Well, I have done it again, been so busy with catering/work than the Holiday's, I have neglected my blog once again. I am not even sure where to start......Food, ingredients, and the way in which we are using them today is very innovative, and exciting....It seems everyone is going outside the box, but doing their best to keep the final result balanced, because we all know that finished dishes without balance just do not work.
Having said this, you may ask what is balance? Well it is the combination of salty, sweet, acidic, sour, spicy.
Some ask why we add salt to everything, (note, salt is the only spice that is used in all forms of cooking) and sometimes a dish seems way off, just the addition of a bit of salt takes it to the finish line, before I add anything else to a dish that I think needs something more, I salt first, and for the most part it is the only something needed, transforming the dish in ways that are amazing.
Well, I should apologize, as I have neglected this blog for some time, SORRY!! Been busy.
Anyway, today is going to be about going to the finish line, let me explain. There is nothing worse than being served any food that just has not quite been finished, ie. not enough seasoning, no garnish, etc. just not enough period, you know close but no cigar.
I have a theory as to why this happens. It is a lack of pre-planning first, than a lack of knowing how to use time wisely, so when time is up there is no time to taste, and adjust or add the final touches, hence the final dish fails to make it to the finish line.
Lesson here is, always plan in advance, double check your lists, order what you need in advance, pre season any protiens that need it, and always, always check all food before it goes to the table to be sure it is finished.
Fall, I love fall, actually I think I love the beginning of every season, because with them comes the produce that I have been missing since the year before.
To me, fall is the beginning of my search for new ways to use the seasons produce in soups, glorious SOUP............!!!!!!!
Anyone out there have some soup recipe's that they love using "seasonal Produce/fruits" please post them, I would love to have them.
I love to bake, and this time of the year when the cold starts to seep in, I start conjuring up ideas to play with in the baking dept.
Well, I have a recipe for banana cake/bread that not only I love, but everyone that has ever had it, loves it.......the recipe is very special to me, because it came from my Gramma, and everyone in my family makes it.
This recipe, as I have learned is extremely versatile, last year my BF wanted to make a pumpkin cake, so I got to thinking what if we just substituted the banana with pumpkin, and added appropriate spices, hhhmmmmmmmm....well it worked, with great results, and has now been added to the "go to" recipes for this time of year.
All this leads me to someone giving me a ton of wonderful apples, and I didn't want a pie......soooooooooo, hmmmmm, why wouldn't it work, really no reason....so I go for it, first by making a compote with the apples adding raisin, Cinnamon, nutmeg, calvados, vanilla, brown sugar, white sugar, and arrowroot to thicken, I cook it down to soft all the way through the apples, but still holding their integrity, made the base of the banana cake and substitute with the apple compote......results are in and they are good! I think adding some rich caramel sauce would take it over the top....However know one thinks it is needed, so I am out-numbered, and I still think it would take it to the level I would be satisfied with.
