Gone Whale Watching!

Thank you for all your support, it's been loads of fun!

But I'm off doing what I do for a living in the summer months in the San Juan Islands, Washington.  Whale watching and water taxi services!

I'll be back in the Fall and we will be cooking up a storm together.  Until then Cheers...

Bon Appetit!  Chef/Capt. Hobbes

Pasta Vongole

This is my all time favorite pasta!  Pasta Vongole or clam pasta...

Recipe for two:

Linguine pasta
2 pounds fresh, local clams, washed and soaked
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1 leek, chopped
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 c Italian parsley, chopped
1 tiny pinch of saffron
pinch chili flakes
butter
olive oil
extra virgin olive oil
1/2 c white wine
1/4 c veggie stock
salt and pepper
parmesan cheese

First get the pasta cooking in salted water.

Place a large pan that has a lid, over medium heat with a little olive oil and butter.  When the oils hot add the onions, leek and garlic.  Cook until soft but not brown.  Season with a little salt and pepper and add the saffron and chili flakes.

Pour in the wine and reduce by half, then do the same with the stock.  When done add the clams and half of the parsley.  Place the lid on.  These little guys will cook and open in seconds, don't over cook them!

Drain the pasta and return it to the pan with lots of extra virgin olive oil.  Serve onto warm plates and add the cheese and parsley and more olive oil if needed.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Garlic Chili Flake Pasta

Going way back to around 1983, when my then girlfriend and soon to be wife Jacquelyn "JJ", was the executive Chef at Hayes Street Grill in san Francisco.  Working for Patricia Unterman, who was one of the owners along with Robert and Richard.  She was also the food critic for the San Francisco Chronicle.

I will never forget this really funny moment!  She just came back from Italy, and was telling everyone about this fantastic pasta she had, that was just made with garlic, chili flakes and olive oil, with a bit of parmesan cheese on top.  We all thought how can this pasta be so good, as she was raving about!

Well it was, it was fantastic to say the least.  The rustic combination of toasty garlic and chili flakes brings out a nutty flavor, and when drowned in extra virgin olive oil makes this dish great!

I know this doesn't sound funny, but can you imagine this really hot looking woman saying this, while wearing one of those so called wife beater shirts with no bra on.  Priceless...  I miss those days in the culinary world of SF, Ca....

Recipe for two:

2 heads garlic, very finely chopped
3 t chili flakes
olive oil for cooking
extra virgin olive oil for the pasta
salt
parmesan cheese
pasta

Cook the pasta as normal in salted water.

Not much to this, but you can mess it up, so keep an eye on the heat!  In a heavy saute pan add some oil and heat on low - medium heat. when the oil is hot add the garlic and chili flakes.  Slowly brown them, watch the heat you want to toast them and not brown them very much, just a little.  Season with a little sea salt.

Drain the pasta, and return to the pan.  Pour on loads of extra virgin olive oil, then mix in the garlic and chili flakes.

Plate onto warm plates and cover with finely grated parmesan cheese.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

A Few Different Vegetable Combinations

Here's a few different vegetable combinations that you may not have thought about.

Onion, turnip, cabbage and cherry tomatoes.

Leek, radicchio and garlic

Onion, parsnip, kale and cherry tomatoes

Leek, potato, beet greens and garlic

In my mind the most perfect vegetable dish, is one that contains sweetness (onions, leeks) a little bitterness (leafy greens) and acid for the perfect Ph balance (tomatoes, vinegar).

When sauteing veggies always cook the hard vegetables like onions, leeks, celery, carrots and parsnip first, then add the cabbage, greens and tomatoes last, as these just need to be warmed or wilted.

Hope this helps.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Jamie's Epic Egg Salad

I wish I could call this tangy little devil my own!  But I can't, it belongs to Jamie Oliver!  Nice job mate!

I did change a couple of things...

Recipe for four:

4 anchovies in oil, cut in half lengthways
juice and zest from a half a lemon
1 small bunch flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 small bunch chives, chopped
4 eggs, boiled for 3 minutes, peeled
3 handfuls baby mixed lettuce
1 red chicory, leaves separated
1 white endive, chopped
1 handful radicchio, thinly sliced

For the Salad Cream:

1/2 clove garlic, crushed
2 t dijon mustard
2 T sherry vinegar
6 T extra virgin olive oil
3 T buttermilk
3 t sea salt
pinch of chili flakes

Marinade the anchovies with a little of the oil, lemon juice and zest.  Whisk together the salad cream ingredients, season to taste and set aside.

