tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-299623732024-03-13T12:07:41.434-05:00Squirrel Squad SqueeksThe adventures of Papa Squirrel, Mama Squirrel, and Squirrelly, Jr., as they explore the world of cuisine and the cuisine of the world from their nest in Memphis. One family looking for good food because after all, they're nuts enough.Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.comBlogger338125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-65243897155863715272009-04-06T21:06:00.003-05:002009-04-06T22:00:21.586-05:00More about tomato jamIn response to a recent query, you can find out more about tomato jam on our new blog at <a href="http://www.paulandangela.net/blog/2009/04/06/tomato-jam/">PaulandAngela.net</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-19509407478438209342009-03-17T14:00:00.000-05:002009-03-17T14:00:00.256-05:00It's Rajun Cajun time!Head over to <a href="http://www.paulandangela.net/blog/">our new blog</a> for news about your chance to feast on crawfish and gumbo while helping <a href="http://www.porter-leath.org/">Porter-Leath</a> help children.<br /><br />There is also Slow Food news from the Emerald Isle and the Irish Grand Marshall of the Beale Street St. Patrick's Day parade.<br /><br />If you sign up for our newsletter, you can get a look at Teh Boy's latest school project as well as Mama Squirrel's recipe for ginger meltaway cookies.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-81254658332277782622009-02-19T01:00:00.000-06:002009-02-19T01:00:00.598-06:00Extra! Extra!If you have ventured over to our new venture, <a href="http://www.paulandangela.net/">From the Southern Table</a>, you may have noticed a <a href="http://www.paulandangela.net/newsletter/mail.cgi">newsletter link</a>. (Like that one right back there.) The fine folks who signed up just received the very first issue, hot off the non-existent presses.<br /><br />Those folks got a delivery of ponderings, pork, and, sadly, passings. It's not too late for you my friend. Head on over and sign up and see what the fuss is all about. As soon as you sign up, that first issue will be speeding toward your inbox. <br /><br />And, yeah, you can read it in the archive online, but then you would miss the thrill of that little new-email ding noise that your computer makes. And who doesn't love that?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-44579628540264549122009-02-18T17:22:00.004-06:002009-02-18T20:14:18.164-06:00Squirrelly about amenitiesWhen we went to visit MamaSquirrel's grandmother in the hospital, Squirrelly, Jr., and I went out for a walk in the area. One of the places we passed was the nursing home next to the hospital. Teh Boy pointed out something odd.<br /><br />"I didn't know people still had propane tanks," he said.<br /><br />"Oh, sure they do," I replied.<br /><br />"Yeah, but not in town (Somerville), I didn't think."<br /><br />"Good point," I said.<br /><br />"Maybe it's for emergencies," he mused rather sagely.<br /><br />Then, as I looked at the tank, I noticed something else.<br /><br />"They have a smoker, too," I said.<br /><br />"Man, this is a high end nursing home," he replied.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-6647263047708393502009-01-31T11:59:00.002-06:002009-01-31T12:02:51.297-06:00We're expanding our empire!Please come visit us at our new site, <a href="http://www.paulandangela.net/">From the Southern Table</a>. The new site is a showcase for our more professional writing efforts. There you can find some of our published works along with places where we have been sources in stories.<br /><br />We will have a blog there of our more serious writing and more in-depth reporting. We will continue to blog here as well with local food news plus our general silliness.<br /><br />We hope to see you there soon.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-67789496299012882222009-01-29T23:33:00.001-06:002009-01-29T23:33:00.500-06:00The Pig is back!The best radio station in Memphis since, perhaps, the Redbeard days of Rock 103 has returned to the airwaves. Yes, 96 oink 1, <a href="http://radiopig.com/96oink1/">The Pig</a> is squealing again.<br /><br />This is the radio station that Memphis desperately needs, one that plays an eclectic mix of excellent music. There is the harmony of John Prine and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000002MJ5?ie=UTF8&tag=squirrelsquad-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000002MJ5">Iris DeMent</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=squirrelsquad-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000002MJ5" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />, the tranquil melodies of Led Zeppelin, and the contented musings of Tracy Chapman.<br /><br />Yeah, those may not be the best descriptions, but then again, this is the radio station that makes "ham-handed segue" a good thing. Take, for instance, the recent fade from The Eagles' <span style="font-style:italic;">Seven Bridges Road</span> to The Clash and <span style="font-style:italic;">London Calling</span>. It sounds strange, but it was beautiful.<br /><br />Of course, radio is a business. There have to be commercials to pay for the music. The Pig even gets that right. The first ad I heard on the reborn Pig was a welcome back message from <a href="http://www.cbqmemphis.com/">Central Barbecue</a>. Pig-a-licious.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-46989468396304588142009-01-21T17:50:00.003-06:002009-01-21T17:58:26.698-06:00Squirrel Appreciation DayYes, January 21 is National Squirrel Appreciation Day. For us, of course, every day is Squirrel Appreciation Day thanks to the adulation of you, our dear readers, our dear, Squirrel-appreciated readers.<br /><br />For me, it has been a relatively uneventful day. My tyrannical boss forced my to work today, and she showed me no appreciation whatsoever aside from some muttered comment along the lines of, "you better just appreciate that paycheck..."<br /><br />At least I am appreciated at home. This very minute, Mama Squirrel is in the kitchen making me the biggest peanut butter sandwich you ever saw. She really loves me.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-41504735649480410572009-01-09T22:07:00.003-06:002009-01-09T22:48:57.816-06:00Happy Belated New YearWell, now that we're not moving to Canada, I suppose we should get back to writing. Our fans (Yes, <span style="font-style:italic;">both</span> of them!)have been clamoring for our return, so here we are.<br /><br />Some of what has transpired since we last blogged has been interesting. Let's see...