Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup

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I woke up and lied in bed staring into the ceiling as if it would begin moving like clouds before the rain. I changed my position several times allowing my limbs to find the areas of the sheets that still had just a little chill left. I could hear my neighbor cranking up his F 450 and I was reminded that it was Saturday, the rumble always seemed to beat my alarm clock by minutes, in the annoying way that nature calls moments before your appearance is requested at scheduled event.

I swept the gray elephant laced duvet and comforter back, my wife still curled in the sheets, I placed my bare feet on the cold wood floor. The golden light had begun to make its way through the bathroom blinds, the way it does every morning during the six o’ clock hour. Sometimes I lie and stare into it for several minutes, and it often seems like hours, until the light begins to shift. My mind consumed with what the day will bring, and I begin to anticipate whether or not I will accomplish everything I want to do within the allotted hours. Check lists have never been ‘my thing.’ I like the sound of organization but when it comes down to it – executing the things I set before myself often feels like an interminable task. I was proud of myself for getting my herbs planted this year because last year wasn’t that successful. And my basil died a slow death, and yes, I’m ashamed, but I digress.

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chocolate mint, simple syrup, nielsen-massey chocolate extract, bartender recipes

Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup, Nashville TN, Chocolate, Easy Bartender Recipes, Cocktail Mixers, Mint Tea RecipesI’ve been watering my mint for a few months now and I could never seem to find the time to make the simple syrup, despite the fact that the mint was simply thirty footsteps or so away. I’m working on it friends, everyday presents me with the opportunity to be better than the day before. But nonetheless, here is your recipe and its the desire of my heart that this syrup will make its way into your evening tea, top off your backyard cocktails, be drizzled over that ice cream nightcap or just a shot in your morning coffee. I hope that was enough inspiration to pause Netflix and get to work! Let me know your latest herb concoction in the comments or how would use this recipe to bring some joy to your life?

Chocolate Mint Simple Syrup

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup filtered warm water (tap if you must)
1/2 ounce chocolate mint (rinsed, stems & all)
1 tablespoon Nielsen-Massey Chocolate Extract
smidgen of kosher salt

Method

1. Over medium heat, combine the sugar, salt and water, whisk together until most of the sugar dissolves. Add the rinsed mint with stems and leaves, you may chop it up if you like, but not necessary.

2. Bring syrup to a simmer for about 6 minutes or so, remove it from the heat, stir in chocolate extract and allow it to come to room temperature before storing it. I didn’t have some ‘cool bottle’ to put it so I sprung for one of favorite storage vessels, my Weck jars. Order them here.

Note: I stored this simple syrup at room temp in a cool place (but not the fridge) for two weeks and it kept beautifully. Also, try a little bit of this in your Mint Julep for a new twist!

Chocolate Mint Recipes, Chocolate Mint, Simple Syrup, Cocktail Recipes, Nashville TN

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Nanny’s Homemade Pickles

 

Nanny's Homemade PicklesThere’s a minimalist inside of me just screaming to get out. I want to be surrounded by less and somehow I continue to take in more. My affinity for food props and ‘old things’ that appear to tell a story continue to steal my heart with every visited estate sale. How is it these families of deceased loved ones could let go of such treasures. Sets of silver and hand-woven baskets, wood-working pieces and quilts consisting of fragmented memories. It’s a bit melancholy when I reflect on it. I know that some of the pieces I own were simply thoughtless purchases of a scrambling aunt who forgot a birthday or two but it doesn’t mean there’s no value…or maybe it does?

The thought of clutter and neglected things often cause me to yearn for simple things. You know the sandwich your mom used to make with a spread of mustard and a slice of ham nestled between two slices of white bread. Or maybe for you it was a cup of chocolate pudding and a glass of milk. What is it about simple prepared foods that often have our palates pleading for seconds and sometimes third servings? I mean, sure it’s nice to have a piece of smoked meat wrapped in something, suveed in something, cured, smoked again, sliced thin, piled high with a gastrique chasing the plates rim. But that isn’t how the typical person eats or at least I wouldn’t dare to think so?

homemade picklesI’ve run into this time and time again from the recollection of my childhood to the occasional venture to a new dining spot here in Nashville. The dish that has 5 ingredients as opposed to fifteen is the ‘last man standing’. Nothing annoys me more than a chef who over thinks their dishes. It’s often as simple as leaving off that hibiscus foam or random shaved vegetable that could make a dish shine. And leave an everlasting impression on that first-time or returning guests palate that could possibly ignite their passion for food. Not just eating it for necessity but also for sheer pleasure the enjoyment flavor profiles, local ingredients and textbook cooking techniques. My great-grandmother and grandmother were both skilled artisans at these simple things and I could go on and on telling you about some of the best meals I ever ate because they were so simple that they can’t be erased from my ‘food memories’. And I don’t think that I’d be willing to part with them. Nanny's Homemade Pickles by The Local Forkful

