Top Chef thoughts

Well they're filming the finale right now and Padma's 5 months preggos. Apparently her boobs are huge according to judge Toby. We'll see the bump(s) soon enough! Father's identity is still a mystery. Last episode was good. I always love restaurant wars and this one was a good one. Couldn't believe Jen tanked so badly, truly disappointing. I still believe in her and predict that she will be in finale. However, if they were truly following TC protocol, Jen really should have been sent home this week. I can't count how many times they say it is not an accumulative competition at judges table. She really dropped the biggest bomb and deserved to go home. But alas I am sooo happy that boring Laurine got sent home. I mean there must be a boring chef quota for casting because she is the poster child for lethargy. Did I mention that Laurine is boring? The "tension" between the brothers is totally fake. You know those two are high five-ing it when the cameras are off. Although I thought it was hot when Brian told Michael to shut up and Robin to finish plating the damn desert. Now the question is, who is more annoying? Robin or Eli? I've been so busy feeling embarrassed for Robin that I haven't noticed what a nudge Eli is. Next to go...Robin Early prediction of final 3 Jen, Michael V. and Kevin.

Spaghetti Limone' with Roasted Tomato & Duck Liver Sausage

Spaghetti al limone! Spaghetti al limone!

You won't be able to put down your fork, chopsticks or hands until it is all consumed!

Spaghetti Limone has been on my mind with thoughts on how to spice it up. Went to check out what I had in the fridge that will go well with this dish....

butter, cheese, chinese sausage( duck liver - can be found in most Asian markets)

sweet peas, cherry tomatoes, garlic , lemon

cherry tomatoes cut in half and roasted with salt, pepper and oregano

In a pan heat some butter and olive oil, add garlic and saute until fragrant. Add sausage, peas and the roasted tomatoes, stir for a few minutes ( I added a dash of chicken stock ). Oil will be released from the sausages when heated so be gentle with the olive oil & butter.

When pasta is done, drain and add directly to the pan of sauce, toss with cheese and add the lemon zest and juice, finally top it off with more cheese!

Here we have a nice bowl of spaghetti limone with many lovely flavors. There's the tangy sweetness from the roasted tomatoes/peas/lemon, and a mild saltiness with a hint of wine from the chinese duck liver sausage... .mmmmmmmm slurp!

Pasta Lovers ...you know this is one of your favorites!

Spaghetti with Italian Sausage Spinach Meatballs

In the mood for meatballs and thought of a recipe I came across the other day

 " Chicken and Spinach Meatballs" from Girl Gone Gourmet.  Pay her a visit , very nice blog.

For more flavor I used Italian sausage instead of chicken and boy i'm glad i did. This was my first time on making meatballs so there were a few bumps here and there.

Ingredients:

    

Meatballs

• italian sausage 
• spianch
• mozzarella - shredded
• egg
• panko ( did not have any that night )

 Sauce  

• onion - diced
• garlic - diced
• canned whole tomato (crush with hands)
• balsamic vinegar
• milk
• brown sugar + white pepper

take casing off and quickly blanch the spinach mix with meat and mozzarella and cup into shape with hands

the shape did not stay, started to flatten

here is where i had trouble -no panko! no sticking ! and water from the blanching did not help!!grrrrrr

 

so i had to quickly fry and brown them to hold the shape then transfer on to foil and baked for 20 minutes.

start putting the sauce together by heating the onion and garlic add sauce / sugar....simmer

add the meatballs and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

 

while simmer meatball sauce , time to cook the pasta.

when done , serve on plate and top it off with some parmigiano reggiano!!!!!

                                     

Even though i was missing panko and basil .......this dish was still very enjoyable!

anyone know any meatball tips?

Don't believe the hype...

So... with much anticipation for the dinner at Little Owl tonight, I left... well kind of unsatisfied and disappointed. The food was good, but not great. With all the hype I heard about this restaurant, I guess I was expecting a lot. The gnocchi with braised lamb was good, the duck salad was pretty good but my halibut was alright. What really did it was when I started to feel sick after a couple of bites. I didn't touch the food afterwards and wasn't missing it either. I was starting to question the hype. My answer came when my sister started to feel ill as well!

Guess I won't be visiting the little owl anymore...

Vietnamese Weekend Lunch !

When eating out....
do you have those still moments you feel the warm excitment when your order arrives and want to share with the people that will understand ... well this is especially for you girls who loves vietnemese cooking

Pho with Pig's Trotters and paper thin Brisket and super light rice noodle (not vermicelli)with a side of mint , some greens (shaved fiddle head), bean sprouts , and basil
Serve only on Weekends










Tender Squid with vietnamese lemongrass chili sauce over rice

For starters we had the famous fried spring roll. Summer rolls and Pho noodle soup # 5 is my usual order but this time wanted a change and I am glad i did, you would too..
they are perfect here and you know where......
  Nha Trang One ( 87 Baxter St. Chinatown NY)
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