...Yucca Chips!

You can't eat just one.

That's a slogan for Pringles, and that's so true when it comes to chips, pretzels, and even cookies - the smaller they are, the harder it is to eat "just one".  This is also a problem when you're trying to watch what you eat, because the "mindless eating" craze tends to set in, and before you know it - you've eaten half (or all) of a bag of the chips.

Pampered Chef recently came out with a Microwaveable Potato Chip Maker, where you slice potatoes (with their Ultimate Mandoline or Simple Slicer, of course) to make even chips, then microwave them without oil to make "healthier" potato chips.

Brilliant, right?

Given my obsession with Chicken Latino's Yucca Fries, I wanted to see if this would work with yucca root.  After reading the directions to the Potato Chip Maker, I noticed that they explicitly said that it works with yucca, too.

This is going to happen.

On a trip to the Strip District one day, I stopped at Stan's Market to check out the yucca - and it was only $0.99/lb.!  WHOA!  Usually there it's $1.19/lb., and I've already ranted about Giant Eagle's $3.99/lb. rate for both it and jicama (what a rip-off!).  I bought some immediately, fearing for a sudden price increase or noticeable discrepancy.

The worst part about yucca is peeling it.  I had recently purchased a new Vegetable Peeler from Pampered Chef (as I have no idea what happened to my old one - how do you lose a vegetable peeler, really?).  It got easier once I got some of the initial bark off, but it was the most time-consuming and exhausting part of the process.

No, I didn't use that Santoku knife.  I still have all of my fingers.

 Then, the Ultimate Mandoline - I was fearful of breaking the blade, as I feared that with the Vegetable Peeler as well, but I was shocked at how well it sliced the yucca into "chips".  I have no idea how Shelbin at Chicken Latino slices yucca into "fries", let alone PEELS all of that yucca on a regular basis (it wore me out!), but slicing them into chips was a breeze.

Ultimate Mandoline and yucca

Chips came out even and pretty!

I know that the point of the chip maker is to not use oil, but I thought - these will need some flavor.  I had purchased some Persian Lime Oil from Olio Fresca in the Pittsburgh Public Market, and lime is a great Latino flavor - it would go really well with yucca, along with some cumin.  Also, in a previous food experiment, I learned - the hard way - that you don't need a lot of this oil for the flavor, just like peanut oil.  So really, I wasn't adding that much fat to the chips - maybe a teaspoon's worth, at most:

Olio Fresca's Persian Lime Oil - available at the Pittsburgh Public Market

After mixing the yucca, lime oil, and cumin together in a Ziploc bag (the most efficient method of evenly coating the chips), I spread them out in a single layer on the Microwaveable Potato Chip Maker:

Coating the chips with lime oil and cumin

After microwaving them for 2 minutes - yes TWO MINUTES - they were done.  YUCCA CHIPS!

Yucca chips!  Done!

I had more to make, but didn't want to eat an entire yucca root in one sitting - so I put that Ziploc bag in the refrigerator, and made one tray's worth when I wanted to.  I got about 3 more servings out of that root, and they turned out great each time. 

In addition to the flavors in the chips, I needed to dip - I like dipping - and my new obsession is Heinz Balsamic Ketchup.  I swear this endorsement is completely unsolicited - I am obsessed with this stuff.  I hope that this "Limited Edition" thing is just a marketing ploy, because when I can't find this anymore, I may cry.  James insists that he can teach me how to make balsamic ketchup, but I refuse, fearing that it just won't be this good.  I think I'm just going to buy two bottles on every shopping trip I make to stock up...and make sales soar...and make Heinz realize it would be a huge loss to take this off of store shelves...

Heinz Balsamic Ketchup.  Even better than the original.  No joke.

Yucca chips are a delicious, at-home potato chip alternative, and I thank Shebin at Chicken Latino for the inspiration (although, I will say that nothing compares to her Yucca Fries with Green Sauce and Mayo!)  Thanks to the Pampered Chef products, making them myself (and yourself) is quite simple!

To order the Microwaveable Potato Chip Maker, Ultimate Mandoline, Simple Slicer, Vegetable Peeler, or any other Pampered Chef products, please visit: http://www.pamperedchef.biz/mariemcdonald

Stan's Market

1811 Penn Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Stans-Market/247614901924765

Olio Fresca Olive Oil Company (inside Pittsburgh Public Market)

Website: http://www.oliofresca.com/shop/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OlioFrescaOliveOilCompany

Pittsburgh Public Market

Produce Terminal Building

Smithfield Street near 17th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Website: http://pittsburghpublicmarket.org/

Facebook: http://pittsburghpublicmarket.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/PghPubMarket

...Blackberry Merlot Jelly Thumbprint Cookies (The Berry Patch)

I've really gotten into baking.  

