Double The Pleasure, Double The Fun - Peppermint vs Spearmint

Okay, so I totally ripped off the tag line from a famous mint chewing gum - well, sort of. I changed it a smidge because it's trademarked but, it seemed like a fitting tag line to use when discussing peppermint vs. spearmint. So, what's the difference? Well, here's a little overview.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a hybrid of spearmint. It's also been called American mint , lamb mint (or lammint). It was native to Europe and brought to America by the colonists. The leaves are 1 to 2 inches long and have a toothy edge. Peppermint is used in tea and for flavoring ice cream, candy, gum, toothpaste.

Spearmint

Spearmint, also a native of Europe, is referred to as common mint, garden mint, Our Lady's mint, and sage of Bethlehem. The leaves are long, spear-shaped and attach to the stalk of the plant vs. stems. Spearmint is most commonly used in teas, mint juleps, mojitos, candy, and gum.

Although they both come from the mentha family, peppermint contains more menthol so it may seem stronger. Spearmint is sometimes described as greener or sweeter while peppermint has a candy cane flavor.

I don't think you can go wrong with either one, it's basically a personal choice according to what you are going to use it for or which plant you like the looks of best.

These perennial herbs thrive in moist, part-sun to shady locations, and expand quickly by underground rhizomes or runners (these are sneaky little shoots that pop up in seemingly random places). I planted some mint in a container full of various herbs thinking, novice gardener that I am, that I could control the stuff with pruning. Wrong! I learned quickly that there is no use struggling with it, because it WILL to take over. So, I suggest if you plant it, give it its own pot and don't plant it in your open garden.

Mint is best used fresh and should be stored only briefly, in plastic bags or in the refrigerator. Here are some ideas for using fresh mint:

• Crush mint leaves and fold them in whipped cream for an excellent topping on chocolate desserts.
• Combine freshly-minced mint leaves with watermelon and feta cheese for a delicious summer salad.
• Steep mint leaves in boiling water for refreshing tea that also soothes indigestion, stomachache and, may improve your memory.
• Make Mint Water. Twist or bruise 1 cup of peppermint, spearmint, or other mint. Place in a clean half-gallon container. fill with fresh, cool water. Chill in refrigerator. Strain and serve on ice. 
• Make mint-infused rum for the perfect Mojito. Take a bunch fresh mint. Put it in a plastic baggie with a 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and smash it up a little. Then, stuff the mint into a bottle of white rum and wait a few days. To make your Mojito, combine two ounces of infused rum, one ounce of fresh-squeezed lime juice and one teaspoon of sugar and shake vigorously. Pour over ice and top with two ounces of sparkling water. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge and enjoy!

What is your favorite mint - peppermint or spearmint? What do you make with fresh mint?

Just for the Halibut!

Alaskan Halibut season officially opened on March 12! High quality fresh Halibut is now starting to fill the pipeline and catch volumes have been normal despite the weather. That's good news for northwest Halibut lovers. 

I love the clean, meaty flavor of Halibut and one of my favorite ways to enjoy it is with a touch of Spicy Tomato Chutney. Good Tomato Chutney can be difficult to find on the shelves of your local market. Fortunately, it's easy to make and can be stored in your refrigerator for up to two weeks.  It's also really tasty on eggs, with curries, on roasted chicken or lamb and with panisse (chickpea fries) or polenta cakes.

If you live in the Seattle area, stop by the Seattle Fish Company
Thursday, March 31, 2011

5pm and 7pm

to sample my Pan-Seared Halibut with Spicy Tomato Chutney! 

If not, here's the recipe so you can try it at home.

Pan-Seared Halibut with Spicy Tomato Chutney

Ingredients:

4 tbsp of sunflower oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 tsp cumin seeds
2 dried red chiles, whole
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white distilled vinegar
2 lbs Roma tomatoes
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
3 whole cloves
pinch of nutmeg
1 tsp grated ginger
1 tbsp minced garlic
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 6 to 8 ounces halibut fillets
1 tbsp sunflower oil

Method:
Core and seed the tomatoes.

Heat the oil in a large sauce pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 10 minutes. Next, add all of the seeds, the chiles, chili powder and coriander to the oil. Cook one or two minutes until the seeds start to pop.

Add the vinegar and sugar stirring until dissolved. Stir in the tomatoes, the remaining spices, ginger and garlic, reduce heat and simmer for an hour.

