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United States, North Carolina, Carrboro, English, Paul, Male, 56-60, All Music, All Food.

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Sunday, August 27, 2006

The pan isn’t quite as hot as for blackened fish, but the mixture of zests, parsley, and chile flakes provide a similar seasoning. Bass was not one of the recommended substitutes for redfish (flounder and black drum were chef Tony McPhail’s choices), but it worked out just fine, skin and all.     11:57:20 PM    comment []

Grilled Roma tomatoes and red pepper provide the “stage” for the pan-fried fresh fish, if you have it.               11:44:47 PM    comment []

This blog has its 4th birthday today, so let’s start with dessert.     8:08:52 PM    comment []

I went ahead and linked the Boerewors. I used to do this as they came out of the stuffer, but there is so much going on there that it’s easier to do it on the coils. I pinch at the point where I want the link to end and make that whole part flat across the casing. Then, as off the stuffer, you spin alternately clockwise and then counterclockwise to gibe stability to the skein. In South Africa, where the Coriolis forces are reversed, you should start out counterclockwise.   By the way, after I bought the produce pictured in the background, I went to Food Lion to buy some beer for the sausage (it isn't listed as an ingredient, but I used it anyway). Walking down an aisle, I heard a man ask his wife, "Ethel, do you need any Hamburger Helper?"       4:33:44 AM    comment []

Phosphate is not phosphate   I read the article linked here, but I still do not understand why I put phosphate in my Boerewors. Maybe it’s like eye of newt; don’t ask, don’t tell, just do it. The citric acid and red vine vinegar in Len Poli’s recipe, I understand. Add some acidity and darken the reds in the bloom. Coriander, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg – their meaning is perfectly clear. Indian spices came to South Africa along with the “employees.” (Mel Gibson references these days are best left obscure, but here’s a hint.) Salt and curing salts, no problem. Worcestershire, that’s pure inspiration. But phosphates I do not understand.   Still, I put ‘em in.     4:21:45 AM    comment []