BUTTERFINGER PEANUT BUTTER CUPS, YO

Prince of Cups since time Immemorial has been the Only Cup, Dare I even have to emote the name REESES here. Well,..... 

(OK Mallo Cups Were Even before Reeses dating as far back as the Mallozoic age)

I was not insulted as I could very easily have been upon seeing this product upon the shelf today, I even took a photo with my iPhone since everyone has a Dick Tracy pocket camera in this sad age.

So Butterfinger is going to make a PEANUT BUTTER CUP.

OK, I suppose you cannot really trademark that but I am always intrigued to try a new Candy.

First off I noticed upon carefully removing said Cups from Case that they were not Individually wrapped as we are all so used to but no biggie.

These are square shaped instead of round,... Well, you can have a square cup as well so long as it is bowl shaped.

Butterfinger Peanut Butter Cups can only be described as a Reeses with Butterfinger Flakes dispersed throughout the Peanut Butter Cream, also the Cream is not as crumbly as a Reeses but the Flakes attenuate towards the Crumbly part. I can only hope these stick around as so many Candy experiments fall by the wayside over the months, years and decades. Absolutely Delicious.

I once had this idea to combine Nougat, Caramel and Nuts and cover it in Chocolate but everyone Snickered at me.

BUTTERFINGER ONLINE

THE MIGHTY ANTIPASTO.

A PREAMBLE.

Without going into History here the Properly accepted Antipasto is served as an opening Dish before the Pasta during Italian meals, I have not researched any of this in any way (well, maybe a little) and am going by my personal experience. Antipasto is usually Fresh Tomato Slices & Fresh Mozzarella Slices Drizzled atop with Virgin Olive Oil and Seasoned with Basil and likewise, Bay Leaves maybe.

The Delicatessen Antipasto consists of the Leftover Ends of Meats and Cheeses that were served as Cold Cuts and a Genius somewhere thought to Cube up these Odds & Ends and build a Salad of Meat & Cheese out of them. In my experience which only dates back to the late 1970s and memory permitting these Cubes of Delight were Garnished with Spices lightly and served with Oil & Vinegar, Now I shall do a bit of research Just Because.

OK, I Googled for maybe 5 whole minutes and Cannot find the typical Deli Style (Cubed/Diced Not Thinly Sliced) Antipasto at All.

Also Antipasto does not truly in the basic and logical sense have a Recipe in most instances. 

Sometimes there is More Cheese, Sometimes there is More Meat, it is a Hodgepodge of a Cornucopia of an Enigma in most cases.

I Hope You Know, This Means War. 

Summer 2014 Shall Be The Summer Of Antipasto for me and if this Culinary Delight continues to dwindle in the shops and Delis then I shall do my best to at least take a few pics and Brag about how Great it was. I have a few friends who adore this yet we do rarely indulge, Indulge I shall like the last DODO bird on the planet.

This is a Picture taken after getting home with the Groceries, as you can see it was a Big Catch. 

ANTIPASTO 1 (Waldbaums is near my home and has Antipasto year round)

Waldbaums (78th street & New Utrecht avenue) - 5/29/14 - Always a Great Antipasto ($5.99/Lb) and there is enough Prosciutto in it that you can see it just from looking at it but herein the problem lies, Its Too Much Prosciutto, I know there is No Such Thing but Cubed Prosciutto does NOT Sliced Prosciutto make, its chewy, Fatty and cumbersome (pic below) Sliced Prosciutto is like silk, Not Cubed at least not in this case. Also NOT Enough Cheese at all, What is here is Provolone. Also Genoa Salami, Ham, Mortadella, Bologna, Cauliflower, Mixed Peppers, Olives. Peperoncini and Celery but there is TOO MUCH Prosciutto if you can believe that or not. 

Sliced Thin, Heaven. Cubed Not So Heaven.

I checked out a few of the local Deli's tonight and none had more than the usual Coleslaw, Potato and Macaroni Salad but at least I know where Not to find Antipasto, I knew Tasty Bagel would have some and they did.

