Let's Play "Stump the Chef"!

[Front-Ranger]

Here's another fun holiday food game. All you do is think of between one and three ingredients, and the chef will come up with a recipe or a way to use them in a holiday dish!! I'll be the first chef...okay, friends, who can stump me??

[Sason]

What a fun idea, Lee!

Hm, let me see.....

Oh, I know!  Herring, matza-balls and pumpkin.

I expect that will do for a cross cultural dish!   

[milomorris]

What a fun idea, Lee!

Hm, let me see.....

Oh, I know!  Herring, matza-balls and pumpkin.

I expect that will do for a cross cultural dish!   

Good one. I can imagine a herring & mathah-ball combo, but I'm at a loss for what to do with the pumpkin.

[Monika]

Oh oh. I´m gonna have to google matza-balls.

[Front-Ranger]

Oh this is starting out fun!! Monika, you have probably found that matza is spelled several different ways...matzo, matzah, etc. However it's spelled, it's unleavened bread, eaten ceremonially by Jews because they had to leave Egypt so quickly they didn't have time to let their bread rise. Matza balls are typically plopped into a soup, so I would make a matza ball soup with chicken broth and thicken it with pureed pumpkin, adding bit-sized chunks of herring along with some chard and sesame seeds. Although matza balls have very little taste, they will make a great foil for the salty herring and the sweet pumpkin. Serve in a hollowed out pumpkin shell!

If you're willing to give me the Lee-way to use matza meal instead of balls, here are some great suggestions for toppings on matza flatbread:

69. to 76. Dirty Matzoh, a Pesach version of a savory kugel, Cajun-style. Whole-wheat matzoh with peanut butter or almond butter along with pumpkin butter and a sprinkle of flax seeds. Topped with a poached egg and a bit of melted Gruyère or Manchego. Thin, egg matzoh spread with cream cheese and lox—toast it for a minute to slightly broil the lox. Leftover cooked salmon works well, too. Matzoh brei with onions and roasted broccoli and cooked salmon. Matzoh brei with fried salami. Everything matzohs with a mozzarella stick or with hummus!
—Marcie C. Ferris, author of Matzoh Ball Gumbo

Get more deliciousness at 100 Matzoh Recipes | Leite's Culinaria

[Sason]

Oh oh. I´m gonna have to google matza-balls.

Kind of klimp.

[Sason]

Oh this is starting out fun!! Monika, you have probably found that matza is spelled several different ways...matzo, matzah, etc. However it's spelled, it's unleavened bread, eaten ceremonially by Jews because they had to leave Egypt so quickly they didn't have time to let their bread rise. Matza balls are typically plopped into a soup, so I would make a matza ball soup with chicken broth and thicken it with pureed pumpkin, adding bit-sized chunks of herring along with some chard and sesame seeds. Although matza balls have very little taste, they will make a great foil for the salty herring and the sweet pumpkin. Serve in a hollowed out pumpkin shell!

If you're willing to give me the Lee-way to use matza meal instead of balls, here are some great suggestions for toppings on matza flatbread:

69. to 76. Dirty Matzoh, a Pesach version of a savory kugel, Cajun-style. Whole-wheat matzoh with peanut butter or almond butter along with pumpkin butter and a sprinkle of flax seeds. Topped with a poached egg and a bit of melted Gruyère or Manchego. Thin, egg matzoh spread with cream cheese and lox—toast it for a minute to slightly broil the lox. Leftover cooked salmon works well, too. Matzoh brei with onions and roasted broccoli and cooked salmon. Matzoh brei with fried salami. Everything matzohs with a mozzarella stick or with hummus!
—Marcie C. Ferris, author of Matzoh Ball Gumbo

Get more deliciousness at 100 Matzoh Recipes | Leite's Culinaria

Hey, well done!

I thought that one was a bit of a challenge myself, actually.

I've never heard of herring in a soup, but everything is worth trying at least once! 

