Monday, June 1, 2009

Recovering from a weekend cold, no energy, taste buds shot - What’s for dinner?

GK Logo

Greetings Everyone;

This weeks topics:

eggs
This past weekend found me lying in bed or lounging on the couch trying to fend off a Spring cold…the cold won!

With several hundred TV channels to choose from, it is shocking to realize that there really is very little worth watching. One can only consume so much of “The Deadliest Catch”, “House” or “NCIS”!

It’s now Monday morning and for the first time in five days, I am feeling at least better then the day before! I have so much to do, to get done, to get ready for – and being laid out for more than half a week doesn’t keep me on track at all.

Yesterday was the first day in several that I actually felt hungry and wanted to eat…but everything was so bland and tasteless until I realized that it wasn’t the food but my palette. I could feel the textures of the food but not the flavors – how depressing!!!

I woke up this morning with the idea for a really nice dinner frittata based on Mexican Chile Relleno’s and I really want to try it out but am concerned how it will turn out.

If I prepare it the way I think it should be made, I might not be able to taste the rich, complex flavors of the cheese, jalapeno, tomato, onions, etc. If I over-power the dish with too much spice, I might blow Cindy’s taste buds right out of her head, just so I can experience just a little taste. It’s horrible being a chef with a cold!!!

frittata

Anyway, here’s the recipe for Chile Relleno Frittata and the recipe for Pico de Gallo Salsa.

TOP

murphy-goode-poster

I need to thank all of you who have taken the time to cast your vote for me for the Murphy-Goode “Really Goode Sonoma Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent” job.

At present, I am among the “Most Popular” and “Most Viewed” candidates and last week had a 30-minute telephone interview which went pretty well, I think. Next step is to write a 500-word essay as to why I would make the BEST Murphy-Goode Sonoma Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent.

I only have to write this essay if I make it to the “Top 50”. From there I would need to make it to the “Top 10” who will then be flown out to California for a 3-day interview/challenge/elimination process.

At present. there are over 220 applicants for this “Dream Job” and many are certainly well qualified for the position…so I just have to keep me fingers crossed and my head focused on moving forward.

This would be such a GREAT opportunity for me personally as well as professionally. It has been almost 30 years since I lived in California and I’d love to revisit and learn even more about Sonoma; wine-making in general; about the Murphy-Goode story and to enhance my writing, blogging and social media skills.

Here is my “Murphy-Goode Really Goode Job” application video if you haven’t seen it or would like to pass it along to others.

TOP

bonnarroo_drink

On Tuesday, June 9th The GYPSY KITCHEN is leaving the barn en route to Manchester, Tennessee for Bonnaroo 2009 Music and Arts Festival (think Woodstock only larger and more commercial).

I’m traveling with my oldest daughter, Jennifer, who has wanted to attend this annual event for years…it should be interesting to say the least.

Although I have been told that I will most likely not be the OLDEST person in attendance, I will most certainly be ONE of the “elders”.

Hey, even an “old fart” can enjoy Bruce Sprinsteen and the E Street Band; Elvis Costello and even a lil’ Snoop Dogg every now and then.

Do not expect any recipes for “brownies” or “magic mushrooms” coming from this post soon!!!

TOP

farmers market

It’s June and even here in Maine, Spring is in full bloom (even if we did have frost in the foothills last night). Fiddleheads, asparagus, arugula and other leafy greens, carrots, green onions, radishes and rhubarb are all beginning to find there way to market locally. Here in Kennebunk, the Farmer’s Market is getting larger and fuller each week, as I’m sure is the case across most of the country.

Each week local farmers, gardeners, cheese makers, bakers, jammers and even the candlestick makers bring their wares to town. It’s such a wonderful treat to be able to chat with and learn from these crafts-people. I find it inspiring and regenerative to spend an hour or two hopping from booth to booth and discovering what Mother Earth has bestowed upon us for the week.

I encourage everyone to partake in their local Farmer’s Market as often as possible. The food is always fresh, most of the selections are all-natural if not totally organic, the pricing is very competitive and your doing something to help keep dollars in your community.

For those living in Maine, here is a link to info about the Maine Farmer’s Markets, with schedules, times and locations.

TOP

Old Port Fest

Sunday, June 7th., 2009 – Portland, Maine’s West End Neighborhood Association will be attempting to secure a place in the Guinness Book of World Records by building a record setting 60 foot long Linda Bean’s Perfect Maine™ Lobster Roll. And its all for a good cause!

The Guinness World Record™ attempt will take place between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
on Commercial Street during the 36th. Annual Old Port Festival. The event will be witnessed and certified by Portland’s Mayor, Jill Duson and the Executive Director of the Maine Lobster Council, Dane Somers.

The idea to build the world’s longest lobster roll as a fund raising event was inspired by
children who frequent the Reiche Library in Portland’s West End. Michael Whittaker, a
librarian and member of the association couldn’t help notice how excited the children
would get when looking through the Guinness Book of World Records.

After the lobster roll arrives on a flatbed trailer, it will be cut into 4-inch thick slices and sold to raise money for the West End Neighborhood Association’s Swimming Scholarship Fund.

The funds raised during the event will benefit nearly 250 children that live in Portland’s
West End which is considered the most demographically diverse neighborhood in the
state of Maine in terms of race, income, education and country of origin.

For a $20.00 donation, festival attendees will receive an official Guinness Book of World
Records certificate of authentication and be served a piece of the Linda Bean’s Perfect
Maine™ Lobster Roll along with a beverage and a bag of potato chips.

The “Old Port Festival” is always a ton of fun and excitement and I encourage everyone to come enjoy a day in one of the Country’s Best City’s, to walk along the cobblestone side streets, to mingle with visitors, spectators, vendors and merchants and get re-acquainted with Portland…but come hungry and make sure to partake in a slice of what is sure to be a new World Record.

For more information check out the
2009 Old Port Festival Website.

TOP

pico de gallo

This Weeks Recipe(s):

Chile Relleno Frittata Recipe

Pico de Gallo Salsa Recipe

Until next time,

Chef John (aka the Gypsy)

John Hughes #4

john@cookwithjohn.com

http://www.the-gypsy-kitchen.com/

Please feel free to pass this on to all your friends, family members and/or associates!!!

No comments: