Chile Rellenos

I did one more thing that I can scratch off of my to-do list. I learned to make Chile Rellenos!

My friend Claudia R heard me talking about it one time and she said she would teach me how to make them. I took her up on it! Karen wanted to learn too, so we planned on meeting at Karen's house - which by the way, is a great place for a cooking class :) Claudia's mom, Rosario, was part of the teaching crew as well.

So here is my not-really-a-recipe for chile rellenos. Yumm!

Ingredients:
✔ Poblano Chiles (preferably with stem)
✔ Oaxaca cheese, grated (or Monterey Jack)
✔ Flour
✔ Eggs
✔ Oil

Directions:

1. Place whole chiles in a hot iron skillet turning until skin blisters on each side. Place charred chiles in a plastic bag to steam. Peel skin off of chiles, careful not to break open the flesh.
2. Make a small incision at the top of the chile and clean out seeds (about an inch and a half or two from the stem area straight down).
   
3. Stuff hollowed chili with grated cheese. If the slit opens too much, secure with a toothpick or two.
4. Use electric mixer to beat whites until they hold a stiff peak like meringue. Gently mix in eggs.
5. Pour 1-inch of oil into a heavy deep skillet over medium to medium high to heat. When you think the oil is hot, test the edge of a chile-it should sizzle vigorously.
6. Fill pie plate with flour and dredge stuffed chile on all sides. Shake excess flour. Dip flour coated chile into egg mixture, pulling out straight up by the stem.
7. Carefully lay batter coated chile into skillet and baste with spoonfuls of hot oil. When they’re golden underneath, gently turn the chiles over. Fry until the other side is richly golden.
8. Place cooked chiles on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil until ready to serve.

Variations:
✔ Fill with cooked chicken or ground been instead of or in addition to cheese.
✔ Smother with green chile or Tex-Mex tomato sauce.

I like rellenos smothered with green chile. Claudia is from Texas and says they don't really eat green chile there. She made a simple sauce with sauted onions and bell peppers simmered with crushed tomatoes. But they are also good just as they are.

Thanks Claudia!

Kisssss my griiiiiiiiiits..... and a banana cream pie!

I am not a huge fan of diner food. I guess I think it's kind of boring. A step up from cafeteria food - maybe.

I'm not talking about the diners that Guy Fieri visits on his Food Network show, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I'm talking about the local diners that I know. Carnation. Barry's. Breakfast King. Rosemary's. They remind me of a place I'd go for a 2am breakfast after a night out at the clubs. Would someone just place a 3 feet wide platter of pancakes with a side of hashbrowns right in front of me please.

No. No. No. I don't think so. And on top of that - they never have peanut butter for my pancakes! argh!

That being said, I have to say - Newbarry's has THE BEST BANANA CREAM PIE ever!!!! Crust. Filling. Topping. The Best. I'd post a picture - but I already ate it all! <<muah hahahaha>>

They also have pretty good rice pudding. And just right brewed iced tea.

Newbarry's
2995 W Jewell Ave
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 935-5503

The Best Sampler Platter

I have been wanting to hang out with my little cousin Taylor for a long time now. She comes to Denver every other week from Pueblo to get chemotherapy treatments. And she's been doing this for a long long time - too long.

Well, I am happy that we finally set something up...

We (Mondo & Darren too) went for pizza first at Pizzicato's Gourmet Pizza in Capitol Hill. This place is quickly becoming one of my favorites. Their pizza is great (and so are their salads) - but they are also soooo freaking nice!

• They let us order late one night and didn't freak out about it, even though we offered to go somewhere else if they were already closing down.
• They heard my son talking about how weird it was to not see Parmesan cheese out on the tables, and brought him a little cup of freshly grated!
• They let us leave one car (in their six-car parking lot) while we went to a Mammoth game, and then pick it up after closing.
  

And - I love love love their Sampler Platter with Roasted Garlic, Caprese & Hummus appetizers for $7.50! Yummmm!

After dinner, we went to D Bar again. I had asked Tay if she wanted to go out for dessert, but since I had a half day off from work, I was able to squeeze in dinner. Anyway, she was excited about it because she says they watch Food Network Challenge all the time too! Keegan Gerhard wasn't in (they're actually filming a challenge here in Denver this week) and I didn't think the staff was as friendly this time, but the desserts were still just as good. Tay and Darren really seemed to like it. I told her we'd try again when Keegan will be there for sure, so hopefully I can find that out.
Pizzicato Gourmet Pizza
www.pizzicatopizza.com
1300 Pennsylvania St
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 957-2550
Menu: http://www.pizzicatopizza.com/home/assets/pdf/CapitolHillMenu6-08.pdf

The Best. Monday. Ever.

I think I just had the best Monday ever. I know. Sounds like an oxymoron huh?

