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2020-11-29T14:55:00.001-08:00

DOING NEW THINGS

CHECK OUT COOKING LOUNGE ORIGINALS

Quick Shrimp Stir Fry with Whole Grains and Culantro

2019-02-23T12:15:00.001-08:00

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Quick shirmp stir fry with whole grains and culantro. That wok is soooo old, decades old, from Ikea. #quickmeals #stirfry #culantro #cokkinglounge #nofilter

A post shared by wilbaxnyc (@wilbax) on Feb 22, 2019 at 7:14pm PST

2017-01-10T18:13:00.001-08:00

STAY TUNED!

FRESH GOODS ON THE WAY AFTER A LONG BREAK FROM THE BLOG.

FOLLOW on TWITTER @cookingloungeNY

Buying Organic? Think Twice.

2015-07-31T20:11:00.002-07:00

Union Square Farmers' Market NYC photo: wbj

Locally sourced, heirloom, heritage, grass fed, free range, cage free, wild caught, no antibiotics, hormone free, bio-dynamic, handmade (whew!) - are foodie buzz words to look for that can mean tastier, fresher food, higher quality, healthier husbandry, or environmentally friendly, as well as a lots of value added karma.

..Many people who pay the huge premium—often more than a hundred percent–for organic foods do so because they’re afraid of pesticides...

Union Square Farmers' Market NYC photo: wbj

It's good to be wary of the blaring ORGANIC labels.

Genuine organic can be a taste revelation - a wow moment with a favorite food. But often the price is a wow, really, moment too.

A recent article in Forbes had some eye opening and potentially cost saving information.

The Colossal Hoax Of Organic Agriculture

...USDA reported in 2012 that 43 percent of the 571 samples of “organic” produce tested violated the government’s organic regulations and that “the findings suggest that some of the samples in violation were mislabeled conventional products, while others were organic products that hadn’t been adequately protected from prohibited pesticides.”...

Union Square Farmers' Market NYC photo: wbj

One of the best ways to get the most choice selections and the best price is to get to know the people behind the counter. So many are super informed and want to share.

Enjoy,

Cooking Lounge

#LoveWins

2015-06-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

June 26, 2015

SCOTUS

#LoveWins

Grilled Steak and Charred Potatoes in 30 minutes

2015-06-06T09:25:00.001-07:00

Grilled Ribeye Steak with Rosemary Lemon Oil

Charred Fingerling Potatoes

Off the grill, on your plate in under 30 minutes. Quick, easy and flavorful summer eating at its best.

(video guide for preparation)

Be sure to add a colorful salad or grill some seasonal vegetables - corn, summer squash, eggplant, etc - to balance out the meal, and maybe feed a vegetarian.

Grilled fruits like peaches, nectarines, and pineapples are smoky, sweet summery sides. Grilled fruits are even more awesome when dressed up for dessert with ice cream, sorbet, whipped cream, spices like cinnamon or with a finishing sprinkle of crunchy unrefined cane sugar.

Here's a link to in season summer fruits and vegetables. Eat Fresh!

Get the the ins and outs of preparing the steak and potatoes, here in the New York Post.

Ahh summer days, don't forget the sunscreen... and oh, oh the summer nights.

Enjoy,

Cooking Lounge

Life Hack : : Peeled Garlic Supply in a Snap

2015-05-27T11:45:00.000-07:00

Cook faster. Eating sooner.

Peeled garlic is a kitchen essential. Discovering a Life Hack that's a time saving, seamless addition is sweet.

Enjoy,
Willis

@CookingLoungeNY

Beefsteak Brunetta Salsa Fresca

2015-05-05T16:11:00.001-07:00

Salsa Fresca

with Beefsteak and Brunetta Tomato

photo:wbj

Quick and easy salsa with a twist, for Cinco de Mayo and the whole summer

photo:wbj

The Brunetta tomato (aka Kumato, brown tomato) adds a sweet, earthy flavor to this mildly spicy and refreshing salsa.

Turn down the heat with 1/2 a medium sized jalapeno (finely chopped) along with usual ingredients - cilantro, fresh lime, onion, splash of white vinegar, sea salt and pepper.

photo:wbj

I made approximately 3 cups using 2 Beefsteak and 3 small Brunetta.

Have fun; add garlic; use chives, other fresh herbs; switch up the citrus with orange or lemon.