<br /><br />We attended the November meeting of <a href="http://www.slowfoodmemphis.com/">Slow Food Memphis</a> at Hunt-Phelan. Chef Stephen Hassinger is a wonderful host. The event was BYOB — everyone brought a bottle of wine to share. The best of the evening was the <a href="http://wine-by-benito.blogspot.com/2008/11/slow-food-gathering-site-update.html">dandelion wine</a> that <a href="http://wine-by-benito.blogspot.com/">Benito</a> brought. There was also a selection of <a href="http://www.msucheese.com/">cheeses</a> from <a href="http://www.msstate.edu/">Mississippi State</a>.<br /><br />We missed the December Slow Food Memphis meeting because we were sick. I wish we could have gone. It was a cookie exchange. Cookies cure pretty much everything.<br /><br />We visited Lobster King for the first time in a while. We made a nice dent in the dim sum cart. We were pleased to discover that the food and service is better than ever.<br /><br />Bon Temps Squirrel and Rouler Squirrel had us over for a pre-Christmas dinner. Everything was scrumptious, just like the hostess. Let's just say that teh boy learned how much he liked head cheese at that meal, not to mention the best rendition of a shrimp pot pie that any of us had ever even imagined.<br /><br />We had a nice simple family style Christmas dinner. Grandaddy Squirrel smoked a goose and a <a href="http://www.neolafarms.com/">Neola Farms</a> brisket. We provided the sides. It was all yummy, and we didn't have to face five courses worth of dishes when it was done.<br /><br />We had a superb New Year's Eve dinner at <a href="http://www.restaurantiris.com/">Restaurant Iris</a>. We rang in the new year there with champagne and full tummies.<br /><br />Kelly English of Restaurant Iris is on the cover of the latest issue of <a href="http://www.ediblememphis.com/">Edible Memphis</a>. <a href="http://www.downinghollowfarm.com/">Lori Greene</a> wrote an excellent piece on the lamb barbacoa that Chef English cooked in a pit. The rest of the issue is excellent as always, even though we were too distracted to contribute.<br /><br />That's all I can think of for now. Mama Squirrel has a thing or two in mind to share. She will share those soon.<br /><br />(We wouldn't really move to Canada. You can see Alaska from there!)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-8726176996859432352008-11-10T09:09:00.006-06:002008-11-10T10:05:02.061-06:00TodayToday is the most specialest, wonderfulest, happiest day in the whole wide world. You see, this day is the anniversary of that fabulous day just a very few short years ago that the world was blessed with the gift of Papa Squirrel!!!!<br /><br />Come out and join us tonight at 6:30 to celebrate Papa Squirrel's birthday at the <a href="http://www.slowfoodmemphis.com">Slow Food Memphis General Meeting</a> at the <a href="http://huntphelan.com">Inn at Hunt Phelan</a>. Tonight's meeting will be a BYOB event. Each attendee is asked to bring a bottle of your favorite or most unique wine to sample with everyone else. We'll have cheese from Mississippi State University with locally made fruit spreads and bread from local Mennonite bakers. We'll also have updates on the Slow Food Memphis chapter and an open discussion about current food issues in the news. And if you don't want wine, we'll have plenty of fun non-alcoholic options available. <br /><br />Besides, he may be too young to imbibe, but Papa will have his suit on, and you don't want to miss that.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-8910638520523941322008-11-03T20:24:00.003-06:002008-11-03T20:54:48.081-06:00VOTE!Tomorrow is one of the most important days in American history. No matter how this turns out, this is a historic election that will break barriers that have been in place since our country was founded. Don't just sit back and let history happen without you.<br /><br />I keep hearing about undecided voters. I have to say that I don't understand how anyone can be undecided in this election. There are differences between Obama and McCain that can't be ignored. If you believe that everyone in America deserves to have the same rights, you can't vote for McCain and Palin. If you really believe that women's health issues belong in derisive air quotes, you can't vote for Obama and Biden. You might not be sure who you should vote for, but you ought to know where you stand well enough to know who you shouldn't vote for.<br /><br />I know where we at the Squirrel Nest sit on this. We knew which candidate we thought would take this country where it needs to be. We think that it's time to stop the hate and the anger that seem to be endemic in the Republican party. We think it's time for all Americans to have the same rights regardless of gender or marital status or sexual orientation. We think it's time for us to have a president who thinks diplomacy is a better course of action than pre-emptive war. We voted early, and we voted for Obama.<br /><br />It may seem melodramatic, but this election seems like a turning point for America. If we vote for Obama, we turn towards peace, equality, and progress. If we vote for McCain, we move towards more war, discrimination, and loss of rights that so many of us have known our whole lives. <br /><br />Do I think that life will be a big bowl of cherries if we wake up Wednesday morning with President Obama? No. But I think it will say a lot about our country. I think it will be a country that we can all be proud of. I think we'll be able to go abroad and not be scared to say that we're Americans. I think I won't have to worry about my son having to go to war in 4 short years whether it's his decision or not.<br /><br />The lines will be long tomorrow no matter where you live. But this election is worth your time. Let your voice be heard. VOTE!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-56140440731590772702008-10-31T19:22:00.006-05:002008-10-31T20:27:03.164-05:00TablelandLast night Papa Squirrel and I enjoyed a screening of the movie <a href="http://www.p1-productions.com/tableland.html#">Tableland</a> at the <a href="http://www.brooksmuseum.com/">Brooks</a>. For those of you not familiar with this film, it won first place this year at the New York City Food Film Festival. It's a great look at how small-scale sustainable agriculture works in the northwestern US and British Columbia.<br /><br />While that's not our part of the country, there are a lot of people around here with just as much passion about growing and producing food that's as good for the environment as it is for the people who eat it. Some of those people are the ones who brought the film to the Brooks and crafted a wonderful meal of local products to go along with it. Melissa Peterson of <a href="http://www.ediblememphis.com/">Edible Memphis</a>, Andrew Adams of the <a href="http://www.brooksmuseum.com/lunchmenu">Brushmark</a> restaurant, and Van Cheeseman of <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M14464">Flora at Bluebird Farm</a> were there to speak to the importance and pleasure of supporting sustainable agriculture in the Mid South.