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Daughter of two professional chefs provides a young adult's perspective on food, restaurants, and eating!! follow us on facebook @Francis Xavier

Author: Chef Francis Xavier

A Family Tradition: Spaghetti and Peas

A Family Tradition: Spaghetti and Peas

In our family, spaghetti and peas isn’t just a dish; it’s a comforting ritual that brings us together, reminding us of simpler times and shared stories. Growing up, it was the meal that brought everyone to the table, a reliable classic that somehow managed to […]

The Basic Cookery – Blanching

The Basic Cookery – Blanching

Blanching is one of those culinary techniques that often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a vital role in many dishes. At its core, blanching is a simple process: Briefly boiling vegetables and then plunging it into ice water to stop the cooking. While it might […]

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure: – Texas Barbecue Trail. Houston

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure: – Texas Barbecue Trail. Houston

Texas: a land where barbeque isn’t just food – its a rite of passage, a gathering of cultures and flavors. I have driven a stretch of road and the unmistakable aroma of smoke meats guiding to the heart of Texas Barbeque. The adventure takes winds through town large and small, each stop a unique twist on tradition, flavors linger long after you leave. In Houston, you’ll find dry rubbed and slow -smoked, both authenticity and a bit of Texas flair, making it a memorable stop on any culinary adventure.

2024 Travelers Issue BA Best in town list

  • The Pit Room 1201 Richmond Ave Montrose
  • Tejas Chocolate + BBQ 200N Elm St., Tomball
  • Blood Bros. BBQ 5425 Bellaire Blvd, Bellaire

I have hungry eyes reading the guide. As Blutarsky gently said. It is time for a road trip.

When Hunger comes from the heart …  Start with Rock Soup

When Hunger comes from the heart … Start with Rock Soup

From family folk lore is the legend of Dad’s rock soup. He was renown for driving up from Whitter, traveling with a stock pot full of what he called “Rock Soup”. His recipe included the stone were well washed and soaked overnight, they would soften […]

Notes from the Garden – Explore

Notes from the Garden – Explore

A gentle scent of lavender lingers in the air, heightening the senses as we stroll through the botanic gardens. Morning sunlight filters softly through the leaves, casting shadows on the path. With each step, the serenity of the morning wraps around us. We toast to […]

Schnitzel

Schnitzel

In the early days of my culinary education, I had the privilege of learning from Chef Hugo. Wednesdays quickly became a favorite day for me, as it was the day of learning. Chef Hugo introduced me to the science of food. It was a far from anything I encountered before. The spark of my inquisitive “Why”.

One dish in particular dish stands out: Schnitzel a’la Holstein. It became clear that education he was giving was more than science, it was the gift of his heritage, simplicity and balance. A recent glimpse through Food and Wine brought all those memories rushing back, and I knew I had to write to you, to recreate this dish, just as Chef Hugo had taught me.

Schnitzel a’ la Holstein

Inspired by my mentor, Chef Hugo
Classic Schnitel, a dish with combination of egg, capers, and anchovie
Course Main Course
Cuisine German

Equipment

  • large sauté pan
  • egg pan
  • hammer
  • Plastic Wrap

Ingredients
  

  • 4 each veal cutlets about 4 ounces each
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper
  • flour for dredging
  • 2 each eggs
  • bread crumbs
  • butter for frying
  • 4 eggs for frying, one for each schnitzel
  • 1 table spoon capers
  • 2 each anchovy per schnitzel
  • lemon circles for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Veal

  • place each veal cutlet between tow plastic sheets of plastic wrap.
  • gently pound them to about 1/4 inch thickness
  • season both sides with salt and pepper

Bread the Cutlets

  • set your work station up with bowls of flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs (in separate bowls).
  • dredge each cutlet in flour, shake off the excess, dip into the egg wash and coat with the bread crumbs

Fry the Schnitzel

  • in the large sauté pan melt the butter.
  • fry the breaded veal cutlets over medium heat until golden brown on both sides. About 3-4 minutes. [# at this point you can pop into the oven to hold until the rest of the plate catches up]

Fry the Egg

  • One egg per schnitzel in butter, sunny side.

Assemble the dish

  • Place the fried egg on top of each schnitzel.
  • garnish with anchovy filets, capers and serve with lemon circle /twist.

Notes

balancing.
the flavors are salty and anchovies and capers with complements the richness of the egg and schnitzel. make sure not to skip these elements.

A Family Tradition: The Scent of Orange

A Family Tradition: The Scent of Orange

During our childhood one of the household chores was tag teaming oranges. the Trees seemed enormous, branches heavy with ripe, sunkissed fruit. we would tag team the trees, carefully pulling the oranges from the trees with careful precision and eager excitement. there was something special […]

Family Recipes: A Journey Through Time and Taste.

Family Recipes: A Journey Through Time and Taste.

Family recipes are steeped in meaning and history. Each stories is memorialized for generations. The recipe that was started by Grandma Butterfly is treasured by current aunts and uncles and now handed down to cousins and fire house work place. The recipes aren’t just about […]

Traveler’s Culinary adventure. Home Welcoming

Traveler’s Culinary adventure. Home Welcoming

Breakfast at City park Tavern is a welcome home. you are greeted by the familiar vista and comfort of the tavern’s atmosphere. The Breakfast menu is simple. As granddad said – do one thing and do it well.

the breakfast arrives quickly, each plate prepared as remembered, Consistency is in preparation is important. I work my way around the menu and each dish is well crafted, making me appreciate the taste of home even more after being away.

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure, Scottish Breakfast and cuppa’ tea

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure, Scottish Breakfast and cuppa’ tea

in Aberdeen, Sitting Down to enjoy the last Scottish breakfast on the journey, the moment is celebrated. Days of breathtaking landscapes, historic sites and the warmth of Scottish hospitality, the breakfast is the perfect conclusion to the adventure. The plate is set with eggs, grilled […]