!8: Top 10 Jerk Seasonings: December 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

Bammy, Oxtail, Mutton, Escoveitch Fish - Jamaican Food at FDR

!±8± Bammy, Oxtail, Mutton, Escoveitch Fish - Jamaican Food at FDR

Bammy, Oxtail, Mutton, Escoveitch Fish - Jamaican Food at FDR served up every Saturday night. More info about FDR Resorts: fdrholidays.com

Bammy, Oxtail, Mutton, Escoveitch Fish - Jamaican Food at FDR

Who Sells The Cheapest Flash Light 3

Monday, December 26, 2011

We're about a week out from the 2011 NFL draft and you may be asking what in the hell does Sir Isaac Newton have to do with the draft? Nothing, but we could use some physics to explain how Mel Kiper's hair seems to defy gravity. And after reading the opening sentence, I am willing to bet that many of you probably thought that Sir Isaac Newton was either: a) Cam's dad; b) Some 70's funk singer; or c) some old English dude. If you went with "c" you'd at least be in the ballpark. Sir Isaac was undoubtedly one of the most important figures in our understanding of physics. I know you're all saying who cares & where is the Cam Newton connection? There is none, aside from their last name and the fact they're both fascinating stories.

Cam is a fascinating story for a lot of reasons.

1. He is a freakish athlete, especially considering his measurables.
2. He came out of nowhere to lead the Auburn Tigers to a National Championship.
3. The claims of his father's dealings with college recruiters are just plain whacky.
4. He's had his own off the filed disciplinary issues.
5. The history and damage caused by selecting a QB #1 when they don't pan out.
6. The uncertainty atop this draft board.

There are a lot of rumblings pointing to Cam being selected very early, possibly #1 overall. Again, it's not a question of talent. Look no further than Ryan Leaf, Alex Smith or JaMarcus Russell to see what happens when you spend the #1 overall pick on a QB & they either stink or have "issues". If you look at the draft order, most of the teams in the top half have some QB questions, while the lower half is pretty set. Hmmmmmm, so assuming Cam goes in the top 15 or so, let's look at 10 teams that could or should select a QB early.

1. Carolina. This draft does not have a clear cut #1 overall, thank you Mr. Luck, which puts tremendous pressure on Carolina to get this pick right. In my first Mock I thought they would avoid Cam and go the more conservative route. If they draft Cam and he bombs, kiss three more years' goodbye and we'll see which QB the Panthers will be targeting with the #1 overall pick in 2014.

2. Denver. Not a consideration because I don't think John Fox would take Cam Newton and they have their own whacky first round QB pick from last year to sort out.

3. Buffalo. To-Fitzpatrick, or to-not-Fitzpatrick, that is the question! I like Fitzpatrick but Chan Bailey and company have been coy on this topic. If they are enamored with Cam's potential and he bombs this would sink Chan's NFL head coaching career and put Buffalo with the #1 overall pick in 2014.

4. Cincinnati. Another team in need of new leadership at the helm. They also have a history of taking players with checkered pasts. Even though ownership likes Marvin Lewis and gave him a contract extension they can't have too many more losing seasons, which looks very likely this coming season, so if I'm Lewis why not roll the dice and see if Cam can get you to the promise land.

5. Arizona. The Cards do need a new signal caller and Larry Fitzgerald has already told them who and who not to brig in. I don't see Whisenhunt taking on this big of a project, especially utilizing the 5th pick in the draft to get him. They may select a QB early, but not Newton and probably not one in round 1. Wonder what Larry Fitzgerald would say? Wonder if they consulted him first?

6. Cleveland. Very unlikely. They are sending out smoke screens but the Browns hierarchy likes what they saw from Colt McCoy and thinks with some added strength and seasoning he can put them back into contention.

7. San Francisco. Yes they need a QB. Remember the Alex Smith experiment? The guy who plays great the last 3 games of every season to make you think he has a future & then proceeds to suck for the first 13 the following season. I can't see Jim Harbaugh rolling that big a dice in his first year. Look for them to address QB in round 2.

8. Tennessee. The Titans need a QB. I would be surprised if they take one this high. Vince Young was the third overall selection in the 2006 draft and considering how that turned out I don't see them gambling on Newton, there are just too many questions. Maybe Gabbert, but that is for another article.

9. Dallas. Hard to take these rumors seriously. Because of Jerry's desire to make headlines on draft day people like to speculate but they sink or swim with Romo for the near future.

10. Washington. This will be an interesting spot to watch. I can't see Shanahan taking Newton but I can see Snyder overruling everybody and going with the splash. If Newton is available and the Skins pass, then you know Snyder has finally wisened up. I wouldn't bet on that though. If he's available at 10 grab your snack & grab a seat.

