Recipes & Food-Related Ramblings
I’ve got a quick recipe for you today. And although I say “recipe” it’s really more of a concept. With the holidays approaching, we are all about to be inundated with family members, gifts, and leftovers. I know, leftovers are by far the least glamorous aspect of the holiday season but they are a reality we all have to grapple with. So, allow me to show you how best to grapple with leftover ham – Ham and Kimchi Quesadillas with Pomegranate Guacamole.
I know, I know, one should never mess with an Italian classic. And here I am with a big ol’ bowl of this Green Carbonara just begging you to come at me, bro! Many people consider Italian cuisine to be hallowed ground and, despite all appearances to the contrary, I agree with them. The beauty of Italian food lies in its simplicity. There’s nowhere to hide when your culinary tradition is ingredient-centric. Quality produce takes center stage with a minimal flourish and few enhancements. The restraint is admirable, but apparently, I can’t handle simple elegance.
I’m going to go out on a limb and assume I am offending many Italians with today’s Antipasto Kale Salad. A dear friend of mine who works with a group of born and raised Italians was once ridiculed for adding chicken to her fettuccine. So, I’m sure my oxymoron of a dinner idea is going to raise a few disapproving eyebrows. I mean no disrespect. I know that antipasto roughly translates to “before food” and is in no way intended to be a main. Nor is a salad, kale or otherwise, ever considered an entree at any Italian’s table. So, I’m not making many friends here with this salad but if you have no strong feelings about Italian food other than “Holy geez! Do I love Italian food!” you and this salad will get along fine.
My sincerest apologies to the vegetarians reading this. As I’m sure you can tell, this week’s Smoked Jarlsberg Cuban Burger with Sweet Plantain is not for you. Honestly, there are probably a few omnivores who are a little taken aback. But I assure you, this burger is extra for a good reason. I created this burger in the spirit of Jarlsberg’s Burger Recipe Contest. And although my interpretation of the theme features two different kinds of animal protein, that doesn’t mean yours has to. All that is required is that you create a dream burger that integrates Jarlsberg in a surprising and delicious way. Veggie burgers are more than welcome.