Tri Color Slaw w/ Lemon,Garlic and Buckwheat Honey Vinaigrette

Hollow Pineapple rings make creative 'bowls' for foods like slaw. 

Bright and Citrusy notes with a subtle hint of garlic makes this quick and easy slaw a breeze and perfect complement to the pulled pork I made for dinner.  For convenience, I purchased a package of shredded cole slaw mix, which was on sale.  The vinaigrette is bursting with enough acid and funkiness from the Buckwheat Honey, to cut the richness of the pork.  It brings to the table a combination of sweet, salty, bitter and savory in the most delightful way. 

Buckwheat Honey is the newest addition to my culinary arsenal and I am most pleased with its flavor profile.  It is made by bees havesting nectar from the Buckwheat flowers.  The tint of the honey may vary, but the benefits are still similar.  The darker the honey, the more antioxidant power it packs!  This honey has a very pungent and unique aroma and taste.  When I said funky earlier, I meant it, it smells like a barnyard with hints of  sheep, horses and other hay eating ruminants!
I will probably be the first to say this, Buckwheat Honey has an Umami presence as honeys go...grassy and earthy, 'hay forward' even. I've got a growing collection, and have tried many kinds.  This is certainly unlike any of the others and presents with a gaggle of directions you can take these very unique flavors.
YOU MUST TRY IT!  Aside from being absolutely delicious, this honey is perfect for the current health climate of the world right now.  Buckwheat honey can be taken for respiratory illnesses and infections. It can soothe a cough and provides potassium for the promotion of a healthy nervous and musculoskeletal systems.  Additionally, this elixir can be administered directly on wounds to promote healing and reduce bacteria and other microbials from flourishing there.  Simply smear on and cover with a sterile bandage.
The biggest plus for this Umami honey is the antioxidant levels.  Foods with high antioxidant levels are superb for helping to lower cholesterol, promoting cardiovascular as well as nervous system health and maintenance. Buckwheat honey is also a good sugar substitute.  This also makes a great addition to any healthful daily routine, 1 tbsp. a day, either taken all at once or with your favorite morning oats, grains, bagels, smoothies, muffins, teas, dressings etc...a perfect stand-in for maple syrup!  I purchased my jar from Elba Butcher Shoppe, which carries a plethora of locally produced items, including but not limited to jams, chow chows, flours, many varieties of honey, ciders and more.

The vinaigrette may be easily prepared
by combining fresh lemon juice, olive oil, buckwheat honey and fresh garlic or garlic powder. SPST (Salt and Pepper to Suit Taste)
Whisk together until cohesive, pour over slaw mix, and toss to coat. Let stand for 5 minutes for flavors to marry, then serve or refrigerate.  Wonderful at room temperature.

BBQ features "CAPITAL CITY" Mambo Sauce Sweet Hot!!! 

Protein before shredding or pulling. 

Spring Fling: Country Style Spare Ribs w/ Blackberry Barbecue Sauce

Ribs. Beef ribs, Pork ribs, lamb ribs, rack of ribs, short ribs, boneless ribs, baby back ribs, spare ribs, St. Loius style ribs,beef country style ribs, pork country style ribs, Ribs Ribs! There are so many types and styles, you can virtually relive the scene from the popular classic, Forrest Gump,  when Bubba  visualized and stated the multitudes of shrimp dishes and his dreams of running and owning a Shrimping business.
Ribs are big business and nothing goes better with ribs next to a good rub and some smoke, is some butt kicking sauce to wet them down and have a finger licking frenzy. (with super clean hands no less).   This recipe features some country style pork ribs, which I zapped in my Ninja* Foodi on  pressure cooker mode, ready in about an hour, tender and juicy, ready to sauce.  I used liquid smoke for this round, a handy cheat to have on hand!  The sauce being showcased today, gratefully turned out the way I envisioned it.
 This Blackberry Barbecue sauce is delicious and hits all the right notes.  You can slather it anywhere and be safisfied with the results.  Get your bibs and finger licking face on, because these wet ribs are addictive!

Blackberry Barbecue Sauce:

3/4 c. Blackberry jam, seedless
1/4 c. rib cooking liquid, strained and skimmed
1/4 c. tomato paste
1/4 c. less sodium soy
1 tsp. EACH, Sriracha, tamari, cider vinegar and mirin.
1/2 tsp. EACH hickory liquid smoke, dijon mustard and onion powder
zest and juice of 1 lime
SPST
In a small saucepan,  add ingredients and stir to combine.
Bring up to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 6 minutes, stirring often.
Your sauce is ready to go, if desired use cooking liquid or stock to thin your sauce to your liking.
Slather at will.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Walking Waffles