11. Houston. Set.

12. Minnesota. They are in need of a QB, and what would make Vikes fans forget the Favre years like adding a QB with their first pick? Would Leslie Frazier want to take this on his shoulders after waiting so long to get a head job? I would say they probably pass if he was available, and when a top talent starts to slide to this point, they usually keep sliding. ESPN loves that and usually tracks the poor guy around the house while he starts to get weepy.

13. Detroit. Set.

14. St. Louis. Set.

15. Miami. Another interesting spot. Like Alex Smith, Chad Henne shows enough at the right spots to tease you but I think the Fish have seen enough. Given the relationship between the Dolphins ownership and management I think they should take a flyer on Newton if he's there. He'll either make you look like geniuses and ensconce you in south Florida or he'll just put the final nail in the coffin.

16. Jacksonville. Another potential suitor. And at #16 this would be a good value pick for the Jags. David Garrard is clearly not the long-term answer, but Newton could sit for a year or two behind Garrard and refine his skills for the next level. I don't see Cam slipping past the Jags.

Newton's Law

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Saturday, December 10, 2011

How to Make the Best Mushroom Soup

!±8± How to Make the Best Mushroom Soup

Hungarian Mushroom soup is perfect for satisfying that craving for mushrooms without being an overly rich cream-based soup or a bland concoction of random ingredients. Even those who are not particularly partial to mushrooms will more than tolerate them. This gourmet recipe is classy yet simple. While the traditional recipe is delicious as is, there is plenty of room for adjustment to suit each individual's tastes.

Hungarian Mushroom Soup

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter

• 2 cups of chopped onions

• 1 pound of fresh mushrooms, sliced

• 2 teaspoons of dried dill weed

• 1 tablespoon of paprika

• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

• 2 cups of chicken broth

• 1 cup of milk

• 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon of salt

• Ground black pepper to taste

• 2 teaspoons of lemon juice

• ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley

• ½ cup of sour cream

Directions

1. Slice the butter and melt over medium heat in a large pot or saucepan. Add the chopped onions and sauté them in the butter for approximately 5 minutes. Add the sliced mushrooms and continue sautéing for an additional five minutes.

2. Stir the chicken broth, soy sauce, dill, and paprika into the pot with the sautéed mushrooms and onions. Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Whisk the flour and milk together in a separate bowl. After the pot has finished simmering for 15 minutes, pour the milk and flour into the pot. Stir well to blend all the ingredients.

4. Cover the pot and simmer for another 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Last, stir in the sour cream, lemon juice, salt, parsley, and ground black pepper. Thoroughly mix the soup.

6. Continue heating the pot on low until the soup is fully heated for about 3 to 5 minutes without allowing the soup to boil. Remove from heat and serve the soup immediately.

Hungarian mushroom soup is sufficient to stand alone with bread and a glass of red wine. However, the flavors compliment a light spinach salad and club crackers. For a meal that is slightly more substantial, serve the soup over egg noodles or rice as an alternative to beef stroganoff. For a thicker soup to use as a stroganoff, make a few small adjustments. Substitute heavy whipping cream for the milk and dried potato flakes for the flour.

The cream and potatoes will make for a thicker soup, but also one that packs more calories. Cut the calories by using skim milk and using an alternative for the sour cream. Opt for light sour cream or even fat free plain flavored yogurt to eliminate the fat from that ingredient. Incorporate more vegetables into the recipe by adding chopped carrots or celery. To further increase the health value, add pearl barley for the fiber content or chopped chicken for lean protein.

Experiment with the Hungarian mushroom soup recipe. Try using a mixture of portabella, oyster, or white mushrooms, and scallions or leaks to tweak the flavor. Because red wine is the ideal drink for the flavors of the soup, add a splash to the pot when you sauté the onions and mushrooms. Use less or more of any of your favorite ingredients, or simply exchange them for something else that suits your tastes. If spicy soups are your weakness, swap the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce. You can even add a dash of cayenne pepper, cumin, or Caribbean jerk seasoning to intensify the flavors

For those that wish to stay away from the not and spicy alternative but still wish to experiment, the possibilities are endless. French onion dip can take the place of the sour cream for a slight increase in seasoned flavor. Hunt at your grocery store for sweet Hungarian paprika. Like the name suggests, it has a sweeter flavor than regular paprika but it also has a smoky flavor.

Hungarian mushroom soup is decadent enough to serve at a formal gathering, easy enough to whip up for a quick dinner, and manageable enough to experiment without worrying about botching a whole pot. The Hungarian descent of this recipe perfectly lends itself to be the warming pick-me-up for cold, winter nights.

Learn more about how to make mushroom soup here.