Beer Garden: Presidente

It's taco night here at Casa JJ. Not upscale tacos with pickled red onions and radishes on the side (sorry Rick Bayless, but I've been at work all day). But tacos like we had when I was a kid: grated sharp cheddar, sour cream, guac, homemade salsa, shredded lettuce and seasoned ground beef (if all those people that call me a food snob could see me now). We have both flour and corn tortillas. I heat them in the microwave instead of frying them in oil . Why the big deal about tacos? This was my birthday meal when I was a kid (no it's not my birthday today) and I remember the oil and taco seasoning running down my arms - great fun! Tacos and pecan pie - what a mix... it was what I wanted every year, now that sounds kinda ick. 

Now when I make tacos, I want a light beer that's refreshing so I go for something from a hot country and this time, it's Presidente from the Dominican Republic.
Thoughts: This is a nice pils with a clean finish and little aftertaste with 5% alcohol, it's pretty tame stuff, perfect when it's hot out (currently 90.5 degrees and 60% humidity and rising - and it's 7:00pm in the evening - ugh). Good beer decision. 
Six Pack Score: 4.5 bottles

SoS - Save our Shores - Abita rocks!

Okay, beer drinking public, do the right thing and support Abita - because they are supporting the gulf coast during the current oil slick nightmare. If you're not a beer drinker (what's up w/that?) you can still do the right thing and purchase a t-shirt  or magnet for the cause. It's not pretty down here and it's going to take years to get this right. But we love the gulf coast and will work our asses off to get things straight. I have started with local tourism and beer drinking - two things I'm actually quite good at... amazingly.

Georgette Heyer - A Guilty Pleasure? Really?

I read the NPR article on Georgette Heyer as a guilty pleasure read and was disappointed. Just because the novels have some degree of romance, usually quite small and in the last few chapters, shouldn't relegate the books to some trashy novel  (smut book as my friend Amy used to call them). The amount of historical detail is amazing and the descriptions so vivid and the characters so specific and well played that I find the books hard to put down. In fact, I just finished yet another one this weekend (it was a rainy lazy Sunday after all). Review forthcoming.
As I have said before my only fault with Jane Austen is the limited material, but finding Georgette Heyer has given me so much more to think about. While Miss Austen is a little spare in here details (what did Elizabeth Bennett look like - we have some idea, but not lots), Miss Heyer is effusive in her descriptions of everyone and everything - from the cravat a certain gentleman wears (and what that means) to the acres of satin used to create a certain lady's ball gown and the look of the pair of matched grays that pull the curricle. Sure there is romance, but often also war and dueling - all described so accurately, you think you might be there - or that Heyer could travel back in time.

That said, let's party the month of August away with Laurel Ann and friends over at Austenprose. Bring on more Ms. Heyer!

Anne Elliot, A New Beginning - Mary Lydon Simonsen

Synopsis: When Anne reaches her 25th birthday, her family declares her to be a spinster and barely worthy of notice. But Anne decides to take her life in a different direction, and she begins the first day of the rest of her unmarried life by becoming a long-distance runner. This alteration changes everything about her, and a new, supremely confident, Anne emerges. This evolved Anne has an impact on her sisters, father, and most importantly, on Captain Wentworth who has returned after eight years to find that he is as much in love with Miss Anne Elliot as he ever was. 

However, there is a complication. The heir to Kellynch, the Elliot estate, William Elliot, has also come back into the picture after being estranged from Anne’s father, Sir Walter Elliot, Baronet, and he has set his sights on Anne. Now living in Bath, Anne senses that something is not right, and with the help of a street urchin named Swoosh, she sets out to discover William Elliot’s true nature.

Comments: I really enjoyed this book. Persuasion is my favorite book by Miss Austen, but this takes the tale further, while retaining the character the original and includes many subtle bits of humor. From the beginning Anne takes advantage of the fact that no one really ever notices her at home and decides that she's responsible for her own life. Does she stop loving Wentworth? Of course not, I would have put the book down in a heartbeat, but she becomes her own person without regard to what her friends or family think and she does one important thing - she says what she's (and what I'm, at least) thinking. 

