Why America is the Greatest Country of All Time

Having spent ten days in the UK (namely Scotland) I have come to the conclusion that politicians have known for a great long time (or at least been extolling) -- that America rocks. Not because of our self-righteous militaristic outbursts, nor our small-minded and hypocritical xenophobia, but rather because the food here is vastly superior. And I don't have to pay for it in pounds.

For someone who worships at the shrine of eating in the way that I do, travel is all about epicurean delights. Russia was marked by excellent traditional Caucasian cuisine, not to mention caviar blinis, mushroom soups, and a beef stroganoff that could bring me back to the red side (of meat, not politics that is). Sure Scotland had some really great smoked salmon, but who doesn't? And while I'm a big proponent of free wine and cheese, let's just say, I don't care what you put on wonderbread (prawns, Brie, apple slices, etc), it's gonna suck. And a slab of meat and overboiled vegetables, a meal does not make.

So since returning home, food has been pretty much all that's on my mind. (Well, all that I can publish here anyway. Check my 21 Stars Hot Action Review for more.) Thus the following elaborate and tasty dishes have been made since my return --

Curried Couscous : Absolutely amazing. Very simple. Also it has a lot of things that I usually have in the house anyway. (Though as someone pointed out, the things that are just lying around in my house aren't necessarily that ordinary.) Tastes good hot as well, though I'm gonna agree that letting it sit and serving it cold is ideal.

Sauteed Sea Scallops with Lemon-Mustard Sauce: Okay, so I didn't make this. My lovely boyfriend did. But having reaped the mustardy fruits of his labor though, I recommend and forward on.

Whole Roasted Red Snapper with Orange, Rosemary and Kalamata Olives : This was really good, and I think you could probably change out the fish if you wanted because snapper isn't exactly the cheapest or easiest fish you could find. (Perhaps Aldi orange roughy?) We used nicoise olives -- I'd recommend the Kalamata. And maybe dried rosemary instead of fresh? Needed a bit more oomph.

Tomato, Basil, and Mozzarella Quesadillas : This I made for myself largely because I had no car, no money (got my purse snatched in Atlanta on my way back -- which sucked largely because I spent the entire flight back daydreaming about the awesome food that I was going to make when I got back) . . . So this is a truly Erin creation

1 tomato, chopped
5 basil leaves, chiffonade
1/4 cup mozzarella (fresh is awesome)
2 tortillas

Combine tomato, bail, and cheese inside folded tortilla. Over med-high heat, saute tortilla until slightly browned on each side and cheese is melty. Eat.

For a Southwestern kick, add black beans and jalapeno. (Which you should saute with the tomato and basil before putting into tortilla.) Mmmm. Protein.

And right before I left, I made this:

Anaheim Shrimp Scampi : This might be the most delicious thing of all time. And slightly good for you!

I was also obsessing about tofu marinades and picked up this one as well:

TOFU MARINADE

1/2 c. soy sauce (low salt)
2 tsp. dry mustard
1 clove garlic, mashed
1/3 c. oil
2 tbsp. peanut butter
2 tbsp. ketchup

I didn't use the ketchup. But otherwise, mmmm. Tofu.