Monthly Archives: February 2020

Pot Roast Dinner Turnovers

#RecipeUpTop (details below): Blitz-method puff pastry; Leftover pot roast dinner; 1 large egg; Kosher salt (to taste); Method: Roll out the pastry, and trim into squares. For each square, dock half in a triangle pattern. Add your pot roast dinner. Egg wash half of each square, then fold over and seal. Crimp with a fork.Continue reading “Pot Roast Dinner Turnovers”

Blitz Puff Pastry

#RecipeUpTop (details below): 2 sticks butter; 339 grams all-purpose flour; Ice water (roughly 100 grams, depending on relative humidity); Method: Cube the butter and add it to the flour, then freeze for at least an hour. Remove from the freezer, and slowly add the water just until the dough comes together, then return to theContinue reading “Blitz Puff Pastry”

Slow-Braised Pot Roast with Mashed Maine Potatoes and Green Peas

#RecipeUpTop (Details below): For the pot roast: 1 Large Beef Chuck Roast; 1 carrot; 2 stalks celery; 1 small yellow onion; 1/4 cup dry vermouth (optional); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; For the gravy: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons four; 1/4 cup cream or half and half; For the mashed potatoes: 4 Maine potatoes; 1/2Continue reading “Slow-Braised Pot Roast with Mashed Maine Potatoes and Green Peas”

The Velvet Headphones of a Snowy Day

Well, as predicted, the storm was a comin’, and everything is largely shut down. School is cancelled, meaning we have a house full of stir-crazy children while adult obligations persist unfettered. In my youth, the snow day was a cherished event, an unscheduled reprieve from the monotony of school. An entire day to play outside,Continue reading “The Velvet Headphones of a Snowy Day”

Orange Pecan Granola

#RecipeUpTop (details below): 3 cups oats; 1.5 cups shredded coconut; 1.5 cups pecan halves; 2 egg whites; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup honey; Orange zest (to taste); Ground cinnamon (to taste); Salt (to taste); Chia/flax mix (optional) In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg whites until foamy. Add theContinue reading “Orange Pecan Granola”

Storm’s a Comin’

Everyone in Maine loves the weather. Now, I don’t mean we’re always thrilled with what it’s actually doing at any given moment, but everyone is gleefully consumed by the general concept of weather. Due to the various atmospheric properties of this part of the country, and unlike other places I’ve lived, the State of MaineContinue reading “Storm’s a Comin’”

Mountainside Water Bagels

#RecipeUpTop (details follow): 100% bread flour;60% water;10% vegetable oil;2% salt;1% active dry yeast Combine ingredients and kneed until the dough passes the window-pane test. Let rise until doubled in size, then shape into bagels and proof for 20 minutes. Simmer in water laced with molasses for 2 minutes per side. Top with desired seasoning, andContinue reading “Mountainside Water Bagels”

Staying Warm

One of the most common misconceptions I hear about Maine is that folks seem to believe that six months of the year, we live in a frozen hellscape with murderously cold temperatures. The truth is, much of Maine is actually pretty temperate by winter standards, particularly the coast which benefits from the warming effects ofContinue reading “Staying Warm”

The Intersection of Hobbies

Part of living in rural Maine and staying sane involves an application of alcohol. Now, before you cast temperance-flavored aspersions, understand that even our state government sponsors television advertising suggesting that, hey, you there, you might need a drink about now. (If you think I’m joking, please fall down the rabbit hole of Maine SpiritsContinue reading “The Intersection of Hobbies”