IT'S WHAT WE DO-JOHNSON FAMILY FOOD LOVE

IT'S WHAT WE DO-JOHNSON FAMILY FOOD LOVE-APPLES

I come from a family of cooks and caterers.  My grandmother, Mary Reid, was an accomplished cook, who left an indelible culinary mark on my family.  Cooking is in our blood.  We don't look at food as something that you simply consume.  Food is a craft...it's an expression of love.  It's nothing to take lightly.  In my family, food is taken so seriously, that it is a form of competition, and praise does not come easily.  Some of us grow our own food, and all of us are dedicated to making dishes (and components of the dishes) from scratch.  We make our own vinegars, stocks, sauces, pie crusts, etc.  IT'S WHAT WE DO!!! "Johnson Family Food Love" will be a category that I will include in my blog, dedicated to highlighting culinary creations of the Johnson Family.  In this post, I will highlight creations made with apples.  It's apple season, and we were fortunate enough to get a large amount of gala, ginger gold and honey crisp varieties of apples.   These creations are courtesy of myself, my cousins, Stacee and April Johnson, and my aunt (and their mother), Faye Johnson.

We are going to start with the culinary creations of my cousin, Stacee.  Stacee is passionate about food.  So much so, that she grows her own food.  She is creative, her execution is above board, and as a result, her food is delicious.  Here is what she has done with the humble apple.

Apple Turnovers-Made with phyllo dough, instead of the often-used puff pastry.  It gives the turnover a lighter feel, as well as crispy texture and flavor.  The turnover is filled with caramel and apple chunks.  Courtesy of Stacee Johnson (c) (2013)

Turkey Apple Sage Breakfast Sausage-Made with a combination of ginger gold and honey crisp apples, and sage that came from Stacee's garden.  Breakfast sausage never tasted so good.  Courtesy of Stacee Johnson (c) (2013)

With as many apples as Stacee had, she has to make apple cider.  Although it took a great deal of apples to make only 3 cups of cider, it was a great way to use apples.  She strained the juice, and then saved the pulp.  For what, you may ask?  Check out the next picture.  Courtesy of Stacee Johnson (c) (2013)

To go with that terrific Turkey Apple Sage Breakfast Sausage, Stacee made Apple Cinnamon Rolls.  She used the apple pulp from apple cider in the dough and used the rest of the turnover filling in the middle of the rolls along with toasted pecans and spices.  We don't waste anything.  She then made a glaze using Pecan Praline Balsamic Vinegar, powdered sugar, and topping the rolls with additional toasted pecans.  Some turkey sausage, some apple cinnamon rolls, and a cup of coffee.  Life is good!!!  Courtesy of Stacee Johnson (c) (2013)

Continuing the theme of "waste not...want not", Stacee used to the leftover apple cores and skins as a base for making Apple Cider Vinegar.  It will take a month or so, for it to become vinegar.  I know for me, I love apple cider vinegar as a condiment for greens.  Courtesy of Stacee Johnson (c) (2013)

Next up is Stacee's sister...my cousin, April.  April is another one who believes in executing and taking the craft of cooking seriously.  She is also very creative, recently making Strawberry-Basil Pretzel Ice Cream.  Using gala apples, April was able to transform them into something that was absolutely delicious.  Check it out.

Apple Yogurt Cake.  Really, that is all you need to say.  DROP THE MIC...EXIT STAGE LEFT!!!  Courtesy of April Johnson (c) (2013)

Now we have Stacee's and April's mother...my Aunt Faye.  Although many of us pay tribute to our grandmother when it comes to culinary influence, however it is evident that Stacee and April learned a great deal from their mother, who is an accomplished cook, especially when it comes to baked goods.  This is what she did with her gala apples.

There are oatmeal cookies, and then there are OATMEAL COOKIES..."THIS IS NOT A GAME"-OATMEAL COOKIES.  My aunt made Apple-Walnut Oatmeal Cookies drizzled with a burnt butter frosting.  Burnt Butter Frosting...who does that?  Oh...SHE DOES...WE DO!!!  Courtesy of Faye Johnson (c) (2013)

and last, but certainly not least...

we have me.  For those who see my Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/marcbjohnson), my culinary skills speaks for itself.  Regarding my apple creation, the classics are the best dishes.  I didn't do anything laborious or fancy.  But when you do the classics, the execution has to be on point.  I made a simple apple crisp, using gala apples.  Generally when I make apple crisp, I use Granny Smith Apples, because they stand up to heat, and I like the tart flavor.  But I used what I had, and it came out well.

A simple, yet delicious apple crisp.  I toasted some oats, and combined the toasted oats with flour, ice cold butter, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt.  I sauteed the apples in butter, with a combination of brown and white sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt.  I cut the apples in chunks, because galas tend to break down, and I want people to eat apple crisp, not an apple sauce crisp.  Put it in the oven for about 45 minutes, pull it out, let it set, and serve with vanilla ice cream.  Life is good.  Courtesy of Marc Johnson (c) (2013)

Again, this is WHAT WE DO.  Johnson Family Food Love...Apple Edition.  More food pics coming soon.

AND THAT IS THE MARC UP!!!

FOOD LOVE

FOOD LOVE-THE FOOD TRUCK MOVEMENT IN TYSONS CORNER

Food Trucks lining Solutions Drive in Tysons Corner-October 9, 2013

One of the great perks of working in the Tysons Corner-area of McLean  (Virginia) is that I am near a bustling Food Truck scene.  Instead of having to choose from the flavorless and mundane (Subway, McDonalds, etc.), the food trucks provide a variety of awesome treats that I occasionally go to.  Most of the food trucks in Tysons Corner, line up on Solutions Drive, right off of Greensboro Drive.  Most of the customers they attract come from the nearby offices of government contractors Booz Allen Hamilton (And "NO"...I never saw Edward Snowden lining up to get a Korean taco) and SAIC.  I have been going to these food trucks for the last two years, and my taste buds have been pleased. 

There is a great website called FoodTruck Fiesta (CLICK HERE).  It posts in real time, where food trucks are in the DC Met Area, which is how I find these food trucks.  Some people also subscribe to these food trucks' Twitter and Facebook pages to find out their times and locations.  They usually arrive at their location(s) at 10:00-10:30 a.m. to set up, and usually start serving at 11:00 a.m.  Today was a good day for eating.  There was about nine or ten trucks out today, the most I have seen in awhile.  Some of them are pictured above.  If you work in the Tysons-area, or even Vienna, go to FoodTruck Fiesta (They also have an app), check out the offerings at Tysons and check it out.  And if you can...buy me a sandwich.  I'll pay you back (Wink).


From left to right:  District Foodies, Lime Tree, Tortuga (A favorite of mine), Fava Pot, and Bada Bing.

The DC Sliders Food Truck.  Oh YES...a sliders food truck.

On the left is the Chef on Wheels Food Truck.  I went there yesterday and today...great tacos and burritos.  Not authentic, but quite tasty.  On the right is the El Fuego Food Truck, which serves Peruvian Fusion Cuisine.

AND THAT IS THE MARC UP!!!

POLITICAL COMMENTARY

POLITICAL COMMENTARY-WANT TO KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS?  TAKE A LOOK IN THE MIRROR

"The best argument against Democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter"-Sir Winston Churchill

When there is a problem with this government....whenever the citizenry of this country feels that they are left out of the process, they like to remind their elected officials that the Unites States is a democracy.  Unfortunately they would be incorrect.  The word "democracy" comes from the Greek word "Demokratia".  "Demos" means "people" and "Kratia" means "power".  This refers to the direct democracies of Ancient Greek city-states where ANY citizen who wanted to be heard could be heard, and could fully participate in the operations of government.  The principles behind this form of governing were laudable, but the execution of this form of governance proved to be ineffective.  Entire city-states of people debating issues, with little organization, and most citizens not having a grasp of the issues.  These direct democracies became "bitch-fests" for those who were charismatic, manipulative and were able to inflame the passions of people for political advantage.  A more effective form of government had to be created using Democratic principles, yet operating in an organized and more streamlined fashion.  This form of government is known as a "Representative Democracy"....or commonly referred to as a Republic.  The United States is a Democratic Republic, where the power is vested in the people, but laws are made by persons that citizens elect to represent their interests.  There is one main problem with Republics.  A Republic requires its citizens to be well-informed about issues (community and nationwide), and have the ability to properly "vett" candidates for public office who have the intelligence, ability and integrity to serve them.  Republics are successful, when they have a citizenry that constantly petitions their elected officials, and holding them accountable during their time in office.  You all are probably asking yourselves, "Why is he giving us a political science lesson on democracy?".  I'm getting to that. 

Like everyone else, I have an opinion about the government shutdown.  It is an awful situation which seriously affects the daily lives of government workers, impedes the economy of the United States, hurts the security of this country and sullies the reputation of the United States.  I have friends of mine who have been furloughed because of this mess.  I'm not going to get into the politics behind the budget, because that is not the subject of this blog post.  I won't get into a debate about the Affordable Care Act either.  I will say that certain Members of Congress are going about their business the wrong way, and they ought to be ashamed of how they are representing themselves, their constituents, and the country at large.  On the issue of the budget, the debt ceiling, or any number of important issues, Members of Congress continue to make asses out of themselves, while the country has to suffer for it.

With all of that said, in the past few days, weeks, months and years, I have read the Facebook posts of friends and family frustrated by any number of issues, in addition to the budget and subsequent shutdown of the federal government.  Friends and family constantly talk about how bad "the system" is, and how bad politicians are.  After awhile, I get frustrated by the constant self-righteous moaning and groaning of an electorate that believes civic participation begins and ends on Election Day.  The "Just Enough" Paradigm of Civic Participation has contributed greatly to the malfunction, dysfunction and decline of the American Political System.  If the American People want to know what's wrong with politics today, they need to take a long look in the mirror.  I am not outright blaming the citizens of this country for the current budget crisis.  However, if the American People were more proactive and attentive, instead of being reactive and disinterested, then perhaps we would have a well informed electorate who would know the issues, elect the right people to represent them, and to care enough to make sure that elected official do their damn job.  In the Bible, specifically in the 2nd chapter of James, it says "Faith without works is dead."  As for the American People, outrage without action contributes to an ineffective government.  Yelling, ranting, posting ignorant status updates, will not change the way Washington works, and is not a substitute for civic participation.  Calling someone a "conservative" or a "liberal" as if they are epithets, doesn't inspire constructive dialogue.  Like any Democratic Republic, politicians are merely a reflection of the people they represent.  If you have dysfunctional politicians, more than likely, you have a dysfunctional electorate.  If you still don't understand, let me provide you with an example.

A 25-year old kid is looking to buy his first new car.  He was just hired to be a courier for a delivery company.  Buying the right car and maintaining the car is key to his employment, in addition to driving it for personal use.  First, he must do research on the car he wants to buy.  He asks himself some questions:  What's the price of the vehicle?  Do I want a car or a SUV?  What kind of gas mileage does this vehicle get?  Does it have a reputation for being reliable?  Will this vehicle make my insurance go through the proverbial roof?  Will the vehicle be able to accomodate the items that I will be delivering?  He is what is known as an "informed consumer".  He then goes through the process of buying the vehicle.  Then comes the matter of maintenance.  He has to change his oil every 3,000 miles, or every 3 months.  He has to make sure that his brakes work properly, and has sufficient brake fluid.  He has to make sure that his wheels are aligned.  The tires on the car have to be the right size, the tread can't be worn, and they have to have the right amount of air in them.  This is called "preventive maintenance".  By consistently maintaining his car (In a timely manner), he will save money, he won't be stressed out, and because he is not taking his car to the mechanic all the time, he will not miss time at his job.  He treats his car well, thus the car treats him well.  Let's take another 25-year old kid, who was also hired to work as a courier for the same delivery company.  He is also looking to buy his first new car.  Like his co-worker, buying the right car and maintaining his car is key to his employment, in addition to driving it for personal use.  Unlike his co-worker, this young man is more concerned about the aesthetics of the vehicle, as oppose to it's cost, reliability, gas mileage, or the reputation of the vehicle.  He wants an expensive sports car that has a shaky reputation and costs a fortune to maintain.  His insurance will be sky-high, the gas mileage is crappy, and the vehicle will not have the room to transport the items that he is paid to deliver.  All he is concerned about is how good the sound system is, and if the vehicle has chrome rims on it.  To hell with the fact that Consumer Reports gave this vehicle a failing grade.  Despite all of the information provided, he goes on and overpays for this expensive "statement" car.  He doesn't take the time or money to maintain it.  He doesn't take it to get cleaned.  The front end is misaligned, which takes a wear and tear on his tires.  He gets the oil changed every now and then, thus placing pressure on the transmission to do more than what is required.  His car is constantly in the shop, and he is paying more in repair costs than he should.  He is constantly calling his boss, requesting time off, due to problems with his vehicle.  Lastly, his car note and insurance premiums are ridiculously high, and because of the high performance-nature of the car, he has to fuel his car with premium gas, which costs him $250 a month.  He didn't rule the car, the car ruled him.  He eventually lost his job, is in debt, and can't go to job interviews because his car remains in the shop.  If he was proactive, instead of reactive, he would have a better quality of life.  

