Friday, July 30, 2010

Taco Salad

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Grade: B
Make Again: Yes
Recipe Source: Best 30-Minute Recipes 

This was a simple (and not terribly exciting) recipe.  You make a taco filling and add the extras.  It was good and I'd make it again when I had the ingredients on hand.  I baked up tortilla chips instead of using fried chips.  I also made a lighter dressing with salsa.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Housekeeping - America's Test Kitchen TV Show

I have been doing some housekeeping.  I'd love to redesign this blog, but don't have the time right now.  Hopefully someday.

But what I did do, was add the label "atktv" for the America's Test Kitchen TV show.  They have updated their website in the last year or so, and it is fantastic now.  For the current season (10) they have the recipe available.  Also, if the show has aired, they have the entire video of the recipe from the show.  This is such a nice feature, and is so helpful when you are trying a new recipe. 

The previous season (currently season 9) also has the recipes available.  Previous seasons just list recipes, but send you to one of their paid site.

This new label "atktv" is added to every recipe that I've tried featured in Season 9 or 10.  I also added the link to the recipe at the bottom of the score care before my notes.  Once season 11 starts, I assume the season 9 recipes won't be available anymore.  Print those recipes now, if interested.  (Since I don't reprint the recipes here.)

Click on the atktv label below (or here) to see a list of all these reviews. 

You do need to register at the TV show website to see recipes and videos, but it is free.  If you try to access recipes from season 8 or earlier they also try to get you to register.  This part is not free. 

Currently there are only 14 or so recipes, but there are more coming.  I'm not updating anything that was featured in a previous season, because there is no recipe link.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Rustic Dinner Rolls

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Rest Time: 30 minutes
Knead Time: 5-7 minutes
Rise Time(s): 1 hour + 30 min + 30 min + 30 (folding and shaping in between)
Bake Time: 25 minutes
Cool Time:1 hour
Grade: A

Make Again: Yes

Recipe Source: Cook's Illustrated (Nov 2008)
RecipeAmerica's Test Kitchen Show (Season 10)

The recipe is being featured on the TV show website right now. They do not remain up there forever, so if you have any interest in the recipe, grab it now.  If not, you can get it with a paid subscription to Cook's Illustrated.  The nice thing about the CI website is it includes mini-videos.  So you can see a 3 minute video of the recipe, which is extremely helpful - you see things you won't pick up from reading the recipe - especially helpful when working with dough.  Actually, in my recipe link above, they are also including a longer 9 min video from the TV show on this recipe, which is even more helpful.  I assume that is temporary though.

Unfortunately, I watched the video after I started the recipe and realized that I was supposed to wait to add the salt until after the 30 minute rest.  I'm not sure how that effects things, but I have to assume there was a reason.

Another problem I had was that I missed the part in the recipe about how to place the rolls with cut side up.  I didn't do the best job of putting these in the pan, or cutting them, so they are all different sizes and shapes, which you may notice from the picture.

I could not wait for the oven to get to 500 degrees and put them in around 475.  It is too hot out and I needed the oven to make dinner, so I went for it.  The high heat makes the rolls higher, and mine are not too high.  Oh well.  They are still delicious.

Despite the long time these take to make, this recipe is super simple.  Lots of rest periods, and occasional turning, so you need to be home for a while to make these, but it isn't hard.

I came up with what I think is a good idea for avoiding a messy counter.  I took my 18x13 jelly roll nonstick pan and sprinkled flour in it.  I poured the dough in there, and did my cutting and shaping without having to worry about the counter.  It contained the flour and since you are supposed to make two 16" long logs with the dough, it was easy to make almost as long as the pan.

These rolls are delicious.  If you like crusty bread, you will probably like this recipe.  It always amazes me when just flour, water and yeast (with a tiny, tiny bit of honey and a tiny bit of whole wheat) can make something so flavorful.

Monday, July 26, 2010

Hoisin Chicken Salad

Total Time: 35 minutes
Grade: C+
Make Again: No


I know I took a picture of this, but I can't find it. So much for my new photo organization.

This salad was fine, and simple, but not quite worth the effort. I think there are other chicken salads I would go for first before this one. I did adjust the dressing to use less oil and that probably made it less tasty. It was a little too vinegar-y.