I’m sharing these pickles with you today because the farmer’s markets have been overflowing with them and I just couldn’t resist making you a batch of them the way my great-grandmother and her daughter made them. Sometimes I sit and long for the day when I could walk into her backyard and be greeted by the hung sheets on the line, being dried by the suns warm beams. Carelessly running across that fragile bridge that connected to her quarter acre garden in the middle of suburbia. It was perfection at its best and I still long for those days when life was truly simple. These pickles don’t involve a tedious collection of herbs and spices. No boiling of liquids or Ball mason jar’s, no, these pickles only require white granulated sugar and apple cider vinegar. I know you might be thinking, “could it really be that good, if there’s only two ingredients for the brine?” And I tell you, yes, yes they are. And if you aren’t a believer after trying them then back to your usual way’s and I’ll eat them for you.

There’s no need for me to write out a method for them. You simply rinse and slice 3 medium cucumbers about a 1/4 inch thick slices. Place them in a mixing bowl or storage container with 2 tablespoons of white granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar and a smidgen of kosher salt. I gently stir them until I see most of the sugar is dissolved and be careful not to bruise the cucumbers. Let them sit at room temp for one hour stirring every 15 minutes to insure all cucumbers come in contact with the liquid. I like a bit of spice in mine so I added 1 1/2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper flakes. They are ready to eat at the end of the hour but if you’re a chilled pickle fan then put them in the fridge for about thirty minutes. These pickles also taste fantastic on burgers, or just eat them when no one else is around. Nanny's Homemade Pickles by The Local Forkful

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Chicken Salad & “My Writing Process Blog Tour”

Homemade Summer Chicken Salad & My Writing Process Blog TourSummer time is the perfect time to get back to kitchen basics. Those recipes that mom made which are still your favorite, with a short ingredient list and lots of love. Well, this homemade summer chicken salad recipe is just that but first, lets talk about the “My Writing Process Blog Tour”. It is an opportunity for bloggers to get to know each other better and for you to share some of your favorite bloggers that you might follow. The tour is also a great way to share what you are currently working on as well as what inspires you to blog.

I was asked to participate by Teresa Blackburn from foodonfifth.com. Teresa and I have become friends not only via blog but in person through our love for food, good writing and food photography. I’m always inspired after reading one of her posts and I absolutely love the ‘warm feeling’ captured in her food styling. So thanks Teresa for inviting me along on the “My Writing Process Blog Tour”.

1. What am I working on?

By day I work in a kitchen from 7-3 pm and on the weekend I’m a Sous Chef at Mangia Nashville on Friday and Saturday. I work six days a week and I’m currently working on my desire to be a personal chef. It has been a project in the works over the last year or so that’s beginning to gain more traction and I’m super excited about it. I enjoy being creative and the ability to discuss with clients their likes and dislikes and then create a menu, just makes my heart flutter. Its what I love to do and what I’m most passionate about. So if you know anyone looking for a personal chef or wanting to take cooking lessons, click the Cook@Home or Contact tab and lets talk.

2. how does my work differ from others of its genre?

I’m not sure where to begin. I’ll focus on when I’m working with clients for personal chef projects and blogging. I do my best to allow a little part of me to shine through in everything that I do. I recollect experiences from my past that are relevant to present day to tell stories of my love for food and cooking. I try to let my “love affair” with art, words and emotion all shine through in my food styling, blog posts and menu selections. I want people who admire my work to feel a sense of connection. The world is full of chefs and food bloggers alike but I want to leave an everlasting impression that isn’t like the rest.

3. Why do I write what I do?

I’ve always enjoyed writing. Its been one of my greatest outlets to release all of my creativity without having to stop and paint whenever I have something that needs to come out. Because I do love to paint, but I don’t get to do it very often.

I wouldn’t consider myself to be an expert at writing. You may have already come across many an error but it doesn’t deter me from doing so. I have journals dating back to my pre-adolescent years, laced with dis-conjugated verbs, fragment sentences and the rambles of a frustrated boy growing up in an estrogen-filled environment.

My affinity for all things culinary runs quite deep and blogging has been a vessel in which I can share the things I love about cooking. A source that I can come back to and find ways to improve upon what I once may have believed to be the “perfect” recipe. A letter to my offspring in which they can have a little piece of me for years to come. Something filed away in the rolodex of technology that I don’t have to worry about being lost in the little tin box of an estate sale or lost in a fire.

