Author Archives for FoodieWineLover - Gina (Martino) Zarcadoolas

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About FoodieWineLover - Gina (Martino) Zarcadoolas

My name is Gina (Martino) Zarcadoolas and I am the name behind the blog Foodiewinelover. I am of Italian and Middle Eastern descent, but spent part of my early childhood in Haiti. It's a small country in the Caribbean (formerly known as Hispanola, because the island was occupied by Haiti and the Dominican Republic before both nations became independent.) I am married to a Greek and I currently live in South Florida, where there is a big Cuban influence. As you can see, I am multi-cultural, and I enjoy traditional and authentic dishes from various cuisines. I am a passionate food writer, a recipe developer, and a cookbook author. I am a Level 2 sommelier, and recently received a level 2 "WSET: Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust". I am a culinary personality and a world traveler. In March 2023, I was awarded the title of "Italian Wine Scholar", after undergoing rigorous studies of all the twenty Italian wine regions. In between blogging, I sell and invest in Real Estate. I have been inspired by many different cuisines during my travels abroad, and I am fascinated, the way food plays a major role in cultures all over the globe. I have had the pleasure to visit many countries and cities in my lifetime, and savored many delicious ethnic cuisines. I am really excited to discover WordPress and share with you my passion for food, wine and travels around the world. I feel blessed to have visited so many places such as Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Haiti (where I lived), Mexico City, Taxco, Acapulco, and Cancun in Mexico; Nassau, Paradise Island, in the Bahamas; St. John, St.Thomas, San Jose, Guanacaste in Costa Rica; Rome, Naples, Capri, Positano, Florence, Venice, Lake Como, Milan, in Italy; Lugano, Switzerland; Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, in Greece; Kusadasi and Ephesus in Turkey; Corsica, Monacoville and Montecarlo in Monaco; Nice, Cannes in France; Barcelona in Spain and Palma De Majorca. Most recently, I visited Cartagena, Colombia. I currently live in the USA with my beautiful family. In 2013 I visited wine country, Sonoma and Napa Valley, and had the time of my life. In 2017, I explored the world of Tuscan living and wines from that region. I also visited Positano, the Amalfi Coast and Naples where I relished on some authentic Southern Italian Cuisine. I cook passionately, and I love to entertain family and friends, while sipping on some amazing wine. I will share with you some of my delicious culinary creations, and some beautiful pictures that I captured during my travels. I hope you will sit back, relax and enjoy My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles.

Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki Sauce This Greek must-have condiment is used as a dipping sauce for a variety of dishes. I use it with lamb dishes, chicken souvlakis and Keftedes, Greek meatballs. Today, I will share with you, my version of Tzatziki Sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cucumber, seeded and diced
  • 1 cup of plain Greek Yogurt (2% milk fat) I use Fage brand
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, plus more to drizzle
  • 1/4 tsp. white vinegar
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Mint leaves, chopped, optional

Preparation:

1) Place garlic in food processor or blender, and slowly add oil until it is nicely blended.

2) In a medium-sized bowl, add the yogurt, garlic mixture, cucumber, vinegar, salt,  pepper and mint. Mix well. Garnish to your liking! Chill for 15-30 minutes before serving.

Kali Orexi

Keftedes, Greek Meatballs

Keftedes

Making Keftedes, Greek Meatballs

Keftedes, Greek Meatballs

Keftedes

Keftedes

Keftedes, Greek Meatballs

I married a Big Fat Greek Family, and we all love to eat Greek food.  Hubby’s Aunt Jennie is an excellent cook, and used to own a restaurant. She also loves to entertain family and friends. I learned a few things from her, about Greek Cuisine.  She makes the best Keftedes, leg of lamb, Pastichio, Moussaka, Spanakopita, and a very scrumptious Baklava. She always tells me her meatballs include 10 ingredients, but I never write them down. So I am going by memory here. I can easily call her, but this dish came out so delicious. As the saying goes, if it ain’t broken don’t fix it. I use a little breadcrumbs in this recipe, but I noticed some recipes call for some white bread.