<br /><br />Edible Memphis celebrates the growers, chefs and artisans in the Mid South who spend everyday creating the products that make this such a great place to live and eat. Flora at Bluebird Farm raises heritage varieties of vegetables that are not only great to eat, but are also an important step in keeping these varieties around. Ask Van about why he chooses to grow these vegetables, and you'll learn about the passion he has in keeping the breeds around and the pleasure he takes in finding varieties that he's never grown before and can't wait to share with anyone who loves good food.<br /><br />Chef Andrew Adams was the star last night, though. He produced a family style meal that easily rivaled the meal prepared in the film using mostly local products. Fresh baked bread graced the center of each table, almost too beautiful to eat and baskets of local zuchinni and onions on flatbread. We started the meal with a salad of local arugula followed by potato and ratatouille fritters with a Mediterranean tomato sauce. This was followed by a local bean cassoulet and haricots verts with local tomatoes. Next up were a sweet potato and potato gratin served with butternut squash agnolotti. The main course was a heaping dish of locally grown and ground polenta with grass-fed beef in chimichurri sauce and candied local carrots. For dessert, we were served apple and cheddar turnovers followed by apple and pear deep dish pie.<br /><br />All of the wonderfully fresh ingredients for this fabulous meal came from the last of our local farmers markets for the year. Andrew is a familiar site shopping at both the downtown market on Saturday mornings and the Wednesday afternoon market at the Botanic Garden. He's been a leader in our city in seeking out and serving local ingredients and in advocating support for our local farmers.<br /><br />There were plenty of messages to take away from both the film and the meal. Eating local is delicious. Supporting local farmers is good for everyone involved. Encourage your favorite chefs to use local products. Ask them where they get their ingredients and make sure to let them know that you appreciate it when those ingredients are locally produced. You may not want to craft a meal as elaborate as Andrew's, but you can make a great meal of your own with local ingredients. And the more you use them, the more you'll appreciate them and look for them. The more you'll plan to put them away at their peak during the summer so that you can enjoy them all winter long.<br /><br />Learn more about eating local. Come visit us at <a href="http://www.slowfoodmemphis.com">Slow Food Memphis</a>. You may have missed out on Tableland, but Slow Food Memphis and <a href="http://www.caseyjones.com/OldCountryStore/index.html">Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store</a> are joining up tomorrow morning, November 1, at 10:00 am for a free sorghum and biscuit tasting. This is sorghum from local producer <a href="http://www.clintonfamilyfarms.com/">Clinton Family Farms</a> who will be there to talk about why and how they make sorghum.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-84448710331059702822008-10-23T23:16:00.004-05:002008-10-23T23:27:13.035-05:00Holy crap!So like...<br /><br />O<br /><br />M<br /><br />G<br /><br />So there we were, sipping absinthe at a very crowded <a href="http://www.citygroceryonline.com/">City Grocery</a> during the <a href="http://www.southernfoodways.com/">Southern Foodways Alliance</a> Symposium. This very nice lady joined us at our table and in our chat. After a bit, we exchanged business cards and holy crap.<br /><br />We were sitting with Lisa Fain, the <a href="http://homesicktexan.blogspot.com/">Homesick Texan</a>!<br /><br />Mama Squirrel and I love her blog. First of all, it's beautiful — beautiful photography, beautiful content. She writes about things that she really loves, and her passion comes through so clearly. <br /><br />Yeah, we have a blog crush.<br /><br />But trust us. It's an amazing blog. Check it out.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-342685781654108492008-09-15T18:22:00.003-05:002008-09-15T19:09:06.992-05:00It's really hard to be a farmerWe've had a rough couple of weeks as farmers. Chickens are wonderful animals, but they're not so easy to deal with. And they can break your heart sometimes.<br /><br />We put the babies outside in a segregated cage (a dog kennel) two weeks ago. They were doing ok and seemed to be getting used to being around their big sisters, but when they slipped out through the bottom of the kennel last Saturday, we found out the hard way that their big sisters weren't getting used to them yet. <br /><br />Blueberry Muffin got pecked pretty badly on the back of her head. We brought her in and medicated her because her own sisters wouldn't leave her alone once everyone was back in their cage. She's been living in the kitchen in a cage of her own this week to give her plenty of time to heal.<br /><br />We thought that was pretty rough, but we had it taken care of. We were wrong. Fruitcake was the runt of the latest litter. She managed to squeeze out again on Sunday. And we didn't get to her in time. When we found her, the only thing we could do was to help her stop hurting. It's just something that chickens do. It's why they call it the pecking order. We know that, but that didn't make it any easier. Still, we made certain that the others wouldn't be able to get out again until we were sure they were big enough to take care of themselves. And we worked hard at not holding a grudge about it. We were getting there.<br /><br />But then yesterday happened. We've had a raccoon try to get in before. That's why we reinforced the run with hardwire and buried it in the ground with pavers to make it just that much harder to get under. We thought we had made them safe. We were wrong. I used to think raccoons were cute. I don't anymore. We lost all of our grown ladies. I think I could have handled it better if they had been eaten, but that's just not how raccoons work. It just seems so senseless, so pointless. They were very good girls, and they didn't deserve that.<br /><br />The babies were still safe in their kennel, just spooked. And then there was Karen. He did what roosters are supposed to do. He tried to protect his girls. And he may be the reason that the babies were safe. But he got hurt. You might not think you could bathe a rooster, but you can. In the kitchen sink no less. And then we treated his cuts and scrapes - I think he has more of those right now than he has feathers. And if a chicken can be depressed, he is. For the first day since he let us know that we had named him wrong, he didn't crow. But he's eating and drinking, and I really think that he's going to pull through.