Lamb Shank Pie

So this one didn't come out near as pretty as the one in the book, but that's mainly because I dont have a dish deep enough to keep those bones upright. So in the end they fell over causing all the filling to gush out all over the top of the pie crust. Oh well... it sure didn't effect the flavor!!

We're pretty set in our ways as far as how we like to stew our lamb. So adding jam to the mix had me nervous... I knew it would be good, but as good as our tried and true method?

Yes and no.

Yes... it worked very well! There was a nice tang there that was a nice change. But in the end... I still think I just like lamb the way we usually do it... more than likely because that's just how I'm used to it now!

fugly pie

Pie Tuesdays!

So I've had this cookbook for a while now, Pie by Angela Boggiano. Being the pie fiend Dave is, not to mention he has converted me by proxy... we were ecstatic to stumble on this book in a Barnes & Noble about 2 years ago. Since I have randomly cooked a handful of the pies in it... like the pork pie ... they've all been excellent... and therefor, after thumbing through the cookbook last week, I've decided everyone should enjoy at least one pie a week and have declare Tuesday PIE DAY!

The book is laid out very conveniently, it seems they start with simplicity working their way through to more difficult pies, then a modest sweet pie section,and as an American, its not really needed, there is no shortage of sweet pie cookbooks here... but I might go ahead and do them as well.

So I am starting today with the first recipe in the cookbook, Lamb Shank Pie. The house already smells kick ass.... I will post it all tomorrow! :)

Durian Smoothies for Fresh Breath.... or not....

A durian in smoothie form I think is a good initiation for someone who wants to try Durian... but is a little scared to go whole hog. However, unless you can find durian already shelled... it is inevitable to have to suffer the onslaught of the worst of the durian... its funk.

Personally I don't think the flavor is anywhere near as offensive as its smell... and reminds me very much of mango... with a hint of sulfur... or roast garlic..... heh. So I think the mango really brings out the best of the flavor of the durian, while still leaving a hint of what makes the durian so legendary... without being too frightening.

Durian Smoothie:

2 cups durian
2 cups mango
1/5 banana
1 cup coconut water
crushed ice as you prefer

Throw the fruit and coconut water into the blender first and blend til smooth. Add ice until the smoothie is at your preferred thickness.

Enjoy and dont kiss anyone! XD