Mush & Joe Virtual Cafe

fall weather fare

2008-11-07T20:08:00.000-08:00

This is our version of the Senate Bean Soup recipe .. a dish that is served daily in the restaurants on Capital Hill. Served fresh and hot from the soup pot.

Hans' Ginger Scones

2008-10-13T09:03:00.000-07:00

"THE SECRET? The recipe calls for both fresh and crystallized ginger."

Ginger scones
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 10
Note: Adapted from Hans Röckenwagner.

4 cups flour

1/4 cup sugar

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 3/4 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1 cup diced crystallized ginger, cut into 1/4 -inch dice

1/2 pound fresh ginger (about 8 2-inch pieces), peeled and puréed, about 1 cup

2 eggs

1 cup heavy cream, divided

1. Heat the oven to 325 degrees. In a large bowl with a whisk, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the crystallized and puréed ginger until well combined.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and three-quarters cup of the heavy cream. Stir the cream mixture into the combined ingredients just until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overmix.

3. Divide the dough into 10 even portions and roll each into a ball. Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking pan and brush the tops with the remaining heavy cream. Bake the scones for 20 to 25 minutes, until they are golden.

Each serving: 516 calories; 8 grams protein; 58 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams fiber; 29 grams fat; 17 grams saturated fat; 123 mg. cholesterol; 657 mg. sodium.

Reference

have a healthy malted milk shake

2008-09-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

Try one of our protein packed malted milk shakes today. All natural ingredients. Smooth rich taste.

Bread Is The Foundation

2008-04-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to offer our homemade Country Light Wheat bread as one of your sandwich choices here at the Mush & Joe Cafe. The combination of a subtle whole wheat flavor and the slightly chewy goodness of our homemade Country White will make this premium artisan bread one of your favorites.

The nutritional boost of stone ground whole wheat, and absence of additives or preservatives also make this bread a healthy choice. And a scrumptious one too .. whether plain, toasted or grilled.

what goes with everything? avacado do.

2007-12-16T18:41:00.000-08:00

Smooth buttery taste, rich in nutrients including unsaturated fat. Just ripe. Add it to garden salads, cobb salads, on dinner plates resting next to a steamed vegetable. How about some tortilla chips and guacamole? We'll do it your way at Mush & Joe Cafe.

light lunch special

2007-12-08T16:06:00.000-08:00

Baked tilapia, lightly lemon peppered and garnished with a splash of red wine vinegar. Served with your choice of fresh steamed vegetable. (baby brussels sprouts shown)

dinner special

2007-12-02T19:30:00.000-08:00

Today's special. Baked lemon peppered whiting, baked potato and broccoli.

you won't believe your taste buds

2007-12-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

Thin sliced turkey livers sauteed in extra virgin olive oil with slivered onion and garlic. You just thought you didn't like turkey liver.

Avoid Hot Dogs

2007-11-04T16:33:00.000-08:00

Diet changes can lower triglycerides and bad (LDL) cholesterol. One need not give up tasty foods to gain benefits.

The Mayo Clinic offers information about diet for this reason.

Pan Fried Green Tomato Time

2007-10-30T14:19:00.000-07:00

Our final garden harvest here at the cafe has resulted in our vegetable bin filled almost to overflowing with firm green tomatoes. So, we are offering these fried green beauties as appetizers or as a side with any sandwich or meal while supplies last.
Come and get 'em. We take quarter inch thick slices of tomato and dip them into a rich batter that includes stone ground whole grain cornmeal. Then we pan fry 'em up to a golden brown using pure olive oil. Served crisp and hot. You may want "seconds."

hot and mild

2007-10-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

have it your way at Mush & Joe Cafe

Cereal Lover's Breakfast

2007-10-02T00:23:00.000-07:00

Take your favorite breakfast cereal (frosted mini-shredded wheat pictured above), add a tablespoon of brown rice protein powder ... and you have just given yourself a 7.5 gram protein boost. That's a breakfast that will keep you going all morning. Get it right here at Mush & Joe Cafe.

It's The Little Things That Count

2007-09-30T18:47:00.000-07:00

For not being specific, that's pretty profound. But, I will refrain from waxing philosophically for now.
Here at Mush & Joe it IS the little things that count, because it is those things that add color, flavor, vitamins and minerals to our menu items.
Yet, no matter what your diet or mood of the moment, we serve it here at the cafe. And, if you ARE going to cheat on your diet, this is the place to do it. The calorie count can't be beat. After all, it IS the little things that count.