I used to bake a lot, but when I was losing weight, I rarely baked, since cookies and cakes and other delicious pastries really didn't fit well into my diet.  However, now that I'm working out like crazy and maintaining pretty well, I've rediscovered a passion for pastries.

A few weeks ago, on one of my many trips to the Pittsburgh Public Market, I tried The Berry Patch's Blackberry Merlot Jelly and was so impressed with it that I bought a jar.

Blackberry Merlot Wine Jelly from The Berry Patch

 Now the question was - what do I do with it?  

I thought about it for awhile, and came to the conclusion that whatever I did with it had to include chocolate.  After all, wine and chocolate go together, right?  The jelly was sweet, so a sweet pairing would complement the wine-flavored jelly well.

I took to Google and searched for a solution to this dilemma - what kind of cookie to make?  

I found my answer on The Curvy Carrot blog, which came up in my search - a recipe for Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies that uses Hershey's Kisses (like Peanut Butter Blossoms).  I thought that instead of the kisses, I would use the jelly.

Sometimes I amaze myself.  In good ways, too.

Remember - The Berry Patch is at The Pittsburgh Public Market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for your jelly (and pie, and empanada, and blueberry lemonade...) needs!

Now if I can just come up with a cookie recipe that uses one of the East End Brewing-inspired jellies...

For the original recipe (with Hershey's Kisses), click here.

Blackberry Merlot Jelly Thumbprint Cookies

Servings: about 20 cookies

Ingredients

2/3 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 jar, The Berry Patch Blackberry Merlot Wine Jelly (or any other of their wonderful flavors!)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper (I use a Pampered Chef large bar pan - no need for parchment paper).

2. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter on medium-high speed for 30 seconds.

3.  Add sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.  Beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl occasionally.

4. Beat in egg and vanilla until combined.

5. Beat in the flour.

6.  Your dough should be at ball-rolling consistency at this point.  If it’s not, let it chill in the refrigerator for a while to firm up a little.

7. Once easily handled, roll dough into 1-inch balls.

8. Place balls 2 inches apart on your lined cookie sheets (or unlined stoneware), and, using your thumb, make an indentation in the center of each cookie (hence, thumbprint cookies!) 

9. Bake for 4-5 minutes.  Remove from oven, then add a dollop of jelly to each cookie (just enough to fill the indentation - about 1 tsp.).

10. Return cookies to oven and bake for another 4-5 minutes.  Remove from oven, then transfer to a wire rack and let cool.

Finished product

 The Berry Patch

161 Blueberry Lane

New Florence, PA 15944

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Berry-Patch/170081899685193

Pittsburgh Public Market

Produce Terminal Building

Smallman Street (near 17th Street)

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Website: http://www.pittsburghpublicmarket.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PittsburghPublicMarket

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/PghPubMarket

...Farm to Table Conference 2012

Qui qui ri qui.

That's the Spanish equivalent of "cock-a-doodle-do".  Weird, right?  Who knew roosters spoke a different language, too?

Oh, and dogs say, "Guau, guau".  Totally close to "Woof, woof".

I had always enjoyed going to farms as a novelty once a year to pick my pumpkin, but until I started frequenting the Pittsburgh Public Market, I didn't realize just how many farms, dairies, etc. existed in the area - and not only that, but they also produce some fine foodstuffs.

I was thrilled to take part in this year's Farm to Table Conference Local Food Tasting.  I left with a full belly and a lot more knowledge about the local farming and food producing business:

An overall shot of the event and attendees

 A sampling from Greek Gourmet - best hummus in Pittsburgh!

Michael from Greek Gourmet and his mom - visit them on Murray Ave. in Squirrel Hill (next to Mineo's!)

A lot of hummus from Freshapeel - coming to Pittsburgh soon (Michael's still wins, in my opinion!)

Cheese samples from Wild Purveyors - I miss them in the Pittsburgh Public Market. I need to get to their new storefront!

I'm not a big fan of regular milk (I drink soy), but this grass-fed milk from Manchester Farms was actually really good!

