Reetsyburger's Refuge

Black Garlic Smashed Taters

2009-12-17T12:34:00.005-06:00

Black Garlic Smashed Taters
Originally uploaded by gergistheword

The kind folks at Marx Foods sent me some amazing black garlic to sample awhile back. There's something about garlic and smashed potatoes that makes me happy, so I thought to myself, "how about black garlic smashed taters?"

Black garlic is amazing. It's got a sweet, umami flavor that packs a lighter punch than conventional garlic. It is, in fact, conventional garlic, but it has been fermented at a high temperature for a month, resulting in softened, sweetened, and blackened cloves. Read all about it black garlic here.

Here's how to make the black garlic spuds:

* 3 pounds waxy potatoes, quartered and boiled until tender
* 2 cups half and half
* 3 tbsp butter
* 6 cloves black garlic mashed into bits
* 5 ounces Cheddar
* salt and pepper

Directions:

Boil potatoes until tender. Drain the pot. Leave spuds in pot.

While that boils, smash up your black garlic.

In a saucepan, warm half and half and butter to a light simmer. When it gets to simmering, turn off the pot and pour it over the spuds. Mash together. Fold in cheese, garlic, salt and pepper to taste.

I served mine up with pork tenderloin and green beans.

Welcome, Gabriella!

2009-12-03T11:15:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving this year was all about the baby.

We finally had a chance to meet our new niece, Gabriella.

She is healthy and feeling fine at 6 weeks.

Highlights:

I fed her twice and she didn't puke on me.
She likes to cuddle up close, which is adorable.
She like to sleep and eat, which works well on Thanksgiving.
She rocks Packer fan attire.
She smiled when gerg held her.

Welcome to the world, Gabriella!

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

Wanna help me win $150? Vote for my photo!

2009-11-23T14:48:00.000-06:00

One of my photos was selected for a photography contest.
The winner receives a $150 gift card.
One of the contenders already has a lot of votes, but I'd like to win!

If you'd like to vote for my photo, you can go here to vote: http://marxfood.com/stunning-vanilla-bean-photos/
The poll closes on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at 5PM PST.

Thanks for your support (if you actually vote for my photo)!

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

The St. Crispin Autumn Velvet

2009-11-02T17:36:00.000-06:00

Earlier this month Heavy Table hosted a Crispin Cider Autumn Cocktail Contest.

I submitted my entry, which is based on a mix of the traditional black velvet cocktail and the Kir Royale.

I learned today that I won. Hooray!

The St. Crispin Autumn Velvet

One part original Crispin Cider
One part Vouvray -or- Rosé Côtes-du-rhône
A splash of black currant juice

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

New House, New Mural

2009-10-27T20:07:00.002-05:00

You might remember the sweet robot mural we painted in the kitchen at our former abode. If you don't remember, we painted a giant robot on an orange wall in our kitchen. I was down with it in a major way.

We loved that mural, so when we put the ol' house on the market, we risked NOT painting over it. Fortunately, the buyer liked it, and said he intended to keep it. Smiles.

It didn't take long before I started clamoring for a new mural at our new house. Gerg agreed that a mural would enhance our hanging out. Fortunately, Sarah, the artist who painted the robot mural, was more than willing to develop a new mural for the new crib.

My homies know I go big when it comes to aesthetics, from hair to heels. A wall near the front entry revealed itself as the perfect mural wall. Sarah and I investigated big designs. Liz offered to share her overhead projector.

We were able to source all of the paint from our garage, which made this project hella cost-effective. The previous owners of our new house left behinds scads of paint, and we brought our collection from the old house with us. Sarah mixed some colors to achieve some hues. Liz and Sarah worked out the design. I assisted with painting and had a few homework assignments.

We dig the new mural. It's got pizazz.

My Oktoberfest Birthday Bash

2009-10-21T15:37:00.007-05:00

Oktoberfest Birthday Bash 2009
Originally uploaded by gergistheword

This year we celebrated my birthday with our 2nd Annual Oktoberfest Birthday Blitz.

Folks gathered at our house for sausages, snuff, kraut, beer, pretzels, oom-pah music, and cabbage.

After that warm-up, we headed to Gasthof zur Gemütlichkeits for the polka band and lots of revelry. Costumes made the whole night way more hilarious.

Birthday highlights included:
- An amazing German chocolate cake prepared by Shortcake of Shortcake Bakes
- All the killer Oktoberfest outfits
- A bento box lunch with pals
- The Pearson's giant stein and killer sundaes
- Snuff donated by Jana
- That mustard dip
- A romantic dinner at Om
- A pre-party celebration with scarlet at Psycho Suzis
- A cocktail waitress at Gastofs gave me her number; I didn't ask for it.
- Gifts! Wine, bouquets, sequin pants, a vase, earrings, purple dingo boots, a platter, a cupcake, fragrant candles...

