CONTEMPT NOT Noodle Kugel

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303649504577497014129265788.html?mod=googlenews_wsj


DOJ will not pursue contempt charges against Attorney General Eric Holder.

CONTEMPT NOT Noodle Kugel

The ultimate comfort dish, to enjoy as you take comfort in the fact that this round of political theater is over for now.

3 eggs

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 tsp. freshly ground cinnamon

1/4 tsp. salt

1/2 cup raisins

8 oz. egg noodles, cooked as directed, drained

Heat oven to 350°F.

Whisk eggs, cream, milk, sour cream, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in large bowl.  Stir in raisins and noodles. 

Spoon mixture into buttered 9” square baking dish.  Place filled dish in larger pan.  Pour hot water halfway up sides of pan and cover both pans tightly with foil.

Bake 40 minutes or until set.

Blogger disclosure!  I forgot to cover with foil.  It should not be browned like this.  In my own defense, I am catering a wedding today.  

IT'S THE LAW Coleslaw

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-health-care-20120628,0,412833.story


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/supreme-court-health-care-decision/index.html


http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/29/us/supreme-court-lets-health-law-largely-stand.html?pagewanted=all

The Supreme Court of the United States today largely upheld the health care overhaul law, saying it was authorized by Congress’s power to levy taxes. 


IT'S THE LAW Coleslaw
Makes 10 (1/2 cup) servings


...because it is mandatory to serve a great side with grilled burgers.

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. sugar
1 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 pkg. (16 oz.) three color coleslaw blend
1/3 cup chopped peanuts
1/3 cup sliced green onions
4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled


Mix mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar in small bowl.


Toss with remaining ingredients until evenly coated.  Store in refrigerator.

Potential Health Care Ruling Blueberry Pancakes

http://www.politico.com/blogs/burns-haberman/2012/06/obama-preps-health-care-responses-127514.html

Potential Health Care Ruling Blueberry Pancakes

Makes 8 to 10 pancakes

Whatever the outcome, a good breakfast will get you through it.

1-1/2 cups flour

2 Tbsp. sugar

2 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

1-1/4 cups milk

2 eggs

2 Tbsp. oil

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 cup fresh blueberries

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bowl.

In separate bowl, whisk milk, eggs, oil and zest.  Add dry ingredients and blueberries to bowl and stir until just moistened.

Heat large skillet on medium-high heat.  Spray with nonstick cooking spray or brush lightly with butter.

Ladle batter into hot skillet using 1/3 cup batter for each pancake.  Cook until bubbles appear on top, then turn to brown other sides. 

Serve with butter and your favorite pancake syrup.  

Radical Response Ragu

http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-brewer-accuses-obama-administration-of-telling-arizona-to-drop-dead-20120626,0,6802412.story

Are there any other words you would like to put in the President's mouth?

Radical Response Ragu

Una gran última cena for Jan Brewer and her constituents.  You'll like it, too!

¼ cup olive oil

2 Tbsp. butter

2 shallots, finely chopped

3 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 carrots, peeled, finely chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb. ground pork

1 lb. ground lamb

1/4 lb. finely chopped bacon

1/2 cup milk

1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste

1 cup dry white wine

2 cups reduced sodium beef broth

2 cups quick-cooking polenta, prepared as directed
Pecorino Romano cheese

Heat oil and butter in large saucepan.  Add onion, celery, carrots and garlic.  Cook and stir on medium-high heat 5 minutes or until vegetables are just tender. 

Add pork, lamb and bacon.  Cook 10 to 15 minutes stirring constantly.  Stir in milk and cook, stirring, 5 minutes or until almost dry.  

Add tomatoes, tomato paste, wine and broth; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer on low heat 1 hour 15 minutes or until reduced to a thick mixture.  


Serve ragu over polenta with grated Pecorino Romano cheese.


Note:
Add 1/2 to 1 tsp. salt if you prefer a saltier ragu.  I thought it was perfect as is, but my son thought it needed a little salt.

Mary-age Mojitos

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/mary-cheney-gets-married/2012/06/22/gJQAHbJsvV_blog.html

Congratulations to Mary Cheney and Heather Poe!

Mary-age Strawberry Mojitos

10 servings, 8 oz. each

It doesn’t matter who you are standing with at the altar as long as you are in love and have minty fresh breath.

The strawberry garnish looks like a heart!  

60 fresh mint leaves

3/4 cup sugar

8 limes, divided (slice 4 and juice remaining)

16 strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 1 [1 qt.] container)

1 bottle (750 ml) chilled light rum

1 liter chilled club soda

Place mint in a wide shallow bowl. Add sugar, lime slices and lime juice; muddle leaves with a pestle or wooden spoon until they are slightly bruised.  Add strawberries; muddle just enough to release some of their juices.  Scrape into 2 qt. serving pitcher.

Fill pitcher with ice. Add rum and club soda; stir gently. 

To serve, ladle over ice in tall glasses. Top with a strawberry for garnish. 


Note: these are potent cocktails ("doubles").

Mary Cheney and Heather Poe

Cash Crusade Crostini

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/24/opinion/sunday/what-sheldon-adelson-wants.html

Adelson wants to continue paying less taxes than the middle class (9.8%) and he does not want a two-state solution for Israel.

Cash Crusade Crostini
Makes 24 crostini


Crusty and rich...just like Adelson.

1 demi-baguette Italian or French bread, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
1 large clove garlic
Olive oil
1/2 cup mascarpone
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 plum tomatoes, sliced thick
1/2 cup sliced green onions
1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil 


Heat grill to high heat.


Grill bread until lightly toasted on both sides.  Rub bread with garlic and brush with oil. Spread bread with mascarpone and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper; set aside.


Brush tomatoes with oil and grill until slightly charred. Remove and coarsely chop.  Combine with green onions and basil.


Put the bread back on the grill over indirect heat to warm the cheese. Remove the crostini from the grill to a serving platter and top with the tomato, green onion and basil mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.

 

PRIDE Prickly Pear Sangria

PRIDE Prickly Pear Sangria

12 servings, 9 oz. each

Modesty be damned...you will PROUDLY enjoy this exotic drink with your friends.

2 cups prickly pear nectar

1 qt. good quality orange juice

1/2 cup each freshly squeezed lime juice and lemon juice

2 oz. tequila

2 oz. brandy

1/4 cup sugar

1 bottle (1500 ml) red wine (cabernet, beaujoulais, merlot)

2 cinnamon sticks

1 vanilla bean, split

Mix together nectar, juices, tequila, brandy and sugar in 4 qt. pitcher 2 min. or until sugar is completely dissolved. Stir in wine, cinnamon and vanilla; cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 48 hours. 

To serve, fill glasses with ice; add fruit and sangria.

Tip:

For PRIDE fruit, use purple and green grapes, blueberries, halved strawberries, pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges.  If you feel like it, arrange the fruit in horizontal stripes to resemble the Rainbow Flag.

Elote Con Queso NALEO

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/obama-heads-to-florida-for-naleo--june-22-schedule/2012/06/22/gJQAPwZvuV_blog.html


http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/post/romney-naleo-speech-gets-mixed-reaction-from-attendees/2012/06/21/gJQAUnYDtV_blog.html

Both candidates had an opportunity to sell their positions to Latino elected officials at the NALEO (National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) annual conference in Orlando.

Elote Con Queso NALEO

Very popular on urban food carts, so you won't have to sell it to your guests.

4 ears hot cooked corn on the cob

½ cup mayonnaise

½ cup grated cotija cheese

Chili powder (see note)

1 small lime, cut into 4 wedges

Spread corn with mayonnaise; coat with cheese.

Sprinkle coated corn with chili powder.  Serve with lime wedges.

Tip:

It's OK to substitute grated Parmesan cheese for cotija cheese.


Note:
You can find interesting chili powders in Mexican markets.  I prefer the piquin molido - it's very spicy! or, you might like a chipotle chili powder for a smoky flavor.

Scrambled Nations

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/amid-crisis-leaders-of-germany-france-italy-and-spain-meet-in-rome/2012/06/22/gJQAMaieuV_story.html?hpid=z2

Scrambled Nations

Makes 2 servings

This delicious omelet can be shared - like the wealth of the financially solvent EU nations.

4 eggs

1 Tbsp. water or milk

¼ tsp. salt and pepper

2 tsp. butter

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup seeded diced tomatoes

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese

3 Tbsp. sliced green onions

Whisk together eggs, water, salt and pepper in medium bowl.

Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and tomatoes; cook 1 minute until garlic is fragrant.  Add the eggs; cook without stirring, until they begin to set, about 3 minutes.

With a rubber spatula, lift the edges of the omelet, tilting the pan so the uncooked eggs flow to the edges of the pan. Cook until set, about 2 minutes.

Sprinkle the cheese and green onions over the eggs. Fold a third of the omelet over the center; fold over the other third. Cut in half and serve immediately.


Tip:
Feta cheese is also really good in this omelet.