Pretzel Crazy!  Love this display!

More from Pretzel Crazy - those Chipotle Loco pretzels were much better than they may sound!

Clarion River Organics - bought spelt from them here, and bought 2 more bags at the Pittsburgh Public Market since!

The most delicious item of the night - Chicken Terrine from Restaurant Echo. Soooo yummy! 

Gorgonzola Mess from E2.

More from E2

More from E2 - remember, I take pictures of the good stuff, and I took pictures of 3 things from E2!

I've bought Cabot Cheese in the grocery store - it's great!  Especially this Hot Habanero flavor!

Remember my speculoos obsession after New York City?  Next best thing - Maple Honey Butter from BumbleBerry Farms.  Holy cow.  Don't get me near a spoon while this is around, or it will be gone by the spoonful!

Honey from BumbleBerry Farms

 There were so many other things to taste - I just didn't want to take a million pictures!  I was focused on...well, eating.  There were other vendors with juices, dressings, vegetables, you name it - needless to say, I was pretty full when I left!

James and I also had the opportunity to attend the local breakfast at the convention center on Day 2 of the conference, which featured foods made from ingredients from local farms, in addition to local jams and breads:

Breadworks bread highlights my plate at the Farm to Table Local Foods Breakfast. 

Espresso, made with love, from the mobile espresso cart.

The Farm to Table Conference was a great opportunity for local farms, dairies, and other food providers to showcase their products and allowed the attendees the chance to see that great things are made in and around Pittsburgh - while great products exist in other places, too, we don't have to look far to find quality, healthy, well-made foods.  As farmers' market season begins, please keep this in mind before buying your produce, etc. at a supermarket!  The quality (and price) difference will surely amaze you.

Farm to Table Pittsburgh

Website: http://farmtotablepa.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Farm-to-Table-Pittsburgh/274070585830?ref=ts&__adt=2&__att=iframe

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/FTT_Pittsburgh

...CONTEST: Farm to Table Pittsburgh

Buying from a local farmer > Buying from a supermarket.

There's more ownership, more confidence, more of a connection in buying from a local farm.  I feel better knowing not only that my produce hasn't traveled too far, but also that I am helping to stimulate the local economy.

Not to mention that the pricing is more reasonable than the local supermarket.  $3.99/lb. for jicama at Giant Eagle vs. $0.89/lb. at Stan's Market in the Strip District?  Big difference when those suckers weigh between 3-4 pounds!

Clarion River organics

Clarion River Organics

My fondest memories of visiting farms are mostly tied to Halloween and pumpkin picking at either Trax Farms or Triple "B" Farms - hay rides, pumpkin picking, and most recently, apple picking.  However, James has made me many meals lately with meat, cheese, and vegetables from Clarion River Organics in the Pittsburgh Public Market, and the quality of their foodstuffs is unlike that of any supermarket's.  

Just yesterday, James made a tagine for dinner with some of the most amazing ingredients from the Pittsburgh Public Market: Clarion Farms Beef flank steak, marinated in East End Brewing Chocolate Cherry Stout; fingerling potatoes and carrots from Clarion River Organics; (and an Asian pear leftover from Costco - sorry, not from a farm).

Our tagine meal, after being pressure-cooked. Soooo tasty!

 Look at this beef.  I wish you could have tasted it!  It.  Was.  Fabulous:

Photo courtesy of James. Beef courtesy of Clarion Farms. Marinade mostly courtesy of East End Brewing.

Olio Fresca Display at Pittsburgh Public Market

 I was also excited to purchase my first oil and balsamic vinegar from Olio Fresca, another participating vendor at the conference.  Lime-infused oil and wild cherry balsamic vinegar will be a great combination on salads, avocado dishes, chicken...

I can't wait to experiment - and tell you all about it!

The Pittsburgh Public Market does a great job of bringing local merchants, farmers, dairies, etc. to one central location for even the biggest city-goers to enjoy.   Don't get me wrong - I have no problem going to the actual farm, etc. to purchase their products, but the public market makes it that much more convenient, especially in the winter months, when farmer's markets are scarce.

If you want to learn more about buying local, fresh, farm-produced goods, or even if you'd just like to sample local foods, this next opportunity is for you:

The 6th Annual Farm to Table Pittsburgh Conference will be held on Friday, March 23rd and Saturday, March 24th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  This event will feature speakers, demonstrations, and kids' activities, as well as a food tasting on Friday night (23rd) from 5:00-8:00 PM.