All in all, I write what I write because I’m inspired by life and the fact that I’m blessed to have the talents that I do. I enjoy sharing food, life and all things local with people who love to do the same.

4. How does your writing process work?

I’m not even sure if I have a writing process. I cook according to what’s in my refrigerator. Some meals are inspired by seasonal produce but that isn’t always the case. I may cook and photograph three recipes in an evening and they may be out of season before I even blog them. I’m not sure but sometimes I think I suffer from mild version of ADHD, if that is possible. My mind is always a little bit of everywhere. I find inspiration in so many things that reflect in the mood of my writing. Rainy days, grey skies and windy mornings are some of the best days to be inspired. I’m an observer. I watch the details of life that most may look over on a daily basis. Mothers interacting with their children, people crying on the phone and young men who open the door for the elderly all inspire me to write. Memories of my grandmother’s Saturday morning breakfast spreads, the fabricating of fish and deer on the sun porch. Her nightly bowl of wheat cornflakes, sliced bananas and %2 milk.

My mom used to make simple meals that didn’t take much time to prepare and I try to introduce that simplicity in some of my blog posts. All these things, food-related or not, all inspire my writing process. I don’t want to make a recipe several of times so I use my knowledge of food with the assistance of research tools and friends to tackle the best techniques in which to create new recipes. I’ve been known to spend up to two weeks working on a blog post that should be finished but it isn’t perfect and I’m waiting to figure out what the missing element is.

It is getting better over time as I receive offers to write for brands and do sample reviews of products that I enjoy. My lackadaisical nature is the only thing that keeps me from monetizing my site thus far. I have two jobs and I’m not quite sure three would do me any good, but one day.

…Who’s next in the blogging tour, and some bloggers whose sites I recommend you check out?…

Unfortunately, I don’t have three bloggers to tag. but you will enjoy Lindsey’s blog over at DIY Dietitian. Lindsey is a registered dietitian who’s passionate about helping you live a healthier lifestyle. I enjoy her simple recipes like the Baked Black Beans & Sweet Potato Flautas or her simple equation recipe for Basil, Goat Cheese and Tomato Bruschetta which is perfect for the summer time.

Also, check out Angela of Spinach Tiger, Matt of Real Food by Dad, and Jill of Jill Cooks Here for their blogging tour posts.

This recipe for chicken salad is so easy, you actually don’t need a recipe. Wait, scratch that, you do need a recipe or else I wouldn’t be posting this. Silly me, summer time is the best time for easy foods that are low-maintenance and reliable for quick go-to meals that can be eaten more than once. Anytime I make chicken salad, most of the time I opt to roast a whole bird. This way you can control just how much chicken salad it is you desire to make and use the remaining chicken for a different meal of some sort.

My wife and I enjoy the addition of grapes to our chicken salad for that sweet fruity burst of flavor that contrasts well with the richness of the mayonnaise and savory tang of the green onions.Homemade Chicken Salad

Homemade Summer Chicken Salad

2 pounds of pulled roasted chicken
3/4 cup of mayonnaise
1/2 halved seedless grapes
1 tablespoon chopped chives
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1. Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and combine. Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly.

Everyone makes chicken salad slightly different. So feel free to adjust the ingredients accordingly but I have a feeling you will enjoy this as much as we do.

 

Homemade Summer Chicken Salad You can find the recipe for how to roast chicken here.

 

Homemade Summer Chicken Salad & My Writing Process Blog Tour

How to make French Press coffee

“I think that possibly maybe I’m falling for you.” One of the many songs involving one of my favorite things. I can recollect early Sunday mornings watching my great grandmother make coffee. It was very rare that my parents would ever drink coffee, actually I would go as far as to say that coffee was a foreign concept in our home. If we were drinking anything relative to the bean, it was in the form of an icy cold frap mostly consumed by a syrup of some sort (probably chocolate in my case). My great grandmother, who we referred to as Nanny had an internal clock that would hardly ever let her sleep past the 6 a.m. hour. And her morning ritual was a cup of black coffee in a floral mug.

I remember how the sun grazed over her one acre garden outback and seeped in through the kitchen window. As I stood in the doorway, I can recall the beams of light blinding me as her silhouette reached for the shimmery blue can of Maxwell House.
How to make French Press coffee: Recipe by The Local Forkful
She would just fill my cup half way and make sure to let me know that too much coffee for a child would stunt their growth. Superstitious or not, anytime I ever shared a cup with her I could be sure to hear that phrase. It still rings in catacombs of my memory from time to time.

