eG Foodblog: snowangel - Freedom!

[snowangel]

Small world!  I grew up in New Ulm, lived there from 1978 to 1991.  We lived on the college campus because my dad was a professor there.  I haven't been back to visit since 1992, for the high school graduation of my former classmates.

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New Ulm and vicinity has some real gems. Lenny's meat market is outstanding. At our last Blue Fin Bay gathering, Lenny's bacon (we had a bacon taste testing) was a real winner. Anything from the Nicollet Meat Market in Nicollet is outstanding. (we decided that when we do our next bacon taste testing, everything needs to be sliced to the same thick/thinness. We seemed to get more of a sense of the taste from thinner sliced bacon). The Nicollet Meat Market garlic or beer summer sausage takes first place every year at the State Fair. Last time we stopped there, it was a Saturday morning. In a town of about 800, we had to park about 3 blocks away. They had 20 or 30 people working there. Local reputation, I dare say. We bought summer sausage and took it and some other stuff for a picnic at the Schell's Beer Place. They have a lovely park there.

OK. Back on topic. For a snack, I eschewed a sandwich (something I can have any time) for three peaches. Eaten on the deck. I'm going to have to hose the peach juice off the deck. My diet this week has not been about variety. It's been what great at this most fabulous, bountious of seasons.

[snowangel]

So we are home from this birthday party -- a 60th birthday celebration for a couple we know. They both turn 60 this month, within a week of each other.

The setting was spectacular. They have built a huge house (bed and breakfast with 5 rooms up, personal space down) on 50+ acres of land in eastern Wisconsin between Houlton and Hudson. The view from the back yard and kitchen are spectacular. You can't see the rivers (St. Croix and Mississippi), but can see the valleys. It was yet another glorious day (we have waited for these since early May) and the sunset was beyond divine.

There was an interesting crowd of fellow church members (that's how we know them), colleagues and friends, and I was surprised to find people I knew from other walks of life.

The food was very average.

They had some appetizers of shrimp (frozen peel and eat), standard cut up veggies and packaged dip, some meatball things in glop (which I didn't try) and olives (black and green with pimentos, from cans and jars), and buffalo wings, which although not fried, were surprisingingly way hot.

For dinner, we had

Very deli. Meat and cheese tray containing roast beef (very poor looking); ham; smoked turkey; non-descript swiss, yellow (cheddar or colby?) and some other white cheese with those zig-zag edges) with some sort of chard garnish in the middle of the black tray that had one of those big plastic lids on it. Why, for a flat meat and cheese tray should there be a big, high plastic lid? WOuldn't you want to keep the air out? Oh, well. Average supermarket white and wheat buns. Pickle wedges. Potato salad (better than average for deli). Some cole slaw thing with crushed ramen noodles that for some reason is popular in this area. The bonus, which I stocked up on were wonderful homegrown tomatoes and romaine lettuce. I forewent the large, supermarket bakery sheet cake and ice cream. I saved that room for peaches, which I had on the deck when we arrived home. They also offered pop (white, dark, caffinated, decaf, diet and full sugar), bottles of water, beer (Leinies and Mic light) and white and red wine (forgot to check labels, tasted like middle of the shelf stuff).

But, we had a wonderful time, in large part due to the company and setting. After all, that is a big part of the meal, isn't it?

Diana and Heidi fared well at home, and Diana earned a quick $20.00. She made egg salad for dinner (a favorite of Heidi's) and had peaches.

It is still beautifully warm and sulty outside, so it's time to grab another one of those peaches and head to the deck.

Oh. The b-day people requested no gifts. However, nothing could keep me from taking them a few of those oh, so, juicy treats. The hostess said that she thought that tonight, after the guests were gone, she thought that sharing peaches on the deck, watching the night sky with her honey, peaches would be appropriate .

Edited to add that there was also fruit salad with decent melons and supermarket strawberries, and Old Dutch Ripple Chips. Plus usual condiments. French's and Grey poupon (sp?) mustard, mayo and miracle whip. I don't think most people here know about other dijon mustards, and Miracle Whip on a table is de rigeur in these parts, as well.

Old Dutch is, I believe, a local brand. The brand I buy because they put two or three bags in a box and they don't get crushed on a trip to the cabin (the only time I ever buy chips). Their ripples are really, really wonderful.