I'm going.  AND YOU COULD GO, TOO - FOR FREE!

I am giving away two tickets to the food tasting (a $50 value!), thanks to the Revive Marketing Group, a conference sponsor.  Here is how to enter:

*Leave a comment on this post telling me about your favorite local farm or dairy experience - whether it be purchasing the ingredients there for an incredible meal you made, or milking a cow yourself for the first time, or your preschool field trip to the farm that you remember more vividly than your 5th grade field trip to...wherever that was.  The possibilities are endless! 

*Please include the name of the farm/dairy that you visited in your comment.

*All comments must be submitted by FRIDAY, MARCH 16TH at 11:59 PM.  The winner will be announced and contacted on Sunday, March 18th.  (NOTE: If you post anonymously, I cannot contact you!).  The winner will be chosen at random via http://www.random.org and their random number picker.  Odds of winning based on the number of entries.

*Any inappropriate or irrelevant comments will not be posted publicly and will not be considered as entries.

For a list of participating exhibitors and more details on the food tasting event, click here. 

For more information on the Farm to Table Pittsburgh Conference, see their website: http://farmtotablepa.com/conference.  I can't wait to hear about your farm/dairy experiences, so comment away!

…My Strip District Visit, 10/15/11 Parte Dos – Ingredients and Other Items Purchased

I like saving money.

I was never a coupon clipper until about a year after owning my own house and realizing that saving money as often as possible is essential when you want to spend money on things other than essentials. 

This is also why I work two jobs – one (teaching) pays the bills, the other (Kennywood) allows me to spend money on things other than bills.

My last trip to the Strip District taught me that because I like to buy a lot of fruits and vegetables, since they are “diet-friendly”, buying them there is more cost-efficient than buying them somewhere convenient, like Giant Eagle. 

In addition to necessities, the Strip District also has unique shops for gifts, household items, and otherwise “fun” things.

Here is a rundown of my purchases on this day (not including the taco and Chicken Latino meal)  I marked the ingredients for future recipe posts with an asterisk (*):

Pittsburgh Public Market: Pumpkin butter*, Very Berry jelly, and mango habanero jelly from The Berry Patch; Honeycrisp apples from Morning Dew Orchards

Jelly and Butter from The Berry Patch

Honeycrisp Apples from Morning Dew Orchards

 Firehouse Farmer’s Market: horseradish root

Reyna Foods: mild and spicy chile peppers, roasted outside on the sidewalk as part of their 2^nd Annual Hatch Green Chile Roast; corn tortillas

Chiles Roasting

Chiles, bagged and purchased

 Random table on Penn Ave.: La Toalla Terrible!

Native Inka’s Shop: Handmade hats – one for me, and one for my brother (I’m the best sister EVER)

My awesome new hat - this is my best attempt at trying to look awake at 1:30 AM, when I decided to take this pic

You can tell that my brother loves his new hat!  You're welcome!

 Stan’s Market: bananas, serrano peppers*, jalapeno peppers*, white onions*, yucca root* (THEY HAD IT!  Not moldy!  $.80/lb. cheaper than Giant Eagle!), jicama* (still $0.89/lb., not $3.99 lb.), Granny Smith Apples*, acorn squash, garlic*, tomatillos*

Acorn squash, bananas, jicama

(clockwise, from top) Serrano peppers, jalapeno peppers, tomatillos

Yucca root on display at Stan's Market

Penzey’s Spices: Lemon pepper*, Mexican vanilla extract*, cream of tartar*

 Prestogeorge Fine Foods: Cookies ‘N Cream-flavored coffee (I’m busy, I need caffeine to keep me going)

Wholey’s: Flank steak*, The Laughing Cow Queso Fresco & Chipotle, Nutella, unsalted butter*

Flank steak - $7.99/lb. at Wholey's

The one flavor of Laughing Cow Cheese that they don't carry at Giant Eagle

Besides buying some items in these same stores, my mom also bought items in S & D Polish Deli, Art of Steel, Costume World, and Mancini’s Bakery.  In addition, we visited Collage, Yinzer’s, Penn Avenue Pottery, and the Artisan Market.

I’m exhausted!  4+ hours of shopping is killer before working 5 PM – 1 AM!

Now I can’t wait to share what I’m making with the ingredients that I bought…