In the Mood for a Marathon

Let me preface this post by saying I usually don't run unless something scary is chasing me.

Things that DON'T qualify as "scary":
-My husband when he thinks it would be funny to see me run
-Family or friends who think it would be funny to see me run
-My husband in an Iron Man mask at Target
-My husband in an Iron Man mask with a foam sword at Target
-Clowns

Are you getting that I'm not going to be discussing a "running" marathon?

Ever since I started Peanut Butter & Dill Pickles, I've had the crazy notion that I should go on a sprint and blog everyday for a month.  I've learned that this is often referred to as a "blogging marathon" in the blogosphere.

So what to blog about for 30 days?  How about my favorite food of all time...

ICE CREAM!

I love it.  A lot.

Here's how much I love it. 

For several months out of the year I live in sub zero temperatures.  It's called Wisconsin.  Before that I lived in Minnesota, soI've got "winter" street cred.  In that frigid half of the year I will not turn down ice cream or frozen custard.

Even if I can't feel my toes or fingers.

Even if I risk my tongue freezing to the spoon.

My husband hails from Texas and on these sub zero days he still comes home from work every night and changes into shorts and a t-shirt.  There are no winter/summer wardrobe changes on his side of the closet.

He sticks it to ole' man winter with summer apparel.  I do it with ice cream.

So now that you understand my seriousness, get ready.

The month of June will be filled with 30 ice cream recipes--one every day.

Go ahead, call me crazy.

I did cheat and get a headstart--May has been a fun month.

Now, since I have no business with 30 quarts of ice cream in my chest freezer, the finale post will be about a party with family and friends to share the love...and get the abundance of calories out of my house.

So stick around and we'll see if I'm still standing on June 30th.

P.S. I feel bad that I didn't have any photos to include in this post so here are some randoms.  I'm a visual person and this post went against my grain!

The orchid on my windowsill is in full bloom!  

Two dog beds are better than one.

A couch and an arm trump any number of dog beds!

The Man Burger

Ladies and gentlemen I introduce to you...

The Man Burger.

Everything my man loves to eat is in this burger.

Jalapenos.

Bacon.

Blue cheese.

The ultimate trifecta.

*Start-up the 1950's commercial salesperson voice in your head*

For those times when...

You're bargaining for TV remote control power...

You need to distract him to bring in those shopping bags you've been hiding in the trunk...

Or you need his mouth full so he can't object to an IKEA day trip...

The Man Burger.

Guaranteed to work...

Every time.

Here's my man.  You'd wanna make him a burger too if you were me.

{The Man Burger}
Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground chuck
• 1 tbsp. minced jalapeno
• 2 tsp. Montreal steak seasoning
• 2 tsp. minced onion
• 3 slices bacon, cooked & crumbled
• 2 cheese slices (I used cheddar laced with blue cheese. Out of this world. Do not pass go, do not collect $200)
• 4 tbsp. crumbled blue cheese, divided
• 1/4 c. mayo
• 1 tbsp. A1 sauce
• Salt & pepper
• Buns and your favorite burger toppings (I kept it simple and just added fried onions)

1. Loosely combine ground chuck, jalapeno, seasoning, onion, bacon, and 2 tbsp. blue cheese.
2. Divide the meat in half and form 2 patties.  Press your thumb in the center of each patty to prevent the patty from shrinking up in the center while grilling.
3. Grill the patties to your preferred "doneness".
4. While the patties are grilling, mix together the remaining 2 tbsp. of blue cheese, mayo, A1 sauce, a sprinkle of salt, and pepper.
5. Toast the buns on the grill beside the burgers.
6. Smear the top of the burger bun with half of the blue cheese mayo.  Top the patty with your other favorite burger toppings and enjoy.

These are a few of my favorite things: Kitchen Gadgets

I just love Julie Andrews.  I wanted to be her in the Sound of Music when I was younger...I suppose part of me still does now.

*I hope you got the Sound of Music reference in the post title or the next diversion won't correlate*

When my sister and I were little, a wonderful woman named Jackie would come and care for us occasionally if my parents were out of town.  Jackie also watched us during the day for a week when I had chicken pox and my parents had to work.  She had this glorious four poster bed with a big, fluffy white down comforter and the Disney channel--which was a big deal in 1992 (the Disney channel, not a down comforter).  I was allowed to lay in her enormous bed and eat chocolate pudding when I was sick (remember I said white comforter...and I was 6). She was the best.