<br /><br />This is the sort of thing that all farmers deal with at some point. Not all baby animals make it. There are always predators. Sometimes these things just happen. But I don't think it's easy for any farmer to deal with. You can't hold a little puffball in your hand and not get a little bit attached. And like Michael tells us, you get get too attached if you name them. It's just not in me to not name them, though. I'm just not made to not get attached.<br /><br />So now we're to the tragi-comic element of all of this because sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying. We've got an adolescent hen living in a humane trap cage (it was all we had for her) in our kitchen. She's very content about it. I don't think she plans to leave. She's even making friends with the cats. <br /><br />And then there's Karen. He's purple (chicken medicine to discourage him from pecking at his cuts) pretty much all over. And I'm purple - that stuff doesn't really wash off. I look like I lost a fight with a mimeograph machine. But the end result of all this is that he's a very scruffy purple rooster. And he's living in our bathtub. We didn't have another cage, so we had to come up with the place he could be that would be easiest to clean up when he's ready to go back out. The bathtub was all we could come up with. Just like Blueberry, he seems to settling in there. I have to say that it makes going to the bathroom an adventure. There's just nothing like having a ragged purple rooster peaking over the top of the tub at you. <br /><br />So we're out of the egg business until our nine new girls start giving us more. And we may end up with a very ugly rooster. But that's just how things happen sometimes. And at least for us they're pets, a hobby. The one thing this made us appreciate is how hard it really is for those farmers we all take for granted. For them, this is everyday, and they're not just out of eggs or sad about losing pets when this sort of thing happens. They're out of money that they depend on, too.<br /><br />So, appreciate what the farmers who feed you go through. And join us in saying good-bye to our good girls: Della, Kiev, Satay, Sam, Fricassee, Dumplin', Marsala, and little Fruitcake. We'll never forget them.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-213713271313002622008-08-27T21:13:00.003-05:002008-08-27T21:36:33.896-05:00Jackson Kramer at VikingExecutive Chef Jackson Kramer of <a href="http://www.interimrestaurant.com/">Interim Restaurant</a> will be teaching <a href="http://www.vikingcookingschool.com/hc-cgi-bin/hc?sku=44237&store=31&templ=new_vcs/view_class.html">a class</a> at the <a href="http://www.vikingcookingschool.com/">Viking Cooking School</a> on Monday, September 15, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The cost of the class is $79.<br /><br />This class promises to be an excellent one. The class will be an opportunity to try "mystery box" cooking. When students arrive, they will receive a box of ingredients. They will have no advance knowledge of the contents of the box. They will have all the tools of the Viking learning kitchen. And they will have Chef Kramer.<br /><br />Jackson will be the key. He is an excellent chef and an engaging personality. Like all great chefs, Jackson thrives on the mystery box that is the local farmers market where you will see him every week seeking out the freshest and best products.<br /><br />Anyone bold enough to sign up for the class is sure to come away with several new ways of looking at ingredients. And considering that we still have two months of farmers markets to look forward to, new ideas for ingredients will come in handy.<br /><br />My one regret about the format of this class is that Jackson is not likely to teach how he makes the excellent burger they serve at Interim. I was hoping he might be able to show us how to use that cool slider gadget that Mama Squirrel <a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2008/08/they-really-sell-these.html">loves so much</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-73467337302047767022008-08-27T07:34:00.000-05:002008-08-27T07:34:01.359-05:00They really sell these?I was watching the news the other night to see if the rain was ever going to stop or if we were going to need to find a boat when I saw a couple of ads for some interesting products. And I'm in a snarky mood, so I'm going to rant a bit about them.<br /><br />First up, the <a href="https://www.bigcityslider.com/flare/next?tag=bcedg100">Big City Slider Station</a>. I like sliders. They're cute, great for portion control, good for parties. I mean, really, they're just mini hamburgers. So when I make them, I just make smaller hamburger patties. I really didn't think it was all that complex. I must have been wrong. Either that or I'm just totally missing something since there's now this wonderful pan that takes all of that pesky guess work out of making a small hamburger patty and then flipping it to cook it on both sides. The only possible reason I can see for this pan to exist is if you just absolutely have to have perfectly round burgers and you haven't just decided to use a biscuit cutter or a juice glass to shape them. But this comes with a recipe book! Recipe book? Again, am I just missing the concept of sliders? You really need a recipe book for them? Maybe I'm getting old, but I just don't get it.<br /><br />Then there was the <a href="https://www.pancakepuff.com/flare/next">Pancake Puffs Pan</a>. This one just really confuses me. It's an <a href="http://www.solvangrestaurant.com/pans.html">aebleskiver pan</a>. This is not something new and revolutionary no matter what they claim. Aebleskivers are a very old Danish treat. One of those things that's been around for so long that no one really knows who made the first ones. I like the theory <a href="http://www.solvangrestaurant.com/aebleskiver.html">here</a> that Vikings made the first ones on their dented shields. That's a story with character! Aebleskiver pans are pretty easy to find (yes, I have the Lodge one). But this one comes with a one-year supply of flipping sticks! Flipping sticks!! I guess toothpicks or bamboo skewers or the original knitting needle method (which I think is a cool multi-use) aren't good enough. You obviously need special flipping sticks. That apparently are time stamped to expire in a year and can't be reused. That I have a sneaking suspicion are actually bamboo skewers. <br /><br />I'm blaming the Olympics for this. If I hadn't gotten hooked on watching the Olympics, I wouldn't have had the TV on our local NBC affiliate to watch the news in the first place to see these. I'm unfortunately certain that these aren't the only members of their ilk. I know I'm being a snot about this, but when everyone is pinching pennies, it really gets to me to see a company trying to convince people that they need something that really just takes up space (I'm talking to you Slider Station people). And it always bothers me when a company takes something with a very rich ethnic history and tries to imply that it's something NEW! just so Americans will buy it without having to learn a scary name (That's you Pancake Puffs).