Ok my Gourmet Friends, so sorry it has been some time since you have last heard from the Goddess, but she has had some difficulty in her life lately and just needed sometime to herself, thank you for your patience.
I have had a lot time to reflect about what is important in my life and what I want my life be like. I want my life full, I want to laugh, to cry, to sing, to love, to give, TO COOK, to me; it’s about what you do with the time given.
Example…I have a friend, we will call him the “Colonel” and to listen to him all day just puts a smile on my face, he is so full of enthusiasm, passion and well, just life. When I am having a bad day he will put a smile on my face and he doesn’t even know it, just because it is such pleasure to listen to someone all day who has so much excitement in his voice and the way he talks about his everyday life, you can tell he is just happy to BE! Thank you “Colonel” for your zest, passion and enthusiasm for life and helping me through the past few bad weeks without even knowing it!
You have choice …What do you want your life to be?
Ok, off the soapbox
Let’s get to that you came here for the food and fun!
How About a Dinner and a Movie
I love these nights, I love matching the food to the movie, a great Italian Feast while watching Goodfellas or hanging with the Corleone family!
Or how about some BIG juicy lamb burgers and grilled FAT herb potatoes while watching what a true Greek Wedding is all about. Grilling the perfect steak along with serving a thick and creamy milk shake, after all, those are American Beauty’s. Anyway, I can go on like this all day, you get the picture.
I will have more in weeks to come so stay tuned!
This was a cute movie and I loved the charters and storyline and of course the happy ending. Say it with me AAHHHH. (And you thought I was going to start with an Italian one, didn’t you?)
Go out and rent My Big Fat Greek Wedding (if you don’t all ready own it) and don’t forget the OUZO!
First we start with a swig of OUZO – Oom-pah! Now pour a second glass for later.
Rosemary Feta Lamb Burgers
Makes 4 burgers
1 lb ground lamb
1 Cup of Feta Cheese, reserve a ¼ C to crumble in top of the burgers when done
4 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped finely
2 cloves of finely chopped garlic (if it’s a big clove use only one)
1 tsp of lemon juice
3 tbsp of white wine
1 teaspoon ground cumin
S&P to taste
4 rustic style rolls, to complement the burger
Mix together the Lamb, ¾ C of Feta Cheese, chopped garlic, lemon, white wine, cumin and S&P to taste; once well mixed form into your desired size patty. To let the flavors develop, I usually allow to sit for at least 2 hrs in the refrigerator before grilling.
Cook burgers on med-high heat, I would suggest spraying with olive oil or non-stick spray, place the burgers on the grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side or until desired doneness, turn only once…however you DO NOT want to dry the burger out.
HH…Use an old mayonnaise jar lid to help form the burgers, line the lid with wax paper, place mix into lid form the perfect burger and lift the wax paper to help remove the burger.
Gourmet IT UP …Top each Lamb burger with Olive Tapenade…
Olive Tapenade
I like to use a combo of black and green
¼ C of Large black olives drained
¼ C of large green olives drained (you may leave the pimento in)
1 to 2 cloves of crushed garlic (all depends how much you like garlic)
1 anchovy (this will NOT be noticeable)
2 tbsp C of EVOO
Fresh ground pepper
TASTE before adding salt, if you think it needs salt then add just a touch.
Place all the ingredients in food processor and blend until you reach your desire texture, I like mine a bit more chunky, if you find it is to dry simple drizzle in more EVOO. The longer you blend the smoother the Tapenade will become.
Herb Grilled Potatoes
4 Bakers par boiled and sliced ¼ inch think
¼ C Olive Oil
3 tbsp chopped Parsley (reserve 1 tbsp)
3 tbsp Chopped Rosemary (reserve 1 tbsp)
2 tbsp Thyme – just pull the leaves off, no need to chop (reserve 1 tbsp)
S&P to taste
Start the potatoes in cold water and parboil for about 5 minutes once water come to a boil, remove and allow to cool to touch and slice the potatoes and place in a bowl, drizzle with the oil, place herbs in and toss well, if it’s to dry and you need more oil, drizzle more in.
Place each piece on grill over med heat. Cook until done, about 5-6 minutes per side, you looking for a nice light char on each side, not burnt, just grill marks.
Take off heat and place on platter, take the reserve herbs and sprinkle on top and drizzle a bit more olive oil.
Gourmet IT UP: Drizzle truffle oil right before serving.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
I’M BACK - Miss me?
