Spice and Everything Nice

Zingerman's, the famous delicatessen/bakehouse/mail order/catering company, sells the amazing but rare wild fennel pollen spice that I have become quite infatuated with. They say it's "fairy dust for food lovers"--and they are quite right! The yellow pollen is taken off of the fennel plants as they bloom in Tuscany, and the pollen is this incredible, almost yellowy-golden glimmering powder. Sprinkled on just about any protein (chicken, pork, beef, fish) with olive oil and some sea or kosher salt and pepper, and bake/roast/grill/saute, it becomes any incredibly flavorful, but easy to use. Because it is relatively rare, it is more expensive than other spices at $30 for a 45g jar, but it is worth it. Your nose, mouth and stomach will thank you.


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We Love Alice Waters

So it's taken a while for me to get this up (ok, about 5 months!) but here's a picture of me and Cupcake at Chef Art Smith's fabulous late night Inaugural event at his newish restaurant, Art and Soul. We had the opportunity to eat yummy food and hob nob with some of our favorite chefs and food gurus--most especially, Alice Waters!! Honestly, it was the most exciting part of the Inauguration for me. It was so great to meet her and talk to her about D.C. as a food town and her passion for local, sustainable food. Thanks Alice for showing us the way.

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Had a great meal at the farm table at Evening Star Cafe. Full review coming shortly... Read more!

Ag Dept Unveils Plans for a People's Garden

The Obama Administration is embracing sustainable food. The USDA is planning a 6-acre garden on the grounds of the department's HQ on the National Mall. Plans include a 1,300 foot organic vegetable garden. According to the Washington Post article, "Nothing is better than a tomato you grow," said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. "There's something about it that's different than a tomato you can buy. It's a great thing."

Amen to that.


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Sweet and Lowdown

This weekend I sampled the Wild Turkey American Honey bourbon liqueur--and as a bourbon drinker, I can honestly say that I was a fan! A smooth, sweet liqueur where the bourbon is dialed way back, it is perfect served over rocks or neat from the freezer. Although it does not pack the punch of real bourbon, this honey flavored liqueur does offer a sweet ending to a big meal, without any alcoholic burn. Two thumbs up!! Heck--it may even be good in a hot toddy!


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Alice Waters Gets Her Way!

The Daily Green just reported that Michelle Obama will be planting a garden at the White House to demonstrate sustainable gardening techniques. Woo hoo!!!!


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When the cat breaks a wine glass on your roasted chicken...

Last night my kitten (also known as my personal terrorist) in an odd twist of fate broke a wine glass on my just roasted and carved chicken. I wish I has a video to show the chain of events because it is difficult to explain. Suffice it to say that it involved him being on top of the top kitchen cabinets and trying to make his way around my lobster pot that sits up there with about a centimeter to spare.

Needless to say, dinner was ruined. So i turned to pantry staples - ground turkey, tortillas and fixin's to make tacos. No taco seasoning is as good as making it yourself at home - you can adjust to your meet your own personal taste and it has flavor other than salt.


The main ingredients in any taco seasoning are:

garlic
oregano
salt
chili powder
cumin

I actually like to use a picante sauce - like Frank's Red Hot or Salsa Lizano - in addition to give it a richer taste. If you are using chicken or turkey, the juice of one lime adds a nice acidity.


So, saute half an onion and half a green pepper - small dice - until soft. Add in 1 lb. of ground or cubed meat and brown. If using beef, drain the fat. Add the main ingredients to taste, a good amount of the picante sauce, the lime (if using) and a small amount of water or broth (half cup). Simmer until the "sauce" is absorbed. Taste frequently and adjust seasoning.

You will never go back to El Paso again!

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