Review - Nina's Bistro, Hamilton, Ontario

A few times driving into the city on Main Street, there are a couple of restaurants coming into the city center. For a while, there was a place called Izzy's, which seemed to look ok, but Bob and I never got a chance to try it out. A few weeks ago, another place opened up, and I had driven by it a few times, so I decided we should check it out for our monthly - Nina's Bistro.

We started at Hess for a few beers to enjoy the warm weather. Hess Village is always a good place to go when its warm out. Patios abound, and its a good place to chat. Later on in the evening, things pick up and the younger crowd comes in. We only stayed for about 2 hours, then walked over to Nina's. Bob had wondered about the place, so it was a good choice.

It was quiet when we got there about 5:30, and we sat down and had the pleasure of Nina, the owner, serving us. We had mentioned to her that we wanted her to show us her best, so Bob started off with the stuffed baby portobello mushrooms, and I had the crab cakes. The mushrooms were good, but Bob had said that La Paizza stuffed portobello was better. It looked good to me, but he knows portobello mushrooms! The crab cakes had to be the best I have had. Crispy on the outside, and lots of crab on the inside. I hope it was all crab, and not the crab-like substitute. If it was all crab, then it was an excellent choice!

Bob had the stuffed chicken, which he seemed to enjoy, and I had the bacon-wrapped fillet. It was done perfectly, and being hungry guys, the portions were well worth it. Potatoes and veggies were done to perfection. We had mentioned to Nina that it would have been nice to see a rack of lamb on the menu, or maybe even a pork tenderloin. There are so many options for mediterranean food, that she could make a great menu up as things pick up.

For dessert, Bob ordered the lemon cheesecake, which was good he said, and I ordered a custard. I wanted something light, but was disappointed that the dessert I got was a day old at least. Creamy desserts like that, need to be fresh that day, or forget it - its like chewing rubber. I had to send it back, and of course, desserts were on her. We ordered a bottle of wine, and had a spanish coffee afterwards. For $125, it wasn't bad at all. Generous portions, and tasty food, made for a great evening. We gave some suggestions to her to improve, which she graciously accepted. I think we will go back in a year, and see how she is making out. If she changes up a few things on the menu, this could be a place to be.

After dinner, we headed to Koi in Hess Village for a nightcap, and enjoyed a few coffee and Drambuies. It was a nice evening to sit outside and enjoy!

Recipe - Creamy Rice Pudding

It's been awhile since I have added a recipe, but I had a craving for rice pudding last night, and decided to try and make it. I had made it before, but it wasn't as creamy as I would have liked, and it was quite the mess last time, since it had to bake in the oven.

This time, I found an easier recipe, and it worked just fine...I got what I wanted!!

Creamy Rice Pudding

Ingredients:

3/4 cup uncooked rice

1 1/2 cups of water

1 1/2 cups of milk (original called for 2 cups, divided, but I replaced 1/2 cup with half & half cream)

1/2 cup of half & half cream (10% MF)

1/3 cup of sugar

1/ teaspoon of salt

1 egg, beaten

2/3 cup of raisins (original recipe called for golden, I used regular)

1 tablespoon of butter (I used Becel...)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add rice, salt (to allow the rice to accept flavours later on) and stir. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until done.

2. In another saucepan, combine the cooked rice above, with milk and sugar. Cook over medium heat until thick and creamy. Stir in remaining ingredients - cream, beaten egg, vanilla, and raisins. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, stir in butter.

3. Serve warm, or portion, and put in fridge. Garnish with cinnamon if you like, before serving.

I was impressed with this batch...needless to say, it was good warm or cold. Enjoy!!

Recipe - Chocolate Icing for Brownies

Having the kids coming over every other weekend, I try to mix things up for them. Not being the greatest baker, I usually get one of the brownie mixes at the store...working all week, I don't have the time to do too much from scratch for the kids. Here is something simple to turn the packaged brownies into something the kids will really like!

Brownie Icing

3 tablespoons margarine

1 1/3 cup of icing sugar

1/4 cup of cocoa

A few drops of milk

1. Blend icing sugar with the margarine (by hand works)

2. Add the cocoa and blend it in, and add a few drops of milk

3. Done! If its too thin, add some icing sugar, and if its too thick, add some more milk. You can add a few drops of vanilla extract if you want, but I didn't think it needed it.

I put the icing on the brownies that I had leftover from last time the kids were here. So, they will get to enjoy them again when they get here today. Something simple, but for sure will make you look good in the kids' eyes!

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