Up and At 'Em

BEGIN DA CHAOS

Some Sun Here

very quiet morning

WALLPAPER:  HALOGEN OVEN & PORK ROAST

-------  

GOOD ON TOAST TOO

.. So: when the big ovens are full of traditional baking the countertop halogen oven gets pressed into service. It is more than just a handy device.
.. The fan swirls the air like a convection oven. The halogen lamp produces controlled heat. The thermostat holds temperature very well. It's big enough for giant cuts of meat and fits on the counter, (or elsewhere: washer, dryer, garage, etc.) while taking up very little space.

STRIP AND CRUSH

.. This pork roast was swimming in brine overnight. Dried and brought to temperature and then augmented. Very simple chore: salt, pepper, and some fresh ground cloves patted into the meat.
.. Then,  sweet mustard and Worcestershire sauce painted on the cap. When nearly dry some orange marmalade and rosemary leaves are slathered over all of it, (strip and lightly crush the leaves.)

.. The crust can be brought to desired state of caramelization at 450°F and then instantly the temperature can be reduced to cooking temperature.

USEFUL TOOL

.. Because of the characteristics of the cooking cycle this will be "pull apart tender" when done.
.. About 4 hours at 200°F will reach an internal temp of about 140°F.
.. No need to tent and wait - just leave it in the oven. 
.. Fat will melt through the cut and collagen will become as soft and flavorful as in a braise.

-----

SCARLET IBIS = EGG ?

.. Had an early morning seminar on the current snow/weather regimen.
.. Some unidentified government employees are here and, trapped during the shut down, needed diversion.
.. They came around early for coffee, (too early,) but - that's the way of it. We all prepared the roast.
.. Speculation allows that this could be a low snow year with rains. We hope not.

-------  

..

WALLPAPER:   MICROWAVE  FAUX  FUDGE