I'm not sure what I like so much about beef stroganoff. It's comfort food. Sliced beef in a rich sauce over noodles. Perfect for a moody, "fuck the world let me commiserate alone" day.
But it's also good in mass quantities, and served with people. I kind of cheated on this recipe, as it will make plenty for two. But you can have one mighty portion for yourself tonight, and then bring the rest to work for lunch tomorrow. That's what I do! :)
My friend Don mentioned this technique to me. The noodles cook in the sauce - perfect when you're feeling lazy & moody. :)
Beef Stroganoff
3/4 - 1 lb beef steak (get a budget cut!), sliced thinly (tip - partially freeze the meat before slicing)
8 - 12 oz mushrooms, sliced
1/4 onion, diced
butter or olive oil - something to saute with
1 TB flour
2 cans chicken or beef broth (I've heard beer works well also)
1/2 lb dry egg noodles
1/4 - 1/2 c. dollop of sour cream (yogurt if you're watching calories, but really? If you're making stroganoff you shouldn't be watching calories!)
1 lemon wedge
Season the steak with salt and pepper. You can also season with other spices, like garlic, seasoned salt, or paprika.
Melt the butter in a big pan, like your wok or 2 qt. saucepan. Saute the mushrooms and the onion until the mushrooms are brown and the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Remove from the pan.
Use paper towels to blot the meat. (It sautes better when it's dry) Turn the heat to medium-high or high. Add a dollop of oil or butter to the pan if you need it and add the meat. Saute until brown, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat and add the mushrooms and onions that you cooked earlier.
Stir in the flour until it's incorporated into the juices. If you're getting really crazy you can add a spoonful of tomato paste (I never feel so inclined). Add the broth and a splash of brandy (I used kirsch tonight). Apparently a teaspoon of dill is OK, too. Cover and let simmer for about 30 minutes (until the meat is tender). Go check your blogs or watch a half-hour TV show or something.
Stir in the dry noodles, and simmer until the noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pan from the heat, and add in the sour cream. I've read that sour cream can curdle if the mixture is too hot (like incorporating eggs into custards), so if you're worried about that you can mix in a 1/4 cup of sauce into the sour cream before you add it back to the pot.
Squeeze a bit of lemon juice on top, eat, and be happy.
Other stroganoff recipes.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Movie Review - Taken
The critics' general consensus seem to be that Taken is a pretty standard thriller, and predictable at times. Even so, it's still enjoyable to watch, if only to watch Liam Neeson beat and shoot up bad guys (in Paris!). Even if the film can be predictable, at least it's not god awful to watch.
Everything you need to know about the plot can be seen in the trailer.
I would say the acting is pretty good, even if all of the characters are caricatures. What do you expect from an action film?
This is a good, fun popcorn flick. Not necessarily a must-see, but pretty enjoyable nonetheless.
Everything you need to know about the plot can be seen in the trailer.
I would say the acting is pretty good, even if all of the characters are caricatures. What do you expect from an action film?
This is a good, fun popcorn flick. Not necessarily a must-see, but pretty enjoyable nonetheless.
Movie Review - Gomorra
Gomorra is an Italian ensemble crime film, much like Traffic was an American ensemble drug film. But it seems unfair to compare Gomorra to Traffic.
Gomorra is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, whose life was threatened after his book was published and now has a permanent police escort. Gomorra is a look at the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples, Italy.
There were several stories interwoven throughout the film, and of the five main threads I enjoyed watching the tailor's narrative the most. In some ways he seemed the least involved in crime, only wanting to continue his legacy of haute couture.
The other most notable story was of two stupid teenagers who steal weapons from a gang. Man, those guys were great for comic relief.
Possible the most shocking story covered dumping toxic chemicals in Naples. The end credits mention that higher rates of cancer are associated with living near the illegal dumping sites.
Like most ensemble films, I found the different narratives difficult to follow, and I always wanted to see what was going to happen with the tailor's story next (Yes, he does do something stupid).
I enjoyed the film, as it's well shot and the stories were interesting. But it's not something I think I'll watch again.