[Front-Ranger]

Many seafaring cultures have some kind of fish soup or stew, which can feature a combination of fish and shellfish. Now, herring is usually eaten pickled or smoked (kippered) but there's no reason it can't be eaten fresh. In fact, you might get more nutrition out of it that way. Like salmon, it is an oily fish with lots of flavor and antioxidants.

Here is a recipe for fried herring from Jeff's Scotland recipes: http://www.seabrite.com/jeffs_great_british_eats/Scotland_fried_herrings.htm. It also tells where to find fresh herring and how to select smoked herring if you decide to substitute it.

I have seen recipes using pickled herring where you soak the fish in water to remove the pickling and the salt. Right now, I have 3 jars of pickled herring in my fridge from IKEA. I prefer the fresh fish.

Okay, would anyone like to play another round? Throw out some more ingredients for us to chew on, or step up to be the chef, if you dare!!

[Sason]

I always forget that nowadays IKEA bestows its Swedish herringy blessings upon the world.

[milomorris]

Now, herring is usually eaten pickled or smoked (kippered) but there's no reason it can't be eaten fresh. In fact, you might get more nutrition out of it that way. Like salmon, it is an oily fish with lots of flavor and antioxidants.

I've always liked kippered herring, but I never knew i was good for me. I guess I should have moved to Norway when I had the chance.

[Monika]

Pickled herring is really good. I like it best when my mum do it herself. Yum.

[milomorris]

Pickled herring is really good. I like it best when my mum do it herself. Yum.

Sorry for taking this thread away from playing the game (I'll make up for that shortly), but can you tell us what ingredients she used in the pickling process??

[Front-Ranger]

No problem, I would like to know as well!

[milomorris]

Since I couldn't think of anything that used the last 3 ingredients, I'll toss out another trio:

Turnips
Lamb
Broccoli Rabe

[Monika]

Sorry for taking this thread away from playing the game (I'll make up for that shortly), but can you tell us what ingredients she used in the pickling process??

I had to ask mum  

For the pickle solution she uses water, vinegar, sugar, bay leaves and cloves.

She boils the solution, waits for it to cool off and then pours it over the herring filles, leek, dill seeds, carrots and allspice (which is placed in alternate layers).



I

[Sason]

I've always liked kippered herring, but I never knew i was good for me. I guess I should have moved to Norway when I had the chance.

Yep, lots of herring, kippered, smoked, pickled, fermented and fresh here in Scandinavia!

[milomorris]

I had to ask mum  

For the pickle solution she uses water, vinegar, sugar, bay leaves and cloves.

She boils the solution, waits for it to cool off and then pours it over the herring filles, leek, dill seeds, carrots and allspice (which is placed in alternate layers).



I

That's far more involved than I anticipated, but DANG does it sound delicious!!!

[Front-Ranger]

Okay, I'll admit, I'm stumped! But, not because I can't think of what to do with turnips and broccoli rabe, but just because I can't think of what to do first!! They are both some of my favorite ingredients. I guess I would use them in a shepherd's pie, for starters. Brown the ground lamb with onions and garlic in olive oil in a large skillet and add the cut up turnips and broccoli rabe. When they have wilted and browned at the edges, add a dash of broth or wine, cover them with a layer of smashed potatoes, and add some grated parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and simmer until the entire dish is hot and bubbly. A wonderful comfort food, and very appropriate for the holidays, too!!

[milomorris]

Okay, I'll admit, I'm stumped! But, not because I can't think of what to do with turnips and broccoli rabe, but just because I can't think of what to do first!! They are both some of my favorite ingredients. I guess I would use them in a shepherd's pie, for starters. Brown the ground lamb with onions and garlic in olive oil in a large skillet and add the cut up turnips and broccoli rabe. When they have wilted and browned at the edges, add a dash of broth or wine, cover them with a layer of smashed potatoes, and add some grated parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and simmer until the entire dish is hot and bubbly. A wonderful comfort food, and very appropriate for the holidays, too!!

Shepherd's Pie is a great idea!!