Whenever she looked after us, we watched all sorts of musicals by Rogers and Hammerstein.  Carousel and The King & I were some of our favorites but none more so than The Sound of Music.  My sister and I knew all the words to those songs--including My Favorite Things.

So what is this post really about?  Not chocolate pudding and white comforters.

I'm obsessed with kitchen gadgetry and tools.  Anything to make a task easier.  One of the reasons I love cooking shows and watching people prepare food so much is getting to observe what types of tools they use.

Here are a few of my favorite things--gadgets if you will--in the kitchen.  These are items I use the most--hands down.  Some may seem quite obvious and standard but my life wouldn't be the same without them.

• Wusthof Super Slicer

I love this knife!  I use it for everything--carving meat, slicing fresh bread without squishing the loaf, and it
does wonders on tackling large watermelons.

 

• Sur La Table Multi-Tier Oven Rack

I have yet to use this rack for it's designated purpose.  Don't get me wrong--I would kill for a double oven when cooking for parties but only have one to speak of now.  This rack will absolutely help with space in the oven--I just haven't needed it for that purpose as of yet.  As I went to put the box away (and found myself cramming it into another over crowded cabinet) I had a light bulb moment. While it's a highly beneficial item, it's not like I was going to be using it everyday.  Why not use it to help with storage in said over crowded cabinet?!?  Sometimes I open the cabinet just to peek at the organization and relish in the neat stack of bakeware that no longer tumbles onto my feet.  I'm not exaggerating here.

• Magnetic Measuring Cups & Spoons

Growing up my mom had measuring cups and spoons that were linked by a big key ring and neatly organized--until you actually had to use one. Then you were faced with the dilemma of removing that one off the key ring or washing the whole set.  I've seen individual cups and spoons before but what makes these so magical (yes, magical) is the strong magnet in the handle.  They all stack and stay together!  No tumbling around the kitchen drawer and searching for that darn 1/4 tsp!

• Bialetti Pizza Chopper

I'm not quite sure if it was the gleaming glint of the metal or the obnoxious size of the blade but my then boyfriend (now husband) saw this from across the store.  At first I protested at the size and storing such a large item but I have to say this chopper is downright cool.  At the time we were living separately so we each bought one.  When I moved in, I decided to give the extra pizza chopper to our friend.  I thought my husband was going to cry.  While it is an neat tool, we had no business with two.  My husband still disagrees with me.  C'est la vie. If we are ever in a "double-fisted-pizza-cutting-duel" I will concede and tell him he was right--we really do need two pizza choppers.

It's awesome on any pizza--deep dish to thin crust. I've even used it to uniformly cut thicker bars and brownies once removed from the pan.  I suppose it would also be an intimidating self defense item if someone were to come at you while you're trying to enjoy your slice of pepperoni heaven.

• Oxo 1/4 Cup Angled Measuring Cup

I got this little cup as part of a gift basket from my mother in law.  I know you're wondering what you would use this for and why you wouldn't just use a measuring spoon or another larger liquid.  I use it ALL the time!  

It's great for when you are making a sauce or marinade where you're adding in a few tablespoons of this and that.  Notice how the maximum measure (4 tbsp) is still lower in the cup to prevent spilling?  Do you tend to do what I do with measuring spoons? Pour that vinegar or extract right out of the bottle near the pantry and then walk the invisible tight rope back to the bowl, hoping you don't spill?  Yeah...been there done that.

It's also great for honey--just spray a quick shot of cooking spray in the cup and it's much easier to measure a few tablespoons of honey for a recipe rather than an individual measuring spoon.  This little cup is so much easier to clean as well.

• Ikea Mezzaluna and Chopping Board *only favorite no longer available*

I really don't mean to taunt you with this since it appears that Ikea no longer makes this great mezzaluna.  Instead, look at this as all the reasons why you should get any mezzaluna!  I love this little sharp rocker and board so much.  It's great for chopping/mincing things that can be somewhat more difficult or time consuming with a standard knife.  It's almost effortless since you just rock the blades back and forth while turning in different angles. Here I've used it on chocolate chips for the banana chocolate chip pancakes I was making but it's also great for mincing garlic and herbs.

So if I had to move to a deserted island, (assuming that deserted island had a fully functional kitchen and wide range of ingredients) those are the 6 gadgets that would be coming with me.

