It’s arrived and I would like to thank Sandhill Organics (Peg and Matt), Dea Dia Organics (Jeff), Natural Farm Stand (Sue), The Learning Farm (Linda and Dori), Dietzler Beef (Michelle), Nielsen-Massey Vanilla’s, Entwined and Kris Schroder for helping to pull this off. Tonight I decided to roast the beets on the grills with apple and cherry wood smoke. I can’t wait to see how it pairs with the blueberries and the blue cheese and a touch of vanilla. I’ll write more after the weekend and post a few pictures of the many guests attending tomorrows event.

Cheers,

Tim

Thank you to all the fans that stopped by yesterday at the Chefs Tent during the Farmers Market. here is the recipe you asked for. Enjoy.
1 # new potatoes oven roasted
3 ears roasted corn – cut when cool
2 large eggs
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup fresh chives
salt and pepper to taste
1 stick unsalted butter
1 pinch red pepper
dash onion powder

olive oil for frying
smash potatoes and add remaining ingrediants. Form into patties and fry in a skillet until browned.

Hi All,

Eveyone at Stargrazer has been busy the last few days with a 3 day wedding! Everyone at Stargrager had an awesome time with Donnell and Dan over the weeked as they professed their Love for one another. We started on Thursday with the rehearsal dinner, moved into Friday and the wedding and can I say the most amazing band (The Moods) OMG, I have not seen so many people dance for so long and have so much fun too. Finally to cap it off the next morning at the Cafe for breakfast. Whew, finished and on to the Locavore Dinner on the 20th at the Cafe and the Farm. If your not on the mailing list please sign up on the home page for more information about this amazing event. The menu will be posted shortly on the Events page so stay tuned!

Tim

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a huge Fan of Nielsen-Massey Vanilla and their Vanilla and Flavor Extracts. Last week at the Farmers Market I made Vanilla Fruit Salad with Chocolate Whipped Cream. I have attached the Vanilla Whipped Cream recipe. To make Chocolate just add 1/4 teaspoon of Nielsen-Massey Chocolate Extract and enjoy.
Have a Great week!
Chef Tim
Vanilla Whipped Cream

Stargrazer Cafe is pleased to announce we carry the most amazing beverage on the market today. Made from the coffee fruit and loaded with antioxidents. Check Bai out at www.drinkbai.com it will answer all your questions about caffine amounts and calorie counts. New flavor coming next week to the Cafe.

Hi All,
On Sunday I sent out the weekly newsletter and stated that I am going to use the Blog on a regular basis to share new recipes, old recipes and small stories about my Love of Food and the difficulties of running a Business,actually starting a Business during this Great Recession. Last week Linda Weins sold me the most beautiful Blueberries that had been hand picked at a local Church. I had a 3 gallon container and immediatley started thinking about what I was going to do with them. The upcoming Friday night Buffet was Italian and although Blueberry Cobbler is truly American I thought what the hell.

I woke up Friday morning thinking about my Grandmother Viola. For those of you who know me well Viola was my inspiration and taught me many of the skills I use today. Viola was a Chef in her own right and owned two restaurants that prepared garden fresh food daily. Viola’s true Love was baking (not mine) and at 5 sat me on a stool by her Viking while she baked pies, cakes and cobblers. When I got into the kitchen last Friday morning I immediately felt as though I was channeling my grandmother. The oddest thing happened, I baked not one but two large Blueberry Cobblers. Then to twist it around a bit I made Lemon-Vanilla Whipped Cream as the topping. As many of you know I only use Nielsen-Massey products for many of my recipe  applications and there is something special about the use of Lemon and Blueberries together. Below is the Lemon-Vanilla Whipped Cream recipe. Tomorrow I will post the Cobbler recipe along with a photo.
1 Pint Heavy Whipping Cream

1/2 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla

1/2 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Lemon Extract

1/2 cup Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Sugar

Place your mixing bowl in the freezer for 20-30 minutes to chill first.

Add Heavy Cream and Mix on med speed until Cream starts to thicken

Add Vanilla, Lemon Extract and Vanilla Sugar

Chill

I decided to make a few changes this past week. I took off the Pizza, Lentil Salad and the Smoked Chicken and added The Moroccan Lamb Chops, Build a Burger and the B3 Beet Salad. Keep an eye out for pictures and new recipes over the next couple of days.

Hi All,
Stargrazer will not be at the Grayslake Market this week so that we can focus on the Station Square Market this Friday. Sigh up for our e-mail list on the Home page so you can all stay ahead of what we have happening at the Cafe this week.

Feel free to comment on the Blog pages on what you would like to see Theme nights be.

Best Regards,

Tim

This salad is simple and very popular at the Cafe. Sandhill Organics has the most amazing Beets right now so if you have some in your CSA package here is a good recipe for them.
1-2 # Beets roasted and peeled – when cool slice
Marinate Beets in the following mixture
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Sugar (we sell at the Cafe or online)
1/4 cup EVOO (extra virgin olive oil)
salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Mexican Vanilla
Plate
Organic Mixed Spring Greens 1 cup
Place marinated beets on Greens
1/4 cup good Blue Cheese crumbled
1/4 cup fresh Blueberries
Marinated Vadalia or White Onions
1 Cup White Wine Vinegar
1/4 Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Nielsen-Massey Orange Blossom Water
1 Tablespoon whole Coriander
1 Fresh Bay Leaf

Come join us this Friday and Saturday as we fire up the Big Green Eggs and enjoy the weather. We will be closed Sunday and Monday but will reopen Tuesday regular Hours. Enjoy your Holiday!
Tim