Scott Johnston Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Hi all! Nothing says spring like the annual spring picnic. While two months away, we hope you are able to block some time on your calandar and of course attend. This will be the best picnic you have ever been to, great people, great food, and great drinks. Ft Hunt has a wonderful amount of roaming space and best yet, they have never kicked us out! While we have some time, we are in need of some help! Let Goldenticket (Jackie) or I know if you have a hand or two to chip in to help with logistics and please plan on bringing a few extra people to introduce us to!
TheMatt Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Well, if the gods of DCA allow my flight to come in on time (around 1 pm), I can hopefully make the latter part of the picnic! Now to figure out what to bring since I won't be able to do much cooking...
Scott Johnston Posted April 2, 2012 Author Posted April 2, 2012 Matt, no one in my limited knowledge has ever dare bring "airline food" to a picnic before........
zoramargolis Posted April 2, 2012 Posted April 2, 2012 Well, if the gods of DCA allow my flight to come in on time (around 1 pm), I can hopefully make the latter part of the picnic! Now to figure out what to bring since I won't be able to do much cooking... Bring cold beer.
22209 Posted April 3, 2012 Posted April 3, 2012 Oh no! We are out of town that weekend, so won't be able to make it
goodeats Posted April 3, 2012 Posted April 3, 2012 Well, if the gods of DCA allow my flight to come in on time (around 1 pm), I can hopefully make the latter part of the picnic! Now to figure out what to bring since I won't be able to do much cooking... Or bring the "cute" local snacks from the airport food marts...
flygirl Posted April 7, 2012 Posted April 7, 2012 And I will be leaving that evening for Chile, which means I'm out, once again. Drat.
DC Deb Posted April 8, 2012 Posted April 8, 2012 As usual, I will have to see what work looks like. If I am off or only have a brunch/lunch event, I will be there with +1.
Scott Johnston Posted April 9, 2012 Author Posted April 9, 2012 Here is one event I will be helping with: Cookbook and assorted other swap! Please bring your old cookbooks and other assorted goodies for the swap! Remember the book you picked up last fall and read every night? Time to bring it back for the group! I have two boxes of cookbooks ready to go. Simple, bring one, pick up one, at the end of the day its a free for all! Anything left over will be donated or saved till the next picnic! Last year someone brought a few gadgets and food related items also, free free to empty your cupboards!
Scott Johnston Posted April 9, 2012 Author Posted April 9, 2012 Looking for the leftover plates, tablecloths, serving utentials. etc from the last picnic. Anyone know where they are? Can you either bring them or let someone else bring them and more importantly let me know so I can cross them off my list? Thanks in advance!
weezy Posted April 9, 2012 Posted April 9, 2012 I've got it on my calendar and plan to be there. No word yet if I'll be bringing more people with me but I'm going to invite some friends along and hope to get some takers.
iolaire Posted April 30, 2012 Posted April 30, 2012 My wife Susan and myself will be there. Most likely I'll bring a flavored non-water, non-alcoholic beverage + some sort of side. My standard drink is ginger lemonade but I think this would be a good opportunity to try another simple flavorful drink.
goldenticket Posted May 9, 2012 Posted May 9, 2012 Looking forward to the picnic! I'll be there +1, not sure what I'm bringing yet. I guess the keeper of the leftover 'stuff' (plates, napkins, plastic ware, table cloths, etc) from the last picnic hasn't raised their hand. If you're out there, please let me and/or Scott Johnston know (on the thread or via PM). As always, all members are welcome, we just ask that you bring something to share. If you're lurking, this is a great reason to join DR.com. The spring and fall picnics are great events and an excellent way to meet others from the board. And the food/drink usually isn't too shabby, either
DanielK Posted May 9, 2012 Posted May 9, 2012 Whoops - I completely forgot that it was me that took the paper goods home! I will do an accounting and post back here soon.
