Monthly Archives: January 2012

January 24, 2012

Happy Blog but must admit….afraid of the upcoming journey

By Aeracura Woman

This is my Dad.  He is AWESOME.  Deacon Marty Wilhelm.  Please pray for him.  As I pray for all of you.  I started this blog (and will end it) with a passion to cook comfort food from every country around the world.  I will keep my word.

Comfort….how do you define that word?  At age 13, my sweet son, he is still boy but now a boy  working his way to manhood.  what is comfort at the manly age of  13?

Comfort….at age 25, being a young woman, or 46 (BEING A YOUNG WOMAN…lol)  ……how do you define comfort and…more importantly,  peace of mind and heart.

This is my Dad loving my Mom.  We take him to visit when we are in Denver.  This is why I am moving there.  To honor and care for the two people I love dearly but truly have a laundry list of what “I wished I had learned”  now that I KNOW.  They didn’t have a perfect marriage.  They almost made it to 51 years.

I hope to love with dignity, respect, and committment like my Dad did.

We all make our mistakes.  My Dad truly taught me unconditional love.  He was and remains the best Dad and my beloved Hero ever.

He taught me to love the color.  (My sister and I used to help him make sure he had the right wires because he was color blind)

He gave me the gift of loving being on and near any body of water…..and then he brought us to Colorado and I learned to love the Rocky Mountains.

These are my grandparents:

My Grandparents....during WW2

You never know what life brings your way.  We all make our share of good and bad choices.  But, regardless, I know, if you have a heart full of love ….it will come back to you…..

Even if life deals you…….lemons. walnuts, persimmons….who the hell cares…..EMBRACE IT!

I am not rich.  I am not poor.  When I look at my grandparents above I feel so honored.  I am making a book of amazing slides and negatives and film of both sides of my family.  To share with my children….and our family

One of my best friend’s significant other is battling severe leukemia and must have a bone marrow transplant.

Another dear family member, who I was recently honored to meet, has to have an eye removed due to cancer.

My Mom died from cancer.  I miss her every day.  Some days more than others.  :0)  As we as children, mothers, and husbands know!

Blog etiquette :  keep it positive!  And I am.  Sort of.  Life has it foibles!!! (to say the very least)

I am so grateful :  My Dad …..he is not well but I will there soon so take him to church and cook him yummy food and make sure he WALKS.

My Sister:  Yea….No Words….I cannot imagine life on earth without her…..We call each other on our ‘stuff” ……..I love honesty.  And I love what comes with honesty…..Growth.

Meelo:  I understand why people like pets. (BUT NOT MACBOOK PROS!)  I RECENTLY WENT ALL MAC AND IT IS ANNOYING ME THAT I HAVE A PIC ON ICLOUD AND IT IS NOT ON MY LAPTOP!  GRRRR…..I WILL FIGURE IT OUT!

I am learning every day about what it means to be a true parent.  A parent who can embrace adversity and hopefully leads by example.  Living a life of imperfection, learning, and example I hope will, someday, as I live rich in my own life, enrich and challenge them to live wonderfully fulfilled lives of their own…..I am their MAT.  The Mom who is always there.  The Ass(sorry) she can make of herself at times.

Cooking will come soon.  I promised English Steak and Kidney Pie.  At the moment, with my various infections….I cannot taste anything.

IT IS GOOD THAT WE HAVE CHOICE.  We can choose to create or -re-create our own personal flavor for our life.

I shared this on Facebook….but here is a beauty – my sweet niece, Em and my Mom and Dad!

family ....no matter how imperfect.....is perfect!

I will now step off my pedestal…..if you don’t mind…..

Love and happy dreams….

Aeracura Woman….

Leave a comment | posted in Uncategorized

January 21, 2012

Blogging in bits

By Aeracura Woman

A cozy day packing while the snow falls.

20120121-114141.jpg

20120121-114243.jpg

Leave a comment   |  tags: | posted in Uncategorized

January 20, 2012

Aeracura Woman’s take on Tortellini Soup

By Aeracura Woman

It is Friday.  Almost 5:00.  I am planted on the couch.  Resting.  Trying to get rid of this nasty sinus/ear infection thing.  Warm fire.  3 -5 inches of snow expected tonight.  A week from tonight I will be staying in a hotel, house packed and on its way, and spending one last night in the Northeast.   

But for tonight, it is all about sharing two wonderful recipes with you.  Linda’s comfort food….if you will….one of my all time favorites!

