A not-overly-Christmasy Dining Section in the NY Times today, with some nice stories about eels, shrimp, Hanukkah doughnuts, home-made caramels, Sicilian oranges and a sassy take on last-minute holiday shopping at the liquor store.
A Brighter View Astern Than Over the Bow: Kim Severson gives a nice account of a Louisiana shrimper who is hauling it in lately.
A Sicilian Christmas with a Nod to the North: Marian Burros shares some Sicilian holiday traditions.
Out of the Fryer, Into the Lights: Julia Moskin writes another elegant story, this time about the fried doughnuts she and other fellow Jews have started favoring over the ol' jellied calf's foot and gefilte fish.
If It's Holiday Time, It Must Be Eel Season: Frank J. Prial follows a eel-fisherman into the Great South Bay of Long Island.
Two Sweets in One Pot: Mark Bittman gives us yet another take (see Amanda Hesser's article last Sunday) on making candy. This time it's traditional caramels, with the traditional plastic wrapping.
Last-Minute Bottles to Throw in the Sleigh: Eric Asimov has us laughing out loud again.
interesting story about the eel fisherman. i didn't think anyone other than the chinese were fans of eel. after my mom's one disasterous attempt at cooking one in a crock pot, i can see how it might be rather intimidating for the home cook to confront something as slithery and slippery as the eel. that said, sauted eels brings back lots of fond childhood memories (of eating in restaurants).
anyone with an eel recipe?
i think it's interesting how many candy recipes have wandered into the times food section lately (including amanda hesser's piece). is just the next step in a kiddy-kitschy dessert trend that cupcakes started? whatever it is, i don't mind. lately, i am addicted to the licorice mix that Sahadi's sells.
now i'm very interested in what eel taste like. it's be hilarious to order one at the grocery store.
I've never been able to stomach the idea of eating eels after reading "The Tin Drum"