Try Beefsteak Brunetta Salsa Fresca on simply prepared fish or chicken, for a light and healthy entree, bursting with bright, sunny flavors. So glad Yummm!

Tell us how you use salsa fresca?

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

After a break to recharge and experiment with new ideas, back with exciting food, lifestyle and music tips for you.

For more fresh content we like, follow us on Twitter @cookingloungeNY

Thanks for visiting.
Willis

Guava Chutney, a Condiment Rich in Vitamin C

2014-05-03T16:39:00.001-07:00

FOOD:
In New York City, despite the onslaught of gentrification, one stumbles upon all kinds of unexpected ingredients used in ethnic cuisines. Culinary discover should be in the Top 10 list for best things about pedestrian friendly NYC.

As spring pushed aside winter, I noticed fresh guava popping up on produce shelfs and fruit stands, especially in Brooklyn.

source wikipedia

With no clue how to use the tropical fruit and widely varying answers from a couple of people in the market, goggled for some recipe ideas using vitamin C loaded guava.

Cooking Lounge created a simple Guava Chutney. Here's a recipe guide. Have some fun and play with ingredients you have on hand.

8-10 oz of guava, peeled and sliced/diced
1/3 cup rice wine vinegar, white vinegar, or vinegar of choice
3 tablespoons of turbinado sugar
1 small onion, chopped
1/3 cup parsley, chopped
cumin seeds, coriander seeds, peppercorns, mustard seeds, kosher salt - grind in food processor until a coarse spice mix; adjust spice proportions to your preference.

On low heat, warm vinegar with onions. Add sugar and increase heat a little. When slightly thickened, add spices. Season to taste. Stir in guava and parsley. Cover for a couple of minutes to heat throughout. Stir again to evenly disperse flavors and ingredients. Add a little water if needed. Done. Let chutney cool to room temperature. This is a quick pickling method.

Serving Suggestion
photo: kbeall

The Guava Chutney keeps well, refrigerated in a mason jar. It is an excellent condiment with eggs to meat or a savory-sweet spread on crackers with cheese.

We tried the Guava Chutney on Roasted Sweet Peppers Stuffed with Feta Cheese topped with bread crumbs...ahhh sooo amazing together.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

Peeling Onions

2014-04-06T16:12:00.001-07:00

FOOD:

Worth the Tears
Peeling Onions

an essential element to lots of great cooking

Check out LIVESTRONG for more about onions.

source: giphy.com

Potatoes Dauphinoise Topped with Crispy Onions

2014-04-01T06:46:00.000-07:00

FOOD:

The trick with the French classic Potatoes Dauphinoise is layers of thin, evenly sliced potatoes. A traditional cheese sauce with bechamel can be a bit of work, but you can improvise and get creative to find shortcuts for a cheese sauce to suit your taste, time and kitchen skills. Topped with onions crisped a tad, adds another layer of flavor and texture to this classic dish that is good to eat any time of the day. Try a warm slice for breakfast with eggs and bacon - wow, so comforting and filling. If you are watching calories and fat content, have on a cheat day and relish every luscious bite.

Here is a guide to making this favorite dish that is always a winner. Remember get creative, experiment; there are so many variations on this classic dish. Create your own signature version.

Heat oven to 350 while prepping dish.

Start with 2lbs of Russet or Idaho potatoes that have been washed and scrubbed with a vegetable brush. You can peel them or leave the skin on.

Use a mandolin(e) slicer, food processor or a really sharp knife to make thin even slices. You can blanche the potatoes or use them raw. Classic preparation uses raw potatoes.The cooking time is twice as long with raw potatoes but creates deeper, more complex flavor.

Ingredients:
Potatoes
Onions
Cheese (Semi-Hard or Hard Cheese like aged white cheddar, asiago, gouda...be creative)
Milk
Butter
Flour
Nutmeg
Salt and Pepper
Finely chopped garlic (optional)
Chopped fresh herbs (optional)

A bechamel base for the cheese sauce adds sublime richness. It takes approximately 20 minutes to make this rich, classic french sauce. Remember to slowly stir in the grated cheese for smoothness. Season with a dash of nutmeg, and salt and pepper to taste, and a little garlic if desired. There are easier, quicker ways to make a cheese sauce. It is as simple as slowly adding and stirring grated cheese to gently warmed milk to prevent scalding.