What are your favorite tools and gadgets in the kitchen?  I'd love to hear!

*Note--please see my disclosure policy.  I was not asked/paid to endorse any of these items.  I'm recommending based on my own opinion and experience*

I'll Have Another...

I'll Have Another...

What a great name for a horse and this year's Derby winner.  Based on the name alone,  I'm calling a Triple Crown winner in our future.

Another year and another Derby party.  I'm counting down to the next one.

The Beginning
There is much about Derby day that holds a lot of memories for me.  I look forward to this day almost as much as Christmas and absolutely more than my own birthday. 

My parents started the party when we lived in Wisconsin during the early 90's and carried it over in our move to Minnesota, where it was held for 13 years.  Now that they are overseas, my sister and I have taken the helm.

*For those who care to follow, we lived in Wisconsin until '93, Minnesota '93-'04, and my parents then moved to Chicago when I graduated highschool.  I moved to Milwaukee for college in '04 and my parents are now living in London.  Cheerio Mom & Dad!*

Luckily, we have home video of that very first party.  My great aunt Anne, ever the stylish lady, brought her whole collection of hats for the ladies to wear.  I miss that.  We did have a few this year but next year I may take a page from the Kate Middleton playbook and find a fascinator.  When else am I going to be able to wear one?

When we lived in Minnesota, I can't remember one Derby day where it rained.  It was always sunny and glorious.  I always woke up early and ate cereal while watching the Breakfast at Churchill Downs coverage.  They covered the latest news, odds, and morning workouts of the horses.  Isn't there something mystical about watching a horse on a quiet, empty racetrack with morning fog and the steam coming from their nostrils?  It always gave me chills and re-ignited the wish that I was a horse trainer.

The Roses
My mom would open all the doors and windows to let the sun and breeze in while decorating the house.  About that time there was always a knock on the door; a florist with a large bouquet of roses.  Every year they are sent by my grandfather to celebrate the Run for the Roses and remind us he was there in spirit...and via phone when he was calling in his bets later in the day!  He even had them sent this year and for that, I love him.

Betting
Our next task was to fill out the betting programs with all of the horses and their post positions.  This was always tediously done the day of the party in case a horse unfortunately scratched.  Here's my sister filling out those programs on Saturday.

In addition to those programs we always had win, place, and show tickets to give to party guests with their bets.  It was my job to sit with my Dad and transcribe the horse and bettor on the appropriate ticket.  After a few years, we leapt into the 21st century and got a software program to manage it all.  It has this resounding trumpet fanfare when you open the program that makes me smile. 

At that point we no longer needed those tickets as all the bets were done on the computer.  I still remember the first year with the software. An hour before the party my Dad asked me if I was ready to help him with tickets and winked at me.  We didn't HAVE to have them but we still did.  It was our thing and for that, I love him.  Notice those colored tickets below?  I have a thing for tradition.

Food.  Glorious and wonderful food.
A big pot of burgoo is a given.  If you're new, this is the low down on how we "burgoo" around here.

A Meacham ham; ordered from Kentucky and shaved thin and served with biscuits
*Side note on the ham.  I was not asked to endorse or promote this company.  We've been ordering it for years, it gets rave reviews by all of our guests, and is the best friggin' ham I've ever had.  Do yourself a favor and get some.*

Finished off with specialty horse chocolates and pecan bars.

Libations.  Glorious and wonderful libations.
Juleps of course!  Served in an authentic Derby glass.  When my mom first began the party, she decided to start collecting the commemorative glasses sold each year.  She's been collecting two of every year so my sister and I can each have a set and for that, I love her. 

I always made the run to the liquor store with my dad the morning of the party.  Bourbon and ice were certainties.  I loved watching him talk to the clerk about wines and which ones to try and buy this year.  It was just our time--the two of us driving back to the house talking about which horses we were going to bet on. 

And in keeping with the southern theme, sweet tea vodka lemonades go over well too.

The Race
Of course the highlight of the party is the race.  It may sound silly but the tension and excitement during the party could rival that underneath the twin spires. 

Our house in Minnesota had a walkout basement.  The lower level housed a TV and the betting station while the food and another TV were up on the main level.  I remember running through the house, at the direction of my Dad, calling for last bets and people running up and down the stairs to act on final hunches and odds.  