I want to give credit to the original recipe.  My friend, Kirsten, sent it to me in 2004! and it has been a family favorite ever since.  I thought it came from one of the Jr. League of Denver cookbooks but I cannot find it in my cookbooks.

So here is original – which is SO GOOD!  And my new version follows.

2 lb fresh ground italian sausage (I use sweet italian sausage)

2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

6 cups of beef broth (I have used a mix, only chicken, only beef and only vegetable – whatever you like)

3 cans of diced tomatoes, 15-oz.  I just pour the whole can in the pot.

3 1/2 cups (28 oz. tomato sauce

3 or 4 large carrots, peeled and cut up

2 tbsp oregano

2 tsp dried basil (I substitue fresh herbs whenever I can)

1 bay leaf

1 -2 medium zucchini, cut up

2 10 -oz fresh or frozen cheese filled tortellini

 

So simple.  Brown sausage in soup pot.  break apart.  Remove from pan and drain.  Reserve 2 tbsp drippings and/or add olive oil if needed.  Saute onion and garlic in it until opaque and caramelized. Add sausage and rest of ingredients except zucchini and pasta.  Simmer for 2 -3 hours.  About 45 minutes prior to serving, add tortellini and zucchini, simmering until pasta is done.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese.

I also freeze some portions so I can thaw and add veges and pasta when I want to serve it.

You can also add croutons (preferably homemade – which I have not done yet) as a garnish.

This is so so easy and yummy………New post will have the version I made this week!   

 

 

 

 

 

 

2 comments   |  tags: | posted in Uncategorized

January 20, 2012

A Crazy Week

By Aeracura Woman

So…you won’t believe this! My apologies for not writing or cooking this week! I told you I had a massive head cold.

I finally decided to go to the doctor. And a sinus infection, ear infection, and mild pneumonia later…..lets just say I have been laying low this week.

I was supposed to go to NYC yesterday, Thursday, and see the taping of the Jon Stewart show with my good friend, Dave, and I had to cancel. I was so so bummed. But we are going to have lunch today. Even though I still can’t taste anything!

And, honestly, the last thing I needed was to get sick when I am in the midst of packing, arranging movers, starting a new consulting job….blah blah blah. BUT! My glass is ALWAYS full of life and love and gratitude. So I take it all in stride. Why worry?

I did cook this week. After I got home from the doctor. I must admit I went to our local grocery store and devoured their chicken noodle soup for a few days but decided that cooking would make me feel better. And it did. And, of course, I can taste NOTHING right now….lol.

I made a new version of my tried-&-true tortellini soup (well, it isn’t mine! I will share where I got the recipe in my next post) plus my new version. Which, apparently was yummy. I gave a bowl to my friend Jack and his colleague, Eric. Eric is a foodie and Jack used to be in catering so I trust their opinion. Must have them comment! Ok, I am off for a quick lunch, then hunkering down for more packing, some work, and warm fire and some snow!

Leave a comment | posted in Uncategorized

January 15, 2012

Broncos, Massive Head Cold, and Ox Kidney

By Aeracura Woman

Good Morning!

I was supposed to go to Kansas City this weekend for a business meeting. I was really excited about going to explore a business opportunity. The sore throat started Thursday. Leaving Friday morning was just NOT going to happen. I have been tucked in all weekend with a massive head cold, cranberry green tea, hot water with lemon, and chicken noodle soup.

I had NO cold medicine in the house since I have not been sick in SO LONG! Packing has been put aside for keeping warm (it is frigid here), IM’ing with friends, football, and trying to figure out where to get Ox kidney for my steak and kidney pie.

The 49er/Saints game was very fun the watch. The Broncos? Well….not so much. I went to bed early with some tea and cold medicine. Did not sleep well at all. I am being such a baby about this cold!!

I watched an episode of The Pioneer Woman yesterday. She was making apple pies so I am going to use her dough recipe for my steak and kidney pie. Check it out…and while you are at it, make the pie! Perfect Pie Crust from the Pioneer Woman!

Well, go Giants! I am going to venture out for some eggs benedict and then come home, build a fire like the one I had last night!

1 comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Uncategorized

January 13, 2012

What’s Next!

By Aeracura Woman

What’s Next!.

Leave a comment | posted in Uncategorized

January 13, 2012

What’s Next!