Gomorra is based on a book by Roberto Saviano, whose life was threatened after his book was published and now has a permanent police escort. Gomorra is a look at the Camorra crime syndicate in Naples, Italy.
There were several stories interwoven throughout the film, and of the five main threads I enjoyed watching the tailor's narrative the most. In some ways he seemed the least involved in crime, only wanting to continue his legacy of haute couture.
The other most notable story was of two stupid teenagers who steal weapons from a gang. Man, those guys were great for comic relief.
Possible the most shocking story covered dumping toxic chemicals in Naples. The end credits mention that higher rates of cancer are associated with living near the illegal dumping sites.
Like most ensemble films, I found the different narratives difficult to follow, and I always wanted to see what was going to happen with the tailor's story next (Yes, he does do something stupid).
I enjoyed the film, as it's well shot and the stories were interesting. But it's not something I think I'll watch again.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
I Wanted To Be A Paleontologist Once
Then it was archeologist, and then I realized that I needed to have a way to feed myself on more than $30K a year.
Major cache of fossils unearthed in L.A.
Major cache of fossils unearthed in L.A.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
When I Was In College
I spent a semester or two where at least once a week I'd meet a girlfriend for lunch in the cafe on campus. Her favorite type of sandwich was egg salad, and I happened to make decent egg salad sandwiches.
So I would bring the egg salad sandwiches and she would buy a bag of honey bbq Frito twists and sometimes beverages. At least this is the deal that memory serves.
We would have lunch and chat about girly things. Then an hour later we would trudge back to class.
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Eggs (2 is enough for one sandwich, 4 is too much for two)
Mayonnaise (homemade is divine)
Salt
Pepper
Paprika and/or garlic powder(optional)
Whole wheat bread
Hardboil the eggs. The easiest way to do this is to put the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and put it on the stove. Crank the heat up to medium-high, and go do something else until the water boils. Let the eggs boil for five minutes, then turn the stove off and walk away for another 15. At this point the eggs should be hard-boiled, or cooked at least enough for you to work with them.
You can chill the eggs in the refrigerator, or not (peeled or unpeeled). It's not going to ruin the salad if you make it with freshly cooked eggs. At any rate, the eggs will have to be peeled before continuing (unless you like eating eggshell).
If you're in a hurry you can just chop the eggs. But if you have some time cut the eggs in half and cream the yolks with mayonnaise before adding the chopped whites. You want to use just enough mayonnaise so the salad sticks together and is spreadable, but not so much you're eating just mayonnaise.
Add salt and pepper. Sometimes I would add paprika or garlic powder. I'm not sure if Janice liked that or not. I've yet to experiment with ground mustard, but I think that might be a good addition too.
Spread the salad mixture onto a slice of bread, and top it with another slice. You can eat immediately, but I always felt they tasted better chilled overnight (especially if made with still-warm eggs).
So I would bring the egg salad sandwiches and she would buy a bag of honey bbq Frito twists and sometimes beverages. At least this is the deal that memory serves.
We would have lunch and chat about girly things. Then an hour later we would trudge back to class.
Egg Salad Sandwiches
Eggs (2 is enough for one sandwich, 4 is too much for two)
Mayonnaise (homemade is divine)
Salt
Pepper
Paprika and/or garlic powder(optional)
Whole wheat bread
Hardboil the eggs. The easiest way to do this is to put the eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and put it on the stove. Crank the heat up to medium-high, and go do something else until the water boils. Let the eggs boil for five minutes, then turn the stove off and walk away for another 15. At this point the eggs should be hard-boiled, or cooked at least enough for you to work with them.
You can chill the eggs in the refrigerator, or not (peeled or unpeeled). It's not going to ruin the salad if you make it with freshly cooked eggs. At any rate, the eggs will have to be peeled before continuing (unless you like eating eggshell).
If you're in a hurry you can just chop the eggs. But if you have some time cut the eggs in half and cream the yolks with mayonnaise before adding the chopped whites. You want to use just enough mayonnaise so the salad sticks together and is spreadable, but not so much you're eating just mayonnaise.
