Taylor Swift got me started....

Taylor Swift got me started, and it's been swirling around in my mind here and there ever since.  Yesterday a friend of mine posted a facebook comment dealing with the same thing and I knew I had to blog.....

On Taylor's new album, she sings a song called "Enchanted", where she sings about being enchanted to meet someone.  It just struck me that I don't think I have ever been enchanted to meet anyone.  Being the holiday season, you hear words like enchanted or magical  being tossed around a lot.  I wonder if instances like that really exist?  As a child, I have no doubt that things could be magical.  It's the process of discovery and learning that make things "magical".  So my friend, Betty posted a comment about missing the way this time of year made you feel when you were a kid, and I decided that we, as adults, don't feel that way anymore because we don't let ourselves feel that way.  At some point in time we became adults, bogged down in the obligations that the holiday season might bring.  No longer can we just count the days with anticipation, thinking that the big day will never arrive.  Now we count them down, so they can finally be over and we can rest, or we count down the days because we feel like we need to take advantage of every available second to get all the "responsible" things done.  So many people I know think about decorating and shopping and baking as a horrible chore that has to be done...it's only that way because they let it be.  Anything can be enjoyable, if you look at it differently.  I'll admit, I am a cynical adult, but somewhere deep inside me is that person, that kid, who sees the magic in things unknown.  I remember the first time I went to New York City at Christmas, I remember rounding the corner and seeing the tree in Rockefeller Plaza...it  was  magical.  It was something that was new to me, something bigger than my everyday life...is that what made it magical?  I'm going to New York tomorrow morning, and I know that rounding the corner again, it will be just as magical this time as the first time, and I think it's because as I've grown into a cynical adult, I have learned and witnessed how quickly life passes.  With that I have managed to learn to just stop, if only for a minute, and take in everything around me, enjoying the moment for what it is, not what it could be, or what I think it should be.  Maybe if we all learn to "take in "life, we can experience "magic" in our everyday life, just like a kid, and maybe, just maybe if we can become that person who loves life someone might actually be enchanted to meet us.  Happy Holidays!

changes....

I reminded today of how life changes, how we become the people we are.  One night about 3 years ago, shortly after I moved to Denver, I found my self in the flow of traffic during evening rush hour...gripping the steering wheel and trying to remain in my lane and look for something, anything that I recognized to get me back to my new home.  I made it.  Today, I got in the jeep and headed back to that very spot to the weekly farmer's market, changing lanes, making turns like I knew exactly where I was going...and I did know.  Growing up for most of my early childhood in a town that only had one stoplight, which only operated when the volunteer fire department got dispatched, to mastering 2 lane interstates, I never thought I would find myself maneuvering through 4 lanes of traffic with the confidence of a NASCAR driver.  It's sort of a metaphor for life.  Life is about getting on an unfamiliar road, driving straight into the unknown, but knowing that there are all sorts of landmarks along the way that remind you where you are, and where you're going.
I think what I realized is that I get tired of the same path, there are millions of other roads, there is even the ability to make your own new path.  I'm working on it.  Stay tuned.

I'm really not a hater....

I sometimes think that I'm an grumpy old man trapped in what is becoming a slightly middle aged body.  I hate to complain about the same things all the time, but I pray that my constant begging will allow people to wake up and hear what I'm saying.  The summer travel season is in full swing and to those of us who live in hotels for the most part, I'd like to mention a few matters of what I would refer to as common sense, but again, I've been wrong before.

Parents...the tiny breakfast room in most hotels is not the time to let your children "test their independence".  This is not the time to let them make their own waffle or pour their own milk.  It's one of those "get in and get out" situations, fast like a well oiled machine. 

There is never an appropriate time to wear patterned flannel pants anywhere in public, unless your 3 years old, and then most of the general public will overlook it.  This is a big one for me people, unless we stop it, it could become the norm and I will be forced to stay locked up in my apartment like Sigourney Weaver in Copy Cat.  I know when you're putting those pants on that you think they will make you look "perky and cute"...not the case.  I had the misfortune last week of driving down a street, in the evening no less, to see a rather large girl wearing plaid flannel pants and a t shirt at least 2 sizes too big....I'm sure she thought "perky and cute" when she picked out that ensemble.  "Lazy and ridiculous"  those are the 2 words that came to mind for me.  I just want people to take a little pride in themselves, and please for the love of God don't throw the old "maybe that's all they can afford" story at me...there is no excuse. 
Back to the hotel...don't wear those pants to the breakfast room...nothing makes me lose my appetite for a cold hard boiled egg and orange juice that gets thicker the closer you get to the bottom of the glass faster, than an extra large "hello kitty" staring me in the face.