After an hour, the tomato skins should be separating from the tomatoes and floating freely in the chutney. Use a pair of tongs to pull out the skins. Continue cooking until the is thick and syrupy but still chunky, approximately 1/2 hour. Remove the 2 whole chiles and discard. Salt to taste.

Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the fish. In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil until shimmering. Add the halibut and cook over moderately high heat until browned on the bottom, about 5 minutes. Flip the fillets and cook about 2 minutes longer. Transfer the halibut to plates, spoon the tomato chutney on top and serve.

Note: The chutney can be made several days ahead of time and warmed just before service. Leftover chutney can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Smoke Signals - Pimentón-It's Not Your Mama's Paprika

Also available on SheSpeaks

When I was growing up we used paprika in one of two ways: as a garnish on potato salad or deviled eggs, and in Chicken Paprikash (because of my Hungarian ancestry). Beyond that, paprika simply sat in the spice rack. I suppose that’s the way most of you think of paprika too. It's kind of just for color. Well, no more!

When I was in culinary school I had an epiphany. I was studying Spanish food and discovered smoked paprika, called pimentón. What an exciting discovery. It changed the way I think about paprika forever.

Spanish pimenton comes in three styles: dulce (literally meaning sweet, but more accurately mild), agrodulce (bittersweet or slightly spicy) and picante (spicy hot). The flavor is amazing. There's a depth to it - layers of smoky, dusty, peppery flavors - and depending on the style, heat and spice.

The best pimentón comes from an area called La Vera valley in Spain. It’s not so much the growing of the peppers in La Vera but what they do at harvest that makes it the best. In the fall, pepper varieties are hand-picked and smoked in small smokehouses near the fields. The smokehouses are simple structures with concrete floors. Wooden grates are suspended several feet above the floors over smoldering oaks fires. The peppers are dried over the smoke for 10 to 15 days. The smoking process imparts a deep, rich, smoky aroma that you don’t get from typical grocery-store brand paprika.

Pimentón is a staple of Spanish cooking. It's used in sausages, papas bravas (spicy, fried potatoes), garlic shrimp and other tapas dishes, as well as stews, Paella, and sauces.

I've been experimenting with it lately. My preference is pimentón picante because I like the kick, and used sparingly I don't think you'll find it bites you. I've mixed it into guacamole. Tossed it with mixed nuts. Stirred it into lentil soup. Rubbed in on roasts and barbequed ribs. Coated fish fillets for frying. And, (my grandmother will roll over in her grave) I've used it in place of Hungarian paprika in Chicken Paprikash!

You can find pimentón at specialty grocers or online. Try to purchase pimentón de la Vera to ensure you're getting good quality and flavor. Go ahead give it a try. You'll never think of paprika the same way again.

Have you ever tried pimentón? How do you use it? Do you have any recommendations?

What Luck! Potatoes Colcannon for St. Patrick's Day

St Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Americans of all ethnicities embrace their inner leprechauns by wearing green and raising a pint to celebrate. Many partake in the ubiquitous Irish-American tradition of eating corned beef and cabbage, as well. But do we really like it? Good corned beef? Yes! But tasteless, cottony potatoes and wilted cabbage? Probably not. (Although, the starch might keep the ghoulies at bay after too much green beer.)

Admittedly, potatoes and cabbage have been sustenance foods in Ireland for ages. I’m not knocking that, but they don’t have to be bland and boring! I suggest you shake up your menu and try a flavorful, classic Irish side dish – Potatoes Colcannon.

Colcannon, Irish for “white-headed cabbage,” consists mainly of mashed potatoes with kale or cabbage though there are many variations. It’s commonly served on St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween but once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to serve it year-round. It’s terrific with grilled sausages, roasted pork and ham.

Potatoes Colcannon

Serves 8

Ingredients:
2 lbs (about 6) russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup milk or cream
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cups coarsely chopped green cabbage or kale*
1/8 tsp grated nutmeg
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:
Put the potatoes in a large pot, add water to cover the potatoes by 2 inches and generously salt the water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 15 minutes.

While potatoes are cooking melt 2 tbsp of the butter in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the cabbage and toss until tender-crisp, about 8 minutes. (If you are substituting kale for the cabbage, cook it a little longer to ensure that it’s tender – about 15 minutes.) Sprinkle with nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.

