Category: Dear Dad

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spinach, liver and tripe

00 a dream

I think humankind has always fluctuated between starvation and indulgence, which probably explains why so many folks who start a diet  often bounce. Laura varies an incredible 2 lbs from day to day and her ability to maintain her weight after losing 80 pounds is remarkable. I am not so lucky.

For me, thankfully, I do not gain all my weight back as that would be very discouraging. Instead, I begin to creep up in weight until I absolutely must become strict and take it off. This is the way I manage such things. Since I love to cook, I enjoy my culinary experiences until I have to go cold turkey on Jenny Craig for a few weeks…. and take a ride in the fresh air.

Fortunately for me both apple pie and Baklava is in my future!

One of my mother’s favorite meals is ‘tripe’. Tripe is not without its detractors. You may remember from Harry Potter, Ron Weasley discussed the strange flavors that Bertie Bott’s “Every flavor Beans” contained… including: “spinach, liver and tripe.” If you have eaten a hot dog, you’ve had tripe plus a lot more interesting things.

So what I have seen in doing a little research on the subject of tripe is a varied account. Tripe is loved in many parts of the world including central and south America where it is called ‘Mondongo’. The biggest problem I can see with a meal of tripe is in the preparation. Tripe is often not prepared correctly or cooked long enough. However, I am working on it and I’ll have something to show you next month. Here’s a preview:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbTyxdyDqaA[/youtube]

Roger Freberg

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apple pies all year long?

Is there anything wrong with having apple pies all year long?
Is there anything wrong with having apple pies all year long?

I know that it sounds like I am getting a bit obsessed about apples, but this years crop has been plentiful and wonderful. There is something about a healthy tree that seems to take care of itself without a lot of intervention. No longer do I have to sneak out and grab the apples in the dead of night before Laura is aware of what is happening to ‘her’ apples… and as I have written… there are more blossoms and more apples on the way!

I plan to keep about a dozen pies on hand and give away an equal amount… which is something I haven’t been able to do in the past… that’s called ‘sharing.’ So far, everyone seems to enjoy them.

So I am wondering for the first time in my life if I will find having  apple pies all year long a bit boring?  I guess if I wash it down with some home made french vanilla ice cream it won’t be too bad? 😉

Roger Freberg

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california midstate fair and researching apple flaps

Mom & Dad at the midstate fair in Paso Robles, California
Mom & Dad at the midstate fair in Paso Robles, California

The California Midstate Fair in Paso Robles is always a delight. Although it is a far cry from the Houston Livestock and Rodeo show that left such a big impression on me as a young man, it still has it’s charm. Everything from the ‘pig races’ , the judges sampling local preserves and cookies to the concerts and animals makes it feel like an old fashioned country fair. I love that!

My continuing research into the history and tradition of ‘Dutch apple flaps’ is on-going. I finally consulted with a couple from the Netherlands who we have known for 32 years on a ‘definitive’ recipe. They were kind enough to send 3 variations. Added to this two cookbooks Karen brought back from Amsterdam, the internet and plain ol trial and error and I think I’ll have something worked up before Karen comes to visit in the middle of next month!

Back to picking apples!

Roger Freberg

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3 more for the freezer

3applepiesforthefreezer

Did I ever tell you we had only one apple tree? It feels like an entire orchard based on it’s personal production capacity. The scary part for me is that I have planted a second tree.

So, every other day I pick, peal, core and slice apples for either apple sauce (boOo!) or apple pies (yaaAy!). These three apple pies are fairly special with a unique and yummy topping of walnuts, pistachios, and almonds prepared with different textures. I ground some to add as a base to the cinnamon, sugar and butter topping… while others were ‘carmelized.’

So, all of my preparing has had an unwanted side effect in gaining a few pounds… so it’s back on Jenny Craig a few weeks more… then… woah! apple pie ala mode!

Roger Freberg

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when apple trees turn scary!

the2ndBloom

Apple season has a different time frame depending on where in California you are. For example:

Northern California Apple Season:  25 July – 30 November

Southern California Apple Season: 15 July – 25 September

San Luis Obispo is half way in between and sometimes worlds apart. I do think our Apple Tree which produces much of the year is a bit different. This season we have been swamped with apples… and I am seeing a ‘second season’ appearing with the beginning of new blossoms!

In any event, tomorrow is  making apple pie day… more pies! more pies!

Roger Freberg