What's for dinner tonight?

[dogfish]

Going to Kuma’s Corner in Chicago as soon as I land. Tremendous burgers.

I found a killer place down in Castle Rock. Been trying to come up with an excuse to drive that far for a burger.

[Buff]

I found a killer place down in Castle Rock. Been trying to come up with an excuse to drive that far for a burger.

Whats the place in Castle Rock?

[dogfish]

Whats the place in Castle Rock?

Crave Real Burgers (https://craverealburgers.com/menu/). Worth the drive, IMO. When I go again, I'm getting the same thing I got last time. The "Love Stinks" burger (garlic cream cheese, onion rings, candied bacon, roasted red pepper, onion, garlic mayo, ketchup, red pepper aioli) with garlic parm fries. Booyah!

[Davii]

I found a killer place down in Castle Rock. Been trying to come up with an excuse to drive that far for a burger.

Why do you need more of a reason than a damned good burger? I mean, shit, Castle Rock is cool looking, it’s also a site seeing trip?

[dogfish]

Why do you need more of a reason than a damned good burger?


This is fair. . . but traffic on 25 is a real bitch. I avoid it if at all possible. Going 15 MPH on an interstate just pisses me off.

[Davii]

This is fair. . . but traffic on 25 is a real bitch. I avoid it if at all possible. Going 15 MPH on an interstate just pisses me off.

No doubt, what about 85? Nice drive yeah? Weekends?

[Hawgdriver]

Crave Real Burgers (https://craverealburgers.com/menu/). Worth the drive, IMO. When I go again, I'm getting the same thing I got last time. The "Love Stinks" burger (garlic cream cheese, onion rings, candied bacon, roasted red pepper, onion, garlic mayo, ketchup, red pepper aioli) with garlic parm fries. Booyah!

They have killer burgers. They had a Highlands Ranch location but it has since closed.

[Davii]

Another really good spot in Castle Rock is Castle Rock Cafe. Really good fried chicken and everything is served family style. Cool place

[dogfish]

No doubt, what about 85? Nice drive yeah? Weekends?

Probably not a bad idea.



They have killer burgers. They had a Highlands Ranch location but it has since closed.

What?! Don't tell me that!

[Hawgdriver]

I made chicken tortilla soup tonight, the stock was so freaking good. It was crack.

First time I used clove, cinnamon, and coriander in the stock.

[Buff]

I made chicken tortilla soup tonight, the stock was so freaking good. It was crack.

First time I used clove, cinnamon, and coriander in the stock.

First sentence I was in! Second sentence chased me away - that is like the holy trinity of overpowering ingredients that can ruin a dish for me. Only missing Saffron.

Not overpowering?

[Davii]

I made chicken tortilla soup tonight, the stock was so freaking good. It was crack.

First time I used clove, cinnamon, and coriander in the stock.

Sounds like it could also use some Saffron.

[NightTrainLayne]

Sounds like it could also use some Saffron.

Tortilla Soup? You mustn't forget to garnish with Cilantro!

[Buff]

Making bolognese w/ pappardelle tonight.

[NightTrainLayne]

Making bolognese w/ pappardelle tonight.

Tonight? Isn't bolognese an all day/several hours long kind of cook?

[Buff]

Tonight? Isn't bolognese an all day/several hours long kind of cook?

I started cooking not long after posting this - it was around 3-4 hours of prep/cook time. I was happy with how it turned out... Ideally it's a weekend dish when you can let it go even longer!

[NightTrainLayne]

Going to Kuma’s Corner in Chicago as soon as I land. Tremendous burgers.

Can I request a current review on Kuma's Corner?

I'm going to be in Chicago for the weekend, and looking for fun spots. However, recent reviews online on Kuma's were not encouraging. . . as though they've taken a turn for the worse post-pandemic.

[dogfish]

Finally got around to using the air fryer that's been sitting on my counter forever. I'm having falafel and roasted red pepper hummus, carrots and cukes with tzatziki, olives, feta, and pita chips. Delicious. I'll probably do some kind of cauliflower or veggie fries next.

[Nomad]

I see so many individuals wanting to cook a gumbo with okra. Remember, you have to smother (cook down) the okra in a touch of vinegar & tomato sauce to rid the slim.

