Dont think I've abandoned this blog. I've just been busy and working out how exactly I want this thing to work. I'll be back with recipes and fun within a few days.

Nem Nuong Burgers

These burgers are a variation of the Vietnamese Banh Mi that the Captain and I love so much. We usually make these burgers on a torta roll because we can find them cheaper and fresher than hamburger buns. Then is your standard burger patty, and next is where things get different. Nem Nuong tossed on the grill then sliced, Taiwan Cabbage, pickled Daikon and Carrots, tomato, and finally cilantro. Some of the condiments that usually go onto the burger are: Japanese Mayo, Siracha, Banana Ketchup. We got the recipie for the pickled Daikon and Carrots from Wandering Chopsticks.

The Captain likes pickles on his (as you can see in the picture), but I think he's just weird.

It came from isle 3

sodium much?

ingredients: where's the cock?

Buddhas Hand

Today Captain Insane-o and I went to Magic Garden Nursery in search of a Calamansi tree, a type of Southeast Asian citrus. I received a tip that these trees were available to purchase in Arizona and after a bit of googling I decided I wanted one. I had a very pleasant experience and will be happily going back on Thursday to buy a Calamansi tree, because instead we came home with a Buddha's Hand Tree. I've been fascinated with Buddhas hand since battle citrus on Iron Chef America, the fruit that the tree produces is all pith and peel, it is also very fragrant. The tree has one piece of fruit and if it survives till Fall when it ripens half of it will be turned into Buddhas Hand-cello and the other half will be turned into marmalade by the Captain.

http://www.magicgardennursery.com/

/*Captain Insane-o's comments: In the picture with the fruit, yes those are thorns, very sharp very big thorns. The poor guy who took it to the car for us ended up bleeding all over our brand new terra cotta pot and he's a professional. I look forward to cooking the fruit, but not to picking the fruit.*/

tini time

Due some unfortunate events this week I decided today was a good day to stop at Plaza Liquors, my favorite local liquor store. I walked out with more than expected, and then as the day unfolded I realized we were heading toward martinis. He threw together three martinis, two variants of apple-tinis one sweet, one dry and a dirty lemon olive martini.

/* Captain Insane-o's comments: For starters these drinks were not wasted they were given to thirsty freeloaders, the recipes are as follows

Dirty lemon,

1 pt(thats part) vodka, 1 pt gin, 1 pt vermouth, 1/2 part brine from lemon stuffed olives, pour the stuff in a glass with ice and stir. strain into a chilled glass

Apple-tinis

Dry,

2 pt vodka, 1 pt apple schnapps...

Sweet,

2 pt apple schnapps to 1 pt vodka, pour in a glass with ice, stir, strain (into a chilled glass), and serve

I like to mix by parts with Martini variants as they can be made in pitchers for bulk service.

Also if you shake a drink you make it cloudy, overly cold, and watered down. The chilled glass is the real trick to a good martini, as no one wants to drink 2-3 oz of room temperature booze.*/

till my camera arrives