April 25, 2011

Chocolate Covered Matzah

Tomorrow is the last day of Passover.  Finally.  Phew.  


You can wipe away the matzah crumbs (I know they are everywhere), and finally swallow your food without needing excessive hydration.


But before you throw out those last few pieces of matzah, here's a way to jazz them up enough that you'll want to eat them year round.  This is a recipe that I tried on saltine crackers, which are really the same as matzah, only less dry. Did you hear that?  Less dry!?!?  


I will go so far as to say that this chocolate covered toffee'ed matzah is so good, you may actually forget that it is matzah.   


You start by melting equal parts brown sugar into butter. What can possibly be wrong with that?



Then you spread the mixture over a single layer of matzah.  I suggest lining your cookie sheet to make cleaning up easy.  Then, put it in the oven for about 10 minutes, until it bubbles and liquefies enough to cover the pieces.  


Next, sprinkle chocolate chips over the hot sugar mixture.


They will melt quickly, and you can spread it evenly over the matzah.  



Add chopped nuts if you so desire.



Let cool, and break into pieces.  


See how the toffee and chocolate seeps into the cracks?


Hopefully I've given you something to look forward to for next Passover.  Enjoy!



Note: I'd love to give credit to my fellow foodie bloggers who posted similar recipes, but sadly, I don't remember where I saw them all.  Thanks for the inspiration and I hope you all had a great holiday!

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April 23, 2011

Montreal Poutine


If you live in Montreal, this is a familiar sight.  It is available on almost every corner, at every hour, day or night.  It has an unmovable place in the culinary landscape of this great food city.  


If you are from Montreal, but no longer live there, this is probably awakening cravings and a desire to book your next flight to Pierre Elliott Trudeau airport, formerly Dorval (and still referred to as such by many).


So what exactly is Poutine?
French fries, cheese curds (aka squeaky cheese) and gravy.
 So simple, so delicious.

  
If you have not had the pleasure of visiting Montreal, and tasting this French Canadian classic, then let me take you on a little tour.  Montreal, in the province of Quebec, was officially established in 1642 but explorers first visited over 400 years ago.  


In Old Montreal, the streets are still lined with cobblestones.   Many buildings, still standing from the 18th century, add to the visual history of the city.  A stroll through these streets is a stroll through the past.  





Rue Saint Paul is lined with restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and gift shops.  


The Bonsecours Market, as seen today, was built in 1847 as a public market.  The site is full of history, as it was once a hotel, a club house and even a theater at which Charles Dickens staged a play.




One of the popular draws to Old Montreal is the abundance of restaurant terraces which overflow with both locals and tourists when the weather turns nice.  After long cold winters, a Montrealer will grab any opportunity to sit outside.  



Nestled among the many cafes, is Montreal Poutine, a new discovery for me and my recommendation from now on for anyone seeking the poutine experience.


 The menu has some twists on the classic poutine, such as added chicken, sausage or smoked meat, another Montreal classic.



A local beer, La Fin Du Monde, really brings out the flavors.



 Served immediately after the hot gravy hits the cold cheese, a poutine will actually morph as you eat it.  During the the first few bites the cheese still holds its shape and a firm texture.  The french fries are crisp, fresh from the fryer and can be picked out and eaten by hand.  


 By the end of the poutine, the cheese has happily melted into the gravy, which has completely smothered the fries, creating a soupy and flavorful mess.  And I wouldn't have it any other way.


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April 10, 2011

Dolce Far Niente

Dolce Far Niente is Italian for Delicious Idleness.  
It sounds almost a beautiful in English as it does in Italian.    


I watched the movie Eat, Pray, Love again this weekeend.  While the film version is well done, as is often the case, I found the book to be way better.  I read it about 5 years ago, before the craze, and not only did it impact me at the time, but it has stuck with me all these years.  There was dialogue that made me laugh, some that made me cry and plenty that made me dig deep and ponder life.  


What struck me watching it this time was this clip of the main character in Italy getting a lesson from some locals about enjoying the simple pleasures in life.  It should come as no surprise that in Italy that often equates to food.  Even less surprising is that I feel the same way.  A quiet Sunday morning with fresh baked cinnamon rolls and hot brewed coffee is a wonderful example of dolce far niente.  




I hope you find your dolce far niente too...


Editor's note- while the above picture was indeed taken at sunrise, it was not on a Sunday morning.  Those are meant for sleeping in, and completely missing the sunrise.  Early morning work meetings however, are the perfect reason to be up in time to catch spectacular sunrise photos. Best Blogger Tips
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April 06, 2011

Sweet Monterey

Welcome to my tour of Monterey, California.   There are many reasons to like love Monterey.  This decadent dessert is my favorite, but I'll be sure to give you many more.


First, there is the beautiful rocky coastline.


There are plenty of oceanside dining options with fresh seafood and flaming fishbowl sized drinks.  



One of the main attractions is The Monterey Bay Aquarium, filled with beautiful and exotic sea creatures.




Monterey is considered wine country which means wine is always acceptable, day or night, on the beach or by the fire.  But really, is there any part of California where it isn't?


The streets are lined with cute shops.  Some are even filled with candy!



I've saved my favorite reason for last. Every trip to Monterey should be sweetened with a stop at the historic Ghirardelli shop for their famous chocolate squares and hot fudge sundaes.  







Mmmmmmm....sweet enough for you to visit?
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