I had these ingredients at a Passover Sater when I was a teenager. The turnips were masked and whipped with garlic & olive oil. The broccoli rabe was chopped and steamed. And it was served with slices of lamb roast. It was one of the best meals I can remember. I had never had lamb before, and the experience encouraged me to venture into trying other unusual foods. At this point in my life, I'll try anything except cat or dog.

[Monika]

OT

Speaking of food - it´s Christmas! Yay!

Tonight we´ll stuff ourselves silly! You´re eating your Christmas food tomorrow in the US, right?

[Ellemeno]

I volunteer to be stumped.

[Sason]

Okay, I'll admit, I'm stumped! But, not because I can't think of what to do with turnips and broccoli rabe, but just because I can't think of what to do first!! They are both some of my favorite ingredients. I guess I would use them in a shepherd's pie, for starters. Brown the ground lamb with onions and garlic in olive oil in a large skillet and add the cut up turnips and broccoli rabe. When they have wilted and browned at the edges, add a dash of broth or wine, cover them with a layer of smashed potatoes, and add some grated parmesan cheese over the top. Cover with a lid and simmer until the entire dish is hot and bubbly. A wonderful comfort food, and very appropriate for the holidays, too!!

That sounds delicious, Lee!

I've had shepherd's pie in England, and there it's an oven dish. But your way sounds just as good.

[Sason]

OT

Speaking of food - it´s Christmas! Yay!

Tonight we´ll stuff ourselves silly! You´re eating your Christmas food tomorrow in the US, right?

Hi Monika!

Happy stuffing!   

[Front-Ranger]

I volunteer to be stumped.

Okay, Elle, dear, here are some ingredients for you:

Strawberries and ... coffee!!

Now let's see what you do with that!! Chime in everyone... and happy stuffing!!

Today, I will make a pie, empanadas, cream cheese-cranberry turnovers, and a roast!!

[milomorris]

OT

Speaking of food - it´s Christmas! Yay!

Tonight we´ll stuff ourselves silly! You´re eating your Christmas food tomorrow in the US, right?

Depending on one's ethnic traditions, Americans either stuff themselves on Christmas Eve, or on Christmas Day. Even though I am African-American, I enjoy the Italian tradition of the Feast of the Seven Fishes. On Christmas Eve, Italians have a meal that is made of seafood dishes. There's squid, shrimp, clams, mussels, octopus, scallops, and cod. But you can make any seafood you want.

This year, I made a cioppino with scallops, shrimp, squid, and mussels in a white wine cream sauce, served over rotini.

[Ellemeno]

Okay, Elle, dear, here are some ingredients for you:

Strawberries and ... Coffee!!!

I think I would put the strawberries into the freezer just until quite firm, but not hard, and then chop them.  I would make a coffee ice cream, and fold the chopped strawberries into the completed ice cream, and serve with gauffrettes.

I can't believe I've never seen that, it sounds good.

[Front-Ranger]

Wow, Clarissa, that sounds scrumptious!! I can just visualize it now!! I can also see this as a Pavlova, with beaten egg whites instead of ice cream if it's too cold for ice cream. What a heavenly dish!!

And Milo, I can just smell the cioppino cooking...it sounds wonderful! The tradition in our family is to have scallop empanada for Christmas Eve dinner. But this year we will not have scallops because my daughter's family doesn't eat shellfish. Fortunately, you can put just about any fish, chicken, or meat in empanadas and it works just fine. The other ingredients are sweet peppers and onions sauteed in olive oil. I always use a combination of red and green peppers.

We have had a traditional Italian dinner for Christmas in the past: a crown roast of beef or pork, filled with vegetables and a first plate of pasta in walnut sauce, with a salad of bitter greens and fruit and an assortment of cheeses, followed by tiramisu. But this year our Christmas dinner will be all American, with a Christmas pumpkin pecan pie at the end.

[milomorris]

Wow, Clarissa, that sounds scrumptious!! I can just visualize it now!! I can also see this as a Pavlova, with beaten egg whites instead of ice cream if it's too cold for ice cream. What a heavenly dish!!