In a buttered or oiled baking pan, line the bottom and sides with sliced potatoes. Alternate between layers of cheese sauce and potatoes. You can add a middle layer of lightly sauteed onions and chopped fresh herbs. Continue layers until filled. Top with a layer of cheese sauce and then a layer of raw onions. A dusting of bread crumbs or wheat bran adds another texture profile.

If using raw potatoes, cook until top is brown and crisp. You may need to turn up the heat the last 5-10 minutes, approximate cooking time 1hour 45 minutes. If using blanched potatoes, cook uncovered until brown and crisp. You may want to turn up the heat for final few minutes; approximate cooking time 45-50 minutes.

Potatoes Dauphinoise is a perfect side with roasted meat or served as a light meal with a salad. Potatoes Dauphinoise make a fantastic indulgent breakfast/brunch side dish too.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

photo: wbj

Sexy Brazilian Beats for Carnival, World Cup 2014 and Romance

2014-03-08T10:46:00.001-08:00

MUSIC:

The massive, world renowned Carnival parade in Rio de Janiero is steeped in passion, from exuberant samba to sexy costumes. The constant thread of news about World Cup 2014 shined even more light on this year's spectacle.

More amazing pictures - International Business Times.
Carnival 1
Carnival 2

The 10 Super Sexy Brazilian Songs below are from one of the most popular Cooking Lounge post.

DJ Greg Caz, who gained international fame as co-founder and DJ for Brazilian Beats, selected the music. Greg Caz is more a musicologist than a DJ, with his far reaching encyclopedic knowledge of world, rare groove and popular music. Check-out the beats and Greg's funny and informative writing.

REPOST

...Brazilian music oozes sensuality and romance.

Cooking Lounge invited DJ Greg Caz to select 10 Super Sexy Brazilian Songs to celebrate Carnival and Valentine's Day...Jazzed to have him contribute to Cooking Lounge.

****************************

GREG CAZ

...now, you must realize of course that "super sexy Brazilian songs" is a bit redundant, most people need only hear any music with someone singing in Portuguese and they're immediately thinking "sex," so I literally could put ANYTHING on this list and it would be all good. Right or wrong? But here goes anyway...

1. Marcos has been exploring different aspects of music and the sexiness thereof since the 60s, and this quiet-storm slow-burner from the early 80s is ideal for feeding each other grapes.
Marcos Valle "Fogo Do Sol"

2. Brazilians are sexy even when singing about Jesus, as on this late-90s gem from an all-Afro-Brazilian female gospel vocal group. Grupo Ebano "Pe No Chao"

3. Pianist, composer, vocalist and Bossa Nova precursor Johnny Alf charms the pants off us with this 1971 beauty (with Os Tres Morais on backing vocals) about a lovely young lady named Anabela who keeps him awake at night thinking about her. Johnny Alf "Anabela"

4. Doris is well-known for her understated, intimate and veeeerrry sexy singing style, as heard on this Caetano Veloso cover. Doris Monteiro "De Noite Na Cama"

5. Donato is a giant and a myth and a legend, a pianist/composer who has made his mark in bossa nova, jazz, Latin music and all things funky. This is a collaboration with Gilberto Gil who also sings on this track. Joao Donato "Tudo Tem"

6. The Marcos Valle and João Donato influences are clear on this very sexy number from the always-amazing Ed Motta. Ed Motta "Coisas Naturais"

7. It would be a crime to leave out one of Brazilian music's most notoriously sexy singers. Her early records were a favorite around my house in my childhood, when I didn't know what "sex" was, but Fafa's voice and album covers definitely began to clue me in! Beautiful Milton Nascimento composition. "Seduction," indeed. Fafa de Belem "Seducao"

8. If this classic song from Brazil's all-time iconic female singer doesn't put you in mind of a romantic dinner, romance and lovemaking, NOTHING will. Elis Regina "Dois Pra La, Dois Pra Ca"

9. Cravo & Canela only made one album in 1977 (not 1976 like it says on the video) but what a classic it is. "Iboru Iboyá" oozes sexiness and classiness from the first note to the last. Cravo & Canela "Iboru Iboya"

