Knit Think

Friday food

All righty. What's cookin'?

Let's start with the happy hour course.

Ah. Clear, refreshing ice water.

Let's add a chaser.

Heck...let's do a full dose. Even though it will lead to the Benadryl hangover the next morning, without any of the fun of having played hard first.

Probably don't need anything else. Sinuses are pounding, face feels like it's going to split apart, severe congestion, sore throat. Nope. Nothing else.

Except...

Oh, look, the ice cream truck.

Dairy products aren't recommended when one is congested.

But they are recommended when one's mental health needs a boost.

Physical health? Eh. Mental health? Much better, thank you.

Momsense

But, oddly, doesn't include my personal favorite. When I tell my kids, for the fortieth or thousandth time, that they need to do (homework/laundry/empty dishwasher/music practice/whatever), they say, with all the irritation a teen or preteen can muster, "I know."  To which I respond, "You know, but you don't do."  I think that would fit well in this song.

Music meme

Found this on Renee's blog and thought it would be fun:

Here's what you do: Copy this list; leave in the bands you’ve seen perform live; delete the ones you haven’t, and add new ones that you have seen until you reach 25. An asterisk means the previous person had it on their list. Two asterisks means the last two people who did this before you had that band on their list.

1. Bruce Springsteen* - I saw him once when I was just out of college, and he exhausted me. Oh, those infamous 4-hour shows...

2. Green Day* - Oh. Green Day. Love Green Day.

3. R.E.M.* - A fun show. But once was enough. I guess overall I'm not a big enough REM fan to go multiple times. Unlike, say, Green Day.

4. Prince* - Yeah, baby!

5. Robert Randolph & The Family Band* - These guys are great. It would be fun to see them in a smaller venue.

6. Eric Clapton* - I've seen him multiple times, and it's always been worth it. Possibly my favorite EC moment ever was an encore he did once, just him and an acoustic guitar, Over the Rainbow. Wow. So beautiful.

7. Abba - My first "real" concert. I barely remember it, except I was soooooo excited. They played with Electric Light Orchestra, which seemed just so amazing and wonderful at the time. A very long time ago.

8. Kenny Loggins - Another one I've seen multiple times, during his heyday in the '80s. He was a great live performer, very energetic. No wonder he was so skinny.

9. Sheryl Crow - Used to love her, before she went all country. I'm not a big country fan, although there are some exceptions to that. But for Sheryl, I liked her better when she was a rocker.

10. Ann Hampton Callaway - Many thanks to blogless Don for setting me up for this show at the Dakota. Holy moley. She's wonderful. I would so very much like to see her again, especially at the Dakota.

11. Elton John - What can I say? The man's got chops.

12. Billy Joel - Oh, c'mon, he's an icon. And yes, I saw him with Elton John. And yes, I saw him by himself.

13. Neil Diamond - Laugh if you will. The guy is a hell of an entertainer.

14. Megadeth - Bet you didn't see that one coming! The Teen bought tickets with money Grandma gave him for his birthday, but the friend he was going to go with bailed at the last minute, and I felt funny sending him by himself to Target Center, so I went along. I brought earplugs. That turned out to be a good idea. The woman who took my ticket looked long and hard at me and finally said, "Would you like to go to the Parent's Room?" Who knew they had such a thing? But I said no, I was brave, plus there were the earplugs. Know what? Calmest concert I've ever been to. More F-bombs than Green Day, but the audience was, well, so polite. A few headbangers, but otherwise it was like Sunday School. Who knew?

15. Jack Fest - Four with one swoop! Gin Blossoms (eh), Pretenders (disappointing), Stray Cats (AMAZING), and ZZ Top, complete with beards and fuzzy guitars. The last half of the show redeemed the dull first part. Brian Setzer rocks.

16. Lilith Fair - I was lucky enough to be at the last Lilith Fair, back in 1999. Another multiple-performer evening: K's Choice (good), Sheryl Crow (still rocking at that time, so good), Dixie Chicks (LOVE the Chicks--this was the first time I'd listened to them, and I'm still a fan), Indigo Girls (wonderful performers--I keep meaning to go see them at one of their frequent headline shows), and of course, Sarah McLachlan. I have to confess to not being a McLachlan fan either.

17. Manhattan Transfer - Remember them? All the old standards redone in jazz and scat? Geez, they were good. I miss them.

18. George Winston - kind of the piano version of Sarah McLachlan.

19. TranSiberian Orchestra - Saw their Christmas show last year. Quite fun, but waa-a-ay too long.

20. Weird Al Yankovic - Worth every penny. And that includes the considerable number of pennies spent that day at the State Fair. The guy's incredible and so very funny.