How to make French Press coffee: Recipe by The Local Forkful

How to make French Press coffee: Recipe by The Local Forkful

My affinity for the bean has grown into quite the unrequited love over the years. It seems that why my palate continues to say yes, my GERD continues to say no. And so for the better I have tugged back on the amount of coffee I drink in any given week. I’ve simply become a coffee snob, saving that cherished mug for the perfect blend of earth, air and water. I enjoy a coffee with fruity, chocolaty and sometimes spicy nuances. Drew’s Brews, a local roaster, makes a blend called Timor, a clean and vibrant coffee with a hint of chocolate. And it has become one my favorite selections.How to make French Press Coffee: Recipe by The Local Forkful

There is an eclectic little store nestled into the cluttered Hillsboro Village by the name of Davis Cutlery & Cookware. One of the gentleman who is part owner, his name escapes me, has a son who roasts and blends their coffee. If you don’t know what it is you’re looking for; these gentleman will be more than happy to steer you in the right direction. But believe me when I say, “make sure you are not in a rush”, the conversation could carry on for an hour or so(no kidding).

The blend I purchase from their is a silly name that would cause giggle when stumbled upon by a child. Jitterz Blendz, spelled exactly so, with no apologies. The subtitle Home-Fire Latte which is to differentiate the nuances. A well-rounded blend of cherry and chocolate notes with a hint of earthiness. There are so many different types of coffee out there that one should take the time to find the perfect blend. We all have an appreciation for art but we’re not all a fan of the same technique.How to make French Press coffee: Recipe by The Local Forkful
Nashville has a flourishing coffee shop scene that I’m thoroughly enjoying. While not everyone makes a killer cup of joe. You always have options. Just a few of my faves are dose coffee and tea, The Jam Coffee House and The Well Coffee House. I really could go on and on but I won’t continue to bore you. Though if you happen to have some free time on your hands this week. Check out these pieces on coffee. NPR is full of good bits of information that will expand your knowledge about the bean and who knows? You might discover the coffee connoisseur within yourself.

How to make French Press coffee

Step 1. Boil 3.5 cups of water. set aside. The rule of thumb is two tablespoons per every cup. If you desire darker or milder, adjust accordingly.

Step 2. Add the ground coffee to your French Press. Using a vessel that will allow you to stream the water. Pour water over coffee grinds in 360 degree motion ensuring to cover all the grinds.I fill my press right below the line.

Step 3. Place the lid back on to the top of press but do not depress the plunger. Allow the coffee to steep for 4 to 10 minutes depending upon how strong you like your coffee. I typically let it go for about 6-8 minutes.

Step 4. After you poor your cup of coffee. Pour the remaining coffee into a carafe or thermos so that it won’t become bitter. Enjoy!How to make French Press coffee: Recipe by The Local ForkfulHow to make French Press coffee: Recipe by The Local Forkful

And I know that there are hardcore coffee drinkers out there who believe they have better methods, tips etc. And I’d love to hear them. What does your coffee ritual look like? Are you a Clever, Aeropress or French Press kid?…or other?

Turkish Proverb: “Coffee should be black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love.”

Simple Roast Chicken

Simple Roasted Chicken: Recipe by The Local ForkfulWe don’t eat a lot of red meat, pork or game in the Hunter household so I’m always hunting for ways to be more creative with the meats we consume a lot of. Chicken happens to be one of them along with turkey and assorted lunch meats from the deli. Chicken is such a simple bird to handle in the kitchen. It lends itself well to a bevy of different flavor combinations that will suit your own palate preferences.

Jenna(my wife) and I work opposite schedules which means I typically I start dinner because I arrive home before she does. And I know that if I cook chicken; the two of us can live off the bird for at least two meals. So I never hesitate cooking a whole bird as opposed to parts. It’s much more economical to do so. And our first meal is typically roasted chicken and some side veg followed by something more creative the next night, like tostadas or pot pie. Today, I’m giving it to you in this fun simplistic format. Lately, I’ve been a little obsessed with making chalkboards since I made them for a friends wedding. And so I decided to give you the step by step with my latest chalkboard creation made with a piece of scrap wood that I simply sanded the edges down. Enjoy!Simple Roasted Chicken: Recipe by The Local ForkfulSimple Roasted Chicken: Recipe by The Local ForkfulSimple Roasted Chicken: Recipe by The Local ForkfulSimple Roasted Chicken: Recipe by The Local ForkfulSimple Roasted Chicken: Recipe by The Local Forkful

And Last but not least, always make sure you’re bird is 165 degrees plus. I can’t bare the thought of anyone eating uncooked chicken.