Barbara Posted May 9, 2012 Posted May 9, 2012 Dame Edna and I will be there and probably Nena, too. I'll bring chicken liver pate (both with and without nuts) and a cheesecake of some sort.
ktmoomau Posted May 10, 2012 Posted May 10, 2012 I will be attending with don't know how many + yet. And haven't figured out what I am bringing yet. Sort of depends on what other people are doing. Thought about making calico beans, and something else.... We will see. And I probably have some cookbooks to donate. Although I hate parting with cookbooks that I never use, it really pains me for some reason.
Scott Johnston Posted May 14, 2012 Author Posted May 14, 2012 We will be brining deviled eggs and haggis!
DanielK Posted May 14, 2012 Posted May 14, 2012 We will be brining deviled eggs and haggis! Pickled haggis?
thistle Posted May 14, 2012 Posted May 14, 2012 I've been watching on Netflix, Gordon Ramsay's Best Restaurant, fun to watch(30 diners all at once, then they send in secret diners, w/ spy cams), & one of the Thai restaurants (in Scotland) had a Thai vegetarian haggis, unfortunately, they didn't let us know what was in that, although everyone raved about it. I haven't decided what I'll be bringing to the picnic, but it won't be haggis, & I'm trying to break my dependence on pork....
John William G Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 My wife and I will be there; don't know yet what we'll bring.
goodeats Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 I think in the spirit of recent discussions, I will make dumplings of some sort. Or wontons.
goldenticket Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 Less than two weeks away, time to start thinking about what/who you're bringing! Here's a quick list of RSVPs so far: Scott Johnston, cucas87 +1 deviled eggs, haggis Goodeats dumplings/wontons John William G +1 TheMatt DanielK DCDeb + 1 (tentative) Weezy Iolaire +1 side, non-alcoholic beverage Barbara, DameEdna chicken liver pate, cheesecake Nena Ktmoomau thistle pork butt, pound cake Goldenticket +1 lperry +1 agm, NotQuickDraw ribs, fancy mac n cheese (tentative) Crackers, Jacques Gastreaux +1(?) goose pastrami, MPSfH 1000yregg Fishinnards lamb biryani (?) ol_ironstomach
TheMatt Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 I'm not too sure what I'll be able to bring since I'm flying in that afternoon, but if I can make it, I'll probably bring pastries or some sort of sweet.
DonRocks Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 I'm not too sure what I'll be able to bring since I'm flying in that afternoon, but if I can make it, I'll probably bring pastries or some sort of sweet. Matt, given that you're flying in that afternoon, the only thing that's important to bring is yourself. Okay! Let's get this thing rocking - June is sneaking up on us! Can someone post links to pictures of previous picnics? That ought to do it.
squidsdc Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 Sigh, another year, another conflict. The bad news is that I have to drop my sister off at Dulles smack dab in the middle of the day. She's heading to Bologna to pick up my niece who has been there since last August. The good news is that the earthquake was felt, but did no harm in the area where she is statying.
TheMatt Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 Matt, given that you're flying in that afternoon, the only thing that's important to bring is yourself. Well, if nothing else, Hollin Hall Pastry is conveniently on the way from National to the park. That said, I might try and bring some Enstrom's toffee from my trip.
lperry Posted May 21, 2012 Posted May 21, 2012 I'm in, probably +1. I'll decide later what to bring, because I'd like to bake, but if we're at 90 degrees or better, I'll wimp out.
goldenticket Posted May 22, 2012 Posted May 22, 2012 Can someone post links to pictures of previous picnics? That ought to do it. 1000yregg's pix from Fall 2011 Picnic and the Spring 2011 picnic and from the Spring 2010 5th Anniversary Picnic (pig, food, dessert & drinks) I hope our resident photo-documentarian can join us this time! And a few from the very first picnic. I wasn't there, but it was the pictures of the ventworm cake that drew me in To see more, search on Picnic in the Events forum and you'll find threads for all of the past picnics.