Well the Goddess had a pretty hard time this past week, but with the love of her friends and family she was able to get through it. However, she had plenty of time to think and just have peace with it all.
I sure hope you are hungry, because this pasta dish I whipped up last night sure a filling one so to balance the pasta dish out I had to come up with a super fresh salad.
I sure hope you all enjoy, and keep a look out, plenty more coming in day, weeks and months to come.
Hot Italian Sausage Pasta
1 lb hot sausage
4 sliced bacon - chopped
2 cans dice tomatoes
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 med onion diced
1 can black olives cut in half
¼ C parmesan cheese
¼ C chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped basil
Boil pasta according to in instructions, drain and set aside,
Sautee sausage and onions for about 12/15 minutes over med heat, now add the garlic, tomatoes, bacon and stock, mix well and allow to simmer for 15 minutes over med heat, now add the black olives, parmesan cheese, olive oil and pasta and toss well, taste to see if salt and pepper is needed and top with chopped basil, a little more parmesan cheese if you want and eat!
Gourmet it UP – Instead of simmering stove stop … bake in a baking dish after mixing in some of mozzarella and place in oven (350 degrees) for 20 minutes…can you say yummmmm
Two Tomato Salad
3 yellow tomatoes quartered
3 red tomatoes quartered
1 can of hearts of palm (salad sliced if you can find them)
1 Avocado peeled and sliced
1 lemon
3 tbsp Olive Oil
2 cups of baby spinach
Salt and pepper
Place spinach on a platter, place the quartered tomatoes and the avocado around on top now add the hearts of palm, squeeze the lemon all over, drizzle the olive oil, dash of salt and pepper for taste and you have such a simple colorful, clean tasting salad and oh so good for you!
I am so excited spring is finally here; I have planted my tomato plants and cannot wait to for them to start producing juicy red tomatoes, not to mention all the other wonderful herbs, strawberries and I have peppers growing.
I sure hope you are hungry, because this pasta dish I whipped up last night sure a filling one so to balance the pasta dish out I had to come up with a super fresh salad.
I sure hope you all enjoy, and keep a look out, plenty more coming in day, weeks and months to come.
Hot Italian Sausage Pasta
1 lb hot sausage
4 sliced bacon - chopped
2 cans dice tomatoes
3 cloves garlic chopped
1 med onion diced
1 can black olives cut in half
¼ C parmesan cheese
¼ C chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chopped basil
Boil pasta according to in instructions, drain and set aside,
Sautee sausage and onions for about 12/15 minutes over med heat, now add the garlic, tomatoes, bacon and stock, mix well and allow to simmer for 15 minutes over med heat, now add the black olives, parmesan cheese, olive oil and pasta and toss well, taste to see if salt and pepper is needed and top with chopped basil, a little more parmesan cheese if you want and eat!
Gourmet it UP – Instead of simmering stove stop … bake in a baking dish after mixing in some of mozzarella and place in oven (350 degrees) for 20 minutes…can you say yummmmm
Two Tomato Salad
3 yellow tomatoes quartered
3 red tomatoes quartered
1 can of hearts of palm (salad sliced if you can find them)
1 Avocado peeled and sliced
1 lemon
3 tbsp Olive Oil
2 cups of baby spinach
Salt and pepper
Place spinach on a platter, place the quartered tomatoes and the avocado around on top now add the hearts of palm, squeeze the lemon all over, drizzle the olive oil, dash of salt and pepper for taste and you have such a simple colorful, clean tasting salad and oh so good for you!
I am so excited spring is finally here; I have planted my tomato plants and cannot wait to for them to start producing juicy red tomatoes, not to mention all the other wonderful herbs, strawberries and I have peppers growing.
Monday, April 6, 2009
A Note From the Goddess
I know it has been some time since I have posted anything and the Goddess apologizes for that, however the Goddess has been a funk lately, I got some, well, not so good news from home.
And now I am taking off today to head for home to say goodbye to someone who has been in my life for 39 years and means the world to me, my granddaddy!
He is a great man, patient, kind, thoughtful, silly, funny, loving, generous, supportive and he loved his moonshine.
Don’t feel sorry for us, he might have lived a simple life, but yet he lived a great life, he wanted for nothing and gave his all in everything he did. He has shown me what kind of person I want to be, that I strive to be. He will be missed and remembered, not only by me, but by anyone he has ever came into contact with and I am so very grateful for every moment that I was able to spend with him.
One saying has helped the Goddess get through this…”And in the end, it’s not the years in your life, it’s the life in your years” And he has had so much life in his years!