Serves: 6-8  Level of difficulty: Medium
Yield: 24 meatballs more or less depending on how big you make them. You can use an ice cream scooper to make them evenly.

Ingredients:  

  • 2.5 ground sirloin
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 ounce of fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1 large handful of flat-leave parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano, or 2-3 sprigs of fresh ones, chopped
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 eggs
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for fryingPreparation:

    1) Prep the first 10 ingredients, and place in a large bowl. Mix well and form the meatballs.  I always taste test one first, by pan frying it, this way, I can add more seasoning, if necessary.

2) You will work in batches. In a large skillet, cover the bottom
with olive oil and heat it over medium-high heat.  Always make
sure, oil is hot before pan frying, otherwise, you will end up with
soggy meatballs.  Place meatballs in a single layer, and pan fry for about 6-7 minutes on one side, then flip them and fry an additional 6-7  minutes on the other side.  You may have to lower the flame to medium-heat at that point, otherwise, if it’s too high, they will get very dark. Do not overcook them as they will dry up. This may take some practice. You can also bake them for a healthier version.

3) Remove, and arrange them on a plate. Garnish with some mint leaves.   Serve it with some Tzatziki Sauce on the side. The meatballs  can be served as a Meze, an appetizer, or serve it with a Greek Salad for a full meal.

I can assure you, you and your family will enjoy this Greek deliciousness.

Get cooking, and let me know how they come out!

Kali Orexi

Disclosure: I do not get paid to mention the Fage brand, I happen to like their Greek Yogurt. Please make sure meat is fully cooked to avoid the risk of food-born illnesses.

Gambas al Ajillo, Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp

Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp

Spanish-Style Garlic Shrimp

Gambas al  Ajillo, Spanish-Style Shrimp are very common in Spain. They are packed with flavors and easy to prepare.  If you love to entertain, your guests will love these delicious tapas. (appetizers)

Serves: 4
Level of difficulty: Super easy

There are many recipe variations on the internet, but this is my method and style of cooking.

Ingredients:

  •  1 lb. extra-large shrimp, peeled and deveined (yield 16-20)
  •  3/4 cup olive oil
  •  1 head of garlic, chopped
  •  2 -3 dried chiles
  •  Flat-leave parsley for garnish, optional
  • Sea salt, optional

    Preparation: 

1) In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium to medium-high heat. Add the chiles, let them release their flavor in the oil for about  for 1-2 minutes. (Keep them in the pan)

2) Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sautee for about 3 minutes, then add garlic.

3) Flip the shrimp, cook an additional 2-3 minutes, until the shrimp are no longer translucent.

Voila, it’s that simple! I usually garnish with parsley but I was entertaining at the last-minute, and didn’t have the time to do it.

Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp

Wine pairing suggestions:  Albariño, a wonderful spanish white wine. It is also produced in Portugal.

Tip)  If you are cooking for a crowd, I suggest that you make them in batches.

Buen Provecho!
Bon Appetit and Cheers from My Kitchen!

Gina

Delectable Veal Ossobuco

Veal Ossobuco

Veal Ossobuco

Mise en place for Veal Ossobuco

Tomato paste

Veal Ossobuco

Veal Ossobuco

Prepping for Veal Ossobuco

Ossobuco is the Italian name for bone with a hole that has the marrow inside it. Veal Ossobuco is a hearty and delicious rustic veal-shank stew. This meal originated in Milan, and it’s usually served with a side of Risotto alla Milanese, (with saffron).  The veal shank is usually cut up in 1 – 1.5 inch thick, and is braised in a tomato-based and wine sauce. It’s the kind of meat that needs to be slow-cooked in order for it to become tender. I came up with this scrumptious recipe, and I am happy to share it with all of you.

Serves: 4   Degree of difficulty: Medium
Total preparation and cooking time:  About 2 hours.

