food finds

Red Truck Stollen

~ carol lou ~ Leave a comment

I read the Washington Post everyday and especially on Wednesday, when the Food Section is included.  My interest was peaked when I read the article below about the Red Truck Bakery in Warrenton, VA.  Since I love to try new recipes, I decided to give this one a try.  It sounds like a perfect treat to serve this festive week of Christmas.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/pb/recipes/red-truck-bakerys-almond-stollen/14425/

All of the ingredients were easy to find in my local grocery store.  I must admit that being a avid bread baker, this was the first recipe I encountered that required a step to make a pre-ferment sponge.   The directions were very easy to follow, if you are seasoned baker.  I must say, if you are a novice baker, this recipe could be challenge.  I highly recommend using a  Kitchen Aid Mixer with the dough hook attachment. Don’t let that stop your interest in making this stollen.  Give it a try, that is how you learn.  I even used a ruler when shaping these loaves, just as instructed.  The stollens are absolutely beautiful and delicious.  The photos of my stollens are below.

Red Truck Stollen               stollen photo

If you don’t have time to make this delicious stollen, you can order them online; check out their website.

http://redtruckbakery.com

Food Finds in Philadelphia

~ carol lou ~ Leave a comment

After exploring the food scene of Philadelphia, I can definitely say it is a great town for foodies.

First stop, Steve’s for a cheesesteak. Leaving the Ritz Carlton we asked the bellman where he would recommend we go for a cheesesteak. He directed us to Steve’s. What a great tip. The sandwich was loaded with thinned sliced steak, perfectly grilled onions, and Cheese Wiz, all piled on a delicious bun. I would highly recommend their sandwich to anyone.

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MC900432617  Entertaining Idea
I immediately thought of how I could transform this experience into a fun entertaining experience. Serving cheesesteaks Philadelphia style would be a great entree and very fun to serve family and friends. Adjust amounts to the number of servings you are planning.  For one sandwich I would sauté  1/2 cup chopped onions until they are carmelized, in a large cast iron skillet on medium high heat sauté 4 – 6 ounces thinly sliced lean beef seasoned with Montreal steak seasoning in 2 tablespoons of melted butter.  Heat  1/2 cup of Cheez Wiz. Pile all of the above on a crusty roll, wrap in parchment and serve your guests your version of a Phildelphia cheesesteak. Thinking this would be perfect football viewing food. What fun!

 

My Pantry

~ carol lou ~ Leave a comment

There are a few things that you will always find in my pantry. These are items that I usually have more than one on hand. Many are perfect for that unexpected night of entertaining.

Jack Rudy Small Batch Tonic
If you are a lover of Gin and Tonic (as I am) this is the best tonic I have tried. You will not be disappointed.

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Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Crisps and Luxardo Cherries
Both are pretty self explanatory. Dark Chocolate for that chocolate craving and Luxardo Cherries to add to a great cocktail.

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Amy’s Organic Soups – Chunky Tomato Bisque

Since childhood, I have had a love for tomato soup.  This soup is by far the best tomato soup I have tasted.  Wonderful with a grilled cheese sandwich or cut the grilled cheese sandwich into cubes and add as croutons.  Childhood memories.

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Wickles Pickles
Two words – try them. They are fantastic.

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Wausome Wafers
One of the most unique and additive foods I have found. One ingredient, Wisconsin Cheese!
You must try these. When I serve them, everyone is intrigued and want to know how they too can get some. Check out their website, they will ship to you.

Wausome Wafers