By Aeracura Woman

As you may or may not know I am getting ready to depart the Northeast and head west. I have been busy packing and purging! This move is a ‘starting anew’ for me. It feels SO good to simplify and get rid of stuff I have had for years but no longer want or need.

Moving takes ‘spring cleaning’ to a whole new level!

I have a good friend here that I want to cook for before I leave. He is half Irish and half English and spent much in England growing up. I asked him what his favorite comfort food from England is. I told him I would make it for him. STEAK AND KIDNEY PIE. Until now, I thought the term ‘kidney’ referred to a BEAN. NOT. My friend said it was quite an undertaking and to use too much onion. I said, if it was horrible, we would order a pizza!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steak_and_kidney_pie

This is a picture I found on BBCGoodFood.com. I hope mine will look as yummy!

Compliments of BBC Good Food

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Uncategorized

January 10, 2012

Cuban Black Beans, Yellow Rice, and Masitas de Peurico

By Aeracura Woman

Part Two: (Basically, saute onion, chopped red pepper, onion and garlic till caramelized and add to pot and start cooking beans in oven. Add Roast. Monitor and prepare rice.)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Remove coarsely chopped onions from bean marinade, chop, add to sauté pan with chopped garlic, chopped red pepper, and bit of olive oil and 1 tbsp butter for flavor. Sauté on a lower heat until caramelized. Add back to beans.

3. Ideally, you have soaked the beans in a pot you can use in the oven. Cover the pot. Start cooking beans 1 hour before you add pork roast. Stir frequently. Take the pork roast (DISCARD THE PORK MARINADE) and place in the pot with the beans, add water if needed for beans, and replace lid and place in the oven. (remember, hot pot in the oven MEANS THE lid is HOT too!! …..as my fingers and brain have been reminded!!)

4. Cook, until the roast is slightly underdone, about 125 – 130 degrees at the ends and 115 in the middle. This will allow you to serve a variety of moist but fully safe cooked and fried pork at different doneness based on your preference. Check and stir the beans occasionally.

(The point of this technique is to allow the beans to absorb the pork flavor and the pork to continue to absorb the amazing marinade flavors. If you like, just continue cooking the pork until it reaches an internal temp of 135 and slice and serve. Otherwise:

5. Continue to cook beans in oven until pork is slightly underdone. Remove pork. Cover and place is refrigerator to cease cooking the pork. My beans took a couple hours more to cook the way I wanted them. Check and taste frequently. Season and add liquid of your choice as needed. Use a potato masher to mash beans to thicken beans.

6. RICE: Sauté 1/2 chopped onion, chopped garlic and chopped orange pepper in olive oil and and 1 tbsp butter. Stir in 1 1/2 cups gourmet brown rice. Slightly brown the rice. Add 3 1/2 cups made up of 2 cups water and 1 cup of your choice of broth and 1/2 cup orange juice. Salt, Pepper, add 1 tsp cumin and 1 tsp oregano. Cover and steam. You are on your own after that. I am not the best rice person. But is was AMAZING. Nutty, slightly crunchy, and so so flavorful.

7. When you love your beans, your rice is close – heat grape seed oil in pan to a high temp. You just want to brown the pork on the outside. Brown sliced or cubed pork in hot oil. Drain. Serve.

Summary:

The beans are even better as leftovers, like spaghetti. I FORGOT TO LET YOU KNOW TO ADD A BAY LEAF TO THE BEANS AND THE PORK MARINADE!

Why is it, a woman with a mechanical engineering degree and years of hi tech sales and marketing experience cannot write a succinct recipe?

Please try your own version and tell me how it turns out! I am going to publish my Abi’s original recipe in my next post.

Enjoy a taste of Cuba!!

Cut into slices or traditional 2-inch cubes.

Aeracura Woman Style

3 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | posted in Recipes

January 10, 2012

Cuban Black Beans, Yellow Rice and Masitas de Peurico – Aeracura Woman Style

By Aeracura Woman

This is what I made and will serve 4 -6.