It's Not Just Fried Mush

2007-09-28T03:10:00.000-07:00

We're famous for our fried mush here at Mush & Joe Cafe. Of course we are. It's in our name. But, you can also order a breakfast bowl of our freshly cooked mush topped with just the right amount of brown sugar. Prepared with Hodgson Mill Whole Grain Cornmeal, this is cornmeal mush the way nature intended. Have a bowl today and experience the bold flavor of whole grain cornmeal.

Sunday At The Cafe

2007-09-23T04:46:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy afternoon outside .. yes the much needed rainfall is here. It's cozy and friendly inside the cafe though. In fact, the place is packed. And, as I look around, I see that all the regulars are here.
RWA is in the Sports Room with some of his old drinking buddies, and from the noise they are making, it sounds like their team is winning.
HoosierGirl5 is here with her four, and some of their friends. I guess after running around all day they have whipped up an appetite. And, since they are concentrating on nutritional fare to satisfy their dietary needs, they know they can get what they want at Mush & Joe Cafe.
Lisa & Tony are in the Hoosier Room enjoying its subdued lighting and a private table-for-two. Brother Dave and wife, Shirley, (my sister-in-law) have been joined by several of their friends in the conversation pit. Then, Tony & Lisa finish their meal and join Aunt Shirley & Uncle David.
Jordan is here with her family which is a treat because we've not seen her around here much.
Miss Nikki Ann and Sir have just seated themselves here where I'm currently working the cafe counter. And, she is just glowing. I wonder .. could she be in love? Well, maybe she'll tell me, but I won't pry.
Anyway, that's my Sunday update at Mush & Joe Virtual Cafe. You all have a good day now.

Sausage & Egg Biscuit

2007-09-20T15:38:00.000-07:00

Here's a breakfast treat for anyone who likes McDonald's Sausage & Egg Biscuit sandwiches. Mush & Joe Cafe's very own "knock off." Except, these are no cheap imitations. Available 24/7 at Mush & Joe Virtual Cafe.

Burritos Without Borders

2007-09-10T22:54:00.000-07:00

Travel south of the border without leaving your table here at Mush & Joe Cafe. Just dive into one of our beef or bean burritos topped with our homemade Killer Salsa™. If you are a true "chilihead", this dish is for you.

California Style Grilled Ham & Cheese

2007-09-02T21:38:00.000-07:00

Honey ham and your choice of cheese, "butter grilled" to perfection with whole grain sourdough bread. In fact, I've never had a California eatery turn out a grilled sourdough sandwich with bread this scrumptious. Only at Mush & Joe Cafe.

California Style Tuna Melt

2007-09-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

If you've never tried a tuna melt grilled with sourdough bread, you are in for a real treat. The combination of Albacore Tuna, sweet Vidalia Onion, mayo, choice of cheese and this scrumptious bread grilled in butter will tantalize your taste buds.

Happy Jack's Low Carb Wilted Lettuce

2007-08-20T23:49:00.000-07:00

A wise man once said, "Let us give lettuce to those who will let us." Alrighty then, that is what I shall do...

Today's cafe offering is a scrumptious salad which was an occasional treat in the home I grew up in. It was a treat because it was a dish my grandfather Jack (who was known as "Happy Jack" in Golden Gloves boxing circles) prepared himself, preferring not to make the dish too often (because he much preferred to sit in his easy chair and watch TV)! I hadn't had it in a while, since he isn't around anymore. Fortunately a close family member had been given the recipe before he passed away.

I was given a photocopy of his original high carb wilted lettuce recipe, written in his own handwriting, a few weeks ago. Remembering how wonderful this salad was inspired me to transform it into a low carb friendly dish that I could enjoy in my chosen way of eating. I think you will enjoy it, too.

Happy Jack's Low Carb Wilted Lettuce

1 Bunch Loose Leaf Lettuce (Endive or Romaine work well)
1 Medium Onion, diced
4 Strips Bacon, diced
2 Eggs, beaten
1/2 t Salt
1/4 t Pepper
4 Packets Splenda OR 4 or 5 drops Sweetzfree
1/2 C Vinegar
1 1/2 C Heavy Cream

Fry bacon. Dice. Return bacon to pan (leave bacon grease in pan). Mix Eggs, salt, pepper, vinegar and heavy cream. Add to bacon and grease and cook until thickened on medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid scorching. When thickened, remove from heat and stir in sweetener.

