Trillion Dollar Spending = Dog Tails to me.

The spending bill being presented to the Senate is not just 800 billion; by the time interest is calculated over the next decade, it will be more along the lines of $ 1.2 trillion representing an unsustainable growth of government!

This expansion will include the bail out of state governments from their own budget deficits, expand Medicaid, boost education spending, food stamps and unemployment benefits, build more federal buildings, provide more for public housing, construct climate change supercomputers (thanks Gore, just what we need), erect trade barriers overseas, create refundable tax credits and make special interest payouts. This will not stimulate sustainable economic growth; the current package is a mass of spending with a sliver of targeted tax cuts.

An alternative plan should call upon a plan for change, to once-and-for-all put the nation's fiscal house in order, provide permanent tax relief for businesses and individuals, free Americans from the boom-bust economic cycle and to put the national debt to bed forever.

Did you know our current national debt is $10.7 trillion; this includes $4.3 trillion owed for SS, Medicare and other commitments, $6.4 trillion held privately, $3 trillion of which is held overseas and, (a big and), 40% of that privately held debt is due this year? The only way for government to pay that current debt, is to borrow more money. So, the U.S. is risking defaulting on it's financial obligations especially since the nation's creditors during this current economic downturn, may not be able to sustain the uncontrolled growth of spending, leaving the U.S. in financial ruin.

So now what? More dog butts for me.

French Green Beans with Stupendous Shallot Dressing

1 lb of French ultra fresh green beans. You must use small tender thin beans for this. 3 Tbs of extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp of Dijon mustard 2 tsp white wine vinegar 1 bulb of minced shallots Steam the beans until just barely tender. While steaming, whish together the dressing ingredients adding salt and pepper to taste. When the beans are done, cool slightly under running water Toss immediately with the dressing and serve. A tiny garnish of Pinole over these adds a nice touch.

Winds of Change

We have entered a new era as a country as well as, a people with the election of our new Commander in Chief; this is time for all of Americans to change and embrace a rebuilding of all sectors of their country and their lives. I do not believe government can do it alone and thus no matter how high journalism has elevated President Obama, he cannot do it alone either.

We have a long road ahead of us and I hope and pray people will wake up and take this new wave towards recovery, reconstruction and resurrection of values lost to our nation. Renewal and change is hard work and requires conscious de-construction of the old to build new; so let us all get our heads wrapped around the concept and get to work; a positive attitude and yes we can! As one door closes, another opens...we just have to see the open door. ;-)

Pears Nobile like Monet's Haystacks

Poached pears make a pretty dessert plate and are very versatile through the seasons. In winter, their flavor is heightened when accompanied by a good Gorgonzola, toasted bread and walnuts roasted with butter and salt. During the summer, serve with sweetened mascarpone and lemon peel curls.

6 firm pears with stems Juice of 1 lemon 1 Cup (240 mls) excellent red wine ¼ cup (60 mls) sugar ¼ cup (60 mls) currants 1 vanilla bean split 3 or 4 whole cloves Using a vegetable peeler, peel the pears leaving the stems. With a paring knife, cut a small slice off the bottom of the pears and stand them upright in a saucepan. Squeeze lemon juice over them, then pour on the wine and sprinkle with sugar. Add the currants, vanilla bean and cloves to the wine.

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes (or longer depending on the size and ripeness of the pears); do not allow them to become soft. Midway, turn the pears on their sides and baste several times with the wine. Transfer to serving dishes. Pour some wine syrup over each one and garnish.

A small variation on this theme is to leave them whole, unpeeled and set them upright in a baking dish like Monet’s haystacks. Drench them in wine and sugar and slow bake until they are soft and all the wine is absorbed (may take up to 4 or 5 hours, I used to use my wood oven after making bread or a roast and leave them in the oven all night) Serve warm or cold.

Martinotti Method, not Charmat!

