GTB RECIPES

COUNTING ON MY CROCK

By Ellen "EJ" Sackett

My Crock Pot is my most faithful chum. We shared our first apartment, and together we created hearty meals on hectic days and lonely winter nights. She was a quiet, reliable roommate, ready and waiting for me on the kitchen counter at the end of a long day. Because of her, I always looked forward to coming home.

It had been a while since I'd seen her. Years ago I pushed my stalwart companion away, believing I'd outgrown her simple ways. Then cold winds blew from the north, reminding me of the many good times we shared. I didn't have look far to find my dear friend. She was right where I left her and hadn't changed a bit. Seeing her sturdy physique again brought back warm memories, and I swore that I would never, ever forget her again.

Here's an unforgettable recipe—one of my Crock Pot's best:

Crock Pot Chili

1-1/2 to 2 lbs. ground beef
1 cup coarsely chopped onion
2 14-1/2 oz. cans whole tomatoes, drained
1 green pepper, chopped and seeded
2 to 3 T. chili powder, depending on how spicy you want the chili to be
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. ground black pepper
salt to taste
2 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed (optional)

Brown ground beef and chopped onions in a large skillet. Drain excess fat before adding the ingredients to the slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir thoroughly. Cover and cook on slow heat for 7 to 9 hours. Cook for 3 to 5 hours on high heat. Serves 6 to 8.

GTB RECIPES

CAMPING OMELET

By Ellen "EJ" Sackett

How do you make an omelet with no butter and no frying pan? It's easy! Here's the recipe, passed on to me by my friend Herbert Holl.

All you need are the ingredients, Zip-lock freezer bags to put them in, and a large pot of boiling water. You can create several individualized omelets and cook them at the same time. Just remember to label each bag with a waterproof marker, such as a Sharpie, so you know which omelet is whose!

First, line a glass with the Zip-lock bag. While this step isn't necessary, it makes loading the ingredients into the bag much easier. Next, crack your eggs into the bag. You can substitute egg whites or Egg Beaters if you prefer. Add whatever vegetables and shredded cheese you like; however, any meats should be pre-cooked. Seal the bag and shake the ingredients together to mix them, making sure to squish the eggs to break the yolks. Open the bag again, and then decompress the air out of of it. Seal it, drop it in the boiling water, and let it cook for fifteen minutes. Particularly if you are making more than one omelet, watch the bags carefully to keep them from melting against the side of the pot.

The result? The fluffiest omelet you've ever tasted! And it's healthy too without the extra fat. Best of all, there's no mess to clean up--just throw away the bag when you're through. Great idea, huh?

Burgundy Restaurant, Denton, Texas

LOVE IS AT THE HEART OF BURGUNDY

By Ellen "EJ" Sackett


Now that New Years is out of the way, it's time to be thinking ahead to the next big holiday: Valentine's Day. With just over a month away, it's time to make those reservations now to take your sweetie out for an expensive romantic dinner.

In Denton, Texas, my choice for date night is Burgundy Restaurant, opulent without being pretentious, decorated in rich, warm golds and deep reds as the name suggests. It is located west of the Downtown Square, next to the Campus Theatre. (Unfortunately, the Campus is dark on Valentine's Day this year, but check its Web site at www.campustheatre.com for upcoming events to combine dinner at Burgundy with a live performance.)

At Burgundy, you'll be greeted by the door by Tony Huda or his wife, Melissa, whose heart and soul touches every aspect of the dining experience. Simply put, they love their restaurant and want you to love it too.

Before you are seated, cuddle up with a drink on the black leather couch by the entrance. If it's your first date, you may want to sit at the beautiful back-lit bar and chat with Tony or watch a bit of the ballgame on the big screen HDTV. Burgundy has a fine wine list and a full assortment of liquor. Take your time to decide. Dinner awaits, but there's no rush.

The dining room is cozy, but the tables are far enough apart that you won't be disturbed by neighboring guests. If you are fortunate, first-class jazz guitarist Joseph Gomez will be performing quietly in the corner, or you may hear Frank Sinatra piped in overhead. Kick off your heels under the table, ladies. What's a romantic dinner without a little footsie with your tootsie?

The servers are friendly, yet professional. They are informed about the menu, offered on a one-page board that isn't extensive, but selective. Burgundy mainly serves seafood and steak, although there is one lamb dish, a duck au poivre, and a chicken entreé as well. The Steak and Lobster Tail combo, rarely offered at Denton restaurants, is an occasional specialty of the house. The Shrimp Tower served over rice is excellent and reliable, and any of the steak cuts (Bone-in Rib-Eye with Peppercorn, New York Strip, and the Filet Mignon) are done to perfection as you like them. The Sea Scallop over spinach is another satisfying choice, and the Seabass In Orange Terragon Beure Blanc over Sauteed Zucchini and Squash never fails to please.

The portions are not large at Burgundy, so you may want to choose an appetizer or salad before the main course. A plain white bread basket comes with three choices of butter: sweet, fruit and jalapeño, and a sorbet sample comes between courses to cleanse the palette--other nice touches from the Hudas for their guests. Vegetarians may want to choose from the side dishes ala carte, but for $6 each, the amounts are small.

Follow dinner with dessert with coffee or a port wine, and then hold hands while you take a stroll around the historical Denton Square, lit year-round with twinkly white lights. This completes the perfect romantic evening--or who knows? Perhaps your night out at Burgundy will be the perfect prelude to a romantic evening in.

$$$

Burgundy Restaurant, 222 W Hickory Street, Denton, Texas
(940) 384-1800

PLEASE NOTE: We are sad to report as of December 2009, Burgundy is no longer in business.

Hours:
Open for dinner only, Mondays through Saturdays, 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Closed on Sundays

Jazz Café, Fort Worth, Texas

FLAVOR OF GREECE FOUND IN FORT WORTH

By Ellen "EJ" Sackett

Stumble upon Jazz Café in Fort Worth near the Arts District and step
into the Old World. This weathered Mediterranean-style escape offers a
flavor of Greece that extends beyond its gyros, tabouleh and falafel.
From the chipped Neptune sculpture, the faded plastic flamingos, and
retired pay phone to an antique scuba helmet, mounted marlin, and
family photos—everything has a story.

The most expensive menu item is among its best—the sliced Eggplant
Parmesan, lightly breaded, then grilled in olive oil, smothered with
melted mozzarella with fresh rosemary bread. Open wide for one of
several ample-sized sandwiches or go for a traditional Greek salad.
The Tex-Mex fare is surprisingly tasty, particularly the black bean
enchiladas in corn tortillas.

The restaurant is open for lunch seven days a week and adds breakfast
on weekends. Come for live jazz on Sundays, but don't be in a rush.
The service is as laid back as the music and the place itself.

$

Jazz Cafe
2504 Montgomery Street, Fort Worth, Texas
(817) 737-0043;'

Hours:
Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.