View more photos from the night here.

A Name and A Photo

2009-10-12T12:50:00.002-05:00

Gerg's great great granfather Gould
Originally uploaded by gergistheword

This is gerg's great great grandfather.

I've been told his last name was Gould and he was a mayor in England.

I'm trying to learn more about him.

Any history buffs out there?

What's with the cloak and hat? How about the item behind him bearing some resemblance to the English crown?

Our Home has a Medallion!

2009-09-18T17:23:00.010-05:00

Medallion Home
Originally uploaded by gergistheword

On a random Friday afternoon, one of our new neighbors rang our doorbell to invite us over for some steaks. I explained that gerg was still at work, so I grabbed a pencil and paper to get the neighbor's phone number so I could call him once gerg got home. While I was rummaging through the drawer grabbing a pencil, I hear him say something.

Steak neighbor: "Oh! I see you live in a Medallion Home."

Me: "Pardon? A what?"

The steak neighbor pointed to the tarnished medallion on the front of our house under the house number, explaining: "A Medallion Home. These medallions were awarded to certain houses for how they were wired back in the 50s and 60s."

Me: "Really? I had no idea."

Steak neighbor: "Yep. Anyway, let us know if you want steaks."

Me: "Can do, and thanks!"

I never even noticed the medallion, so I looked it up. This is what it looks like without tarnish:

In October 1957, LBE launched the "Medallion Homes" campaign, which sought to sell 20,000 all-electric homes nationwide by 1958, 100,000 by 1960 and 970,000 by 1970.
To earn a gold medallion--a decal affixed to a home's entryway and considered the apex of modern, all-electric living--a home had to have an electric clothes washer and dryer, waste disposal, refrigerator and all-electric heating.
The Medallion Homes campaign was a huge success. By some estimates, the nationwide goal of about 1 million all-electric homes was achieved, according to the Edison Electric Institute, although data on the actual number built is unavailable.
Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrbill/5376624/

Our house was retro-fitted with gas at some point, and we hope to alter it even further with off-the-grid power, but it's neat to learn wacky stuff about our house from neighbors who stop by to offer steak.

Black Sea: A Random Spot that was Worth Visiting

2009-08-31T19:15:00.003-05:00

It was Friday night at the Flanagan house.

Me: "Wanna catch some dinner before we head to Big V's?"
Gerg: "Yessir! What are you thinking?"
Me: "I'm thinking gyros. Something close to Big V's. Wanna find something while I get ready?"
Gerg: "I'm on it!"
Me: "You da best!"

After 3 outfit changes due to suspiciously cold August weather in Minneapolis, I was finally ready. We hopped in the car. A starving Gerg informed me that he had selected a Turkish joint called Black Sea, near Snelling and Minnehaha. "Do they have good gyros?" I wondered, as we headed out. He knew little to nothing about Black Sea, and neither did I.

Parking was a breeze once we arrived. We hopped out of the car and wandered into a hole-in-the-wall restaurant dripping with Turkish decor, such as Kil carpets and copper pots and plates, on the walls. Beaded curtains separated the tables.

At 9:15 on a Friday, there were only a few other guests. I knew I wanted to try the staples: gyro, hummus, and falafel, so I didn't spend too much time going over the menu.

Our server recommended the hummus appetizer and the "Black Sea Combination" for an entree, to which she would add some falafel for us. We both agreed to the suggestion, and sat back to enjoy our drinks: Oralet(Turkish orange tea) and Turkish Iced Tea. Turkish tea, called çay, is a form of black tea.

Our hummus appetizer came shortly after our drinks. The hummus was freshly made, thick, drizzled with olive oil, dotted with paprika, and served with pita, feta, fresh tomato slices, and olives.

We hadn't quite finished our hummus when our entree arrived. The combination platter was served, and I gasped. It was a HUGE portion. Enough for 4 adults. That's a standard-sized butter knife in the photo. That plate was roughly 16" in diameter.

Served on top of about 3 cups of basmati rice was chicken gyro meat, beef and lamb gyro meat, marinated chicken kebob, beef shish kebob, 2 meatball kebob, and 2 balls of falafel (we asked for the falafel). Pita bread, fresh greens, onion, green pepper, and fresh tomatoes were served on the side. The meat was juicy, tender, and spiced generously. We smiled. Gerg's favorite was the chicken kebob. If I had to pick, I'd pick the meatball kebob.

