Culturechoc2010's Blog

The Three Little Pig Sandwich – A Re-post

CultureChoc2010 — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 14:47:19 +0000

Recently I was watching an episode of Anthony Bourdain‘s No Reservations: Chicago. At the Silver Palm Restaurant he was eating a sandwich called The Three Little Pigs and it completely peaked my foodie interest.

It looked sinful, fattening and delicious! Oh, and it was big enough to choke a horse… I had to try it.

Smoked ham, a breaded pork cutlet, 2 strips of bacon, 2 fried eggs, covered in Gruyère and encased in a Brioche bun. Truly a heart attack waiting to happen. I mean, you’d blow your calorie allowance for an entire week by eating this mammoth fare.

So last night I made my own version of this mouth-watering goody. I cooked everything on the grill (grill-griddle for eggs and bacon) because it’s too hot inside. I took some chef’s liberties by substituting along the way – though I think it would have tasted even better using the original recipe.

2 boneless pork chops, butterflied
1 egg for dipping
panko
4 – 6 slices of smoked ham – I used applewood smoked ham
4 eggs
4 slices of Gruyère – I used Manchego
4 slices of bacon
2 brioche rolls – I used 2 hard rolls
salt & pepper to taste

Butterfly chops and sprinkle with salt and pepper . Dip in egg and coat with panko – grill, bake, broil or pan-fry pork until cooked through.

Cook bacon until crispy & fry eggs (sprinkle with salt & pepper). Just before eggs are done top with cheese and melt.
Warm smoked ham. I threw it on the grill.

Assemble sandwich on roll: pork cutlet, ham, eggs & cheese and bacon.

Serves 2.

I have to say that this was a great sandwich but I couldn’t finish it all. I could feel my pressure going up from all the salty piggy, but once in a while won’t hurt.

This is definitely a must-try sandwich. My version is smaller than the original. Let me know what you think.

Enjoy!

2011 in review

CultureChoc2010 — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:11:49 +0000

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2011 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 11,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 4 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

Gravy. Mmmm, mmmm GOOD!

CultureChoc2010 — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:31:26 +0000

Gravy is my comfort food. When I talk about gravy, I’m talking about the RED stuff you put on macaroni – not brown gravy. If you’re a North Jersey Italian-American, GRAVY is where it’s at.

I was always taught that tomato sauce comes out of a can. What you put into that tomato sauce makes it gravy. I firmly believe this with all of my heart. There was nothing better than a pot of my Grandma’s gravy (or my Mom’s) cooking on the stove on Saturday night and all morning Sunday. We had our Sunday dinner at 1 pm in our house and the whole house smelled incredible. Sunday was always macaroni day for my family.

On occasion I remember my mom making roast beef or some other dish on Sunday. My dad and I were always very disappointed when we didn’t feast on Rotelli or Shells with a big piece of hot Italian sausage and a delicious meatball. It was torture.

On Saturday night Mommy and Grandma would make the meatballs and brown all the meat in the oven. My dad and I hung around the kitchen waiting for the meatballs to be ready. We would grab a small Dixie cup and plop one of those bad boys atop and eat it like a hot ice cream cone. When Grandma made the Braciole I would steal the Pignoli nuts that she rolled inside and eat them by the handfuls. My mother always had to hide the bottle.

Then the gravy-process started in that giant white, porcelain pot set on top of 2 grates so the gravy didn’t burn. The browning of the garlic rocked as it wafted through the house and the neighborhood (if the windows were open). Neither used onion or tomato paste (I do) so spices, herbs, crushed tomatoes, water, grated cheese, sugar and the magic ingredient “pepperoni” were all tossed in the pot, brought a strong simmer and cooked for an hour or so before adding all that yummy browned meat.

I watched like a ravenous dog waiting for a treat to drop on the floor as I stared at the CREATION. Meatballs, hot sausage, sweet sausage, steak, pork bones (spareribs) and sometimes even a piece of veal were blended together to form, quite frankly, a mouth-watering masterpiece. My mouth is watering now. Fortunately I learned how to make a kick-ass gravy and meatballs to boot. I actually went back to my great-grandmother’s recipe and made it my own. When my husband tells me that I make the best meatballs and gravy that he’s ever eaten, it makes me glow with pride and happiness.