PENGUIN PROTEST Peach Cobbler

SISTAS STAND UP FOR FAITH, FAMILY AND FAIRNESS

http://wtaq.com/news/articles/2012/jun/20/nuns-oppose-ryans-social-program-cuts/

You can't pretend to be Catholic.  You're being called out, Ryan!

PENGUIN PROTEST 
Peach Cobbler

A rich dessert, to remind us of how lucky we are.


Crust
1-1/4 cups flour
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
6 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. butter-flavored shortening
3 Tbsp. ice water


Filling
3 Tbsp. butter, divided
6 cups peeled and sliced fresh peaches (about 8; see note)
1-1/2 cups sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. freshly grated cinnamon
1/4 tsp. grated nutmeg


Combine flour, sugar and salt in large bowl.  Add butter and shortening; blend into flour mixture with pastry blender or gloved hands until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.  Sprinkle water over mixture and press with spatula or hands until mixture comes together in a ball.  Knead 1 or 2 times, then wrap in plastic and refrigerate 30 minutes.


Meanwhile, brush 9 or 10-inch pie plate with 1 Tbsp. melted butter.  Toss peaches with combined sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Spoon into prepared plate.  Dot with remaining butter. 


Roll dough into 10-inch circle between 2 sheets of waxed paper that are lightly dusted with flour. Peel back top sheet. Flip dough over fruit, wax paper side up, and peel back wax paper.  Turn edges under and crimp dough.  Use sharp knife to make 4 slits in center to allow steam to escape.  Sprinkle top with coarse sugar and nutmeg, if desired.


Bake 45 minutes or until crust is golden brown.  Let stand 20 minutes before serving.




How To Peel Peaches:
Bring a pot of water to boil (enough to completely submerge peaches).  Using a slotted spoon, dip peaches for 30 to 45 seconds.  Transfer immediately to a waiting ice water bath.  Remove skin with hands.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROARK WHITTINGTON!

MY FAVORITE CLOWN Grilled Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

‎

"Just look at what the Democratic logo is: a burro. And I'm sure
 if you hit it with a stick, candy and free healthcare falls out."
Stephen Colbert http://on.cc.com/KJGYtF

MY FAVORITE CLOWN 

Grilled Pineapple 

Upside-Down Cake

You can use your grill to make this sweet

treat for YOUR guests, while Stephen grills

HIS guests for our amusement!

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 tsp. salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter, divided

1-1/2 cups sugar

3 eggs, separated

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 cup milk

1 cup dark brown sugar

1 can (20 oz.) pineapple rings, drained and juice reserved

Maraschino cherries

Heat grill to 350°F.  Place a cast-iron skillet in the center of the grill and

heat thoroughly.

Whisk flour, baking powder and salt.  In separate bowl cream 1 stick

butter (softened), sugar, eggs, and vanilla with electric mixer.  Alternately

add dry ingredients and milk, mixing on low until well combined.  In a 

separate mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form and

then fold them into the batter. Set batter aside.

Remove hot skillet from grill to cool for a few minutes (take care 

handling the skillet as the handle will be very hot)  then return to 
grill and place the remaining butter and brown sugar in until melted 
and caramelized, stirring occasionally.  Place pineapple rings (with 
cherries in center of rings) on top.  Pour batter over pineapples; 
carefully cover skillet with foil.  Pierce holes in foil near sides of 
skillet to allow steam to escape.  Place skillet on grill on INDIRECT 
HEAT (SEE NOTE, BELOW).

Grill cake at 350°F until cake is golden brown and springs back when

lightly touched in center, about 45 min.  Remove from grill and run knife 

around edge of cake to release (skillet and handle will be very hot).

While cake is still hot, place a serving plat on top of skillet and carefully

turn the cake over onto the plate.  Serve warm with ice cream.

INDIRECT HEAT GRILLING

Turn off one burner and place the food over the unlit side, away 

from the heat source. For three-burner gas grills, turn off the middle 

burner after preheating and place the food in the center of the grill.


Note:


If your grill isn't hot enough to reach 350°F on indirect heat, increase 
cooking time 10 or 15 minutes.

Deadlock Drunken Chicken with Rice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQyllaM6dro

The president would like to see Republican lawmakers pass bills to create jobs - because the economy is still recovering slowly.  It appears that the lawmakers are not cooperating.


Mitch McConnell: "The single most important thing is for Obama to be a one-term president".  Where does passing legislation to help the American people fall on his list of important things?

Deadlock Drunken Chicken with Rice

If your job is to support your family, do it with a delicious dinner.  

1 Tbsp. oil

1 cut-up frying chicken (8 pieces, about 3 to 3-1/2 lbs.)