And Milo, I can just smell the cioppino cooking...it sounds wonderful! The tradition in our family is to have scallop empanada for Christmas Eve dinner. But this year we will not have scallops because my daughter's family doesn't eat shellfish. Fortunately, you can put just about any fish, chicken, or meat in empanadas and it works just fine. The other ingredients are sweet peppers and onions sauteed in olive oil. I always use a combination of red and green peppers.

We have had a traditional Italian dinner for Christmas in the past: a crown roast of beef or pork, filled with vegetables and a first plate of pasta in walnut sauce, with a salad of bitter greens and fruit and an assortment of cheeses, followed by tiramisu. But this year our Christmas dinner will be all American, with a Christmas pumpkin pecan pie at the end.

No offense, but I always think of empanadas as fast food. When I sing in Houston, I find it convenient to grab one at one of the numerous tequerias throughout the city. They're great piping hot.

Food is such a wonderful part of holidays.

[Ellemeno]

Lee, you may be the best chef I know.  Of anyone.  Anywhere.

[Front-Ranger]

What a wonderful compliment, friend! I am not really a chef, I am just an enthusiast. Yes, empanadas are usually a fast food, but they take many forms. I actually cooked the empanada in a paella pan...the family really liked it, thought it was the "best ever:!!! A first this year, I added artichoke hearts.

[Sason]

I had to ask mum  

For the pickle solution she uses water, vinegar, sugar, bay leaves and cloves.

She boils the solution, waits for it to cool off and then pours it over the herring filles, leek, dill seeds, carrots and allspice (which is placed in alternate layers).

Speaking of herring, I forgot to mention earlier that when I was out with my work last week, for a traditional Xmas buffet (smörgåsbord), the restaurant offered 22 different varieties of herring!! All home made. I tried 7 or 8 or them, and they were all very yummy! I could have done with just the herring, I really didn't need any of the other stuff.

[Front-Ranger]

No offense, but I always think of empanadas as fast food. When I sing in Houston, I find it convenient to grab one at one of the numerous tequerias throughout the city. They're great piping hot.

Food is such a wonderful part of holidays.

Amen, friend! I was reading about buffalo empanadas in the new cookbook I got for Christmas from The Fort Restaurant. Those empanada are finger food and they are deep fried. But the empanada I make for Christmas Eve is baked, and it is definitely not fast food. The dough has to rise for 1 1/2 hours, then you punch it down and let it rise for another hour. Then you saute the filling ingredients (I only saute the onion, the rest I put in fresh), pop on and seal the top pastry and brush it with beaten egg. It is quite large...I bake it in a paella pan which has an 11 inch diameter!!

[Front-Ranger]

Happy New Year, everyone! It's been fun playing "stump the Chef"! If any chefs want to step up before the festivities end, be our guest! We can also nominate some healthy ingredients for January dishes too.

[Front-Ranger]

Is anybody interested in an Easter or spring themed chef's challenge?? Less than a month until spring!!

[Front-Ranger]

Today I learned that you can make yogurt in a crock pot! I can't wait to try it! So I'll throw out some ingredients here...yogurt, maple syrup and any kind of alcoholic liquor (or vanilla if you don't do alcohol). Any chefs out there willing to take on this challenge?

[Sason]

Sounds like youghurt ice cream to me.   

[Jeff Wrangler]

Today I learned that you can make yogurt in a crock pot! I can't wait to try it! So I'll throw out some ingredients here...yogurt, maple syrup and any kind of alcoholic liquor (or vanilla if you don't do alcohol). Any chefs out there willing to take on this challenge?

I'm confused. How are you making "yogurt in a crock pot" if one of the ingredients is ... yogurt? 

[Front-Ranger]

Jeff, the post about making yogurt in a crock pot was just a little divertissement to keep the thread alive between holidays.

[ifyoucantfixit]

   I suppose you could use the crock part of the pot, (mine comes out,) and put it in the fridge..?

[Jeff Wrangler]

Jeff, the post about making yogurt in a crock pot was just a little divertissement to keep the thread alive between holidays.

Aww, so you're just tryin' a fool us!