Ingredients:

  • 3.5 lb. veal shank, cut up in 1 – 1.5 inch thick *
  • 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, + more as needed
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (chardonnay)
  • 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes, fresh or canned
  • 1 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 1/2 fennel bulb, sliced (can substitute with celery)
  • 5 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. thyme
  • 1/2 cup of flour
    Preparation:1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.2) In the meanwhile, season veal with salt and pepper. Drench in flour and shake off the excess. Discard any leftover flour.

    3) In a Dutch-Oven pot, on medium-high heat, heat up, 2-3 tbsp. olive oil, sear the veal for about 3 minutes on each side until it gets a nice brown color. You may have to work in batches depending how many veal shanks you have.

    4) Remove and set aside. In the same pot, add more oil, if necessary, and sautee the onions, carrots, fennel for 1-2 minutes, add garlic, 1 minute, then, tomato paste, and stir well until it caremelizes. Deglaze with the wine. Scrape the bottom of the pot and reduce for 1-2 minutes. Add the broth, tomatoes,  thyme, salt & pepper. Return the veal shanks in the pot. Bring to a boil, and turn the burner off.

    5) Place the pot covered in the middle rack of the oven, and let it braise for about 1.5 – 2 hours. Check occasionally for seasoning.

    6) While the veal is braising you can prepare the Risotto or a side dish of your choice.

*The meat is sometimes wrapped in a butcher twine to prevent it from falling apart, and maintain its beautiful shape. My butcher assured me that I didn’t need it this time, because of the thickness and the quality of the meat. He was right on.

Suggestions:  Typically, Gremolata is used as a garnish in this dish. It is a condiment made of either lemon or orange zest, chopped parsley and garlic.

Gremolata

Gremolata

My family and I savored this yummy meal, but the best part of this dish is the marrow inside the bone.  We were all fighting for the meat with the most marrow. It is succulent and is considered a delicacy.

I hope you will give this delectable recipe a try in your kitchen.

Wine suggestions: Chianti, Super Tuscan, Rosso di Montalcino, Aglianico, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. They’re all  Italian wines and most of them are affordable.

Happy Cooking from My Kitchen to Yours!

Veal Ossobuco The best part…….

Veal OssobucoPlease note, I have made Ossobuco again since this blogpost, and updated the featured picture on 4/7/2016

My great friend Angela introduced me to another wonderful version of Ossobuco in a brown sauce. It’s her dad’s famous recipe, and it is equally as delicious.

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa

Mango

Mango Salsa

Mango Salsa

Mangos are cultivated throughout various regions of the world.  There are many varieties that are used in chutneys, salsas, or simply eaten raw.  They are a delicious and versatile fruit, and very refreshing in the summertime. In several cultures, its fruit and leaves are ritually used as floral decorations at public celebrations, and religious ceremonies. Recently, I participated in an event on Facebook, that required the use of mangos, as an ingredient. Of course, I had to get involved, and decided to make a quick and easy salsa. This dish can be eaten by itself, with tortillas, or over white fish. I have used it on cod-fish, and it came out delicious.

Ingredients:

Mango Salsa

  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/4 red bell pepper, diced
  • Jalapeño, chopped to taste (optional)
  • 1 handful of cilantro, chopped
  • Himalayan salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
  • Sprinkles of turmeric
  • Juice of one lime
  • drizzle of extra virgin olive oil 

    Preparation:

Combined all the ingredients and chill in the fridge for at least an hour.

Bon Appetit!

