Making a pecan pie can be a trying experience. Continue reading
Monthly Archives: August 2010
The Problem with Restaurant Criticism
Restaurant criticism leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Continue reading
Filed under Miscellaneous, Theory and Criticism
The Proof Is Not in the Pudding: Husk-On Corn with Basil Honey Butter
Overambitious plans make for half-baked dinners. As a kid in the kitchen, I plotted baroque feasts that required hours of labor. Nearly 20 now, I finally understand economy of effort. Last Thursday, I avoided culinary disaster by accepting simplicity as the solution to an unapproachable recipe.
Taking a Whisk
A few days ago my Mom requested a chocolate pie for her birthday. I had only ever baked fruit pies before, so I felt apprehensive about making the filling, a pudding or custard. Since my Mom only has her birthday once a year, I decided to tackle this daunting task, and bake that chocolate pie. I found a recipe and made the crust first. The recipe called for a graham cracker crust, and following the recipe, the crust turned out swimmingly. I crushed the graham crackers, mixed in the dry ingredients and moistened the mixture with melted butter. I felt like a champion, especially after the crust issues with some of my fruit pies.
Filed under Miscellaneous, The Ocular Omnivore
Pulled Chicken Chili
Cooking chili requires restraint. Although a culture of “chiliheads” exists, a group of heat enthusiasts with a serious capsaicin fetish, most Americans prefer balance between peppery fire, salt, and acid. In typical Midwestern style concoctions, tomatoes and ground beef help mute requisite chili powder and hot sauce additions. Indeed, Steak ‘n Shake’s maroon version tastes more like stew than spice, a paradigmatic representation of the Missouri preference for meat over heat. Even in St. Louis barbecue, sauces tend towards sweet rather than spicy, allowing the protein’s character to soliloquize uninterrupted. Therefore, chili cookoffs at home involve a game of spice roulette: how much seasoning to add to bring the dish just to the border of acceptable piquancy?
Filed under Recipes
My Brunch with Braunschweiger
The term “mystery meat” evokes traumatic images of cafeteria meat loaf and sausages with bizarre textures. Yet, I do happen to enjoy one specific mystery meat: braunschweiger. This spreadable meat product primarily consists of liver (pork, calf, veal, beef, etc.) and pork jowl. As a result, I never can be absolutely sure what I am eating. Despite this product’s dubious composition, I find myself wanting to eat more, especially on a sandwich.
Filed under Dining Suggestions, Miscellaneous, Restaurants, The Ocular Omnivore
