Weekend Cook: Smoked Pork Shoulder

Smoked Pork Shoulder

Another shoulder on the Traeger pig (from the Hannaford's special Sunday markdowns).  This one was coated in the house rub and turbinado sugar, smoked for two hours, then 8 hours more at 250f - until the temperature reached 190f internal and the shank bone slid out.

Busy Day, Rain Delay

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On a seemingly beautiful day, the tulips were out, and the farm started spreading manure.

They tried to get it spread and plowed under before the rains came - but they weren't quick enough.

Which means I have to smell cow poo all day today.

Wheatless: Thai House, St. Albans

Thai House Spring Rolls

Three appetizers, two entrees, ready in only 20 minutes!  The Thai House relocated from Lake Street to the Highgate Commons Shopping Center in St. Albans last year, but we haven't eaten at the restaurant for a few years.  The old location was too far for take-away, and too cold inside to comfortably eat there.

Prawn Rolls (above) Drunken Noodle with Shrimp (front)

Dan liked the crispy fried prawn the best, while I preferred the earthy green curry spring rolls.  The shrimp noodle dish had medium heat and was our favorite entree - though, the spiciness was only present on the noodles and veggies, not the shrimp.

Crispy Calamari

Dan ate all of these by himself (standing) while I unpacked the rest of the food.  I have no idea what they tasted like - or if that batter is made from wheat or rice.  He said they were tender.

Panang Duck

 The duck was also moist and tender, but the curry was sweet, and not as hot as the 2-chili scale on the menu indicated.

When I asked Dan what he wanted to eat for his birthday, take-out from Thai House won out over anything I suggested to make for him - and I offered traditional New England lobster rolls, shrimp-stuffed shrimp, and orange margaritas.

I hope he liked it as much as I did - every dish was gluten-free (though, I can't vouch for the calamari).

Scene in Highgate: Mudslide

We knew the power had gone out during the night, but not what had happened until noon.  Highgate has a power station, and a problem.

And that problem would be that the power lines at the dam are on a steep embankment - you might even call it a gorge - leading down to the Mississquoi River.  At the center of the photo you can see where the bank has given way. By the time we arrived, the downed line and toppled pole (further up the hill) had already been removed.

Spiffed up porch/Adirondacks, done!

Too wet to work the fields, so Dan powerwashed our deck, and gave it a good coat of stain.

The amazing thing was just how large the deck looks when the grills and furniture are off it.

Came out pretty cool, if I do say so myself - one Adirondack at the house - one at the cheeseplant (for the tourists).

Here's the completed Boucher-Boucher porch-sitting project.

The Adirondack in the background was painted by Dan's nephew, Kevin, to look like "Swiss cheese" several years ago.

Steelhead Trout with Polenta and Mushrooms

Steelhead Trout with Polenta and Mushrooms

Once the polenta was made, this meal came together in less than half an hour.

A liter and a half of milk/water is brought to a boil and 250 grams of polenta added; reduce to simmer, stir, stir, 30 minutes later, it's done.  This was the package directions for 4 servings!  It made 12 servings, easily.

After removing from the stove, I added: a pat of butter, 3 ounces of cheddar, 1/2 cup of Parmesan.

I adjusted the salt and poured it into containers to cool.

This recipe makes too much polenta!

I reheated previously sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and roasted peppers in about 2 tablespoons of this garlicky vinaigrette.

The fish filet went into a 425f oven for 12 - 18 minutes while the polenta was pan-fried.

Steelhead Trout, Polenta, Mushrooms

Light, probably healthy - tasted healthy and light - and the acidic, sweet mushroom mixture went very well with the fish.  You'll notice there isn't much in the way of vegetables - I'm not buying any more disappointment from the supermarket because market starts this Saturday!

I loved the pillowy texture of the polenta with its crunchy/chewy crust, and wished I had cut a bigger piece.  Fortunately, I have eleven more servings to get to.

Scene in Swanton: Flood Photos

On Sunday after breakfast out, Dan wanted to take the St. Armand Road home. I just shook my head at him, because I thought he had lost his mind, and we argued over which road this actually was.

The sign reads: Danger High Water.

Garbage and detritus from the lake is covering half the road.  Lots of it seems to be firewood, and my parents have informed us that firewood is also washing up on the beach at their home on Georgia Shore.

Probably not the smartest thing to do driving through here, but cars were traveling toward us in the opposite direction just fine.

This is the landing where fishermen usually hang around on the weekends.

Note: this property has a realtor sign at the far right.

Yet another road crossing covered in lake water and trash.

Here's the road to get home "the back way"- fortunately, there's an I89 exit near the Canadian border just a short drive north, so we didn't have to go back the way we came.

Scene in Enosburg: Flooding Photos

This past Friday, Dan and I went to Enosburg in the early morning.  Lots of fields are under water.

On this curve, there isn't supposed to be any water on the left side of the road, the Missisquoi River is on the right.  It's another farmer's field that won't be planted on time.

At least corn seed comes in "short season" varieties.  Once this has dried out, not much will be lost, except time.