Sorry ... sorry... sorry
Well... I was going to try a little experiment with my new slow cooker.... I was going to make seitan in it to see if I could get that "simmer" setting just right, but then I tried seitan at a friends house and.... Let's just say I'm not a fan, so I decided not to put the effort into it. I did, however, make Sloppy Lentils from Fresh From the Vegetarian Slow Cooker (book link in sidebar) which was absolutely amazing. It cooked on low for about 8 hours, and aside from a couple charred bits, it was so delicious! I served it over some basic mashed potatoes for dinner last night. Yum!
My Monstera fruit finally ripened. This is really not a good fruit for someone who is impatient. From all accounts, if you wait until it's not fully ripened the black stuff you see in the center can be toxic. Not lethal or anything, but it might cause a reaction.
So... How to explain this.... As it ripens the green "scales" on the outside start pulling away like in the picture on the left and when touched they just fall away. Then you scrap the "kernels" (kind of like mushy corn kernels) off the "cob". The black stuff that comes off with it has no taste and once ripened is not toxic. The texture is sort of like a slightly mushy banana and it has a tang very similar to Pineapple.It took about 2 days for it to fully ripen once it began, and you sort of eat it as it ripens. I don't know that I'd pay another $5 for one, but if you ever find one, it's definitely worth trying once in your life!
My new job is going well. It's been 12 years (at least) since I've waitressed, and I'm actually kind of enjoying it. Time flies when I'm there, and although I've only been working lunches so far, the money has been pretty decent, and everyone is really friendly. My body however, is not so used to it, and I'm sore all over. Especially my wrists (of all things) from carrying the trays. I'm sure I'll get used to it in now time, but my 34 year old body is definitely not recuperating as fast as it used to!
posted by Pure Zuke at 9:25 AM
21 Comments:
those lentils look perfect. I'm not sure about that fruit?? Kinda got me grossed out with the black stuff:-)
I think waitresses have one of the toughest jobs in the world. On your feel all day, carrying heavy trays, and its so hard to please everyone's food tastes...
9/17/2006 10:17 AM
Lentils and mashed potatoes.. yum yum!
Try as I might, I'm not a big fan of seitan.. I've figured out several ways that I can deal with it now and then.. and I make it weekly because my husband and youngest son like it... I think it's one of those things that you either like or hate.
I can deal with it ground.. it soaks up the flavors better. I've never had commercially prepared seitan.. I wonder if I'd like that more? Probably not.
Good luck with the waitressing.. It is wicked hard work.. I was never as slim as I was when I waited tables..
9/17/2006 5:20 PM
I've been lurking and reading your posts. Very interesting reading. The Monster fruit made me want to comment - very unusual looking. I live in FL too and I've never seen anything like that. Your lentils look great.
9/17/2006 7:39 PM
ok..I honestly have to say I shivered and cringed a bit with the monstera fruit, however I'm always game to try something new...ish. The sloppy lentils looked great..I could just drive right into that bowl.
Glad to hear your first week of work is going by quickly. I think I did food service for about 2 weeks when I was a teenager and said the heck with it...lol. You'll do great. You have an incredible personality that will keep you on top of your game.
9/17/2006 8:05 PM
I'm glad to hear your job is going well. Hopefully your body adjust soon. I know how unbelievably tiring it is and have an immense amount of respect for waitresses and waiters. How do you feel about serving meat? I think it would be a little weird for me.
Too bad about the seitan. But, I must say, you should at least try to make it once yourself. Perhaps you would be able to prepare it better.
The lentils look delicious and serving over mashed potatoes is a great idea.
9/17/2006 10:15 PM
Thanks for the great info on the Monstera fruit. That is really interesting.
Glad to hear your job is going well. Waitressing is such a challenge. One of my sisters, my oldest, did it one summer and needless to say after watching her, neither my middle sister nor i were ever gonna waitress! It's stressful!!
Great lentil dish, Zuke!! I love mashed pos, so this is right up my alley.