10. "Come Sleep At My Place, so I can give you my dreams and my love." I love playing this at the end of a night DJing, when "deals" are being "closed" Tim Maia "Venha Dormir en Casa" (Come Sleep At My Place)

****************************

Cooking Lounge created a YouTube Playlist of the 10 Super Sexy Brazilian Songs, with over 30 minutes of music for you. 10 Super Sexy Brazilian Songs - Valentine's Day + Carnival (original post)

Enjoy,

Cooking Lounge

Juice it up! :: Juicing Fruits and Vegetables

2014-02-18T14:33:00.000-08:00

Resolutions have been made to do better with the New Year. Exercise. Eat healthier. Have adventures. Save more. The possible lists go on and on and on.

cucumber, celery, carrot, orange, ginger

Juicing is big on a lot of personal lists. Juicing and Juice Cleanses are the new buzzed about favorites for improving health and losing weight.

Juicing has been around for ages. Think Jack LaLanne, "The Godfather of Fitness", who extolled the versions of juicing for decades. Jack might have been on to something; he lived a long and vibrant life.

Guessing (not a nutritionist or health expert) that spending a weekend or so doing a cleanse is probably helpful and healthful - intaking low calorie, nutrient rich liquids to clean out the digestive system and maybe lose some pounds.

The waning days of winter, mean warm weather and less clothes soon...finally, so time to tone up and shed that winter layer. Snow is on the ground but spring is in the air. Can hear birds chirping.

Juicing can be an integral part of everyday eating. A nutritious juice can replace a meal or be an energy boosting healthy snack.

Breville Juice Fountain Plus

After a bit of research, purchased the Breville Juice Fountain Plus because of great reviews and its easy clean up. Tips: Save plastic shopping bags and line expeller bin for even quicker clean up. Scrub fruits and vegetables or wash well so you can use skin when appropriate.

Ginger makes it awesome

A favorite combo is cucumber, celery, carrot, orange and ginger. In general, cucumber and celery make a really good base that blends well with almost any mix of fruits and veggies. Also, like to add ginger often to a range of juice mixtures.

Gotta get those leafy greens into the mix too.

Sweet Greens

Tips: Roll up a few leaves and scrunch into a ball. A little squeeze of lemon brightens the juice.

Kale or Collards
Pineapple
Celery
Cucumber
Ginger
Lemon

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos:wbj

Nigella Lawson :: "...Comfort food is comfort food..." Roast Chicken

2013-12-28T15:00:00.000-08:00

"...Comfort food is comfort food wherever you are and it always comes down to roast chicken and mashed potatoes in the end." Nigella Lawson

Here's a Cooking Lounge post from February 2013 featuring Nigella Lawson (click link)

Roast Chicken
Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Sauteed Green Beans

During the lull of days between Christmas and New Years, comfort foods and seasonal favorites that are simple to prepare, hold well and serve guests and visitors with ease are ideal Holidays Recipes (see more ideas >>> GOOD FOOD).

H A P P Y H O L I D A Y S

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

Whew...New Cooking Lounge Posts on the way

2013-10-22T17:54:00.001-07:00

Wow! New York City had a beautiful summer. Yes, sweltering, skin melting, cook an egg on the sidewalk, heat for a few days here and there in July, with August coasting into fall as if scripted.

Now, in the days of indian summer, late harvest are in farmers' markets like tomatoes; and, fall favorites - local apples, pears and pumpkins - are in abundance almost everywhere, often at a great price. Pick-up that seasonal bargain then thumb through a cookbook or google recipes on an iPad, and of course search Cooking Lounge.

And fast becoming a near national holiday, of sorts, Halloween is just around the corner. Halloween is that riotous mark in the sand for the Holidays - Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Years -
...food... parties...cocktails...more food.

Cooking Lounge has fresh new posts on the way after a little downtime to recharge, write and cook.

Now, while you are here, click around; check-out Good Food for original recipe ideas.

Visit soon for all new posts from Cooking Lounge.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

photo: wbj

HIGHLY Suspect

2013-06-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

MUSIC:

Rocking Hard, Fresh Out of Brooklyn

HIGHLY

Suspect

And, there is more from this new band, with a fast start out of the gate. Listen to this.

http://www.highlysuspect.net

HIGHLY Suspect is unsigned, but probably not for long.

ROCK ON!

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

Happy Memorial Day!