Add salt and pepper. Sometimes I would add paprika or garlic powder. I'm not sure if Janice liked that or not. I've yet to experiment with ground mustard, but I think that might be a good addition too.
Spread the salad mixture onto a slice of bread, and top it with another slice. You can eat immediately, but I always felt they tasted better chilled overnight (especially if made with still-warm eggs).
Monday, February 09, 2009
No-Knead Bread
I have to admit I'm intrigued with the idea of no-knead bread. It seems like the perfect homemade bread for someone lacking a stay-at-home-better-half.
I'm making the dough tonight so I can have bread with my soup tomorrow night, although my timing isn't going to be exact. Hopefully it won't matter.
There is also a quicker no-knead bread recipe, and a fastest, whole grain version.
I don't have a casserole large enough for the loaf, so it won't be perfect, but it might be passable. I'd love to score a Le Creuset casserole one of these days.
When I was growing up my mom would bake the best bread on Sundays. When I was still trying to be a good Molly Mormon she would have fresh scones (my dad called them "windbellies") ready to slather with butter, honey, and preserves when I returned home from church. I'd love to bake bread on a weekly basis but it's hard enough feeding myself and making sure I have clean clothes and brushed hair most days.
I'm making the dough tonight so I can have bread with my soup tomorrow night, although my timing isn't going to be exact. Hopefully it won't matter.
There is also a quicker no-knead bread recipe, and a fastest, whole grain version.
I don't have a casserole large enough for the loaf, so it won't be perfect, but it might be passable. I'd love to score a Le Creuset casserole one of these days.
When I was growing up my mom would bake the best bread on Sundays. When I was still trying to be a good Molly Mormon she would have fresh scones (my dad called them "windbellies") ready to slather with butter, honey, and preserves when I returned home from church. I'd love to bake bread on a weekly basis but it's hard enough feeding myself and making sure I have clean clothes and brushed hair most days.
Dinner For 1 - Asparagus Soup
Monday night is usually grocery night for me. If you can plan it right you can make it in-and-out of the grocery store in under 20 minutes (like I did tonight!).
Because it's been cold lately, and because I've been craving soup, I think this week will be soup week.
I kind of half-assed the shopping trip, which means I'll probably have to go back on Wednesday or Thursday to get something I forgot.
I bought:
1 lb block extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 can diced tomatoes
Two three-packets of yeast (for bread; I forgot if I needed extra-rapid or the other kind . . .breadmaking is so confusing!)
1 bag bean soup mix
4 bananas
A clamshell of spring mix salad
A bunch of Italian parsley
A bunch of Kale
1 onion
3 potatoes
1 bunch of celery
3 carrots
1 package of Andouille sausage
All for $32.59! Maybe it's not so much of a bargain where you shop, but 4 days' worth of dinner and lunches on under $35.00 is pretty good in L.A.
When I was in Butte there was a restaurant on Broadway, all the way East on Broadway. A girlfriend and I would hit that place up for lunch sometimes, where the special was a slice of pizza and soup or salad. I fell in love with their chicken asparagus soup, and finally got around to making something like it tonight. Warning: What happens below does not make anything close to what you find on Broadway St., Butte, MT, but tastes good regardless. You can add some onion or celery if you like for additional flavor.
Asparagus Soup
1 can of chicken broth
1 potato
a clove of garlic (or garlic powder)
2/3 bunch of asparagus, cut up, tips reserved
chopped chicken (I used leftover chicken from dinner a few nights ago)
parsley (preferably flat-leafed Italian parsley)
pepper
Cube the potato and throw that into the broth. Add the asparagus (minus the tips) and garlic. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Blend until smooth.
Add the asparagus tips, chicken, and parsley (easy way to chop parsley - use a kitchen shears) and return to heat. Cook until the asparagus tips are done and the chicken is warmed through. Add pepper, top with Parmesan if you like.
Because it's been cold lately, and because I've been craving soup, I think this week will be soup week.
I kind of half-assed the shopping trip, which means I'll probably have to go back on Wednesday or Thursday to get something I forgot.