Thank you for understanding and I promise The Goddess will be back creating some Lip Smacking recipes in no time.
What is one of my favorite saying? You only have one life, live it outlooud and live it well
The Bermuda Gourmet Goddess
And now I am taking off today to head for home to say goodbye to someone who has been in my life for 39 years and means the world to me, my granddaddy!
He is a great man, patient, kind, thoughtful, silly, funny, loving, generous, supportive and he loved his moonshine.
Don’t feel sorry for us, he might have lived a simple life, but yet he lived a great life, he wanted for nothing and gave his all in everything he did. He has shown me what kind of person I want to be, that I strive to be. He will be missed and remembered, not only by me, but by anyone he has ever came into contact with and I am so very grateful for every moment that I was able to spend with him.
One saying has helped the Goddess get through this…”And in the end, it’s not the years in your life, it’s the life in your years” And he has had so much life in his years!
Thank you for understanding and I promise The Goddess will be back creating some Lip Smacking recipes in no time.
What is one of my favorite saying? You only have one life, live it outlooud and live it well
The Bermuda Gourmet Goddess
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Going out to eat in Bermuda
As any Bermudian knows going out in Bermuda has skyrocketed. The average cost now is $100-$150 per person, including alcohol and service charge. Of course if you don’t drink then you will save a lot. But there are few Bermudians who don't drink.
I find the cost quiet offensive for meals that I know I can prepare myself with a little effort, not the mention the lack of service in most places! With the exception of one place that I do not mind paying that kind of money for and that is at Yahsi, or as most locals call it, Coconut Rock Sushi (or really any sushi for that matter).
However, a friend introduced us to a place that has vast menu, very good food and very good prices in Flatts Village, called INDIGO. The menu has creative selections that could please any finicky palate such as American, Chinese, Sushi, Indian and European. It’s great if you are with a group of people who all are in the mood for something different. I remember going on one occasion with a group of 7, a couple people started with sushi but then had Indian for their main course, then one had sliders for a appetizer and Chinese for a main, the possibilities are endless.
Last week my husband and I went for dinner, it was not planned, but we wanted somewhere cheap and cheerful. And as we were looking in the phone book we remembered Indigo, so off we went. It was about 8 PM on a Tuesday night, there were no issues with parking, especially since they have valet parking. We were lead up stairs and there were about 6 tables enjoying the array of culinary pleasure this place has to offer. We started with a bottle of house Sauvignon Blanc, Vodka cocktail and two appetizers, the salt and pepper crusted tofu, which my husband ordered and I was shocked because it is not his “type” of food and me with what ended up being mini pork eggrolls, the menu explained something else, but no complaints because they were good, but the tofu was better, much better, gonna have that next time we go!
My main was Chinese, Mongolian Beef with twice fried noodles, and it was fantastic, not to mention it was a very generous portion. My husband's main was Chinese also, sliced pork and exotic vegetables tossed in a garlic and rice wine sauce served with fried rice, another generous portion, which he said was extremely good, I did not have a taste for I was way too busy eating my delectable meal! Throughout the meal we had in total 3 drinks and a bottle of wine, with service charge our bill was 135.00, $67.50 a person! Which for Bermuda is fantastic for nice dining, no I would not consider Indigo fine dining, I have had fine dining and they are far from it, but it is very good value for the money. So if you ever find yourself with nothing to eat in your kitchen and want value for money place in Bermuda that is central located in Flatts Village and take a chance with INDGIO.
OTHER PLACES THAT I CONSIDER CHEAP AND CHEERFUL
Hog Penny, they also have a vast menu to select from, service is great and the Bloody Mary’s are out of this world! Located in Hamilton and have some wild entertainment with Will Black kickin’ it up. http://www.irg.bm
Pickled Onion, also, located in Hamilton with some kickin’ entertainment, they have a cosmic martini selection to choice from. Not to mention some great eats. I personally have a weakness for their nachos! http://www.irg.bm
Frog N’ Onion Pub, with nightly fish specials, super duper lunch combos and different live entertainment what more could you ask for. So what if they are located in Dockyard, take the ferry…you get a cruise and dinner…talk about a night out. http://www.frogandonion.bm
Blackbeard’s Hangout, this has a view. Located in St. George’s, but man the view is just awesome if you sit outside on the patio, however I am not going lie, it has been years since I have been there, but what I do remember is was fantastic!