agm Posted May 22, 2012 Posted May 22, 2012 NQD and I are coming. Current plans are to bring baby back ribs and five-cheese/bacon/truffle mac & cheese, but that may change,
crackers Posted May 23, 2012 Posted May 23, 2012 I expect to be there, along with Jacques and possibly a +1. We are thinking about bringing some goose pastrami and a wee bit of martian pigslop from hell. It was seven years ago to the day that the first dr.com picnic was held at Belle Haven Park. Happy Anniversary to all who were there. Here are more pics of that day: http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/album.sfly?fid=899ae225fc08178c&startIndex=0&sid=9AcM3Ddo0cMTe
1000yregg Posted May 23, 2012 Posted May 23, 2012 I'm hoping to come, camera in tow. I'll figure out something to bring.
thistle Posted May 26, 2012 Posted May 26, 2012 I am smoking a small pork butt this weekend, & will probably do the same for the picnic-unimaginative, but pork BBQ mixes w/ lots of other dishes-I have a tendency to play it safe, so pork & poundcake....
DonRocks Posted May 26, 2012 Posted May 26, 2012 I am smoking a small pork butt this weekend, & will probably do the same for the picnic-unimaginative, but pork BBQ mixes w/ lots of other dishes-I have a tendency to play it safe, so pork & poundcake.... We cannot get enough meats and proteins! When in doubt of what to bring bring meat or a pack of ting
Fishinnards Posted May 26, 2012 Posted May 26, 2012 I will be there. I will bring something tasty, probably lamb biryani.
ol_ironstomach Posted May 27, 2012 Posted May 27, 2012 Participating! Well, attending certainly. Food contribution TBD.
zoramargolis Posted May 27, 2012 Posted May 27, 2012 PS - For those of you who joined after 2007 (or thereabouts), you may not know two of the most important people in the history of donrockwell.com: Crackers, and Jacques Gastreaux. And these two wonderful people will be celebrating the 7th anniversary of the day they met in person for the first time: were they perhaps the very first DR.com romantic success story?
DanielK Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 My food still TBD, but will be +1. Where is everyone - the RSVP list looks quite small... Here's the inventory of the traveling DR.com picnic supply basket. We could use some more name labels, and plastic silverware, but maybe we're ok on the rest? ~100 styrofoam plates ~100 paper plates ~50 dessert paper plates ~70 bowls 200+ napkins ~100 plastic cups ~80 styrofoam cups A little bit of plastic silverware 1 pkg cocktail forks 3 cans gel fuel 1 chafing rack 1 container hand sanitizer 7 tablecloths ~40 name labels ~60 index cards
Rhone1998 Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 I'm planning on being there with my 18 month old, probably around 3:00. Will update with what I'm bringing later in the week. Looking forward to it!
Ilaine Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Husband and I are coming. No idea what we'll bring. Can't bring the grill anymore, #1 son totaled the truck. Not to worry, he's fine, but the front passenger side wheel axle was knocked into a 90 degree angle. Should have seen the look in his eyes. Poor baby. Husband wants to bring chicken thighs braised with daikon in a soy-ginger-five spice braise. I think that's way too heavy for June, and should be saved for the fall picnic. I am leaning towards devilled eggs with anchovies, which Thomas Jefferson enjoyed at Monticello. Perhaps a nice Greek salad with sheep feta and Greek extra virgin olive oil. Whatever food we bring, we shall also bring beer, in an ice chest, with ice.
weezy Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 I've got a good chicken salad with a Middle Eastern flavor profile that I'll bring, and I've been wanting to try a key lime bar with a gluten-free crust, so that's a high probability. Still don't know if I'm + anyone or not.
goodeats Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 My food still TBD, but will be +1. Where is everyone - the RSVP list looks quite small... Really? It looks like a good list. My ETA is now around 3pm, though. Birthday party season!
DanielK Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 Really? It looks like a good list. Right now I count < 35 RSVPs. That seems very low to me.
Pat Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 I plan to be attending +1, bringing an orzo feta salad and some kind of brownies.
