The Unexpected Chef

Oh deer!

2008-12-21T19:18:00.000-08:00

Meet Bucky. Bucky will be my dinner guest quite a few times for the next six months or so.
I got down to butchering my buck, and I have to give props before I go on:
I had always admired butchers and their trade as a whole, but after this excursion, My tips to my local meatmen are going up (well, as much up as I can afford, along with this public admiring!). I fell into the "I can do that" trap that I am famous for...I've seen hundreds of deer, sheep, cows, pigs and various other tasty 4 leggers processed and, while I never thought it was easy, I also didn't think is was so *hard*! So remember to tip your butcher well, and if you arent using a meat market, start...the cuts are better and more economical than supermarket meat...how can their meat stay red after days of sitting out?
...yea, I got learned. My self meat butcher was more of an economic situation making my choice for me...I just couldn't afford it this year, but I did have a twinge of excitement thinking of the experience I would gain
So....I did finish the job with quite a bit of useful meat, it's not the pretty cuts one would find at the Meat Store, but I can tell what cut it is, and damned if they don't taste even more delicious! I attribute that to a heavy seasoning of pride, which is a common taste improver :)

Ala Cuisine!

2008-12-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a video game player, but when I found out they released an Iron Chef America game for Wii, I had to try it!
The game is pretty good...like all wii games it's a matter of learning movements (chop, stir, slice, etc) . There are 15 "secret ingredients", and roughly 8 variations of dishes for each, which gets a little repetitive after a bit. I found myself getting a little bored after an hour, as it doesn't seem like there is any challenge...as long as you complete the dishes, you win the challenge (from what I can tell...I havent lost one yet, and I'm at "4 stars" now).
There is a Vs. option, and I had a blast watching my 7 yr old son trying to whoop me (it was 50/50)...All in all, it was an ok game...nothing impressive, but still a nice boredom releiver and a cool addition to a foodies shelf.

I Slacker

2008-12-05T07:35:00.000-08:00

I just realized it has been two months since I've put anything here...can't expect readers if I don't lay out anything to read!
K, so a quick recap of the past 60 days: my youngest was diagnosed with some developmental issues...a "minor case", but it still requires a lot of work. So, I've been using Allrecipe to plan out the weeks meals (with my boys help)...it gives me one less stressor to worry about, there's many things the kids can help with, so it works on his conentration, fine motor skills, and quality "dad" time (I get my quality kid time as well!), and a nice byproduct is healhty, nutritios meals every night. And, I don't have scientific basis for this, but kids involved in the prep will eat things they *swear* they don't like. Case in point, we made a beer-batter fish Tuesday eve; Both my kids insist they don't like fish...my younger one very adamantly...but clean plates abounded (my youngest had THREE servings!)

I should also add that I finally got back out hunting (after a 15 yr hiatus) and bagged a monster 8 pointer (155 lbs dressed) and I'm trying my hand at butchering it myself...it is ALOT more difficult than I ever imagined, but a fantastic learning experience, and a great teaching point for the kids....get them to realize how that steak goes from a cow to sizzling on their plate. I will publish my recipe experimentations as I go along...there will be a'plenty!

mmmmmmmm......cheese

2008-09-05T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm still somewhat new, relatively speaking, so my palatte is probably not the most refined (Although, I did quit smoking a year ago, and what a difference!); But, I am curious as hell, and always seeking to increase my experiences.
Now, I'm ashamed to admit, my parmesean knowledge was limited to the pre-shredded Kraft cans. My curiosity as to what the big deal was every time I heard Ray or Batali talk about their "parmeSHANO REGiaNO"(why do they feel they have to have an accent just when talking about the cheese? Giada D. is one of the worst offenders...just thinkin out loud) finally got the best of me, and I picked up a small block of honest to goodness, 24 month aged, Parmigiano-Reggiano. All I can say is WOW. The sharp tang, with the simultaneous smoothness......ahhh...
I don't think I will ever be able to put that preshredded shit in my mouth again! I can see myself bringing my own little chunk to the restaurants lest they try to slip that sawdust on my pasta.

Howdy Y'all!

2008-09-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

I guess I need to get off my ass and start posting. So a little about me...
I'm (obviously) new to blogging, so apologies up front for the screwups that are bound to show up on here, but I wanted a place to document my thoughts, recipes, trials & errors :)
About three years ago I started my decent into FOODIEDOM (my creation) by accident...I was laid up due to a wrenched back, and was pretty much stuck watchin the boob-tube. I happened upon two episodes of Good Eats...By the second show of Alton, I has hooked....
I discovered Ramsey (who, thanks to torrent files, I now get to see in his non-"fuckinghellpissoff" Brit versions of Hells Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, and my most recent catch-up, "The F Word")....It is odd, to say the least, to see a laughing and joking Ramsey when my primary knowledge of him was Hells Kitchen...it's almost as if there is warp in the fabric of food-time....BritGordon is much more entertaining than StatesGordon...more genuine
My other major influences are; Alton for his ability to satisfy my geek curiosity about the food as well as the culinary end....and the laughs that ensue; Bourdain, I dont know why....he reminds me of me, but is actually a damn good writer.
Guy Fieri....One of my favorites! I have caught him on everything he's hosted since winning TNFNS, but with his recent announcement of what sounds like a talk show, "Guy Off The Hook", will he stretch himself too thin ala Emeril or Ray? In his defense, he does have a high energy level, but, then again, look at Ray. I hope for his sake he doesnt burn the candle from both ends too fast...I would hate to see Big Bite or DDD start goin by the wayside at the expense of a few TGIF commercials and sponsored contests that he is obligated to Emcee.

Time Shall Tell.......