Recent Foodsville publications by barbaradasilva

Supplement for the Doggie Group

barbarad@awb.com — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 23:09:08

I started adding a fish oil supplement, 3v Free Form Liquid, as recommended by my vet (at Integrative Holistic Health in Bolton, MA). My bulldog has had bouts of dry skin with hair loss for most of the summer months mostly on her back. We did all the testing for allergies and ruled out the obvious like ring worm and mites. Her fur was stiff, dry and had lost it's shine. After 2 weeks of the daily top dress of her food, her coat started to become soft and shiny and the circular bare spots sprouted new hair. It has been 4 months now since we began, and she looks fantastic. Like a puppy again. Just wanted to recommend it to my fellow Doggie Group friends. I have no $ interest in the company... lol.

According to the literature:

Fish oil that is "recommended to support the immune system and joint health by helping to reduce inflammation associated with normal daily activity. It also promotes healthy skin and hair coat and provides a concentrated source of beneficial Omega-3 Fatty Acids in a patented free fatty acid form.

(Galinha Portuguesa) Portugese Chicken Soup

barbarad@awb.com — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 14:45:00

Simple Fresh Chicken Soup in the pressure cooker
ALSO KNOWN AS “Con-ga”
serves 4

We have this soup at least once a week, using the basic ingredients here. Its the only meal we make in the pressure cooker.

Sour Cream Potato Latkes from The Settlement Cookbook (Applewood Books)

barbarad@awb.com — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 23:39:01

SOUR CREAM POTATO PANCAKES

Grate the potatoes, place in a colander, set over a bowl and drain. When the starch has settled in the bottom of the bowl, discard top liquid. Place drained potatoes in a mixing bowl, add starch, cream or hot milk, and salt. Beat yolks well; add to potato mixture; fold in the stiffly beaten whites. Drop by spoonfuls on a hot, well-greased skillet. Brown slowly on both sides. Serve with apple sauce.

Experiencing Heaven on Earth: A Restaurant Review

barbarad@awb.com — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:27:03

SOFTSHELL CRAB at Pho 88
Drum Hill Rotary, Lowell, MA
978-452-7300

Happily for all of us faithful customers, when Pho 88 expanded from its tiny 10 table layout into the space next to it, adding a full bar, table-top cooking booths, and many more tables in the dining room, the quality has remained at an all time high. (One thing I always loved about Pho 88 is the fantastic service and cooking speed in the kitchen.)

My husband habitually orders the (xe lua) extra large beef noodle soup with rare beef, well-done brisket, beef flank, tendon and tripe, with a #33 Vietnamese beer, and we like to start the meal with a soft shell crab appetizer.

In Vietnamese this dish is known as cua lot, which is soft shell crab sauteed with ginger and scallions. It arrives on a bed of mixed greens and hot peppers, sectioned into two large pieces. My eyes roll back in my head as I bite into this crispy, oil infused crustacean. Politeness goes by the wayside as we dig with our chopsticks to shovel all the bits and morsels of crab til its finality. I am happy to report the crab neither tastes or smells, well, fishy.

I highly recommend #75, curry chicken and vegetables (ga xao curi) as an entree, and the seafood medley of shrimp, scallops, squid and vegetables in a delicate sauce if I’m in the mood for a noodle dish.

Barbara D

Westford, MA

The Espresso Machine

barbarad@awb.com — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 14:44:02

The Espresso Machine by Ascaso (aka “The Big Green Machine”)

This classic retro looking espresso and cappuccino machine is hand-assembled in Barcelona, by a family-owned company dedicated to quality and craftsmanship.

This series is dubbed the "Versatile" machine because the Dream Versatile machines can use either ground coffee or proportioned single serving espresso pods. This offers a lot of versatility in the way you brew your coffee or espresso. Not only does this machine look great in any kitchen, but it also allows you to make cafe quality espresso drinks, lattes, cappuccino, and cafe mochas.

I bought this machine for my husband, who was eating way too many biscotti and heading out to Starbucks for a tall latte every day. Now we have a lot of fun brewing quality hot beverages for ourselves and our guests. It is the one appliance that I enjoy looking at on our countertop.