Welcome to "Cooking with the Captain"
I love to cook and eat good food. I also love various styles of food, including, but not limited to, Mexican, Italian, Russian, Chinese Szechwan and Hunan, Japanese, Thai, Indian and Greek. Growing up in Chicago, the melting pot of the US, you learn real quick like to appreciate the other cultures that abound.
I will attempt to offer, through the links on this page, some of my favorite recipes, including the Famous (or infamous) Captain Trips Exploding Salsa! Now, for the first time ever, I will make available to the general public, the recipe that made me famous. You've heard about it in newsgroups, now you too can make your own version.
WARNING: This salsa is only for those who like the intense heat and pure pain that a truly HOT sauce can create. Once you get past the heat, you will enjoy the flavorings. It has been known to make little children cry for their mommies, strong men scream, women to faint and dogs to turn rabid. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
Now that we got that out of the way, let's move on to the recipes.
RECIPES
Italics denote link to recipe, including side dishes mentioned.
ASIA
Thai Egg Rolls with Peanut Sauce.
These are different from your standard Chinese Egg Roll. One taste and you are hooked.
Rogan Josh
From India, comes one of the dishes of kings. Made with lamb and seasonings, this entree dish is best served with Jasmine Rice and Naan Bread.
Ma Po Tofu HOT
I honestly believe there are as many ways to make Ma Po Tofu, as there are people in China. This is my version.
Lamb or Chicken Vindaloo HOT!
From the Goa region of India comes this classic dish. Seasoned with vinegar and hot chilies, this dish is best served with Puri Bread , rice, a nice dal and shredded coconut (to tame the heat).
MIDDLE EAST
Falafel
This dish is served in almost every Middle Eastern country. It is popular with Moslems, Christians and Jews, since it contains no meat at all. Therefore it can be served just about anytime.
MEXICAN
Captain Trips Exploding Salsa.
Here it is, in its' entirety. Not one ingredient has been left out! Please read the disclaimer below, prior to making and using this salsa.
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE TO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CAUSED BY MAKING OR USING THIS SALSA RECIPE:
INTERNAL ORGANS,INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO RESPIRATORY SYSTEMS, DIGESTION TRACTS OR REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS.
DOMESTIC ANIMALS
COUNTERTOPS
FURNITURE
CARPETS
AUTOMOBILES
MUCUS MEMBRANES
UNATTENDED CHILDREN
STRAYING SPOUSES
FISH AND WILDLIFE
RAIN FORESTS
YOU AGREE TO USE THIS SALSA AT YOUR OWN RISK! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO DO NOT UNDERSTAND THIS, IT MEANS THAT I GIVE YOU THE RECIPE. IF YOU HAVE HEARTBURN FOR A YEAR AFTER EATING IT, THAT'S YOUR PROBLEM. DO NOT E-MAIL ME OR MAILBOMB ME WITH COMPLAINTS. THIS IS PROBABLY THE HOTTEST SALSA KNOWN TO MANKIND!
A moderate to hot salsa with much flavor to it. Made with chipotle chilies, tomatoes and seasonings, this is my everyday salsa. I think you will definitely enjoy this stuff!
These are WAYYY different from the enchiladas you are used to in the United States. One taste and you may never make baked enchiladas again!
Tinga
Tinga is a delicious and versatile dish believed to have been invented in the Santa Rosa Convent in Puebla. The nuns were the first to experiment with blending European flavors with Mexican ingredients.
Sopa de Ajo Estilo Toluca (Garlic Soup)
Garlic Soup?! Yes, it is tasty and filling as well as being healthy. Try it!
Queso Tuloqueno (Melted Cheese and Chorizo Sausage)
A family favorite, even with the cats, we will make this whenever we either can buy good Chorizo (not easy in Pinellas County, Florida, the boring food capital of the United States) or when I make the stuff from scratch.