Add all the ingredients to the anchovy and lemon.  Toss and arrange the salad onto the plates.  Add the egg and drizzle on some of the salad cream.  Put the remainder into some ramekins and plate.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Soy Ginger Glazed Beef Short Ribs, With Chic Peas

Awesome dish!

Recipe for two:

1 red onion, sliced
1 parsnip, chopped
3 clove garlic, finely chopped
4 beef short ribs
1 can Eden garbanzo beans
handful cherry tomatoes, cut in half

For the marinade:

Juice and zest of one orange
2" piece of ginger, chopped
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 c soy sauce
1 t sesame oil
pinch chile flakes
1 T honey

Mash the garlic and ginger in a mortar and pestle, or with a spoon if you don't have one.  Place all the ingredients in a dish along with the ribs, cover, refrigerate and marinade for 8 hours.

When ready place the ribs in a roasting pan with a couple of tablespoons of the marinade, and cook in the oven for 30 minutes at 400* - then reduce the heat to 350* and cook for another 40 minutes or until cooked and falling off the bone.  Please not if the marinade begins to get dark, add a little water or stock.

For the beans:

Caramelize the onions, parsnip and garlic in a saute pan with some olive oil and a tablespoon of butter.  When done add the beans and slightly mash them with a fork.  Cook on low until warm and then add the tomatoes.

Serve onto warm plates.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Roasted Cauliflower & Garlic Pasta with a Stilton Cream Sauce

While visiting England, you have to eat the King of Cheeses -- Stilton blue cheese! Here's what to do if you have a little leftover!

Islanders:
Real Stilton cheese is available at Rose's Bakery & Deli on Orcas Island...

Recipe for four:

1 packet dried organic pasta
1 small cauliflower, trimmed and cut into large chunks
2 heads of garlic, separated, skins left on
1 chunk of Stilton
1 leek, white and pale green parts only, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 parsnip, chopped
1 c white wine
1 c cream
1 t paprika
salt and pepper
olive oil
extra virgin olive oil

Set the oven to 400*  Place the cauliflower with some olive oil, enough to coat, in a roasting dish.  Season with salt and pepper.  Roast until the cauliflower is golden brown on one side.  Then turn it and add the garlic.  Roast until done.

Start heating the salted pasta water, and add the pasta when the water's boiling.

While that's happening, add some olive oil to a saute pan and place over medium heat.  When the oil's hot add the leek, parsnip and onion.  Season with salt and pepper.  Cook until soft, then add the paprika and stir to toast the spice.  Add the wine and reduce by two thirds.  Remove from the heat and crumble the cheese into the pan.  Add the cauliflower and garlic.  The hot veggies will soften the cheese and it will start to melt.

Return the pan to the heat and add the cream.  Reduce the cream a little, then turn off the heat.

Drain the pasta, then return it to the pan and pour in some extra virgin olive oil, enough to coat.

Serve onto warm plates.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Off To See Me Mum!

See you on March 1st - Off to see me 89 year old Mum in Suffolk, England!

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Sauteed Miso Vegetables With An Egg

Just another "Killer" breakfast!

Simple mild flavors medel together in this dish, making it one of the best breakfast dishes ever!

Recipe for two:

1/2 red onion, sliced
1/2 c sweet potato, chopped
1 c cabbage, thinly sliced
handful baby spinach
1 heaping spoon of miso
olive oil
butter
2 eggs

OK this is simple, saute the onion and sweet potato with a little olive oil and butter, over medium heat.

Dissolve the miso in a little warm stock or water.  When the veggies are soft add the miso liquid.  Now add the cabbage, cook until done but still firm.  Add the spinach and wilt.

Serve onto warm plates with an egg on top.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Roast Chicken With Lemons, Beets & Garlic

 This is a must do meal!  Full of flavor and a great yummy sauce.

The beets begin to disintegrate and become the sauce.  The lemons become caramelized and are completely edible.

Recipe for four:

1 whole organic chicken, quartered
3 beets, peeled and sectioned
2 lemons, cut in half
2 yellow onions, peeled and quartered
3 carrots, sliced into 1/2" circles
2 heads garlic, separated, leave the skins on
1 big bunch thyme
handful of cherry tomatoes
olive oil
2/3 stick butter
salt and pepper
1 c white wine
1 c chicken stock

Turn the oven on to 350* - Place all the ingredients except the tomatoes and garlic into a heavy roasting pan.  Generously cover everything with olive oil.  Arrange the chicken so the skin side is up.  Put a good amount of sea salt on the chicken, this will help the skin crisp up and flavor the meat.

Cook for 30 minutes covered.  Then take the foil off and add the tomatoes and garlic, turn up the heat to 400* to crisp the chicken.  Cook until the chicken is done, about 45 minutes to an hour.  Add more stock if needed.

Serve with your choice of veggies and rice, onto warm plates.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

A Lovely Little Breakfast!

This breakfast has a little bit of Spanish in it!

Recipe for two:

2 mild sausages, casings removed and broken into pieces
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
2 handfuls baby spinach
1 t fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 t smoked paprika
pinch chili flakes
salt and pepper
olive oil
butter

Put some olive oil and butter into a heavy saute pan over medium heat.  When the oil and butter are good and hot, add the sausage and brown.

When done add the onion and pepper, cook until soft, then add the rosemary, chili flakes, paprika and season with salt and pepper.  Stir to toast the spice.  Turn the heat down to low and add the spinach and wilt.

Serve on warm plates with an egg on top.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Miso Soup With a Poached Egg

Breakfast, lunch or dinner.  This is simple comfort food, that will please and warm the soul!

Good quality miso is available at gourmet galley here in Friday Harbor.

I use about a tablespoon of miso per person, and I use chicken stock instead of water.

 Here's how: Add the miso to a bowl with a little boiling water.  Mix until dissolved.  Transfer to a small saucepan, add the stock and simmer of medium heat, it's important not to boil miso, so just when it's getting to that point turn the heat down to low.

Crack an egg into a steel ladle, and gently lower the egg into the soup.  Remove the ladle and cook for about 4 minutes.

Serve in bowls with a little thinly sliced Nori (seaweed) on top.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Killer Sandwich: Crispy Prosciutto & Brie On Sourdough

Crispy prosciutto, brie cheese, on sourdough, with a simple spinach salad!

For the sandwich:

Set the oven to 350* - Place a thin layer of prosciutto on a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet, and cook until crispy, turning once. About 20 minutes.

Spread the cheese onto the bread.  Place the crispy prosciutto on top.  Close up the sandwich, and cook in a heavy skillet, with a little olive oil and butter, over medium heat.  Cook until brown on both sides and the cheese has melted.

For the salad:

Simple is the word here.  Place a handful of baby spinach into a bowl, with a few halved cherry tomatoes.  Add a little salt and pepper.  Now pour in a splash of balsamic vinegar and a bit of extra virgin olive oil.  Toss and mix with your fingers, so you don't bruise the delicate leafs.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Simple & Wonderful, Poached Eggs On Toast

Simple & easy is sometimes the best comfort food!  Try poaching your eggs like this, for the most perfect soft egg.

Half fill a small saucepan with water, and add a little sea salt.  Bring it to a boil over high heat.  Reduce the heat so you have a medium rapid simmer.  Crack an egg into a steel ladle, and gently lower the egg into the water, then remove the ladle, cook the egg for three minutes for the most perfect soft egg!  When done remove the egg with a slotted spoon.

Serve onto buttered sourdough toast, on a warm plate.  Season with salt, pepper and a little cayenne.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Clean Out The Refrigerator Pasta!

Once a week, I take everything out of the refrigerator and make a pasta out of it!  It sometimes turns out to be the best meal of the week!

Broken pasta with onion, sweet potato, cauliflower, cilantro and sausage...  Fantastic!

Recipe for four:

half a packet of pasta, broken into thirds
1 red onion, chopped
1/2 cauliflower, chopped
1 c sweet potato, chopped
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
4 English bangers, cut into 1/2" slices with scissors
1 c chicken or veggie stock
1 t smoked paprika
salt and pepper
olive oil
1 T butter

First get the pasta going in boiling salted water.  While that's happening, brown the sausage in a heavy saute pan with some olive oil.  Set aside when done.

Using the same pan add the onion, sweet potato, cauliflower, butter and season with s&p.  Cook until soft.  Half way through add the paprika.  When finished you with notice some brown sticky stuff in the bottom of the pan, pour in the stock and scrape all that stuff up so it combines with the veggies.  Add the sausage back to the pan.

When the pasta is almost done, drain and mix it with the veggies and sausage.  It will finish cooking and soak up some of the stock.  Add the cilantro, and serve onto warm plates.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

The Best Grilled Tuna Sandwich Ever! Honest!

Don't be lied to!  This is the best ever, trust me!

Just an awesome sandwich, full of flavor, texture and a little crunch!

Recipe for two big sandwiches:

1 can good quality island tuna, drained
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 stick celery, finely chopped
1/4 c sweet apple, finely chopped
1/4  c red bell pepper, finely chopped
mayo
salt and pepper
pinch cayenne

8 slices cheddar cheese, thinly sliced
2 slices sourdough bread
2 T olive oil
2 T butter

Mix all the ingredients together in a mixing bowl.  Spread the mixture onto the bread,and put some cheese on top.  Put the oil and butter into a skillet over medium heat.  When hot place the sandwiches into the pan and slowly brown both sides.

Serve with soup of your choice.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Teriyaki Chicken With a Asian Blood Orange Salad

Crazy good dish!

Marinade four boneless, skinless chicken thighs for at least eight hours, turning once.  Very Teriyaki is a good brand of marinade.

Recipe for the salad, for two:

2 handfuls of baby mixed lettuce greens
1/2 blood orange, peeled and sectioned
juice from the other half of orange
juice from half a lime
2 T hot sesame oil
1 t extra virgin olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
1/2 avocado, cubed
1 t lemon grass, finely chopped
1 t fresh ginger, ground in a mortar and pestle
salt and pepper
handful of dried rice noodles

First brown the chicken thighs on both sides, on the grill or in a saute pan.  Do this on medium heat, so you don't burn them, just get some color on the chicken and pop them in the oven to finish cooking.

For the salad, just combine all the ingredients into a mixing bowl and gently toss using your fingers.  Don't use tongs or spoons, they will just bruise the tender lettuce!

Serve onto plates with the chicken.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Natural Deodorant

One of the worst things we do to our bodies is to stop it from sweating -- sweating helps the body get rid of toxins!  The use of anti-perspirants and deodorants can be pretty harmful to your health.

Here's a natural deodorant recipe that may not last through a basket ball game, but it will handle the every day walking around town stuff.  And it won't harm you!

Recipe:

1/2 t baking soda
2 T witch hazel
2 T boiling water
few drops of lavender oil, sandlewood oil or tea tree oil

1 -  4 oz glass spray bottle available at drug stores

Simply add the boiling water to the baking soda to dissolve.  Let it cool and add the witch hazel and your choice of oil.  Transfer to the spray bottle.

Big thanks to Myla over on Orcas Island for the recipe.  Cheers,  Chef Hobbes

Pan Fried Chicken, With Buttery Beets and Kale

Something about the winter, and beets and kale!  Awesome combination!

Recipe for two:

4 small boneless chicken thighs
2 beets, cooked, peeled and cut into wedges
1/2 bunch dino kale, stems removed and chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
olive oil
2 T butter
salt and pepper
pinch chili flakes
1/2 c veggie stock

Cooking Beets

Trim the beets by cutting the tops off, but leave about 1/2" of the stems on.  Place in a saucepan and completely cover with water.  Add a three finger pinch of salt, and bring to a boil.  When boiling turn the heat down so the water is simmering at a rapid rate.  Cook for about 45 minutes.

When done, strain and let cool.  Remove the skin and stems as soon as you can handle them.

Brown the seasoned chicken thighs in a saute pan with some olive oil over medium heat.  Brown both sides, and finish in the oven at 300*

Using the same pan add a little more oil and the butter.  When the butter has melted and is foaming add the onion and cook until soft.  Add the warm beets, stock, chili flakes and kale, and cook until the kale has wilted and the stock has reduced a bit.  You want the veggies to be a little wet or have some liquid, so don't reduce all the stock away!!

Serve onto warm plates with some rice.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes

Salmon in Parchment, With Roasted Cauliflower & Kale

There's nothing like fish cooked in parchment, for a wonderful moist, tender and buttery dish!

I served our salmon with roasted cauliflower and garlic, with sauteed kale, and white wine butter sauce.  You can search my blog for these recipes!

Here's how to cook fish in parchment!

First get the oven turned on and set to 350* - Place one piece of salmon (or two small pieces) into the center of a piece of parchment paper.  Brush the fish with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle on some finely sliced red onion, and a handful of halved cherry tomatoes.  Put a nice chunk of butter on top, and a tablespoon of white wine.

Close up the paper by folding.  Or you can use steel paper clips!  Place onto a baking sheet, and put it in the oven for 20 - 30 minutes or until done.

Bon Appetit!  Chef Hobbes