Camping, Princess Style

[Smithy]

Not much to report on the culinary front from yesterday. I made a chicken salad (heavy on the chicken and mayo, lighter on the capers, and that's it) and turned it into an open-faced sandwich of sorts. I ate chunks of cheese, and melted cheese atop bread. (I really do wish I'd packed the toaster, but I didn't want to dirty up a skillet or Papa's pan.) I finally finished the panade from what, last week? It really holds up well. I'm glad I have all the elements with which to make another one soon. 

 

 

It wasn't a nice day to be outside, nor had it been on the previous day. For two days straight, the wind blew so hard that the local flags seemed starched

 

and we were sandblasted every time we crossed a street in line with the sand dunes.

 

 

Still, I had to go out. It was Old Farts Day at the local Fry's: 10% discount on everything, for senior citizens, on the first Wednesday of the month. 

 

Know what? I have too much food already. You probably won't be surprised at that. So household cleaning items, pet supplies, coffee and half-and-half constituted my shopping. It still added up. Pet food and treats are expensive!

 

I've already shown you some of that Fry's. But going back to last week, I see I haven't shown you the local Albertson's or the Oriental Gift Shop next to the laundromat I use. Sit back and enjoy the show. If there's something you want to know more about, or get a better peek at, ask away.

 

First, the Oriental Gift Shop. I've posted about it in years past. They have a lot of fun decorations in the window 

 

 

and even more inside. If I were inclined toward redecorating, I'd probably spend a bundle in here.

 

I actually had a goal: to see whether they carry the Aji Amarillo paste I wanted, since @C. sapidus had found some at H-Mart. This store is a lot smaller than H-Mart, of course, but it was worth looking while the washing machines ran.

 

They have a dizzying array of noodles, sauces, beans, spices, vinegars. Canned and fermented eggs. There's a refrigerator section that I didn't even photograph, but it's full of interesting foods too. I still have some of their kimchi from last year. No Peruvian chili pastes, though they had plenty of Chinese and Indian chili pastes. And curry sauces. Have a look!

 

 

 

 

 

(I love those little parasols. I didn't buy any, though.)

 

I went out empty-handed. On the way out I admired the elaborate sculpture/fountain by the door. Unfortunately this is only a still photo. It had quite a few moving parts: spinning wheels and balls, with changing light colors and moving bubbles. You'll have to use your imagination.

 

 

When the laundry was done I went to Albertson's for something...now I've forgotten what. I know I looked for the Aji Amarillo paste there too, without success. I want to show you some of the meat and seafood offerings!

 

 

That's right. A whole, wild-caught (now frozen and dead) octopus. I wasn't tempted.

 

 

I thought this pompano was interesting, but didn't buy it either. I'm amazed at what can be found here in Yuma! Granted, we aren't far from the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez, but it still isn't like being at a port for easy access.

 

 

After all that, I went to the Post Office and picked up my package:

 

 

Very securely wrapped, with triple wrappings of bubble packing. I'd worried that my paste, having zinged around the country for weeks, would have been damaged. Nope. Excellent condition. Based on this experience, I'd buy from this company again -- if I like the paste. 

 

 

I haven't gotten far enough to decide on that yet.

Edited April 3 by Smithy
Speling (log)

[Margaret Pilgrim]

Pssst!    Shhhhhh!   Just between the two of us, I, granted a Hun and without taste credentials, did not find the imported aji paste that singular in flavor or, indeed, worth the trouble of tracking it down.   When we did, and at that only had to cross town to buy it, husband insisted I buy two so I'd have it on hand, and the recipe called for half a cup.   As I wrote on another thread, I used little more than 2 tablespoons so have 90% of opened jar left as well as full jar.   Unless there is a very special reason besides "authenticity" for using this product,  I would rather substitute an on-hand pepper.   

[Smithy]

19 minutes ago, Margaret Pilgrim said:

Unless there is a very special reason besides "authenticity" for using this product,  I would rather substitute an on-hand pepper. 

 

Thanks. I'll keep that in mind for the future. 

 

But...

 

My particular recipe was provided by a chef who served in the Peace Corps in Peru (I'm not sure when). She was good enough to provide the recipe for the stew she made that I liked very much. In her notes she says that it must be this particular pepper to taste right. Granted, I couldn't find the brand of paste she uses, but when I make and post about this recipe I think I owe it to her to follow her instructions as closely as possible.

 

Later, I'm sure I'll be taking liberties as I always do. 🙂

 

[Margaret Pilgrim]

I totally understand.   My recipe came with the same caveat which explains the effort I took to find the aji called for.    And I agree that it's always smart to follow good instructions at least the first time.    (After that, I usually wing it.)