Edited September 13, 2004 by snowangel (log)

[snowangel]

Paul commented after we left that this seemed like a "typically Midwestern cold buffet." I do believe that people in all areas of the country see meals like this. Am I wrong?

[snowangel]

Snack update. Diana just rode up to the superette and picked up a pint of Hagan Daz vanilla, which was slightly melted when she got home (this is the warmest, most sultry night I think we've had all summer). We sliced some peaches and used the melty ice cream as dip.

Life is wonderful.

Lest you think I'm keeping them up too late, both had very long naps this afternoon. Summer is short. The peach season is short. The sultry nights are few and far between.

Butterfat and juicy, ultra-ripe, dripping peaches. This is starting to sound pornographic.

[hillvalley]

That sounds unbelievably wonderfully delicious.

I am having a caramel in your honor

[Dignan]

Paul commented after we left that this seemed like a "typically Midwestern cold buffet."  I do believe that people in all areas of the country see meals like this.  Am I wrong?

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I agree with you, snowangel, I've seen them all around, but those meatballs in glop would probably be advertised as "swedish."

[RSincere]

I wonder if the meatballs in glop were Swedish, or the ones in grape jelly?

Some cole slaw thing with crushed ramen noodles that for some reason is popular in this area.

I could give you the recipe, if you wanted. My mom considers it her specialty. :-D

and Miracle Whip on a table is de rigeur in these parts, as well.

Amen. I'm loving your blog, as I'm here in Wisconsin probably about 4 hours away from your house, and I'm recognizing so many things here. No "taco dip" on the table? No fruit pizza? What the heck?

But the Miracle Whip comment, oooooooh, that burns. I mentioned elsewhere on this site that I sent homemade crab dip to work with my husband for a potluck, and none of the people he works with would eat it because it had mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip. I mean, it wasn't even touched. He said that some kind of dip made with Velveeta or Cheez Whiz was the big hit of the night.

Anyway, I also love how you explain how people have to eat in this area...right now, we're loading up on peaches, tomatoes, zucchini, and red peppers--I don't use red peppers any other time, because they cost twice as much. But I go through them like mad now when they're half the usual price, and green bell peppers at 39 cents apiece! When it's acutally fresh and good, we load up on it. We can have our fill of potatoes and apples in December.

Edited September 13, 2004 by RSincere (log)

[snowangel]

I agree with you, snowangel, I've seen them all around, but those meatballs in glop would probably be advertised as "swedish."

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No, these were not "swedish." My MIL makes those every Xmas Eve (along with lutefisk, which I will actually eat and sort of like as long as it is with smashed potatoes and lots and lots and lots of butter and cracked black pepper) and they are in more of a creamy sauce.

The DIL who made these described them as "teryaki." Peter said that the bite of one he had was "yucky, sort of sweet and sour and goopy" (he had exactly one bite and no more, which he swallowed like a true gent, even thought I knew he didn't like it ). What exactly is this "teryaki" sauce? Does whatever sort of sauce she bought in a bottle remotely resemble what is "teryaki"? Other than hot sauces and a few Asian sauces, I've never purchased any of those "sauces" that one sees in the market like "Asian Stir Fry Sauce," "Thai Pad Thai Sauce," etc. Hoisan, nam pla, etc. are within my vocab, but the rest just aren't.

[snowangel]

I think one of the telling things was as I loaded my plate with tomatoes and romaine, swiped a lemon wedge that was a garnish for the shrimp, and cracked some black pepper over my plate of the Best of Summer's Bounty (all home grown, except for the lemon and pepper), the number of people that said "is that all you are eating?" Why, at this time of year, would I eat anything else?

BTW, RSincere, at the Farmer's Market last week, red bells were going for $2.00/small bushel (is that a peck?).

A trip to the farmer's market just may be in order tomorrow morning. I just found a box of jars, and pickles may be in my future.

The hostess of the party did have quite the tomato bounty, and they were wonderful. When she asked if I would like to pick some, I did. BLT's just may be on the menu tomorrow night, along with sweet corn. I also pilfered some coneflower, rubekea, and other assorted seed heads (with permission) for my new fledgling garden.