I miss the days when we spent every Sunday having a family dinner in the middle of the afternoon. I miss that giant bowl of pasta and an equally giant plate of meat. I miss the good Italian bread and the salad that we ate with or after our meal. Those were the days.

It’s before everyone got too busy to make time for family. Weekly quality time with a family who loved you and who you loved back. The older I get, the more I long for those days as there are more and more of us in the earth than on it anymore.

Every time I smell my gravy cooking on the stove, it fills me with wonderful memories and actually transports me back in time. I see it. I hear it. I smell it and I taste it.
Gravy IS my comfort food.
GRAVY is my time machine.

GRAVY IS RED.

The Historic Village at Allaire

CultureChoc2010 — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 22:19:41 +0000

After a calorie-laden breakfast at IHOP, where I consumed more calories than I do in one day (or more), my husband and I took a ride to Allaire State Park in Farmingdale, New Jersey.

We visited the Historic Village and had a much-needed walk. Even though it was a nippy 28 degrees, we enjoyed the quiet and the quaint 19th century settlement.

Click to view slideshow.

New Jersey’s Largest Wine Festival Set for Sept. 3 & 4 at Allaire State Park (eastcoastwineries.blogspot.com)

My Original Snow Village – It’s Christmas Time Again!

CultureChoc2010 — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 01:26:37 +0000

Growing up my mom always decorated our house in full Christmas regalia. She showcased her ceramic brilliance and creative knack at putting together a Christmas display to rival anyone’s.

So after I got married my husband wanted to start a collection of Department 56 Christmas collectibles. We decided on The Original Snow Village because it was full of fun and style. Our first piece was Kris Kringle’s Toy Shop coupled with a Hot Cocoa take-away and our collection grew from there.

Now it has grown into a massive undertaking (to put up and to take down) taking days to assemble in just the right way. In 5 minutes my cats destroy it!

Bailey walks right through knocking down lamp posts and people impeding his path. Peaches enjoys plopping down in the middle of a square and loves to watch the animated dancers in the Starlite Ballroom. This year we have a kitten – that can only lead to disaster – I’ll keep you posted.

: Ah… Starbucks!

: A Little Residential

: It’s A Wonderful Life

: Kris Kringle’s

: The Train Station, Fire Station….

: 2 Levels

: The Winery & Lodge

: Le Musée

: The Park

: The Tree

: The Bungalow

: At The Movies

: From Above

: Side View

Any bets on how long it stays intact?

Merry Christmas!

Kitty Talk: An Embarassing Admission Part 2

CultureChoc2010 — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:49:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I can’t help but baby-talk to my 3 kitty cats. My husband makes fun of my catlingo but my babies know exactly what I say – at least I think they do. With names like Bailey Boots Little Pussy, Peaches N. Crème de Menthe & Tia Maria Tigresse, it’s hard not to have fun.

Besides Peaches, Tia and Bailey I call them tons of names. I don’t know how they know who I’m talking to, but they do:

Bailey, Boots, Bear, Buddy, Mommy, Bootseree, Baldor, G Boy, Mommy’s Boy, Kitty Cat Bat, Tee La, Mommy Ska La, Foo Fighter, Pretty Boy, Boo, Smee, Snuggy, Ma Moo, Boo Bear Boy, Teess, Swee, Cheese, Chicken, Mummy, Boodis, Butter Bean….
Peaches, Bear, Mommy’s Girl, Mommy, Bunny Girl, Cotton Tail, G, Buddy, La, Peachka, Snuggy, Bunny, Buddy Girl, Cheese, Chicken, Mummy, Butter….
Tia, Ti Ti, Ti Boo, Ti Boozen, Tia Boo bia, Tee, Baby Tee, Little Tee, Mommy’s Girl….

They also have their own theme songs (yes, I’m nuts). If I sing Bailey’s song, he comes and Peaches does the same. Tia – not sure. Do you want to hear them? Again, I know I’m nuts but I love my babies.

Bailey Bear with black hair, he’s my Bailey, Bailey Bear.
Peaches N. Cream, Peaches N. Cream, little itty bitty, bitty Peaches N. Cream.
Tia Boobia, foo-fighter fia, Tia.

My Catlingo continues to not only names and songs but to everyday cat chat.

