The Grill of Your Dreams

With Independence Day coming up this weekend, grills will be fired up all over the place.  Nothing says summer like the smell of some burgers or steaks cooking over a fire. 

There's something about grilling that gets us back to our primal selves--as long as there's been cooking, there's been grilling in some form or another.  At it's most basic, grilling is simple--throw something on the grill and take it off when it's done.

But grilling is much more than that.  It's not hard--in fact, it's probably the simplest way to cook.  Yet, doing things the right way will give you a lot less aggravation and stress. 

A post on Bucks County Taste that I wrote gives you some tips that will make your grilling experience a lot easier and more successful.  It also has a couple of recipes for great steak marinades that will be the hit of your party.  And there's a link to another BCT post that tells you where to get some of the best meats in Bucks County. 

Check out my July newsletter (going out tomorrow) for some delicious summer beverage recipes that will taste great with all that grilled food.  (If you don't get my newsletter, send me an email and I'll put you on the list!)

Happy grilling!

Add to Your Shopping List

We all know that eating healthy food helps to fend off disease, allows your body to work better and is a building block to an overall healthier life.  But what are healthy foods, anyway?

Well, there are fruits and vegetables that give vitamins and minerals needed by our bodies.  Milk has calcium that helps to build strong bones.  There's the cancer-fighting compounds in olive oil and red wine.  Every time we turn on the TV or radio, it seems there's another report about what to eat or not. 

Here's another one--from an article on Forbes.com by Susan Adams--Ten Foods You Should Be Eating.  In it, Adams talks of nutritionist and author, Johnny Bowden, who lists 10 foods that are incredibly healthy, but aren't eaten enough.  Maybe you don't think of them as healthy or maybe they aren't the most common foods.  They should, however, be on your shopping list if you're looking for a healthier lifestyle.

1.  Cherries--one of my favorite fruits.  They're full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

2.  Blueberries--See my post from yesterday and a previous post in Bucks County Taste.  They're also full of antioxidants and some studies show that they may even help to lessen the possibility of diabetes and heart disease.

3.  Kiwifruit.  Provides 115% of your daily recommended amount of Vitamin C.

4.  Grass-fed Beef.  Our bodies need some fat to be healthy--just the right kinds of fat.  The amount of fat in grass-fed beef is outweighed by the huge amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that it provides.

5.  Wild Salmon.  Even more than the grass-fed beef, salmon (wild more so than farm-raised) is teeming with omega-3 fatty acids.  These compounds help to give you better heart and brain health, bring down your blood pressure and triglycerides and may even improve your mood!  (I know some people who need to eat a LOT of salmon.)

6.  Flax Seed.  Another great source of omega-3 fatty acids as well as the cancer-fighter, lignans.  It's also a great source of fiber.

7.  Whey Protein Powder--a byproduct of cheese making.  It's a great source of protein and has been known to stimulate the immune system.

8.  Kale--it's not just for garnish anymore.  This member of the cabbage family is a treasure trove of healthful things: cancer-fighters indoles and sulforaphane, calcium, iron, Vitamins A, C & K and 2 nutrients that are good for the eyes.

9.  Coconut--yes, coconut.  It's high in a fat called MCT (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) that the body doesn't store, it turns it into energy, like a carbohydrate.  It also contains lauric acid, a fatty acid known to kill pathogens.

10.  Dark Chocolate--now we're talking.  It's rich in flavanol, which helps improve cardiovascular health.  Look for chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content (it has less sugar).

So there you have it--some more items to look for next time you're at the market that will help you live a healthier and tastier life!

Wild About Blueberries

I was reading Lynne Goldman's piece on blueberries in Bucks County Taste today.  It is indeed time to start seeing fresh blueberries in the markets.  Yum.  Tasty, versatile and really good for you.  Just want you want in food.

Lynne talks about putting some of them in the freezer for a treat during the winter months.  Always a good idea with fresh fruit.  The seasons are so short, you have to try to keep some for later--if you can avoid eating all of them first.  Jake loves eating frozen blueberries--it's like eating flavored ice!  It makes a real mess in his mouth, too. 

Of course, being the Maine fanatics that we are, blueberries always make us think of Maine.  If you've never had wild blueberries from Maine, you are missing out.  These tiny berries--much smaller than the ones you find around here--are incredibly sweet.  Sort of the essence of what blueberries should taste like.

And, if you visit during the right time of year (mid- to late-summer and even into September depending on the weather), they're everywhere.  In fact, wild blueberries cover an estimated 60,000 acres in the state.  They were first commercially harvested in 1840 and today, wild blueberry production brings $250 million dollars to Maine's economy.  You can find frozen wild blueberries in most supermarkets (Wyman's is probably the most common brand).

