Banannah’s Profile
Recent Comments
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Maybe some glazed carrots? I steam carrot coins and toss them in butter, honey and a sprinkle of allspice or cinnamon. Salt and pepper to taste.
Why The Hate For Alice Waters?
I've eaten at Chez Panisse and thought it was lovely. I will repeat that experience as often as time and my wallet will allow. So, not often. That is in essence the same approach quite a few others who have posted comments seem to take when making decisions about what to eat. We try to make good choices. We splurge when we can. My opinion: being angry that someone else doesn't "get it" is a waste of energy.
However, my attention was turned to whether Waters is "arrogant, self-righteous, and out of touch" with the publishing of her open letter to the White House about their choice of chef. She seemed to be peering through a keyhole into the kitchen, dismayed that she hadn't been invited in, and reacting only to the partial information she'd gathered. I thought that the letter was a display of poor taste, unfitting especially to such an excellent gourmand.
Having said all that, I was tickled that she disagreed with Rachael Ray (or if she disagrees with any other Food-face on TV). The more the debate, the healthier and more interesting our national dialogue can be. That's a lot more instructive and provocative than any of the silly Reality chef shows they keep rehashing every season.
Serious Cheese: My Favorite American Artisanal Cheese
I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Sweet Grass Dairy store this December and sampling those cheeses. Oh my goodness. They were fantastic. Green Hill was just as you described... so good. My favorite was the Asher Blue. For a big blue cheese fan, it really delivers. Another favorite: Eden.
See more comments by Banannah »
Recent Posts
See more posts by Banannah »
Recent Favorites
Banannah hasn't favorited a post yet.
Recent Polls
Banannah hasn't answered any polls yet.
Recent Quizzes
Banannah hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
Recent Comments | Response to Comments
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
Thank you all so much for the great ideas! I feel better already. Time to head home and try some of these recipes. Those lil' green guys are waiting for me...
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Maybe some glazed carrots? I steam carrot coins and toss them in butter, honey and a sprinkle of allspice or cinnamon. Salt and pepper to taste.
Why The Hate For Alice Waters?
I've eaten at Chez Panisse and thought it was lovely. I will repeat that experience as often as time and my wallet will allow. So, not often. That is in essence the same approach quite a few others who have posted comments seem to take when making decisions about what to eat. We try to make good choices. We splurge when we can. My opinion: being angry that someone else doesn't "get it" is a waste of energy.
However, my attention was turned to whether Waters is "arrogant, self-righteous, and out of touch" with the publishing of her open letter to the White House about their choice of chef. She seemed to be peering through a keyhole into the kitchen, dismayed that she hadn't been invited in, and reacting only to the partial information she'd gathered. I thought that the letter was a display of poor taste, unfitting especially to such an excellent gourmand.
Having said all that, I was tickled that she disagreed with Rachael Ray (or if she disagrees with any other Food-face on TV). The more the debate, the healthier and more interesting our national dialogue can be. That's a lot more instructive and provocative than any of the silly Reality chef shows they keep rehashing every season.
Serious Cheese: My Favorite American Artisanal Cheese
I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Sweet Grass Dairy store this December and sampling those cheeses. Oh my goodness. They were fantastic. Green Hill was just as you described... so good. My favorite was the Asher Blue. For a big blue cheese fan, it really delivers. Another favorite: Eden.
What is your must have kitchen equipment or tool?
@Mizbee - amazingly enough, I just sat down with a glass of wine to reward myself for washing all our dishes, bowls, etc... By Hand. Our dishwasher died last week and the search continues for a good appliance repair person. To second carolrsfMISSESTEXAS's comment, dishwashers really are a time-saver in the kitchen! It might not have been at the top of my list before, but it's definitely there now. Otherwise, I would have chosen my cast iron skillet.
Alton Brown Is the New Face of Welch's Grape Juice
Two years ago a friend loaned me his library of "Good Eats." These were the early shows, the salad days. (Bad pun. I know.) I literally watched and took notes. I still have those notes in my cooking binder. Gosh, that was fun.
Alton's latests projects, like "Feasting On [insert new adventure]," have been entertaining. Heck, I ride a Triumph Bonneville and can certainly appreciate good road food. (His BWM rocks.) BUT those shows don't really have the educational/technical hook that first grabbed my attention. I get that we need to support mom-and-pop restaurants if we want to preserve local food cultures, but I'm not taking notes.
Enter: Welch's Grape Juice Ad. Same educational/technical feel, complete with chalkboard... But, it's an Advertisement! ...For grape juice?! Perhaps I'm not the demographic being targeted here, because it's definitely not making me crave the juice. It just makes me feel targeted.