She also had a boatload of basil (as do I) and we have a date next Wednesday for her to come here with her shrubs and I will teach her how to make pesto. She's bringing the pine nuts and a bunch of little containers. I freeze it, successfully. Just cover the pesto with a thin layer of EVOO before putting the lid on.

[Dignan]

No, these were not "swedish."  My MIL makes those every Xmas Eve (along with lutefisk, which I will actually eat and sort of like as long as it is with smashed potatoes and lots and lots and lots of butter and cracked black pepper) and they are in more of a creamy sauce.

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That's kinda what I meant with the quotes around "Swedish." I've had the meatballs in the crockpot buffet item lots of times, and I'm certain I've never had an actual honest Swedish meatball, but I've had what people thought were or would call a swedish meatball.

[snowangel]

Toast, coffee and two peaches again this morning. It's another beautiful day, and I found another ripe tomato this morning. This mid-September blast of above 80 degree (f) weather is doing it's trick.

[SobaAddict70]

Once I had Swedish meatballs made by cooking meatballs in GRAPE JELLY with a 1/4 c. of Tabasco for 3/4 jar of grape jelly.

Needless to say, it was interesting.

Kids, don't try this at home.

Soba

[Cusina]

Yum, all of it sounds awesome. Especially those peaches. Must get some peaches! Do you do apple picking with your kids? We got some Macs this weekend and I'm up to my elbows in them. Good stuff.

We are having our longed for summer weather now too, awful that it hits after the kids are back in school isn't it? Too bad that we have to enjoy it on the porch with a nice morning beverage and a book instead of lugging everything and everybody plus snacks to the pool and back... what a shame. *snicker*

[Smithy]

But the Miracle Whip comment, oooooooh, that burns.  I mentioned elsewhere on this site that I sent homemade crab dip to work with my husband for a potluck, and none of the people he works with would eat it because it had mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip.  I mean, it wasn't even touched.  He said that some kind of dip made with Velveeta or Cheez Whiz was the big hit of the night.

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That's typical. I once brought a roasted red pepper salad to an office potlock, and it went completely untouched except by me. The gloppy meatballs in the crock pot were the success. I've learned to stick with something like buffalo wing dip or a salad unless I want leftovers.

Is there some personality test that goes with the preference for mayo vs. Miracle Whip? I can't stand Miracle Whip and haven't liked it since I was, oh, 12. It's way too sweet for my tastes. My husband, an otherwise lovely and intelligent man, dislikes mayonnaise because it isn't sweet enough. When we bought a new refrigerator we made sure it was big enough to allow for our culinary differences.

[snowangel]

It is almost hot here today! So glad we can soak up some heat before fall (I love hot weather).

Working hard outside today, so I'm eating lunch right now -- two hardboiled eggs with salt and pepper, one of the tomatoes I got last night. And, I'm sure I'll have a peach.

And, a glass of limeade. I realized last night that my fridge is full of limes, so I made a simple syrup and squeezed a mess of these mid-morning. Very, very good.

[snowangel]

Peter and I are getting ready to have a snack -- sundaes. Yogurt topped with sliced peaches and granola for a garnish and some crunch.

[jgarner53]

All your talk of peaches is making me jealous. Peaches have all but disappeared from my farmer's market, and I'm afraid that what's left will be flavorless and mealy. (I live in San Francisco, but have never lived in Minnesota, so can't appreciate your fine, fine corn).

Enjoy that late summer bounty while it lasts! I know just how you feel, yearning for braised dishes and slow-roasted meats. Fantastic blog!

[snowangel]

All your talk of peaches is making me jealous. Peaches have all but disappeared from my farmer's market, and I'm afraid that what's left will be flavorless and mealy. (I live in San Francisco, but have never lived in Minnesota, so can't appreciate your fine, fine corn).

Enjoy that late summer bounty while it lasts! I know just how you feel, yearning for braised dishes and slow-roasted meats. Fantastic blog!

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When my sister was here (she hails from Berkeley), her first food request was sweet corn. She said it's never as good there, and she thinks it's never as fresh. The stuff Paul is brining home has been picked just a couple of hours before he buys it .

It's on the menu tonight (yes, again).

[Chris Cognac]

OK, can I get this Larb stuff in Los Angeles?....I must be able to, heck you can get anything out here...except real NY pizza....Tejon, any clue to where the Larb is?

[hillvalley]

Most Thai restaurants have it in some form or another. I say most because the place two blocks from my house doesn't have it

As for the ingredients, I would head to your local Asian market and then over to snowangel's for some kaffir leaves.

[snowangel]

OK, can I get this Larb stuff in Los Angeles?....I must be able to, heck you can get anything out here...except real NY pizza....Tejon, any clue to where the Larb is?

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As soon as recipeGullet is back up and running (when?), be sure and check for recipes for larb. Mine is wonderful, and there are also, as I recall, a couple of other versions.

[snowangel]

Today seemed more like a mid-August day. Hot and sultry, windy...that "there must be a thunderstorm coming." (and there is one coming)

So, in honor of this kind of day, I had a meal we often repeat in August

BLT's, sweet corn and peaches.

I ended up cutting the heirloom into wedges. It seemed a pity to "waste" the few I have had on a sandwich because they are so good on their own (had I had more, I certainly would have put the on a sandwich). I ended up slicing two more tomatoes. What you can't see is the Hellman's mayo or the two slices of Acme sourdough toast I had (my last two slices ). My family prefers then on squisy white bread, toasted.

I cut these peaches up because Heidi can't eat halves or wedges.

I also cut a bunch more peaches in half as we finished dinner. They were wonderful.

I only have 2 out of that whole lug yet. I'm pleased that we ate them all when they were at their prime. I did pick up, about two weeks ago, a lug on sale that was almost past it's prime and I put up a bunch of frozen peach pie filling.

The kids drank milk, Paul beer, and I had vodka with more of my limeade.

It's getting dark. We are alternatively having high winds and still air. Oh, think I just saw some lightening! We're way overdue for a boomer.

[snowangel]

Should have mentioned that the bacon was from Hack's. I had them slice this a bit thinner.

When we have bacon for breakfast, we like it thicker. We all like it thinner on a BLT.

BLT's are one of my very favorite foods. Anything with bacon is a favorite. Probably even more appealing than larb.

[tejon]

As soon as recipeGullet is back up and running (when?), be sure and check for recipes for larb. Mine is wonderful, and there are also, as I recall, a couple of other versions.

That's where I would have directed you as well .

Snowangel, I have been loving this blog. Watching you relish such gorgeous summer bounty makes me long for a trip to the midwest, if only for the corn and peaches. What a true bounty you have there.

[snowangel]

With a nod to a former blog writer

I end with iambic pentameter

It’s been a week of summer’s best bounty

Most of it grown in this very county

Those ears, those bicolored kernels…sweet corn

To me, piled up, there’s no better food porn

Tomatoes, ripe, sliced, juicy, and luscious

Western peaches, a fruit most sensuous

Tender green beans, meat hot off of the grill

The thrill of the season gives me a chill

Bacon, sausages, liverwurst and cheese

Prik Khing, stir fry, larb…more of this please!

Tomorrow, the blog moves across the sea

Thank you for letting me share about me.

Tonight, I hand the blog over. I'm sure there is yet another peach (almost gone) to go.

Meantime, I'll check this later this evening and report if I do eat anything else.

I'd like to offer special thanks to Soba, JLuhrie and Jason for promptly answering any questions I had (or remove photos I posted in error), and to the other site managers who fielded questions forwarded by the former. Most of all, I want to thank those who participate in EG for enriching all of our lives, regardless of where we come from, who we are, what we do, or what we eat.

As I pondered my iambic pentameter, I realized just how different the contents would be in the middle of January here in Minnesota, at that time when we braise and roast, in part to fuel our bodies to withstand the cold, in part to heat the house. The lack of sweet corn and peaches. But there is ice fishing, and the dazzling brilliance of sun hitting ice covered trees. The season is changing here, and will soon change rapidly. One of the beauties of living here. To die for sweet corn, and great ice fishing. It is a good life.

Edited to add: Now if I could just quit trying to put everything (even the grocery list) into iambic pentameter. Our poet laureate was right...it is addictive.

Edited September 14, 2004 by snowangel (log)