Folks, let's talk meat - The media has gone Mad-Cow-Mad! First of all:
Holsteins, like the cow that tested positive in Washington state, are
dairy cows. They are raised for milk and for breeding. When they cannot
do these things any longer, usually 4 to 6 years old, they are then used
for things like low-grade hamburger. This type of beef is not served in
any quality restaurant. Quality beef cattle, animals that are bred for
beef only, are harvested at 30 months of age and are fed only corn. My
restaurants serve only USDA Prime and certified Angus Beef. If you want
to learn more about the true science behind all of this, check out
www.beef.org.
Readers: Want to do a great dine-around? Why not do a little of
this, and a little of that? Start south of Big Sur at Nepenthe then head
over to Post Ranch and finish off with desserts at Ventana. Start early
(easy on the drinks) and include some hiking to get hungry. Post Ranch
Inn 667-2200. |
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Folks, there is a great mushroom event happening in Sonoma January 17th
through the 19th. There will be expert-guided forays, classes, displays,
slide shows, speakers and a feasting. Open to everyone, call (707)
887-1888.
Q: Hello Chef Pisto!
First, would like to say that my Christmas dinner came out delicious!!!
Had gotten some pointers from your TV program. (I cooked beef
tenderloin, Albert at Star picked it out.) Do you have a recipe for
pigeon? We have about 18 pigeons and would love to have a small dinner
party. Also, any pointers on quail? My boyfriend has been bringing them
home lately. Thank you in advance for any tips you may have.
Melanie Capps
A: Way to go Albert! The
way I cook pigeons is to first brown them well in a cast iron pan. I use
half butter and half olive oil. Brown them well, but do not over-brown.
Season them with salt, pepper and
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Sensational Seasonings(tm) (ask Albert), then put them in a hot oven
(375 degrees) for 12 to 15 minutes. They are best served rare to medium
rare. If you overcook them they will taste like liver. As for quail, my
favorite way is to marinate them in a little olive oil, thyme, garlic,
Sensational Seasonings(tm) and salt & pepper. Either fry in cast iron or
use a cast iron grill. Cook them to medium and watch out!
Q: Dear John, Where
can I buy cucidati cookies in the local area? With all the rain have
the mushrooms started to show?
Gene
Via e-mail
A: Geno, I have
never seen cucidati cookies for sale anywhere (folks he's talking about
those Sicilian fig cookies). They are a bit of a pain to make. They are
sort of like a fig newton with icing. As for mushrooms...what mushrooms?
You mean mushrooms in Monterey? |
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