I let Peter make the seitan, i am inept. :o)
9/17/2006 11:16 PM
great looking lentils & i'm going to check your cookbook link -- i have a new crockpot, which i'm yet to try out...
i waitressed for many years & found it rewarding and challenging at the same time -- boy did my feet ache at the end of a busy shift! but counting tips & sipping a cool beverage in a relaxing bath made it all better! lol! :o)
9/18/2006 1:22 AM
That Lentil dish looks amazing! It's been years since I was a waitress...I worked at 2 different places! Bless you! :)
I'm still trying to get into Seitan...only had it a few times. I have been looking for it for MONTHS and have been unable to locate it anywhere within an hour and a half from me! Ek!
9/18/2006 9:11 AM
Waitressing is tough work, which is why I always tip well!
Look at the positives, you won't have to work out outside of work, right? :)
The Sloppy Lentils look really good! That 'monster' fruit does look a little sketchy, but it is one thing that I'd like to try sometime, most likely if they offer it at a restaurant or something where I will not have to determine the ripeness.
9/18/2006 10:50 AM
hmmmm
monstera. I know it looks cool but i'm just not sure about that pineconey thing
get some rest- no one likes a tired zucchini
Teddy
9/19/2006 2:23 AM
The lentils look awesome, but the fruit kind of scared me. I would try it if I had the opportunity though. I can only imagine how you feel waitressing. When I first started working at my job (washing dishes,prepping, and sometimes bussing besides other things) I would ache at the end of the day, but now I don't really feel it at all. Good luck with your job!
9/19/2006 8:19 AM
That's fascinating about the fruit, but it looks a little scary, I must admit. I'll have to give it a try one day, I guess!
Glad your job is going well. I remember the wrists being the worst part of it all!
9/19/2006 9:12 PM
what a strange fruit, but i think i will try one lol!
waitres work is hard stuff!
9/19/2006 10:23 PM
the lentils look amazing and the fruit interesting!
love you blog, thanks so much for stopping by mine :).
oh, and congrats on the new job adventure! waiting is grueling on the body, but I always enjoyed working with people and the way it makes you put your best face forward on any day. kind of like that saying about, when you're feeling down just smile and the rest will follow that simple act.
when the bod just can't take it at the end of the day? nothing beats a hot bath of epsom salts and lavender. it's my favorite night time elixir!
9/20/2006 12:57 PM
Those lentils look so delicious--can you email me some, please?
Monstera fruit? Who knew? COOL!
Glad you're enjoying your job. Being on your feet all day is tiring. Regarding energy, sometimes, investing in a great pair of shoes can make all the difference.
9/20/2006 8:25 PM
this is my first time on your blog and I'm entranced. with. that. fruit. can't. stop. staring. must. have. for. self.
9/21/2006 3:03 PM
That's just... um. Huh.
Thanks for sharing your bizzare fruit experiment :)
Mikaela
9/25/2006 10:41 PM
Yum lentils.
You are brave with the monstera. I'm not sure I'd be willing to try it.
Seitan...I'd say try it once when you've made it on your own. It is wonderful stuff. ---Though I despise store bought seitan.
Hope you are doing well at the new job!
9/25/2006 11:47 PM
Sloppy Lentils is my favorite recipe from that book!
9/28/2006 8:38 PM
Hey kid, how are you? Long time no hear ^o^
The food looks great, making me hunger ^o^
Sorry to hear about you arm...I too was a waitress many moons ago in my youth. I don't know if it's possible now. If it's not your arms it's the hips.
Hey, have you ever seen the movie "LAST HOLIDAY" with Queen Latifan? If not then you have too. It pertains to cook wonderful food.
I joined the group...only way to get a hold of you these days
Vere
2/11/2007 1:45 AM
Hey kid, how are you? Long time no hear...
So now your waiting tables. I did many moons ago...it is hard on you wrist and hips...
Hey the food looks great it's getting my hunger. I didn't know that you were such a "Chef". But I would throw out the monstera fruit looks nasty ^o^ Hey, look what I had to do I had join the club just so I can reach you some how...just kidding.
vere'
2/11/2007 2:00 AM
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