Should have listened?

This is it.  The second week of our CHOPPED series.  "A" surprised us by wanting to get "in" on the action.  So, "J" and I made our way to the grocery store.  He promised "A" that we wouldn't get in a fight while shopping.  And, he kept his word.  But, perhaps he should have pushed a little harder with me.  More on that later.

"A" opening her appetizer round box!

Fresh corn on the cob........

Goat cheese.......and parsnips....

Scallops....

All ingredients sitting out, while "A" is "thinking!

I wondered what she would do with the corn mostly.  The scallops we could figure she would cook in a pan.  That's them at their best.  "A" impressed me with her follow through though.

She created a corn cake, with a parsnip goat cheese mash and sauteed scallop.  The perfect appetizer size, and delicious!  Look how beautiful as well.  The scallop was buttery, and cooked to perfection.  The corn cake was made with cornmeal (from the pantry).  She steamed the corn, and cut it right off the cob.  Then fried them in the cast-iron skillet.  The parsnips were steamed, then mashed with cream and the goat cheese.  Then, of course, fresh parsley on top for color.  Just unreal the flavor this had.

All plates lined up and ready to eat!

I was so proud of "A".  She "a"ced this appetizer round!

So, the entree round.  This is where I wish I would have listened to "J" at the grocery store.  However, with that being said: "A" did an incredible job with what she was given.

Checking out quite possibly the worst ingredient ever given.

White sweet potatoes.  Smoked mozzarella.  Roasted Red Peppers.  And.....Fresh chicken livers.

Listen, I grew up on fried chicken livers and onions.  But, it was really dumb of me to pick this as an ingredient.  Like I said though, "A" turned a bad situation into a good one.  Bless her heart.

She made baked white sweet potato fries.  We had never tried white sweet potatoes, or even heard of them for that matter.  We found them at this new farmers market type grocery store in our hometown.  They are unreal.  A perfect mix of a potato and sweet potato.  Can't wait to have them mashed. 

She then fried the livers, and flash fried the red peppers.  Sliced the smoked mozzarella and made a stuffed pita sandwich out of it. 

I ate mine up. 

The others, not so much.  And, I don't blame them.  Sorry guys.  Should have listened. 

Until next time......A la cuisine!

CHOPPED!

Well, it's here.  After much thought and consideration, we have decided to partake in a CHOPPED series.  I personally got obsessed with the Next Food Network Star, this past season.  If you aren't familiar: A "sandwich guy" won it.  I believe that "J" could do this.  He's got the personality.  But, more importantly, he's got the "thing".  That "thing" is a theme.  Each Food Network Star comes in with their "thing".  Sandwich guy.  Momma's Boy.  Mexican Flare.  Etc.  "J's" "thing" is JAKing up a mundane recipe.  That's what he's been doing well, for the past 32 weeks.  Plus, that's what the Food Network audience would relate to.  People that watch those shows can't actually cook without those recipes.  He would be relateable.  And that, my friends, is the most important trait a "star" can have. 

So, when I presented this idea to "J" his first thought was "I need 'on the fly' practice".  So, here we are.  This CHOPPED series will give him just that.  "A" and myself will go out before each Monday and select the ingredients for the appetizer and entree.  Then we'll unveil it CHOPPED style.  "J" has 45 minutes for the appetizer and 1 hour for the entree.  And, as in CHOPPED, he can use anything he has stocked in his pantry. 

I was beyond pumped for this series to start!  I went to the grocery store with a game plan, but got stage-fright!  I wanted chick-peas, but couldn't find them.  And all hell broke loose.  Just kidding.  I think the ingredients chosen were tough, but "J" did a spectacular job in the end.

Note: I didn't take many pictures of the process.  Just the ingredients and the result.  Thought it might be more impressive that way.  Next week I might take more to compare. 

This is the box we are using.  Yes, not CHOPPED like, but does the job.

"J" opening his appetizer round!

Appetizer round: Canned Salmon, Canned Hominy (closest thing to chick-peas), Ramen Noodles, Cherry Peppers, Better than Cream Cheese Cheese (yes, literally, that's the name.  ha!). 

"J" impressed me with his creativeness.  I figured he would make salmon patties.  Instead, he made a fresh salmon salad.  He made a homemade mayonnaise, which included the hominy and cherry peppers (in the food processor) along with spices and fresh herbs.  Then added the salmon and ramen noodles (which the noodles gave it a great crunch). 

The cheese went on top of a toasted baguette.

And the salmon mixture followed.  A squeeze of fresh lemon and herbs on top, and done!

So pretty!  I could not believe how much flavor they had.  I was, again, so impressed with how he used the hominy and peppers.  It was a great appetizer.

For the time?  I think he was most worried about that.  But, he had plenty left (out of the 45 minutes, he had 20 minutes remaining on the clock).

The entree box ready to be unveiled.  Notice "J" relaxed, sitting next to it.  :)  He was feeling good after the appetizer round.

Opening the entree box!

Entree box: Ground Turkey, Brussels Sprouts, Bagged Purple Potatoes, Mini Bell Peppers and Canned Potato Sticks.  Go!

"J" got VERY creative with this dish, and his use of pantry items.  This is a tri-color pasta. 

And bacon.

 

"J" made a pasta.  That's right.  Everything from the basket went into this pasta.  He cooked bacon on the stove top.  The brussel sprouts were cut in half, and cooked in the bacon fat.  He sliced the potatoes thinly, and they roasted in the oven.  The ground turkey was turned into mini meatballs, which were binded with the potato sticks.  Unbelievably clever!  The mini bell peppers were sliced thinly and cooked on the stove top with a red onion.  In that saucepan he added cream, and made a light cream sauce. 

Everything was tossed together, and fresh Parmesan was grated on top.  So unique, and SO good.  

I was so proud of "J".  Not that I didn't believe he could do it.  But, his use of each ingredient was such a surprise.  So different, and definitely not predictable.  Which is what makes a Food Network Star!  You are on your way "J"!  Will you take me with you?  :)

Until next time....A la cuisine!