There is no indication as to where they source their food. Although, based on the freshness of the tomato, I'd say they were from around the block.

I'm not dying to return, but I would like to stop back to try their cabbage rolls and lentil soup someday.

Looking for a random spot worth visiting?
Black Sea Restaurant
737 N Snelling Ave.
Saint Paul, 55104 Minnesota
(651) 917 8832

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

2nd Annual Flanagan Double Dash Pinewood Derby Party

2009-08-24T17:45:00.000-05:00

To celebrate gerg's birthday and welcome people to our new house, we held the 2nd Annual Flanagan Double Dash pinewood derby party last weekend.

We invite friends and family to come on over. We purchase car making kits, decals, paint, and give them access to gerg's workshop. They have 2-3 hours to design and build their cars. As they build their cars, gerg assists in the shop, I prepare nosh, and food is consumed during and after the races. The double-elimination style race is fun for everyone.

It's a pretty big party project, but it's worth it to see a bunch of 20 and 30-year-olds acting like they're 12 again.

Oh, and the kids like it too.

Check out more photos from the party here.

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

Wearing Seal Pelts

2009-08-14T11:06:00.004-05:00

Now you can wear a seal pelt for just $400.

It's not what you think.

It might be better.
It might be worse.

http://www.birkiland.com/en/categories/fashion/clothing/the-sealpelt#

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

Made In Minnesota Database

2009-08-13T17:45:00.002-05:00

Now that we've moved, decorating is totally underway.

We're reducing and reusing where we can, and we're trying to spend locally, as possible.

We've found some gems on craigslist, including this sweet mid century credenza from a great craigslist seller. We also found some nifty napkins on Etsy made by an architecture student here in MPLS.

We're fans of the ReUse Center and the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Both offer stuff yanked out of other people's houses at rock-bottom prices - great for counter tops, doors, and even used appliances.

If we have to buy new, we're trying to buy local, and Midwest Home has made that somewhat easier for us by creating their Made in Minnesota database.

So sayeth they: "From aspen saunas in Cokato and air-jet bathtubs in Minneapolis to white cedar shingles in Duluth and reclaimed wood flooring in Hugo, the Land of 10,000 Lakes makes it all. Why build local? It’s good for our collective bottomline—and we’re talking more than eco-friendliness. Buying from locally owned stores returns at least 68 cents of every dollar back to the Minnesota economy—even more if products are manufactured here."

[where: Minnesota, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

Kicking it in Waite Park, MPLS

2009-07-30T12:43:00.006-05:00

Gerg and I now live in Waite Park in NE Minneapolis!

I'm excited to be living in NE...we are closer to our friends in NE MPLS, Surdyk's, many restaurants, and the NE Minneapolis Arts District. I will miss living in Longfellow though...we were close to our friends in South MPLS, the Seward Co-op, the light rail station, Town Talk Diner, the Craftsman, the Green Way, the Birchwood, and Welna Hardware.

What does living in Waite Park mean for me? More interior and exterior space for living, working, making, breaking, and relaxing.

I know this much:

Pop Restaurant, Sarah Jane's Bakery, and Snap Pizza are close for dining.
Dabble is close for buying a few gifts.
East Side Co-op is close for groceries
We have a neighborhood wading pool, sand volleyball and basketball courts, a picnic area, and multiple baseball and softball fields.
We have a community garden.
We live close to Columbia Golf Course...FORE!
Annona Gourmet is close
We live just 2 blocks away from the highest point in Minneapolis!

I'm excited to scope out some more sweet spots in Waite Park and NE.

Live in or near Waite Park? Got any sweet spots for me to check out? Hollar at me!

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55418]

Now Accepting Moving Advice: Show Me Your Tips!

2009-07-09T13:10:00.004-05:00

While I was finishing up my master's program this spring, gerg and I thought out loud, "You know, if we could sell this house, it would be a great time to buy a new one."

Shortly after I graduated in May, we put our Longfellow house on the market. It sold in 3.5 weeks, which gladdened us. Thus commenced our search: good neighborhood, nearby park, rambler/California ranch, 3bed/2bath, big garage and/or basement. We found that house in NE Minneapolis, and hence, we must begin packing.

Now we're in moving mode.

I've moved a half dozen times in my life, so I know how to move, but I figure some of you have moved a lot... Like, enough to have some really good tips. Packing tips? Unpacking tips? Cleaning tips? Surviving the move tips?

Show me your tips!

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

John Mayer Plays "Human Nature" and I Pause

2009-07-07T23:43:00.002-05:00

I'm not a John Mayer fan, but this tribute made a lot of sense to me.

Listening to "Human Nature" being performed without Michael Jackson's voice was a poignant reminder of the uniqueness of his talent, and the might of its impact.