We usually go Down East in September, but a couple of years ago, we went in July and these pictures are from a hike up a mountain in Acadia National Park.  We took a break at the summit to drink some water and eat some berries.  A nice refreshing way to catch our breath.

So enjoy the blueberries grown locally while they last.  And if you can someday, drive north and eat some local berries right off the bushes.

Fresh Thanks

I just want to thank everyone for making "Take Back Your Kitchen: A Screening of Fresh: The Movie" such a huge success last night at The County Theater.  We sold out the theater--we were thrilled with that.  And I think (and hope) that everyone there had a good time, was energized by what we saw on the screen and got a little bit more informed from our panel of experts.

A huge thank you to our panel: Lynne, Henry, Tom, Christy & Ryman.  What a great group to hear from about celebrating our local foods!  They did a great job working to promote the event, as well.  Also thanks to the staff at the theater--especially Chris Collier, who really helped to make this thing happen.

It was quite a day for me.  My dad, Jake & I went to the Phillies game.  It was scorching hot, but we survived by drinking lots of water.  The breeze helped, too.  With the Phils leading 12-2, knowing that I had to get to the event, and when we saw the storm coming through Center City, we decided (about 5 minutes too late, it turned out) to leave. 

As we walked to the car, the storm hit.  Maybe you saw it on the news--straight line winds of 75 mph, incredibly heavy rain, hail, the works.  I had poor Jake on my shoulders and just kept yelling to him to keep his eyes shut and that it was going to be all right.  When the hail started, I had to walk backwards so we weren't getting pelted in our faces.  It was raining so hard, you literally couldn't see to walk.

We made it to the car--finally--and Jake was pretty shaken up.  For good reason.  He's OK now.

Then the ride home began.  Took forever to get out of the parking lot, 95 South was closed, so we tried to go on the Schuylkill, but the wind had blown over a tractor-trailer and it was backed up.  Tree branches everywhere.  What a mess.  MB met us in Doylestown with a change of clothes for me--I could not have been any wetter--and I somehow changed in her car (don't ask).  We walked out of the stadium at about 3:30 and I walked into the theater at 6:40.  That's a long drive.

But we made it through and Fresh was a success.  So thanks again and maybe we'll do something like this again someday...

Good Restaurants

I just read an article from the San Francisco Chronicle that gave various people's comments (I assume that people in SF know who they are, because I didn't) about what makes a bad restaurant.  Let's just say that, although some of them made some sense--dirty floors, yucky bathrooms, rude waitstaff, etc--most of them were snotty.  You know, things like "when fried calamari is on the menu" (I know plenty of good places that offer this) or "when there's a children's menu, not children's portions--this means that the place caters to the family crowd and that's the opposite of fine dining" (try going to Cafe This Way in Bar Harbor, ME--a children's menu and incredible food).

Anyway, I thought I'd talk about what I think makes a good restaurant--and I'd love to hear what you think.  So chime in!

To me, cleanliness is a top priority.  Sure, there are greasy spoons that are a little grimy, but have good food.  But if I'm going to go out for a nice meal, I want the floors and silverware and dishes to be clean.  If it's not clean on the table, it's not clean in the kitchen.

I want a relaxed atmosphere.  Super fancy restaurants are fine--if the food is good.  But I'm much more apt to enjoy my meal--really enjoy it, if I feel comfortable and can be myself--not worrying about if I'm doing something improperly.

A good restaurant has a menu that's changing with the seasons.  If a caprese salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil) is on the menu in December, then I'm not so sure about that place--serve me tomatoes when they're in season. 

I want a place that gives you food that makes you feel good--fresh ingredients, homemade pasta, food made to order.  You know what I mean.  Real food--not something processed or pre-made.

I want to feel welcome in a restaurant when you walk in.  Have a server who genuinely wants to make your meal a good experience--and give you suggestions if you ask.  I want to be able to sit and take as long as I need to eat without feeling like we're taking up space for the next party. 

The bottom line with a restaurant, though, is the food.  I want good food that's worth the price I'm paying for it. 

Do I sound snotty, too?  I hope not. 

Some of my favorites...well, there are a lot of them.  A lot of great places just in our area.  But off the top of my head, here are some places where I'd go back again and again (some that I've done just that):

Cafe This Way in Bar Harbor, ME.  This may be our favorite place anywhere.  Relaxed and comfortable--you can dine in your hiking boots and shorts.  Staff that's always friendly (Tony remembers Jake from year to year--and vice versa).  A great children's menu with much more than hot dog or mac and cheese--real food.  And a menu that takes forever to order from--everything is great.