Tasty Bagel (86th street & 17th avenue) - 5/2/14 - I asked for a Half Pound ($7.99/Lb) but since they were almost out the guy asked if I wouldn't mind buying the whole pound, no discount offered but he didn't really have to pull my leg either. Apart from some Olives I do not see much Veggie in here so this being priced two dollars higher than Waldbaums recipe is somewhat justified. Ham, Swiss Cheese, Genoa Salami, Pepperoni & Olives with a light sprinkle of Red Pepper Flakes. 

I spy a small Chunk of Prosciutto in here as well.

New Rule - Prosciutto adds a nice touch and great flavor but is pretty much inedible when being the Butt End Cubed.

Not to worry Folks, It gets better.

Frank & Sal's (80th street & 18th avenue) - 5/8/14 - This might just be The One as Frank & Sal's Is THE Place ($4.99/Lb). The Antipasto looks Great and they do NOT have it on a daily basis, I was lucky enough to stumble in when it was available. Celery, Ham, Provolone, Mushroom Salad, Olives, Salami, Red Pepper, Cauliflower and edible Prosciutto sliced properly at least this is what I can detect. Well I expected No Less. 

Almost Perfect and Priced Correctly. Eff Tasty Bagels.

And some Delicious Seeded Rolls ($2.29/half a dozen)

It will be a few years until the next contender since I stuck with Frank & Sal's but as you can see below the next round begins.

ROUND TWO - Fall 2016

Food Dynasty (86th street & 15th avenue) - 10/13/16 - The "other" local Supermarket since Waldbaums has been closed (A & P Supermarkets liquidated as a whole) also has our favorite Salad ($5.99/Lb) on offer. The Deli person asked me thrice of the percentage I requested of which a Pound was my wish (kinda doofycreepy, huh). Ham, Salami, Mortadella, Muenster Cheese, Sweet Red Pepper, Celery, Bell Pepper and TONS of julienned Carrots. The presentation is lacking as in Rods of cuts as opposed to cubes and not so much of a Oil & Vinegar coating as a watery dare I say Ham Juice moistness, laziness abounds here. I shall take my Antipastoism elsewhere.

John & Dave Bagels (62nd street & 18th avenue) - What a piece of Garbage (compared as this is) and the Carrots carry most of the baggage in weight here, I am glad to have tried this once so as my conscience will not let me return again. Completely overpriced ($7.99/Lb !!!) considering the competition in the great big Antipasto world out there as this should be priced accordingly yet is not, this was not an inferior batch this is an inferior product (edible though it is).

La Bella Marketplace (80th street & 13th avenue) - We must keep in mind that in most instances there is no "Recipe" for Deli Antipasto insofar as quantities go as this is usually a pinch of this, a pound of that kinda deal but this serving is Mostly Cheese wherein it is cost effective for them and pleasurable to myself some folk like to pay for the higher ticketed item, mainly,... Meat but "Does It Really Happen" (YES song title). This concoction ($7.99/Lb.) boasts some Oregano or somesuch. Lacking in Veggies aside from sweet Red Pepper slivers but just as expected from a proper Italian market meaning this is good stuff.

Key Food (Bath avenue & 18th avenue) - Key Food is an American Supermarket chain which caters to Americans meaning all races so this is not a paisano leaning Antipasto ($3.99/Lb.). As a matter of fact it is hardly deserving of its namesake at all but is completely enjoyable as its own thing. Once there is pitted Black Olives from a can, American Cheese, Bologna and Pickle Gherkins involved the Mama Leone has pretty much left the piazza.

Meats Supreme (86th street & 19th avenue) - Not enough cheese but this is what I was talking about, people LIKE THAT, they like it, get the high ticket Cold Cuts in there. This is Quite Outstanding as the Dressing is perceptible yet unperceptible. the Oil & Vinegar lingers just so and the Ingredients are minced/sliced just to the right size. Meats Supreme got it right but they have the Italiano behind them. Ask them what to do with an Ox Tail and Land Ho Internet.

Not too BIG Not too small. Perfect Cubings on a macro level.

To the Meatball is the Pasta, To the Cereal is the Milk and to the Antipasto is the Bread.

Key Food (70th street & New Utrecht avenue) - Rich in Salt, Cauliflower and Olives is an understatement but at this reasonable price ($3.99/Lb.) can I really complain Yes I Can. 

NOT an Italian Antipasto but an American Deli style mixture as is Key Food's imprint, did I enjoy it ?, yes I did but then again I am easy to please in this department.

Key Food (70th street & New Utrecht avenue) - Funny how the Slice of Pepperoni changes the tone but this is a Cheese Salad consisting mostly of Muenster and American Cheese but can only fit into the Antipasto category.

No Comment.

How the heck do you spell it anyhow ,... ?

SPAM 4/20/14

So Why Bring up SPAM on an All Food Blog,... Well It Is a Food in some sorts and it is a Cornerstone of those who Enjoy Food. These Photos are nothing to marvel at but for the SPAM inundated and initiated,... well that is a different story.

Yes, These are not Photogenic shots but lets not be a bunch of Foodist Pigs here, Its HORMEL.

The Only way to go is to Fry/Bake/Broil or Poach The SPAM.

Raw SPAM Is Indeed Great, meaning OK (tastes like Quality Spiced Ham) but Heated, Well A Different Category altogether.

When Cooking SPAM no Oil is needed, like Bacon there is plenty inherent within.

I would ask to GUESS the Ingredients but Really.

WHAT IS THE POINT.

Pepperidge Farms Everything Bagels (Toasted), America's Choice Cream Cheese, Halved Olives, Wise Ridgies "Sour Cream & Onion" Potato Chip Crumbs, Pre-Fried and Nuked to Reheat SPAM Slices. 

I HAVE LIVED, LOVED and SPAMMED.

SPAM ONLINE

TUNA FISH PIZZA KNISH/TUNA FISH PIZZA CROQUETTE (in progress)

Everyone Hates this yet I and a friend were there and We Loved it, I also thought "Tuna Fish Pizza Knish ?!!! Get The Eff Outta Here"

4/17/14 (12:53 a.m.) - Initial Tasting of Potato Croquette with Tuna Salad APPROVED.

I cannot find a proper Homeade Knish as of late. There are Gabila's Squares which is common and the Round "Homeade Knishes" to be found but I am talking Old School (and only 20 years ago) Knishes.
Round and Crispy on the outside yet almost Mashed Potatoes within, NOT the Gummy albeit Delicious "Homeade" Knishes which are common and also longstanding, these were different.

Pictured below is the Italian Potato Croquette and a Prosciutto Ball from Frank & Sal's. I am using the Potato Croquette as the first Guinea Pig as it is closer in texture than what is on the current Knish market (as yet discovered 4/14), of course there is more sleuthing to be done.

BIG BOX OF GOODIES (in progress)

The Rosemary Scent is what first permeates the air but the Oil does too in an unobtrusive way. What strikes me the most is that these still remain Premium Crackers of which they have been for many years, This is a Saltine but a Premium Saltine and they are Round. I have had these with Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Genoa Salami, Was Fantastic but perhaps better served with a milder Cheese so as not to overpower the Cracker taste.

Well, The Mallo Cup goes without saying, This was the first Cup Shaped Candy Ever in the United States Only later to be joined by its Peanut Buttery Cousin and these are just Delicious. Chocolate Wrapped around a Soft and Creamy Marshmallow Center with Coconut Flakes within the Chocolate Coating atop.

The Home Style Select Potato Chip is harder to detect a difference in but there IS a difference at least in this Bag. These Kettle Chips are a wee bit Overdone which means One Thing.

BETTER.

Just Fantastic, I did not forget you Mallo Cup.

HAMBURGER HELPER

On one hand Hamburger Helper does not need be mentioned on any Food Blog more than once, on the other it is a staple of home cooking for the Boxed Food inclined so I believe it deserves an annual posting. I purchased 5 boxes on sale at a buck apiece (as opposed to $3.99 a pack) and as Dry Goods these will last and not for too long. I do realize that real Foodies go "out" to Dinner and this shall be alleviated in due time, for now we have this.

The Classic Double Cheeseburger Macaroni to which I added some Broccoli (from Silver Star Restaurant) and some Jarred Hot & Spicy Peppers courtesy of Salvati 

(J & R Packing company) of Mount Vernon, New York.

Whilst not a photogenic pic I had to include the Ground Beef (Chop Meat) from my favorite local Pork Store Frank & Sal's on my corner.

HAMBURGER HELPER WEBSITE

M & M's CHOCOLATE BAR

Oftentimes we all hear a little snippet of dialogue from complete strangers that stick with us. I was in my local Convenience Store/Deli/Bodega and I heard a young boy telling his mom "M & M's Candy Bar is the Best one in the world, Hershey's is the Best but M & M's is second" I smiled to myself and went about my business. On returning to the store a few days later I picked up an M & M's Candy Bar on the way out.

One might say what's the point, its Candy Shell mixed into Chocolate, well let's see about this.

This is quite good, what it is is plain M & M's immersed into a Chocolate Bar form shell and all.

Thanks Kid.

MARS CHOCOLATE WESITE

SILVER STAR RESTAURANT - Brooklyn, New York

This here is one order of Dem Sem ($2.95) or properly spelled "Dim Sum" but Silver Star spells it Dem Sem and possibly for many many reasons. Silver Star as I have stated on here before has been around since 1943 and DEM SEM is much easier on the American tongue then Dim Sum. 

This Is Head & Shoulders Clearly The Best Dem Sem Around.

I can only describe it as a Chinese Meatball Gloriously Wrapped in a Delicate Noodle and Smothered in the Perfect Amount of Oyster Sauce while Sprinkled delicately but daringly with Scallion Greens.

The Beef & Broccoli Lunch Special ($6.65)

Not the "Rubbery' Beef that All places serve.

How many pics of Hot & Sour Soup can we have, Well,.....

I (the writer of this Blog) was born in 1965 so I am the sign of the "Snake" in the Chinese Astronomy but as teenagers of course whilst dining with friends there was much fun made out of myself being in ordinances with "The Cock" OK we were Dicks but we were also 15 years old.

They have since changed the wording but it used to be "You are compatible with the Cock and the Ox".

Not bad for a "blind" pic taken from a cellphone when I could not see the viewfinder AT ALL.

FUKI SUSHI (part lll) 4/2/14 Brooklyn, New York

4/2/14 - (L to R) - Shrimp Avocado Roll, Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll

- Shrimp Avocado Roll - Delicious combination, they work very well together, initial Avocado Texture and Taste with Shrimpy Meatiness. ($2.75)

- Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll - Salty at first, Fishy second, Spicy aftertaste, also Scrumptious.
(mistake here, I have had a Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll but don't mind having it again)

Both winners, This one is a tie. ($2.75)

10/7/14 - Spicy Edamame - Well I suppose I should have had this when it was still warm as opposed to at room temperature hours later, These are Very Veggie and Quite Spicy, I did order the Spicy kind though, the jury is still out on this but quite good.

(L to R) - Asparagus Roll, Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll AGAIN

Well, My Third time having a Spicy Crunchy Tuna Roll and it was not checked off on my MENU, Well NOW IT IS, however the Asparagus Roll is my first off of the Vegetarian Roll roster, lets see how it goes.

- Asparagus Roll - Asparagus, Rice and Seaweed out. Asparagus is nice and Crispy also there are Spices at work here, rather Hot in flavor, Very Nice and refreshing.



FUKI SUSHI (part 1)

FUKI SUSHI (part 2)

FUKI SUSHI WEBSITE