gastro hounds

Just like your average food blog, but with 50% more attitude!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!


One thing that always reaffirms my believe in all that is good is to witness and take part in the passion and flat out fun that others bring to the table - both literally and metaphorically. Case in point - a Halloween gathering held on Sat. 10/29. GastroGrrrl aka Debs and I attended and while looking forward to the occasion with relish, we knew going in that we'd only know a handful of the folks attending. The names of those participating are being withheld to protect - well I'm not really sure but suffice to say a ghoulish time was had by all. The sangria was excellent, and the tequila shots delivered via syringes - inspiring.,, and naughty. Have I mentioned naughty? Everyone attending participated with gusto. One of my favorite bites of the evening was a jello mould in the form of a human brain. It's the consistency that knocks it out of the park, but the best of the night was watching Shaggy breast feed a zombie baby with the full approval of an adoring Scooby. You really, REALLY had to be there - but it did give a whole new meaning to "Scooby Snack".

The theme was Evil Carnival, as if there is any other kind, and GastroGrrrl aka Debs and I attended as Evil Carnival Fry Cook and Freakin' Scary Waitress. Word of caution, DO NOT order the Blue Plate Special - trust me.

I was prepared for the next morning knowing it would be a late night, and prepared a brunch consisting of a chorizo and egg scramble topped with salsa fresca featuring produce from my garden, paired with home "fried" potatoes. I don't actually fry them. I coarsely dice them with onion, toss with olive oil, season with sea salt, black pepper and paprika then bake at 425 degrees until golden, stirring occasionally. I find the potatoes cook much more evenly and with far less oil. The bonus is that additional stove top space is freed up should additional cooking be necessary.

The entire endeavor, including French press coffee and making the salsa took no more than 45 minutes - Iron Chef material! I believe I scored well. And no joke, the judge would have let me know if I had come up short in any regard.

The finished entry



Best Halloween Wishes from the entire Graveyard!