21. Panic! at the Disco - so much fun! For a boy band.

22. In the category of concerts my parents dragged me to when I was a minor and had no say: Charley Pride. My lack of interest in country started early. Oh, and let's not forget Lawrence Welk. And a-one, and a-two...Shudder. Oh, and Burl Ives...don't remember much of that one, because I was in a total teenage snit about wanting to go see George Carlin and my parents saying no. They'd heard about the Seven Words.

23. Tina Turner - on her real, final concert tour. Woot! With Joe Cocker, who was also a great deal of fun.

24. Does opera count? I used to be a season ticket holder to the Minnesota Opera. Know what? Staged opera kicks ass. I don't necessarily want to listen to it on the radio, but to see it produced--wow. Not that I have anything to compare it to, but the Minnesota Opera seems quite excellent to me. Highlights were the big classics like La Boheme and Madame Butterfly, but I think my ultimate favorite was Little Women. If I could find a recording of that 20th-century opera, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

25. Bette Midler - once, in college. Talk about the consummate performer. Made me laugh, made me blush, made me cry. How I love La Bette.

Finally, who haven't I seen that I'd like to see? Well, keeping it realistic (as in, the performers are still alive and touring), I'd choose the White Stripes (LOVE Jack White), Feist (who I was going to see this spring but then got sick, pout), and Madonna. Not because I'm a huge fan of the latter, but hey, it's Madonna.

And you?

Friday food

Fish and Phyllo, Part 2.

Or, The One in Which Ms. Knit Think Once Again Attempts Fish and Phyllo. The One in Which There is No Blood or Dead Parakeets, unlike Part 1.

Which is not to say there isn't a little bit of drama. But I digress.

Back to the beginning, with cookbook, fish, and phyllo. And a few other items, like shallots and Pernod.

I will confess that part of the reason I chose this recipe is that I've never worked with phyllo dough before, and it's intimidated me a bit. This picture shows a relatively successful laying-out-of-phyllo. Some of the other sheets I worked with didn't look quite this tidy. But overall, I'm not as cowed by phyllo as I used to be. For this recipe, you lay out a sheet of phyllo, brush it with melted butter, sprinkle with bread crumbs, lay another sheet on top, more melted butter (note: lotsa butter in this recipe, which should be your first clue that this one is a tasty keeper), add the fish, drizzle with Pernod, salt, pepper, and a pat of butter. Then you fold up the packets.

It was partway through folding the packets that the tornado sirens went off. I looked out the window at the intense storm and thought, oh, for cryin' out loud, I'm finally getting this recipe off the ground, and now there's a TORNADO WARNING?

Never fear, I did the right thing. I sent the kids and dog to the basement, then I hurriedly finished wrapping my fish and put them in the oven before I went downstairs too. After all, if there was no tornado, we'd need dinner.

Fortunately the side dish was already in the oven.

Brussels sprouts and shallots roasted in olive oil. And a couple of heads of garlic too, for spreading on crispy bread.

So, no tornado, and the sirens stopped just in time for dinner to come out of the oven. Ha! I have bested the cooking fates!

This was absolutely delicious. There's a sauce for the fish which I neglected to photograph--c'mon, there were sirens going off--but it's a lovely and wonderful sauce. Even DH, who's not so excited about fish, said he would definitely eat this again. That's high praise.

And here's the recipe. It's from the book The Sugar Mill Caribbean Cookbook by Jinx and Jefferson Morgan. The Morgans are the proprietors of the Sugar Mill Hotel in the British Virgin Islands. Just think--you could go stay there and be served food like this, without having to fuss with phyllo yourself. Or kids needing stitches. Or tornado sirens. Or dead parakeets.

Fish in Phyllo Wrap

Reprinted with permission from the author

½ cup plus 2 tablespoons butter

12 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed

6 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

6 6- to 8-ounch fillets of snapper, grouper, or other firm fish (I used tilapia)

6 teaspoons Pernod liqueur

Salt and pepper to taste

Paprika

Sauce:

2 shallots or green onions, minced

¾ cup white wine vinegar

3 tablespoons lemon juice

¾ cup unsalted cold butter, cut into bits

3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Melt ½ cup butter.

Place one sheet of phyllo, its short side parallel to your body, on your work surface (cover the remaining sheets with a damp cloth to keep them from drying out). Brush the sheet with melted butter. Sprinkle it with 1 tablespoon bread crumbs. Top the phyllo with a second sheet, and brush with butter. Place one fish fillet about 1 inch from the short side of the phyllo and 2 ½ to 3 inches from both long sides (you may need to trim the fish to fit). Sprinkle the fish with 1 teaspoon Pernod, and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons butter into six pieces, and place one piece on the fish. Fold the phyllo around the fish as you would wrap a gift, making a neat rectangular packet. Place the packet seam side down on a baking sheet. Repeat the process to make six packets. Brush the tops and sides of the packets with the remaining melted butter, and sprinkle them with paprika. Bake the packets until they are golden brown, about 30 minutes.

