Product Testing 101 - Shrimp, Lamb and Rotisserie Chicken and more

It seems I've been noticed in the blogisphere.

Is that even how you spell it?

Blog-is-phere: Blog-a-sphere?

I have been approached to do a product test and asked to:

a. test a product

b. post about it

c. create a giveaway around the product (we're talking free stuff here)

Wow.

At first I was flattered.

Then I was excited.

Then, I was nervous.

Then I was suspicious.

Then, apprehensive.

I don't use "products".

I cook from scratch.

What would this do to my credibility?

What would this do to my culinary senses?

What would this do to my food?

The Best Husband In The World advised me to "go for it". (He's in it for the free stuff)

The Second Son (19 years old) advised me to "not sell out". (He is still on the home dole)

My uppity culinary intellect told me to (in NJ speak) forgetaboutit.

But my curiosity told me "hey, why if and why not?"

So I took on the challenge. I basted and baked and marinated and rotisseried and grilled the hell out of:

The Original Country Bob's All Purpose Sauce

Well and ahem. And I might add, oh my.

I ask you readers - because you are dear to me - do you want to hear about the results?

You should know before you vote [yes or no] I also suggested to the CEO, Country Bob himself, that I would like to interview him for the ultimate post...

Do you care? Do you WANT to hear about products???

I'm not giving it up here... you are my precious readers, my ardent followers, my fellow foodies...

What do you think?

a. Forgetaboutit?

b. Go for it?

c. TELL ME WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED GOOD COOK.

I've done the cooking, the sweating, the basting, the baking, the grilling, the marinating, AND the eating (along with my most trusted taste testers...)

BUT it is up to you...

I await your response.

Making Mozzarella and Rotisserie Turkey

Today's science project is making mozzarella. 

That's right kids, home made mozzarella in only 30 minutes. This morning I made one, 8 ounce Ball, two five-ounce braids and 10 little bocconcini (little mouthfuls) balls for an antipasto. All from one store bought gallon of milk! 

What you say? 

Yes, you can make that expensive (overpriced?) fresh mozzarella at home in under 30 minutes with milk you buy at the grocery store. Honest. You can. 

The only ingredients you need are a gallon of milk, salt, citric acid and rennet (an enzyme available from a cheesemaking supply house. I use www.cheesemaking.com)

You probably already have all the equipment needed. A pot, a ladle, a thermometer, a bowl. 

Tonight's menu is homemade antipasto and rotisserie roasted turkey breast. The turkey breast is the all natural one I bought at The Farmer's Market - I didn't have the heart to freeze it! 

This is a BIG meal - invite someone over. If you make the mozzarella yourself you may never forgive yourself for sharing. People will not leave you alone until you make (and give them) more! 

For the antipasto:

10 - 15 Fresh Mozzarella Bocconcini (little mouthfuls) - those are the little balls of fresh mozzarella. If you can't find them (or make them), buy a round and cut into 1 inch cubes. 

Fresh Herbs, minced. I use parsley, thyme and rosemary - about 3 tablespoons

1 garlic clove, sliced.

Pinch red pepper flakes

5 or 6 sun dried tomato halves, sliced in two.

1/4 to 1/2 cup olive oil

1 head romaine lettuce or mixed greens, torn into bite sized pieces

Kosher Salt

Place your herbs, garlic, red pepper flakes, tomatoes and cheese into a sealable bowl. Pour enough olive oil over to cover. Let steep for at least 4 hours. Keeps for 2 weeks in fridge. 

Serve over torn romaine leaves.. A nice loaf of bread on the side. YUM.

Rotisserie Turkey Breast (you can also use a whole chicken)

Fresh herbs of choice, chopped - about 2 tablespoons. I'm using thyme, parsley and rosemary to mirror the antipasto.

1 tablespoon kosher salt

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Mix the herbs and salt into the butter. Gently smear the herb butter mixture inside the skin of the turkey breast. Use the back of a spoon to help you separate the skin from the meat, being careful not to tear the skin.  

Place on rotisserie skewer and roast for 15-20 minutes per pound. Tent and let rest 30 minutes before removing from rotisserie skewer. 

Slice and serve with antipasto. Heaven on a plate. 

ps. This is our second locally sourced meal this weekend. The only nonlocal products are the olive oil and salt. But hey, wars have been fought and men have travelled far for these two ingredients so we're not doing so bad!