With the entire Virginia School system and others closed for the next two weeks in an effort to keep the pupils and families safe, the need for additional meals and snacks at home will be at the helm of our to do lists.  By the time we as parents hear the "I'm Hungry" song from one to potentially several kiddoes, on repeat,  especially from the tweens and teens, we will have to arm ourselves with some quick and filling fixes, preferably wholesome and nutritious ones, some maybe not so much.  Enter this quick idea, from which several variations may spring from, the "Walking Waffles" .
 I came up with this a couple of mornings ago, before the break began.  Time was closing in on us fast, and I knew the kiddoes wouldn't have time for a complete sit down and plated breakfast and make it to school on time. With some quick thinking I decided to layer the would be plated items in a 16 oz. plastic cup, so that when they started their meal, it was in a vessel that could travel also, if needed.  I filled the lower portion of the cup with the fruit pick of the morning, fresh sliced strawberries (I added the fork before adding the waffles for stability and ease of movement) and quartered the blueberry waffles, so they would both fit in the cup and be in smaller, bite sized portions. I drizzled the whole shebang with some pure maple syrup.  That way the excess could drip down onto the fruit and add delicious sweetness below.
 Make it super special by adding some whipped cream to the top or stick in a couple of slices of crisp bacon or sausage links (your choice, regular or vegan) at the top, for a super meal on the go, for both the kids and the parents.
There is no wrong way and the fruit choices can be the same or mixed, depending on preference. This method will also curtail some of  the additional dish washing, which will certainly be a part of the upcoming weeks. Let the kids pick the flavor profiles and they will receive it better, plus they'll have a go-to if they have to do it themselves.  Have fun with it and Godspeed.

The Connection Between Pan Fried Rainbow Trout and the Coronavirus

Now that I have your attention, please be sure to practice proper hand washing techniques, especially during this time of growing concerns over the spread of the Coronavirus.  We need to make certain that we keep our electronic devices, door knobs, handles and surfaces clean by wiping them down with disinfectants, like wipes and sprays. We need to try our best to keep our hands away from our orifices  or eyes, nose and mouth.
Household bleach diluted will also help eliminate unwanted critters on surfaces we come in contact with.  Try to avoid large crowds and those under the weather, to do your part in slowing this Pandemic.  Together, even in the face of uncertainty about the ins and outs of this not so new virus, we can find comfort in knowing that all we can do, we will.  To make sure you are washing your hands for the proper duration, try singing along to BINGO, two times aloud or in your head.  Encourage your kiddoes to do so also.
Cater to your personal need by finding a snippet of a song you love and count  20 seconds in.  This will be your gauge and you can use this song over and over again. Get your children to do the same with their favorite songs right now and it becomes much easier to enforce. We all know how tweens and teens, as well as the younger crowds love to sing their favorites at the top of their lungs. Make sure you are washing the backs of your hands, between fingers, up the wrists and soap them liberally. Wash in a rubbing back and forth fashion.  Turn water source off with your elbow or paper towel or you are going to reintroduce the germs right back onto your hands.  Use a paper towel to open the door if you are in public, if at home, be sure to sanitize the knob regularly.
Hand sanitizer is okay, but only if you cannot get to a sink to physically wash them.  With proper hand washing techniques, you can be sure that when you are enjoying a meal or snack and using your hands, you are not introducing viral invaders into your body.  Pan fried trout is delicious, but you can't really enjoy it when you are ill.  Stay vigilant and lets get through this.

Ziti w/Brats, Kraut and Burst Grape Tomatoes

A quick and delicious spin on your Ziti is using Bratwurst and Sauerkraut.  The mellow brats and tangy kraut blend well and add a surprisingly wonderful fusion of Italian and German cuisine.  The grape tomatoes implement more flavor and freshness, plus lycopene and B vitamins.  Serve with a green salad and fruit for a deliciously satisfying and complete meal in no time!

Recipe:
1 lb. ziti
1/2 lb. brats, sliced thinly
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
1 c. sauerkraut, drained and squeezed of excess liquid
1 jar or 15 oz. favorite tomato sauce
1 pint of grape tomatoes
Herbs de Provence
SPST
Olive Oil for drizzling
Fresh Parsley for garnish

In a large pot, cook ziti in salted water, according to instructions to al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain, reserving about 1 c. pasta water.
In the same pot over medium high heat, drizzle with two turns of olive oil and add onion.
Cook , stirring often, until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add brats and sauerkraut and SPST.
Cook until brats show signs of caramelization, about 3 minutes.
Add sauce and pasta water as needed. Fold in ziti and Herbs de Provence as desired, about 1 tsp.
Check Seasonings.
Simmer for about 4 minutes for flavors to marry and add tomatoes.
Cover and let simmer another few minutes and remove from heat.
Serves 6 to 8.