Food is foodis. Do you want me to open the door for you is you want Mommy opee up? Do you want to go to bed becomes you wanna go seepy in the bed? The only thing that seems to stay the same is do you want to eat? The backyard wildlife all have names too.

squirrels = squirrlees
chipmunks = ship monkeys
birds = birdies
rabbits = bunny wabbits
bugs = buggies
mice = mousies
ants = anties
cats = kitty cat friends

That about covers the yard and surrounding areas. I know I sound like a total nut but I remember my parents always talking baby talk to our dogs when I was growing up. Even with my pets, my mom, when she was alive and my dad always talked baby-talk to their grand-cats. It’s a given.

Do you? I think almost everybody does it, but many don’t admit it. I can’t believe I am!

Squeak, Tweet, Meow, Hiss (culturechoc2010.wordpress.com)

Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park, New Jersey

CultureChoc2010 — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 15:11:46 +0000

Langosta Lounge
1000 Ocean Avenue
732-455-3275

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Asbury Park is an up and coming area that’s trying to restore itself to its past glory days. They’re doing a great job cleaning up the waterfront and offering tons of restaurants and fun things to do all year round.

Langosta Lounge is a fun place to go for drinks or dinner. It’s located right on the Atlantic Ocean on the boardwalk in Asbury Park.

After car shopping this week, my husband and I headed over to Asbury Park for a cocktail or two at Langosta Lounge.

After a couple of drinks we decided to try their prix fixe menu for Jersey Shore Restaurant Week. The menu offers a 3-course meal for $30.11 per person.

We actually started out with their fabulous Picadillo Sliders that we ordered off the bar menu – pre-prix fixe decision. I love their apps and the atmosphere.

John started with the Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad which he really liked. He moved on to the Chorizo & Baby Spinach stuffed Chicken Breast with a fall herb risotto cake, roasted baby carrots & a chive mustard seed remoulade. He said it was a little dry but tasty.

I started with the Asian Braised Pork Belly over mushu pancake with berry hoisin & snow pea shoots. Basically it was crispy pancetta with a sweet kick. Pretty good. Then I moved on to the Frutti del Mar - Scallops, calamari & mussels in a sherry lobster broth over garganelli pasta with a “fabulous garlic crostini” with spicy rouille.

Now here lies the problem. There were no mussels in my Frutti del Mar, some of the pasta was a bit “cardboardy” and it had a slight fishy taste (not in a good way). It wasn’t terrible but I would never order it again.

After my disappointing main fare John and I both enjoyed a deconstructed Oreo cheesecake served in a martini glass. I must say that this dessert saved the day! I don’t usually care for sweet but this had the perfect flavor and level of sweetness.

Overall we had a nice night. Asbury Park is definitely a great place to dine. Jersey Shore Restaurant Week will be back in April, so don’t forget to support your local businesses and sample some mouth-watering cuisine close to home.

Thousands turn out for fourth annual Asbury Park zombie walk (nj.com)

Two New Recipes in Two Days!

CultureChoc2010 — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:59:24 +0000

Food Network Magazine has never been my favorite – but lately I’ve been drawn to it. I’m not sure if it’s the ease of the recipes or the cost to make them … it’s probably a little of both.

On Thursday night I tried a Spaghetti with Sausage-Mushroom Sauce. It was delicious, fast and easy to make.

Spaghetti With Sausage-Mushroom Sauce

Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine

4 servings

Kosher salt
12 ounces spaghetti
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound sweet or spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
1 8-ounce package sliced mixed mushrooms
Freshly ground pepper
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
1/4 cup heavy cream
Shredded parmesan cheese, for topping (optional)

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.

Meanwhile, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

Add the remaining 2 teaspoons olive oil to the skillet and increase the heat to medium high. Add the mushrooms, season with salt and pepper and cook until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and rosemary and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Return the sausage to the skillet, then add the cream and 1 cup water; bring to a gentle simmer and cook until slightly thickened, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the sauce, adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen, if needed. Top with shredded parmesan, if desired.

Per serving: Calories 705; Fat 38 g (Saturated 14 g); Cholesterol 85 mg; Sodium 792 mg; Carbohydrate 68 g; Fiber 4 g; Protein 26 g

It was very tasty!

On Friday night I tried Chicken Corn Chili, also from Food Network Magazine.