It is interesting to learn, an Italian, Martinotti invented the Charmat method, which was then copied, “stolen” and made famous under the name of that Frenchman, Charmat.

We have done a true disservice to Federico Martinotti, director of the Enological Experimentation Institute of Asti in the ‘20’s. He was the inventor of what we call today Methode Charmat. He was THE inventor of the controlled fermentation method in autoclaves to create Spumanti. His method promised Spumanti with fruity notes, often sweet, by means of pressurized metal containers. This method became extremely popular given the speed with which a Spumanti could be produced as well as the economics of the method versus that of Champenoise also known as the classic method.

It was actually Martinotti who patented the autoclave in 1895 and then Eugène Charmat after the 1900’s who spread the method by implementing large containers for autoclaving. The correct name is and should be, metodo Martinotti-Charmat however if we give to Friar Dom Perignon the experimentation and success of fermentation in bottles for that wonderful sensation of classic spumante (alias Champagne), then truly, recognition should go to the Italian, Martinotti for his non-bottle method of fermentation.

The same grapes used for the classic method can be used for the Martinotti – Charmat method however this method renders softer colors, along the lines of straw with a tiny hint of green, fresher flavors and less structured at the same time as well as, less intense bouquets thus, the favored grapes for Spumanti are, Moscato, Prosecco, Malvasia and Brachetto.

The whole process is done in a large autoclave with the addition of selected yeasts and syrups but in a shorter amount of time re-fermentation is achieved and this is where the infamous Prosecco del Trevigiano arise. In fact, Asti is achieved from one fermentation, interrupting it in the middle of the fermentation. The first phase is stopped when 6-8 % alcohol have been achieved then, in a second autoclave the second fermentation occurs until it reaches 7,5 – 9% alcohol. The wine is then cooled to minus 4 degrees centigrade and transferred to a third autoclave for bottling. For the drier Spumanti, the Charmat lungo method is used, which requires a longer time on the “fecce.”

I conclude this with a nod to an old typical dance from the field workers of Polesine:

"…Xe quasi trent'anni che fo' l'campanaro E come un somaro me toca tirar Quando fo' don, don ,don Mando zo' le mie passion Quanto fo' din, din , din Me consolo col buon vin!…"

Go with Everything Dressing

1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil (for a stronger flavor) or use other type of oil depending on tastes.
¼ cup of red wine vinegar
1 Tablespoon of Dijon mustard
1 clove of garlic pressed
Salt and pepper to taste
½ tsp of sweet basil or Italian herbs or for a different twist Provence mix of herbs.

Combine ingredients in a covered jar and shake to blend. This can be mixed with a hand blender or a whisk noting that using good olive oil will make a nice thick and creamy dressing. For those who like Dijon, add more than one Tbs.

Tagliolini with Herbs

Tagliolini alle erbe

9 oz fresh cream
4 oz whole milk
1.5 oz salted butter
1 oz gentle Parmesan cheese (not over aged Parmigiano Reggiano)
Concentrated tomato paste
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Marjoram

Chop the herbs:
1 small bunch of parsley
2 or 3 leaves rosemary
1 sprig of thyme
10 leaves of Sage
1 sprig of Marjoram

Melt the butter, add ¾ of the chopped herbs, add the cream milk and cheese and 2 tsps of tomato concentrate from a tube and salt. Take off the heat.
When the pasta is done add to the mix and cook high until the sauce reduces a little bit. Serve with fresh black pepper and the remaining chopped herbs, parmesan on the side if desired.

Dog Butts

As we organize the new kitchen, perusing Ikea this animal lover stumbled on a few fun items and instead of using them to hang leashes in the garage...this crazy creature wanted to put these in the kitchen for dish towels; loving them and planning to put more on the walls. ;-)

Paté with Grappa and Black Truffles

I have wanted to publish this recipe for a long time but could not find the recipe; it was packed away in a box I had packed eons ago thinking I would eventually be able to get back to the place I left it and voilà, I have and so, here it is.