[NightTrainLayne]

I see so many individuals wanting to cook a gumbo with okra. Remember, you have to smother (cook down) the okra in a touch of vinegar & tomato sauce to rid the slim.

I've never put okra in my gumbo, but I thought that was the reason to put it in. That the "slime" essentially was a thickening agent to thicken it up.

https://iberiachamber.org/news/west-africa-southwest-louisiana-origin-gumbo-phebe-hayes

I do always use file` powder.

[dogfish]

I've never put okra in my gumbo, but I thought that was the reason to put it in. That the "slime" essentially was a thickening agent to thicken it up.

https://iberiachamber.org/news/west-africa-southwest-louisiana-origin-gumbo-phebe-hayes

I do always use file` powder.

In fairness, Nomad was getting rid of the Slim. Sadly, not tough these days.

[Eddiemac87]

Finally got around to using the air fryer that's been sitting on my counter forever. I'm having falafel and roasted red pepper hummus, carrots and cukes with tzatziki, olives, feta, and pita chips. Delicious. I'll probably do some kind of cauliflower or veggie fries next.

Ok, first, all those snack sound delicious.

I have an air fryer, and although convenient, I’m just not a giant fan of it.

[Slick]

I tried to do tacos al pastor in the cast iron skillet. I took a pork tenderloin , well 2 actually and marinated then in orange juice. cumin, ancho chili powder, garlic, apple cider vinegar, 3 chipotles and agave. Threw that in the vitamix and marinated for about 8 hours. My wife made home made tortillas. I sliced the tenderloin super thin before throwing it in the bag with the marinade. They came out okay but nothing like going to a taqueria in Mexico.

We used to go to this place in Playa del Carmen called El Fogón. They had the pork on that vertical spit with a pineapple dripping down on the “trompo”. I would eat like 7 or 8 tacos every time we went. Man I miss that!

[dogfish]

Ok, first, all those snack sound delicious.

I have an air fryer, and although convenient, I’m just not a giant fan of it.

overcooked my carrot fries a little, but they were pretty good.



I tried to do tacos al pastor in the cast iron skillet. I took a pork tenderloin , well 2 actually and marinated then in orange juice. cumin, ancho chili powder, garlic, apple cider vinegar, 3 chipotles and agave. Threw that in the vitamix and marinated for about 8 hours. My wife made home made tortillas. I sliced the tenderloin super thin before throwing it in the bag with the marinade. They came out okay but nothing like going to a taqueria in Mexico.

We used to go to this place in Playa del Carmen called El Fogón. They had the pork on that vertical spit with a pineapple dripping down on the “trompo”. I would eat like 7 or 8 tacos every time we went. Man I miss that!

Now you're just showing off.

[King87]

Chicken wings out of the oven. Pretty damned good. Not too greasy! I’ve been eating better lately; need more veggies tho.

[chazoe60]

I think I cracked the code for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. It's gonna sound crazy but trust me. This needs to be cooked on a griddle or a cast iron pan.
The ingredients are
21176
21177
21178
Now here's where it gets weird, but trust me.
21179
21180

I can only eat a half of one so I use 2 ritz with cream cheese while a whole sandwich would require 4 Ritz and cream cheese.

I just tried it on a lark and holy shit is it yummy. Also, one key is to put a sauce pan over the first slice of bread while just the cheddar is laid in top, this traps the heat in assuring you get a good melt on the cheese without burning the bread. Just a tip from your local gourmet

[Hawgdriver]

I think I cracked the code for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich.

What function do the Ritz crackers serve in this contraption?

[chazoe60]

What function do the Ritz crackers serve in this contraption?

It provides crunch and a vehicle for the cream cheese. Some salt too I suppose.

[Hawgdriver]

It provides crunch and a vehicle for the cream cheese. Some salt too I suppose.

So it's like a micro-sandwich within a macro-sandwich?

Does this violate any laws of physics? Or does it generate a circular definition error as far as the term "sandwich"?

[BroncoJoe]

So it's like a micro-sandwich within a macro-sandwich?

Does this violate any laws of physics? Or does it generate a circular definition error as far as the term "sandwich"?

I think MO is best qualified to answer this question.