Chicken-Corn Chili

Recipe courtesy Food Network Magazine

4 servings

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large jalapeno pepper (1/2 chopped and 1/2 sliced; remove seeds for less heat)
1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
2 15-ounce cans large white beans or pinto beans (1 undrained; 1 drained and rinsed)
1 cup frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup shredded monterey jack or white cheddar cheese
Sour cream and cornbread, for serving (optional)

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, chopped jalapeno, green chiles and cumin and cook, stirring, until the cumin is toasted, about 2 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, chicken and beans along with the liquid from one of the cans of beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 15 minutes.

Using a potato masher, mash the chili until about half of the beans are broken up. Stir in the corn, cilantro and 1/2 cup cheese. Divide the chili among bowls and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese and the sliced jalapeno. Serve with sour cream and cornbread, if desired.

Per serving: Calories 586; Fat 26 g (Saturated 10 g); Cholesterol 151 mg; Sodium 857 mg; Carbohydrate 41 g; Fiber 10 g; Protein 49 g

Yes, another stellar meal!

Both of these recipes can be found at Food Network.

Let me know how you like them!

What to do with Turkey Leftovers (foodonthetable.com)
Garganelli con Crema di Parmigiano, Prosciutto di Parma, e Radicchio Recipe (thedailymeal.com)

Fridge Growth: What is that smell?

CultureChoc2010 — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 13:30:27 +0000

Being a Food Network addict, I am always amazed at the sheer neatness and organization of the celebrity chefs’ kitchens.

Image via Wikipedia

Whose ice boxes are that pristine? Not mine.

Even though there are only two of us, I tend to cook for an army – which means a lot of leftovers. Leftovers that we forget about for a very long time. Sometimes we don’t even realize until that telltale smell permeates our living space.

I’ve grown blue and green penicillin, some nasty cobweb-looking mold, left mussels in the garage fridge for months (amazing smell) and have even found unwrapped fragments of old cheese lodged in the back of my fridge.

I cannot be the sole offender – my husband helps.

Hopefully there is someone out there like me. Please!

I’d love to hear your refrigerator horror stories… do tell! What have you found in your fridge?

Separate Bedrooms: The New Retro-Modern

CultureChoc2010 — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:00:13 +0000

I wrote this blog back in April…

A couple of years ago my husband and I had a huge fight (probably over something stupid) and he moved into the spare bedroom.

To this day he drifts in and out of our boudoir for various reasons: sex, sleep, intimacy, his bed is not made…. Frankly, I am so used to sleeping alone (well not alone – with 1, 2 or 3 cats) that when he decides to invade my personal space (Isn’t that what marriage is?) without warning, I get absolutely NO SLEEP.

By the time I get acclimated to a warm, non-furry body next to me, he’s gone again because of his crazy work schedule.

Back to the lack of sound sleep….

Girls… you know what I’m talking about. The burping, farting, snoring and general restlessness of a man is difficult to look forward to.

My friend tries to convince me that it’s part of marriage and she’ll never go to sleep without her husband next to her. I agree – but once you get used to the less smelly, less noisy version of sleep, it’s hard to go back. I already have to deal with the cats and my own ADHD. Damn! I take to 2 Benadryl every night so so I can fall asleep at a decent hour.

I am not a cuddler. I am always warm and can’t stand the idea of someone snuggled up against me. Maybe I’m a guy in a chick’s body? Who knows!

It definitely got me thinking about the past and the practice of separatebedrooms. My parents always slept in the same bed, but I think the kings and queens of Europe had the right idea.

Are separate bedrooms the new retro modern?

I think so. Right or wrong. Good or bad. I think if it works for you, go for it. What do you think? I’d love to hear from you.

By the way, he’s back in the bed…. It was nice while it lasted.

Image: photostock / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Sleep Soundly Tonight: New Surgery May Cure Snoring(fitsugar.com)
Personal Space (twinisms.wordpress.com)

Partner’s snoring keeping you awake? Take a break (time4sleep.co.uk)
Is snoring a type of nose problem? (zocdoc.com)
Does Your Pet Snore? (offtheleashsd.wordpress.com)

Culturechoc2010's Blog

The Three Little Pig Sandwich – A Re-post

2011 in review

Gravy. Mmmm, mmmm GOOD!

The Historic Village at Allaire

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My Original Snow Village – It’s Christmas Time Again!

Kitty Talk: An Embarassing Admission Part 2

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Langosta Lounge, Asbury Park, New Jersey

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Two New Recipes in Two Days!

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