G lorious Bass Pro!
Thursday was fun. Very fun. Lorie of Rice and Beans and Other Fine Things was in Springfield, doing a little shopping at Bass Pro with her hubz.
I met them at the restaurant inside, and we had a nice little discussion over dinner. Well, not really a little discussion. A big discussion with lots to talk about. I had many questions for Lorie. Lorie is a famous "contester." She has won many cooking contests, and has competed in Build a Better Burger and Ultimate Recipes Showdown before.
I ate this blue cheese burger. Mmm blue cheese. Mmm homemade potato chips. I don't like raw onions on burgers, on sandwiches, or in salads. They're too harsh. I think I might be really sensitive. They always, always make me cry when I chop them. Even the Vidalias.
Here's Lorie and me together. I wish I didn't look drunk. We took probably twenty pictures, and only two or three turned out okay. Lorie and her husband are the nicest people ever! They were SO nice and friendly and down to earth. I loved getting to meet them. I'm lucky they wanted to meet me!
I'd love to meet up with them again someday! Thank you, Lorie! Check out Lorie's blog. She's a great writer and so funny.
Last week, New West Knifeworks sent me a knife to try out.
New West Knifeworks is a company based out of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Their Phoenix and Fusionwood knives are absolutely gorgeous.
I believe they sent me the Mtn Iris Petty knife, which is a smaller chef's knife. It's actually perfect for me, because sometime a normal chef knife is too big for my hands.
It's very, very sharp. I've been using it all this week and I love it. You know what I love the most? It's pretty! I love the handle.
I used it to chop bananas. I bought this giant bag of slightly bruised bananas for a dollar! Can you believe that? Not pictured is the bunch of bananas that I had already purchased the other day. I'm going to chop them and freeze them, I think.
And broccoli rabe. I found broccoli rabe for the first time last week and I got really excited. I've always wanted to try it. I chopped it up and used it on a pizza.
Unfortunately, I don't think I like broccoli rabe. I had no idea it was so bitter...
I also found yucca root for the first time. I love yucca! I've only had it a few times, but I really liked it. Mom and I had some when we ate our Cuban restaurant in New York City. I haven't fixed it yet. I'm thinking yucca fries? Good idea?
Glad you had fun. Thanks for sharing the photos!
ReplyDeleteHow cool meeting Lorie! Glad you had a great time. I have not tried broccoli rabe yet. Perhaps it's in the cooking method?
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool that a company sent you a knife to test out! Glad you had fun chopping things and eating burgers. :)
ReplyDeleteYucca fries are one of my favorite foods ever!! I wish I could find yucca root down here in Texas. I grew up eating them all the time, because my dad would buy it whenever he found it. They use them a lot in Puerto Rican cooking too, but then again Cuba and Puerto Rico are both in the caribbean.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had an awesome blogger meet up!
ooooh, the knife really is gorgeous!! Lucky duck! I don't think you look drunk in that pic -- I think you look happy!! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is one beautiful knife! I love the colors of the wood. I may buy a new knife with my gift certificate.
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind to post my little ol' blog.:o) Too bad you won't get many hits from my blog to yours! (smile)
Oh yeah...I did some sprinting on my treadmill today. Not solid running, but still.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pretty knife! I am in definite need of getting some new knives...I only have 3 sharp ones and need more asap. Maybe I'll look into them!
ReplyDeleteI don't like raw onions much either. Sometimes if they're chopped up small and mixed into a sauce or dressing they're not so bad, but they are a bit strong and you have them on your breath all day.
ReplyDeleteI also share your dislike of broccoli rabe. Too bitter! I don't like dandelion greens for the same reason.
How great to get new knives. Since I"m going to Jackson Hole in 2 weeks, I want to check this place out. Very pretty handle!
Lori sounds really nice.
ReplyDeleteNext time, blanch your broccoli rabe for 3 to 5 minutes and then sauté it in olive oil and garlic. Throw in a few raisins and I think you'll be very happy.
Emily - Broccoli rape is one of my all-time favorites. Maybe it was the preparation that threw you. I usually peel mine first - it makes it a lot more tender and you don't have to cook it as long. Give it another chance - boil for a few minutes, then drain and saute with lots of garlic, salt and red pepper flakes.
ReplyDeleteNice....knives....you're so lucky!!! They are beautiful too!! Isnt it a pleasure chopping with such a great new knife?? How'd you get it? Just sent it to ya cuz youre cute? You didnt look drunk!!
ReplyDeletesee ya on fb.....
HUGS!!
#1 Auntie
the fries idea sounds really good! and i love the knife handle. so colorful!
ReplyDeletesometimes i think i'd rather eat belly button lint than raw onions. ick poo. :)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a really nice time meeting Lori. My middle son literally lives at Bass Pro Shop. I heard they have a great seafood restaurant. The colors in the knife are so pretty. Never thought I would use the word pretty to describe a knife!!!
ReplyDeletewow, that is a gorgeous knife!
ReplyDeleteSo much fun to meet up with fellow bloggers. I hope you put your heads together on how to win the $25 grand.
ReplyDeleteThe Phoenix knives look fantastic. I do like a good damascus steel knife.
ReplyDeleteI was going to say what the others did about brocolli rabe, you have to boil it first for a few minutes to get the bitterness out. Then saute with garlic. Yum!
ReplyDeleteAwesome knife, it is cute!
ReplyDeleteIt seems you 2 had a lot of fun shopping & eating! Good for you!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had a good time on your blogger meet up. About a hundred years ago (more like 13), my husband was stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood. Springfield was the closest civilized town and we spent quite a few weekends there. I'm pretty sure we went to that Bass Pro Shop several times, which is kind of strange because we don't fish, camp, boat or hike.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I think I've seen a tv chef (not sure which one) cook broccoli rabe in some chicken broth so that the bitterness cooks out of the vegetable and goes into the broth.
Blogger meet-ups are always SO much fun! :-)
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