The Temperamental Sangiovese Grape Varietal

Sangiovese grape

Chianti Classico Sangiovese

In 2009, I attended wine classes at the United States Sommelier Association, and passed a written and blind wine taste tests. I earned a Level 2 Sommelier certificate.  In February 2017,  I decided to pursue my wine studies, and attended  classes  at WSET, a world-renowned school, which stands for Wine, Spirit Education Trust. I received a Level 2 certificate and passed with merit.  I don’t consider myself a sommelier, and I don’t use that word to describe what I do.  I prefer to save it for someone who is actively working in the wine industry.  Sommelier is a French word that means a wine steward who’s trained and knowledgable in wines. I am not into fancy wine descriptions, but I can tell you one thing, after drinking and sipping hundreds of wines, I know if a wine is compatible with my palate or not.  By now, my taste buds know exactly what I like.  I prefer Old World wines, full-bodied, earthy with deep ruby colors, and flavor profiles that include aromatic spices, cloves, black peppers, nutmeg, hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, leather, barnyard, licorice with a lingering finish. I usually go for a complex wine, with layers of flavors for special occasions.  At times, I also enjoy medium-bodied wines, and New World wines with floral notes. There are so many grape varietals, (varieties)  from so many regions of the world, however, today, I will focus on the Sangiovese grape. It is a very difficult grape to grow because it needs warm weather, and for that reason, vintages can vary from one season to the next. It is considered one of the most widely planted red grape in all of Italy. The Sangiovese grape does particularly well in the terroir of beautiful Tuscany. However, it is a temperamental grape, that requires a lot of attention. It is not easy to keep it balanced, because of its high acidity content. It is harvested late, because the ripening process is slow. Tannins can also be rough. Sangiovese is also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other grapes to make one of my favorite blends called “Super Tuscan”. In June 2017, I finally visited Tuscany, and some amazing wineries in that region. I enjoyed some delicious wines made with the Sangiovese grape.

My tasting notes on Tenuta di Renieri:  It is a blend made with mostly Sangiovese, and is from the enchanting region of Chianti. It has the Chianti Classico label, which is a highly rated, small wine-region with a DOCG designation, (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is the highest designation in Italian wines. The wines must be evaluated by a tasting committee before they can be bottled, to assure the highest quality standards.) This wine shows unique characteristics, and bottles from that region have the seal of a black rooster to distinguish them. It’s a beautifully balanced wine with alluring nose of nutmeg spice, bursting with flavors of lush cherries, with a long finish that keeps you begging for more.

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006

Marchese Antinori, Chianti Classico, Riserva 2006. It’s an excellent wine, very complex with an everlasting finish.

Winemaker’s Notes:

“92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): …positively sparkles on the palate. Dark wild cherries, minerals, graphite, violets and spices are just some of the nuances that flow effortlessly… The French oak contributes an additional measure of volume and ampleness I doubt the wine truly needs given the superlative quality of the fruit in 2006. A rich fabric of minerals reappears to frame the intense, deeply satisfying finish… The 2006 is one of the finest vintages I can remember tasting. (Oct 2010)”

Massarena, Chianti Classico Riserva 2009

Distinctive flavors of cherry, a superb wine for that special occasion. Pairs nicely with a tomato-sauce based dish.

Poggerino Vendemmia Chianti Classico 2011

Lovely wine, with flavors of plum, with hints of vanilla, medium-bodied, made with 100% Sangiovese grape

I hope you will pull yourself together, and pour yourself a Sangiovese! I would love to hear your experience with this wine varietal. If you are not too familiar with Italian wines, just visit a large chain store, and get the help of a wine clerk. Many of them are highly trained and very knowledgeable. What I like the most about buying wine in large chain stores, if you are NOT happy with a wine, you can return it, and they will gladly refund your money, or give you a store credit. Don’t get me wrong, I also love to support the small boutique shops, as they carry some very unique wines. Just get out there, and start exploring the world of wines. There are so many of them, and so little time!

Fattoria di Montemaggio

Vertical wine tasting at the magical Fattoria di Montemaggio in Tuscany

Above is a picture of a vertical wine tasting at the magical Fattoria di Montemaggio in Tuscany. They are a boutique winery and produce high-quality wines.

Hope you enjoyed this blogpost! Happy Sipping!

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, Foodiewinelover
My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles
World renowned – WSET (Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust)
Level-2 Certified Wine Connoisseur.
Culinary Aficionado & Lover of Global Cuisines & Travels

Photos by Gina Martino Zarcadoolas for Foodiewinelover
except for the grape photos in which the proper credit was given.