Pour over lettuce and onion, and allow lettuce to wilt.

*For the original high carb version, omit the sweetener and heavy cream, and instead add 1 1/2 T sugar, 1 1/2 C milk, and 3 1/2 T flour.

Bunless Cheeseburger Meal

2007-08-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today's special is our bunless cheeseburger, bake potato topped with butter and sour cream, and spinach brought to life by a couple generous splashes of Tarragon Vinegar. Ask nice, and we'll even throw in the hamburger bun.

Happy Hoosier Yogurt Snack

2007-08-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

Looking for a snack that's not loaded with empty calories? Then this tasty dessert, or between meal snack, may be just the thing.

It's a generous helping of low fat vanilla yogurt on a bed of whole grain Grape Nuts. Reminiscent of cheese cake with the 'guilt' removed, we think you will enjoy this nutritious offering. By the way, we have prepared this special treat to celebrate the important dietary changes that Hoosiergirl5 has made for her family and herself.

Stop In For A Cool One

2007-08-01T17:00:00.000-07:00

This week's luncheon special is designed for those "on the go" who want a cool nutrition packed meal that won't bog them down during the hot "dog days" of summer.

Cottage cheese garnished with organic cherry tomatoes & banana peppers fresh from our garden, and a dash or three of freshly ground pepper. Loaded with protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this power packed serving will have you primed and ready for the remainder of your work day.

Water: The Elixir of Life

2007-07-18T21:08:00.000-07:00

Let's all do our bodies a BIG BIG favor and make sure we consume 64 ounces (1.9 liters) of water a day. Sore or achy joints? Hit that water bottle.
I had a bit of a challenge in downing that 64 oz on the first day of the regimen, but after that I almost craved that much water. But, I was giving up Diet Coke. Up to four cans a day.
The importance of keeping our bodies hydrated can not be emphasized too much.
I kept a 32 oz water bottle with me on the road and at my office, and refilled it from our water cooler as necessary.

Coffee Update

2007-07-17T20:53:00.000-07:00

We sold the last of our Ethiopian Black Horse Yirgacheffe just a few minutes ago. I appreciate everyone stopping in, and just want to update you on our current coffee varieties.

From the Pronatur Co-op comes Peruvian Norte, and a certified organic variety from the Cenaproc Co-op, Bolivian Peaberry. I'm certain you will enjoy these two coffees.

Small family farmers sell their coffee bean crops through a co-op in many coffee growing regions. This assures that these farmers get a "fair trade" price for their coffee beans. So, I am proud to serve this fine specialty coffee to you.

And remember, we serve only fresh coffee, and that starts with beans freshly roasted 2 to 3 days previously. As the beans are ground, they are immediately brewed into fresh coffee.

hint: We let this coffee cool in your cup for 5 minutes before serving it to you. And you will notice how its flavor blooms as it cools even further.

Di-No-Mite Breakfast: Protein & Good Carbs

2007-07-16T10:26:00.000-07:00

When it comes to cost per serving, you just can't beat the humble egg for complete protein. Add a slice of toasted whole grain bread, and you will have replaced the empty carbohydrates of white refined bread with nutritional ones. Bacon should be included sparingly. In other words, once in a while.

If orange juice is not your thing, be sure to add a serving of fruit. Apples, bananas, peaches, nectarines, grapes, cherries and berries are good choices.

A healthful nutrition-packed breakfast will jump start your day, providing lasting energy for hours. You may find that a mid-morning junk food snack is the last thing on your mind. To your health!

What in the world can I eat?

2007-07-15T19:45:00.000-07:00

HoosierGirl wanders into the cafe, looking dejected. Her recent health problems have warranted a severe diet change. On the "no-no" list: coffee, chocolate, Diet Coke, all forms of caffeine, tomatoes, tomato-based products, fried foods, all citrus juices. (To see the complete list, click HERE). She is afraid to eat anything spicy or zesty at this point.

She has decided to focus on baked chicken and fish for main dishes. She looks around sadly, feeling lost without her staples of coffee and diet coke for drinks, pasta loaded with spaghetti sauce and chicken parmesan for dinner......

"Does anyone know any good baked fish or chicken recipes?" she asks hopefully......

To be continued.......