[JoNorvelleWalker]

9 hours ago, Smithy said:

Not much to report on the culinary front from yesterday. I made a chicken salad (heavy on the chicken and mayo, lighter on the capers, and that's it) and turned it into an open-faced sandwich of sorts. I ate chunks of cheese, and melted cheese atop bread. (I really do wish I'd packed the toaster, but I didn't want to dirty up a skillet or Papa's pan.) I finally finished the panade from what, last week? It really holds up well. I'm glad I have all the elements with which to make another one soon. 

 

 

It wasn't a nice day to be outside, nor had it been on the previous day. For two days straight, the wind blew so hard that the local flags seemed starched

 

and we were sandblasted every time we crossed a street in line with the sand dunes.

 

 

Still, I had to go out. It was Old Farts Day at the local Fry's: 10% discount on everything, for senior citizens, on the first Wednesday of the month. 

 

Know what? I have too much food already. You probably won't be surprised at that. So household cleaning items, pet supplies, coffee and half-and-half constituted my shopping. It still added up. Pet food and treats are expensive!

 

I've already shown you some of that Fry's. But going back to last week, I see I haven't shown you the local Albertson's or the Oriental Gift Shop next to the laundromat I use. Sit back and enjoy the show. If there's something you want to know more about, or get a better peek at, ask away.

 

First, the Oriental Gift Shop. I've posted about it in years past. They have a lot of fun decorations in the window 

 

 

and even more inside. If I were inclined toward redecorating, I'd probably spend a bundle in here.

 

I actually had a goal: to see whether they carry the Aji Amarillo paste I wanted, since @C. sapidus had found some at H-Mart. This store is a lot smaller than H-Mart, of course, but it was worth looking while the washing machines ran.

 

They have a dizzying array of noodles, sauces, beans, spices, vinegars. Canned and fermented eggs. There's a refrigerator section that I didn't even photograph, but it's full of interesting foods too. I still have some of their kimchi from last year. No Peruvian chili pastes, though they had plenty of Chinese and Indian chili pastes. And curry sauces. Have a look!

 

 

 

 

 

(I love those little parasols. I didn't buy any, though.)

 

I went out empty-handed. On the way out I admired the elaborate sculpture/fountain by the door. Unfortunately this is only a still photo. It had quite a few moving parts: spinning wheels and balls, with changing light colors and moving bubbles. You'll have to use your imagination.

 

 

When the laundry was done I went to Albertson's for something...now I've forgotten what. I know I looked for the Aji Amarillo paste there too, without success. I want to show you some of the meat and seafood offerings!

 

 

That's right. A whole, wild-caught (now frozen and dead) octopus. I wasn't tempted.

 

 

I thought this pompano was interesting, but didn't buy it either. I'm amazed at what can be found here in Yuma! Granted, we aren't far from the Pacific Ocean or the Sea of Cortez, but it still isn't like being at a port for easy access.

 

 

After all that, I went to the Post Office and picked up my package:

 

 

Very securely wrapped, with triple wrappings of bubble packing. I'd worried that my paste, having zinged around the country for weeks, would have been damaged. Nope. Excellent condition. Based on this experience, I'd buy from this company again -- if I like the paste. 

 

 

I haven't gotten far enough to decide on that yet.

 

Have you considered whole dried Aji Amarillo?  That's how I buy it.  Probably longer shelf life too.

 

[ElsieD]

I used to buy frozen ones.

[Smithy]

No need to drive anywhere today. It was pleasant outside for a walk this morning, but now the wind has come up again...just as gusty, and just as dusty as yesterday and the day before. It's a good day to work on the taxes I've promised myself I'd do.

 

Well, I've hit a wall. Time to eat. What to make, what to make? Those potatoes I rescued are still waiting on the counter to be cooked. Do I want to make potato salad? No. Do I want a sandwich? No. I finished the last of the Sopa de Lima last night. I don't feel like starting tonight's planned panade yet.

 

I really, really like the salad dressing and salad recipe, give or take minor ingredient adjustments, from this article: Don't feel like cooking? Try this easy and savory Antipasti Salad.

 

Okay, salad dressing was already on my to-do list today. 

 

Before dressing (and before I thought to clean the phone lens), here's what I had:

 

 

After tossing, serving and dressing (and cleaning the lens):

 

 

It's now 2:30 pm. Will I feel like cooking that panade this evening? I dunno yet. I do know that I'll have to clear the "desk" of all this paper and do something else more entertaining. Otherwise I'll start the comfort-food noshing. Look out, chocolate Easter bunnies!

 

 

[Margaret Pilgrim]

Good luck with your taxes.    i was on the phone, either waiting or on hold by the agent, with IRS today for over an hour.    Received a letter that I had a large credit balance that needed to be addressed.    After much back and forth and holds, I convinced her that they were estimates that should have been applied.    She agreed and said I should file an amended return and include them.   "They are listed on the current return, line 33!"   "Ah, so they are.   You can disregard this letter."    I decided it was time to take a nap!