This morning was tough. I was exhausted from the weekend. Lot's of family fun, but can you say wiped out. When I went out to my car, a sheet of ice fought to cling to the window as I worked my bootie off to scrape it away - only to find it also iced over on the inside! What the?! At work, as I sat at my desk I thought to myself...Do I really need to be here? I had planned on leaving early, but I was kicking myself for not just taking the whole day off. And since I was so tired, I was worried I might make a bad impression at the lunch. I know, doesn't sound like a great day so far does it.
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It's that time of the year when the Board of Trustees for my son's school interviews potential Board Candidates. This is when the day started to look up. We met at a local restaurant just down the street from the school. As a board member, this is still new territory to me. As a parent, I couldn't help but be moved at the level of passion this amazing group of people have for these kids. I continue to be overwhelmed by their true caring.
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A few years ago, our friend Eden gifted my brother with a copy of Honeymoon with my Brother, and then he recommended it to me. Mondo and Eden have traveled the world, so I know that they were able to relate to it in a way that I probably couldn't, but I still loved the book. I was excited when Kurt & Franz came to Denver in October 2006 and invited a group of friends to the signing they held at the Tattered Cover downtown. When I got an email from them saying they were coming back to promote their new book I couldn't wait to attend.

So, this evening, my bookclub did something a little different. We met up at the Tattered Cover on east Colfax to have a bite at Chipotle and then attend a book signing by the authors of our next selection.

The brothers have just released a new book called How the World Makes Love and that is our next read. We had a great time at the book signing. Franz was really funny and picked out some great selections as teasers.
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After the signing, we (Mondo & I) had already agreed to stop for dessert. Mondo remembered me mentioning D bar and he wanted to try it out - I was definitely game for that. The group wanted to go somewhere to finish our discussion on our current read, so they joined us.

We walked in to the small venue and tried to work out between us if we could fit. As we did, I noticed that Keegan Gerhard was behind the counter and I tap tap tapped on my sister's shoulder - Hey, look. It's the guy from Food Network. From the Food Network Challenge show. Cakes cakes cakes! Candy candy candy! Okay, if I was being honest, I would have mentioned in my entry, In response to Audrey's Enquiring Mind, that another obsession of mine is the Food Network. I could watch that channel all day long. It's horrible. And wonderful. The first step is admitting you have a problem right? Well there ya go. Anyway, my total dorkdom became apparent as I walked up to the counter and said "I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I am a complete Food Network junkie. I watch your show all the time. Can I take a photo of you?" He was so nice - he said "sure, why don't you come back and take one with me?" I had no idea it was his shop, I guess I thought maybe he was visiting or something.

Anyway, the staff there was great too. They kindly asked a few customers who had just been seated if they would mind scooting over to the next table so that we could all sit together. They kindly did (thank you!).
We ordered cappucinos, espresso, crème brûlée (wow. creamy. buttery. mmmm.), cake (triple layer - yikes!) and shake (with little chocolate covered crunchy pieces) and p.b. d bar. I can't wait to go back. Mondo mentioned doing a progressive dinner and it will be the perfect place to stop for the dessert portion. But - they also serve lunch, dinner and WINE! So heck yeah, I will be back.
If you visit, you should let me know what order and what you think! I'd love to know :)

http://www.dbardesserts.com/
1475 E 17th Ave
Denver, CO 80218
(303) 861-4710
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Oh yeah - the conversation on Breakfast with Buddha . Almost forgot. Good one. The more I think about it, the more I liked the book. In fact, I am going to take my 30% Borders Coupon and go buy it and re-read it.

You hear people say all the time, I'm spiritual, not religious and I guess this sort of captures a little bit of maybe what a true meaning of that statement might be. I don't think you have to betray yourself or betray your beliefs by opening up your mind to some of the thoughts that are released in the fictional writing. Might even inspire you - if that's the right word.

I don't know, maybe some people might be scared to read something like this. Either they might be the defensive non-practicing (insert religion here) or they might be the opposite - I am a firm (insert religion here) and I don't believe in blah blah blah. But if you open up your mind and see (lalala, thanks Jason Mraz) - then you might get something more out of it. You might find some good stuff. I think we all did.

In response to Audrey's Enquiring Mind

I was tagged by Audrey at Stage 3! Who, me? for the following Q and A. Audrey, you're amazing. I Am a Green Parakeet!

Okay, so here are the guidelines for this Q and A :
1. Respond and rework. Answer the questions on your blog, replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention; add a question of your own.
2. Tag eight other un-tagged people.

What is your current obsession? Cook's Illustrated. I have always loved cookbooks, but this year I decided I would try to learn to cook new stuff... My friend Claudia introduced me to a great cookbook by Cook's Illustrated and now I have been “craving” the magazine edition. Of course, last month my obsession was making crepes. I think I made them every other day. And then there is the Colorado Mammoth - my long term obsession. Wow, I didn't even realize I was an obsessor!

