November, 2007 -

by BS

Dash My Curry Like I’m in a Hurry

Looks like it’s shaping up to be a recipe-heavy day here at endless simmer – on a food blog, who knew?

Edouble recently told us that cooking up a curry ain’t as hard as it sounds, you just have to be willing to cheat a tiny bit and use some of those premade curry sauces. As e-dubs points out, I’m not about to go home after work and grind up some lemongrass, so this is definitely allowed.

I put together this heavy-on-the-staples, light-on-the-liquid curry, based on the random ingredients I found at my new local food co-op (much more on that later). It’s a pretty unorthodox mixture, but I think the flavors all work. Usually Thai curries are reserved for chicken or shrimp, but I see no reason why their sweet, coconut-y goodness can’t be shared with something heavier, in this case, delicious baby sheep.

Plus, I’m not usually one to get all 30-minute-meals on ya’ll, but this is pretty damn quick and easy.

Recipe after the j.

Endivine

First, thank you to all of the ES readers for helping me formulate my 2nd catering gig menu. According to the librarians, the food was a hit!

80P’s mom intro’d me as the “caterer” and it totally cracked me up. Of course, she also slid in the fact that I date her son, but her colleagues actually thought I was a real caterer. And once she divulged the fact that I’m a “published food critic” her guests were all over me, asking me for restaurant reviews of places all across the District. I’d been to some, but luckily, I read enough of Tom to know a general sense of a place I hadn’t dined at yet. But when they asked me the name of my “catering company” I surely told them that I do this just for fun (although Endless Simmer Catering sounds very nice.) Being known as a food professional (even opening up wine bottles, taking empty glasses and discarding used napkins) felt very exciting, I still think I want to stick to blogging for now. Although – I *may* be up for another gig (email me at gansie@endlesssimmer.com)

The food…

One Tomato Down, 37 To Go

As I’ve certainly made the ES community well aware of my tomato abundance, I of course, will share my tomato creations.

I’ve always wanted to make fried green tomatoes. I mean, yes – I like tomatoes and yes – I like things fried. And with what, I think, is actually the last of the toms, I decided to go for it. Oh, and to make it a little bit less sinful, I threw the tomatoes over some arugula.

Bloody Brilliant

Can someone please tell me why Bloody Marys are only deemed appropriate on Saturday and Sunday brunches? Because if you ask me (and the ultimate B-Mary supporter, Julie) – I find them delicious any time of day.

I also love this drink because I actually feel like I’m “cooking” when I make it. I’m not just throwing in some juice and alcohol, but I’m building an entirely different taste with each dash of hot sauce and each sprinkle of pepper I add.

And while I’m still perfecting the exact ratio of alcohol and mixer and spice (re: 80P – get on that !), I’ll just throw out these tips:

Clamato juice (part tomato juice, part clam broth) is your friend.
As 80P would demand – don’t use a store bought “mix.”
Create your own flavor blend incorporating horseradish, freshly chopped garlic
and celery salt.
And, be sure to drink this at night. You may not find a bar to supply this cocktail on any given evening, but totally serve this at your next get together or, frankly, on your weekday night cap.

in Drinks / Trends 5 comments

by BS

TV Chef News: Paula Deen Hot as a Deep Fried Butter Ball

– Everyone’s favorite butter monster, Paula Deen, was in D.C. this weekend for the national lard convention or something like that. Unfortunately, she didn’t make any deep-fried lasagna, but spent most of her time making out with ~~a disturbingly fat Sean Connery~~ oh nevermind that’s her husband. Awkward remarks were made about sticking his bread in her oven. [Serious Eats]

– Dave from Top Chef Season One is opening a restaurant in New York, and the menu includes his black truffle mac n’ cheese from the show. No reports yet on how much this made him cry. [Eater]

– Bourdian can’t stop picking on Ray-Ray. [Time]

Photo: View Images

in TV 7 comments

by BS