TheMatt Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 On what seems to be almost a tradition on days of the summer picnic, the Wilson Bridge project has scheduled some rather massive work on the Inner Loop at the Telegraph Road project. Plan accordingly if you are coming from Maryland into Virginia on the south side of town. Suggested alternatives are the American Legion Bridge and the always terrifying Harry Nice Bridge.
thistle Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 I am +2, both kids, but Josh will be in NC. Lizzy may skip a game, but the picnics are much more exciting for her than games, especially this late in the season. Still thinking about food...
hillvalley Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 Really? It looks like a good list. My ETA is now around 3pm, though. Birthday party season! Right now I count < 35 RSVPs. That seems very low to me. Some of the best picnics have been those with low attendance. A smaller atmosphere can be more welcoming.The first picnic, back on eGullet, had less than a dozen attendees and will always be one of my favorite.
goldenticket Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 Still plenty of time to reply (or PM me) that you're coming. RSVPs are nice, but not required. If you don't feel like cooking, bring your favorite cheese, baked good, charcuterie, etc from your favorite local spot. Beverages (water and non-alcoholic, as well as wine and beer) and paper goods are always good contributions. Also, don't forget to bring some cash to kick in the pot to help cover the rental cost of the picnic space Here's the latest list: Scott Johnston, cucas87 +1 deviled eggs, haggis Goodeats dumplings/wontons John William G +1 TheMatt DanielK +1 DCDeb + 1 (tentative) Weezy middle Eastern chicken salad, GF key lime bars (maybe) Iolaire +2 side, dessert, non-alcoholic beverage Barbara, DameEdna chicken liver pate, cheesecake Nena Ktmoomau thistle +2 pork butt, pound cake Goldenticket +1 lperry +1 agm, NotQuickDraw ribs, fancy mac n cheese (tentative) Crackers, Jacques Gastreaux +1(?) goose pastrami, MPSfH 1000yregg Fishinnards lamb biryani (?) ol_ironstomach Rhone1998 +1 Pat +1 orzo feta salad, brownies Ilaine +1 beer, ice chest, ice, food TBD Skipper10 ice chest, ice
DanielK Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 Picked up some plastic silverware at Costco, so I think we probably have all the supplies we need now, except for more name labels.
iolaire Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 My wife Susan and myself will be there. Most likely I'll bring a flavored non-water, non-alcoholic beverage + some sort of side. My standard drink is ginger lemonade but I think this would be a good opportunity to try another simple flavorful drink. We will have a third person and some sort of dessert.
lperry Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 If anyone would like some rosemary for either seasoning or skewers for the grill, bring a bag to take some home. I've got to do a serious pruning of my rosemary shrub/small tree, and would much rather it get used than composted.
Scott Johnston Posted May 31, 2012 Author Posted May 31, 2012 We are now +2 and will bring a large platter of grilled vegetables or the Vegetable Torte I have brought in the past, plus deviled eggs. The Haggis is out for this spring, but will return for the fall. In addition I will bring NAME TAGS, Paper towels, Sharpies, First aid Kit, Wipes, Cooler of water, beer, plastic zip lock bags, some wine and some serving utensils. Please bring beer, wine, sodas, water, etc. to share. Please remember to bring books, magazines and cooking stuff for the swap. If anyone would like some rosemary for either seasoning or skewers for the grill, bring a bag to take some home. I've got to do a serious pruning of my rosemary shrub/small tree, and would much rather it get used than composted. I would love this and any other herbs that anyone would like to share with me. I have garlic chive plants and Sage cuttings if others are intrested. Just let me know
John William G Posted May 31, 2012 Posted May 31, 2012 We'll bring the same cheese squares we brought last time. And probably some beer and/or wine.
goldenticket Posted June 1, 2012 Posted June 1, 2012 Moving this to the 'front' page of the thread. Weather on Sunday looks great, so come on out and join the fun! Fort Hunt Park, Space C-2, take the GW Parkway south of Alexandria and follow the signs for the park exit. If you don't feel like cooking, bring your favorite cheese, baked good, charcuterie, etc from your favorite local spot. Beverages (water and non-alcoholic, as well as wine and beer) and paper goods are always good contributions. Also, don't forget to bring some cash to kick in the pot to help cover the rental cost of the picnic space Scott Johnston, cucas87 +2 deviled eggs, grilled veggies or veggie torte Goodeats dumplings/wontons John William G +1 cheese squares, beer or wine TheMatt DanielK +1 DCDeb + 1 (tentative) Weezy middle Eastern chicken salad, GF key lime bars (maybe) Iolaire +3 side, dessert, non-alcoholic beverage Barbara, DameEdna chicken liver pate, cheesecake Nena Ktmoomau thistle +2 pork butt, pound cake Goldenticket +1 mac n cheese, dessert lperry +1 agm, NotQuickDraw ribs Crackers, Jacques Gastreaux +1(?) goose pastrami, MPSfH 1000yregg Fishinnards lamb biryani (?) ol_ironstomach Rhone1998 +1 Pat +1 orzo feta salad, brownies Ilaine +1 beer, ice chest, ice, food TBD Skipper10 ice chest, ice bbq4me sparkycom
agm Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 We're coming. Still planning to bring ribs, but no mac & cheese.
