Rusty Beach » Food

Bacon-wrapped Jalapeno Sensations

Goldie — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 02:46:45 +0000

Bacon not only makes everything better, but it is godsent. These bacon-wrapped jalapeno sensations are proof that heaven can’t be too far away!

Ingredients

1 to 2 packages cream cheese, room temperature
2 cloves chopped garlic
1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
Chopped fresh basil leaves
Pinch salt
10 to 25 jalapeno peppers (larger than average size will make them easier to stuff)
1/2 to 1 pound thinly sliced bacon

Directions

Preheat the oven at 425 degrees.

Combine the cream cheese, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Mix the ingredients until the mixture is soft and manageable.

Slice the jalapenos in half and de-vine/remove the seeds from each pepper.

Fill a pastry bag (or sandwich bag with a corner-cut) with the cream cheese filling. Sqeeze the filling into each jalapeno-half and wrap the pepper with 1 strip of bacon. Place the jalapenos on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for about 20-30 minutes or until bacon is brown and crisp.

Now…Serve and enjoy!

Summer Party Treat: Guacamole Recipe

Goldie — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 12:14:51 +0000

Here’s another great guacamole recipe to start the party off right! Holla!

Ingredients:

3 Haas avocados, halved, seeded and peeled
1 lime, juiced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced (the chuckier, the better)
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (If you are a cilantro hater, it is ok- you don’t really need it)
1 clove garlic, minced

Directions:

In a large bowl place the scooped avocado pulp and lime juice, toss to coat. Drain, and reserve the lime juice, after all of the avocados have been coated. Using a potato masher add the salt, cumin, and cayenne and mash. Then, fold in the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and garlic. Add 1 tablespoon of the reserved lime juice. Let sit at room temperature for 1 hour and then serve.

For more details, check out Alton Brown on Food Network.

The Slightly- Processed Trader Joe’s Adventure

Goldie — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:14:14 +0000

Nowadays, when you become a parent, you join the organic vs. non-organic debate. Should I buy organic bananas? What about organic apples, are they really juicier? Does organic milk really taste better? What about organic vegetables, are they really greener? What is the difference between organic tomatoes and non-organic tomatoes? Are they really redder?

Well, I’m 31 years old now and can pretty much beat my annual salary that my parents had no clue what organic food was back in 1978. Both my parents were loyal Detroit Rock City factory workers and food had to be quick and easy! My mother had no time to read labels to determine if the ingredients were healthy enough for me. I was a formula-fed, Chef Boyardee eatin’, Mt. Dew drinkin’ kid! Hey, I ended up graduating college and living in the ‘burbs- I’m pretty sure I didn’t come out that bad…

Now that I am a mom raising a little girl in a somewhat health- conscious society, I am little paranoid about my every move. Does this juice have too much sugar? How many hot dogs are acceptable in a week? Instant or homemade mashed potatoes? Is Chef Boyardee safe? Was it ever safe? Organic milk vs. non-organic milk? What’s it goin’ be? Uh? What’s it goin’ be, dammit!

Being a parent is tough!

Last Friday night I went to Trader Joe’s to pick up some cheap wine for my husband’s hunting trip. While I was trying to find the perfect case of wine for a bunch of deer hunters, I couldn’t believe the amount of boxed organic foods. Boxed organic crackers. Boxed organic macaroni. Boxed organic shepherd’s pie. What? Really? Boxed shepherd’s pie? Really? Do you really think an Englishman would eat boxed shepherd’s pie?

I guess there are some things we all expect to be processed (like Spam, Chef Boyardee, and Hormel Chili), but there are some things, like shepherd’s pie, that we expect to be homemade. Is boxed organic shepherd’s pie more superior than Hamburger Helper? Would a hipster from San Francisco enjoyably eat the boxed organic shepherd’s pie, but chuckle if I told him that I used frozen peas and carrots in my dinner last night? Is organic shepherd’s pie in a box heartier and more filling than the tradition countryside recipe? I guess I just don’t get it!