2013-05-27T09:28:00.003-07:00

BBQ

BEACH

PINIC

SUN

Enjoy,

Cooking Lounge

photo: wbj

Cinco de Mayo : Black Bean + Corn Salad

2013-05-05T13:43:00.000-07:00

FOOD:

Black Bean Salad is a perennial Cooking Lounge favorite.

Mixed up a batch of this quick and easy recipe, then realized the serendipity of the Black Bean + Corn Salad, a perfect dish for Cinco de Mayo with the Mexican and Southwestern flavors of this colorful, easy recipe.

Here's a link to a preparation guide:
Cooking Lounge's Black Bean Salad + Corn Salad with Lime Vinaigrette.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

photo:wbj

La Slowteria...All About the Duck

2013-04-26T16:15:00.001-07:00

FOOD:

La Slowteria was an unexpected journey into elevated, earthy Mexican cuisine with two duck dishes as stars. The menu may redefine what many think of Mexican food. Located near the formerly toxic, now gentrifying Gowanus Canal in Carroll Gardens at 548 Court St (9th St & Garnet St) Brooklyn, NY 11231, big windows, benches, sun drenched charm, and views into the open kitchen greet you at the door.

The F and G Train return to the Smith-9th Street subway stop when it reopens on April 26, 2013. This will make getting to La Slowteria a stroll rather than a hike.

Chef Hugo Orozco Carrillo started the concept of La Slowteria in a "small eco-friendly town in the Mayan Rivera called Tulum" where he met his wife and co-owner, Stephanie Heinegg. Hugo and Stephanie's approach to the menu is rooted in the Slow Food Movement.

The clean open design with,an abudance of beams and wood with tropical Mexican details through-out, is a breath of fresh air on the edges of the Gowanus. La Slowteria is building out the backyard garden for warm weather dining and leisurely afternoons with fresh juices, coffee and wi fi.

The whole vibe of the restaurant team is upbeat and engaged with a luxury tropical resort ambiance, unusual for NYC for sure.

Duck is the hard to find, forgotten poultry unless eating at an Asian or French restaurant. On La Slowteria's menu, duck makes an appearance as a hearty appetizer and as a substantial, innovative entree.

La Maceta, pulled drunken duck sandwich

The La Maceta, is an appetizer that easily doubles as a small entree, paired with another appetizer, like La Slowteria's Long Island oysters served with Mezcal worm salt and a slow-burn green habanero chili sauce, you are on the way to a memorable meal. The La Maceta is a slow cooked pulled duck sandwich with cabbage salad and crisply sauteed potatoes. It's served in a rich consomme broth. Might be even better with the broth on side, frech dip style, but never the less the combination of flavors and textures is fantastic.

El Negrito, deconstructed black mole sauce with duck

The El Negrito is a recipe that Chef Hugo has been perfecting for several years. El Negrito is a meaty confit style leg braised to falling off the bone topped with a sliver of toast garnish (throwing in another texture). The dish has numerous combos for every bite, because of the composed presentation of the El Negrito - a bite of this and a bite of that mixing and matching - a new treat with each fork full. The flavors, together on the tongue, create an incredible mole experience with rich, succulent duck . The hearty, El Negrito is beautifully presented as are all dishes sampled and seen from the small open kitchen.

Hugo's high-end skill and artistry is evident before taking the first bite - beautiful plating. The kitchen is truly center stage with no fourth wall and an unobstructed view of much of the dining area and cozy bar. Stephanie and Hugo keep things flowing, moving seamlessly from kitchen to dining room.

The smoky Mezcal margarita with a chile pepper worm salt rim is dry and refreshing. Made simply with fresh squeezed juices. Sip. Imagine sitting on the beach in Tulum.

La Slowteria is the perfect tropical oasis for a get-away-in-the-city.

La Slowteria
548 Court St, New York, NY 11231
Tue - Sun

11 am - 3 pm (sunny cafe, with fresh juices and wifi)
5 pm - 10 pm (dinner - with outdoor dining starting May 2013)

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

photos: wbj

Quick Breads

2013-03-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

FOOD:

Quick Breads- photo: wbj

Tested some new Cooking Lounge recipes for an assortment of Quick Breads.