Great Grandma Bea's Fried Mush Recipe

2007-07-08T19:37:00.000-07:00

This is "mush from scratch", and we begin with the most important ingredient. Hodgson Mill Yellow Corn Meal. It features all the natural corn bran and germ for robust taste, superior texture and top nutritional benefit.

what you need:

Medium size saucepan

1 cup corn meal

2¾ cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup cold water

Bring 2¾ cups of water to boil in saucepan. Combine remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl. Gradually add cornmeal mixture to the boiling water, stirring constantly. Cook and stir until the mush thickens.

When thickened, cover pan, turn heat to lowest setting, and cook an additional 20-25 minutes. Pour into small loaf pan or suitable bowl. Cool, then refrigerate overnight.

FRYING DIRECTIONS

Cover bottom of large frying pan with *Canola Oil, and place on burner at medium heat setting. While frying pan is heating, place loaf pan containing mush upside down onto dinner plate. Tap bottom of container if necessary. The "molded" mush should fall right out onto the plate. (you may have to coax it with a spatula) Cut mush into ½ inch thick pieces.

Fry mush for 5 minutes, each side. Serve hot, slathered in butter, and covered with your favorite syrup.

*Canola oil contains both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in a ratio of 2:1 and is only second to flax oil in omega-3 fatty acid. It is one of the most heart-healthy oils and has been reported to reduce cholesterol levels, lower serum triglyceride levels, and keep platelets from sticking together.

hint: Ease those puppies into the hot oil using a spatula. The moist mush will hit that oil, resulting in some minor splatters, so play it safe.

post edit: This is a good recipe. The mush firmed up perfectly in the refrigerator, and fried up to a golden brown.

Aunt Sharon's Summer Cooler

2007-07-07T22:47:00.000-07:00

I just read the weather report, and it's time for Aunt Sharon's Pasta Salad to the rescue. Be sure to try a bowl of this pasta, vegetable and cheese medley, tossed in our very own secret salad dressing.

Rockin' Mini-Rueben

2007-07-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

We take 2 slices of Jewish Rye, and place a couple thin slices of corned beef, a slice of provelone cheese, and a topping of sauerkraut inside. Then grill. Finish off with a few dabs of Thousand Island Dressing. That's our Rockin' Mini-Rueben. Comes with a garlic dill pickle slice. (not shown) Try it with a side order of artichoke or 3 bean salad.

They're Finding Us

2007-07-04T22:23:00.000-07:00

We're on the map, folks. This search on "how to create a virtual cafe", originated in Zrich, Zurich, Switzerland. Yep. They checked us out.

Mush & Joe's "All American" French Toast

2007-07-04T12:25:00.000-07:00

Our classic French Toast features a topping of melted butter, powdered sugar and ground cinnamon.

Tip: This recipe yields approximately 10 slices of French Toast. An electric griddle is ideal when preparing this breakfast for a house-full of kids.

What you'll need:

white bread, 10 slices Note: whole wheat bread is a wholesome substitute

2 eggs

1 1/2 cups milk

Splash of pure vanilla extract

butter

powdered sugar

ground cinnamon

Pre-heat electric griddle at 300 degrees F. Combine and mix beaten eggs, splash of vanilla extract and milk in a shallow casserole dish.

Lightly cover griddle surface with "trans-fat free" cooking spray. Dip bread slices into french toast batter, saturating both sides. (I simply lay the slice of bread into the batter, then turn the slice over 3 times.) Place onto hot griddle and cook for 5 minutes on each side.

Served with our "classic" topping of melted butter, powdered sugar, and a generous sprinkling of ground cinnamon, or you may request the topping of your choice. Enjoy!

Dig Into A Plate of Pappy's Fried Mush

2007-07-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you all know there's a reason for the name of our cafe. Folks come from miles around for a plate of our world famous fried mush. Done up to a golden brown, and slathered with freshly made creamery butter, then topped with a generous helping of Vermont Maple Syrup. We make our mush from scratch, free of preservatives and artificial flavors & colors. This dish is served 24 hours a day, so be sure to get yourself a plate of this mouth watering treat.

Mush & Joe Fingerless Chili Con Carne

2007-07-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

This is nothing like that other brand, the one who's best distinction is having a mysterious digit show up in a bowl.

This is genuine Tex-Mex Chili Con Carne, a dish designed for the bravest of the brave. Try a bowl if you dare.