Cuckoo Clocks that Rock

2009-06-26T11:04:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure when I started liking cuckoo clocks. I know my grandma had one when I was a kid, and I always got a charge out of it.

In case you weren't aware, cuckoo clocks have come a long way, baby.

I'm particularly fond of The Kalimero design by Barbero Design of Italy:

The cuckoo and clockface are confined behind plexiglass, and walnut-finished back gives a nod to the tradition of wooden cuckoo clocks.

Check out this blog post of some of the most boss interpretations of cuckoo clocks.

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

Punch n' Surly

2009-06-12T11:58:00.001-05:00

Surly is now on tap at Punch Pizza.

Get a free Surly pint at Punch Pizza, with coupon!

Offer expires June 18!

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

Let's Measure Some Native Big Trees

2009-06-05T11:16:00.002-05:00

Do you have a giant tree in your yard?
The DNR in Minnesota wants to know all about it!

Everyone is invited to join the search for Minnesota's native champion big trees.

Minnesota's Native Big Tree registry is a listing of Minnesota's 52 native trees judged to be the largest in the state.

A nominee is judged on three measurements:

1. Circumference, in inches, of its trunk at 4 ½ feet above the ground.
2. Its height in feet.
3. One-quarter of its crown spread in feet.

The total of these measurements is the points awarded to a particular tree. A champion tree has accumulated the most points.

How does one go about measuring a giant tree? A hypsometer, of course. But just in case you don't own one, here's how.

We've got a huge ash tree in the back yard that might be giant tree worthy. It's giant, I tell you, GIANT.

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, big trees, Twin Cities, 55406]

Mayslack's: A Veritable Agglomeration of Beef and Jus

2009-06-01T18:45:00.007-05:00

Have you ever eaten at Mayslack's Music Lounge in North East?

I hadn't until this past weekend.

In fact, I wasn't even aware of their legendary roast beef sandwich or their motto: "Nobody beats Mayslack's meats! Nobody beats Mayslack's meats!"

Here's what I learned:

Back in 1955, the former pro-wrestler, Stan Myslajek started making gigantic roast beef sandwiches at Mayslack's. Today, Mayslack's is still serving gigantic roast beef sandwiches, While they offer other items like wings, pizza, and salads, the roast beef sandwich is their most popular menu item, according to our server. They even cater their famous roast beef sandwich for $14/lb.

Here's how they describe the Orignial Mayslack's roast beef sandwich on their menu:

The storied sandwich that only Stan Mayslack could make popular. A sandwich piled so high with roast beef. Slow roasted for 8 hours in garlic & other juices so the beef just melts in your mouth. Served with onions, banana peppers, coleslaw & some of that awesome au jus.

Mayslack's offers variations of the classic, including an Italian Beef, a Cheese Steak, and a French Dip, etc.

No matter which you order, a loaf is sliced down the middle, and then it's piled high with tender, sliced roast beef that has been soaking in garlicky jus. You might be able to pick it up and eat one bite, but be prepared for a veritable agglomeration of beef and jus. Soon, the sandwich on your big, ceramic plate will cease to exist, and you'll have a close encounter with a heap of roast beef and jus-soaked bread. You might need to seek out a fork, napkins, and eventually a take-home container.

It's a dimly-lit dive bar, but outdoor seating is available.

The portions were mighty (split portions of The Original are available for $2 extra). Gerg aptly reminded me, "Well, the whole thing was started by a pro-wrestler."

Touché!

Au jus!

Adieu!

Mayslack's
1428 4th St
NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 789-9862

PS - Here is a bad photo of our sandwiches at Mayslack's, which I took on my phone.

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

The 3/50 Project

2009-05-22T14:25:00.002-05:00

A colleague shared some information with me about a new project.
It's called the 3/50 Project, and its grassroots campaign designed to "save" independent businesses.

Participation is really simple. Choose your three favorite locally owned businesses, and at those three shops combined, commit to spending $50 a month.

If half of the U.S. population did this, we would generate more than $42 trillion in revenue. For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays local.

With Seward Co-op, CorAzoN, and Mezzanine Salon all located within walking distance, spending money on locally owned businesses is a treat in my neighborhood.