Buddakan in Philly.  Only been here once and it was probably the most expensive meal we've ever had.  But it was also the best prepared, most delicious food we've ever had--all served by knowledgeable servers in an exciting setting.  A great place to splurge for a special occasion.  Just perfect.

Domani Star in Doylestown.  Probably our favorite local restaurant.  Friendly, fresh ingredients, homemade Italian food.  Never had anything there that I didn't love.  Mmmmm....soooo good. 

Red's Eats in Wiscasset, ME.  OK, not really a restaurant, but it's universally known to have the best lobster rolls anywhere.  Basic--the lobster roll is a whole lobster's-worth of meat on a toasted hot dog bun (you can add melted butter).  But man, it's just the best.  We always stop there when passing through "The Prettiest Village in Maine". 

There are so many others, near and far, that I'm forgetting.  Help me out--where do you like to go to eat and why? 

Molten Mocha Cakes

As you may remember, Mary Beth's birthday was on June 14.  She's the cake baker in the family (and a great one at that), but I needed to come up with some sort of dessert for her.  I came across this recipe in Baker's Chocolate Classic Recipes (the first recipe in the book).  It's easy and quick (15 minutes prep & 15 minutes baking time)--perfect for a novice cake baker like me.

Molten Mocha Cakes  (makes 8 individual cakes)

INGREDIENTS
8 oz semi-sweet chocolate
1 c (2 sticks) butter
2 c powdered sugar
1/2 c General Foods International Coffee (or similar product)--any flavor
5 eggs
4 egg  yolks
3/4 c flour
Powdered sugar (optional)
Raspberries (optional)

• Heat oven to 425 degrees.  Butter eight 3/4 c custard cups, ramekins or souffle dishes.  Place on cookie sheet.
• Microwave chocolate and butter in large microwavable bowl on HIGH for 2 minutes or until butter is melted.  Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted.  Stir in sugar and flavored instant coffee until well blended.  Whisk in eggs and egg yolks.  Stir in flour.  Divide batter among cups.
• Bake 14-15 minutes or until sides are firm but centers are soft.  Let stand 1 minute, then run small knife around cakes to loosen.  Invert cakes onto dessert dishes.  Sprinkle with powdered sugar and garnish with raspberries, if desired. 
• Make-ahead: Bake as directed above.  Cool slightly, then cover cups with plastic wrap.  Refrigerate up to 2 days.  Place cups on cookie sheet.  Reheat in 425 degree oven for 12-13 minutes.  (I know this doesn't seem like it would work, but it does.)
• We even had a left over one and it sat in the fridge for a number of days.  A quick 30 second zap in the micro and it was good as new.

Great Stuff on your FM dial!

Have you been to a farmers' market yet this year?  If not, what's keeping you?!  It sure isn't for lack of choices--there are markets all over the place these days.  And for good reason.

As you know, eating and buying locally grown and produced food is becoming more and more trendy.  And farmers' markets are the perfect places for farmers and producers to sell the fruits (and vegetables) of their labors.  The fun thing is, as you keep coming back to your favorite markets, you'll see the variety of produce throughout the growing season--from strawberries, asparagus and spring greens in the spring to tomatoes, peppers and melons in the summer to squash, Brussels sprouts and fall greens in the autumn. 

Farmers' markets aren't just for farmers anymore either.  You'll find painters, potters, bakers, makers of jams and jellies, seafood purveyors, chocolatiers, weavers...you name it!  That's why going to a FM is such a relaxing and relatively inexpensive family outing.  It's a great educational experience for kids, too.  Teach them about farming, let them meet all sorts of different people and expose them to many delicious and nutritious foods.

 

Oh, did I mention that many FMs have cooking demos?  (Nice segue, huh?)  Here are the dates that I'm scheduled to appear at three different markets through September:

Ottsville Farmers' Market     Linden Hill Gardens, 8230 Easton Rd (Rt 611), Ottsville     3-7PM

Friday, June 18

Friday, July 16

Friday, August 6

Plumsteadville Grange Farmers' Market     5901 Easton Rd (Rt 611), Plumsteadville     9AM-12PM

Saturday, July 17

Saturday, August 7

Saturday, September 4

Indian Valley Farmers' Market     Marketplace at Telford Station, Main St & Penn Ave, Telford     8:30AM-12:30PM

Saturday, July 31

Saturday, August 28

Saturday, September 11

So come on out and enjoy all the bounty that our wonderful area provides for us, meet the people who work so hard to give these great products to you and stop and say hi to me!  (Get some free samples, too!)