Bistro J, is one of the most interesting restaurants in Bermuda, I love the fact the menu is written on giant blackboards with a only a couple of selections of appetizers, entrees and desserts and the menu changes according to what is fresh, so local ingredients being used!
This is another place that it has been some time since visiting, but what I remember is was super delicious. http://www.portocall.bm/bistro.php
There are many many other restaurants in Bermuda for you to check out and you are more than likely to have your favs…a friend of mine use to swear by The Lighthouse, before Primavera took over it. And I selected the above on my own personal experiences, preference and taste. Yours are probably different and you might even disagree with some of my selections and that is fine, you can send your rants, your raves, your disagreements or suggestions to bermudagourmetgoddess@gmail.com
I would love to hear all about it and maybe even “talk” about it!
I find the cost quiet offensive for meals that I know I can prepare myself with a little effort, not the mention the lack of service in most places! With the exception of one place that I do not mind paying that kind of money for and that is at Yahsi, or as most locals call it, Coconut Rock Sushi (or really any sushi for that matter).
However, a friend introduced us to a place that has vast menu, very good food and very good prices in Flatts Village, called INDIGO. The menu has creative selections that could please any finicky palate such as American, Chinese, Sushi, Indian and European. It’s great if you are with a group of people who all are in the mood for something different. I remember going on one occasion with a group of 7, a couple people started with sushi but then had Indian for their main course, then one had sliders for a appetizer and Chinese for a main, the possibilities are endless.
Last week my husband and I went for dinner, it was not planned, but we wanted somewhere cheap and cheerful. And as we were looking in the phone book we remembered Indigo, so off we went. It was about 8 PM on a Tuesday night, there were no issues with parking, especially since they have valet parking. We were lead up stairs and there were about 6 tables enjoying the array of culinary pleasure this place has to offer. We started with a bottle of house Sauvignon Blanc, Vodka cocktail and two appetizers, the salt and pepper crusted tofu, which my husband ordered and I was shocked because it is not his “type” of food and me with what ended up being mini pork eggrolls, the menu explained something else, but no complaints because they were good, but the tofu was better, much better, gonna have that next time we go!
My main was Chinese, Mongolian Beef with twice fried noodles, and it was fantastic, not to mention it was a very generous portion. My husband's main was Chinese also, sliced pork and exotic vegetables tossed in a garlic and rice wine sauce served with fried rice, another generous portion, which he said was extremely good, I did not have a taste for I was way too busy eating my delectable meal! Throughout the meal we had in total 3 drinks and a bottle of wine, with service charge our bill was 135.00, $67.50 a person! Which for Bermuda is fantastic for nice dining, no I would not consider Indigo fine dining, I have had fine dining and they are far from it, but it is very good value for the money. So if you ever find yourself with nothing to eat in your kitchen and want value for money place in Bermuda that is central located in Flatts Village and take a chance with INDGIO.
OTHER PLACES THAT I CONSIDER CHEAP AND CHEERFUL
Hog Penny, they also have a vast menu to select from, service is great and the Bloody Mary’s are out of this world! Located in Hamilton and have some wild entertainment with Will Black kickin’ it up. http://www.irg.bm
Pickled Onion, also, located in Hamilton with some kickin’ entertainment, they have a cosmic martini selection to choice from. Not to mention some great eats. I personally have a weakness for their nachos! http://www.irg.bm
Frog N’ Onion Pub, with nightly fish specials, super duper lunch combos and different live entertainment what more could you ask for. So what if they are located in Dockyard, take the ferry…you get a cruise and dinner…talk about a night out. http://www.frogandonion.bm
Blackbeard’s Hangout, this has a view. Located in St. George’s, but man the view is just awesome if you sit outside on the patio, however I am not going lie, it has been years since I have been there, but what I do remember is was fantastic!
Bistro J, is one of the most interesting restaurants in Bermuda, I love the fact the menu is written on giant blackboards with a only a couple of selections of appetizers, entrees and desserts and the menu changes according to what is fresh, so local ingredients being used!
This is another place that it has been some time since visiting, but what I remember is was super delicious. http://www.portocall.bm/bistro.php
There are many many other restaurants in Bermuda for you to check out and you are more than likely to have your favs…a friend of mine use to swear by The Lighthouse, before Primavera took over it. And I selected the above on my own personal experiences, preference and taste. Yours are probably different and you might even disagree with some of my selections and that is fine, you can send your rants, your raves, your disagreements or suggestions to bermudagourmetgoddess@gmail.com
I would love to hear all about it and maybe even “talk” about it!
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