The list below represents the participants and supporters who have signed up in Minneapolis (this doesn't mean that these are the only locally owned places where you should shop):

Minneapolis
Auntie Em's
Birch Clothing
Birchbark Books & Native Arts
Brown & Greene Floral Market
Caffe Amore
Castle Building & Remodeling
Cayenne Company
Clancey's Meats
Covered
Drama
Electric Fetus Co.
Favorable Treats
Freewheel Bike
Hang It
I Like You
Indulge & Bloom
Industrial and Residential Lighting Inc.
Ingebretsen's Scandinavian Gifts and Foods
Inizio Gifts
June
Kitchen Window
Lights On Broadway
Lightworks
Linden Hills Co-op & Natural Home
Linden Hills Florist
Local D'Lish
Mother Earth Gardens
Needlework Unlimited
Nielsen Framing Studio
Nine
Nokomis Shoe Shop
Olive Salon
Rewind Vintage
Ribnick Fur & Leather
Robot Love
Rosenthal Contemporary Furniture
Sacred Rearrangements Shop & Healing Center
Sigh Yoga + Boutique
Soderberg's Floral & Gift
Steamworks Coffee & Tea
Tangletown Gardens
The Green Goober
The Lounge
The Warren-An Artist Habitat
The Wellness Center
Thyme to Entertain
Twin Cities Green
Vern Carver & Beard Art Galleries
Wilde Roast Cafe

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

Homemade Pasta is No Longer Mine Enemy

2009-05-08T15:41:00.001-05:00

We have a couple of attachments for our Kitchenaid mixer that allow us to make different types of pasta from scratch. We've been experimenting for about 6 months or so, and are finally feeling somewhat confident in our pasta-making skilz.

The above KitchenAid attachment presses the dough through an extruder. This dough was made with 2.5 cups of organic semolina flour, 3 organic eggs from Larry Schultz's farm, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp of water. This attachment works well for tube shaped pastas and round pastas, such as spaghetti, penne, mostaccioli, and rigatoni.

The other attachment rolls the pasta, and cuts it if you want. It's ideal for flat pastas such as lasagna, ravioli, and fettuccine. The recipe we used for our lasagna dough used: 4 cups organic semolina flour, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. basil, ½ tsp. oregano, ½ tsp. salt, and 1 ½ cups warm water. The key to rolling pasta out was to let it rest before rolling it.

Cooking the fresh pasta requires a pot of boiling water with a pinch of salt. As soon as the pasta was added, we did a quick stir to avoid any clumping,. Within 5 minutes or so, the pasta can be drained and eaten. We made that batch of spaghetti above in about 30 minutes, from dough to plate. Gerg and I agreed that it was tasty.

[where: home made pasta, kitchenaid pasta dough, 55406]

On Graduating from Grad School

2009-05-01T12:34:00.007-05:00

Dear Grad School,

It was pretty cool getting to know you over the past 5 years.

Remember that one summer when I always came to class in velour warmup suits? Yeah, I was really into the Notorious B.I.G. that summer.

Anyway, I'm sure we'll stay in touch. I've still got piles of your books at our house, and I've already applied for a fellowship.

Check ya later,
Reetsy

[where: Minnesota, Food, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

Wearing The Hair Of The Dog. Portraits Of People In Clothes Made From Their Pets' Fur.

2009-04-28T16:31:00.007-05:00

I hope THIS doesn't give my husband any crazy ideas.
For the record, I don't want to wear it. Eek!

[where: Minnesota, Dog Hair Clothes, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

Mark Your Calendar: Northern Woods Exhibition

2009-04-22T12:00:00.003-05:00

Got an itch to see some art before Art-A-Whirl?

This weekend the Minnesota Woodworkers Guild is holding its annual Northern Woods Exhibition at Southdale Mall.

"The show provides an opportunity for Guild members (and non-guild members) to present and discuss the best in high quality woodworking design and construction with fellow woodworkers and the general public. The pieces on display are more than furniture. They are works of art."

Check out these photos of some of the award-winning pieces from last year's exhibition. This is seriously amazing woodwork.

I'm still sizzling over Scott McGlasson's credenza from the 2007 show:

Start Time: Thursday, April 23, 2009 at 10:00am
End Time: Sunday, April 26, 2009 at 6:00pm
Location: Southdale Center Mall

[where: Minnesota, Woodworking, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]

27th Annual Mpls/St.Paul International Film Festival

2009-04-17T10:42:00.009-05:00

Just a friendly reminder...

The 27th annual Mpls/St.Paul International Film Festival is taking place over the next two weeks (April 16th-30th).

Here's a link to the Film Festival Catalog. In case you don't want to rummage through the ads looking for the actual schedule, you can find it on pages 16-17 of the catalog.

Tickets and Passes are available online at http://www.mspfilmfest.org/MMIX/ or at the box office on the night of the screening. Discounted tickets (Members/Students/ Seniors) are available at the box office if you've got the right ID.

Get your international film on!

[where: Minnesota, International, Film, Minneapolis, Twin Cities, 55406]