This is one of the best paté’s I have ever tasted and if you want a little variation on a theme, add a tiny bit of black truffle. ;-)

300 grams (10.7oz) chicken livers
300 gram white onions
60 grams (generous 2 oz) salted butter
2 tablespoons grappa (please use excellent grappa, none of those flavored fruit things but, grappa from wine such as, Pinot Nero, Muller Thurgau, Moscato ecc.)
One half of a chicken broth cube (without MSG)
1 bay leaf (alloro)
Worcester sauce
Salt

Carefully clean every trace of bile from the livers if not already done for you (check to make sure). Also, clean as much of the connective tissue as well, which will give a creamier mixture. For this recipe to be it’s best, the livers must be ultra fresh.
Wash and dry them then proceed to cutting them into 2 or 3 pieces.

Thinly slice the onions. Melt the butter then add the onions and sauté over moderate heat making sure they do not brown in any way, cook until nice and glossy. Add the livers and the bay leaf, raise the heat and cook stirring frequently.
Add to this cooked mixture the grappa and let evaporate adding the crumbled broth cube at the end of evaporation (try to use broth cubes or concentrated meat extract pastes without MSG). Taste and if necessary, add salt and complete the seasoning with a dash of Worcester sauce. If desired, this is the time to add the black truffle.

Turn off the heat and remove the bay leaf. Transfer the mixture to a Cuisinart or blender or any type of electric grinder/chopper. Mix until everything is soft and creamy.

Grease a pretty mold and pour the mixture in pressing it lightly in to all the angles. Cover and refrigerate.

Before un-molding, place a dishtowel that has been soaked in very hot water and rung dry tightly around the mold. Place on serving platter and flip and un-mold tapping the bottom where needed. Serve with warm thinly sliced toasted crusty bread. Serves 8

Ultimate Chocolate Dessert

This dessert originates from Le Antiche Sere at Sogna in Italy; an old medieval borgo. I have made this dessert many times and every time the rave reviews were worth the every effort made.

13 ozs (365 grams) semisweet chocolate (use the best you can buy)
11 ozs (310 grams) unsalted butter
8 eggs, separated
10 ozs (285 grams) almonds, toasted and ground to a powder
¾ cup (180 milliliters) sifted powdered sugar (try to find powdered sugar without cornstarch if you can)
6 ozs (170 grams) white chocolate
2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cognac

Variation of sauce: Bourbon Sauce
1 Cup Heavy Cream
½ tablespoon corn starch
1 Tablespoon water
3 Tablespoons Sugar (caster or baker’s sugar)
¼ cup Bourbon

Procedure for the chocolate soufflés:
Melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together in a double boiler (check out the awesome porcelain and copper double boilers at sur la table

Cool for 5 minutes

Beat the yolks and add them to the chocolate and butter mixture, stirring on very low heat. Then add the ground almonds and powdered sugar. Remove from the heat and allow cooling.

Whip the egg whites until stiff and gently fold into the mixture. Divide the mixture among 10 buttered ramekins or other similar forms and bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 350F or 175C.

Unmold and serve on a pool of warm white chocolate melted with a dash of cognac.
I find a nice Bourbon sauce changes this dessert from ultra refined to decadently wicked. This is the same sauce I use for my “knock-your-socks-off” bread pudding.
Whiskey Sauce: (again, please use good Bourbon!)

Place the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Whisk the cornstarch and water together then whisk into the cream and bring to a boil while constantly whisking away and let simmer for a few seconds, taking care not to burn the mixture on the bottom. Remove from heat.

Stir in the sugar and the bourbon. Taste to make sure the sauce is sufficiently sweet to taste with a good bourbon flavor and should have a nice thick consistency. Cool to room temperature.

I find this sauce served warm, just finished that is, over the unmolded chocolate tart to be "killer."

Twenty days...

