I saw Dorie in DC last night! I didn't have time to wait in line to meet her in person, but I loved her talk. She was just as I imagined her from her writing -- so likable! She had this great, very Parisian outfit--all black but with a gorgeous, colorful scarf--and just seemed completely genuine, down-to-earth, eager to help, and cool. She also tells great stories. What a fun evening! I'm very behind in posting here, even though I have made most of the recipes, and definitely need to do a big catch-up post soon, but I thought I'd at least get today's post up on time. When I think I need to do tasks all at once is when I really start to procrastinate.
I'm almost embarrassed to say this, and am sure it was just dumb luck, but I didn't have any trouble with these at all. I didn't strain my ricotta or do anything special (and it was just regular store-bought ricotta), shaped these minimally with my spoons, and they held together pretty well. I did chill them all day--it worked better with my plans for the day. Maybe that made a difference? I chilled them on silpat, used a metal spatula to get them from the silpat to the simmering water, and then used a metal slotted spoon to get them from the simmering water to the ice water. I was in a rush (hungry!) and just used my hands to take them out of the ice water. It worked just fine.
As for the taste, I thought these were just okay. They reminded me of the filling I use when I make spinach lasagna. We enjoyed these, but I didn't think they were worth the extra trouble of shaping them. Probably a one-time thing in our house. I'm looking forward to being back with the group for the final 6 months :-(. I'll try to post more regularly from here on out.
I'm in DC right now and will go to the Smithsonian event tonight. It just flew by me that you are in MA! If you want to meet for coffee I'm around until Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to go! Too bad you couldn't have waited to meet her - I am sure she would have loved to know that one of the group was there.
ReplyDeleteThis was a hit or miss week for the group - glad it worked out well for you!
That's great you got to see Dorie! And the recipe worked out perfectly for me as well: no draining the ricotta, etc. I have no idea why that happened.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, when I lived in the DC area more years ago than I can believe, I used to live in Takoma Park. We'd eat all the time at Mark's Kitchen (I was young and poor) and seeing where you live brought back a lot of memories! Is it still kind of funky and a good mix of people?
Glad you got to see Dorie...she's such a magnificent speaker! Glad you didn't have any problems with this recipe.
ReplyDeleteP.S. happy to see you back!
Sorry that these didn't grab you, but glad they worked out well for you.
ReplyDeleteIsn't Dorie delightful? I saw her this week too. Too bad you couldn't wait in line to meet her. I felt the same about these. They tasted good, but wasn't worth the effort.
ReplyDeleteThat's our Dorie, just as your described her, Jora. I don't know how she has the energy to do this public relations tour that she doing. I am following her via her Blog and I'm just exhausted reading about her schedule. I so wish you could have met her. She would have loved to know you. I am so pleased that so many Doristas have made the effort to be at her book-signing. Glad you got this recipe made and posted.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, my husband and I thought the same thing...stuffed shells without the shell. Not sure if I'll make these again either, but we enjoyed them tonight for dinner. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSo great that you got to see Dorie speak! Was this interview recorded?
ReplyDeleteSorry this wasn't a hit for you.
I was just thinking about you the other day and thought I hadn't seen any posts
ReplyDeletein awhile, and you end up posting this week. Glad to see you back. I am
happy you saw Dorie, she is so nice. Tricia and I were hoping to see her in
Princeton, but it was totally filled up. We are so disappointed. We said the
same about the filling, but I did enjoy these. Happy Thanksgiving.
Nice to see you back Jora. I also have posts I haven't done for recipes that I cooked. Such is life. Doris is an amazing woman, isn't she? She definitely has that quality that attracts people to her. Like you said so nice and genuine. I'm envious that you go to see her. Sorry you couldn't stay to meet her. She would have been delighted to meet you I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteWow, Dorie seems to be everywhere. She has impressive energy. I'm so glad you didn't have any trouble. This recipe taught me not to be so arrogant and just follow the recipe sometimes, especially when making something new.
ReplyDeleteI lucked out and didn't have any problem either. In fact, I'm happy that I didn't see that others were having problems until after I'd already made mine.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so jealous that everyone is getting to meet Dorie! I keep checking to see if she will have any stops in Europe, but no luck so far:-(
My husband also commented that they tasted like a filling for pasta. We enjoyed them but also thought they were a lot of work. How wonderful that you got to meet Dorie.
ReplyDeleteLOL I don't think you should feel like it was dumb luck! I feel like its due to the humidity of where we all are that its not working for some but working for others... who knows really, right?
ReplyDelete