To her sister Mary, who thinks herself always miserable or misused after agreeing to watch little Charles so Mary can go to dinner at the Musgroves, Anne states, "Yes, I want you to go, but in return, you must stop pretending  to be ill when you are not. You have become a hypochondriac. You act as if you are unwell so Charles will pay attention to you. But it has the reverse effect, and he ends up spending even more time away from you, and you really must try to be more positive." Good advice and Mary needed the kick in the ass - glad Anne finally said it because I'm sure I think it every time I get to that part of the story. 

She's not as shy of Wentworth when they first met again and he sooner realizes what he's been missing. Perhaps I like that so much because it means less pain for Anne and makes Wentworth look less resentful and petty. She becomes a puzzle to him, intriguing, down right confusing to him and yet that was what enticed him - at the same time he realized that the things about her he liked originally were still there. 

Anne defies convention - as a runner, by going places proper ladies shouldn't go (Tough Town), associating with street urchins (who I loved), and investigating what is really going on with Mr. "Just as Creepy as Ever" Elliot. 

It is at heart, a love story that ends the way you want it to end, with some nice turns  and a few surprises along the way. Let's put it this way, I read it in two days - which is unheard of for me - I had a hard time putting it down - damn good job Ms. Simonsen.

Everything Austen II - addition #2

I'm getting the idea that I shall keep adding to this list ad infinitum - but what the hell. I knew six  nor seven would never be enough so I'm adding to it today and can't wait to start. 

8: Lost in Austen. I've wanted to watch this for ages, but finally, it's on the way. 

9: First Impressions: A Tale of Less Pride & Prejudice. By a talented author with a real take on Austen. I'll enjoy sharing this because I think it's just (to use that quaint work I picked up living in England), lovely. Comments forthcoming. Great job Alexa!

Georgette Heyer: The Alastair Trilogy - These Old Shades and thanking authors I enjoy.

I made a point of reading the Alastair trilogy in order and I'm glad I did. It's not that you couldn't read it out of order, but it's just easier to follow along if you start at the beginning, as they say.

Summary: Justin Alastair, Duke of Avon, is called "Satanas" by all who know him and he certainly deserves it. He is known in both London and Paris as a rake of the first order and can be a dangerous man to know be you male or female. He can hold a grudge long, but he has a  quizzical eye and is mischievous as well.  When an ill-treated boy tumbles into Justin in the streets of Paris he takes it upon himself to purchase the child from a unkind brother to serve as his page. His new page, Leon, becomes useful and dedicated despite a wicked little temper, and there is something in his look that reminds Justin of his long hated enemy Comte de Saint-Vire. 


Comments: This is most decidedly a character driven novel and Justin Alastair is a most intriguing character that I have read so far from Heyer. He's equal parts devilish and sporting. You're never sure what he really means and it's almost impossible to read him, which makes him draw you into the book. Personally, I don't think he's evil, just selfish -- someone who concerns himself with only what will please him, but I do so like him ... the sort of slow way he speaks and the inferences he suggests. As much as I adore his grace, I do have a slight crush on Hugh Davenant, a friend of Avon's,  who is just a decent fellow and perhaps guides his grace more than Justin realizes. Heyer, in all her power here, is so descriptive of clothing, of language... again, I'm wondering if she actually lived the life and was reincarnated... she's masterful. Of course we know, about mid ways, how the story will go, but you just have to go along with it. {spoiler} Leon is, um, a girl, and a very beautiful one at that - Leonie has captured the old rake's heart, but ... ah, it's a Heyer novel and all, through its twists and turns, ends well. What a lovely book. I do think I prefer the books where the hero is a little bit of a bad boy and chooses to do the right thing, but perhaps that's just me. 
 I only wish I had known Ms. Heyer (and Miss Austen) when she was alive and could have told her how much I enjoyed her writing. So now I would like to say to the writers I'm reading now how much I enjoy reading their works. 