Just one more quick reminder...hotel walls are not soundproof...in fact in a lot of cases, they are probably thinner than the walls in your house...keep that in mind...I'm just sayin.

Safe travels!

Passion and Faith

Passion is defined as a strong or extravagant fondness, enthusiasm, or desire for anything.  I've always been a little jealous of those people who knew exactly what their passion was early in life.  I also appreciate that living life helps us develop passions that we may not have ever realized had we been focused too soon.  That may sound like some people's excuse for moving through life from one thing to the next, searching for their passion.  I (for some sick reason), remember when Kathy Lee Gifford left Regis, and on her last show she shared some advice that her father had given to her..."know what you love doing, and then figure out how to make a living doing it."  Good advice, and even better work...IF you can get it. 

I've been talking with a lot of people who feel stuck.  The economy, their situation, whatever it may be, they feel like the paycheck at the end of the week is the only reason they are doing what they are doing, and they feel lucky to have a job.  I've been there too...shoot, I am there.  The weeks go by at lightning speed, and we stay on the same unchanging path, wary of it, but unwilling, or maybe JUST comfortable enough not to take a different path.  Change and different paths are scary things and rather than make a mistake or become uncomfortable,or have to sacrifice a little, we stay on the same path.  So, here's my question.  If we have figured out what our passion is, and we step off the path and take a different direction, does it really all fall into place?  I'm not saying that I'm dumb enough to think that the new path isn't full of dead ends and bumps, but is that path, the new path, more worth it?

In the end, I guess it boils down to faith.  It is not about what others think you should do, its about what you feel in your gut and whether or not you have the faith and determination and drive to see it through.  Kelly Cutrone gave some great advice..."it's a leap of faith, not a baby step."  Do you have enough faith in yourself and in your passion to take the other path?  As a creative person, my mind is full everyday of thoughts and ideas, and admittedly, I allow other people's opinions and whatever circumstance I am in to shut down some of those thoughts...Guilty.  What I have recognized is that there are times in life when a circumstance allows us an opportunity to explore (or at least consider) something new...it's the acting on those opportunities that make us uncomfortable. 

So, no more excuses.  Figure out your passion, you probably already know what it is, and then start the journey to make it your reality. 

Fasten your seat belts....

I'd like to take just a couple minutes and discuss something that I have GREAT knowledge and experience in...air travel.  Yesterday while sitting in my seat waiting for my plane to leave the GREAT city of Omaha (little sarcasm) I had thought after thought swirling through my mind...here are a few....
(In the interest of full disclosure, I make these observations of people who are, clearly, frequent flyers.  I can understand that people who rarely fly wouldn't know better).

First of all, I saw you with my own two eyes sitting in that airport terminal, waiting to board the plane.  So, may I offer you this tip.  Figure out what papers, books, computers, games, magazines, phones, etc. you are going to want to have with you in your seat when the plane is in the air.  Two weeks ago, while boarding a plane in Utah, the woman who was my seat mate held up the entire boarding process because she stood in the aisle, digging through stacks of papers and envelopes, pulling them out so she could "work" on the flight.  Needless to say that when she finally got settled, she went to sleep and then was angry she missed her complimentary beverage.

Next, I watched you put your coat on when you got up to board the plane.  Now, why are you taking it off again, (holding up the boarding process, yet again)?  God gave you two arms, carry your coat.  You WILL NOT suffer from hypothermia while standing on the jet bridge.  On the reverse end of that, Do you think you are standing in the middle of an open field when you get up to put your coat on after the plane lands?  Ahhh...no.  There are people, people's faces inches from you, and you twirling your coat around like Maria dancing on the hillside in the Sound of Music is really uncalled for.  Here is my tip....Place your coat over your arm and walk forward into the airport terminal, then step aside, out of the way and put your coat on.  Ahhh, now was that so hard?