[Smithy]

I went ahead with the panade. I started it even though I wasn't hungry, then while I was cooking I ate a bunch of salami because I was hungry.

 

But. Now I've finished the bread cubes, sliced onion, sliced red bell pepper, kale, some spinach, a couple of mushrooms, and a chunk of applewood-smoked Gruyere that's been riding with me since before I left home. There are a bunch of plastic containers out of the refrigerator and cleaned.

 

 

Of course I had to do a taste test, though I wasn't hungry. Pretty darned good, and I'll have several meals out of the deal. Those meals, of course, will go into the plastic containers I just washed.

 

Can't have open space in the refrigerator now, can I? 😀 

[Smithy]

<Cue Don Henley>

Nobody on the road...

Nobody on the beach...

 

"Boys of Summer" is one of my favorite songs, and it echoes through my head every time I go for a walk here. It's the reverse situation, of course: the place is emptying out for the summer.

 

 

A few hardy souls stay here year-round, but my hosts/landlords will be leaving in early May. By that time the snow should have melted in Minnesota, where they're headed.

 

The owners of my favorite house here left this morning for their home in Washington.

 

 

I'm not sure what to make of this place. It has a healthy raised-bed garden. As you can see, the tomatoes are done already but there're some good-looking vegetables and greens. I'm not sure whether these homeowners are still around, but I think they've gone for the season.

 

 

This morning it was mashed avocado on sourdough bread, with a sprinkling of lemon and Spike. Chased by a mixture of kefir and juice.

 

 

Yesterday as part of my effort to cut down on deli meats and cheeses in the refrigerator, I had this "wrap" for lunch. Not shown: Triscuits for crunch.

 

 

Dinner last night was slightly more interesting, but also less successful. I'll give it its own post.

[Smithy]

A couple of years ago I tried a meat subscription service that had looked promising. My darling was unimpressed, and I found it difficult to use the meats in ways he'd like. He always found the steaks tough. Well, they are grass-fed steaks. I've had tender ones, but I never managed to do it with him. I cancelled the subscription after 2 deliveries.

 

This package is a relic of that subscription. It sat in the freezer through all our health mayhem, and I promised myself I'd cook it during this trip. Given my erratic cooking, I think it's been out and back into the freezer a few times. Last night, I made up my mind to sear it and have a steak salad. Or tacos. I hadn't decided when I pulled it out (again).

 

 

I unwrapped it. Huh. This wasn't what I'd expected!

 

 

Well, it should sear easily. I blotted it, gave it a very light coat of olive oil, then dosed it liberally with Lawry's seasoned salt while I got a grill pan screaming hot.

 

 

The idea was to sear the outside and have the interior still pink. It worked, kinda. Not as pink as I'd have liked.

 

 

Dinner. Remember that I was either going to have a steak salad or tacos? Phooey on that. It was neither.

 

 

Flavor not bad, but this meat was chewier -- not in a good way -- and more difficult to cut than any I remember getting from this company before. I'm glad I didn't subject my darling to it. I don't know whether the repeated thawing and freezing had anything to do with the texture, but it couldn't have helped.

 

I ate some of it. The rest is in the refrigerator until I decide what to do with it. My canine companion knows what he thinks I should do!

[Margaret Pilgrim]

33 minutes ago, Smithy said:

 

I ate some of it. The rest is in the refrigerator until I decide what to do with it.

As I have written often, any rejected/on hold protein gets tossed into the food processor, chopped coarsely and turned into ragu Bolognese.    Frozen in portions and always a welcome "nothing to eat" supper.

[FauxPas]

4 hours ago, Smithy said:

I ate some of it. The rest is in the refrigerator until I decide what to do with it.

 

Fajitas? 

 

(Or maybe help out a poor starving doggie with a few bites?) 

 

I think PJ learned how to type.  🙂

 

[Smithy]

Last's night's dinner was some of the planned-over panade, and a couple of bites of steak before I gave it to PJ. 🙂

 

I'm not sure what my dinner plans will be. A few days ago I bought another rotisserie chicken and, after eating a bit of it, pulled the meat from the bones and put it all into a container. The plan was to make the Peruvian chicken stew (Aji de Gallina) that I've been rabbitting on about, now that I finally have all the ingredients.

 

Well. It's hot outside. Really hot. 98F, and don't bother telling me that it's okay because "it's a dry heat". Although I have air conditioning in the trailer, I'm still disinclined to make a nice hot stew. So just now I chopped some of the chicken meat up with chopped parsley, capers, lemon juice and mayo. It made a nice chicken salad.

 

 

Even better atop Triscuits.

 

 

This may be dinner as well, along with some good lettuce salad or some of the broccoli hanging out in the crisper drawer.

 

Seen on this morning's walk: Back in the day, only a few years ago, I was interested in harvesting prickly pear tunas and making prickly pear syrup from them. I'm pretty sure I still have some of the commercially prepared stuff from that time. When I noticed a cactus along my walk that had the fruits, I briefly considered asking the owner whether I could harvest some. Then I decided not to bother. Now look at it.

 

 

Starting its new blooms; nobody ever collected the tunas. No, I'm not sorry that I didn't bother. I'm sorry to see them wasted, though.

[Smithy]

Potato salad for dinner. It took care of the red potatoes that have been sitting out on the counter; most of the parsley and green onions sitting around in the refrigerator; capers (I'm so glad I found that jar amongst my pantry supplies); lemon juice; vinegar; olive oil; and a bit of mayonnaise but not enough to make it gloppy.

 

 

I was at least in my 30's, maybe my 40's, before I discovered that potato salad doesn't have to be sweet. For that matter, it doesn't have to be gloppy although the glop doesn't bother me as much as Miracle Whip or sweet pickles. These particular potatoes aren't holding their shape well, but the overall flavor suits me. And now I've used a bunch of ingredients before they could go off, and I'll have something easy to reach for when I'm feeling peckish. The little bowl of chicken salad I showed earlier today is already gone.

[Maison Rustique]

I'm also not a fan of sweet potato salads. And we must be on the same wavelength. I just bought a box of Triscuits and I couldn't tell you the last time I did.

 

And, I had no idea prickly pear fruit were called tunas!!

[Nancy in Pátzcuaro]

A curious fact--the young university students (mostly men) who dress in medieval costumes (tights, doublets, etc.) wander around Guanajuato at night, playing music on instruments that Shakespeare would have recognized, asking for tips and flirting shamelessly--are also called "tunas." Don't ask me why.

[FauxPas]

44 minutes ago, Nancy in Pátzcuaro said:

A curious fact--the young university students (mostly men) who dress in medieval costumes (tights, doublets, etc.) wander around Guanajuato at night, playing music on instruments that Shakespeare would have recognized, asking for tips and flirting shamelessly--are also called "tunas." Don't ask me why.

 

I was curious and looked it up. I found a few different possibilities, here is the Wiki attempt at explanation.  

 

The name tuna may come from French roi de Thunes,^[1] [king of Tunis], a title used by leaders of vagabonds. But there is also a legend of a real King of Tunis, known for his love to music and party that usually liked to walk around the streets at night playing and singing. That explains why the term roi de Thunes was applied.

[liuzhou]

6 hours ago, Maison Rustique said:

I had no idea prickly pear fruit were called tunas!!

 

That I did know, but when I looked into it more, I found that, in fact, that was the first meaning. It came from the Haitian language and entered English via Spanish as early as 1555. The fish name tuna didn't arrive for another 326 years, being previously known as tunny, The tuna as a fish was also preceded by it being the name of two freshwater eels.

 

Tuna  was also an early 19th century term for an officer of a Zulu king!

 

 

[Smithy]

I thoroughly enjoyed that discussion (maybe there's more to come?) about tunas and the varying meanings of the term! Thanks, folks! That sort of discussion really helps liven this foodblog and adds interesting information.

 

Especially on days like today.

 

It's almost 8 pm, the sun has been set for nearly an hour, and it's still 94F outside. I broke down and turned on the air conditioning at 5 pm, after a day away from the trailer. I'd left windows open and fans on, but my thermometers said it was 105F outside and 99F inside. A/C it was.

 

The upshot is that my dinner plans fell apart. At lunch I'd had more of that endless salad I've prepared. It's endless, or perhaps more properly what restaurants would call "bottomless", because I get the level of chopped lettuce and vegetables down in the container, then augment it with more lettuce, tomatoes, chopped celery, croutons, and so on. After I'd had 2 bowlsful like this the container was still more full than when I'd started!

 

 

That was at noon, before it got so flaming hot. When I got home, turned on the A/C, and unpacked groceries (more greens, kefir, half-and-half, coffee, kitchen sponges and pet supplies) I decided I was peckish. That potato salad I made yesterday hit the spot.

 

 

What's strange is that when I'd gotten home I'd had the aroma of fast food in my memory thanks to the shopping center, and I'd decided to cook a Superburger. Nope. No Way. Not In This Heat. Not That Hungry. The potato salad was plenty. And water. Lots of water. I'll probably have a glass or two of wine and call it a night.

 

Gratuitous photo of sand tracery from this morning's walk, when it was only 78F.