Maybe my whole dilemma comes from the fact that I am a little disturbed with the word ‘organic’ being thrown around so easily. Organic farmers take pride in their work and they follow very strict guidelines to put the word ‘organic’ on their product. I find it a little hard to believe that an organic farmer would consciously be comfortable with the fact that his fresh produce was dried, processed, and boxed. Would he really sacrifice his family’s life and attend countless USDA meetings for a spot on Trader Joe’s top shelf? I highly doubt it.

I hate SAN FRANCISCO.

Goldie — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:57:15 +0000

My husband and I went to San Francisco over the weekend. What a joke! Could people be more sarcastic and arrogant? I couldn’t believe it! At first, I was in denial. Then, I realized that everyone was an asshole!

My first asshole encounter was with a tall, fedora hat-wearing hipster working at Primavera on Saturday at the Farmers Market (food is great, people suck). Honestly, Asshole, you can crack a smile! For someone who is in customer service, you should be more of a ‘people person’ and less of an asshole. Yes, I am well aware that I am a tourist, but as a CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE you should understand you are there for the CUSTOMER (including tourists) and not for your pompous image of an ‘individual.’ If you were such an individual, I wouldn’t be able to be a label on you as an ASSHOLE HIPSTER!

There were two other people I wanted to punch in the face while in San Fran (I read that the locals hate the term ‘San Fran’- Now, I love it!)- A bartender and waiter at the Tadich Grill (again, food is great, people suck). Honestly, do you really need to be sarcastic? What is really pissing you off? I understand I was there at 9:30 on a Saturday and you wanted to go home, but THIS IS YOUR JOB! You are paid to be there for the CUSTOMER!

Here are some classic lines from our two dashing Douchebags:

Act I:

My husband: “What do you have on tap?”

Bartender: “Beer.”

No shit, Dickhead!

Act II:

Bartender (to me, as he serves my husband a beer): “Do you always come second in his life?”

Act III:

Waiter: “What can I get you two to drink?”

My husband: “There is a beer coming from the bar for me.”

Waiter: “As your waiter, don’t you think I should know that?”

Dickhead, the bartender told us he would tell you, so settle down!

Act IV:

Me: “How is your bread pudding?”

Waiter: “It depends on where you are from?”

Me: “Michigan.”

Waiter: “Oh, then it will be good for you.”

Really, Asshole? Really? Some bald, HIPSTER asshole from San Francisco is suddenly the expert in bread pudding?

While I could go on and on about the Assholeness in San Francisco, the last asshole encounter I would like to mention is our douchebag tag wearin’ Concierge at the hotel. The hotel was great, but easy with the ‘quirky’ and ‘witty’ concierge service. You are here to help your guest, not make inappropriate comments and keep the ‘tourist’ in the ‘tourist spots’ of San Francisco. I’ve never been in a city that was so segregated and pretentious in my life!

If you are heading out to San Francisco, here is a helpful tip- it is only a day trip! Spend your time outside the city- as long as you can! We wanted to go Wine Country, but didn’t think we had time. On Day 2, we were ready to go to the airport and return to Detroit Metro! I must say, it is pretty sad that we would rather come back to Detroit, than stay in sunny California!

Honest Travel Tips about San Francisco:

Fisherman’s Wharf- Disgustingly commercialized! It is NOTHING like Chicago’s Navy Pier! The sea lions smell. Bad.

Ghirardelli Square-There are maybe 5 shops in the whole place. It is such a joke! Plus, you can buy Ghirardelli chocolates ANYWHERE!

Ferry Building Marketplace- Amazing! Honestly, the best thing about San Francisco, but only when the Farmer’s Market is there (T, TH, and Sat).

Cable Cars- The tourists are the only people that use these things and they are ‘stuffed’ in there like sardines. It is so ridiculous.

Homeless People- They are everywhere. It makes you feel so bad, but never fear, they are assholes, too. They make inappropriate comments to you that are either sexual or racist.

Golden Gate Bridge- It’s a bridge. End of story.

Union Square- There is no cool square with street vendors or performers. It is just a square with some little cafes and some landscaping. Outside of ‘the square’ there are shops, shops, and more shops.

Chinatown- That’s about it. Just like every other city. However, R & G Lounge is AMAZING!

Haight Ashbury-It is San Fran’s Fisherman’s Wharf by land. Too commercialized. The hippies are now drinking Starbucks and listening to Grateful Dead on their iPods.