2 shallots, chopped

1 cup low-sodium chicken stock or broth

1/2 cup beer

1 cup long grain white rice

Heat  large skillet on medium high; add oil and chicken. Brown chicken on both sides, about 5 minutes per side, seasoning with salt and pepper.  Remove chicken from skillet.

Add onion to skillet.  Cook and stir 5 minutes or until tender.

Add stock, beer and rice.  Bring to boil.  Place chicken on top of rice, cover skillet and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, covered, 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and rice is tender. 

Tip:

Replace beer with white wine.

Note-

Adding vegetables to the rice mixture is not recommended due to the long cooking time for the chicken. I have found that this dish is best served with a crisp salad on the side.

ELBOW Mac ‘n Cheese

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/06/17/lawmaker-disciplined-for-abortion-bill-comments-to-perform-vagina-monologues-in/

Elbow, vagina…IT’S THE SAME THING!

ELBOW Mac ‘n Cheese

You'll be rewarded, not reprimanded, for serving this luscious side dish.

2 cups elbow macaroni

1/2 stick (4 Tbsp.) butter, divided

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded gruyere cheese

2 oz. cubed VELVEETA Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1/4 tsp. salt
3 Tbsp. panko
pinch paprika

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Cook macaroni as directed on package.

Reserve 1 Tbsp. butter.  While macaroni is cooking, melt remaining butter in large saucepan on low heat. Add flour; mix well. Cook 2 minutes or until bubbly. Gradually add milk, stirring until well blended. Cook on medium heat until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; simmer 3 to 5 minutes or until thickened. Add cheese, pepper and salt; cook until melted, stirring constantly.

Add macaroni; mix gently.  Spoon into 1-1/2-qt. casserole.  Melt remaining butter and toss gently with panko and paprika in small bowl.  Sprinkle on top of macaroni and cheese.

Bake 20 minutes or until heated through.

STIR THE POT Sticker Salad

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/steve-king-threatens-to-sue-over-obama-immigration-order/2012/06/15/gJQAWsBXfV_blog.html

By taking a high-profile stance on immigration, Obama draws out lawmakers like King, who recently compared immigrants to dogs.

As both parties look to woo Hispanic voters, Obama’s policy shift will likely give him a boost not just because of what he did but because of how the other side reacts.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/post/president-obama-pot-stirrer/2012/06/15/gJQAPey4eV_blog.html

STIR THE POT Sticker Salad

You'll get very positive reactions to this fresh Asian twist on pasta salad!

1/3 cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 Tbsp. olive oil

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

1 Tbsp. sesame oil

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 tsp. black pepper

1 lb. frozen mini pot stickers

4 cups trimmed sugar snap peas

2 cups premium matchstick French-cut cooking carrots

4 cups sliced Napa cabbage

3 green onions, sliced

Whisk the soy sauce, olive oil, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic and pepper in small bowl; set aside.

Fill a large saucepot with 1-inch water and insert a steamer basket.  Bring the water to boil.

Place pot stickers in basket; cover.  Steam 4 minutes.  Add snap peas and carrots; steam until pot stickers are fully cooked and vegetables are crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.  Dump pot stickers and vegetables into colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process.

Place cabbage in large serving bowl.  Gently toss with pot stickers, snap peas, carrots and dressing. Sprinkle with green onions.

Cucumber NUMB-er

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/daily-caller-reporter-interrupts-obamas-immigration-announcement-in-rose-garden/2012/06/15/gJQAi8hSfV_story.html

Cucumber Numb-er

El Presidente deserved one of these last night...que rudo!

1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup simple syrup (see note)

1 cup gin

1 cucumber, sliced

2 cups chilled club soda

In 2 qt. pitcher muddle cucumber slices, lemon juice and simple syrup. Stir in gin.  Refrigerate 8 hours or overnight

Pour over ice in a medium-size (8 to 12 oz.) glass, then top evenly with club soda. 

How to make Simple syrup

In a medium saucepan combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, stirring, until sugar is completely dissolved. Allow to cool.

Tropical Watermelon Tale Tipple

Tropical Watermelon Tale Tipples

Makes 12 servings

A few of these and you'll believe just about anything!

3 cups pureed fresh seedless watermelon (about one-fourth of a whole melon)

2 cups coconut-flavored rum

3 cups ice

1 liter chilled lemon-lime soda

Stir together watermelon, rum and ice in 2 qt. pitcher.

Pour into glasses; top with soda.  Serve with straws and watermelon slice garnish.

Note:

Use 2/3 cup watermelon-rum mixture and 1/3 cup soda for each serving.


For more intoxicating "tipples", increase rum to 2-1/2 or 3 cups.