Thank you: 
Alexa Adams (some of the best short stories on the web and I love Janeicillin (for which I must thank you - it keeps me sane some days) and I'm starting First Impressions today!)
Mary Lydon Simonsen (WWII and Austen could it be better? And Anne Elliot w/a spine -- and saying all the things I want to say - hot damn. My comments will be forthcoming,)
Laurie Viera Rigler (Love time travel or something like it - but I'm a BIG fan of Dr. Who - wonder if he ever met Miss Austen because we know he met Agatha Christie, right? And you must watch the videos -- too amazing funny - when will there be a movie? There has to be a movie! Again comments forthcoming - Everything Austen II)
Beth Pattillo (Jane Austen ruined all of our lives in some way or another, at least I'm guessing. Everything Austen II)
Margaret Sullivan (Mags - There Must be Murder (how can you not love McGuffin??) is so good that I think it's part of Northanger Abbey - you're wonderful! BTW - let's get out the cluebat of Janeite Righteousness. Bring it.)
Tracy Kiely (all I need is a good murder (ah, this girl does love a murder) ... and a little bit of a love story)
Jane Odiwe (oh Willoughby, but you know... it's Brandon that makes it real)
Monica Fairview (I mean, did  you just make up your name? It is just too perfect. Loved the Darcy Cousins, but I read your books out of order which I do not like to do. That said, The Other Mr. Darcy is on its way as part of Everything Austen II. Can't wait!)


You guys (ladies) are great!

Beer and Miss Austen - The Summer Edition

In a recent conversation with another Janeite that enjoys beer (shock - are there more than two of us??), the question came up - what beer goes best with what book?
I have several beer prejudices: 1) I learned to drink beer when I lived in Great Britain just as I turned 30, not at keggers in high school, so I am a huge fan of stouts and porters. I mean what goes best when it's dark outside at 3:45pm? Guinness, of course. 2) That said, I live in a tropical climate now and stouts and porters have their time (our 6 weeks of winter), but the rest of the time it's hot and humid in the gulf coast (and sometimes covered in oil... damn you BP), so I turn to lagers and pils and almost anything from the Czech Republic. I've also decided that beers that come from hot places make nice beers here in the 46 weeks of summer - so Presidente from the Dominican Republic or Estrella Damm from Spain make nice summer enjoyment.


I have often been know to have a beer while reading Miss Austen's works, so here are my thoughts on what works well for me with each novel. I imagine that during the winter, my tastes would change - somewhat. 


Sense and Sensibility - something fresh and crisp - Stella Artois


Pride and Prejudice - something light, easy, and familiar - Warsteiner would work well here.


Mansfield Park - I think only an ale would do for this book which I was late to really understand, but now enjoy greatly - Sierra Nevada Pale Ale


Emma - Probably my least favorite heroine (see here and here), but one of my favorite beers - Lagunitas Pils


Persuasion -  My favorite book - the one that breaks my heart every time and then puts it back together - Staropramen (from Prague - an absolute favorite)


Northanger Abbey - Light, bubbly, fun ... and a little gothic mystery too with my new favorite beer - Victory Prima Pils

Beer and Miss Austen - a good combination

4th of July 2010 - Food in Review

I'm finally getting a little more back in the kitchen - at least on the weekend (sometimes). Still not my normal style, but ... Keep Calm and Carry On -- right? Right. And I made home-made Lemonade - what can beat that (besides beer, perhaps)? 


Menu:
Burgers / Hot Dogs - cooked on the grill by MotH
Baked Beans
Mac n Cheese
Garlic Cheese Bread
Cobbler
Oatmeal Cookies
Chips n Salsa
Lemonade 

The Lemonade was just fantastic and took just no time to make - just need lots of lemons and a little help from the Boy to squeeze them all. (Thank you Cook's Country - the membership is totally worth it!) I could easily find myself making this every weekend just to have, esp. in this hot, humid, oil-polluted summer (how depressing). 


The Garlic Cheese Bread is really just obscene, but I do love it. It's too rich, can't be good for you and is probably technically a sin somewhere. I think I got the recipe from some newspaper somewhere about 20 or so years ago. It's French bread or Cuban bread or a baguette - whatever. split horizontally. Melt butter and add minced garlic, and spoon this over the bread, top with good blue cheese dressing (think Marie's), and some chopped onions. Put the bread back together and wrap in foil - 350 degrees for 15-25 minutes  - long enough to get warm and mushy. Remove from oven - unwrap and open and top w/whatever type of cheese you want - return to oven until cheese is gooey. Yes, totally disgusting sounding if you don't care for cheese, but only weird people don't like cheese. No picture because it's not all that appetizing to look at. Still good though. 

I have no real recipe for baked beans or mac n cheese. I just know how to do it - learned mac n cheese from my mom, but don't measure anything. I start w/ a bechamel sauce and just keep adding cheddar until is seems right - then mix in the pasta - usually penne and bake it up - it's a pretty forgiving thing really. 