[Eddiemac87]

I think I cracked the code for the perfect grilled cheese sandwich. It's gonna sound crazy but trust me. This needs to be cooked on a griddle or a cast iron pan.
The ingredients are
21176
21177
21178
Now here's where it gets weird, but trust me.
21179
21180

I can only eat a half of one so I use 2 ritz with cream cheese while a whole sandwich would require 4 Ritz and cream cheese.

I just tried it on a lark and holy shit is it yummy. Also, one key is to put a sauce pan over the first slice of bread while just the cheddar is laid in top, this traps the heat in assuring you get a good melt on the cheese without burning the bread. Just a tip from your local gourmet

Interesting…… hmmm

And I do the pan cover on the first side too…. Works like a charm!

[BroncoJoe]

Kids bought us a smoker for Christmas. We've used it a couple times, but the wife is busy at work (late nights) so I just picked up some Papa Murphy's pizza.

$10 Tuesdays FTW on any large pizza!

[NightTrainLayne]

Kids bought us a smoker for Christmas. We've used it a couple times, but the wife is busy at work (late nights) so I just picked up some Papa Murphy's pizza.

$10 Tuesdays FTW on any large pizza!


Joe, you can use the smoker without Mrs. BJ's supervision.

[dogfish]

Joe, you can use the smoker without Mrs. BJ's supervision.

:lol::lol::lol:

You sure about that?

[BroncoJoe]

Joe, you can use the smoker without Mrs. BJ's supervision.


:lol::lol::lol:

You sure about that?

Yep. Ended up burning the damn pies. I'm at my best in the kitchen/cooking cleaning up.

[Buff]

Kids bought us a smoker for Christmas. We've used it a couple times, but the wife is busy at work (late nights) so I just picked up some Papa Murphy's pizza.

$10 Tuesdays FTW on any large pizza!

Wife was in there the other day and commented on how the kids working there were so nice and I was like yeah of course they were, they know how easy they have it since they don't even have to cook the damn pizzas.

[NightTrainLayne]

Yep. Ended up burning the damn pies. I'm at my best in the kitchen/cooking cleaning up.

Oh wow. What a disaster.

[BroncoJoe]

Oh wow. What a disaster.

Growing up with a cooking mom and 4 sisters (total of 7 kids) didn't help my cooking skills, other than cleaning up the table and doing the dishes.

[BroncoJoe]

In all fairness though, our smoker has static temperatures. The pizza's were supposed to be cooked at 425, but I only had 400 or 450. After putting them on the smoker, it was only showing 407, so I left it at 450 (dumb). 15 minutes later (instructions said 18-20), they were "crispy". Also, the Mediterranean chicken one was basically on a tortilla.

[BroncoJoe]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUdT4mNVdpw&ab_channel=BellPepper

[dogfish]

Beyond burger, and carrot fries with ranch. I gotta say, the carrot fries are my freakin' jam right now. I love these damn things. So good.

[King87]

Your boy had some chicken tenders.

[Hawgdriver]

First sentence I was in! Second sentence chased me away - that is like the holy trinity of overpowering ingredients that can ruin a dish for me. Only missing Saffron.

Not overpowering?

Missed this! Not overpowering at all. It was like vague notes you had to discern. I used one cinnamon stick and removed it. Same with cloves. It just made it savory. Backup vocals. Had to think about it to notice it.

I'll reach for the saffron next time.

I'm a fan of the cinnamon/clove/coriander stock so far. I used it again in another dish.

[NightTrainLayne]

I whipped up a Shrimp Diablo pasta this evening. It was pretty amazing.

[Buff]

I whipped up a Shrimp Diablo pasta this evening. It was pretty amazing.

Diablo pasta on Ash Wednesday?

[NightTrainLayne]

Diablo pasta on Ash Wednesday?

Yes. It was shrimp, no meat. :D

[NightTrainLayne]

I'm going to do some old-fashioned fried chicken and mashed potatoes tonight. I have it marinating in a buttermilk brine now, and while I'm at it, I've got the rest of the chicken carcass in a stock pot making some homemade chicken stock.

Fried chicken always sounds good, but damn it, it turns into an all-day project.

[Buff]

I'm going to do some old-fashioned fried chicken and mashed potatoes tonight. I have it marinating in a buttermilk brine now, and while I'm at it, I've got the rest of the chicken carcass in a stock pot making some homemade chicken stock.

Fried chicken always sounds good, but damn it, it turns into an all-day project.

How'd it turn out?

[King87]

Tuna salad.

