Category Archives: Uncategorized

The Desolate and Dreary Valley of the Lazy Bones

Posted on by
2

I’ll blame the weather…it can’t really fight back.  It feels like my last post was months ago, and those of you who diarize or blog know the feeling of finding yourself in the Valley of the Lazy Bones (aka. writers block).  I have lots of excuses for allowing myself  to lull in this valley, none of which seem to have much meat.

I have been cooking and experimenting, but have been remiss in wiping out the camera to take images.  Ironically I just purchased a new camera body and I’m really excited about it.  The image below is Steve testing out the auto focus as I walk briskly in our dull light and frumpy weather.

We’ve just been shooting fungi and mushrooms on the property, so I’m looking forward to going through those shots to see if my recent purchase was justified.  Of course camouflage may not be necessary to sneak up on flora, but it is the warmest jacket I own.

We have plenty to shoot and talk about, I just have to get out of my little rut.  So, I’ve blogged; albeit not the most interesting of posts, but darn it, here it is!  Whew!  Ps. this little guy was way too small for a frog leg recipe, but I will get back in the kitchen and include some recipe and images of some tasty dish soon.  Until then …


The Big Island

Posted on by
Reply

Always gorgeous and occasionally windy – we are currently in Hawaii holding on to our hats.   I’ve made weak attempts to photograph some meals but so far have been preoccupied with chasing after napkins, empty vessels and anything else that likes to take to the air.  We’ve decided to have our meals inside now – we’re a little slow on the uptake.  So hopefully I will have some reviews and or home dishes to share.  In the meantime I’ve inserted a quickie sideshow of our walk through the botanic garden on the Hilo side.

[rockyou id=158236882&w=426&h=319]

Spicy Mango Wings & Bacon Wrapped Shrimp

Posted on by
Reply

A few bottled products are used for these dishes, not necessarily as shortcuts-although welcome, but because they add a truly unique flavor boost!


serves 4 as main or 6 as appetizer

For the Wings:

8 chicken wings

5 ounces of PickaPeppa Spicy Mango Sauce (not so spicy actually)

1 teaspoon coarse salt

Preheat (toaster) oven to 350°. Place wings in a sealable container, add sauce and salt and mix thouroughly.  Let marinate for 1-3 hours in the refrigerator. Spray a sheet pan with non-stick spray and line with foil.  Spray the top of the foil with non-stick spray as well.  Place the wings on the sheet pan so they don’t touch.  Bake wings for about 3o minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare or preheat the BBQ for a 2 station area – one at about 300° and the other about 350°.  Your shrimp will cook over the 300° and your chicken will brown over the 350° area.


For the Shrimp:

8 extra large or jumbo shrimp (26/30 or 21/25)

8 strips of bacon, thick cut

1 tablespoon of maple syrup

salt and pepper

8 toothpicks, soaked in water


Preheat (toaster) oven to 400°.  Place a wire rack into a rimmed pan and lay the strips of bacon on the rack.  Bake the bacon for 10 minutes.  Remove pan from oven.  Add a grind or two of pepper.  Turn bacon over and brush with maple syrup, adding more pepper.  Bake for another 3 minutes. Place bacon maple side up on paper towels.  The bacon should be soft, pliable and just about cooked through.  Cool.

Remove the shells and de-vine shrimp.  Season with salt and pepper.  Wrap each shrimp with maple bacon and secure with a soaked toothpick.


When your BBQ is ready, place the wings over your hotter station and the shrimp on the cooler one.  Watch, and turn each piece so that it browns but doesn’t burn, moving if necessary.  Cook for about 5-10 minutes.  Use Patak’s® Medium Mango Relish as a dip for both the wings and the shrimp.

far tastier than it appears! Patak's Mango

The Patak’s® Mango Relish medium is actually pretty darn spicy so a little can go a long way.  It’s intense and very unique flavor adds an amazing dimension to many dishes.

#mce_temp_url#

#mce_temp_url#