danistrulytheman

I'm STILL a self confessing, self professing know-it-all, or so I think!


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My Killer Bolognese!!

… and, I’ve made many variations, today’s was extra killer! It hit me? I haven’t been food bloggin’ for quite some time. And, knowing it’s cyclical (people come, people go), it made me realize many newcomers to danistrulytheman don’t have a clue about me, especially when it comes to my cooking skills. I really have neglected this part of me, my blog … and I also realize, no one can be bothered to peruse a blog that extends 4 years+ back, just want you newcomers to know, I do have exceptional (Italian) cooking skills. So much, that lately, things I see on other blogs that would make me cringe, now elicits a friendly “like” … lol! I could go on ad nauseam about it … in fact, I MAY have previously. I kept it basic for today … I think that’s been my problem of late; too lazy … can’t be bothered to teach y’all! typically, I use minced veal, today my market had gorgeous beef (cheaper too) … was an easy decision. normally, I put my tomatoes (San Marzano) through a food mill, but at a dinner party once, a non-foodie commented that she used an immersion blender … her thinking was that any tomato skins/seeds contained nutrients, and she didn’t want to waste any of it. I’ll never forgot her words, and it made me rethink my method, and to this day, I use her approach. BUT, today pressed for time, went sans blender, dumping the cans into the browned meat, breaking up the tomatoes with my wooden spoon … pulling out any obvious tomato skins. here’s a pic of my bolognese (chunky) simmering …

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and here’s my pasta boiling away. notice the high boil? plus, I don’t use ANYTHING but pasta from Italy (sorry, another topic, for another day). when the water comes to a boil, I dump in about 5 tablespoons of salt; the pasta water should taste like the ocean ( again, another day – oh, and kosher/sea salt too).

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and, finally plated … my bolognese linguine piccolo w/Romano Lupa and OMG’s focaccia. and, please believe me; this pic doesn’t even begin to give the meal justice – it WAS more awesome than you can imagine!

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Hey mister, where you headed? Are you in a hurry?

I have the greatest playlist for my runs … Hitchin’ A Ride started it on shuffle, and a mere 10 seconds into my run those are the first 10 words I hear in my earbuds … I’m laughing thinking Billie Joe Armstrong is ACTUALLY talking to me, lol! What a Nimrod (get it??), lol!! This mister was in a hurry, and on my 12th consecutive 8K day … FINALLY cracked the 40 minute barrier – 39:30 for 8.01K to be exact … my average pace; 4:55/K …WOOHOO!! And look at my steady-as-he-goes-splits, after running hard for half an hour with 6.01K in my wake, I reeled off a 4:44K … my fastest kilometer split EVER. Don’t know why, can’t explain it, hmmm, come to think of it … I did load up on carbs last night – tons of linguine w/ homemade sauce and all that OMG focaccia, lol! Anyways, here’s my splits!

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Tut-tate for Tiff!!

“what’s the matter, you don’t like tut-tates?” … inside joke don’t ask, OLD inside joke DEF don’t ask! Went to OMG for my best focaccia … and also picked up a cupcake for Tiff, really don’t give 2shits’boutsweets so I’m a bit of a dummy when it comes to choosing/deciding, everything looks so equally good. I think it was the owner who served me, she pointed out four of their most popular cupcakes … when pressed further to pick one, didn’t skip a beat … Pink Lemonade WAS the one to get she said. Done, I said!!

pretty in pink …

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closeup; looks yummy …

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beautiful box to boot …

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OMG … I’m sorry!!

the bakery that is, and for vowing never to return. Allow me to explain; occasionally I’m in the mood for their focaccia, yesterday was one of those days. And I’ve blogged before about it, and how VERY good it is. But after inquiring (not to only one staff member, but two) re: brioche buns … I was curious why they never seem to be available. I’ve read many blogs insisting that they DO make them (and their website confirms this) … and I also wanted to know the price. Seemed easy enough, right? Eventually it became clear that they aren’t really available, but they do make them as a special order (just give us a couple days notice I was told), no matter the amount you want, even if it’s 2 or 3. Weird. No, I prefer you stocking them on a daily basis, so when I get a craving for Brioche buns, I simply walk in and purchase what I want … as opposed to clairvoyantly knowing days in advance I’ll be coveting brioche buns and calling, placing my order. Did I say weird, lol? Ok, so that’s that … and during this explanation was pretty much pleading to find out the cost … they were avoiding answering, they didn’t know (appeared that there wasn’t a fixed/set price and they were making it up as they went along) … intimated that they were expensive … maybe $1.25 each. Yep, more weirdness. I walked out swearing (and SWEARING, lol) I’d never be back because of their ineptness, and my now throbbing head. Arriving home, told Tiffany K to enjoy it while it lasts, it’s our last loaf. But a funny thing happened; nibbling away (with cheese) … found myself loving it more than I could recall. This focaccia REALLY is the best … and it didn’t last long – we polished it off lickety-split … I shamelessly hang my head and take 80% credit (pig … oink, lol) and YES, I’ll be going back, but now with blinders on and mouth shut … no questions about brioche or anything else, no small talk of any kind for that matter … nothing – nada … grab a focaccia and go … whambamthankyouma’am!! OMG … yes, I’m sorry for saying all of this TO MYSELF (and imaginarily throwing up my arms in frustration, lol) … please forgive me, let’s forget any of this ever happened (should be plenty easy for you, since you were oblivious to my thoughts and feelings … that everything was completely unbeknownst to you, lol), never mind any of my silly talk about quitting you, lol … see ya soon …well, till I have a best focaccia ever hankering that is, lol!! 😉

brown paper bag + bread basket …