use real butter

The requisite Chinese meal for the evening was shiao long bao. My parents taught me how to make them (very similar to potstickers, but the dough is different). They were excellent and I got to use my bamboo steamer and new electric wok (the wok was purchased mainly for hot pot, but it works for the steamer too). [Did I mention that McGuckin is having a HUGE sale? I love that place.]

how to wrap the shiao long bao

steamin’ and ready to eat

dinner last night: what happens when you only have 2 eggs for 3-egg quiche

The most expensive cuts of meat are the ones that cook quickly and serve up a tender grain that melts in your mouth if you have the sense to cook it properly (i.e. not overcook it). I love those cuts as much as the next Texan, Argentine, or general meat-eater. However, the best known trick for a cheap but flavorful meal is a hunk of meat (in this case, beef) that chews like a tire if you try the quick dry heat method. Chuck roast and other “tough” parts near the ass are typically slow-cooked to break down the connective tissues until the meat is falling apart.

fresh vegetables to compliment fresh chuck roast

sitting around and stewing isn’t always a bad thing

To continue with yesterday’s theme of Birthday Boy’s Wishes, I made an Italian Cassata per Jeremy’s request this afternoon once the Subaru and I were both done being poked and prodded. This is the traditional cassata with a twist by way of Marcel Desaulnier’s Death by Chocolate. I have a version of this great recipe book that was signed by Monsieur Desaulnier himself because he is one of the chefs/owners of The Trellis restaurant in Colonial Williamsburg (my old stomping grounds). He is a terrific chef – I even emailed him about doubling recipes from his book for making large sheet spongecakes to serve 40+. His advice worked perfectly. I should note, I don’t use his pastry cream recipe though – I prefer Rose Levy Beranbaum’s Pastry Cream recipe from The Pie and Pastry Bible (or was it The Cake Bible?) – either way, her books are an endless reference for bakers…

make the pastry cream and chop the chocolate (caro dark)

**Jump for more butter**