Drain the tender-cooked potatoes, return them to the pot and mash well. Add theremaining 6 tbsp of butter, allow to melt, and stir to combine. Slowly stir in milk. Season with salt and pepper. Fold the potatoes into the cabbage mixture and serve warm.

*You can substitute 1 bunch curly kale (about 3/4 lb), stemmed and coarsely chopped


An Irish Blessing: May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

What do you serve on St. Patrick’s Day? Are there any traditional dishes you’d like to share?

Baked Apple Pudding

I was in the mood for baked apples the other day but didn't have any walnuts and raisins to stuff the center with. Instead, I came up with this recipe for baked apple pudding based on a traditional Danish dessert and some ancient Quaker puddings from my great grandmother. 

Most of us only think of pudding from a box but this is a simple, old fashioned, baked fruit dessert. I've added arrowroot powder to thicken the pudding so it's gluten free and grain free.  It's a perfect mid-winter treat!
My husband can't get enough of it. Enjoy!

Baked Apple Pudding

Serves 6 to 8

4 granny smith apples

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp arrowroot powder

1 tsp cinnamon

4 tbsp softened butter plus additional for pie plate

¼ c sugar

½ c ground almonds

1 egg

Preheat oven to 350F.

Generously butter a ceramic pie plate. Peel, core and dice apples. In a medium mixing bowl, combine diced apples, 2 tbsp sugar, arrowroot powder and cinnamon. Toss to coat the apples. Pour apples into prepared pie plate, cover with aluminum foil and bake 45 minutes.

While the apples are baking, cream together butter, ¼ c sugar and ground almonds. Beat egg, and stir into almond mixture until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

Remove the baked apples from the oven. Remove foil and cover with almond mixture. Return to the oven and bake an additional 30 minutes until top is golden and set.

Serve warm or cold with ice cream or whipped cream.

The World is Your Oyster! Let's Make Stew

Also available on SheSpeaks

As this winter drags on, I don't know about you but I could use a little comfort. I take mine in the form of a soul-warming soup. There's nothing like a full belly to fortify me against another grey day. One of my favorites is Oyster Stew. It's quick, easy, and guaranteed to ward off a chill.

Oyster Stew

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients:
2 pints small to medium shucked oysters
8 strips of bacon
4 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
1 pint heavy cream
4 c milk
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dried basil
pinch of thyme
sliced green onions (optional)

Directions:
Heat a pot of salted water. Blanch oysters for 2 – 3 minutes. Drain and cut into bite-sized pieces.

Using kitchen shears, snip bacon into small pieces. Cook bacon slowly in a large pot over medium low heat. When the bacon starts to crisp, add butter and melt. Increase heat to medium and add diced onion. Sauté until soft and translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Add oysters, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, basil and thyme. Stir until warm (do not boil). Garnish with green onions.

What is your favorite cold weather soup or stew?

Come on Baby, Light My Fire! Pineapple Flambé

When selecting a fresh pineapple, the best tool is your nose. If the pineapple smells like pineapple it's ripe. Remember though, cold mutes scent so if you're choosing a pineapple from a refrigerated case it may be more difficult to tell. Other clues in ripeness are fresh-looking, deep green leaves and brightly colored skin. In addition, your pineapple should feel plump and heavy for its size and should give slightly when you squeeze it.

Pineapple Flambé

Makes 2 to 4 desserts

2 Tbsp butter
4 1/2" thick slices of fresh pineapple
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground allspice
a pinch of ground cloves
1/2 cup coconut or spiced rum
4 scoops vanilla ice cream
4 Tbps chopped macadamia nuts
4 slices of pound cake (optional, see note)

Melt butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add pineapple slices and cook for 5 minutes. When the pineapple has started to soften and begun to brown, turn over the slices and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, allspice and cloves. Stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove the pineapple to serving plates.

Stir in the rum. (If you are using a gas stove, move pan off heat to add the rum so it doesn't flare up before you are ready.) Continue to cook the sauce until the rum is hot, then tip the pan slightly to ignite the rum using a long lighter or the flame from the gas burner. Be careful because the flame will shoot above the rim of the pan. When the flames subside, spoon the warm sauce over the pineapple. (If the sauce seems too thin, cook for another couple minutes until it is syrupy in consistency.) Top each pineapple slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chopped macadamia nut. Serve immediately.

Note: A friend of mine said she'd like a way to sop up all the delicious rum sauce. If you are so inclined, serve some sliced pound cake on the side for the extra rum sauce.