Culinary Togetherness

Culinary Togetherness

Some things go together like nature just intended it to be that way. Or that classic apple pie and vanilla ice cream, or with a nice slice of sharp cheddar (by “nice” we mean you’re gonna have to spend a few bucks). “Apple pie without a slice of cheese is like a kiss, without a squeeze.” And—and, at the risk of blowing all credibility—Velveeta. Don't knock it. (Also, definitive for the cheese hamberger and the Philly Cheese Sub.)

[Even as this is being written, mama is baking some apple dumplings. Local orchard apples individually wrapped (“cloaked” is her effete term) with a crust made with her own rendered lard. Mama cat is a “scratch” cook. (But don't cross her, she can also scratch.)]

Rice and Lentils, Middle Eastern style ("Mujadara") 

This is one of those combinations that on the fork seem to be in the divine order of things. Click this for a recipe for Mujadara, a pilaf of rice and lentils and caramelized onions that is on our short dessert island list.

More go-togethers . . .

Grated beets and horseradish (with ham or hard boiled eggs) 

Asparagus and hollandaise 

Gin and tonic (generous lime wedge, of course) 

Buffalo/bison grass and Vodka

(FYI: The Zubrowka brand bison grass vodka can only be produced in Poland at the Bialystok distillery. On our way back from Europe recently we brought back a bottle of Grasovka bison grass vodka. Our bottle is distinctive in that it has a furry “bison hair” wrapper. How cool it that! You've heard the expression, "The Hair of the Dog"? This dog got some hair!)

Vodka and Caviar

For the hoi poloi, make that a dill pickle. Take a short break and click this to enjoy some vodka shooters.

PBJ 

Tomatoes and Basil 

Strawberries and whipped Cream; clotted Cream (if you are from Old Jollie)

Bagels and Lox

We have an ongoing debate with a certain Sweet Paprika website over what is exactly a good bagel. The considerable culinary (and other) charms of that lady writer notwithstanding, we insist on dense, chewy high crust to crumb ratio bagels. Water boiled first, is there any other kind?

Beer and Tomato juice 

Bacon and just about anything (Yes, we know by now that is a cliché.)

Pepperoni and Pizza

Potato chips and Onion dip

Slim Jims and Beer

Cretons (gorton) and Cornichons

Lobster and butter

Escargot and butter (and lots of parsley, garlic and ground pepper)

Fresh, ripe pears with Roquefort and Brie (but, make that a good brie)

Cucumbers and sour Cream

You will no doubt have your own personal preferences; we merely list the absolutely 100% everybody-agrees pairings.

Yet, the list is not exhaustive; and, if you would, please leave a recommendation in the comments section.

Adding ...

A friend in England recently mentioned Twaróg, also known as biały ser in Polish. White cheese, pot cheese or farmer’s cheese. Our Polish buddy Wronski never heard of it. Not by it's name in the Polish language, anyway. He knows of it, for sure. Suggested to said friend to try with Honey. "Weird" said, said friend. Makes you want to evaluate your whole value system in selecting friends. Geez!