Banana Walnut Bread and Banana Bread with mix of whole wheat and unbleached flour and a mix of coconut oil, olive oil and butter

Flax Corn Muffins with flax seeds, flax seed meal and olive oil

Orange Zest Cranberry Bread with mix of whole wheat and unbleached flour and a mix of coconut oil, olive oil and butter

Rosemary Cornbread with creamed corn and olive oil

The consensus was all were pretty tasty with the Banana Walnut Bread getting raves but the Flax Corn Muffins were a bit dry.

Note: Flax seeds absorb moisture. So, next test will increase the wet ingredients...the joys of testing.

Experiment. Play with ingredients in the kitchen.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

Erin Go Bragh! - Sheperds Pie for St. Patrick's Day

2013-03-16T12:46:00.000-07:00

FOOD:

Shepherds Pie is a perfect St. Patrick's Day meal. A hearty and filling crowd pleaser to fuel more shenanigans. For the Cooking Lounge preparation guide and more photos, click here.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

Roast Chicken and Garlic Mashed Potatoes

2013-02-25T10:57:00.003-08:00

FOOD:

A Whole Roast Chicken is a good food benchmark for many people around the world.

The crisp, slightly salty skin, the slick chicken fat, juicy meat, herbs and spices add gravy and mashed potatoes, for so many a sigh inducing combination (familiar, satisfying).

The Daily Mail ran a huge airy, winding piece on Nigella Lawson, breaking into the U.S. market and promoting her new book, "Nigellissima: Instant Italian Inspiration." The DM article is an entertaining read for a lazy Sunday morning, with the right mix of food, drama, and plain old common sense. It is understandable why, posh, wealthy and yet relatable, Nigella is revered as a goddess in the U.K. As her parting comment, sexy Nigella served up some knowledge with no-nonsense advice about the lusciousness of a classic simple meal.

"...‘Comfort food is comfort food wherever you are and it always comes down to roast chicken and mashed potatoes in the end." Nigella Lawson

There are infinite tasty ways to roast chicken and prepare potatoes. Once you have the basics mastered, experiment with flavors, tailor recipes to your taste or even a theme.

Inspired by Nigella Lawson, Cooking Lounge pulled together an impromptu dinner party: Roast Chicken, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Sauteed Green Beans.

Called friends. Popped into the butcher. Picked up veges at the produce stand. Gathered in Brooklyn, at a Dumbo loft near the East River. It all seemed to fall into place effortlessly, the perfect meal to wind down the weekend, with the potluck additions of red wine and craft beer, cheese, cupcakes, Italian chocolate, and a Latin mother's holiday concoction - rum, coconut milk and condensed milk - shared with good friends. A sumptuous dinner party pulled together without much fuss or expense.
Whole Roast Chicken was the very first Cooking Lounge post.
Click here for a Cooking Lounge guide for the classic comfort food dish in our launch post.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos:wbj

Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro - Super Bowl Recipes

2013-02-01T06:36:00.002-08:00

FOOD:

Chips and Salsa are a nationwide Super Bowl tradition.

Tortilla Chips have been mass produced since the 40's, first for the West Coast Mexican food market, and then, the national food market, starting in the 70's. Chips and Salsa are standard fare from Mexican restaurants to Sports bars. Doritos are probably the best known tortilla chip although many more varieties are available. Epicurious rated Bachman Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips #1. Check-out the list. Try one of Epicurious' recommended tortilla chips with Cooking Lounge's Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro.

Cooking Lounge came across Capri Tomatoes that were priced to move. Ripe and sweet, the Capri Tomatoes were better suited for sauce over slicing. Also, on hand in the kitchen was culantro, a variation of cilantro, used extensively in Dominican and Latino cooking. Culantro is also known as recao, long-leafed herb, spiritweed, wild or Mexican coriander, saw leaf herb and a host of other names around the world. Culantro has a robust, distinct cilantro flavor. Remember, be inventive; use what you have on hand. Usual, everyday dishes can become new stars of your culinary repertoire.

Salsa Fresca is quick and easy. With chips, it is ideal for a Super Bowl party or a fresh healthful snack for family and friends. Salsa Fresca with Culantro is excellent on grilled chicken, fish or eggs, too. So, save some salsa to make an ordinary dish a little extraordinary.

Cooking Lounge gives guides more than exact recipes. Play with ingredients. Try colorful heirloom tomatoes as an extra special treat, for example.