Saying "I Do" To What Matters Most

I love the invite of Spring just around the corner.  As a sufferer from SAD, the warmer, sunnier, brighter days induce a feeling of hope and positivity, that I can get nowhere else.  The little buds are forming on the trees, as they have been for weeks, mind you, while various flowers and bulbous plants are peeking their little heads above their cozy leaf covered beds.  Mother nature's growth hormones are in full effect.
It is now time to start tiny seedlings indoors, row by row, prepping them for the transition to our outdoor gardens and beds.  Soon, we will be digging, hauling, hoeing and making raised rows and anthills, to foster the best possible outcome for our magnificent homegrown produce. The pruning and gardening gloves, shears and clippers, will be our decided gear.  Aprons will have smears of the fertile and viable soil, especially along the tops of the pockets, and our shoes will show telltale signs of earthen activities.  We will have salad greens abound; tomatoes and cucumbers as well as violet and crimson berries; aromatic herbs and fresh accoutrements to a menu bursting with vitality and life.
The majority has embraced a more organic and virginal form of growing, using minimal additives if any at all.  Awareness is taking hold and this year, there will likely be more gardens or newly ordained 'farmers' than ever.  From the roof tops of cityscapes, to the marginal plots newly designated, the revolution will ensue.  We will assert ourselves as conscious consumers and bolster our confidence with our hands, turning sweet nothings into delicious somethings.  We will compost. We will engage in sensual congress with our progenys, our grow spaces.
These growing stations will not only provide sustenance and foster our most primal instincts, but also exercise our minds and bodies and quench our souls.  Some will be learning canning and dehydrating techniques for the first time, while others are hardened veterans and already have their preservation plans mapped out, like clockwork.
Fermentation will yield such ethnic delicacies as sauerkraut, Kimchi, pickles and Kombucha, full of viable prebiotics, probiotics and flavor. Jams, jellies and preserves, oh my.  Sweet, savory, tart and briny all have a place at the table. Feelings of accomplishment and confidence will spring forth proverbial sunshine, to reflect onto all we do.  We will get to know our foodstory more than ever.  We will share, we'll feast, we'll preserve, we will fellowship.  We will be Betterthaneverians. Do you like the way that sounds? I know I DO!

Molten Strawberry Tall Cake

 What could be better than a nice slice of strawberry cake? A strawberry cake filled with a cooling, luscious, fruity and tangy cream filling of course!  This recipe is actually a hybrid of the another one I had in the lab, sketches drawn and ingredient list complete and purchased.  The variable that helped to create this spin on a classic, is time.  This was a quicker and lighter version of a cake I had planned for Valentine's Day.  Additionally, I wanted to work on a few skills needed to create an upcoming cake for my daughter Genesis' 14th birthday.  For her special day on the 24th of this month, she requested a 'Cheesecaken' similar to the one I made for my nephew Rob for his January surprise birthday party.  I created a 3 layer cake, Guinness Extra Stout and Butterscotch, with a whole Chocolate Guinness Cheesecake serving as the middle layer.  I made a Guinness Buttercream with Caramel Drip w/ chocolate covered pretzel thins as the topper.  Rob and the family loved the flavor profile and the design, which I was pleased to hear.

 I will be happy to share that recipe as well, stay tuned for the release!  Genesis asked if I could  make her a cake in this style, but she chose Red Velvet Cake and Plain Cheesecake as her flavor preferences.  I agreed, so I decided a little practice before the big event was in order.  As with any busy schedule, sacrifices have to be made, so midway through building my Strawberry Short/Cheesecaken, I had to bail, but I also needed a worthy supplement for what I had already announced would be the star of our dinner party for Vday.  Enter the featured cake for this post.

Rob's Guinness Extra Stout & Butterscotch Chocolate Guinness Cheesecaken

 I decided to play up the strawberry shortcake aspect of the cake, just with a little edge. While staring blankly at the baked layers of strawberry cake, utilizing the strawberry glaze, 2 lbs. fresh strawberries and whipped cream was key.  I then thought of how awesome it would be to have a hidden treasure.  I used a biscuit cutter I fashioned from an empty vegetable can to make a cylinder opening in layers 2 and 3.  Layer 1 would remain whole, to hide the cream center and make 'icing' it easier.  I then blended 1 1b. of fresh sliced strawberries with the glaze and folded in some sour cream for a vibrant tang.  I added a small amount confectioner's sugar to cut the sour cream and marry the flavors.  I spread this between the bottom 2 layers and filled the center.  I frosted the whole thing with whipped topping  and garnished with some glaze and fresh strawberry slices blended.  The results were fantastically familiar and much lighter than the one I'll be making later for my oldest sweet love, Genesis.  The optimal counterpoint for rich dishes is to serve it at events where portions will be such that, by the time it goes around once, it is gone anyway!
The best part about this recipe aside from it's refreshing flavors are the shortcuts.  As much as we would all love to have the time it takes to make everything we give our families from scratch, we can always dress up some items and make them our own.  I used strawberry supreme cake mix, store bought glaze and whipped topping and it saved the day.  Life is hard enough, don't beat yourself up over a little spilled cake mix.