Hurray Four Cheese

I really wish more cheese makers and shops would do this sampler idea.

There are so many cheeses being made that to ask people to buy just one is crazy talk. This small sampler of Spanish cheeses allows you to try 4 different textured and flavored cheeses for under $5. These Spanish cheese are all great table cheeses, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes and serve with bread, a good olive oil, and a cured meat and you have an appetizer of champions.

So as a public service to get more people to try new and different cheeses, I asked for all and any cheese shops and makers to offer these sampler packages.

A New Condiment Sweeps the Nation

This is not going to be a revolutionary condiment idea but move over mayo here comes avocado cream.

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The avocado is a remarkable food and gets under used or is mistakenly called guacamole. I would love to see this simple combination above become a staple food when you need a condiment for a sandwich or just want a vibrant bite on what you're eating.

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To make avocado cream put the above ingredients, and a not picture 1/2 tbs of cumin powder and salt to taste, in a food processor and pure until smooth. That's it, not reinventing the culinary wheel but it would make a wheel taste better.

In Case You Missed It

I usually post 2-4 times per day, so occasionally some video clips get lost in the shuffle. Remember you can subscribe to my Youtube Channel and take note of the video player to the right.

This weeks videos

- Start a New Garden Bed

- Two Great Conifers You Need

- Learn to Plant Potatoes

Braising with Black Vinegar

Can you ever run out of good braising liquid recipes? The answer is a resounding no. This combination is fantastic and I highly recommend you give it a try.

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1 can diced tomatoes (18oz.)

1 medium onion diced

1 cup light brown sugar

1/2 cup sweetened black vinegar

2 ancho chilis

1tsp Chinese Five spice powder

2 tbsp ground cumin

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Both sweetened black vinegar and 5 spice powder should be available at most international markets. The black vinegar is a tough flavor to describe, it reminds me of a cola flavor. I'll be adding this recipe as part of a video clip series on braising.

Food Review: Apple Pie

My earlier post about cookies made me think about the cost of other desserts. The other classic heavy butter and flour dessert is of course pie. Who doesn't love apple pie it's as American as, I can't remember what?

I stopped by Trader Joe's and despite my typical hate for store bought pie decided to give it a try. When you consider one cookie is now almost $2, a whole pie for $6.99 is a bargain.

Trader Joe's Apple Pie $6.99

Crust Grade: B-
Pie really has two separate crust qualities the bottom crust and the top layer. I like to par bake my pie shell bottoms so the crust has some body. The bottom of this pie is a little soft for my taste but not a Mr. Soggy Bottom pie that store pies are prone to being. The top crust is interesting, it's very heavy handed with cinnamon sugar. If you're a cinnamon fan this is a great element if you're not then you're SOL. I love cinnamon sugar so I thought it was a great addition. The crust texture isn't flaky but it's not realistic to expect a flaky crust unless it's from a fresh baked pie.

Fruit Filling Grade: A-
IMO, this is where most store bought pies fall apart. I do not want fruit filling that resembles jelly or cling peaches from a can. I should bite into the fruit and know that at one time it was fresh and vibrant. You can almost tell from the pix above this pie gets very high marks for the filling. It is remarkably not gelatinous and the fruit still has some bite. If you like fresh apples this pie is for you, if you like apple pie filling in a can then stop reading and go buy a fresh apple to remember what they should taste like.

Overall Grade: B
There is no substitute for a home made pie. With that out of the way, this is one of the better store bought pies I've ever eaten. The pie weighs almost 2 pounds and cost only $6.99, so it's a good value. The crust of the pie is highlighted by the cinnamon sugar dusting, and the texture well not flaky, is not overly soggy and is tasty. The filling stole the show for me with this pie. I expected soft jelly apples and actually felt giddy when the apple still had some bite. I recommend this as a buy when you're short on time to bake a pie and want some fruit pie goodness.

That's an Expensive Cookie

Yesterday, I was at a grocery store that may or may not start with W and end in HOLE FOODS. Looking at the bakery area I saw the cookie case, I can't help myself I love cookies, and noticed the chocolate chip cookies were $1.19 each. There is another local store here that charges $2.25 per cookie and they're pretty small.

Where is the ceiling on this cookie cost crisis? Are we far from seeing a standard chocolate chunk cookie being $4 each? What's causing this dramatic rise in cookie cost?

I'm sure many will point to the increased cost of butter and flour, which is true, but are we now living in a time where a dozen cookies could cost $24 or more. I know I can make several dozen of this cookie still for less then $24.

I'd like to hear from you what's the most expensive cookie price you've seen in your area during this C.C.C (Cookie Cost Crisis) ?

The Pork that Keeps on Giving

This is what's great about large cuts of braised meats.

I blogged last week about my love for hunks of meat and then that became a great dish served with toasted bread. Now, in it's final curtain call the braised pork shoulder was tossed with some penne rigate.

For less then $15 this pork shoulder made at least 4 meals. In a time when many people talk about trying to save money, I can't think of a better cooking technique then braising.

Pot O'Gold at the End of the Conifer Rainbow

Conifers fans hang in there spring is right around the corner. For now here's some video of Pinus mugo 'Pot O'Gold' and Picea abies 'Prostrata Aurea'.

Picea abies 'Prostrata Aurea' is a bit of a mystery because the American Conifer Society does not list a plant with this name. I'm sure there is a answer to the mystery but I'm content to know that it's a cool plant that has dreadlocks and golden hue on the needles.

Start a new Garden

Starting a new garden can seem a little tough and even scary at first, but it's easier than you think.

In this video clip, I'll show you how you don't need to even use a shovel to start a new garden. And no matter if you have a huge area or small square to garden on, you can grow anything you want.

Waiting on Two Fronts

On February 1st I can officially say I'm bored and tired of winter.

I'm an extremely impatient person and it's been hard to wait for early spring to start getting new plants delivered and finish my ongoing arboretum. Not to mention that it's tough to wait for all the exciting new growth to start pushing on all the plants I currently have on my property.

Now the chef hat has spoken, I'm bored at cooking the same veggies. I try not to purchase things that are out of season but when you get in to the month of February it's hard not to start thing about spring and summer vegetables. Soon there will be squash, peppers, tomatoes, new potatoes, spring onions and the list can go on for a while.

For now I'll have to know that spring will be here soon enough and to take the Cardinals outright and the over.