 

Sangiovese Grape

Image courtesy Colombaia in Chianti

 

 

The Temperamental Sangiovese Grape Variety

Sangiovese grape

Chianti Classico Sangiovese

In 2009, I attended wine classes at the United States Sommelier Association, and passed a written and blind wine taste tests. I earned a Level 2 Sommelier certificate.  In February 2017,  I decided to pursue my wine studies, and attended  classes  at WSET, a world-renowned school, which stands for Wine, Spirit Education Trust. I received a Level 2 certificate and passed with merit.  I don’t consider myself a sommelier, and I don’t use that word to describe what I do.  I prefer to save it for someone who is actively working in the wine industry.  Sommelier is a French word that means a wine steward who’s trained and knowledgable in wines. I am not into fancy wine descriptions, but I can tell you one thing, after drinking and sipping hundreds of wines, I know if a wine is compatible with my palate or not.  By now, my taste buds know exactly what I like.  I prefer Old World wines, full-bodied, earthy with deep ruby colors, and flavor profiles that include aromatic spices, cloves, black peppers, nutmeg, hints of dark chocolate, vanilla, tobacco, leather, barnyard, licorice with a lingering finish. I usually go for a complex wine, with layers of flavors for special occasions.  At times, I also enjoy medium-bodied wines, and New World wines with floral notes. There are so many grape varietals, (varieties)  from so many regions of the world, however, today, I will focus on the Sangiovese grape. It is a very difficult grape to grow because it needs warm weather, and for that reason, vintages can vary from one season to the next. It is considered one of the most widely planted red grape in all of Italy. The Sangiovese grape does particularly well in the terroir of beautiful Tuscany. However, it is a temperamental grape, that requires a lot of attention. It is not easy to keep it balanced, because of its high acidity content. It is harvested late, because the ripening process is slow. Tannins can also be rough. Sangiovese is also blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other grapes to make one of my favorite blends called “Super Tuscan”. In June 2017, I finally visited Tuscany, and some amazing wineries in that region. I enjoyed some delicious wines made with the Sangiovese grape.

My tasting notes on Tenuta di Renieri:  It is a blend made with mostly Sangiovese, and is from the enchanting region of Chianti. It has the Chianti Classico label, which is a highly rated, small wine-region with a DOCG designation, (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita is the highest designation in Italian wines. The wines must be evaluated by a tasting committee before they can be bottled, to assure the highest quality standards.) This wine shows unique characteristics, and bottles from that region have the seal of a black rooster to distinguish them. It’s a beautifully balanced wine with alluring nose of nutmeg spice, bursting with flavors of lush cherries, with a long finish that keeps you begging for more.

Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2006

Marchese Antinori, Chianti Classico, Riserva 2006. It’s an excellent wine, very complex with an everlasting finish.

Winemaker’s Notes:

“92 points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): …positively sparkles on the palate. Dark wild cherries, minerals, graphite, violets and spices are just some of the nuances that flow effortlessly… The French oak contributes an additional measure of volume and ampleness I doubt the wine truly needs given the superlative quality of the fruit in 2006. A rich fabric of minerals reappears to frame the intense, deeply satisfying finish… The 2006 is one of the finest vintages I can remember tasting. (Oct 2010)”

Massarena, Chianti Classico Riserva 2009

Distinctive flavors of cherry, a superb wine for that special occasion. Pairs nicely with a tomato-sauce based dish.

Poggerino Vendemmia Chianti Classico 2011

Lovely wine, with flavors of plum, with hints of vanilla, medium-bodied, made with 100% Sangiovese grape

I hope you will pull yourself together, and pour yourself a Sangiovese! I would love to hear your experience with this wine variety. If you are not too familiar with Italian wines, just visit a large chain store, and get the help of a wine clerk. Many of them are highly trained and very knowledgeable. What I like the most about buying wine in large chain stores, if you are NOT happy with a wine, you can return it, and they will gladly refund your money, or give you a store credit. Don’t get me wrong, I also love to support the small boutique shops, as they carry some very unique wines. Just get out there, and start exploring the world of wines. There are so many of them, and so little time!