weezy Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 I'm +1 and she said she'll probably grab some paper products to bring along. GF Key Lime bars have moved from possibility to probability
flygirl Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 What is the name of the park again? Our biz trip was cancelled. Not sure if I can make it as I happen to have a vet appt smack in the middle of the day (and I live out near Leesburg, so this is a road trip with pit stops) but I will try.
Pat Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 What is the name of the park again? Our biz trip was cancelled. Not sure if I can make it as I happen to have a vet appt smack in the middle of the day (and I live out near Leesburg, so this is a road trip with pit stops) but I will try. Fort Hunt Park, picnic space C-2. I hope you can make it.
TheMatt Posted June 2, 2012 Posted June 2, 2012 Well, TSA-willing, I'll be bringing some Enstrom toffee in milk and dark chocolate variety (and a small block of sugar-free). If anyone has a culinary hammer, we can use it to ensmallen some pieces so all can try.
DC Deb Posted June 3, 2012 Posted June 3, 2012 I'll be heading down after work--ETA 2:30. Will bring appetizer + drinks.
The Bethesda Foodie Posted June 3, 2012 Posted June 3, 2012 I'll be there with Laetitia Brock (FrenchTwistDC)! Husbands might come too... Bringing watermelon/goat cheese skewers, caprese salad, and some adult beverages.
lperry Posted June 3, 2012 Posted June 3, 2012 We're heading out for a bike ride this morning to work up an appetite. Mr. lperry and I will be there with a black rice salad, rosemary, and home grown garlic for those who can use it. I look forward to seeing everyone!
Ilaine Posted June 3, 2012 Posted June 3, 2012 Sorry, can't make it after all. I am not feeling well. It is a beautiful day and I hope everybody has a good time!
The Bethesda Foodie Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 We're heading out for a bike ride this morning to work up an appetite. Mr. lperry and I will be there with a black rice salad, rosemary, and home grown garlic for those who can use it. I look forward to seeing everyone! I need the recipe for the black rice salad!!! It was DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!
1000yregg Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 Here are pics from the picnic. As always, it was a pleasure to see everyone and to enjoy such great food.
goodeats Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 Wow! It was super great to see everyone and meet new members!! The weather could not have cooperated more. Minus some apparently uncooperative neighbors in C-3 apparently, it was a very jovial crowd. Many thanks to thistle to the rescue! I didn't plan very well and couldn't boil my dumplings and wontons until thistle brought her camping stove. I really must get one of these too. Came late with little man and was already kind of full from a friend's lunch party, so I didn't try as many things as I wanted to. Here are the samples I did try. Traditional-great memories-deviled eggs from Scott and Cucas87 Blenheim Ginger Ale from ol_i Biriyani from fishinnards Ribs from agm Wild Goose Pastrami from jacquesc Pulled pork by thistle (and great pound cake!) Panchan from sparkycom (the kalbi looked awesome!!) Smoked salmon canapes from DCDeb Ricotta cheesecake prepared lovingly by barbara Fresh rosemary to take home from lperry Pie courtesy of 1000yregg (sorry you missed the dumplings...) (Nice pics, 1000yregg! Looks like I missed a few more dishes - the fried chicken looks great!)
