Mozzarella

Made Mozzarella yesterday so that I could make Margherita Pizza.  It was not difficult to make and turned out as it should.  But no flavor at all.  This is somewhat true of all the fresh cheeses as the flavor is very subtle.  I put it into the fridge for a few hours before pizza making time and it hardened quite a bit.  I didn't soak it in whey but was still surprised by how hard it got.  Don't think I'll be making mozzarella again.  Too much work for what is better in the stores.

But the pizzas turned out great.  Margherita was OK; Mushroom, olive oil, and gorgonzola was the favorite.

Ricotta Conquered

I took a cheese class a few weeks ago and have made ricotta a few times since.  It has turned out good -- I've made manicotti, lasagna, and I'm making manicotti again tonight.  But I was disappointed by the yield of the cheese.  The recipe uses a gallon of whole milk plus 4 cups of buttermilk, and yields about 2 cups of fresh ricotta.  On a cost basis, this is slightly more money than buying ricotta in the store, but on a taste basis, there is no comparison.  However, I have discovered a new secret to double the yield.

Start with the first recipe, that's 20 cups of liquid to make 2 cups of ricotta.  Basic recipe:  heat whole milk until it comes to frothy boil, not rolling boil.  It should be just under 200 degrees.  Turn off heat, add 2 teaspoons of salt and buttermilk and stir slowly until curd comes up.  Let sit for 5 minutes and then drain through cheese cloth and KEEP THE WHEY, the left over milk that drains out, keep it all.  I got about 16 cups of liquid after the first batch.  Now put whey back on stove and heat up to 195 degrees.  Again turn off heat and add salt, and 1/4 cup of vinegar.  Let sit and drain through cheese cloth and you should get another 2 cups of ricotta.  Now on a cost basis, its cheaper than store bought.

enjoy!

Coney Dog @ Sunset, Los Angeles, CA

Went to this Detroit style hot dog joint last night.  It is based on a Lafayette Coney Island in Detroit, but not connected to it.  They bring in a lot of Detroit based products -- Faygo sodas, Vernors, Stroh's, Sanders Hot Fudge, and of course the dogs.  I thought the chili dog was just OK, but my husband felt it brought back many memories.  The hot fudge sundae was a bit of a disaster, but still tasted good.  The place should do well, they are open late and across the street from Whiskey a go-go.

Coney Dog

8873 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

www.coneydogla.com

Strand House @ Manhattan Beach, CA

Went to the Strand House on Saturday, first time since its opening.  The place was packed.  The bar downstairs turns into a dance place complete with all tables reserved for 'bottle service'.  That's where you have to buy a fifth of booze for a ridiculous price.  I felt it was a bit like Sunsets, but the bouncer said it was an older crowd not at all like Sunsets.  Yeah, that's because they sell glasses of wine for $20 bucks only an older crowd can afford that.

We had the Hamachi Crudo (very good), the Pork Confit Tortelli (just OK and cold), the Hand Torn Pasta Rags (good), and 2 pizzas - Benton & Squash Blossom.   A definite no on the Squash Blossom pizza. 

All in all, I like this place, but it is pricey and I don't like the 'player' feel to it.

Hand Torn Pasta Rags

Pork Confit Tortelli

 

Knitting

So I started a new hobby in August, Knitting.  It is actually great for someone who usually reads and watches TV at the same time.  After a month of learning from the internet and friends I have met, I tried my first sweater.  It turned out pretty good for a first timer.  Although you will never beat Retail prices as good yarn, wool or cashmere, is extremely expensive not to mention the labor.  So this will remain a hobby.

The Hungry Cat @ Hollywood, CA - Vine & Selma

Stopped in here for a quick bite last night.  I have heard good things, but I was not impressed. 

The place looks nice enough although sandwiched in between two buildings a not easy to find from the street.  Considered a seafood place, we had two specials -- lobster roll w/ garlic fries and seafood fritters.  The lobster roll was served on a hot dog bun which I thought could be good, but the bun did nothing for the roll and actually detracted from it.  The lobster salad did have plenty of lobster but not very flavorful.  Fries were salty.  The fritters were cod fish and so salty, like a salt lick! 

Given the place is supposed to excel in seafood, I was very disappointed.  I won't be going back.

Lobster Roll with Garlic Fries

Seafood Fritters