<br /><br />Okay. I'm all ranted out for the night. Just think - Papa Squirrel has to live with this on a daily basis. Aren't you lucky?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-4080685433146202402008-08-26T14:35:00.003-05:002008-08-26T15:23:01.613-05:00Jennifer Chandler at Davis KiddThursday, August 28, <a href="http://www.daviskidd.com/">Davis Kidd</a>'s Corks and Courses wine dinner will feature local author and food personality (and our friend) <a href="http://www.cookwithjennifer.com/">Jennifer Chandler</a>.<br /><br />The dinner will feature four courses inspired by Jennifer's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1401603203?ie=UTF8&tag=squirrelsquad-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1401603203">Simply Salads</a>. The cost of the dinner is $40 plus tax and tip.<br /><br />Jennifer will be on hand to autograph books and answer questions. She is as bright and refreshing as any of her salads, so get out and meet her.<br /><br /><center><span style="font-weight:bold;">Corks and Courses at Bronte Bistro</span><br /><br />Course 1<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Prosciutto and Melon Salad</span><br /><br />Course 2<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Maryland Crab Cake Salad</span><br /><br />Course 3<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Beef Tenderloin with Mache</span><br /><br />Course 4<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fresh Fruit Salad over Poundcake</span></center><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=387+Perkins+Ext,+Memphis,+TN&sll=35.135038,-89.978519&sspn=0.168461,0.30899&ie=UTF8&ll=35.120593,-89.908612&spn=0.010531,0.019312&z=16">Davis Kidd</a></span><br />387 Perkins Extended<br />Memphis, TN 38117<br />(901) 683-9801<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-33428683460176373742008-08-25T07:20:00.001-05:002008-08-25T07:20:00.563-05:00Memphis Farmers Market newsWe got off to a very slow start Saturday. I had a birthmark removed from the top of my head Thursday. There was a very slim chance it could have eventually become cancerous. But, far worse, should my hair ever begin to thin, I would be left with a rather ugly mark in plain view. My minor surgery was a success, but it left my head feeling like a nice tomato with a nasty bump. It took multiple attempts, but Mama Squirrel did finally rouse me from my drug-addled state so that we could head to the market.<br /><br />We arrived at noon, only an hour before closing, and got to see an entirely different market than the one we're used to seeing early on Saturday mornings. Several of our friends were packing up or already gone, having sold all their wares. Others were still there, but they were not swamped with crowds like normal, so we got to talk to them.<br /><br />We also got to talk to some of the new folks at the market like the <a href="http://www.sparkling-river.com/">Sparkling River Pepper Company</a> from Mt. Olive, Arkansas. This was their third week at the market. They won't be there on August 30, but they will be back the week after that, and they hope to be at the market the rest of the year. <br /><br />They have a great selection of fresh peppers, but where they really won us over is with their roasted and smoked peppers. Some of their peppers are actually roasted right at the market. That's fun to watch. Their hickory smoked peppers are so fragrant that a good whiff is almost as satisfying as a bite. <br /><br />Mama has made two batches of tomato jam each using a different variety of smoked pepper in each. She promises to blog about those soon. We also want to talk to them more and bring you more of their story.<br /><br />Another excellent vendor that we plan to talk about soon is <a href="http://www.mccartercoffeeco.com/">McCarter Coffee Company</a>. Mama's folks, Nana and Granddaddy Squirrel are serious coffee drinkers. Every year for Christmas, we get them a coffee of the month club membership. They love it, but we learned quickly that the one pound a month they are getting falls short. McCarter Coffee to the rescue.<br /><br />We pick up an extra pound for them at least once a month. Last week McCarter had coffee with chicory. That was all for us. Cold brewed and mixed with milk and simple syrup, our mornings have gotten much better lately.<br /><br />Another vendor that we need to talk more about soon is <a href="http://www.grandmasdesserts.com/">Grandma's Desserts</a>. We sampled their sweet potato pie and honey walnut pie recently. The honey walnut was excellent, but the sweet potato was beautiful beyond words. One day, I am going to sneak to the market without Mama and have one of those pies. Just a man, a spoon, and a pie. I wouldn't ask me to share if I were you.<br /><br />Finally, there is our lovely friend Uele Siebert of <a href="http://www.groovyfoods.org/">Groovy Foods</a>. Uele was featured in a great story in the Spring issue of Edible Memphis. Check out that story and stop by to talk to Uele about her holistic products. And naturally, since Uele has such a healthy line of products, we talked about fried catfish and greens. Naturally.<br /><br />We're going to miss the market next weekend, but we'll be back with more news. Plus we have several market finds that we need to get caught up on.<br /><br />But until then, if you will excuse me, it is time for my meds. Maybe I should write these things after... Nah.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-50640546781772836892008-08-21T07:23:00.001-05:002008-08-21T07:23:01.500-05:00Lunch at InterimMama and I took a day off so that we could vote and run errands. The polling place was practically deserted. I am far too cynical for that to surprise me. For lunch that day, we headed to <a href="http://www.interimrestaurant.com/">Interim</a>, and it wasn't packed. That surprised me.<br /><br />Chef Jackson Kramer may not look at it this way, but I think that, at lunch, Interim is the finest diner around. <br /><br />First of all, there is the daily special. Thursday is a beautiful roasted double chicken breast. There is also the local pond-raised catfish that stars on the lunch menu every day.<br /><br />There is the best burger and fries in town, Jackson's <a href="http://www.neolafarms.com/">Neola</a> burger. With all the excellent choices Interim offers at both lunch and dinner, lately I almost always go for the burger.<br /><br />This trip, Mama was in a sandwich mood too. She went for the tuna melt. Her description? "Divine." It was a perfectly cooked tuna fillet. Slices of creamy, yummy avocado make the sandwich.<br /><br />So if you have only been to Interim for dinner, head over and try the lunch menu. The food is superb and the prices aren't bad. And if you haven't been at all, what are you waiting for? Just go.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-72385196348732040132008-08-20T23:56:00.004-05:002008-08-20T23:59:56.289-05:00Me and Mama?A lovely <a href="http://www.fark.com/">Fark</a> <a href="http://www.fdlreporter.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/FON0101/808200644/1289/FON01&GID=s6P56QvmgWegLT41hrTSfDKkUDzcT073mDZ6yxDYhP4=">headline</a>:<br /><blockquote>Woman accused of assaulting her husband with a knife and a large number of tomatoes</blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-38860928378290668682008-08-20T08:10:00.001-05:002008-08-20T08:10:00.722-05:00Firefly sweet tea vodka<center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/2780636958_4cd6b8c376.jpg?v=0"><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Firefly sweet tea vodka is Fluffy-approved.</span></center><br />We are excellent writers.<br /><br />You're thinking, "woah, Papa, that's a bold statement. How exactly did you decide that was true?"<br /><br />It's a simple matter of logic. <a href="http://www.johntedge.com/">John T. Edge</a> is an excellent writer. John T. is our peer. Therefore, we are excellent writers.<br /><br />"Sure, Papa, we all love John T., but this peer thing?"<br /><br />Simple. John T. is our greatest source of peer pressure. His advice in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1565125479?ie=UTF8&tag=squirrelsquad-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1565125479">Southern Belly</a> sent us to the depths of southern Louisiana for excellent food. Now, a recent <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/">Gourmet</a> <a href="http://www.gourmet.com/winespiritsbeer/2008/06/sweetteavodka">blog piece</a> has sent us rushing to the liquor store. Twice.<br /><br />Thanks to John T., we are hooked on <a href="http://www.fireflyvodka.com/">Firefly sweet tea vodka</a>. At a recent casual dinner for three, we had the vodka mixed with a mint simple syrup and poured over ice. We nearly polished off the entire bottle during that dinner.<br /><br />Yes, it sounds like a gimmick, but it isn't. It's a decent drink. Smooth tea with a kick. And best of all, it's made on an island just offshore from Charleston, South Carolina.<br /><br />It's worth a try for sweet-tea-loving Southerners. I know that Kimbrough Liquors and <a href="http://www.bustersliquors.com/">Busters Liquors</a> carry it. I'm not sure about our local favorite, Joe's Liquor. I need to check into that.<br /><br />And while you are there buying your sweet tea vodka, ask them to order Firefly's muscadine wine flavor vodka too.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-35028501658205997052008-08-19T08:34:00.001-05:002008-08-19T14:38:34.340-05:00The Squirrelly 100Everybody else is doing it, so we thought we should give this meme a squirrelly twist. Yes, we didn't exactly follow the rules, but then there are three of us over here. Just going through this list with Squirrelly, Jr., has him planning to blow our budget so he can change some of his answers. Anyway, here we go.<br /><br />How the Omnivore's 100 works:<br />1) Copy this list into your blog or journal, including these instructions.<br /><br />2) Bold all the items you've eaten.<br /><br />3) Cross out any items that you would never consider eating.<br /><br />4) Optional: Post a comment at <a href="http://www.verygoodtaste.co.uk/">Very Good Taste</a>, linking to your results.<br /><br />Our Omnivore's 100:<table border=1><tr><td valign=bottom>The Item</td><td align=center valign=bottom>Mama 75/22/3</td><td align=center valign=bottom>Papa 64/33/3</td><td align=center valign=bottom>Teh Boy 52/43/5</td></tr><tr><td>1. Venison (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/search?q=venisonhttp://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/search?q=venison">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>2. Nettle tea</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>3. Huevos rancheros</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>4. Steak tartare (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/09/lesser-cuts-dinner.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>5. Crocodile</td><td colspan=3>No, but we all love 'gator.</td></tr><tr><td>6. Black pudding</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>7. Cheese fondue</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>8. Carp</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>9. Borscht</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>10. Baba ghanoush (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2008/03/casablanca.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>11. Calamari</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>12. Pho</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>13. PB&J sandwich</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>14. Aloo gobi</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>15. Hot dog from a street cart</td><td colspan=3>God bless Lucky Dogs.</td></tr><tr><td>16. Epoisses</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>17. Black truffle (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2008/05/restaurant-iris.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>18. Fruit wine made from something other than grapes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>19. Steamed pork buns (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2006/08/and-winner-is.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>20. Pistachio ice cream</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>21. Heirloom tomatoes (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2008/08/tiny-tomato-frittata.html">blogged</a>)</td><td colspan=3>Straight out of the backyard even.</td></tr><tr><td>22. Fresh wild berries</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>23. Foie gras (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/03/la-tourelle-dinner-and-cooking.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>24. Rice and beans</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>25. Brawn or head cheese (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/10/primo-restaurant-orlando.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>26. Raw Scotch Bonnet Pepper</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>27. Dulce de leche</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>28. Oysters (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/07/pearls-oyster-house.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>29. Baklava</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>30. Bagna cauda</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>31. Wasabi peas</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>32. Clam chowder in a sourdough bowl</td><td colspan=3>Both, but not together.</td></tr><tr><td>33. Salted lassi</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>34. Sauerkraut</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>35. Root beer float (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/01/soul-fish-worth-wait.html">blogger</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>36. Cognac with a fat cigar</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>Not that we know of.</td></tr><tr><td>37. Clotted Cream Tea</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>38. Vodka Jelly/Jell-O</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>39. Gumbo (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/10/foodie-heaven-with-southern-twist.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>40. Oxtail (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/09/lesser-cuts-dinner.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>41. Curried goat</td><td colspan=3>Goat and curry, but not together.</td></tr><tr><td>42. Whole insects</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>Never</td></tr><tr><td>43. Phaal</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>44. Goat's milk (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2006/08/surfing-goat-dairy-creamy-hawaiian.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>45. Malt whisky from a bottle worth $120 or more</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>46. Fugu</td><td colspan=2 align=center>Mama wouldn't let us.</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>47. Chicken tikka masala</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>48. Eel</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>49. Krispy Kreme original glazed doughnut</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Hell yes.</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>50. Sea urchin</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>51. Prickly pear (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/03/elfos-game-dinner.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><br /><tr><td>52. Umeboshi</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>53. Abalone</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>54. Paneer</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>55. McDonald's Big Mac Meal</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>56. Spaetzle (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/05/5-seasons-brewing.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><br /><tr><td>57. Dirty gin martini</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>58. Beer above 8% ABV</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>59. Poutine (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2006/11/bigfoot-lodge-big-fun-big-food.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>60. Carob chips</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>61. S'mores (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2006/11/bigfoot-lodge-big-fun-big-food.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>62. Sweetbreads (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/06/highlands-bar-and-grill.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>63. Kaolin</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>64. Currywurst</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>65. Durian</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>66. Frog's legs (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2006/11/ep-delta-kitchen.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>67. Beignets, churros, elephant ears or funnel cake (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2008/08/memphis-farmers-market-dinner-at-river.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>68. Haggis</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>Never</td></tr><tr><td>69. Fried plantain</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>70. Chitterlings or andouillette</td><td align=center>Never</td><td align=center>Never</td><td align=center>Never</td></tr><tr><td>71. Gazpacho (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2008/07/friends-of-james-beard-benefit.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>72. Caviar and blini</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>73. Louche absinthe</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>74. Gjetost or brunost</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>75. Roadkill</td><td align=center>Never</td><td align=center>Never</td><td align=center>Never</td></tr><tr><td>76. Baijiu</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>77. Hostess Fruit Pie</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>78. Snail (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2006/09/manresa-restaurant.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Never</td></tr><tr><td>79. Lapsang Souchong</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>80. Bellini</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>81. Tom Yum</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>82. Eggs Benedict</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>83. Pocky</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>84. 3 Michelin Star Tasting Menu</td><td colspan=3>A 2 star and 2 1 stars.</td></tr><tr><td>85. Kobe beef (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/04/la-tourelle-demos-justin-young.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>86. Hare (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/01/southern-foodways-alliance-camp-shoals.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><br /><tr><td>87. Goulash</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>88. Flowers</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>89. Horse</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>90. Criollo chocolate</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>91. Spam (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2006/12/spamalot.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>92. Soft shell crab</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>93. Rose harissa</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>94. Catfish (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/08/dupuys-oyster-shop.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>95. Mole poblano (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/03/las-tortugas-deli-mexicana.