[NightTrainLayne]

How'd it turn out?

It was okay. It was my first go at frying chicken. .. . tougher than it looks.

But I got some good experience and know what I'll change next time. Primarily, a lot more seasoning. It was just under-seasoned and you can't fix that easily after the fact with fried chicken. Also, there's a learning curve to getting and keeping your oil at the right temperature. It'll be a lot better next time.

The stock is awesome, I can't wait to use it for some gumbo or some red beans & rice. It came out perfectly.

[turftoad]

It was okay. It was my first go at frying chicken. .. . tougher than it looks.

But I got some good experience and know what I'll change next time. Primarily, a lot more seasoning. It was just under-seasoned and you can't fix that easily after the fact with fried chicken. Also, there's a learning curve to getting and keeping your oil at the right temperature. It'll be a lot better next time.

The stock is awesome, I can't wait to use it for some gumbo or some red beans & rice. It came out perfectly.

My mom used pancake dry batter. Makes the best fried chicken! You can put whatever seasonings in with that dry mix.

Super good fried checked!

[PatriotsGuy]

Burgers and tots tonight. Going to smoke some beef back ribs for the first time this weekend!

[dogfish]

Beyond burger on a pretzel bun, onion rings, and sugar snap peas from my garden.

[BroncoJoe]

I made the mistake of having ice cream after lunch today. I am lactose intolerant, and have felt like shit all afternoon.

Why did I do that?

[dogfish]

Cabbage soup and pierogis.

[PatriotsGuy]

Eggplant parm with gnocchi

[Hawgdriver]

Eggplant parm with gnocchi

That sounds great.

[dogfish]

I love gnocchi. Good stuff.

[Freyaka]

21463

[dogfish]

Had dinner at Bastien's on Colfax (https://bastiensrestaurant.com/togo/) tonight. Any of you been there? Freakin' delicious! I think Pags would approve. I had the 10 oz New York Strip, Aesop style (topped with horseradish sauteed spinach and a fried egg), with French onion soup and a twice-baked potato, and a couple Kentucky mules (bourbon, ginger beer and lime). I say god damn! God damn.

[PatriotsGuy]

Had dinner at Bastien's on Colfax (https://bastiensrestaurant.com/togo/) tonight. Any of you been there? Freakin' delicious! I think Pags would approve. I had the 10 oz New York Strip, Aesop style (topped with horseradish sauteed spinach and a fried egg), with French onion soup and a twice-baked potato, and a couple Kentucky mules (bourbon, ginger beer and lime). I say god damn! God damn.

sounds awesome!

[dogfish]

sounds awesome!

It was really good.

[PatriotsGuy]

Beef cutlets and asparagus. Tomorrow we are having what I call “big f’ed up Italian”

[PatriotsGuy]

Going to a Home Alone screening dinner (friends invited us). Menu below;

Course I

Rotir Carnard & Champignon Crêpe
Slow roasted duck with Dunk’s mushrooms rolled in a roasted garlic & herb crepe, finished with foyot sauce

Paired With

Buzz’s Girlfriend? Woof
Home-made cranberry and black currant Cassis in a Marques De Caceres Cava served in a flute.

Course II

Bouillabaisse
Jumbo shrimp, lobster, haddock, mussels & calamari in a spicy red sauce seasoned with garlic, saffron,
grilled fennel bulb, new potatoes & crusty baguette

Paired With

Fresh Shave
Cara orange lemonade, lemon juice and Grapefruit bitters shaken with Highclere London dry gin and strained over fresh ice

Course III

Chateaubriand
Tenderloin of beef, seared to perfection served on a mirror of Louis Jadot Beaujolais infused demi glace
with gruyere gratin potatoes a bundle of haricot vert almandine

Paired With

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animals
An old fashioned made with Redemption rye whiskey, a house fortified almond syrup, and angostura bitters served in a flute

Course IV

Crème Brulé
Served with fresh fruit & real whipped cream

Paired With

Gus Polinski aka Poka King of the mid-west
A house made eggnog made with Rumhaven coconut rum strained over fresh ice and topped with a brandy soaked chopped berry floater.

[GEM]

Made manicotti while watching the Broncos game yesterday. Yum!

[dogfish]

Made manicotti while watching the Broncos game yesterday. Yum!

Hell yeah.