[Sca-cooks] Re: Anchovy-Potatoes

[lilinah at earthlink.net]

OK, i got the stuff for Jansson's Temptation. I made the casserole.

A few comments:

ONE
After an hour in the oven at 350F. most of the potatoes were not as 
cooked as i like them. I took a serving anyway (they were cooked 
through, but still had a bit of crunch), leaving the casserole on the 
stove and covered with aluminum foil. Most of the potatoes were fine 
after sitting for about 1/2 hour.

TWO
I used a bit less cream than the recipes called for (1 cup) and two 
cans of anchovies, pouring the olive oil from the anchovy cans into 
the cream as directed. It was plenty - if not more than enough. The 
potatoes never absorbed all the cream, even after sitting overnight, 
and i'd prefer something less wet.

So next time, i'll try beating a couple eggs into the cream.

THREE
Two cans of anchovies - GOOD - i'd probably like another can. But the 
dish definitely could use some seasoning help. I realize that if i 
were eating this with pickled herring i might feel differently, but, 
well, anchovies - GOOD -  herring - NOT SO GOOD.

So, next time, i'm considering adding some herbs or spices.

FOUR
I sauteed the onions a bit before adding them to the casserole, as 
many of the recipes directed. I think this was a good thing, since i 
don't like crunchy onions. And they were limp and had started to 
brown slightly while on the stove, which i like, but were not burned.

FIVE
I used my mom's antique Cuisinart to slice the potatoes and onions. 
It was a godsend! Eight potatoes done in a matter of seconds, 2 large 
onions, cut in half, and also done in a few seconds.

My mom bought the old Cuisinart back when they first made it to the 
US shores, because she thought i had one, but i couldn't afford one 
at the time. Since she never liked to use it, well, it didn't get 
much use. So when i started cooking SCA feasts, i discovered how 
useful one was - does the work of several minions and in less time. 
So i retrieved it from her.

There was no instruction book, but i did get four or five 
blades/discs and a plexiglas blade rack. I thought i had the pusher 
when i got it, but i can't find it anymore... Anyone know where i can 
find one? where i can get more blades? This has a large capacity 
smoke-color clear plastic "bowl" and must be around 20 years old.

Anahita