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>96. Bagel and lox</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>97. Lobster Thermidor</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>98. Polenta (<a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/2007/01/frank-stitts-bottega-cafe-blt-and-filet.html">blogged</a>)</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>99. Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>Yes</td><td align=center>No</td></tr><tr><td>100. Snake</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td><td align=center>No</td></tr></table><div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-40961765262031665502008-08-18T09:30:00.001-05:002008-08-18T09:30:00.108-05:00Memphis Farmers Market Dinner at River Oaks<center><object width="500" height="580" align="middle"><param name="FlashVars" VALUE="ids=72157606794288640&names=River Oaks MFM Dinner&userName=papa.squirrel&userId=7592603@N02&titles=on&source=sets"></param><param name="PictoBrowser" value="http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser.swf"></param><param name="scale" value="noscale"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.db798.com/pictobrowser.swf" FlashVars="ids=72157606794288640&names=River Oaks MFM Dinner&userName=papa.squirrel&userId=7592603@N02&titles=on&source=sets" loop="false" scale="noscale" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="500" height="580" name="PictoBrowser" align="middle" wmode="transparent"></embed></object></center><br />Tonight, the Memphis Farmers Market dinner series moved to River Oaks. This seasonal meal celebrated local products beautifully.<br /><br /><center>One<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tomatoes</span><br />Local tomatoes, scallop mousseline, chorizo broth<br />Schlumberger, Riesling, Alsace, '05</center><br />Multiple varieties of cherry tomatoes were peeled and served alongside a dollop of scallop mousseline. The chorizo broth was very light and complemented without overpowering the delicate flavors of the tomatoes and the scallop.<br /><br /><center>Two<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Squash and Corn</span><br />Seared trout, summer squash, corn ratatouille, corn nage<br />Flora Springs "Solilogy", Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, CA '06</center><br />Tender trout fillets rested on a bed of squash and corn ratatouille. The real star of this course was the corn nage. This was a silky smooth sauce that was the perfect essence of fresh sweet corn. Sopping may be a little out of the norm for dinners at River Oaks, but this nage was well worthy of sopping.<br /><br /><center>Three<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Blueberries</span><br />Arkansas quail, blueberries and pheasant spoon bread<br />Willamette Valley Vineyards, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, OR '06</center><br />The blueberries were definitely the star of this course. Quail breast rested on a round of spoon bread that was dotted through with fresh blueberries and a sweet blueberry sauce that perfectly complemented the savory flavors.<br /><br /><center>Four<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Legumes</span><br />"Deckel" rib of beef, pink lady pea fritter, haricot verts, madeira glace<br />Novelty Hills, Cabernet Sauvignon, WA '05</center><br />Slices of perfectly medium rare beef rested in a pool of glace with a side of crisp hericot verts and the fritter. The fritter was a crisp ball of batter and tiny peas that gave it almost a nutty flavor.<br /><br /><center>Five<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Peaches, Strawberries, Cheese</span><br />Brulee of Bonny Blue Farms feta, poached peach, strawberry gelato, vanilla beignet<br />King Estate, Pinot Gris, Vin Glace, OR '06</center><br />A slice of feta was quickly bruleed with sugar to keep the texture solid. the feta rested on a poached peach half with a small scoop of strawberry gelato and a beignet on the side. All of the flavors and textures worked well together to provide a perfect ending to the meal.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-40223104685407045592008-08-16T17:14:00.002-05:002008-08-16T17:23:38.338-05:00Squirrellyisms Ed. 14, Op. 1Squirrelly, Jr., at the <a href="http://www.memphisfarmersmarket.com/">Memphis Farmers Market</a>, on his fourteenth birthday:<br /><br /><blockquote>Ooh! Eggplant!<br /><br />What have you done to me?</blockquote><br />He got his eggplant. We also bought him a cinnamon roll for breakfast. We're not monsters.<br /><br />Happy birthday, Teh Boy.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-21441212666430800472008-08-15T09:01:00.001-05:002008-08-15T09:01:00.251-05:00Eggplant Naploleons<center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2761626980_f218081f27.jpg?v=0"></center><br />In our most recent CSA basket from Downing Hollow Farms, we found lovely slender eggplants. Once we saw that we had tomatoes that also had the same slender shape and fresh basil, we knew what to do — eggplant Napoleons.<br /><br />I made nice long, thin slices of eggplant with the mandolin. I made not so nice slices of tomato. Mama Squirrel dipped the eggplant in an egg wash then in panko bread crumbs. Fried quickly in olive oil, and they were ready to go. A slice of eggplant, a slice of tomato, a smear of taleggio cheese, and a couple basil leaves. Repeat. Top with one more slice of eggplant.<br /><br /><center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2760781565_26b9f7ce93.jpg?v=0"></center><br />We made things pretty with the last of the tomato slices and taleggio cheese and more basil leaves. OK, it wasn't exactly pretty, but it was darned tasty.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Papa Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15400554011667281657noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29962373.post-15588320187545716932008-08-14T13:35:00.001-05:002008-08-14T13:35:00.996-05:00What is this???<center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2760782409_d2b2c09f10.jpg?v=0" ></center><br /><br />It's creamy, sweet, and... different. It's also an independent Squirrelly, Jr., creation.<br /><br />Anybody want to take a guess? <br /><br /><center><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3248/2761629654_b7cf374a2e.jpg?v=0" ></center><br /><br />Give up? Check it out <a href="http://mikes-table.themulligans.org/2008/08/05/dragon-fruit-and-coconut-sherbet/">here</a> for the answer.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><a href="http://squirrel-squad.blogspot.com/">Squirrel Squad Squeeks</a></div>Mama Squirrelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14382143128778170263noreply@blogger.com2