Vertical wine tasting at the magical Fattoria di Montemaggio in Tuscany

Vertical wine tasting at the magical Fattoria di Montemaggio in Tuscany

Above is a picture of a vertical wine tasting at the magical Fattoria di Montemaggio in Tuscany. They are a boutique winery and produce high-quality wines.

Hope you enjoyed this blogpost! Happy Sipping!

Gina Martino Zarcadoolas, Foodiewinelover
My Food, Wine & Travel Lifestyles
World renowned – WSET (Wine, Spirit, Education, Trust)
Level-2 Certified Wine Connoisseur.
Culinary Aficionado & Lover of Global Cuisines & Travels

Photos by Gina Martino Zarcadoolas for Foodiewinelover
except for the grape photos in which the proper credit was given.

 

Sangiovese Grape

Image courtesy Colombaia in Chianti

 

 

Salade Niçoise

Salade Niçoise
Salade Niçoise

Salade Niçoise

A few years ago, I had the pleasure of visiting Nice, also known as The Côte d’Azur, located on the French Riviera. This trip inspired me to make this salad, and I’m so happy to share it with all of you.

Nice, France

Nice, France 2011

 

Nice, France 2011

Salade Niçoise, (pronounced Niswaz) originated in Nice, France, and makes a delightful summer “salade”, French for salad. I’ve made it in the past with freshly seared Tuna, but this time, I’m using canned tuna. There are many variations to this traditional dish, but most of them call for tuna, haricot vert, which is a French style green bean, potatoes, tomatoes, olives, hard-boiled eggs. You can also garnish it with anchovies. I use a Tarragon Dijon-Mustard Vinaigrette for dressing.

Serves: 4  Degree of difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:  

  • 2 cans of tuna fish, in olive oil, drained
  • 10 – 12 fingerlings potatoes, boiled
  • 1 handful of Kalamata olives
  • 6 to 8 San Marzano Style tomatoes *
  • 4-5 boiled eggs, sliced
  • 16 oz. haricot vert, boiled or steamed
  • Lettuce leaves

    Preparation:

    1) Boil eggs, peel, and set aside. (Please look for my upcoming post on how to boil and peel the perfect eggs.)

    2) Boil potatoes, gently poke with knife, if it goes through easily, it’s done. Do not overcook as it will fall apart.

    3) Boil or steam haricot vert, do not overcook because they will lose their vibrant color.

    If you are comfortable to have 3 burners going on at once, you can cook simultaneously to save you time.

    4) Wash tomatoes, lettuce, and drain well.

    5) Prepare the dressing

Tarragon Dijon-Mustard Vinaigrette

  • 4 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
  • Himalayan salt or sea salt to taste
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 – 1 tsp. dry Tarragon

In a medium-sized bowl, add the mustard, salt, pepper and tarragon, slowly whisk in the oil, to emulsify it.  Adjust the ingredients as necessary.

6) Now that you have done all your prepping, it’s time to plate it. Place the lettuce on the bottom of a serving dish, and arrange all the ingredients to your taste. I did a deconstructed salad, but you can also mix it all together. Add your own touch and make it yours. Drizzle with the vinaigrette for the finishing touch. I can assure you, you and your loved ones will enjoy this sumptuous and healthy summer salad.  I recommend a nice Chablis (a dry Chardonnay from the Burgundy region), or a Sauvignon Blanc, a lovely Rose’ from the South of France to pair with this delectable and refreshing dish. Bubblies are always a good option if you want to get fancy.

* You can also use sliced, cut-up, or grape tomatoes.

