windyaugust
The Mandoline and the China Cap
Back when I made my living as a cook, there were two kitchen tools that fascinated me. I have never owned either one. The China Cap (similar, with smaller holes, the Chinois) is a tool I might some day have in my kitchen, especially if I have a hook to hang it from. Both are …
Massimo Bottura’s Amazing Risotto
Another wonderful episode on “Chef’s Table,” the first one, features the delightful Italian chef Massimo Bottura. An earthquake in Modena put hundreds of thousands of pounds of Parmigiano Reggiano at risk… here’s the story, from Saveur’s website: “Massimo Bottura’s Revolutionary Risotto” Can’t wait to try it! Mac and cheese in paradise.
Cold soup: beet almond
Four large or six medium beets, washed and the ends cut off Two or three cloves Salt and pepper Cooking oil or ghee Other seasonings as desired Plain whole milk yogurt 2-4 T sweet white miso paste One medium to large onion, chopped One medium clove fresh garlic A good blender Chopped parsley, strained yogurt, …
An MFK Fisher delicacy
MFK Fisher is one of my favorite writers. This is a snack I learned about in one of her books. It is for people who have radiators, preferably without covers! Peel a tangerine or a clementine or a mandarin orange. Separate the sections and place them on the radiator. When they have warmed, eat them. …
Transliberation
On June 30, the United States of America lifted the ban on openly transgender people serving in the armed forces. Such a nice contrast to the all the hate and anger being spewed. Interesting that the military in this country is so much more progressive than the rest of the country. Socialized medicine. Housing. True …
For the summer: ginger lemonade
Two organic lemons Two inches of ginger root Two whole cloves Sweetener as you like A pot, a sieve, a funnel, container(s) Cut the zest off the two lemons taking as little white as possible. If the ginger is not organic, peel it. Cut the ginger into as thin slices as possible, and then cut …
Kuyashii: motivation to succeed
I have been watching the Netflix series “Chef’s Table.” Love it! Beautifully done and totally fascinating for a cook like myself. David Gelb, who directed the wonderful “Jiro Dreams of Sushi,” is executive producer of the series. Chef Niki Nayakama is featured in the fourth episode of the first season. I so want to eat …
The Reason for Skylarks
Let not the perfect be the enemy of the good! At this moment in my life I have the luxury of time. I spend a good deal of it worrying how I may best overcome the obstacles my nature presents in order that I may put my best self to use. The other day over …
Empty witness
I went to see The Bee at the Utah Arts Festival last night. The Bee is a storytelling event. A woman got up and told a story that was wrenching and still so raw in her that things were left out for us to fill in, not details, not the reality we had not witnessed …