CHRISTMAS 2015

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house the smell of frying filled the air as MSG looked for a mouse.

The Salmon was stored by the Butter Dish with care while the Broccoli Rabe just Simmered there.

This year (2015) I decided to prepare Christmas & Christmas Eve Dinner myself (with help from Christina) and while everything wound up fine there were pitfalls.

The Pan Seared Salmon was slightly underdone and had to be finished off in the oven, at one point my burners decided they wanted to stop working and I had to relight them mid-cook, I added the Crushed Tomatoes to the Pan BEFORE Cooking the Garlic in EVOO Twice !!! and I decided to use my electric hand mixer after all since I was running late and left the skins on the Potatoes except I couldn't find the plug for said hand mixer and hand mashed after all.

Other than that which isn't actually much to worry about everything came out Great if I must say so myself ' we did have Christmas.

12/24/15 - Christmas Eve - Pan Seared Salmon with Broccoli Rabe and Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

Christina and I are both Garlic Nuts (and knots) but next time we will have to use even more.

A Bulb & a half was added to the Broccoli Rabe and a half bulb for the Garlic Mashed Potatoes which was cooked in an unsalted Butter and Milk Sauce which I had to eyeball for quantity levels and it came out just right.

Christina's Salmon with Broccoli Rabe and Baked Sweet Potato.

Even MSG got into the holiday spirit and we discovered she enjoyed Broccoli Rabe stems, yes indeed a strange cat.

After Midnight and it was Officially Christmas so the appetizers came out, wait isn't that supposed to be the other way round.

12/25/15 - Christmas Day - Chicken Parmigiana with Penne and Sauce, Yes of course I used a Ton of Grated Cheese but only after this photo was taken.

Christina's Chicken Cutlets and Penne with Sauce on the side for Dipping.

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2015

MAGIC GYRO - Coney Island, New York

The Falafel Appetizer from Magic Gyro ($2.99).

For months in the summer of 2015 during temporary employment I patiently awaited the grand opening of Magic Gyro but to no avail, the windows remained covered up but peeking in you could spy a gleaming new Eatery. Down on personal business a few months later and there it was open to the public so I could not pass up my opportunity.

Four Falafel Balls done to perfection (I might add) over a Dollop of Hummus with a Salad tucked to the side (I neglected to take detailed salad ingredient notes as that was not a priority at the time) served in a cardboard container. Halfway through my Nosh and one of the cooks offered me some Tahini Sauce of which the Falafel commonly is served with and I did indeed partake.

The counterperson almost overcharged me a dollar but this was corrected.

A Great deal for three bucks.

Just off Surf avenue at the main entrance to the Stillwell avenue train station.

O.J.

ALL ORANGE JUICE IS NOT CREATED EQUAL, OH NO ITS NOT.

My first run-in with Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice was in the mid 80's being sold from a street vendor in midtown Manhattan, my initial tactile response was "Tropicana tastes nothing like this". This is due to the Pasteurization (flash boiling) process that bottled and retail Juices go through to extend freshness of the product and to me is hardly in comparison to fresh squeezed.

3 Guys from Brooklyn (of, you guessed it, Brooklyn) offers this in a bottle and is just like it should be, Fresh and brimming with Citrus Taste.

LAURA'S CHRISTMAS PARTY 2015 - Brooklyn, New York

That time of year rolled around again and Laura & Stanley threw their annual Christmas Bash and as always there was plenty of Food, Drink and conversation to go round.

Above is pictured Laura's Christmas village (note the brewery in the foreground left).

As I am no stranger to a Laura party the festivities always begin with an array of Appetizers after everyone greets each other, hugs, kisses and handshakes are exchanged and we seat ourselves at the Dining room table.

My camera could not capture the full breadth and scope of what was on offer without a fisheye lens but I tried.

On offer here are some Pitted Olives, Sweet Peppers, Dill Gherkins, Mixed Nuts, Bocconcini with Sweet Peppers, Tostitos Scoops with Salsa, something called Pretzels, Skewered Shrimp and Pineapple wrapped in Bacon and Cream Cheese with Peppers and Ranch Roll-Ups.

I took the last to be some kind of Fresh Mozzarella from the looks of them and I was very pleasantly surprised.

Caroline made some Keftedes (Greek Meatballs) from scratch and they were out of this world and hard to not continue eating. These are similar to an Italian Meatball but contain more Bread and different Spices.

Basic and Effective is the Bocconcini and Sweet Peppers Drizzled in a little Oil and seasoned with I am assuming Parsley.

The centerpiece of the whole shebang might just have to be handed over to the Filet Mignon.

This was done to Juicy perfection and I am surprised I only had four pieces, however Laura sent me home with a doggie bag and since I don't have a dog,... Well,...

Caroline brought over a Gingerbread house and for the first time out made homeade Baklava.