Take ONE 16-0Z PACKAGE BLACK BEANS OR USE FRESH IF YOU CAN! Fresh beans take less time to soften than older packaged beans. Soak for 6 -8 hours. Do NOT soak until they have fully softened. Cover beans to at least 1 -2 inches above the beans in the following:

1/3 water
1/3 broth of your choice (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
1/3 Spanish red wine
Juice of one lime
Juice of 2 oranges – use juicing oranges over naval if you can
1 coarsely chopped spanish onion
4 – 6 minced fresh garlic cloves. (I have tried jarred minced garlic. I use it in a pinch but nothing is better than fresh – in my humble opinion – lol.)
Tellicherry Pepper
Kosher salt - no…it will NOT make the beans tough – AT ALL
Cumin and 1 Bay leaf

Florida Pepper Seasoning from Penzy’s or similar. (I shopped SEVERAL local markets for Saffron and ended up going to Penzy’s for the Saffron and stumbled upon this blend and used it throughout my cooking project! It is a salt-free blend of pepper and citrus. I am sure you could easily add zest from a lemon lime and orange to create your own blend. EXPERIMENT!) 

Oregano – healthy Tbsp
Chopped fresh basil – 1/4 cup

Stir…….and smell….YUM….

FOR THE PORK MARINADE:

A MORE FATTY CUT OF PORK ROAST. I thought I would be very smart and use a pork tenderloin. Didn’t love it. Too lean. And too hard to leave lean enough to brown at the end. Keep reading and you will understand.

3 lbs Pork Roast (but do consult with your butcher for your needs)

Rub first with a mix of the following (this is not a rub in the traditional sense of the word)

1 freshly minced onion (and, yes, I minced it in a mini – chopper and I used a yellow onion)
5 cloves minced garlic
1 Tbsp cumin and 1 Bay leaf
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 Tbsp dried oregano
healthy sprinkle of Tellicherry pepper
healthy sprinkle of kosher salt
Florida pepper mix or more pepper and citrus zest from a lemon, a lime, and an orange

Rub with mixture, place in bag or a dish, cover with 1/2 red spanish wine and your choice of broth. Marinate over night

Remaining ingredients:

1 1/2 cups gourmet brown rice mix (It is NOT traditional, I know. I wanted to use a more healthy brown rice. It does change the texture for sure. The flavor was AMAZING!!) TRY IT. I found that I needed a bit more saffron to season the nutty brown rice.
1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
1 orange pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 spanish onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, chopped
Olive oil for sautéing
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
High smoking point, healthy cooking oil such as Grape-seed (high in omega-6)
Spanish Coupe Saffron – just a couple of pinches.
More pepper and salt to taste

I am going to post this now. And come back with the rest. Happy Tuesday! I have been so busy packing and working on my move details I apologize for not getting this up sooner!

It turned out so so good. My sister and I discussed freezing a portion and overnighting it so she could try it! lol. Trust me. Come back for the final part of my recipe!

I will take more pics and get more precise in my ingredients. BUT….this is about all of us experimenting!

Happy Tuesday!

Cuban Black Beans, Yellow (brown) Rice and Masitas de Puerco

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Recipes

January 9, 2012

Cuban Black Beans, Yellow Rice, Masitas de Puerico and THE BRONCOS!!!

By Aeracura Woman

6:21 on Sunday night on the east coast.  Just finished eating my portion….which is MUCH smaller than the photo of my feast….lol…..I am a forever Bronco fan and am pleased so far….but I went thru the ups and down of the Elway era while living in Denver so I am not holding my breath….lol.  They are up 20 -6 at the half against the Steelers but that really means nothing in my book!  But I will keep sending my positive energy to Denver and the Broncos!

It is a quiet Sunday at home for me.  I was going to go to my little pub and watch the game with friends but it was a cooking and packing day!  Looks amazing in Denver today.  I hear it is clear but chilly there.

So to the most important item of the day.  Black beans, yellow rice, and Masitas de Puerico results!

First, I do have taste testers set up tomorrow and I have asked them to post a comment – good, bad, or indifferent.  I have Jack, David, Marcos, Eric and Pam lined up.  I think it came out pretty good but I am changing a few things from what I actually did based on the outcome today.

I am sure I will improve overtime, I am starting to document exactly how I make something as I always improvise and do not really measure unless I am baking or making rice.

I also improvised on this Cuban tradition stealing a great idea from a chef friend of mine and trying to add flavor and one healthy change.

Before I start….let me introduce you to Meelo, my sweet Maltese.  He appears to be very relaxed!  He liked the pork!

The Cotton Ball

Watching football with me today!

I am going to post this and come back with the recipe.  Must watch rest of football game!!  Happy Sunday!! (sorry for any typos!)

Leave a comment   |  tags: , , , , , | posted in Uncategorized

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

%d bloggers like this: