Friday, February 27, 2009

Big Gills

Kept a few for dinner...maybe some coconut fried sunfish with plum sauce

















Largest Bluegill I have ever pulled through the ice! Bigger than my hand, paper plate even!

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

10 Foods Once Hated or Feared!

1. Asparagus - I used to hate it, but now is one of my favorite veggies...really good on the grill.
2. Oysters - I remember trying oyster soup that was made with canned oysters. I remember being forced to try it and you can guess the rest. I have since had fresh oysters on the half shell and smoked oysters that I liked.
3. Brussel sprouts - I remember mom and dad making them once when we were younger and I thought they were disgusting. I know many people still dont like them. Try quartering them and sautee'ing them with onions and bacon. Top them with a little honey and they are delicious!
4. Frog legs - I never imagined that I would eat something involving frogs. When I worked at the country club I made fried frog legs that were used as a garnish to a lobster salad. They were very tender and tasted great!
5. Salmon - I was never a big fan of salmon until I went to culinary school. I love in now and have had it in many different ways...beet cured salmon, baked salmon, grilled, manhattan chowder, blacked, smoked, etc.
6. Venison Heart - Never thought I would or could eat this. The last couple of years my roomate had been telling me how good they are. I finally made it this year and it was pretty good.
7. Squid - The name itself may have kept the appeal away from me. It is still disgusting to clean, but it is very good if it is cooked right and not overcooked (calmari)
8. Spinach - Mom used to make canned or frozen spinach as a side to a meal. It was mushy and I thought it was disgusting. I enjoy spinach now. I like it in stuffing, salads, or it is also good as a side to a meal if it is quickly sauteed with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon juice..mmm
9. Guacamole - I hated the mushy, blended avacodos that were often served as a side at taco joints. I like it now if it is not the blended version, a version that is more like a salsa with much flavor.
10. For those foods not tried. There are a lot of different foods that exists that I haven't tried that may be delicious or maybe I will regret tasting. Never know unless you try it.

What foods did you once hate or fear?