So I said I would create a series about my trip to Maine. Did I wait long enough to start this series? Haha, you should know as a new mommy with a full-time job my time is limited and blogging often takes a backseat to well, life.
In this first trip to Maine series I’ll be sharing a piece of my adventure shopping at Stonewall Kitchen.
I’ve written about Stonewall Kitchen before, so you should know that I love it there! No, really.
I LOVE STONEWALL KITCHEN.
Everything is deliciously gourmet, yet effortless to prepare. Their company stores epitomize the essence of New England. As their Web site boasts, “the company stores are a feast for the eyes and the palate, welcoming you with New England hospitality.” Totally.
Before you go thinking it, I’ll just say it: I DO NOT work for Stonewall Kitchen…. Although, I certainly wouldn’t turn down a job should they ever offer! (wink, wink Stonewall)
Savoring The Experience
As a marketer, I admire their family-style approach to selling gourmet cuisine. The atmosphere in their company stores is akin to visiting your favorite aunt, who happens to have an amazing flare for cooking delectable treats. The store is super welcoming and the employees are helpful and generous with their time.
I think I spent a good hour in the Portland store. And it’s not a very big store. You have to experience it for yourself to really know why I would gladly camp out on the sidewalk should they decide to open a company store in Boston.
There are samples. Let me say that again. There. Are. Samples.
As a foodie, the word sample is music to ears and my taste buds. Their friendly staff offers up samples of amazing Stonewall yummies, which is why you must make it a point to stop in on your next trip up to Maine.
I bought two baskets full of Stonewall ingredients and totally would have bought more had I not been walking with my son in the stroller. Damn that diaper bag!
If I listed what I bought now then you’d have no reason to come back and read about the rest of the my adventure in Stonewall Kitchen. So I will discuss only two ingredients in this post: Mushroom Risotto Mix and Mushroom Sage Steak Sauce. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
Mushroom Madness Monday
Two of the ingredients I bought helped the hubby and I have a Mushroom Madness Monday. Yeah, try saying that 12 times fast!
Our menu consisted of steak tips marinated in the Stonewall Mushroom Sage Steak Sauce, Stonewall Mushroom Risotto and a sautéed veggie mix of zucchini and mushrooms.
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| {The yummies from Stonewall Kitchen and my pantry} |
I started by marinating the steak tips in the Mushroom Sage Steak Sauce for 36 hours. Next I prepared the Mushroom Risotto as directed on the box, using a few things from my fridge and pantry.
Organic chicken broth,
Olive Oil
Margarine
Chopped white onion
White Wine
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Olive Oil
Margarine
Chopped white onion
White Wine
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
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| {The prep} |
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| {Chopped white onion for the Risotto} |
I highly recommend getting the Stonewall Mushroom Risotto mix; it’s awesome. It’s not overly salty like some mixes I’ve tried in the past. The flavor is ultra mushroomy (is that a word?) without being overpowering. It’s just mushroomy goodness. (I’m pretty sure using it twice makes it a word now.)
After taking the steak tips out of the marinade, I dried the meat off with paper towels to ensure they brown nicely in the pan. A few tablespoons of olive oil and in they went. I cooked them about 4 minutes on each side for medium rare before adding a ¼ cup of freshly poured Mushroom Sage Steak Sauce. This was NOT the sauce that was used as the marinade. I tossed that, as it had touched raw meat. What I did was pour a fresh ¼ cup of the sauce from the fridge into a small bowl for just this use. Once the sauce heated, the steak tips were cooked perfectly to medium-well. YUM!
For the veggies, well that’s easy, I just chopped zucchini and mushrooms, seasoned with salt and pepper and sautéed in olive oil.
To say the least, dinner was delicious, super flavorful and easy to prepare. The whole dinner took about an hour, not counting of course the 36 hours of marinating.
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| {Finished plate of mushroom madness} |
Bon appetite and don’t forget to swing by and pick me up should you decide to jump in your car and head up to Maine!
Do you like to eat? Stop by Mama's Hungry for delicious, easy-to-follow recipes!
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