Mandoline it!

This has got to be one of my favorite kitchen utensils.  Originally from France the mandoline allows for quick and uniform slicing of a variety of food items.  I use it all the time for onions, carrots and potatoes.  

They usually come with several blade thicknesses and a couple of specialty blades for French Fries and crinkle cut.  In this case I used a very fine blade so that I could quickly caramelize the onions.

The range in price considerably, but other than blade quality and safety features I can't imagine why, it's a pretty straight forward device.  I'm not sure how much mine cost because I was fortunate enough to get it from a dear friend (Thanks Bri!)

Occasionally I will run across one in the kitchen department of Ross stores for an amazingly low price.  Grab one if you happen to see it you won't be disappointed.

Pomegranate What?

107 calories, 6.0g carbs, 0.5g protein and 0.0g fat, per 12 oz bottle
Pomegranate Beer?  Ok.  We get it, it was a trend.  It had lots of antioxidents and it's supposed to be good for you, that doesn't mean you're supposed to mix it up into a pilsner.  Well, apparently nobody told the good folks over at Anheuser-Busch because they did just that.

Normally I'm not one to buy these type of drinks, but I'm cheap and curious and Ralph's slashing prices on these puppies, half off.  So I bought a six pack of each flavor at $3.50 per pack and gave them a taste.   

No surprises, pomegranate was not meant as a mixer with hops and barley, but the citrus blend wasn't so bad.  It was actually a light and refreshing drink.  I could see myself sipping it this summer around a bonfire or along the river's edge.

Apparently there is a lime-cactus flavor lurking about too.  I'll keep an eye out and report back when I find it.  Cactus?  Really?

Sauteed Spinach with Red Onions, Bacon & Blue Cheese

This was a really simple and quick side dish that I made tonight to go with are BBQ steak and shrimp (I had the shrimp).  The whole thing took about 5 minutes to make from start to finish since I used the pre-cooked bacon that takes 30 seconds in the microwave and it was really good.

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 up thinly sliced red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 10 oz bag fresh spinach 
• 2 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 tablespoon of crumbled blue cheese

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat.  Add the onion adn saute until it starts to soften and turn translucent about a minute.  Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds then add the spinahc and cook for 2 more minutes.

Divide into individual serving dishes and sprinkle with 1/2 the bacon and 1/2 the Blue Cheese.

Viva El Cabalito!!

El Cabalito is the name used to describe the traditional tall, narrow shot glass used to drink Tequila in many parts of Mexico.  The narrow shape is supposed to reflect the traditional practice of the Caballero drinking from the hollowed out horn of  a steer, which the cowboys used as flasks.   The word Cabalito actually translates to "little horse" and many people still refer to this particular style of shot glass as a Cabalito. 

These are examples of hand-crafted sterling silver work that are used to house the tall narrow shot glasses.  I love collecting a mix of sleek modern items and mixing them with vintage, hand crafted folk items so these fit the bill

To meet my modern tastes I have decided to go with Luigi Bormioli's "Duo" line glassware.  They are sleek, simple yet interesting  and quite affordable.  

Absinthe

I have been trying to find an excuse to indulge in Absinthe and it seems that I have finally found a reason.  I have friends coming down from Seattle towards the end of the month and I was looking for a unique theme for the party that I would be throwing.  At first I was thinking Moroccan or something from the Far East, but now I am thinking I will shift my direction to that of the seedy dens of the Absinthe fiends.

I am going to order Absinthe form Alandia at their website along with all of the necessary paraphernalia.  I still may go with a Turkish theme just because, but I am intrigued with the spoons and sugar and silver embellished glasses that accompany the drinks.

If anyone would like to suggest other ways to enjoy the drink please feel free to email me directly.

http://www.alandia.de/absinthe/index.php/language/en

Bits & Tids of Food and Wine