When the packets are almost ready, make the sauce. Cook the shallot or green onion, vinegar, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat until the onion is softened, about 1 ½ minutes. Reduce the heat to medium low. Whisk in the butter one piece at a time, incorporating the butter completely between additions. Stir in the parsley. When the packets are ready, drizzle each one with some of the warm sauce, and serve. Makes 6 servings.

Happy hour

The virtual happy hour...well, virtual for the rest of you, real for me. Fortunately for me.

Specs: vodka martini with Grey Goose vodka and a splash of Glenlivet scotch (for Campiello fans, that used to be the "bone-dry" martini on their martini menu). Yarn: Muench Touch Me. Scarf: Vintage Velvet from Scarf Style. Knitter: a happy, slightly addled Ms. Knit Think.

Friday food

Hmmm...what have we here....

Tilapia and phyllo dough. Goodness gracious! What fancy-pants thing is Ms. Knit Think having for dinner?

Huh...doesn't look like fish and phyllo...looks like Chinese takeout...of the Leeann Chin variety, perhaps.

So how did I get from fish and phyllo to fast-food Americanized Chinese?

What's this? Wound? Suture removal?

Yesterday, as the hour for cooking dinner approached, the doorbell rang. It was the neighbor boy, who told me, in sentences not quite complete and rather lacking in grammatical structure, that Youngest Son might have been hurt. Turns out a bunch of boys were playing a feisty round of Boys Will Be Boys, and somehow a rock from the ground landed on Youngest Son's forehead. There was much blood and wailing. Not on my part! I was Strong Mommy. I cleaned him up, looked at the cut and the goose egg, and thought, hmm, don't think a Band-Aid's going to handle that. So off to Urgent Care we went, where the very droll doctor stitched Youngest Son up, while delivering a deadpan running commentary including such items as "There, I think I got all the brain matter back in. Oh, whoops, guess not." Once the good doctor had informed Youngest Son that there is a miracle bandage called Tegaderm which will allow the stitches to heal while allowing Youngest Son the joy of spending his birthday (tomorrow) at the waterpark, Youngest Son suddenly recovered greatly and began angling for extra birthday presents because of his "trauma."

I could not quite resist pointing out that asking for extra birthday presents seems to prove that no trauma has really occurred, thus no extra presents are necessary. I am mean that way.

But by the time the stitches were inserted, the Tegaderm was located (not all drugstores carry it), and Youngest Son was patting his lump and saying how much he wished he could choose supper (milk it, boy!), the time for cooking was past, and the time for quick supper options was upon us.

As for the little boy who was the unfortunate rock lobber (heh--anyone else remember the old B52s song "Rock Lobster"?), I think he was in worse shape than Youngest Son. The poor kid was absolutely frantic, terrified he'd done real damage, and so worried that we'd think he did it on purpose. I know the boy, and I know he didn't do it on purpose. I also suspect that he will leave all rocks on the ground from now on. But he and his mom are such sweeties--they came by with a big box of candy goodness for Youngest Son last night, along with a heartfelt apology.

And before y'all think, well yeah, he should apologize, did I ever tell you the story of the time I was petsitting for this same family? Watching their parakeet? And the bird died before they came home from vacation? Hmmm...dead bird, couple of stitches. I think we may still owe them. 

So...fish and phyllo next Friday instead!

A tribute

For all the enablers out there in blogland. Especially Guinifer and Chris.*

Why I Have A Crush On You, UPS Man

you bring me all the things I order
are never in a bad mood
always have a jaunty wave as you drive away
look good in your brown shorts
we have an ideal uncomplicated relationship
you're like a cute boyfriend with great legs
who always brings the perfect present
(why, it's just what I've always wanted!)
and then is considerate enough to go away
oh, UPS Man, let's hop in your clean brown truck and elope !
ditch your job, I'll ditch mine
let's hit the road for Brownsville
and tempt each other
with all the luscious brown foods —
roast beef, dark chocolate,
brownies, Guinness, homemade pumpernickel, molasses cookies
I'll make you my mama's bourbon pecan pie
we'll give all the packages to kind looking strangers
live in a cozy wood cabin
with a brown dog or two
and a black and brown tabby
I'm serious, UPS Man. Let's do it.
Where do I sign?

by Alice N. Persons, from Don't Be a Stranger, copyright 2007 Sheltering Pines Press. Reprinted with permission from the publisher.