So... I'm going to retreat to my "Two Fat Ladies" collection now. They had such a straight forward, intelligent approach (and a Triumph Thunderbird, complete with sidecar!). I've always wondered if Alton picked up some of his ideas for his shows from them.
Here's hoping this commercial is the only one of its kind and that Alton will continue to do what he does best.
David Foster Wallace's 'Consider the Lobster'
Hey Adam, et al. My initial reaction - posted for all to see - reads harshly, and I apologize. I shouldn't have written that. And, I agree with you. Referring to DFW's body of work is certainly a worthy tribute.
However, my comments stem from what I saw as DFW's tragedy in contrast with what I read as a glib post. It's been my experience that other obits on Serious Eats have been written differently and with appropriate sensitivity, even for a site devoted to exclusively to food goodness. This post seemed... off the mark.
Serious Eats is a site that I read often during day. Adam, your posts are among some of my favorite. Please keep up the good work! I am and will remain a fan.
David Foster Wallace's 'Consider the Lobster'
Um, the guy just killed himself, and the only thing you have to say is that we should go read his articles and book? Hello? Did I miss something here?
How Do We Save Starbucks?
jcherry, I agree.
Honestly. Must we save Starbucks?
While I agree that it's a great place to meet, have a little coffee and relax, it hardly compares to local coffee houses. Why not support the small business guys and gals in our own towns? In many cases, they're sourcing good, fair trade coffee, too. Many have FREE wi-fi. Plenty make breakfast sandwiches in-house that are excellent. They often buy their pastries locally, too. And, if you're really lucky, some even roast their beans on-site. You'll know for sure if it's burnt or just dark-roasted, because you can ask the person who did it!
Besides, have you ever been to a Starbucks (or McDonalds) where you were able to request a new item on the menu or a small change in service and see it actually happen? Small businesses can do that. Corporate chains? Probably not.
Pigging Out at Fergus Henderson's St. John Restaurant, London
Oh, marrow! I am so jealous right now. So Jealous. So very, very jealous. It looks lovely. Thanks for posting this one. Especially the marrow. (I'm going to the butcher now.)
Cook the Book: 'Savory Bread From the Mediterranean'
The best after-school snack Ever was toasty pita bread with crunchy peanut butter on top. Definitely not authentic, but the memory remains long after my school years school ended.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Fresh Kielbasa or pork roast with mashed potatos! Nothing better -- maybe a homemade pierogi with sauted onions...
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
dang, no kidding-cough up that cuke-tini recipe stat!
i wish i had your problem..love cucumbers!
jacques pepin's has some great recipes for cukes, including this one:
http://www.bigoven.com/119945-Pan-Bagna---Jacques-Pepin-recipe.html
i also like to pair them up with some lox, red onion, and cream cheese on bagels.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Thanks everyone - I have to admit mashed potatoes came to my mind, but I wondered if it would be too much with the rice in the recipe. However, it only calls for 1/2 a cup. The other ideas of roasted veggies or roast veggie gratin, sounds great. They could be prepared ahead and as @Pavlov says, "no fuss, no muss!" Cucumber salad would be another nice side.
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
@maryannm: As a cucumber, gin and vodka lover: would you be so kind to provide your recipe/technique?
Do you use a juicer?
Vodka or Gin or....?
...sounds like I found my martini-bliss!
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
Cucumber/dill bread yummy.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Cucumber salat.
Sauerkraut.
Knirdels
Potato pancakes.
All of the above add caraway seeds lol.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Spam.... well not the spam itself obviously.... just the gelatin from the spam over raw asparagus like an aspic!
Seriously, perhaps a nice salad or maybe a root vegetable gratin or a gratin made with squashes and some cheese. it can also be made ahead of time so no fuss no muss!
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
Juice them and use 'em for cucumber martinis. Did this at a party a few years ago and friends still talk about it.
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
Sour cream dill cucumber salad. Slice cucumbers thin. Place in bowl with very salty water. Soak for a few hours. Drain and dry cucumbers. Slather in sour cream and dill. Refrigerate.
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
An old southern summer favorite - sliced cukes, onions and tomatoes in white vinegar served chilled
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
Find some tomatoes and red peppers and onions and roast them for gazpacho and blend the cucumbers in the blender for some great soup.
Need Help: Overwhelmed by Cucumbers!