TheMatt Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 I, too, had some great food and great conversation at the picnic. I wish I could have arrived earlier and stayed longer, but Sunday was a bit of an intense day for me. I'm not sure I had a bad thing and hope to get some recipes of many dishes. The black rice, the biryani, the salads, the caprese and watermelon poppers...so good. And all the desserts: key lime bars, cheesecake, brownies, pound cake, and these cookies which were very good, but I'm not sure who brought them or their official title save "yummy cookies".
weezy Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 Amazing food and, of course, amazing people. Kudos to fishinnards and his biryani -- the most tender lamb I have ever eaten!
Rhone1998 Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 I'm really sorry I was a no-show yesterday, my son woke up with a bad cold...I'm sure I missed a great time as always. Will have to look forward to the Fall picnic!
Scott Johnston Posted June 4, 2012 Author Posted June 4, 2012 What a great event! What great weather, people, food and drinks. Great catching up with everyone and really impressed with everyone's clean up skills!
squidsdc Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 So sorry we couldn't make it...but I do want to see some of these recipes. I have a party coming up on the 16th, and I'm already getting ideas! (part h.s. graduation for a vegetarian, and part meeting up of some friends from our own h.s.days) I'm interested in the orzo and feta salad, and very interested in the black rice dish. We have some black rice that we've been trying to go through, but neither my husband or I are big fans. To me, it is too sweet and begs to be in a dish that maybe has some sweet overtones. And since that dish already has some fans, I am anxious to see the recipe.
monavano Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 I'm sorry that Mr. MV and I couldn't make it too. We were driving back from OBX and I was just too sacked to rally. I'm looking forward to the recipes and the Fall picnic!
DanielK Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 Second-best part of the picnic: remembering to bring tupperware containers. Leftover biriyani for lunch today: priceless!
lperry Posted June 4, 2012 Posted June 4, 2012 Many thanks to everyone, including Mother Nature, for great food and company in beautiful weather. I'm afraid there is no "recipe" for the black rice salad, but this is what I did. Cook black rice and brown rice (I used Costco organic long grain) in a 1:1 ratio together in salted water. I used 1 cup of each and a teaspoon of salt in my rice cooker on the brown rice setting. While it's cooking, make the dressing with 1/3 each of olive oil, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. I made 3/4 cup for the ~four cups of cooked rice. Add some hot sauce. I used some that I make, but regular Tabasco or anything like that is fine. Use maybe a quarter teaspoon per two cups of cooked rice to start, then add later if you need to. Mince two spring onions (I used green Vidalias from the farmer's market) and let them marinate in the dressing while the rice cooks. Supreme three oranges and add the juice to the dressing. Toast up some nuts (I used fresh walnuts that Mr. lperry brought back from California this week) and set them to the side along with the supremed orange. When the rice is finished, toss it into the dressing while hot, then let it cool off a bit before you stir in the nuts and oranges. Enjoy! Edited to add that if my parsley had been up to the task, I would have put in some of that as well.
John William G Posted June 5, 2012 Posted June 5, 2012 I'd love to have the recipe for the Ancho Chile Brownies.
Fishinnards Posted June 5, 2012 Posted June 5, 2012 I had a great time. Lots of good food and fun people. Ribs, fried chicken, kalbi, dumplings, salads, beer, martian pig slop, etc., a perfect way to spend the afternoon.
Pat Posted June 5, 2012 Posted June 5, 2012 I'm interested in the orzo and feta salad, I found this recipe online long ago and have made it numerous times over the years. I usually slice the olives before adding to the salad, if for no other reason than to make sure they really are pitted . I made a double batch for the picnic. The recipe multiplies well. I'd love to have the recipe for the Ancho Chile Brownies. I found the recipe problematic, so I'm glad they turned out after all. The original recipe from the cookbook can be found here. One prominent error is that it never mentions when to add the melted chocolate and butter. I ended up adding it at the end, after the flour was already added, but that was because I didn't notice the error in the recipe until that point. It worked, but it might be better to add the melted mixture after the eggs. The recipe has been reproduced in various places online and I only noticed one person who accounted for that error. She added the melted mixture after the flour. She also noted another problem I had: 20 to 25 minutes at 325F is nowhere near long enough to get these baked through. She said that it took her 40 minutes. In my case, I made it worse because I used a disposable pan. The batter was way too heavy to move a foil pan into and out of the oven without it being on a cookie sheet. That added an extra layer of metal and slowed the baking. It took me 1 1/4 hours to get the brownies sufficiently done. If I had baked them in a regular pan, it might have cut 1/2 hour off the time. When I tasted the final product, I thought they really needed some salt (which is why I brought some sea salt to add to the top). The recipe does not call for salt at all.