Capri Salsa Fresca with Culantro
2lb ripe Capri Tomatoes, diced (make quarters then slice in half)
2 tbs fresh Culantro, finely chopped
2 Jalapenos, finely chopped
3 Scallion, finely chopped
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tsp Lime Zest
1tbs Lemon juice
1tbs Lime juice
Salt and Pepper to taste

Ripe Tomatoes have high liquid content so pour off some of the tomato juice before adding the citrus juices and reserve (throw into a stock or a sauce; no need to waste).

Mix well. Ready to serve but better flavor if Salsa Fresca with Culantro sits in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge

photos: wbj

Beer Flats Have Curves : Super Bowl 2013

2013-01-27T08:35:00.003-08:00

FOOD:

A couple of months ago met Maria Walley of Daelia's Food Company while she was promoting a new product at East Village Cheese Shop.
East Village Cheese Shop is legendary for discount prices on a large variety of cheeses and gourmet products. Got to love that for a Super Bowl party.

Maria's pitch was spot-on. Weeks later received an email from Maria; and, she sent samples of Beer Flats in Pilsner and Porter for Cooking Lounge to review.

The first thing that caught our attention was that Beer Flats have curves. Perfect for scooping and cradling all kinds of tasty bites from cheeses to spreads to cured meats.

At Cooking Lounge, we munched the Beer Flats with Collier's Welsh Cheddar Cheese and an Old Golden Hen English ale, while cooking during the holidays. Of course, the crackers go well with beer.

Beer Flats are hearty, sturdy, whole grain, small batch "artisanal flatbread crackers made with craft beer." The Pilsner Beer Flats are malty and slightly sweet. The Porter Beer Flats are a savory, flavorful balance of rye, caraway, and molasses with hints of cocoa. The Porter Beer Flats are far more complex on the palate. These crackers have great shelf life. An opened box of Beer Flats maintained quality for over a month; they stayed crisp and crunchy.

Super Bowl XLVll is February 3, 2013 in New Orleans.

Beer Flats are a perfect compliment to almost any Super Bowl culinary line-up.

Check-out Cooking Lounge's Super Bowl Recipes - Top 10 Websites from last year.

Beer Flats are available at:
Whole Foods – NY, NJ, Conn
Zabar’s - NYC
Bottle King – NJ
Malt and Mold - NYC
NYmouth.com

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge
photos: wbj

COOKING LOUNGE WANTS TO REVIEW and TEST MORE NEW PRODUCTS.

IF YOU HAVE A HIGH-QUALITY, AFFORDABLE, INNOVATIVE PRODUCT, LET US KNOW. COOKING LOUNGE MAY WANT TO TRY YOUR PRODUCT.

CONTACT: WILLIS [@] COOKINGLOUNGE.COM
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New Destination in the Bowieverse: "Where Are We Now?"

2013-01-19T12:49:00.000-08:00

MUSIC:

Could not resist posting about music legend and cultural icon David Bowie's recent release, "Where Are We Now?." New Bowie after nearly a decade! More Bowie to add to the soundtrack of your next dinner party (try Cooking Lounge Good Food ideas).

David Bowie did more in the 70's and 80's than any other successful artist to encourage freaks, geeks and outcasts to love and embrace their uniqueness with performances and near anthems of individuality, decadence and darkness wrapped in trademark chameleon personas. Every album was a seductive invitation to a new destination in the Bowie Universe (Bowieverse). Even Wall Street took notice in the 90's and started trading on the power of Bowie's genius, as asset-backed securities with Bowie Bonds.

Bowie's voice is haunting in "Where Are We Now?", hallowed and graveled with a dark resilient joy (a pulsating light) permeating every lyric uttered -

...joy of survival...joy of living... joy of remembrance in hedonistic days-gone-by...

The lyrics and accompanying music video are drenched in symbolism and open to all kinds of interpretation. The seemingly lo fi video - mise en scene desktop set, grainy slow motion black and white frames, and puppets with supper imposed heads (is this a comment on individuality?) - does what David Bowie does with deft, pull you into the Bowieverse to share his current revelry.

Not the best singer but a master vocalist, "Where Are We Now?" is distinctively Bowie, memorable and melodic, with the ever present Bowie melancholy shocked with rays of light.

Enjoy,
Cooking Lounge