Coming Back!

     Good News Everyone! After about a two and a half years since the last post on this blog, Dan in the Kitchen will be active once more. But here is a recap of what's gone on over that time: Christine and I sold our house in NY to move to Delaware where she got a job teaching high school English, I worked in a bakery for a year, we bought a three story townhouse near Christine's school, I just started a job with the state, I started writing a non-food related novel, and most importantly we are expecting our first child in April. 2013 is going to be a year of changes, both big and small, for the Isom household.
     If you read this blog in the past you probably noticed the redesign and you might remember my other blog Syracuse Sandwich, where I reviewed sandwiches that I had in and around Syracuse. While I still order sandwiches when I'm out the majority of the time, I also wanted to review the other dishes when ordering out. So, I've decided to sort of combine them both into this one. What you'll find on this blog is a collection of reviews of the recipes I try and of the meals that I order. Along with the reviews, I'll post food related material that I may come across on one of the sites or blogs that I frequent. Please check back soon for the first of many new posts.

God bless and happy eating.

A tough decision...

After a few weeks of thought I have decided to stop posting on this blog. I have some other larger projects in the works and responsibilities that take precedent over the time it takes to write posts for both of my blogs. However I will begin posting on Syracuse Sandwich again starting today. Thank you to everyone who read this blog regularly.

Dan's Daily Dose #41, #42, #43, & #44

FIVE SPICE POWDER     
1 tsp. Ground cinnamon     
1 tsp. Ground cloves     
1 tsp. Fennel seed     
1 tsp. Star anise     
1 tsp. Szechwan peppercorns 

ITALIAN HERB SEASONING     
1 tsp. Oregano     
1 tsp. Marjoram     
1 tsp. Thyme     
1 tsp. Basil     
1 tsp. Rosemary     
1 tsp. Sage 

  

CINNAMON SUGAR     
7/8 cup Granulated sugar     
2 Tbsp. Ground cinnamon 

  

CHILI POWDER 

3 Tbsp. paprika     
1 Tbsp. ground cumin     
2 Tbsp. oregano     
1 tsp. red or cayenne pepper     
1/2 tsp. garlic powder 

Dan's Daily Dose #39 & #40

     Add fresh butter to your fruit pie filling after it has been cooked. Or dot pieces of butter over the fruit before you place on the top crust.

     A Perfect Pastry Crust?  In your favorite recipe, substitute a 4:1 ratio of lard:butter.

Dan's Daily Dose #38

     To restore color and shine to an aluminum pan, boil some apple peels in it for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.

Dan's Daily Dose #36 & #37

     Purchase the best (i.e. heaviest) set of non-stick cookware you can afford.


     Use non-stick cookware so that you don't have to use as much, if any, fat. When sauteing, use a small amount of chicken broth or wine instead of butter or oil.

Dan's Daily Dose #35

     When measuring honey, coat the measuring cup with non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil before adding the honey. The honey will slide right out.