Most Americans, with regards to civic participation, are like the latter car owner.  They don't do their research on the issues.  The electorate tend not to "vett" candidates who are running for elected office, instead voting the party line.  Most people are attracted to the unqualified, unintelligent, communication-deficient, ideological candidate, instead of the sensible, intelligent, practical candidate, who happens to be an effective communicator.  Because people are too lazy to do their own research, they rely on Fox News and MSNBC, and hyper-partisan websites to provide them with sometimes questionable information that play to their ideological leanings.  They don't attend town hall meetings, call their Members of Congress, and/or write their elected officials.  They just vote on Election Day, go home to scratch their collective asses while watching "American Idol", and the only interaction they have with the government after the election(s) is getting their drivers license at the DMV or filing their federal income tax with the IRS.  Government does not operate on remote control.  Government requires a citizenry that cares enough about the government to put the right people in charge to run it.  Citizens need to be proactive and maintain the quality of their government by monitoring their public officials, reading the party platforms, tracking legislation, attending meetings and making your voice heard.  It doesn't take a lot of time to do these things.  It is your duty as an American Citizen to take "intellectual umbrage" with the government.  The Greek philosopher, Plato once said that "One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors."  If Americans continue to be slothful in their approach to politics, then they are ensuring that inferior politicians will govern them with impunity, take them down the road of malfunction and dysfunction, and cause political paralysis.

We call politicians "idiots", "assholes" or worse.  Are they?  Maybe!!! Americans are demanding that Members of Congress not take salary during the shutdown.  Will that help Americans feel good?  Will it change the American Political Landscape  No, to both questions (And by the way, regardless of how people feel about Congress, Members of Congress are essential employees, for the mere fact that Congress is essential to the operation of the Federal Government)!!!  Should Americans be considered "idiots" and "assholes" because they take an inactive role in their government's activities?  Should Americans have to forgo their salaries, because they are bad citizens?  If Members of Congress and their staffers were polled, I wonder what the approval rating would be of the American Public?

I have heard from a few people that because of Congressional Ineffectiveness, Members of Congress should be term-limited.  I always laugh when the issue of term limits come up.  When someone mentions that to me, I give the same answer, "WE HAVE TERM LIMITS...THEY ARE CALLED ELECTIONS".  The conspiracy theorists will say "The fix is in...elections are rigged".  The 2010 mid-term Congressional Elections prove that theory wrong, when the Republicans obtained control of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Many Democratic Staffers lost their jobs because of that election, including myself.  If you know of an ineffective elected official, you organize, you volunteer, you donate to a responsible candidate who can replace that official.  A restaurant will continue to serve the same crappy food, with the same level of crappy service until enough patrons demand change.  You wouldn't ask a restaurant to stay open only for a few years, because a certain number of restaurants around the neighborhood are culinary f**k-ups.  Get off of your ass and get involved.  Term Limits are for the lazy and weak, who can't take enough time from their so-called busy lives and perform a duty that people have died for.

Some people genuinely do not know where to go to obtain information.  Some people do not know what information is reliable.  If anyone does not know what to do, please contact me.  I can direct you to proper sources, explain the legislative process, how to gauge media information and instruct you how to petition your elected officials.  If you don't know who your elected officials are, which a great many people don't, then I can get that information for you.  A smart and active electorate can be creators of positive change in this country.  We can avoid situations like the government shutdown, simply by voting in the right people, and being as smart, if not smarter than those who we chose to represent us.  Stop falling for propaganda...ignore Rush, ignore Rachel, and search your own hearts as to who and what you are, and what issues you support and don't support.  Just because your father was a Republican, doesn't mean you have to be.  But again, the most important thing is to stay informed, maintain and act.   

AND THAT IS THE MARC-UP!!!