goodeats Posted June 5, 2012 Posted June 5, 2012 Yikes, Pat!! (Sorry we only saw each other briefly -- I was concerned how I was going to boil the dumplings w/o a stovetop that I forgot my manners!) How can the original recipe omit salt in brownies? Seems contradictory. I always thought you added everything to the chocolate butter mix (after it has cooled a bit, of course)?
ktmoomau Posted June 5, 2012 Posted June 5, 2012 Very sorry I missed the picnic, but I owed my garden partner a meeting and work day in the garden and it ended up coinciding. On the good news front at least the day was spent also in the effort of putting tasty food in my stomach at some point.
porcupine Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Pat, goodeats: if the brownie recipe isn't working well, just try adding ancho chili powder to a recipe that you know and love. Also, I noticed a trend in certain magazines some years ago of printing dessert recipes that contained no salt. This is BS. Salt is necessary. If it's missing, try adding something on the order of 1/4 teaspoon for each 4 oz butter. That's a guideline, not a rule, though I suspect it's a rather conservative amount. ps sorry we missed the picnic. Total failure to communicate. Me: we should have gone to the picnic. Him: why didn't we? Me: because you didn't want to. Him: I would've gone! Me: what?! and so on.
DonRocks Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 The important thing is: Let's pick a date for the autumn picnic *now* and set a record attendance! This time, I'm going to encourage chefs to come with their families, not as guest stars, but as regular old members. If some restaurants want to sponsor, that's okay too. If we can get a dozen people, I'd like to have a Baltimore picnic this fall also.
Pat Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Pat, goodeats: if the brownie recipe isn't working well, just try adding ancho chili powder to a recipe that you know and love. Also, I noticed a trend in certain magazines some years ago of printing dessert recipes that contained no salt. This is BS. Salt is necessary. If it's missing, try adding something on the order of 1/4 teaspoon for each 4 oz butter. That's a guideline, not a rule, though I suspect it's a rather conservative amount. Sorry you didn't make it to the picnic. Adding the chile powder to another recipe is probably the best bet. This had a lot of butter, so it would be a teaspoon of salt to match that. I've made other baked goods that didn't call for salt and they came out okay, but they weren't chocolate. I think chocolate especially needs the salt.
John William G Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 ..How can the original recipe omit salt in brownies? Seems contradictory... My wife and i both thought the brownies tasted fine without the salt. But I admitthat once I put a little salt on the first one, I added it to the second one, too.
thistle Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 Another great picnic, I ate almost everything, & more than I should have of the dark chocolate toffee-now, I'm thinking about the fall picnic-no more pulled pork, I'm trying to think of a way to blend smoked food w/ Thai flavors (& bring a couple of tabletop grills for onsite cooking). Thank you all for coming to the picnic...
thistle Posted June 6, 2012 Posted June 6, 2012 I fixed a small plate to take home for my son (who, to his infinite regret, had a lax team tryout at the same time)-dolmades (his favorite!), kalbi, some of all of the salads...I ate the 1 jalapeño cheese square before he got home, & of course, he spotted the tiny empty spot on the plate, & wanted to know what I cheated him out of...
Barbara Posted June 7, 2012 Posted June 7, 2012 My wife and i both thought the brownies tasted fine without the salt. But I admitthat once I put a little salt on the first one, I added it to the second one, too. I think you are now doomed to bring those cheese squares to every subsequent picnic--or risk disappointing everybody on this site. Seriously, I was so looking forward to that from the last picnic, that I shamelessly grabbed two of them from the git-go. Look at it this way: you won't have to worry about what to bring. Easy-Peasy.
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