And, our guarantee to you is that our chili contains no human body parts. Not even a finger.

Cocoa lover

2007-07-01T21:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the invitation! Since I'm not a coffee drinker, I thought I'd bring a family size container of the stuff I do drink... Swiss Miss! :-)

Help yourself...

Welcome To The Hoosier Room

2007-06-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

For our guests who are looking for some quiet and relaxing space, we have the Hoosier Room. Several intimate tables-for-two are strategically placed with privacy in mind, and a conversation pit in the center of the room features a large round coffee table surrounded by plush upholstered chairs.

This room is dedicated to J, who suggested it in one of her posts. If you're looking for a place to unwind after a hectic day, I suggest a visit to the Hoosier Room.

Late Night at the Cafe....

2007-06-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am tired, but I can't sleep. I have been playing with the new laptop, and am excited that I could be one of those people you see in coffee shops with their computers plugged in, sipping coffee. So I get an idea.....

The teens are up watching late-night TV, so I grab my laptop and tell them I'm going out for a bit. I wander into Mush and Joe's almost at midnight. I see RWA over at his computer, perusing YouTube. Brother Dave is still up as well, since it's 3 hours earlier on his time.

I see Craig has gone home for the night, but he has left some coffee on for us latenighters.

I plug in my laptop, turn it on, and wander over to see what flavors he has left us......

(Okay, Craig....finish the story)

J.

First Impression

2007-06-28T18:27:00.000-07:00

Miss Nikki Ann pulls up a chair and places her coffee on the table. She looks around the establishment and is thrilled with all of Craig's progress. After savoring the moment, she places an order for Rachael and Mom's Bean, Corn, and Rice Concoction. The dish is yummy and hits the spot. When she's all done, she walks over to the counter and gives Craig a sweet kiss on the cheek, saying:

"Thank you for inviting me. Your invitation made my day. I'll be back soon and often."

Thanks Craig!

Miss Nikki Ann

Fast and Filling....

2007-06-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hello all.
My contributions to this blog will be from the "fast and filling" category. As a working mom of 4 hungry children, most of my weeknight dinners are quick and easy. At first we spent way too much time on processed dinners, like Hamburger Helper, and we do still have something like that from time to time, but I had to develop a better repetoire of "real" meals.

Here's the best "real meal" I've come up with so far:

Rachael and Mom's Bean, Corn, and Rice Concoction

Ingredients:
2 cans black beans
2 cans diced spicy tomatoes
2 cans white shoepeg corn

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast
About 8 servings of white or brown rice
Shredded cheese
Sour cream

Directions:
Pour all the cans of beans, tomatoes, and corn together and start simmering. Cut the chicken breast into strips and stirfry until cooked through. Prepare rice. We put our chicken pieces into the bean/tomato/corn mixture, but my son prefers to put his on top. Put a big helping of rice on the plate. Top with the bean/tomato/corn/chicken mixture. Top that with shredded cheese and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips.

This quantity easily serves 4 adult-size people. When it's just my daughter and I, we halve all the ingredients.

More to come. Thanks to Craig for inviting me to be a contributor!
J.

aka: HoosierGirl5

Happy To Participate

2007-06-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you, e.craig, for Mush & Joe Virtual Cafe.

Sharing some of my recipes will be fun. I plan to add short bits of information for the diabetic who will always be concerned with meal planning. However, I do not want to detract from the appeal of any recipe.

I am looking forward to trying recipes of others. This blog is going to be fun.

Thanks, e.craig

2007-06-28T07:52:00.001-07:00

I want to take a moment to thank e.craig for the opportunity to participate in this new blog. Hopefully I will be able to contribute things that will be enjoyable for the readers.

I have to admit that e.craig's blog was one of the first ones that I found when I started mine, and I have read it regularly ever since.

Thanks for the invitation. Hopefully this will be a lot of fun for everyone.

Welcome

2007-06-27T22:40:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Mush & Joe Virtual Cafe, a cozy spot where friends gather to enjoy fine dining and each other's company.

I have invited several of my fellow bloggers to be authors on this blog. However, I don't have everyone's email address. So, don't feel slighted if you have not yet been invited. Just send me an EMAIL with your email address, and I'll send you an invite.

As fellow authors, I'm sure you all know, that along with replying to any post here, you can also create your own. Please feel free to share your favorite recipes, ideas and opinions.

So pull up a chair at your favorite table and make yourself at home.