Salade Niçoise

Salade Niçoise previously made with Seared Tuna

Bon Appetit From Gina’s Kitchen

Kitchen Essentials

Kitchen Essentials

I am not considered a “Chef” because I do not own a degree in Culinary Arts, and it would not be fair to all my friends that are actual chefs. I certainly do not have the technique they have, however, I do consider myself an experienced home cook. I have been in the kitchen for the last 25 years, and it took me a long time to get where I am today. Remember, Rome was not built in one day.  I recommend to start with some basic kitchen utensils. Everything else, is trial and error until you get it right. I learned NOT to leave bread unattended in the oven, or pot and pans while the stove is on.  One must take some precautionary measure while cooking to ensure safety.  It’s important when in the kitchen, to stay focused, and pay attention. For the novice cook, today, I will share with you the Kitchen Essentials you will need to get you started.

  • A cutting board
  • 1 Chef’s knife, to start
  • 1 colander
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 large metal spoon, to start
  • 1 slatted spoon
  • 1 ladle
  • 1 set of kitchen shears scissors
  • 1 grater
  • 1 thong
  •  Steak knives, if you are meat lover
  •  1 baster
  • 1 set of aluminum bowls
  • 1 casserole baking dish
  • Glass or plastic bowls, different sizes
  • Serving dishes, serving utensils
  • 1 measuring cup
  • 1 set of measuring spoons
  • 1 apron
  • Couple of trays, flat and deep
  • Kitchen towels
  • Kitchen gadgets, optional (garlic presser)
  • 1 blender to start, then upgrade to a food processor
  • Grilling utensils in the summertime

Once you have the basic utensils, now, it’s time to have fun following and creating recipes.  

Do you have a kitchen gadget that you use or recommend? Please share with us your experience.

Happy Cooking! 

New York Strip Steaks Grilled To Perfection

New York Strip Steaks

IMG_3189

IMG_3195

Grilled New York Strip Steaks

Grilled New York Strip Steaks, cooked medium-rare

It’s summertime,  that means, it’s the season for bathing suits, flip-flops, and splashing in the water to keep cool. It’s also time to enjoy the outdoors, with some burgers, an occasional hot dog, and some delicious steaks on the grill. Once in a while, I like to savor a nice juicy steak. It’s hard for me to pick one cut, since I like all of them. However, today, I will share with you, an easy way to grill some New York strips. When picking your steaks, make sure they have thin white streaks of fat throughout them, called marbling. They keep the meat nice and juicy. In addition, to that, the fat adds lots flavor.

Serves 3-6  depending on your appetite and diet restrictions.
Level of difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:  

  • 3 New York strip steaks, about 12 – 14 oz. each
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Himalayan salt or sea salt *

Preparation: 

1) Always take out the meat from the fridge at least 30 – 45 minutes to bring it to room temperature. This step is vital in making sure the meat is cooked evenly.

2) In the meanwhile, season liberally with salt and pepper.  Let it marinate on a tray or dish, until it reaches room temperature.

3) Fire up the grill at high temperature.  MAKE SURE IT’S SUPER HOT!

4) Place the steaks on the grill, cover, and forget about them for about 3 – 4  minutes. I recommend you use a timer until you master this method.

5) They should have nice grill marks on the cooked side, flip them, cover and cook the other sides, another 3 -4 minutes. This will take some practice, and you may need to lower the flame if necessary.  With this method, you will obtain a medium-rare temperature. If you want a medium temperature, lower the flame, and cook an additional 2-3 minutes on each side.

Removed the steaks from the grill and place them on a platter. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to retain the juices. DO NOT COVER! You will have the perfectly grilled New York Strip Steaks.

I served them with my delectable pasta salad, and my family had a feast. Grilled veggies and field green salads also make a nice accompaniment.

I recommend a full-bodied red wine to go with the steaks to cut through the fat. A Malbec from Argentina,  a California Cab, or a beautiful Italian Barolo. The choice is yours. If you like beer, then by all means, go for it.  I suggest freshly squeezed lemonade for the kids.

Keep hydrated, drink lots of water in between, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Happy Grilling!

Gina, Foodiewinelover

Disclosure: There’s always a health risk involved when consuming red meat, unless it’s fully cooked. (Luckily for me, I never had an issue). For your safety, I recommend you follow the advice of your doctor or a nutritionist.

 

 

 

 

 

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