Ughh!!! 20 days of the flu, not a para flu but the real bastard thing! I lost sight of Golden Piglet, probably was afraid he could get it via the blog. ;-)

Anyway, I am now catching up on things I have wanted to write about and will begin organizing the new kitchen soon so the recipes will be-a-coming.

Happy Propserous New Year to all (hoping we can all hang through the economic mess)!

Going off Track...

OK, who the hell is paying for Tom Cruise's need for the FBI? He owns, HOW many planes? He makes, HOW much money? So the poor tax payers have to pay to have him protected for going out in the open using his notariety and Hollywood face to push Scientology, and WHAM, look what we get to pay for!!!!!

High Quality Food Culture

I have so many things to write but these last two months have been busy trying to organize living quarters and now we are under the push of the holidays adding more to the plate. The other day talking to Golden Piglet we began to discuss the culture in Italy of high quality food, the fact there are so many strict rules regarding food production and the food industry. Recently there was a problem with pork from Ireland and all and any shipments to Italy were stopped, the issue is this, rarely do any of these problems originate in Italy. You never hear of bad beef or pork or lamb originating from Italy. Yes this country does have its problems with pollution getting into the water veins and affecting grazing land for buffalo milk but it is something that never leaves the country for later recall.

The United States does not have a strong FDA for the protection of human consumption regarding food production and thus every two or three months there is a ground meat recall, a spinach recall, etc.

Gang, the fact is this, one eats well and healthy here in bureaucracy-land Italy and the fact remains, simple cooking, simple food for honest, healthy meals. There are no coulis of this or that, or vellutato of this or that unless you are trying hard to make some fancy thing. Some say Italian cooking is boring or predictable, others try to jazz it up with fancy sauces and interpretations on a theme but in the end, the culture for the best using the least still wins the prize and when people pull their heads out of that dark place and see the light, they will realize all the most sophisticated kitchen equipment or kitchen for that matter does not make a better meal.

I have heard some say how boring eating in Italy is, every region having their specialties and traditions and the fact that it is hard to find things a little out of the ordinary. I ask those creatures, how is it then that Italians tend to be more appreciative of what they have than what they do not? They are happy to cook a good capon, or to make another fabulous broth from scratch...simple cooking, simple food, honest flavors. With that, I leave you all to your Christmas meal planning, searching for the ultimate meal for the holidays, looking for something new and missing the whole point of the kitchen.

Cheers and happy bubbles over the holidays to all.

Gotta Love the Left Over Queen!

I just thought you all should head over to the left over corner, where the queen of left overs has truly presented one of the best blogs I have seen in a while and not only her blog but her ideas for left overs! She mentioned our blog in finest-foodies-friday and when I read more about her I was happy to find a fellow Italian lover as well as, one who purports simplicity in the kitchen (she is also the one responsible for Foodies Blogroll.

Golden Piglet is a bit of a pain in the butt regarding left overs that is, they need to be consumed quickly for the mass of bacteria and molds that set up shop so quickly (he takes the fun out of my left overs being a microbiologist maniac). I have never been able to use left overs very well and now, Jenn has answered my prayers and even though the Piglet loves to eat so our left overs never make it far anyway, now I have a good reason to have left overs! :-) So, as you ponder what to do with what is in your pantry against what is in that Tupperware, go see what The Leftover Queen has to say. Thank you for Jenn for the nice review, we certainly appreciated it.

Coming Soon...

Snow White is working on a few posts, one about the cradle of history, one about Franciacorta (eat your hearts out French Champagne), the differences between ragù, King Porsenna and Chiusi with La Solita Zuppa, Pietra fetida, La Murrina seconds store in Milano, mini wine bricks just for starters.

The weather is nuts over here right now, snow at low levels, Zermatt getting wads of the stuff, Rome's Tiber ready to overflow it's banks, Tuscany practically a whole new lake and this all adds up to...yep you guessed it, eating because it is cold and making trips to the hottest pastry shops around.