Gastro-Love! Foodies and Kitchen-Dwellers UNITE!

[Medusa]

Post all your food-love, utensil-love, gadgets and such here!
This isn't a photo-thread - Just a place to share our joy about all the things in the kitchen and belly.


I had a moment while cooking the other night where I was relishing in the burst of a lemon squeeze over simmering string beans, the earthy and acidic scent of finely-minced garlic, and the waft of an olive-oil plume over my favorite All-Clad pan.

JD has RUINED me on All-Clad cookware. I had a trusty set of Rachel Ray pans with bright orange silicon handles, glass lids, and non-stick surfaces and they served me well for a few years but DAMN, All-Clad is like cooking with a Humvee. Sturdy and durable, and able to take a beating (and yes, there is a joke in there somewhere but I'll leave it alone!)

I've been making a lot of meals in the last year with a white wine reduction so I've taken to buying Black Box Chardonnay when at home because our selection in Arkansas isn't great. Otherwise, I pick up a divinely cheap bottle of 2.79 Chardonnay at the local farmer's market and it is totally adequate for cooking.


Now, tell me all your delicious business!

[girl_dee]

WHAT?? Not a photo thread?? i didn't think we had enough of them! <snark>

my Vegettini! i make zoodles several times a week out of zucchini...

Keto is serving me well now that i am eating a few times a day < adjust halo>

[homoe]

Love this thread! I'm a total foodie, although not so much a cook any longer. I'm looking forward to posting here again soon

[Medusa]

Originally Posted by girl_dee

WHAT?? Not a photo thread?? i didn't think we had enough of them! <snark>

my Vegettini! i make zoodles several times a week out of zucchini...

Keto is serving me well now that i am eating a few times a day < adjust halo>

ZOODLES! YES!

I haven't made them in a while but I would do a biggo pile of zoodles and carrots and garlic and make a mock-alfredo out of a couple of Laughing Cow cheese wedges, some chicken broth, lots of spices, and a little half and half or almond milk with dry Parmesan. It wasn't as satisfying as the real deal but for the calorie exchange it sure took the cravings away.

[Medusa]

I have a bunch of veggies marinating in the fridge and some chicken in mojito-style seasoning for grilling later tonight.

I love to make kabobs and grill a bunch of stuff up all at once so there is plenty to gnaw on for the rest of the week.

I chopped up a bunch of red peppers, purple onion, garlic, zucchini, squash, and will throw in some cherry tomatoes. They are stewing in olive oil and lime juice with smoked salt, granulated garlic, lots of black pepper, and a tiny bit of cumin. I'll pop them on some skewers later and they'll sizzle over a charcoal grill for a while later tonight.

We are basically having a late 4th of July meal and will cut up the giant watermelon that has been living on the countertop for the last 4 days LOL

One thing I love about summer? ALL THE FRESH VEGGIES AND FRUITS!! HUZZAH!

[clay]

Medusa...last night the roomie made us big thick pork chops, steamed fresh beets & greens, a baked sweet potato...but the chops...OHHHH MYYY.

She used up those random bits of bread end pieces, crumbled them with some diced onion & spices & chicken broth and made a "stuffing" of it & placed on top of pork chops & baked them in oven.

Those chops were so damned moist & fell off the bone....mouthgasms......

[girl_dee]

Originally Posted by Medusa

ZOODLES! YES!

I haven't made them in a while but I would do a biggo pile of zoodles and carrots and garlic and make a mock-alfredo out of a couple of Laughing Cow cheese wedges, some chicken broth, lots of spices, and a little half and half or almond milk with dry Parmesan. It wasn't as satisfying as the real deal but for the calorie exchange it sure took the cravings away.

< is fighting the urge to post a pic of a sample of my zoodles >

my fave is shrimp and zoodles with a buttload of butter and garlic (keto safe!)

[Medusa]

Simple breakfast this morning of scrambled eggs with dill, smoked salt, and mozzarella cheese, center-cut bacon, and a big bowl of grapes, raspberries, and cherries.

Tonight will be a simple dinner because we have a lot to do and want to cram in as much time as possible before I return home. We will be trying out some chicken and swiss meatballs and I'll do brussels sprouts pulled apart into "chips" with olive oil, black pepper, granulated lime, smoked salt, and a squeeze of fresh lemon once out of the oven.

Today is all about working at home and cleaning the kitchen. I'm a little sheepish to admit I love cleaning the kitchen. I love scrubbing the countertops and stove, loading up the dishwasher, cleaning out the fridge, and wiping down the appliances and cabinets. Something joyful about open windows, podcasts, and a sparkling food-prep area!
WEE!

[Kätzchen]

I love spending time out in the kitchen too!

Lately, I'd say since last Christmas, I began to slowly 'weed' out all the usual flour, sugar and pre-packaged food things I used to keep on hand. I now buy alternate flour's, stevia, I still keep local honey stocked, but carefully use it (per doctor's orders), I also buy certain types of breads now too. I stock rice or almond milk, rather than regular milk. I don't drink coffee anymore but keep a small sampling of coffee to make for impromptu guest visits by friends or family. I drink herbal teas, hot or cold. Filtered water or natural spring water is the type of water I like, especially artesian water.

My kitchen has a few energy saving appliances, but the appliances not in use I keep unplugged. To save on the power bill, I switched to LED lights, and rarely use lights. But my favorite torchier lamp by my bed has twin lights, functions. One has a small natural light LED bulb, the other is a red LED bulb which I use or turn on late at night. I have light sensitivity so the LED lights have improved how my eyes feels, plus the bulbs last more than 13 years and although expensive, it's cut my power bill down greatly to use LED lighting and energy efficient appliances.

When I move I plan to invest in new pots and pans and buy several hand held can opener devices....electric ones are useful, but I prefer keeping a low power bill.

I love, Love, LOVE making apple pies. I also experiment with creating my own sauces and breads. Some turn out really good but replicating the same outcome varies widely....still.

Love your forum thread idea Medusa,,,,, and like you, I do like a clean kitchen.