2011 Cycling Adventures

Cycling Trip 2011

As you maybe aware, or perhaps you are not, or maybe you just don't care, but Yellowbandchef and I did not go to see the Tour De France this year. We did missed not taking our europe trip this year but there weddings and anniversaries that cut into our travel budget this year.

We could not have a year without seeing professional cycling. This year we decided that we would stay on American soil and come to see the USA Pro Challenge out in Colorado. Interesting enough the race was originally called the Tour Of Colorado. How and why it was change I have know idea.

When we decided that this was the race that we would see the teams had not been selected and the Tour De France had not yet begun. As we sat at home watching the Tour de France we were dreaming of being there. This year Le Tour went to the town that Yellowbandchef and I first saw Le Tour. That year as the year that we first saw Le Tour, Lorient, France was an arrival town. I clearly remember the speed in which the riders came blowing into the flat streets of Lorient. The day we saw the arrival a break away succeeded.

With Le Tour De France complete and our hunger to see cycling live and in person we learned that the podium of Le Tour will be attending the US Pro Challenge. We are going to have the opportunity to see the race three different times. We will see the arrival into Steamboat Springs. The following morning we will see the departure from Steamboat Springs. We will also see the final day as the riders come into Denver.

Once we learned that the top three finishers of Le Tour were coming to ride the USA Pro Challenge I became very excited. The reason this made me very excited because in true Yellowbandchef style she obtained the equivalent of back stage passes. What this means is that we will have access to the Village. The village is the area where the buses will come in and the riders will get ready for the start. This means that we maybe able to get photographs of some of our favorite riders.

We arrived here in Steamboat Springs Sunday afternoon and we have enjoyed the sites, sounds and of course the food, but you will need to see if Yellowbandchef decides to write about that. I will update you on the happenings as the days move on.

Ciao

Sir J Rotten

Can’t stand the HEAT? Keep it cool in the kitchen. Fresh, simple and delicious no-cooking required menu ideas

Let’s face it, everyone is sick and tired of the heat this summer. With extremely high temperatures causing even higher electric bills, who wants to turn the stove on or even stand outside over the hot grill?

With the abundance of late summer fruits and vegetables, cured meats, savory cheeses and seafood readily available to us, keeping it cool in the kitchen while satisfying your friends and family with fresh, simple and delicious culinary creations takes no heat at all.
Creating non-cooked foods for the end of the summer is quick, simple and fun.


Get a bit of cool inspiration from these flavorful menu suggestions.

First Bites
Avocado Summer Rolls - avocado and mint, with julienned carrots and cucumbers,
shredded red cabbage wrapped in rice paper with peanut sauce and a spicy Thai chili sauce.
Jicama Strawberry Guacamole – diced strawberries, jicama and watermelon radishes combined with diced guacamole and a hint of minced jalapenos served with pita chips for a crisp, cool snack.

Salads for the Soul
Spicy Ginger Carrot Slaw – shredded cabbage, julienned sweet red peppers and carrots, pink grapefruit sections and green onions tossed with ginger lime vinaigrette.
Cucumber & Blueberry with Feta – wedges of crisp cucumbers tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette with feta cheese and sliced mint.

Soups for Chill’n
Ginger Carrot Soup – blend diced cantaloupe, ginger, lemon juice and honey until smooth, combine with a touch of heavy cream and chill. Serve with a sprig of mint on top.
Chilled Corn and Shrimp Soup – pureed corn, Greek yogurt, milk and lime juice with chopped pre-cooked shrimp, a dash of cayenne pepper sauce, salt and pepper served chilled garnished with sliced cherry tomatoes and chives

Simply Super Sandwiches
Turkey Pockets – thinly sliced turkey breast with Bibb lettuce, red bell pepper strips and diced scallions in a toasted pita pocket drizzled with cilantro mayonnaise
Ham and Brie Baguettes – thinly sliced honey smoked ham with thickly sliced Brie on a French Baguette spread with hot honey mustard



Seafood Surprises
Lobster Salad Sliders – Pick up some cooked lobster meat at the Seafood counter and combine it with celery, mayonnaise, chives and tarragon with a dash of salt and pepper to taste, heaped inside a soft white slider bun and you’ve got yourself a summer time favorite.
Ceviche – diced Snapper “cooked” in lemon, lime and orange juice, chilled for 2 hours and topped with sliced sweet onions, diced habanero pepper and chopped cilantro served in a radicchio cup

Meat to Beat the Heat
Charcuterie & Cheese – a lovely presentation of cured meats Coppa, Prosciutto di Parma, Bresaloa and Jamon Serrano with Fontina, Truffle Tremor, Blu di Bufala cheeses served with marinated olives, cornichons, stone ground mustard and crusty bread
Carpaccio – thinly sliced and pounded beef tenderloin topped with lightly salt and peppered arugula, shaved Parmesan and drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette

Sweet Treats
Pistachio Pudding Pie – No cooking required with milk and the pudding mix in a blender then poured into a graham cracker crust and refrigerate for 2 hours. Serve with fresh whipping cream and raspberries
Watermelon Sherbet – As simple as watermelon, sugar, unflavored gelatin and cranberry juice, shaved with mint garnish

If you’re hungry but too hot, try not to lose your cool trying to create complicated meals for your family and friends. Keep it fresh, simple and delicious each and every day.


For complete recipes email yellowbanchef@gmail.com


Keep your kitchen cool and take a culinary adventure into creative non-cooked foods.
Peace Love Food!