dried tomato, sliced chives, sliced asiago cheese, mascarpone, crumbled gorgonzola, grey poupon mustard, sriracha, olive oil

score bread in a criss-cross pattern about half way down, in a bowl, mix all remaining ingredients, then stuff them into the breads cavities.

score bread in a criss-cross pattern about half way down, drizzle a good amount of mascarpone over bread and into the cuts, in a bowl, mix all remaining ingredients, then stuff them into the bread’s cavities.

bake at 375 F until cheese has melthed and center of bread is at 165 F

bake at 375 F until cheese has melted and center of bread is at 165 F

EASY DOES IT # 14 – Fondue Au Fromage Sec,  #2

EASY DOES IT # 14 – Fondue Au Fromage Sec, #2

Fondue Au Fromage Sec #2

Fondue Au Fromage Sec #2

 

Fondue Au Fromage Sec #2

Fondue Au Fromage Sec #2



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Pork Blade Steak



If  you are on a budget but still like to have more than a tiny steak for dinner, you might want to try this cut. While not overly popular, probably because folks don’ know how to prepare it, it is a great piece of meat, tender, juicy and very economic (meaning bloody cheap 🙂 ) The three steaks in the picture were just $ 4.20, so the whole meal was under six buck’s. Even if you are not on a budget, these steaks make for a great, tasty meal. I guess that most people would have had enough with just one steak (which would then be about $ 2.50 per portion, including the salad), but since I did not prepare any starch, the three of them with a small salad were just the right sized portion for me. And of course, Bella had a few bites too.

Bon Appetit !   Life is Good !

Pork Blade Steak & Arugula In White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Pork Blade Steak & Arugula In White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Pork Blade Steak

Pork Blade Steak

arugula with radish and onions in balsamic vinaigrette

arugula with radish and onions in white balsamic vinaigrette



Preparation :

season sliced onions and sliced radishes with kosher salt, set aside

season sliced onions and sliced radishes with kosher salt, set aside

season blade steaks with kosher salt, granulated garlic and cayenne pepper, dredge in flour, saute in peanut oil

season blade steaks with kosher salt, granulated garlic and cayenne pepper, dredge in flour, saute in peanut oil

almost.......

first one done, two to go…..

 

two done, last one on the way

two done, last one on the way



saute grapetomatoesin garlic/olive oil, season with salt and pepper, just before serving add fresh chives

saute grape tomatoes in garlic/olive oil, season with salt and pepper, just before serving add fresh chives

“”

meanwhile, squeeze and discard excess juice from radish and onions, add arugula, white balsamic vinegar, freshly ground white pepper, garlic/olive oil and a splash of maggi seasoning

meanwhile, squeeze and discard excess juice from radish and onions, add arugula, white balsamic vinegar, freshly ground white pepper, garlic/olive oil and a splash of maggi seasoning

 

 

arrange steaks on serving platter, top with sauteed tomatoes and chives

arrange steaks on serving platter, top with sauteed tomatoes and chives

Pork Blade Steak & Arugula In White Balsamic Vinaigrette

Pork Blade Steak & Arugula

Pork Blade Steak

Pork Blade Steak

Pork Blade Steak

Pork Blade Steak

arugula with radish and onions in balsamic vinaigrette

arugula with radish and onions in balsamic vinaigrette



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