Even more forgiving are the baked beans. The baked beans are a mixture of different things I have had and enjoyed - mustard (dijon, if possible), worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and chopped yellow onion mixed into vegetarian baked beans - usually Bush's or Publix brand. I taste it before it goes into the oven to see if the balance is there and adjust accordingly - no measuring, just tasting. Sometimes I top with bacon - sometimes not. 350 degree oven until they seem done and bacon, if using, is cooked through. 


Salsa is home-made ... to a degree. I start with Ro-tel tomatoes (one original and one Mexican) and then start adding tom them. Dried basil, dried oregano, lots o' cumin, and chopped jalapeno pepper and some onion (small yellow onion), some Tobasco sauce, lime juice, and black pepper. If I have cilantro growing in the herb garden, I'll add it. If not, no biggie. Needs to be done ahead so it can sit in the fridge and all the parts can get to know each other in a personal way.  

Nectarine Cobbler

I really don't have a recipe for this either, but it's based on what my mom did with a few changes.


Nectarines (about 2 pounds)- peeled and sliced into chunks into a saucepan
3/4 cup sugar
2 T butter
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
All this goes into the saucepan and set on medium low heat. Stir often and be mindful of the heat - adjusting to make sure the fruit starts to break down, but not cook at too high a temp to get mushy. It's good if the mixture thickens as well. 
This typically takes 15-25 minutes depending on how ripe the fruit is. I tend to pick a little firmer nectarine for this recipe. If the fruit mixture is not thickened enough 1 T of cornstarch dissolved in a little milk will help. 


The biscuit topping is also simple.
1 cup self-rising flour
3 T unsalted butter, softened
1 t sugar (optional)
1/2 c milk


Mix biscuit topping together in a small bowl until blended, but do not overmix.  Once fruit is complete, pour into a glass baking dish (This fits perfectly in a 8 x 8 glass baking dish.) and top with little spoonfuls of the biscuit mix. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes.   


This is wonderful warm or at room temperature. 

Thin Oatmeal Pecan Cookies - recipe review

Original Recipe:

THIN OATMEAL PECAN COOKIES

2 sticks unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup water
1 cup flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups oatmeal, not cooked
2 cups toasted pecans, roughly chopped

 Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

 Cream together butter and both sugars. Add eggs, vanilla and water.  In a bowl, combine flour, cinnamon, salt and baking soda. Fluff together with a fork.  Stir dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, then oatmeal and pecans.

 Scoop out a rounded tablespoon of dough for each cookie, spacing them about 3 inches apart. Use a dampened spoon to flatten each cookie to about 2 inches in diameter. Bake 12 minutes or until golden. Cool for a few minutes before carefully removing from the parchment paper to a rack. Cool completely. Store in an airtight container. Makes about 3 dozen large cookies
Via Cookie Madness

My Thoughts/Adjustments:
I started thinking about these cookies about a week ago -- I pulled out the recipe and who would have guessed, the last time I made it was almost a year ago exactly - what is it about early July that makes me want a oatmeal cookies. I have no earthly idea. Do I have some strange internal food clock in my head that wants these at the same time each year -- scary. I have only made this as a half recipe as this is for me. The guys aren't huge fans of sweets (although the boy has already snarfed down two), but I make cookies for me - mostly and occasionally to take to the office. 

I add a little more vanilla, but I almost always do - just me. I also bake for a little less because I put my cookies out in teaspoons, not tablespoons. I also prefer walnuts in these cookies - again personal preference. I also don't leave them on the baking sheet too long - they get too attached to the parchment paper. I add sultanas (1 cup)  - it's just not oatmeal cookies w/out raisins. Hell, I add raisins to my regular oatmeal. 
One thing I have realized - yet again - is how much I hate the timer on my stove - the buzzer is more that just annoying ... jeez - who the frig designed this damn thing - want to strangle it (or him - must be a guy who designed it) - but not possible to strangle inanimate objects. 
10 minutes in the oven - turning the pan half way through seems to work for me. 

Why do I like these cookies? They have all the great flavor of an oatmeal cookie without being too dense. They are chewy and crunchy at the same time and have just a perfect combination of flavors, chew, and lightness. Great cookie!