Older Bolder Life

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the Older Bolder Life Sauce Sunday 6 January: Homemade Everyday Ketchup (or Ketchup No. 1)

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One of the most common food questions we field from friends, family, and clients as they begin to actually read and pay attention to food product labels is how to replace some of their favorite condiments, ketchup and some form of barbeque sauce probably being at the top of that list.

Mass marketed, commercially-prepared ketchups (and many other condiments) are most often made with stunningly bad ingredients – high fructose corn syrup, we’re looking at you in particular (the image to the right is taken right off a ketchup bottle produced by one of the ‘big boys’ in the game).

We’ve been encouraging people to make their own condiments for years now, and for three obvious reasons. Of course one reason, and perhaps the most critical one, is that you want to control the quality and sourcing of the foods you’re consuming, and that includes eliminating foods/ingredients (like HFCS) that are frankly unhealthy.

Two, customizing your favorite condiments to suit your tastes is limited only by your imagination and willingness to experiment a little. Take this Homemade Everyday Ketchup recipe for instance; you can vary the spices and vinegar/acid components with ease, as well as how sweet you want it to be. Around our house, we like to drop a chipotle pepper (with lots of adobo clinging) in, and don’t use any additional sweetener at all (OK, my wife may make her version with a teaspoon or two of good raw honey).

And three, this recipe, like the Homemade Avocado or Olive Oil Mayo recipe we’ve shared before, is so simple a child could do it, and it takes literally minutes to do.

A good quick ketchup recipe is always handy to have in the fridge (or the ingredients on hand to make in a flash), and can serve as the base for that barbeque sauce you’re hankering for, or a number of salad dressings as well (I have a great Catalina-inspired dressing to share later…).

For those ketchup purists out there who might argue the only way to truly make a great ketchup at home is to literally start from scratch with a half bushel of fresh tomatoes, we’ll have another, more involved ketchup recipe posted in the months to come.

1 12-ounce can organic tomato paste
1/2 to 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar
1/2 to 1 cup water
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tsp onion powder OR up to 1/3 cup minced onion
2 tsp good salt
1/4 tsp allspice
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp fresh ground black pepper
1/4 tsp dry mustard

Optional
1/4 – 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
2-5 tsp raw honey OR good maple syrup

This one couldn’t be easier; throw everything into your trusty food processor (or a deep bowl and use an immersion blender) and combine well, adding more vinegar/water to achieve whatever you deem the ideal ketchup consistency.

Enjoy.

the Older Bolder Friday Feast 4 January: Thai-Inspired Slow Roasted Short Ribs

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Last March or April Chef Libby sent us this jaw-droppingly good recipe for Thai-Inspired Slow Roasted Short Ribs that she’d adapted from one published in Bon Appetit. She noted back then that she significantly upped the ‘spice package’ for the spice-infused coconut milk the ribs slowly roast in for nearly six hours (!).

She also added a bit of heat, in the form of a sliced jalapeno or fresno chile, to the toasted coconut, cilantro, and lime gremolata sprinkled over the top.

Our daughter Jess from Missoula recently visited over the holidays, and I slow roasted five pounds of short ribs using this recipe one coolish, windy afternoon her first day in town. The enticing aromas of coconut, ginger, and lemongrass drove us crazy during the last half of the roasting time, and we all agreed this was probably the best tasting short rib prep any of us had ever chased around a plate.

Libby also had shared a tip last year about using lemongrass; if you’re not feeling up to actually prepping lemongrass stalks, you can certainly using some of the pre-prepared lemongrass purees that are available in produce sections around the country. (We’re big lemongrass fans, so I actually used both…)

Take your time with this one, and get those ribs fall-off-the-bone tender.

4-5 lb beef short ribs
Good salt

3 lemongrass stalks (see note above)
2 medium shallots, trimmed and chopped
5 large garlic cloves
3 jalapeno chiles, stemmed, seeded, chopped
2-inch piece of ginger, peeled, finely chopped
1 tbsp + 1 tsp good curry powder
1 can (14-ounces) full fat, unsweetened coconut milk
Optional: 1 tbsp fish sauce

For the gremolata
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 cup cilantro leaves and tender stems, chopped
1 jalapeno or fresno chile, stemmed, seeded, sliced into half rings
2 tbsp fresh-squeezed lime juice (one average lime)
Salt to taste

Preheat your trusty oven to 250.

Trim the uppermost three quarters of the lemongrass stalks off and lay in the bottom on your dutch oven or large cast iron skillet (if using the prepared lemongrass puree, skip this step of course). Salt the short ribs generously and lay atop the lemongrass, bone side up.

Into the blender go the coconut milk, shallots, garlic, jalapenos, ginger, curry, the lemongrass (at least 1 tbsp of the puree if using, grate the bottom quarters of the stalks in otherwise), and the optional fish sauce, puree until smooth. Pour over the ribs, and slide into the oven.

Roast at 250 for 3.5 hours; you’re looking for the meat to begin to tenderize, and the liquids to reduce by roughly half. (It will look broken and oily, don’t worry about that). At 3.5 hours, turn the ribs on their sides and throw it back into the oven for another 2 hours (maybe 2.5) until the meat is fall apart tender.

During the last hour, toast the coconut until golden (10-15 minutes), set aside to cool. When cool, combine with the cilantro and sliced pepper; add the fresh lime juice and salt just before serving.

When the ribs are done, serve hot with the gremolata spooned over the top.

Enjoy.

the Older Bolder Life Vegetable Wednesday 2 January: Fasolakia (Greek-Style Green Beans)

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I’m almost ashamed to admit that my lovely wife and I had never truly tasted genuine Fasolakia (Greek-style green beans) until a couple of years ago, at a then newly discovered wonderful little family-owned Greek place in a nearby town.

The tender green beans, coated with a rich, tomatoey, and well-spiced sauce became a favorite and often were part of a Greek gyro salad dinner for us in the months following our discovery. The restaurant is owned and managed by a charming Greek immigrant in his late 70s; he’s working every single day we venture in, and always welcoming and chatty.

I finally pestered him for the spices used in their version of this dish, and he rattled off the list below, including the admonition to use “lots of garlic and oregano”, and to not forget the spritz of fresh lemon juice at the end.

We also follow his technique of simmering for 15 minutes on the stovetop and then braising in the oven to finish, though you’ll find lots of recipes that complete the entire process on the stovetop. And while we most often prefer to use fresh vegetables, this is one recipe where frozen green beans work like a charm.

1.5 lb fresh green beans, or bout 8 cups frozen green beans (2 small bags)
1/4 cup + 1 tbsp avocado oil or EVOO
1 medium onion, trimmed, grated
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 and 1/2 tbsp good dried oregano (maybe a bit more)
2 tsp ground cumin
2 14.5-ounce cans organic diced tomatoes
3 tbsp organic tomato paste
1 bay leaf
Good salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste
Lemon juice (1/2 lemon)
Optional: 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves

Preheat your trusty oven to 300.

Heat 1/4 cup of your oil of choice in a dutch oven or oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat; add the onion (and any onion juice that’s collected while grating). Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion has softened and is just beginning to color and the liquid has reduced a bit.

Sprinkle in the dried oregano, cumin, and the garlic, sauté for another minute or so, then add the green beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, along with at least a teaspoon each of salt and pepper.

Bring to a gentle simmer, then cook (uncovered) for 15 minutes, stirring several times. Now cover and pop into the oven for another 30-40 minutes (check halfway through to see if you need to a little water). When the beans are tender, stir in at least another tbsp of oil, 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and the parsley. Adjust seasonings and serve hot.

Enjoy.

the Older Bolder Life Friday Feast 7 December: Bazinga (Christmas) Chili

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I first shared this recipe back in 2011 on a fly fishing blog called Chi Wulff; from that post –

Traditions are a funny thing.

Though admittedly our clan has a fair number of traditions that we more or less cling to with stogged fidelity, some traditions can begin to reek of routine.

And routine has crushed the heart and soul of many a fine man and woman.

So it was with a dumbstruck stare that She Who Must Be Obeyed eyed me after I announced several days ago I thought we should break from tradition this year and serve tamales and chili for Christmas dinner.

As a bit of background, we’re once again entertaining what could be shaping up to be a bizarrely diverse group of friends and fishers who couldn’t be with their own families for the holiday.

SWMBO was probably envisioning a meal of a traditional (there’s the ‘t’ word again) ham with all the trimmings, eaten at a beautifully set and decorated table, complete with fresh flowers, two expertly chosen wines, ruthlessly efficient wait staff and classical music playing softly in the background.

I deftly countered with the fact that this has been a brazenly non-traditional year for us, and that traditions, which are often just dull routines dressed up in their Sunday-go-to-meetin’ clothes, are simply meant to be broken now and again.

Her response…”Bazinga…”

…For a high-brow company meal, have your butcher grind a nice cut (sirloin or tri-tip for us) into a large chili grind and pick up some fresh-made, well-spiced bulk sausage too. This recipe works incredibly well with brisket diced small.

This recipe, at first glance, looks like it uses almost an obscene amount of chili powder – it does call for a fair amount, though most chili powder doesn’t really provide heat – it provides flavor (use a really good, really fresh chili powder). Try it once as the recipe is written and you’ll see what we mean. Just don’t spill any of this deep red treasure on anything white. The touch of brown sugar also softens the bite of the red chile just enough to work a little magic (without breaking the carb budget).

3 lb. London broil, tri-tip, chuck or sirloin ground into rough chili grind or cubed
8 ounces bulk sausage (spicy)
1 large sweet onion, chopped fine
2 tbs avocado oil or EVOO
2-4 cups beef broth
1 8-oz. can tomato sauce (Hunt’s by tradition)
1 can Rotel tomatoes
1 bottle robust beer
11 tbsp commercial chili powder (Spices Etc or Gebhardt’s)
2 tsp garlic powder
1-3 tbsp Tabasco sauce
1 tbsp ground cumin
Kosher salt to taste
Optional: 1-2 tbsp brown sugar

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil and then brown the beef (will probably need to do in two batches); then add to your favorite chili pot. Now brown the sausage, breaking it up as you go, then add the onions when about halfway browned; cook until just soft and the sausage is brown. Add to the chili pot.

Now add two cups of the beef broth, bring to a slow simmer. Add the tomato sauce, Rotel tomatoes, beer, 6 tbs of the chili powder, garlic powder, 1 tbs of the brown sugar if using and 1 tbs of Tabasco. Simmer uncovered for an hour and half, stirring occasionally and adding more broth as needed to keep it fairly soupy.

Now add the rest of the chili powder (yep, another five tablespoons), a tsp of salt and the cumin. Taste for sweetness – we like to have just the tiniest smidgen of sweetness as an undercurrent to the heat and other flavors – we almost always end up using 2 tbsp of brown sugar. Keep simmering for at least another 30 minutes.

Now it’s time to fine tune the flavors. Taste for chili flavor, heat, and salt. If your chili powder is wimpy you might end up adding even a bit more chili powder, adjust the hot sauce and salt as well. Reduce or thin to desired consistency.

Serve it up as you see fit; we can’t imagine this without a bit of grated cheese, chopped onion and cilantro, maybe a pepper or two, and a dollop of sour cream.

Enjoy.

the Older Bolder Life Vegetable Wednesday 5 December: Avocado Oil Roasted Leeks

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We dined with friends several weeks ago and the hostess served these simple yet delicious Avocado Oil Roasted Leeks with the meal. They were a perfect texture with a soft body complemented by just enough crispy browned edges, and what an amazing flavor.

We love leeks around our camp, using them in a number of soups and stews, as well as my wife’s favorite boeuf bourguignon recipe (I don’t think we’ve posted that one yet, I’ll make sure we get that done before the holiday week upcoming…)

These couldn’t be more simple to do, though with a two-hour cook time, you’ll need to plan ahead a bit. And by the way, our hostess had prepared these with a very nice olive oil, though we’ve since made them with avocado oil (both for taste preference and avocado oil’s much higher smoke point).

By the way, the oil remaining after cooking makes an amazing contribution to your next vinaigrette…

8 leeks, white and pale green sections, split lengthwise
1/2 cup good avocado oil (maybe a little more)
Good salt

Throw a rimmed baking sheet in the oven and preheat to 400.

Prep your leeks, minding to use only the white and the pale green stem sections; cut them in half lengthwise and wash thoroughly to remove the sand and grit. Take care to pat them as dry as you can after washing.

Now toss with the avocado oil and season generously with your favorite salt.

Pull the hot baking sheet from the oven, arrange the leeks cut side down on the hot sheet, then cover loosely with foil. Throw them back in the oven, reduce the heat to 300, and leave them alone for an hour and 20 minutes. Check at that point to see if they’re tender and lightly browned; they might need another 10-20 minutes.

Now remove the foil and turn the leeks cut sides up; turn the over up to 400 and slide the leeks back in until they’re golden brown and the tops (cut sides) look a little crispy.

Save that oil by the way, it’s great for roasting vegetables or making a flavorful vinaigrette…

Enjoy.

the Older Bolder Life Salad Sunday 2 December: Broccoli Caesar

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Back in late August I shared about how much we love a great Caesar salad around our house, though we struggled for years to find a dressing recipe we truly loved and could make at home without an advanced food degree or pestering our friend Chef Libby to work her magic.

Though not a new concept, we’ve been making this Broccoli Caesar as often as a traditional Caesar of late; the cruciferous crunch is delicious, especially when topped with this Homemade Caesar Dressing with Avocado Oil Mayo you’ve prepped in your own kitchen.

The shaved Parmesan is always a great touch – that nutty, salty Parmesan flavor is essential in our book, and the toasted walnuts will make you forget there’s not a crouton in sight…

One recipe Homemade Caesar Dressing with Avocado Oil Mayo

2 medium to large heads of broccoli
1/4 head Napa cabbage (more to taste)
Good salt to taste

Shaved Parmesan
Fresh lemon zest
Freshly ground (coarse) or cracked black pepper

Optional: Toasted Walnuts

Trim any rough, darkened ends from the broccoli stems, and remove the florets as close to the dark green flower buds as you can, then trim or break into bite-sized segments, placing in a large bowl. Now slice the stems into thin rounds, starting with narrow stalks that held the florets.

When trimmed down to the main stems, peel the tougher outer layers off, exposing the more tender inner cores, then slice crosswise into narrow discs and add to the florets.

Slice thinly/shred the cabbage (add more if you like) and stir into the broccoli pieces.

Now pour the dressing over, salt to taste, stir to coat, and let rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.

When ready to serve, stir once more, topped with shaved Parmesan, the lemon zest, and the pepper. Add toasted walnuts if desired.

Enjoy.

the Older Bolder Life Friday Feast 30 November: Puerco Guisada

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As we turn the corner from late fall into early winter, here’s one to help you beat back the crush of winter’s hand – Puerco Guisada, a south Texas / Mexico inspired take on the spicy ‘meat in gravy’ stew (carne guisada) gracing every worthy taco stand from Austin to the southern border in Texas.

One might certainly argue this dish is traditionally made with beef (carne guisada) – and you can certainly do that by exchanging the pork with a cut of chuck or bottom round – though the pork version seems a tad lighter and sweeter to us.

This puerco guisada is another one of those recipes that are so simple they’re child’s play, thought there are a couple of caveats to note. Flavors are dramatically improved by actually browning the meat in the oil up front; if you overcrowd the meat it steams and doesn’t brown. Browning in two or three batches works wonders and leaves a hoard of those tasty browned ‘pan crispins’ behind to scrape up and flavor the stew.

The other caveat pertains to the peppers; jalapenos and serranos can very dramatically in their heat level. Cut off a small chip of the pepper and touch it to your tongue to get an idea about the heat; the last two jalapenos I picked out of the bin were searingly hot, so we left out the serranos on that batch (even though they add a slightly different heat and flavor pattern).

This Puerco Guisada makes for a killer bowl of spicy goodness standing alone (with a few toppings of course) and it makes a mouth-watering taco or burrito too. We’ve even been known to use it to make a puerco guisada huevos rancheros for breakfast when special company is in the house.

4ish pounds of pork shoulder or loin, trimmed, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
4 tbsp avocado oil
1 large sweet onion, diced
2 jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded, and diced
2 serrano peppers, stemmed, seeded, and diced
6 garlic cloves, minced
14-oz can diced tomatoes with liquid or 3 fresh tomatoes with seeds and core, diced
2 tbsp ground cumin
2 tbsp good chili powder
2 tsp (preferably Mexican) oregano
1/2 cup chopped cilantro or more
2 bay leaves
2 cups of water
1 bottle cerveza (Corona or Negro Modelo for the spirit of things)
Optional: 1 tbsp masa if needed for thickening

In your trusty dutch oven, heat 1/3 of the oil over medium high heat and brown 1/3 of the meat; remove to a plate and repeat to brown all the meat.

Add a splash of oil if needed, and sauté the onions and peppers until soft; then add the garlic, and cook, stirring now and again, for another couple of minutes.

Now add the pork back to the dutch oven, along with the tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, oregano, bay leaves, water and beer. Stir until well combined, turn up the heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.

Now turn down to a simmer and let it go low and slow for 4 to 5 hours, stirring once an hour; you’ll notice the pork begins to tenderize and break down a bit, thickening the mixture as the water cooks off. (You can always add the masa at the end to thicken it more, though we never do.)

Traditionally this would be served steaming hot in a big bowl, sprinkled with grated cheese, maybe a few chopped fresh peppers, cilantro, and fresh or pickled onions. The possibilities are endless as noted above.

Enjoy.

the Older Bolder Life Vegetable Wednesday 28 November: Cajun Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese

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A friend asked me a few weeks ago to suggest some Primally-oriented foods he and his wife could serve at a football party they were hosting. He’s a child of the South, and like many of his brethren, exhibits a crazy devotion to college football rivaling any we’ve ever seen. (For matter of record, he’s from Alabama, and I’m sure has a Roll Tide tattoo somewhere out of everyday sight so as to not impact his law practice…)

One of the foods I suggested was this Cajun Buffalo Cauliflower with Blue Cheese Crumbles. It’s certainly not a new concept in the Primal/Paleo world, though you don’t see many recipes with the Cajun spice twist. I happen to like this recipe as it’s a great introduction to those who don’t typically think about eating healthier snacks and sides, and packs the same great spice and flavor that classic buffalo wings do.

You certainly can serve this one as finger food, but we always seem to serve it up in a bowl…

One medium (2 to 3 lb) head cauliflower, leaves and stem trimmed
2 tbsp avocado oil
2 tsp of your favorite Cajun spice mix

1/4 cup + 2 tbsp of your favorite Cajun hot sauce (Zatarain’s or Crystal for us)
1/4 cup of your favorite Sriracha
6 tbsp unsalted butter, room-temp, in 1 tbsp pieces

1/2 cup (or more!) crumbled blue cheese

Fire the oven and preheat to 450.

Foil line a baking sheet, place the cauliflower in the center stem down, drizzle with the oil, then rub in the Cajun spice mix. Now roast for 30-35 minutes; it should become tender and begin to brown a bit. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

When cool enough to comfortably handle, trim the florets off the head; some suggest aiming for chicken-wing sized pieces, we tend to make pieces of all sizes and shapes. Don’t forget to trim the stem into thin-ish slices.

Now into a large saucepan over medium-high go the two sauces; when bubbles begin to form around the edges of the pan, whisk in the butter 2 tbsp at a time until smooth and creamy. Stir in the cauliflower pieces, and stirring often, heat for 4-5 minutes until the cauliflower is heated through.

We like to serve immediately in bowls and sprinkle with the blue cheese crumbles.

Enjoy.