Battle 8 vs. Immortality (Spanikopita and Dolmades)

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As I get ready to audition for MasterChef, Season 3... you may wonder why?  Why subject yourself to the tirades of Chef Gordon Ramsey?  Well, you should read the "Introduction" to this very blog - a chance to test my culinary skills in battle!

I mean, if you had... one shot... one opportunity... seize everything you ever wanted... one moment... would you capture it... or let it slip away...




Sure, if successful, there may only be 15 minutes of fame; however, it'll be experience to share with my family and friends... heck and something to tell my great-great-great-grandkids somedays...
a chance to be IMMORTAL!!!



To get myself "Psyched Up" (Note: Psyche has roots in mythology too!), it's a Greek-inspired battle!

vs. Leonidas!!!!

If a 2-D representation (on Hallow's Eve, 2011) doesn't scare you... how bout a 3-D one...

TALE OF THE TAPE:

QUINJA:  6-2-2
Leonidas: 0-1-0  (Remember, while the Bad News Bears or Chicago Cubs are lovable losers... the Spartans may be the most famous... I mean, they lost!!!)

Round 1:  vs his Henchman, D'OhL MADnESs

Weighing in at 1lb (Ground Beef)

Entourage (e.g., the 300): 3 Garlic Cloves, 3 Shallots, 2 Tablespoons of Fish Sauce, Grape Leaves (Half a Jar), 1 Tablespoon Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 Package of Lemongrass Stalks*

* I like the Lemongrass Stalk (finely chopped) because it releases the oils when I grill them and therefore tastes "more fresh."

Note: I shaped the one grape leave (you can buy them at most Middle Eastern Markets) because I like CANADA!!!

1. Combine all the ingredients by hand in a mixing bowl.
2. Wrap in grape leaves and use a toothpick (e.g., Baby Spears!).  Soak the toothpicks in water for about 30 minutes so they don't burn when grilling.  About a big spoonful of meat mixture per leaf.
3. Grill for a few minutes.  Note, I used a George Foreman Grill (after letting the grill come to temperature (about 5 minutes)) and it takes about 4 minutes to "grill."  I found that grilling removes the bitterness of the grape leaf juice.

Note: This one of the dishes at Battle at the Athenaneum post!

Victory for the QuinJa via Phalanxing!

Round 2: Will the QuinJa get SPANKopita'd?

Entourage: 1 package of Spinach, 1 package of Fillo Dough* (Can be used to make Strudel), Garlic, Butter, Feta Cheese (buy the unbroken kind - it's cheaper as you'll be cutting it anyway.)

*TIP: Fillo Dough must be thawed from the freezer and be kept under a damp cloth lest it crumbles like the Walls of Troy!

1. Melt butter.
2. Saute spinach with olive oil, add garlic, and salt and pepper (Nutmeg is optional).
3. Remove spinach, let cool, and mix with feta cheese.
3. Wrap the spinach/feta mixture into "paper American footballs."
4. Bake until golden... yes, like the Golden Fleece that Jason and the Argonauts retrieved!

Is it D'OhL MADnESs?


No, this is QUINJA!!!! NIKE! (That's victory in Greek!)