*What? Guinifer and Chris are acting all "who, me? An enabler?" Oh, please. I think Guinifer is secretly on commission with some of the online yarn shops. But at least she's all public on her blog; Chris is a different matter. Chris is sneaky. Chris sends me little emails, saying, "Hey, did'ja know about this item?" And she gets me where it hurts--the Day of the Dead items.

Like this:

Which, at least, is an Etsy artisan. But does she stop there? No. She goes right into big-box retailing:

Bad, bad enabler. Stop now.

Well, OK, don't.

Gracie the Iron Dog

She was a very, very tired dog last night. Playing with 100+ dogs at the finish line will do that to a puppy.

Friday food

It was bound to happen.

When you try new things, it's inevitable that something isn't going to be to your taste. Funny how disappointing it feels, though.

This was a pretty lightweight week for cooking at Chez Knit Think. I'm still on deadline, chained to my computer (but astonishing how much more I accomplish when those big yellow buses come and swoop the boys away--wondrous inventions, those marvelous machines), so we've been heavy on pasta, pizza, pasta, leftovers, pasta, and sandwiches. And when I say pasta, I mean cook the spaghetti, heat up the Paul Newman's Sockarooni sauce out of the jar, and slop it on top.

But I did get a lovely bunch of heirloom tomatoes from my CSA last week (my CSA, Loon Organics, was fortunately not near where all the horrible flooding did so much damage to local farmers). I thought maybe I could find one moderately creative use for the last tomato. Surfing on Epicurious, I found a variation on the ubiquitous Caprese salad.

Doesn't it look pretty? The recipe sounded good too. Instead of the usual basil, this called for arugula, sprinkles of oregano, and olive oil only, no vinegar. But you know what? It tasted flat. It really needs the basil. I usually use balsamic vinegar too, which I've been told is a no-no, but I like it (I'd add "so bite me" but that would be such a bad pun in a food post). But even just basil and good olive oil would be fine. Bright and fresh.

And it looked so tasty.

Well. Here's hoping for something better next week. I already know what I'm going to tackle, and it's intimidating me. So wish me luck.

On a final food note, here's what kind of food I am. You decide if it's right.

You Are Mexican Food

Spicy yet dependable. You pull punches, but people still love you.

What Kind of Food Are You?

Cheerleading

I was never a cheerleader. I was, however, a majorette. A pretty poor excuse for a majorette, since I ducked and covered any time I threw the baton in the air, instead of reaching to catch it. The pickings for majorettes are slim in small towns.

But today, I'm a full-fledged Cheerleader With a Cause. And those of you in the Twin Cities, especially those with dogs, pay attention! I'm talking to you. But even if you're not from the Twin Cities, pay attention anyway. Yes, I'm a very bossy cheerleader.

Next Saturday, Sept. 8, is the second annual Iron Dog Triathlon and Agility Championship. This is a fundraiser for the Top Dog Foundation, a cause near and dear to my heart. The Foundation is the charitable arm of the Top Dog Country Club, a dog kennel that caters to your dog's every need. The Foundation is fundraising to build a home for elderly, sick dogs that are not adoptable and would have to be put down otherwise. It's not intended to be a foster home, but a permanent home--if the dogs aren't adopted by someone willing to take in a sick or special-needs dog, they will be given loving, comforting homes for the rest of their natural lives. The owner of Top Dog says they hope to raise enough money to break ground in 2009 and open in 2010.

Of course, it's hard not to think of Teddy the Wonder Dog. This will be the type of place that can help dogs like him have a happy end to their lives.

So! The Foundation is hosting the Iron Dog Triathlon. We went last year, and it was a hoot. It can be as strenuous or as lazy as you and your dog would like it to be. It's in a beautiful park. There's an obstacle course in place of biking, a walk or run, and the option to swim (not required). Dogs of all shapes, sizes, and ages are welcome to participate. There will be an agility course and agility demonstrations. It's a great family event--bring the kids and dogs. I'll be there bright and early, either at the registration table or at the concession stand, so come and introduce your dog to me! And in the midst of all the fun, you'll be helping a great cause.

Please consider coming to visit. And if you can't, visit the Top Dog Foundation website to order their Top Dogs of Minnesota calendar for 2008.

In case my cheerleading hasn't convinced you, let me really drive the point home:

Rah rah rah! Sis boom bah! All dogs win! Give me a T! Give me an E! Give me a D! Give me another D! Give me a Y! What's that spell? TOP DOG!

Whew...this cheerleading has wearied me. Don't make me do it again.