Once those horses came charging out of the gate people would hoot and holler.  As the horses changed positions people cheered them on and jumped up and down.  You could hear the noise reverberating from both levels of the house.  It felt like our own little slice of Churchill Downs. 

The race, the fun, the food, the bourbon, and the tradition...my oh my.

Next year I think I'll Have Another...

Fat Elvis & Beehive Priscilla Pancakes

Meet the Presleys.

Breakfast is awesome.  Breakfast for dinner is even awesome-er. (I don't care if that's not a word.)

Don't you feel like you're getting away with something when you have breakfast for dinner? 

It's that same feeling you had as a kid when your Dad let you have ice cream for dinner and watch the Simpsons when your Mom was away for a Junior Womens Club meeting.

*Don't worry; I didn't just bust my dad there.  We threw him under the bus with that one years ago--my mom is well aware.  We won't let him live it down or forget it either.*

I was driving home last night , breakfast on the docket for dinner, and decided Bisquick was staying in the pantry tonight. 

I had the time and energy to play.  That doesn't happen very often.

Bacon, bananas, and peanut butter were definitely making appearances.

You know who else liked bacon, bananas, and peanut butter? 

Elvis.

You know who liked bacon, bananas, and peanut butter more than Elvis? 

Fat Elvis.

You also can't have the King without the Queen. Don't even think about not paying homage to the beehive either.

The photo below captures the first of two things I love about cooking pancakes.  The amazing "poof" that happens once you flip them over.  Poof = fluffy pancake.

The photo below captures the second of  the two things I love about cooking pancakes--those lovely buttery bubbles you get around the edges.  Shut the front door.

Digression warning:

Did you know there is a dedicated site to Elvis history for every single day?  You can look up any of the 365 dates and learn about notable Elvis happenings on that particular day.  I'm serious.  It's here.

Today (5/4) in 1967, Elvis wrapped filming on the movie "Clambake" and flew to Memphis with Priscilla to finish their honeymoon.  Just thought you should know.

So here's my tribute to the King and his Queen in the form of an awesome-er set of pancakes.

Happy anniversary of completing your film and your honeymoon, Elvis.

Thank you.  Thank you very much.

{Fat Elvis Pancakes}

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c. flour
• 2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 c. brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. chopped peanuts
• 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 c. milk
• 1 egg
• 1 banana, mashed
• 1 tbsp. melted butter
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• Butter for greasing pan or griddle
• Chopped peanuts and bacon for garnish (optional)

Peanut Butter Drizzle

• 1/3 c. peanut butter
• 1 tbsp. butter

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat or on a griddle set to 325°.
2. Combine the first 6 ingredients (flour through bacon) in a large mixing bowl. 
3. In a separate smaller bowl whisk together the milk, egg, banana, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
5. Ladle anywhere from 1/4 c. to 1/2 c. (depending on how big you like your cakes) in the pan or griddle.  Flip when the edges look firm and the top is covered with bubbles, 2-4 minutes.  Cook on the other side for another minute or so until set.
6. While the pancakes are cooking, make the peanut butter drizzle.  In a small saucepan melt the peanut butter and butter over low heat.  Stir to combine. 
7. Drip and drizzle the peanut butter over the stack of cakes and top with chopped bacon and peanuts.

{Beehive Priscilla Pancakes with Chocolate Honey}
Serves 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 c. flour
• 1/4 c. cocoa powder
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 c. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 c. chopped pecans
• 1 c. milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp. melted butter
• 2 tbsp. honey
• Butter for greasing pan or griddle

Chocolate Honey Drizzle

• 1/4 c. honey, warmed
• 2 tsp. cocoa powder

1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat or on a griddle set to 325°.
2. Combine the first 6 ingredients (flour through pecans) in a large mixing bowl. 
3. In a separate smaller bowl whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and honey.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
5. Ladle 1/3 c. to 1/2 c. in the pan or griddle.  Flip when the edges look firm and the top is covered with bubbles, 2-4 minutes.  Cook on the other side for another minute or so until set.
6. While the pancakes are cooking, stir together the warmed honey (about 10-15 seconds in the microwave) and cocoa powder in a small bowl. 
7. When the pancakes are done, use biscuit or cookie cutters in graduated sizes to cut out circles from the cakes.  Stack in size order (largest to smallest) on a plate
8. Drip and drizzle the honey over the stack of cakes and top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder.