Sauerkraut Take One

Yesterday I attempted to make sauerkraut.  Unfortunately after hours of researching I tossed it. I made several mistakes, the first being that I didn't use a big flap of cabbage to secure all the veggies under the brine.  The second mistake was that I added olive oil to make a seal to keep it oxygen. The veggies were poking up and out of the oil this morning and  .  I read that it could be potentially dangerous.  Trying again this afternoon!

FoodTruck Revolution COMPLETE

This is a pretty cool documentary on different food trucks all over the US. I feel very inspired right now! I really want to be a part of this!

Short Rib Tacos!

The tacos were a hit! I learned a few things about cooking and marinating today. I also got some time in on my new cast iron skillet. I am definitely not used to cooking with cast iron! I have decided I am going to make these for sure on Sunday for the taco party. I'm going to prep everything Saturday night and marinate them overnight and all day Sunday. 

Today was a leisure day to take photos and experiment, but Saturday I want to focus on speed and efficiency.  Eventually I want to tweak this recipe to be an affordable menu item for a business.  

I ended up topping these tacos with Cotija cheese. First time I have ever tasted it. It's pretty strong, so I went light with it. Rachel and I were very happy with these!

Pineapple Cilantro Short Rib Tacos

I work at a busy restaurant in Downtown Lawrence with a bunch of friends, and we started getting together every three weeks to cook massive amounts of tacos to share with our friends. My friend Joe has been using the experience to perfect his margarita recipe. We all 20 or so friends all gather to eat Tacos, and Drink. We call it Burger Church. 

We are having our third one this Sunday, so I decided to do some trial tacos for tonight. Pineapple Cilantro Short Rib Tacos! I threw some pineapple, cilantro, jalapenos, onion, garlic, honey, orange juice, and a pinch or three of chili powder into a blender and pureed. The short ribs are going to marinate in this concoction for 5 or 6 hours. Meanwhile my mouth is watering! 

Cast Iron Skillet

Yesterday I finally took the plunge and bought a 12' Cast Iron Skillet. I have this fantasy about running a food truck or a food stand with just a Grill and a cast iron skillet or two. I broke it in by cooking up some Italian Sausages for a kale pepper anti pasta. It's a classic that my girlfriend Rachel and I have been perfecting the last couple of years. I made a some broccoli and cauliflower pankoras too. 

Our Kitchen Board

We use this to organize our meals.

Coffee Fit Defined

I sometimes forget to eat in the mornings, and then drink a pot of coffee...the result is not pretty! My Italian blood starts boiling, my eyes bulge out of my skull, my skin itches, I'm seeing red, and all the nerves in my body are pulled tightly into my spine. My girlfriend calls these coffee fits! the only known cure is food, but sometimes tequila can soothe symptoms!

Welcome to my blog! I'm Griffin and this is my weird world!