Finally, (I say finally because it's all I have the energy to write about today, I know there is an entire list of other things...) I'm not sure how I feel over the debate as to whether or not people who are labeled "fat" should have to buy two seats....I don't trust the people who would make the criteria for what is "too fat" to purchase just one seat, BUT, what I do think is that you have your seat, and half the arm rest....I should not have to lean to the left or right for an entire flight because you are making yourself comfortable.  This goes for broad shouldered men as well, not just larger people.  When I have to lean into the aisle, I run the risk of getting hit by the roughly 30" X24" purse that some lady is carrying over her shoulder, or random sleeves or roller bags.  It's a rough place that aisle. 

Finally, (I know, I know, I said finally once already, but I just have to give this little shout out)  To the gentlemen who sat next to me on my flight on Monday....Why do you have to snort and sniff and make me want to throw up just listening to you?  Why did you feel the need to suck every last drop of orange juice off every ice cube in your plastic cup, then proceed to constantly "jiggle" the ice in you PLASTIC cup?  All on the first flight of the morning?  Oh, and here's another tip.....ESPECIALLY on the first flight of the morning, when most people want to get a little more sleep....DO NOT use the back of the seat in front of you to pull yourself up out of your seat, I know, I know, "you have to use the bathroom....blah, blah, blah"  You knew you were getting on a plane...don't drink so much coffee....

To continue....

I ran across a card that I had bought some time ago, and it sort of supports my thoughts as of late on life....
Thought I would share it with you...

live with intention.
walk to the edge.
listen hard.
practice wellness.
play with abandon.
laugh.
choose with no regret.
continue to learn.
appreciate your friends.
do what you love.
live as if this is all there is.      -mary anne radmacher

Think about it.  That's all.

Don't let the jerks get you down....

I realized something today...I don't mind being in my ...uh hmmmmm....40's.  It's been a crappy few weeks (not overall, but in certain areas of my life).  As I was driving from the grocery store today, it occurred to me that being this age allows me the luxury of lessons from a life lived, with still enough years to enjoy knowing exactly who I am.  This may all sound very "soul searching" mid-life crisis ish to some, but it's not really about that.  I was speaking to Dan about it the other night and he described it as "taking control of your life".  Really that's what its about.  It's about choosing how I will react to people and events, how I will let things (and people)effect me, and how I will make the choice to enjoy my life and be happy.  Most of this I know, but there were a few reminders I've had over the past few weeks.  Here's a few....

1.  What other people say or think about me, is NONE of MY business.
     I read that once, and oh how true it is.  I can't control what other people will say about me, so let em talk.
    I know there are times when that can affect things in your life (like when people say things about you that
    aren't true).   I guess that means learning to pick your battles. 

2.  My new motto:  Call a spade, a spade
     I've tip-toed around people before and maybe didn't say anything because I didn't want the
    confrontation...no more.  Life's to short to sugar coat, it serves no one in the long run.  The thing that
    goes along with that is a lesson I learned a long time ago.  When someone shows me who they really are, I
    believe them.  If it's negative, they don't really get a second chance with me...I've seen you and I know
   what your character is  (Ring, Ring.....It's the jerk store, they're looking for you!)

3.  I am, who I am...take it or leave it.
     I've always really lived this, but sometimes people can drag you down.  Cut em loose.

4.  The thing that gets my heart pumping when I really think about it....I can do anything I want if I put my
     mind to it.  I have a little paragraph that hangs on my fridge that reminds me everyday what I'm capable
    of.  It's surrounded by pictures of the people I love, the ones who support me, who I know are there for
    me, the one's who believe in me when I doubt myself....

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?  You are a child of God.  Your playing small does not serve the world.  There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.  We are all meant to shine, as children do.  We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.  It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.  As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.  As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others".  - Marianne Williamson

Go forth and set the world on fire...





 

Something New....

It's been awhile since I posted on the blog, but it doesn't mean I haven't been hard at work.  I've been creating a website that contains all the recipes from my blog, along with inspiring ideas for entertaining, a section of all the things I love, and a blog about what I normally would write on this site.  Getting it all in one place has been a lot of work, and I continue to add to it all the time.  Having said all that I hope you will be a frequent visitor to http://www.gregutsinger.com/.  This blog site will continue.  In this blog, I hope to combine some of my rants from "Did Anyone Else Hear That?" and my thoughts and views about almost anything.  It will truly be what the name implies ....gregory talking. 

Pastel de Tres Leches con Coco

Last night I had dinner with some friends and I made dessert.  I had read this recipe before in the Gourmet Cookbook, and had always wanted to give it a try.  It turned out to be a little time consuming because there seems to be a lot of steps.  I,of course, made some changes and substitutions, but I think it turned out delicious.  It's not really a cake I would recommend if you are all about the presentation.  It works better to serve it in the pan you soaked the cake in. 

Pastel de Tres Leches con Coco
(Three-Milk Cake with Coconut and Fresh Fruit)

from Gourmet

For the cake

1 stick unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar

For the milk syrup

2 (14oz.) cans sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk
1/4 cup canned unsweetened coconut milk (stirred well)
1/3 cup light rum

Put the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Butter a 9inch round cake pan and line bottom with a round of parchment paper.  Butter the paper and sides and dust with flour.  Cook butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat, swirling pan occasionally, until golden brown (5-7 minutes).  Transfer to a heatproof bowl and let cool, stir in vanilla.
Sift together flour, cornstarch and salt into another bowl, then sift again.
Combine eggs and sugar in a mixer bowl or other large metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (do not let bowl touch water) and heat, whisking constantly until lukewarm.  Remove bowl and beat eggs with an electric mixer at high speed until thick, pale and tripled in volume, about 10 minutes or about 6 minutes in a stand mixer.  Sift half the flour mixture over eggs and fold gently but thoroughly, then fold in remaining flour.  Transfer 1/3 cup batter to a small bowl and fold butter into it until incorporated, then gently fold butter mixture into remaining batter.  Spread batter evenly in prepared pan.  Bake until cake is springy to the touch and top is golden about 15-17 minutes.

Meanwhile make the milk syrup:  Whisk together all the ingredients in a large glass measuring cup or bowl with a spout until combined.  Transfer 1/3 cup syrup to a small bowl and reserve, refrigerated for garnish.

Cool cake in pan on a rack for 5 minutes, then prick all over with a skewer or wooden pick.  Run a knife around edges of pan, then invert a second 9inch round cake pan over cake and flip cake into it.  Remove the parchment paper and prick cake all over with skewer again.  Pour milk syrup over cake and gently press with a spatula to help saturate it.  Refrigerate, covered with plastic wrap, until most of syrup has been absorbed, at least 4 hours.  Top with unsweetened whipped cream, fresh fruit and toasted coconut.  When serving drizzle reserved milk syrup on plate as a garnish.

Beef....It's what's for dinner

I rarely get a hankerin' for beef, but when I do, I like it to be over the top (with the exception of a good old hamburger).  Last weekend, I made my version of a recipe for New York Strip stuffed with Brie and Spinach.  I have served it with garlic mashed potatoes, but while I was at Whole Foods I ran across some fingerling potatoes.  I tossed the potatoes with some salt, pepper, olive oil and fresh rosemary then roasted them for about 40 minutes at 400 degrees.  Dan wanted me to mention that he gave the steak "rave reviews". 

New York Strip with Spinach & Brie

4 thick cut New York strip steaks
1/4 cup olive oil + 2 Tablespoons
Kosher Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
3 cups fresh spinach
1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 pound wheel Brie
2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced

Marinate the steaks in the olive oil, salt and pepper at least 4 hours or overnight.  Remove the steaks from the refrigerator when you begin the filling so they can warm to room temperature.  In a large saute pan,
heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil and add the 4 minced garlic cloves.  Add the spinach and cook until just begining to wilt.  Add the tomatoes.  Break up the brie  and continue to cook until brie is melted (it isn't necessary for the brie to melt completely.)  Add the rosemary and remove from heat to cool slightly. 

Cut a slit in the side of each steak to form a pocket.  Divide the filling between the steaks.  Grill on an outdoor grill or in a grill pan on the stove to desired doneness.  Meanwhile, make the sauce.

Balsamic Cream Sauce

1 stick butter
1/2 cup cream
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 sprig fresh rosemary

In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the garlic.  Add the cream, vinegar and the rosemary.  Cook over low heat until sauce is reduced about 1/3.   Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.   Remove the rosemary and serve over steak and potatoes if desired.

Granola

I admit it, I'm food obsessed.  This weekend has been a whirlwind of food and drinks.  Thursday night when I got home from Arizona, Dan made Corned Beef and Cabbage (and macaroni and cheese...long story, but it made me happy).   Friday night was dinner at The 9th Door.  Tapas.  Dates filled with creamy coat cheese, wrapped in Serrano ham, filet with gorgonzola sauce, calamari, flan and of course mojitos.  Friday I made the Pot de Creme and the cookies along with a big batch of Granola.  Last night for dinner I made fingerling potatoes and New York Strip stuffed with spinach, sundried tomatoes, garlic and brie cheese.  Finished it off with a balsamic cream sauce.  Today is cold and windy so I'm sure there is something I need to make...meanwhile here's the granola....

Granola

4 cups oats (not quick cooking)
1 2/3 cups sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice powder
dash of cayenne pepper
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla

In a large bowl, mix everything except the honey, oil and vanilla.  In a small saucepan, heat the honey and oil.  Stir in the vanilla, then pour over oat mixture.  Spread granola on a baking sheet.  Bake at 300 degrees for 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes during baking.  Let cool and store in a air tight container.

Citrus Poppy Seed Cookies

As a follow up to yesterdays post, here is the recipe for the cookies.  I was able to roll out some of the dough and cut it into the butterfly shapes for a garnish on the Pot de Creme.  For the remainder of the dough, I dropped them on a cookie sheet and baked them like a sugar cookie.

Citrus Poppy Seed Cookies

1 1/4 cups vegetable shortening
1 cup sugar + more for sprinkling
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 Tablespoons Triple Sec (or any orange liquer)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 Tablespoons poppy seeds
3 cups flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the shortening and sugar until light and fluffy.  Add the egg, vanilla, triple sec, zest and poppy seeds and mix to combine.  In another bowl sift together all dry ingredients.  Gradually add the flour mixture to the mixer bowl.  Add the water.  Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.
When ready to bake, spoon onto parchment lined baking sheets.  Flaten slightly with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass.  Sprinkle with sugar.  Using a pastry brush, brush the tops with water, then sprinkle again with sugar.  Bake for 12-15 minutes.  Cookies should not brown.

New York, Revisited

So, the holidays are over and I've had another crazed week of travel. Yesterday I experienced snow, pouring rain and roaring winds in of all places....Arizona. I managed to get on the last flight out of Phoenix yesterday morning before all the flights out were cancelled. As my way to unwind I spent most of today cooking (only to go out to dinner tonight!!!)... When Dan and I were in New York last month, one of the highlights (for me anyway) was dinner at Balthazar. It was one of those meals were you stuff yourself and still force yourself to order dessert. I indulged in a Chocolate Pot de Creme with toasted coconut and I think hazelnuts (it seems years ago...) Today I tried my hand at a Chocolate Pot de Creme with my addition of coffee. I think coffee and chocolate go hand in hand because even a little bit of coffee really helps to intensify the flavors of the chocolate. I garnished with a citrus poppy seed cookie I made today too. I'll show you that recipe tomorrow.

Chocolate Pot de Creme

1 1/4 cups half and half

2 oz. bittersweet chocolate

1 oz. unsweetened chocolate

1/4 cup sugar

3 large egg yolks

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa

1 teaspoon instant coffee granules

pinch of salt

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. Heat the half and half in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Add the coffee and stir until dissolved. Remove from heat and add chocolate and sugar and let cool slightly (about 5 minutes). After allowing the mixture to set, stir to make chocolate mixture smooth.

In a medium bowl, stir together egg yolks, cocoa, salt and vanilla. Gradually begin adding the hot chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly so the eggs don't cook. After thoroughly combining, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a measuring cup. Divide the strained mixture between 4 -4oz. ramekins. Place the ramekins in a baking dish and fill the baking dish with hot water until it reaches 1/2 way up the side of the ramekins (water bath). Bake for about 30 minutes until the center is just set. Remove from oven and carefully remove ramekins from hot water and allow to cool. When cool, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.