| Q:
Why are radishes always sold with the greens? Do they stay fresher longer or do people use
them for something? Thanks so much for the cookbook. Also, thanks for the
"locals" specials. The barbecued lobster was outstanding - I also tasted the
Thermidor and it was creamy and delicious. Kris Carberry - Monterey A:
I'm glad you enjoyed our lobster specials. As to why radishes are always sold with the
greens; first of all, as you suspected, they do stay fresher longer, and, secondly, the
tops, if fresh and green, are delicious. Remove the big outer leaves and any torn or
yellowing ones and wash very thoroughly because radishes are grown in sandy soil. Toss in
a bowl with red wine vinegar, olive oil and salt & pepper. The French like to dip them
in sea salt and/or sweet butter as a snack with drinks.
Readers: Speaking of burgers - if you're ever looking for local gourmets like
attorney Jack Arancio or Carol Chorbajian (of USA Hosts) after 10 PM on a Saturday night,
look for them at In & Out Burger in Gilroy. Spotted recently by yours truly with my
wife, daughter and her friends as we were munching away (I had just picked them up from
SFO). Ask Jack or Carol, those folks at In & Out do make great burgers! |
|
| Q: Dear Chef,
I love frog legs but can't seem to find them anywhere locally. I might even cook them
myself if you know where to buy them and can tell me how to prepare them.> Steve M. -
Marina A: Frog legs are
delicious and can be prepared just like chicken. Outside my office there are hundreds of
frogs croaking away across from Bubba Gump's. The area is now known as The Cannery Row
Wetlands. Actually, I'm not sure if these frogs are big enough to eat. For those of you
that love these little guys, they are plentiful and available locally. You can special
order them from Peninsula Fish Market (on the Wharf), Star Market in Salinas or other
family grocery stores. By the way, Tene and Chris Shake are the new owners of Peninsula
Fish Market and are doing a great job selling fresh fish at reasonable prices. My favorite
recipe for frog legs is to roll them in flour, seasoned with plenty of salt & pepper,
and fry them in olive oil until nice and brown. Serve with lemon or cover with a simple
tomato sauce. I have other recipes if anyone is interested. |
|
| Q: Hello Chef Pisto. I am
looking for a recipe for cucumber dressing. Lucky's used to carry it but they are no
longer in business. I am not opposed to making it myself if you have a recipe I could try.
Please help me. Martha Laden - Marina A: Since I can't decide which one I prefer, here are
two for you to try.
#1 Creamy Cucumber Dressing
Recipe -
makes 2 cups. |
| 1 cup plain nonfat yogurt |
| 1/2 medium cucumber, chopped
fine |
| 1 tsp. fresh-squeezed lemon
juice |
| 1 clove garlic, minced very
fine |
| 1/2 tsp. salt |
| 1/2 tsp. ground white pepper |
| Blend ingredients together in a
jar and store in the refrigerator. Use generously with fresh green salads or chilled
vegetables. This is an excellent low cholesterol alternative dressing. |
| #2 Dilled
Cucumber Dressing
Recipe - makes 3 cups |
| 1 cup mayonnaise |
| 2 Tbs. Fresh dill leaves,
chopped finely |
| 1 clove garlic, minced |
| 1 Tbs. chives, minced |
| 1 tsp. lemon pepper |
| 2 cups cucumbers, pared, seeded
and chopped |
| 1 cup plain yogurt |
| Stir the mayonnaise, dill,
garlic, chives and pepper together, and then add the cucumbers. Finally, fold in the
yogurt and chill. |
|
