Monday, January 28, 2008

Lemon Slice


The custom of serving a slice of lemon with fish dates back to the
Middle Ages. It was believed that if a person accidentally swallowed
a fish bone, the lemon juice would dissolve it.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Macaroni Trivia


The first macaroni factory in the United States was established in 1848. It was started by Antoine Zegera in Brooklyn, New York.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Herbed Parmesan Bread Dipping Oil



(This dip is really easy to make and I use Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Ingredients:


1/2 teaspoon Italian Herb Seasoning or 1/4 tsp each dried oregano and basil

1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

freshly ground black pepper

Crusty baguettes or bread

Directions:

Combine seasoning and oil on a 6-inch plate. Top with Parmesan cheese. Dip bread into oil. Eat. Then say, "yum."

Beer Bread


This bread looks a bit rustic but I swear it's tasty. I used a dark beer, like Michelob Amber Bock. I cut back on the baking time because the lower rack in the oven was close to the heating unit. My suggestion is that you check the bread after it's baked for about 30 mins. This bread is great when served warm with butter or with the Herbed Parmesan Bread Dipping oil (next recipe).

Beer Bread


2 2/3 cups Self-Rising Flour
12 ounces Beer (cold or room temperature--I used a dark beer. But there's really no rule to what type you use.)


Preheat oven to 375. Grease a loaf pan.

Combine the flour and beer in a large bowl until flour is completely moistened. Pour into greased loaf pan.

Bake at 375 degrees F for 50 to 55 minutes or until top is lightly browned. (You might want to insert a pick in the center... bread is done when pick comes out clean).

Cool in pan five minutes before removing to cool completely.