53 Simple Favorites From:   msimmon2@gsb.uchicago.edu Subject: Simple Favorites Date: September 13, 2003 4:17:32 PM EDT To:   aroundthekitchen@aroundthekitchen.info Reply-To:   aroundthekitchen@aroundthekitchen.info Hello All- I’m reading Amanda Hesser’s fairly new book, Cooking for Mr. Latte, which I’m enjoying (mostly because she lives in my neighborhood and frequently discusses the local foodie shops for ingredients and neighborhood restaurants). In the book she discusses how she is constantly trying new things and putting together elaborate menus and frequently forgets how she made some of her best dishes.  She decides she wants to create a handful of simple favorites that she can refer to in a last minute bind. I really liked this idea and have decided to do the same.  So, if anyone has a delicious, but simple, recipe they want to share (appetizer, entrée or dessert), I would love to give it a try.  I’ve also attached a few that I’m including in my list. -Michelle   Bacon and Basil-Wrapped Chicken Breasts.doc Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers.doc Mussels in Wasabi Mayonaise.doc From:   drwo@woteki.com Subject: Re: Simple Favorites Date: September 15, 2003 9:21:33 PM EDT To:   aroundthekitchen@aroundthekitchen.info Reply-To:   aroundthekitchen@aroundthekitchen.info This is a great idea. But then what does “simple” mean? (Yes, I voted for Bill.) Simple to prepare, simple ingredients, simple as in “I remember it from when I was  kid”....? There have been plenty of times around our house when we’ve said: He/She: “Boy this (substitute your favorite) is really delicious!” She/He: “Yeah. It just goes to show how some of the simplest things are the best.” OK. Here’s a nomination for simple that qualifies by at least one definition: “Basil, Parmesan, Walnut Bite” To make 1 bite: 1 basil leaf 1 whole walnut half 1 piece of Parmesan 1. Make a “sandwich” of the ingredients by skewering them with a toothpick to hold them together. 2. Serve. A friend of mine, now departed, introduced me to these at an “Iron Chef” dinner where the “secret” ingredient was basil. They have probably been around for a long time. They are really good. Regards, T From:   kent@kentcooks.com Subject: Re: Simple Favorites Date: September 16, 2003 6:16:30 AM EDT To:   aroundthekitchen@aroundthekitchen.info Reply-To:   aroundthekitchen@aroundthekitchen.info The next time you’re in Trader Joe’s, buy yourself a small, inexpensive bottle of balsamic vinegar.   Put it in a small saucepan, reduce until it’s the consistency of maple syrup, and return it to its no-doubt-funky original container.   Drizzle on hot beets, cold meats...a close personal friend.   Kent