Best restaurant? Kevin Taylors. Not an everyday trip for me, but the overall best nice one I've been to.

Do you nap a lot? I wish! I did when I was on leave of absence. I always intend to get to bed by 9pm, but I'm never asleep before 10:30pm. I am always tired.

Who was the last person you hugged? My brother Mario. My family are a bunch of huggers. I work with my brother – he gets a hug everyday.

What’s for dinner? Leftover Chinese take-out.

What was the last thing you bought? Cook's Illustrated magazine and groceries.

What are you listening to right now? This obnoxiously loud fan on my computer!

What is your favorite weather? Perfectly not too warm, not too cold, not windy, beautiful Indian summer nights.

What’s on your bedside table? A 3-wick candle, a glass of water and a bunch of papers that shouldn't be.

Say something to the person/s who tagged you. Audrey- you seem to write about things I have felt... am feeling. I am so sorry that you are going through the bad stuff, but I hope you know that through your writing, you provide comfort and understanding and I am grateful for that. Your positive attitude is lifting.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? I guess right here in Colorado, 'cause that's where my family is. And not to mention, it's a beautiful place.

Favorite vacation spot? I loved Italy and I would go back there in a second. But I haven't been anywhere else international and I hope to have more choices from experience the next time someone asks me this question. On my list... China, Japan, Australia, Argentina, India, Thailand, Alaska (I know, that's not international - still want to go there!) – pretty much anywhere!

Name the things you can’t live without. Family, friends, laughter, faith, hope.

What would you like to have in your hands right now? The cure to cancer. (I stole this from Audrey, who stole if from Laura but ditto, seriously, I wish that I had the cure for cancer in my hands right now!)

What is your favorite tea flavor? I like good 'ol Lipton Tea. In the summer I like a fruity blend like passion-mango or peach-mango. I love trying new teas though. There's even two tea-houses I hope to try out soon.

What would you like to get rid of? Anxiety.

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? Tahiti, I think.

What did you want to become as a child? An astronaut or the President. Didn't everybody?

Where would you like to be in five years? At my son's high school graduation... top of his class ;)

What are you reading right now? Breakfast with Buddha by Roland Merullo for my bookclub and Phantom by Susan Kay with my son since we just saw the musical, Phantom of the Opera.

What's your favorite brand of jeans? Ooh, not so much a name brand shopper for jeans - or clothes for that matter. I like quality, but I like bargains too.

What designer piece of clothing would you most like to own (new or vintage)? A vintage Opera Cape.

Who inspires you? Darren (my son), my whole family, Taylor (my little cousin, 13, cancer warrior) ... and so many more.

What's your favorite book? Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and Phantom by Susan Kay – but you already know that. It's my question. Not original, but something I like to now about people.

I tag: Audrey, Claudia. And Lori, 'cause if anyone will do this - it'll be you sister! :)

I heart 5280 Week

Can I just say I love love love 5280 Restaurant Week? And that the Capital Grille is one of my favorite restaurants!

Our 3rd through 5th's couldn't make it, so Mondo called our friend Mary at the last minute who was down to join us no questions asked. When we met up with her at the restaurant, she had a friend with her. Mary had just (like hours before) picked up Haley from the airport. She just moved to Colorado from California. Never even been here before. Crazy huh? She actually had never met Mary before either, they just have a mutual friend somewhere along the way. Well, whatever - it was a fun story and they were great company.

I have to note, on top of all the food that came on the 5280 menu, we also ordered a side of Lobster Mac and the Crème Brûlée for dessert. Thee-Best.

Bargain laughs...

Fun stuff...

I love going to comedy shows. In fact, over the summer - I went to Comedy Works downtown three or four times.

Tonight I went for the first time to the new Comedy Works South venue in Greenwood Village. It was wayyyy nicer than the one downtown if only that our tables and chairs weren't nailed to the floors! And since it was a Sunday evening, maybe because we weren't packed in like sardines. The only thing I can say that was bad is that it was really cold inside and I ended up putting my jacket back on to wear through the whole show.

My friend Matthew won a "party" which allowed us in for a bargain $5 bucks each. (Fill out a slip and you can win too :) You know, there are usually three to four openers before the headline act. This time I happened to like at least two of them, and that was a good start. The headliner was a guy named Tommy Johnagin. I know, cool name. Oh wait - I just remembered another bad thing - it sucked that there were two hecklers sitting in the front row and security took wayyyyy tooooooo long for security to remove them. Tommy (yeah, like we're on a first name basis) handled them well and moved way up to the top of my favorite comedian's list. Yep, he's now up there with Jo Koy and Sam Fidele. So if you ever get a chance to check any one of these guys out - let me know what you think....


Comedy Works South
5345 Landmark Pl
Greenwood Village
720-274-6800