Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Peaking at the new neighbors... or are they checking us out?

Okay - the power must be really flaky here - we've "lost" power (and this post!) 3 times tonight during a storm! From what I hear, the Pecan Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Cinnamon Glaze we made yesterday was a big hit at the office!

Right behind us are these funny looking creatures - Alpacas! They seem to be very inquisitive with the happenings on the other side of their fence. I am not sure if the neighbors breed them, but it would be fun to see what their babies look like! I can't wait to see how the pups react to them when we bring them home!

Frittatas are quick meals to make and last night's dinner, Red Pepper and Goat Cheese Frittata, was no exception. They are basically open faced omeletes that start on the stove and are finished under the broiler until they get a golden color and puff up. Instead of using raw red peppers, I wanted to punch up the flavor some by roasting them first. To do this, I cut them in half and flattened them with my palm. I placed them on a baking sheet and they went under the broiler until the skins began to blister and blacken. When ready, I put them in a bowl and covered them with saran wrap. After about 15 minutes, the skins can be easily removed and they are ready for use! I did lose the crunch that the raw peppers might have added, but the flavor made up for it. We both enjoyed the creamy tang that the goat cheese added to the firm, yet still juicy eggs.


13 comments:

  1. Your fritatta sounds delish! I just roased a bunch of red peppers yesterday for a soup I'm working on.

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  2. I found your blog 3 or 4 days ago and commented that same day, but it never appeared. then I wrote an e-mail, and I briefly told you what the comment was that I made, but that was when your laptop quit. So maybe we can connect tonight. Your cooking and recipe keeping is simply amazing. I am going to make these recipes as soon as I have a weeks worth in my folder., and then I will shop for it and start cooking interesting meals. Thank you so much Joe, all the work you do is very much appreciated, I know how hard your work, because I have been cooking for a long time and know what it takes to put on a nice meal.

    ALPACAS WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The creatures next door to you give beautiful yarn. People who raise them can make a lot of money with yarn from these . Iam a knitter, if the lady wants to give you some yarn, I will make you a scarf from it.

    We live in the Boston Area, 5 miles north.Welcome to the East Coast, and enjoy the fresh Seafood.

    Thank you, Rita

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  3. A perfect meal for a vegetarian! I am so delighted that you are "back in business" so soon after the move, Joe!

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  4. I love frittatas. I make them at least 2 to 3 times a month. The Possibilities are endless and you can use whatever you have in the fridge at the time, so they are always different and delicious.
    The alpacas are so cool!

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  5. That's one bizzaro lookin' critter!

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  6. The fritatta looks wonderful, and it seems you're getting the hang of the new camera!

    What cute, fuzzy little neighbors!

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  7. your neighbours are sooo cute......the food looks delicious yummy :)

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  8. I agree that fritattas are the greatest quick weeknight meal, especially with a salad and a glass of wine. Try using caramelized red onions as well. Also, loved the alpaca pic. My brother-in-law's parents raised alpacas when he was a kid and they still keep a few as pets!

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  9. Yum! The fritatta looks great (as usual).
    It will be intersting to see how your pups react to the alpacas...and vice versa. Keep posted. When do you get the critters and bring them home?

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  10. How cute! I love that little alpaca!
    And the fritatta sounds delish, as well, Joe.

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  11. The fritatta looks wonderful and as somebody commented, it is wonderful for us vegetarians.

    You are so good with presentation. Everything always looks so yummy!!

    I love the neighbors. From what I understand they tend to be sort of shy. The only time I have met them in person was at the Maryland Wine Festival. By the way, you and Jeff should check that out this year since it is in the next county over. When I get around to it, I will email you a link!!

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  12. Catherine - Roasted Red pepper soup? Sounds good to me!

    Rita - I did see your comment, I think it was put on the long recipe list page! Thank you for the nice comments! I saw your e-mail, but can't respond as I lost it with the laptop. Feel free to resend it to me!

    Kann - Me too!

    Annie - So true with the variations... I love eggs too so it all works out!

    Wheresmymind - Yeah, they look to be kinda clumbsy too!

    s'kat - I can't wait to see what they look like shaved when they go for their fur!

    Lexi - Thanks!

    Julie - Thanks for the tip!

    Barbara - Me too, look for us to talk about them tomorrow!

    Teddy - Thanks!

    Nic - Yeah! I'm sure Jeff will be naming them soon enough.... hee hee!

    Linda - I got your e-mail.. Thanks! I tried to respond, but it wouldn't let me send it to you! Your e-mail server kicked it back... sorry!

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