Other than making lots of tzatziki, I am so on board with the pickling suggestion. I don't have a garden so right now, I would love to have an influx of cucumber. Delicious. Also a white gazpacho.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
@pointy: I don't know if you're canadian and trying to be funny but I felt I had to call you out (no disrespect intended)
#1 - Healthcare isn't free. We pay for it with our Tax Dollars.
#2 - Our Beer is typically higher in alcohol content.
#3 - In my experience it also tastes better.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Beer. But that stuff's getting pretty expensive in Canada now isn't it. Ontario's LCBO sells a two-four (case of 24) of Labatt's for like $40..... jeeez, no wonder healthcare is free.....
I'd suggest a lovely kielbasa and maybe some schinken... and of course...beer. Mmmmm. Oh! butter tarts!!!!
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Who has a great recipe for them? post!
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
@JerzeeTomato-I agree-I made cabbage rolls last week and mashed potatoes on the side to soak up all that sauce...
Other sides which aren't time consuming: beet salad or cuke salad which can be made the day before and tastes better the second day anyway...
Good luck
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
We always served them with mashed potatoes and butter, potato dumplings or pierogi's dusted with toasted, buttered bread crumbs.
Saute'd mushrooms. Or mushroom soup.
Pickled beets, sour cream-cucumber salad, kasha with mushrooms is good too. Deviled or creamed eggs. Cheeses.
Sliced pork roast and sauerkraut or fresh kielbasa and mustard.
Goulash or stew, good beer, butter and good rye or brown bread
Don't forget some delicious sweets too.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
@ Jerzee tomato....agreed. Spot on. Thats how my entire family makes/eats them and I will be the first to tell you that my maiden name ends in "ovsky".
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
I make a nice starchy mashed potato to go with.
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
Oh man I cant wait for my Baba's cabbage-rolls this thanksgiving!!! (I like them with rice or buckwheat)
I assume yours have meat in them; so you don't NEED more protein but WTF dude make a chicken salad or something. Maybe a colslaw? If you have tomatoes left (in season right?) you could add a bit of italy and make a basil/mozza/tomato salad with balsamic.
If you want to stay Ukranian; here's some of my FAVOURITE dishes by Baba:
- Natchinka (sp?) - Like a baked macaroni casserole with eggs, cheese and ham that gets sliced like brownies
- Beatleaf holapshis (again sp?) - bread wrapped in beet leaves with a red onion and dill (heavy dill) cream sauce
- papankis (sp?) and noodles - wild Canadian mushroom gravy over home made egg noodles.
oh jeez. now u got me all craving this stuff. thanks a lot! LOL
:D good luck
SIDES FOR CABBAGE ROLLS
how about a green salad with a vinaigrette to cut the richness of the cabbage rolls? Or a roasted root veggie salad with a vinaigrette. That could be prepped ahead of time and would look lovely next to a big ol cabbage roll.
Why The Hate For Alice Waters?
"But, at some point, there has to be movement beyond the prototype stage, into the real world of practical workability."
Agreed.
Baby steps, baby. Baby steps.... And they must be making an impact because- heck- we're talking about it, starting to make choices, organics are becomig more available, even in regular grocery stores, not just health food stores.
I'm sure that she tackles the real cost issues in her restaurant every day. Just read recently about a couple of chefs who've followed her lead and taken steps to grow kitchen gardens which provide fresher foods and defray operating costs.
Making it work in the real world takes more than one person.
BTW, I wear glasses too. No, not the rosy kind.... ;o) *L*
Why The Hate For Alice Waters?
@grumpyglutton - I completely understand. To sell out your own cause for some ahem... subsidized dollars is unfortunate but not shocking. Such is the history of mankind I'm afraid.
@Mhila - I totally understand that too - there are NONE, not ONE CSA in this area. Even if you wanted to join - tough. There is an organic delivery service though, which is a step in the right direction.
@CJ McD - fight the good fight! To shoot the messenger for the message is to be willfully ignorant.
Why The Hate For Alice Waters?
Well, I do wear glasses, so the myopic remark is pretty on-target.
If you consider her restaurant as a prototype expression of her ideas, then I suppose it's fine.
But, at some point, there has to be movement beyond the prototype stage, into the real world of practical workability. I just wonder whether she's ever tackled the issue of cost with her restaurant. If she's never seriously considered it -- of if it never even occurred to her -- then (gasp!) the elitist word might be appropriate.
Recent Posts
Recent Favorites
Banannah hasn't favorited a post yet.
Polls
Banannah hasn't answered any polls yet.
Quizzes
Banannah hasn't taken any quizzes yet.
Thank you all so much for the great ideas! I feel better already. Time to head home and try some of these recipes. Those lil' green guys are waiting for me...