Friday, July 06, 2012

Mexican Food in France...Really?!

Yes...I have to admit it, I need my "fix" of Mexican-style foods every few weeks even when I'm here in countryside France.  I'm pretty good at home in California as a ala-Mexican Chef mainly because of the availability of the necessary ingredients so one can get the right flavor profile(s).  Tomatoes are prominent as are many varieties of chili peppers.  Including peppers in your dishes, especially if they have been roasted ahead of preparation adds depth of flavor and a spicy kick to any dish.  Onions, especially white and yellow ones are also included as part and parcel of Mexican cuisine.   Spices used, Mexican Oregano, Epazote, Lime and the like are NOT a part of French culture!   Substitution is the name of the game while here.  Dried Ancho chile peppers are a staple as well as many others too numerous to mention, without these making anything resembling actual Mexican cuisin will be quite a challenge.  So first...

Pico de Gallo (typical fresh Mexican salsa)

3 large coarsely diced tomatoes
1 finely diced medium sized onion
1/4 bunch of cilantro chopped coarsely
juice of a lime or 1/2 a lemon
1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
1/2 tsp of salt
1 finely chopped jalapenos (or more if you prefer it hotter)

Optional ingredients
half a cucumber, peeled and coarsely diced
1 avocado, peeled and coarsely diced

As you are chopping each just put in a bowl of your liking, at the last...simply mix thoroughly.  Adjust seasonings to your liking...check and add salt if necessary.

Salsa Verde (Tomotillo Salsa)

2 1/2 - 3 lbs medium Tomotillos. Remove the paper hull and de-stem.
1 large White or Yellow Onion, 1/4" dice
6 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 small bunch Cilantro, corsaely chopped, stems and leaves.
1 jalapeno, seeded. 
Juice of 2 Limes
3 large green chilis, whatever you can get, NOT BELL PEPPERS!  Roast, skin and seed.

Ok ingredients done, here goes. 

In an appropriate 1 qt. pot put in the tomatillos and barely cover with water.  Raise to boil, reduce heat to simmer, simmer for 10 minutes.  Turn off, carefully drain in a collander, allow to cool.

Out with an iron or Other skillet,  saute the onions til transparent with edges browned 5-7 minutes.

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend to a puree, about 3 - 4 minutes.
Adjust seasoning, add salt as necessary to taste.  Serve cool.

Use either on roasts, fish, pork dishes to your endless delight.  Savor those amazing flavors!  And the French don't do it!





Tuesday, July 03, 2012

Independence Day Eve...where's the fireworks?!

Well of course,  There are always a FEW.  Some towns here in France actually celebrate American Independence Day as though it were one of their holidays.  Mount St. Louis is one of those...and yes it does have a fireworks display that evening.  May seem strange but really it's not...the French soon after went to War to gain their own Independence from their King.  Without the French's help we might not have gained our own independence from King George.
Quote:
"From an early age many of us are aware of the importance of the Fourth of July. How could we miss how important it is with all the fireworks and barbecues and elaborate decorations? But when we are young we don’t fully grasp the concept of Independence Day. When we start school we are taught about the Declaration of Independence and the important role that it plays for our country. By the time we finish elementary school we can tell you who wrote the Declaration of Independence and what it actually stood for, but what we don’t know is why the Declaration of Independence is so significant to everybody.
One thing that many kids don’t realize is that the Declaration of Independence was important to other countries besides the United States. By our founding fathers bravery we became a role model for other countries who were experiencing things similar to what the colonists were suffering from with England and King George III. In fact shortly after we gained our independence France revolted against King Louis XVI to gain their independence in a sense.
The Declaration of Independence has great significance to the American people because it is what led to our independence from King George III. The Declaration of Independence justified our right to revolt against a government that no longer guaranteed us our natural rights. And it also helped us to get increased foreign assistance from France in our fight to become free from King George III of England. The Declaration of Independence stated certain ideals that the colonists believed were important for man to have, such as liberty and equality."
Independence Day - Click Here 

We put out our American Flag and our French Flag on our Windows on the 4th.  People cheer when they pass by!  What a tickle.

Sunday, July 01, 2012

Stage 1 + Walmart Shenanigans + Lamb Steaks

Yes, the Prolog is over...that was yesterday, CANCELLARA F. leads in the yellow shirt as expected.  They started about 12:30 and are now 121.7 km from the finish...all just riding along like it was a fun Sunday ride.  The Peloton is 3:19 from the leader at this moment.  More to come.  Nice weather though, no rain or wind.

Walmart: I found a site chock full of bad stories and illustrative stories of how it really operates, these reports by employees, ex-employees, managers et al.  It's a good laugh and cry depending on your point of view.  Here's the link:  Walmart at 50   <----- click there!

Tonight we have two fine lamb shank steaks, pan fried 3 minutes to a side.  They are marinating in Port wine, thyme and soy sauce currently and getting to room temp before cooking.  Those with Potatoes Anna, thinly sliced potatoes layered with butter and baked til nicely browned in a 350 degree oven.  Cold beets with Blue Cheese brings up the rear.  Shoulkd be a nice meal to celebrate our successful renting of 402!  Yes, it is a done deal!  The new residents take over on the 15th of July. 

Back to the race...115 km to go and the leader is now 2:36 min ahead of the Peloton.  Oh the strategy starts. 
Bye for now.