These came out Beautifully and we shall now expect them several times a year.

(L to R) - some guy, Stanley, Caroline, Bobby & Laura.

The thing I like about this photo aside from everyone in it is the priceless look on Stanley's face.

(L to R) - Thomas, Stanley, Caroline, Bobby & Laura.

Thank you to Kat for offering me a Polly-O String Cheese.

I added the stick and it previously being "non-stick" was now String Cheese on a stick.

With my two favorite teenage girls Emily & Kat. 

Kat also happens to be my Drum instructor.

(L to R) - Emily, some guy, Kathopper.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE.

THE ELVIS

12/19/15 - THE ELVIS - There were previously a few other BACON related items under this post but after trying THE ELVIS they were jettisoned back into the Frying Pan and shall grace (grease) a later entry.

The Elvis is one of those Sandwiches you hear of from time to time and most like myself am completely intrigued but like most Food's your Brain connection to the taste buds cannot really even imagine what it would actually taste like.

Well, In my case it actually surpassed expectations by a wide girth

There she is in all her Buttery, Bacony, Gooey and even Healthy (Bananas are high in protein) Glory.

Highly recommended, I had two myself and then passed out for a three hour nap.

THE ELVIS ON WIKIPEDIA

TONY'S PIZZERIA - Brooklyn, New York

Both Kristine & Christina have expressed their positive Culinary appreciation over Tony's Pizzeria on separate occasions for about a year now and as I trust both their opinions my apprehension levels were on a low but boy was I in for a Treat.

When hard pressed for recommendation of a better Pizzeria I am quite dumbfounded but I do speak out of turn as a newbie I be.

The Pepperoni mini-roll ($1.00) and Eggplant Slice ($3.50).

As I was sharing with Christina and this is the "Slice" she highly recommended the counter worker cut the Slice in half and then quarters so photographed above is but a half slice. Served on thick Crust unlike the other Slices on display with Delicious Sauce and Sweet Eggplant this was Heaven. On a side note they did not heat this baby up enough but it was still formidable.

The mini-roll was Pepperoni and had a nice kick to it.

On my next sojourn I shall try the plain Slice or Sicilian (or both) as this proves a Pizzeria's true substructure.

12/30/15 - While the Broccoli mini-roll ($1.00) may not be a match for a carnivore like myself the Pepperoni mini-roll is still most formidable. Now if they would only create a Broccoli Rabe mini-roll,...

hmmmm,... might be an idea for some home baking indeed.

White Pizza with Bacon, I cannot find this on the Menu, more details coming.

Sicilian Slice, also known as a "Square" but this Pie was overdone to my liking. I did order one but pictured below is to me a "proper" Sicilian Pie. Christina liked the "burnt Cheese" I am not so much a fan.

1/6/16 - Classic SLICE - The yardstick as it were.

This is how its supposed to be, near perfection.

The first bite of the "crux" of the Pie releases the full Flavor of Sauce and Cheese intermingling with the Dough and tells you all you need to know, the DNA if you like of the Slice and by the third bite you have taken it all in and give yourself up to absolute pleasure.

Sauce was just right, Cheese was fully correct in the Stretchy & Gummy department (S & G) and the Dough was not tasteless, of course the Crust at the end comes into play as you finish your Slice and this was heavenly as well. 

In my opinion nearly perfect.

9 out of 10 Pizzerias in Brooklyn used to be Great and now the ratio has diminished to 1/10

Tony's is in the 1.

Tony's Sicilian Pie done just right, my next step into a wider universe.

E.T.A. - 18 seconds and the Pizza awaits.

TONY'S PIZZERIA ONLINE

WHAT DREAMS MAY COME - CHARLOTTE RUSSE - TASTY PASTRY Brooklyn, New York

My dad used to tell me about the Charlotte Russe in tales of yore but even by the 1970's they were nigh impossible to find, I am sure a few places had them but we never spotted a single one otherwise I am sure I would have been treated to one (or two).

It's charm lies in the simple recipe yet I did not think I would ever have one until Christina told me that Tasty Pastry of Brooklyn had them on offer ($3.50), so at 50 years of age it finally happened.

Birthday Cake Cream (actually Whipped Cream) but not the overly sweet kind topped with a Maraschino Cherry atop a thin slice of Pound Cake. Served in tubular cardboard with a self sufficient base so you can actually push the Confection up from the bottom.

Simple yet elegant.

There they are on display amongst a plethora of Delectable Pastries.

I proudly wield my Charlotte Russe before annihilation.

Christina chose a Nutella Cannoli and how could you not but I was a man on a mission.

1/6/16 - Ferrero Rocher Mousse ($2.75) - Extremely Rich but then again it is a Mousse. 

Covered in Fine Chocolate or Nutella (its hard to tell) which is flecked with crushed Hazelnut to reveal a velvety Mousse therein enrobing further Hazelnut intrusion atop a disc of Chocolate Cracker Cake. The spiraled flute atop the flower at the peak is of a Mint nature.

This one is going to be hard to beat folks.

THE ONE "BEAN" WILL GET YOU IN CORNER - Basically it is a tray of leftover Pastries that are about to reach their demarcation point of sale and on sale for a buck but this is quite the steal as the Cherry Tart photographed above was quite delectable but not so much so as MSG did not indulge.

2/3/16 - One of the Delights on hand that I had a clear idea of its constituency before sampling, namely The Napoleon. So mouth wateringly good that I could have easily had another and dare I say yet another and so on.

You want an Apple Horseshoe, we got em'

Hot Cocoa too.

This is a "one of each" type place.

THE HISTORY OF CHARLOTTE RUSSE On Captainnewyork

HOSPITAL FOOD - IT CURES WHAT AILS YA'

It would be easy for me to start knocking "Hospital" Food but realistically why would I, they are only trying to help nurse you back to health with three square meals a day, I find the midnight Snack sorely lacking but I suppose you could smuggle some Fruit Roll-Ups in or something.

My current theory is that the Food is sub-par for the most part so as to frighten us back into good health to escape back to the outside world where the "Good Food" is. After all we don't want people maiming themselves to be admitted to the local medical facility to get at that Scrumptious Filet Mignon in Mushroom Gravy or Delectable Pheasant under Glass on offer.

I did not take exact notes on the Foods pictured but above is the "Tuna Platter". The Veggies were of decent quality and the Tuna Salad was quite good and I am picky about my Tuna Salad, the lemon kind of perplexes me as there is Mayo in the Tuna but whatever.

This is the "Burger Deluxe"

I was rather excited to check this off on the Menu as my Lunch choice the day prior as to me what makes a Burger "Deluxe" is French Fries, They must have been hiding somewhere. 

What did make this humorous was under the plastic dome which covers the main dish was this paltry little Salisbury Steak style Burger and that was that. Akin to one guppy in the entire Atlantic Ocean.

This photo must have been taken on one of my lost days as I was heavily sedated for a few and I do not recall the Crispy Rice (Rice Krispies) at all but the Gevina Yogurt is definitely a winner to me.

Typical Breakfast fare usually served at Breakfast (ingenious, huh).

Tea, Yogurt, Cereal of choice (in this case fake Raisin Bran but then this enters the realm of quantum physics), Banana, small Corn Muffin (as opposed to JUMBO) of which only a small amount (one Patty) of Butter is provided to enhance it. The cup in the back had some type of Sweetened Milk that while I appreciate the effort can only be described as appalling.

Pot Roast, Oh Yes Pot Roast. 

Unfortunately the "skin" as it were was quite fatty so I ate inside and around that, Veggies of the canned kind (I can live with that) and actually quite good (not powdered) Mashed Potatoes, all that was missing was the Gravy.

Turkey Meatballs and Pasta (Spaghetti in this case).

This was actually pretty great and I could have not done better myself. Just the right amount of Pasta (Al Dente), as a matter of fact there was some Meatball left after the Pasta was finished and I balance my plate always. It would only have been "weird" if they were not touted as Turkey Meatballs but they were, I have had better Turkey Meatballs but for hospital fare I could have had a second serving easily.

OK, Found this on one of my 4 a.m. trips to the Pantry "Nutrition Center" and it was the only one on the shelf and it espouses Nectar Consistency and it is water in one of those pokeyourstrawthroughitlittleplasticcups and it also contains Phenylalanine (whatever that is but sounds close enough to Penny Lane).

Unfortunately it was not very good but I tried.

I thank my local medical institution for keeping me alive and strangely fed for over a week, the staff was great and the food was,... well Foodish.

THANKSGIVING 2015

Caroline did a Fantastic job preparing a Thanksgiving Dinner all by herself but this has been the case for many years so she has indeed had practice so frankly I am not surprised. Pictured above is my "Plate".

Clockwise from 9. Chestnut Sausage Stuffing, Roast Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes & Turkey Basted Carrots.

This was indeed Delicious 

Appetizers consisting of Raw Veggie Platter (with Dipping Sauce) and Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar & Vermont White Cheddar accompanied by Triscuits & Carr's Water Crackers.

EVERYBODY KNOWS THE BIRD'S THE WORD.

And to Drink, White Sangria, Martini & Rossi Asti Spumanti, Becks Beer & Yellowtail Pinot Grigio.

Carving The Cooper.

Sean-Luc Ponty serenading the Dinner table.

"I'm Lucky, You're Lucky, We're All Lucky !!!"

One of my friends Sean trying for the first time an electric knife.
Posted by Caroline Santos on Thursday, November 26, 2015