The Food- YUM. YUM. YUM. If it wasn’t for the food, I would really hate San Francisco.

Summer Treat: Avocado Kiwi Salsa

Goldie — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 03:19:01 +0000

My mom belly has been a little out of control lately. Yes, too much beer and wine. So, I decided to break down and buy the Flat Belly Diet magazine at the supermarket the other day. Now, I am not a ‘fade diet’ kinda girl, but the recipes are fresh and made with some of my favorite foods: avocados, nuts, olives, and dark chocolate.

I made my first Flat Belly meal last night after a manic Monday at work, scallops with avocado kiwi salsa. Now, the scallops were just that- scallops. I’ve come to the conclusion that I really don’t love scallops. I just ‘kinda’ like them. But, the heat of the peppers and crisp healthy bites of the salsa made me feel like I was enjoying my meal along the Mediterranean Sea.

I could feel the breeze off the water as I watched the grinning fishermen raise their catch of the day up in the air after a successful day out at sea. Aahh…freshness…

Needless to say, the fruit and vegetables fused perfectly and created a summer side dish that can be enjoyed with any seafood or poultry dish.

Ingredients:
1 avocado, diced (not too fine)

2 kiwifruit, peeled and finely chopped

1⁄4 cup finely chopped red onion(we used a vidalia onion)

1⁄4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (we had it without- my husband is not a fan)

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1⁄4 teaspoon salt

1⁄8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Combine the avocado, kiwi, onion, bell pepper, cilantro, jalapeño pepper, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Now, enjoy!

All Hot Dogs Go to Heaven

Goldie — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:51:37 +0000

A hot dog topped with sauerkraut, mayo, and guacamole?

Heaven can’t be too far away…

Click here to view the embedded video.

I heart food. beer. and sometimes wine.

Goldie — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 02:05:29 +0000

I wake up everyday and check myself out.

I look at my hips. My belly. And my thighs.

And then I stare.

I stare at my whole body.

I stare for a couple minutes.

I stand and I stare.

I am convinced that if I stare long enough and hard enough my lady lumps will go away.

But they don’t.

They are there.

And they are there to stare.

Some days, I get pissed and it becomes Me vs. Me…

‘You dumb ass! You are so fat! What the fuck were you thinking last night? Like you had to have all that beer and cheese! You are so stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Stop it, already!’

(Yes, I have had this mental argument…many times…)

Other days, I proud of my curves…

It feels good to be a woman!

I am woman, hear me roar!

Today I am going to work it!

Work it!

These days are my best day.

I work it because I love food.

I work it because I love beer.

I work it because I want to live life!

I work it because when I die I will work it no more…

So, I will continue to work it…

Work it…

Work it!

I am not ashamed of loving food a little too much…

I am ashamed of drinking a little too much…

I am just not ashamed.

So again…

I will continue to stare.

To eat.

To drink.

To live.

And to love.

Top 2 Summer Brews…For Now…

Goldie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 03:48:57 +0000

Summer is here! And yes, my body is not ready for a bikini thanks to beer! Oh well! I guess all I can do is grab a frosty mug and think about which beer I would like to enjoy first!

Let’s see…

The first beer that comes to mind is Amstel Light. It is one dam good bier! It is low in calories and can be enjoyed throughout the day! Its lightness allows you drink… and drink… and drink until you can’t drink anymore! It can be enjoyed with a variety of food; however, I personally like to drink it while munching on delicious Gouda cheese and crackers! It is so good! You’ll love it, I swear!

What else is there?

Another beer I enjoy drinking in the summer is Bell’s Oberon. It is a summer classic in Detroit (and the rest of Michigan) that can be found at almost any local bar or pub. Try it for lunch with a delicious smoked ham and Edam cheese sandwich. Or simply enjoy it with a slice of orange on a hot summer day! But beware, it isn’t as light as Amstel Light since it is a wheat ale, so after a few beers you should be feeling a little lightheaded.

I guess those are my two top picks for the summer so far… We did buy a bunch of beer the other day to taste test, so stay tuned for my reviews! With the rate my husband and I drink, we should be able to review at least 2 more new beers by next week!

So, until then, Cheers!

Click here to view the embedded video.