I bought:
1 lb block extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 can diced tomatoes
Two three-packets of yeast (for bread; I forgot if I needed extra-rapid or the other kind . . .breadmaking is so confusing!)
1 bag bean soup mix
4 bananas
A clamshell of spring mix salad
A bunch of Italian parsley
A bunch of Kale
1 onion
3 potatoes
1 bunch of celery
3 carrots
1 package of Andouille sausage
All for $32.59! Maybe it's not so much of a bargain where you shop, but 4 days' worth of dinner and lunches on under $35.00 is pretty good in L.A.
When I was in Butte there was a restaurant on Broadway, all the way East on Broadway. A girlfriend and I would hit that place up for lunch sometimes, where the special was a slice of pizza and soup or salad. I fell in love with their chicken asparagus soup, and finally got around to making something like it tonight. Warning: What happens below does not make anything close to what you find on Broadway St., Butte, MT, but tastes good regardless. You can add some onion or celery if you like for additional flavor.
Asparagus Soup
1 can of chicken broth
1 potato
a clove of garlic (or garlic powder)
2/3 bunch of asparagus, cut up, tips reserved
chopped chicken (I used leftover chicken from dinner a few nights ago)
parsley (preferably flat-leafed Italian parsley)
pepper
Cube the potato and throw that into the broth. Add the asparagus (minus the tips) and garlic. Boil for 15-20 minutes. Blend until smooth.
Add the asparagus tips, chicken, and parsley (easy way to chop parsley - use a kitchen shears) and return to heat. Cook until the asparagus tips are done and the chicken is warmed through. Add pepper, top with Parmesan if you like.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Dinner For 1 - Macaroni & Cheese
All right, I promised a recipe for Macaroni & Cheese.
I really love homemade baked macaroni & cheese. It's one of my ultimate comfort foods.
I've read you can add veggies and ham to make a real one-dish-meal, or change the pasta and make something really elegant. But for me, the plain, macaroni pasta in a cheddar sauce, topped with browned breadcrumbs can't be beat. So here it is, adapted from the recipe in Going Solo in the Kitchen. It makes just enough for a dinner and a lunch.
1 c. raw macaroni
1 c. of milk (just pour out a mugful and heat it in the microwave)
1 TB flour
2 tsp. butter
Cayenne pepper
dry mustard
fresh ground pepper
at least 1 c. grated cheese
breadcrumbs
Cook the macaroni in either a pot of boiling water or in the microwave, pulling it out a few minutes early. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan. After it melts, stir in the flour and cook the roux for a bit (while stirring). It will turn a golden brown color. Add the milk and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens. Add the mustard and pepper to taste, then start to whisk in the cheese. Don't let the sauce boil.
Spray a small casserole with a bit of non-stick spray, and pour the drained pasta in. Stir in the sauce, and top with breadcrumbs.
Bake between 15 and 30 minutes, then let it set for 15 minutes. Eat.
I really love homemade baked macaroni & cheese. It's one of my ultimate comfort foods.
I've read you can add veggies and ham to make a real one-dish-meal, or change the pasta and make something really elegant. But for me, the plain, macaroni pasta in a cheddar sauce, topped with browned breadcrumbs can't be beat. So here it is, adapted from the recipe in Going Solo in the Kitchen. It makes just enough for a dinner and a lunch.
1 c. raw macaroni
1 c. of milk (just pour out a mugful and heat it in the microwave)
1 TB flour
2 tsp. butter
Cayenne pepper
dry mustard
fresh ground pepper
at least 1 c. grated cheese
breadcrumbs
Cook the macaroni in either a pot of boiling water or in the microwave, pulling it out a few minutes early. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan. After it melts, stir in the flour and cook the roux for a bit (while stirring). It will turn a golden brown color. Add the milk and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens. Add the mustard and pepper to taste, then start to whisk in the cheese. Don't let the sauce boil.
Spray a small casserole with a bit of non-stick spray, and pour the drained pasta in. Stir in the sauce, and top with breadcrumbs.
Bake between 15 and 30 minutes, then let it set for 15 minutes. Eat.
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