Apr 3, 2014

Latkes: Easy and Crispy form The Cat Hair Cook

English: Latkes with smetana. Українська: Категорія:Зображення (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Latkes (potato pancakes) frying in olive oil (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bramboracky (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I hope everyone can try these Latkes....they are delicious and easy.

Basically a potato, onion, flour and salt and pepper.....the secret is plenty of oil and the fryingpan hot enough so they cook well in the middle and plenty of space to flip....they end up crispy, flavorful easy and delicious.

Actually, they are even fun--well, I hope you like it and let me know what you think.

In San Diego, Ralphs sour cream is a good buy and it is one of the best tasting.

Potato Pancakes: This Recipe from Smitten Kitchen is Really Easy and Foolproof

Chloe Louise Q Ed in a few seconds

Dear Q Ed: I finally found the recipe.....there are quite a few--basically just like this one if you google latkes.....I followed this one because it seemed simple and only called for one potato....also I just did it really quickly and did not bother squeezing the water out of the potatoes.

It was more about frying them at a temp high enough to cook them on the inside.

I just tried to make them like small pancakes and leave enough space so they are easy to flip, on a med high heat with plenty of oil. I hope you let me know how they come out.

here is the rec....http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/1...

from smitten kitchen.........

potato pancakes, even better

It wouldn’t be Hanukah if I didn’t refresh my favorite, dead-simple potato pancake recipe. But it wouldn’t make for a very interesting story if I told the same one every year; in fact, I think they get better with each try because I continue to tweak themever so much.

This year, after finally making peace with my cast frying pan (coincidentally, over an “apple latke”) I cooked them in there, and will use no other pan for them as long as I live. It is a browning genius, and even small amounts of oil resulted in no sticking whatsoever. I also realized that I found them a bit on the salty side — something I noted last year and entirely forgot in the 12 months since — I hope to remember that next year.

In an ongoing, obsessive effort to create latkes that look precisely like the flying spaghetti monster/tiny piles of rope mops, I again attempted to create the longest strands of potato possible by placing them sideways in the feed tube of the food processor — the food processor not only saves a ton of time, it creates coarser, more visible strands.

Next, I at last retired the sieve-pressing for a cheesecloth-squeezing. My goodness, I don’t know why it took me so long to realize that cheesecloth does a much better job (seriously, just twist tighter and tighter until the excess liquid is gone) and is ten thousand times easier to hand-wash, uh, because you don’t have to. The smallest square does the trick.

Finally, if you think that latkes are just for Hanukkah, with all due respect, you’re totally missing out. I have yet to see a better “bed” to rest your poached or fried egg upon; home fries, latkes distant, black sheep of a cousin, just weep with jealousy in their presence. And the fact that latkes are so easy to make in advance and reheat/recrisp in the oven means that they can be an especially schedule-forgiving brunch dish.

Or an appetizer. I can imagine these being great topped with anything from a garlicky aioli to an apple chutney, but as you can see, we chose to keep them in the “peasant food” mood with creme fraiche and caviar.

And with that, I’m off to reheat some leftovers. That I didn’t tell our families about when they were over last night. Because I’m nice, but apparently not that nice.

One year ago: A Slice-and-Bake Cookie Palette
Two years ago: Parmesan Black Pepper Biscotti
Potato Pancakes [Latkes]
My formula is roughly this: a one-pound russet or baking potato to one small onion, a large egg, quarter-cup of flour, teaspoon of salt and a hefty pinch of black pepper. How many you yield has to do with how big you make them; I aim for small ones (approximately three inches across) and get about a dozen per batch.
But, if you’re not a formula person, here is a more official-like recipe:
1 large baking potato (1 pound), peeled
1 small onion (4 ounces), peeled
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Peanut oil, for frying
In a food processor or on a box grater, coarsely shred the potato and onion. For longer strands, lay the potato sideways in the chute of your food processor. Transfer to a colander or wrap in a cheesecloth sling, and squeeze as dry as possible. Let stand for 2 minutes, then squeeze dry again.
In a large bowl, whisk the flour, egg, salt and pepper together. Stir in the potato onion mixture until all pieces are evenly coated.
In a medium skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until shimmering. Drop packed teaspoons of the potato mixture into the skillet and flatten them with the back of a spoon. Cook the latkes over moderately high heat until the edges are golden, about 1 1/2 minutes; flip and cook until golden on the bottom, about 1 minute. Drain on paper towels. Repeat with the remaining potato mixture, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.
Do ahead: Latkes are a do-ahead-er’s dream. You can also keep latkes warm in the oven for an hour or more, if you’re waiting for stragglers to arrive. Cooked, they keep well in the fridge for a day or two, or in the freezer, well wrapped, for up to two weeks. Reheat them in a single layer on a cookie sheet in a 400 degree oven until they’re crisp again. Bonus: If you undercooked them a bit or didn’t get the browning on them you’d hoped for, you can compensate for this in the oven.

click on this link to see Heidi Knapp Rinella talk about Potato Pancakes in Las Vegas...that is how this whole conversation started:

http://theronnierepublic.blogspot.com/2014/04/heidi-knapp-talks-potato-pancakes-in.html

In South Park San Diego we have The Big Kitchen.......Judy the Beauty is there on the weekends. During the holidays she serves free latkes to passers by. They are the best--so delicious all anyone wants is more.

Yes, Whoopi Goldberg used to work at the Big Kitchen.

Eating breakfast outside under the trees in the patio, its the best......

Folks, do you have cats--just wondering, how many do you have?

Jesus already gave me a Christmas gift this year--yes, it's another beautiful cat.

Apr 2, 2014

Heidi Knapp Rinella Talks Potato Pancakes in Las Vegas

Posted date April 2, 2014 - 12:10am

Taste of the Town: Readers help point a path to potato pancakes

By HEIDI KNAPP RINELLA
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

If you’re a fan of potato pancakes, you understand why they could become a point of symbolism in a classic novel such as Erich Maria Remarque’s “All Quiet on the Western Front” — and why Taste of the Town reader Marion Hennings is looking for them. In typical fashion, her fellow readers have tips to report.

Valerie Weinberg clearly is an aficionado; she recommends the “‘good thin ones” at the Original Pancake House at 4170 S. Fort Apache Road, the medium ones at one of the multiple locations of Blueberry Hill and the thick ones at Weiss Restaurant, Deli and Bakery at 2744 N. Green Valley Parkway in Henderson. Joyce Hambacher also recommended the Original Pancake House, Aimee Stephens also recommended Weiss, and Sharon Bateman recommended Jamm’s at 1029 S. Rainbow Blvd.

And for those who’d prefer to prepare them at home (but without all the grating), Gloria Meyers recommended those at the Kosher Experience inside Smith’s at 2211 N. Rampart Blvd., along with Trader Joe’s and Costco. …

For Claudia Wolt, who’s looking for a local restaurant that serves halibut fish and chips, Sue Tharaldson, Jan Visser and Ginnie and Jack Wiseman said it’s available at the Big Sur Oyster Bar at South Point, 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South. …

For Gail McFarland, who’s looking for low-sodium products, Gail Stivale said Albertsons carries Health Valley organic no-salt-added soups, displayed with the regular soups. And Thelma Bernard emailed that Whole Foods Market, which has four stores in the valley, carries a variety of products, as does Sprout’s Farmer’s Market at 3365 E. Tropicana Ave. and 4020 S. Rainbow Blvd. She added that most Smith’s stores have them on their natural foods aisles, and that Fresh &Easy carries some, too. And Bernard included a tip: Empty unsalted chips into a bowl and sprinkle with salt-free or low-sodium seasoning. …

More on broasted chicken: Chad Vendette, marketing director for The Broaster Co. in Beloit, Wis., emailed that the company now has iPhone and Android apps that help find the nearest location of a broasted-chicken outlet, with directions and contact info. Search for “broaster” on iTunes or the Google Play Store. …

More on rye flour: Steve Michaelson emailed that WinCo at 6101 N. Decatur Blvd., which “has an impressive bulk foods department,” carries it among “just about any kind of flour you can think of.” There’s another WinCo at 80 N. Stephanie St. in Henderson. …

Apr 1, 2014

O'Reilly Critic Chloelouise Re-Rants Self-Righteous Bill and Calls Him Out on Hate Talk To Rep Barbara Lee

so troubled by the use of the word...decent.....what does that mean.........

here is the original post from Ellen on Newshounds talking about O'Reilly and his rant against Representative Barbara Lee........click on this link to see the story and the comments.....

http://www.newshounds.us/bill_o_reilly_amps_up_his_race_war_against_rep_barbara_lee_03292014?recruiter_id=4750

commented 28 mins ago · Flag

You use a lot of words and through it all your liberal anger toward everything decent comes through quite loudly. I don’t always agree with O’Reilly but he’s right in this case.

Read more at http://www.newshounds.us/bill_o_reilly_amps_up_his_race_war_against_rep_barbara_lee_03292014#mOrgHBJMBHVV8OV3.99

to Jim.....can you please explain your self a little more. I just do not see the anger you are describing, however, I feel like Bill O. is very angry and not doing a very good job of hiding it. Sometimes I do agree with BO but not too often. On my blog, the ronnie re I do try to understand Bill and why he is so popular. I must give him credit for his success and try to understand it. What makes him tick. Again, to me his underlying theme is his cherished Catholic guilt...but what he fails to understand is that the rest of us, or many people, are just not ruled by guilt. This rant against Rep Lee is the same as his rant against Al Sharpton.....I hate to say it but there is a part of him that is very racist. He just cannot give any credit at all to these individuals. He can't even acknowledge some of their good work....no he has to yell about them being all bad. In the first place that is unrealistic and the second place why? Wouldn't he think Barbara Lee or Al Sharpton know something about the issues of the inner city and the people that live there. That's what I don't get....his hatred...he just can't come to terms with the fact that these may be complex individuals that have done some good work. Why does he put them in a box? Why does he have to say those ugly words and denounce them in every way.....and then claim how much he loves Jesus and his righteousness in the next breath. This is what I want to understand about Bill O'Reilly. After watching him many times it as if he thinks an African-American individual cannot know anything unless they agree with him. That is really what he says over and over again. He is just disrespectful and it shows. Thanks for your time......cl

On the other side contrast that with "the folks".....he claims he is the only one who is looking out for the folks. Who are those people. I guess Rep Lee and Rev Al are not included in his folks....do you see what I mean? I always ask are his folks the ones paying 500 bucks a pop for the meet and greet portion of his bolder and fresher gig going around the country?

here is my open letter to o'reilly about Snoop Dogg:

if you take time to comment--agree or disagree--it's appreciated:

http://theronnierepublic.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-letter-to-bill-oreilly-about-snoop.html

Agree or Disagree: Robert Gates was Inspirational Last Evening In Wichita

Agree or Disagree: Robert Gates was Inspirational Last Evening In Wichita.......

Robert Gates in Wichita: Does the US Rule the World.......

IT SEEMS LIKE THAT IS THE AGE OLD QUESTION AND ONE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRESIDENT OBAMA AND PRESIDENT BUSH......BRILLIANT SPEAKER ROBERT GATES TOLD US ABOUT HIS FRUSTRATION WITH CONGRESS AND THE ENTIRE PRESIDENTIAL STAFF LAST EVENING AT WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY.

AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH GATES ONE CANNOT DISPUTE HIS PASSION AND CARING FOR THE SOLDIERS.

THE MAN NEXT TO ME, ADMITTED POLITICAL JUNKIE AND FORMER CORE ENGINEER IN IRAQ. SAID AT THE END OF THE TALK "WE CANNOT CONTROL THE WORLD ANYMORE, WE ARE JUST NOT ABLE TO DO IT, BUT REGARDLESS, EVERYONE WOULD STILL LOVE TO LIVE HERE."

Many people think that and whatever your take on the situation it was very lucky to hear Robert Gates speak from the position of the second row. Perhaps being the only liberal in the crowd, nevertheless, it was an inspirational hour.

Visions of John McCain calling for war and tattered young soldiers, teenagers in some cases, Mr. Gates reminded us, defending our country.

Thank you, Robert Gates for your service to our country and taking time to tell us your thoughts.....thank you for caring about our country and caring about our brave soldiers.

Good job and well done.

please comment...agree or disagree.....did you feel inspired after listening to Robert Gates......and by the way, a whole lot of people did by the huge, huge and very long line of people buying books and waiting for autographs.

POLITICS

Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates discusses current world crises in Wichita

March 31

BY ROY WENZL

The Wichita Eagle

Robert Gates, the former secretary of defense for two presidents, took the stage Monday in his hometown of Wichita.

It has been three years since he left the world stage, but problems and people he considers dangerous or disappointing still persist, he said.

Gates discussed several recent and current world crises for about an hour with a capacity crowd Monday at Duerksen Fine Arts Center at Wichita State University. A graduate of Wichita East High School, he later signed copies of his book “Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War.”

Among those crises he commented on is the current situation in Ukraine, where Russian President Vladimir Putin has moved troops into Crimea.

“President (George W.) Bush once famously said he’d looked into Putin’s eyes and read his soul,” Gates said.

But Gates, who met Putin a number of times, told Bush later that when he looked into Putin’s eyes, he saw “nothing but a cold-blooded killer.”

Putin conned President Obama into backing down on the Syria crisis, he said, a development Gates regards with dismay. And now Putin is playing a long game to build a wall of adversaries against the West, starting with Crimea, Gates said.

He said the U.S. must press economic sanctions against Russia to make it hurt and put troops in places like Poland to set up a trip wire to deter Putin from going farther.

In Syria, which is embroiled in a deadly civil war, had Obama done what he should have done, Gates said, the U.S. would have pushed much harder to overthrow the Syrian government early in that country’s conflict.

“Now we have to look at that in the rearview mirror,” he said.

Obama decided not to attack after Syria slaughtered its own people with chemical weapons. Gates said he had told Obama and other presidents that if you ever cock a pistol, be prepared to fire it; “backing away from a red line was a real mistake.”

And for the sake of getting rid of those chemical weapons, Gates said, the U.S. let Syrian President Bashar Assad off for killing 140,000 Syrians with conventional weapons.

In Iran, Gates said, “the Persians” plan to drag out negotiations – with the help of the Russians and Chinese – while they continue to work on nuclear weapons. Gates said the U.S. should say a six-month deadline is six months and threaten sanctions far tougher than the sanctions that brought Iran to the negotiating table. We’re not doing that, he said.

Most of Gates’ hourlong talk concerned his years as defense secretary, from 2006 to 2011, serving Obama and Bush. And in that talk, as he did in his recently published book, Gates heaped scorn on Congress and bureaucrats at the Pentagon.

Our nation’s leaders squandered great initial victories in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said, and then got a lot of young people killed through disastrous mistakes.

Members of Congress treated anyone trying to solve those problems with rudeness and contempt, Gates said. Senators and congressmen fought for military installations in their states not because it was good for the country but because they were trying to get re-elected.

“Television cameras seem to have the same effect on members of Congress that a full moon has on werewolves,” Gates said, one of several scornful descriptions of Congress that drew applause from the audience.

The best reason Gates said he found for putting up with maddening work like his was that he fought hard to protect the lives of U.S. soldiers.

The people who usually push our country into war – “fire-breathers,” as he called them – are almost always civilians who have no idea what war is like. They nearly always mistakenly think that the war will be short and will be won with advanced technology, he said.

But predictions about war, Gates said, nearly always go wrong with the first shots, the first bombs. And they are usually fought not with technology or plans but “block by block, hilltop by hilltop, house by house.”

He didn’t say it in the speech, but in his book, he said he is entitled, as a former defense secretary, to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

He wrote that he can think of no greater honor.

.................

click on this link below to see my new favorite group pf pictures...can't wait to see this place.........Chisholm Creek Park Through the Seasons by Roy Wenzl from the Wichita Eagle...Wildflowers:

http://www.kansas.com/2014/03/28/3373091/chisholm-creek-park-through-the.html

Reach Roy Wenzl at 316-268-6219 or rwenzl@wichitaeagle.com. Follow him on Twitter: @roywenzl.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2014/03/31/4928605/former-defense-secretary-robert.html#storylink=cpy

Robert Gates in Wichita: Does the US Rule the World

It seems like that is the age old question and one difference between President Obama and President Bush......Brilliant Speaker Robert Gates told us about his frustration with congress and the entire presidential staff last evening at Wichita state university.

Agree or disagree with gates one cannot dispute his passion and caring for the soldiers.

The man next to me, admitted political junkie and former Core engineer in Iraq. said at the end of the talk "we cannot control the world anymore, we are just not able to do it, but regardless, everyone would still love to live here."

Visions of John McCain calling for war and tattered young soldiers, teenagers in some cases, Mr. Gates reminded us, defending our country.

Thank you, Robert Gates for your service to our country and taking time to tell us your thoughts.....thank you for caring about our country and caring about our brave soldiers.

Good job and well done.

POLITICS