Peter – The Roaming GastroGnome – Page 11

What’s in Our CSA This Week: Lamb’s Quarters

Quick post today as we’re traveling for the holiday weekend. Lamb’s Quarters is one of our favorite seasonal greens. I had never heard of it until last year when it popped up in our custom CSA from Montalbano Farms. Curious about it I ordered some. It kind of looks like big parsley with its jaggedContinue reading “What’s in Our CSA This Week: Lamb’s Quarters”

Thai Green Curry Sausage Banh Mi Sandwich

A Thai seasoned sausage is one which I’ve had in mind for a while. Cheryl and I both enjoy Thai food and when it comes to picking the meat for our take out order I usually go with pork. I know, big surprise. One evening I had a eureka moment when it dawned on meContinue reading “Thai Green Curry Sausage Banh Mi Sandwich”

Rhubarb Ice Cream

CSA time is here! In our first box of the season I ordered some rhubarb not quite knowing what I’d do with it. Cheryl pointed out I hadn’t made any ice cream in a while and since it was turning into summer (ever so slowly here in Chicago) it might be nice if I madeContinue reading “Rhubarb Ice Cream”

Jagerwurst – Hunter Sausage

Jagerwurst (hunter sausage) is, as you may have guessed, a German sausage. If you have German butcher shops in your area like we do here in Chicago the sausage will not be unfamiliar to you. It’s a 5-6 inch pork sausage, mildly seasoned and smoked. Jagerwurst is much more filling than a snack stick (likeContinue reading “Jagerwurst – Hunter Sausage”

Smoked Ramps Parisienne Gnocchi

There are many times when my vision for a dish’s flavor does not turn out the way I want it to. And since I’m a Virgo it generally will take only the slightest cooking imperfection for me to feel a dish has failed. This smoked ramps Parisienne gnocchi is exactly one of those ideas whereContinue reading “Smoked Ramps Parisienne Gnocchi”

Bearnaise Sauce for Grilling Season – Why? Why Not!

Grilling season is here! Over the holiday weekend Cheryl and I bought a new grill and it was delivered just in time for use on Memorial Day. Nothing too fancy, some steak and asparagus. I wanted to do something different for the asparagus and had decided to make some hollandaise sauce when a thought poppedContinue reading “Bearnaise Sauce for Grilling Season – Why? Why Not!”

Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette with Thyme Polenta Squares

It’s getting more and more difficult to wow Cheryl with my cooking, but this simple little side dish I prepared for some grilled chicken from earlier in the week really impressed her with intense, bright, crisp, flavors. I could have sworn I’ve made this sun-dried tomato and basil sauce before (in fact I know IContinue reading “Sun Dried Tomato Vinaigrette with Thyme Polenta Squares”

Duck and Farro Stew to Chase the Cold Away

Last weekend was cold and rainy. Typical spring Chicago weather, 80s in the week then down to the 50s as rain and a cold front moved through. I had just turned the thermostat over to AC so go ahead and blame me for jinxing it. Sunday dinner required something hot and warming to chase awayContinue reading “Duck and Farro Stew to Chase the Cold Away”

Rampy Shrimp Scampi – or To Be More Precise: Shrimp Prawn

Ramp season is winding down but I’ve still got a few bunches left. This week I’m taking an old restaurant classic and adding a seasonal twist, turning shrimp scampi into a rampy shrimp scampi. Yeah that’s right, shrimp sc-ramp-i.

Chicago Beer Cheese: Spring Ramps, German Cheese and Begyle Brewing Beer

We’re really getting into ramps season here in Chicago and lucky me, I have a very good source for them. It’s all about being creative when you have a limited supply of seasonal ingredients which is why I came up with a very Chicago-themed post this week. German cheese representing part of the city’s immigrantContinue reading “Chicago Beer Cheese: Spring Ramps, German Cheese and Begyle Brewing Beer”