Murray’s Real Salami

Filed under Food + Drink Reviews

I broke the strap of my goggles so swimming after work was out. What does one do on a Friday night alone? If you’re me, then you’d also be on the 6 train to Grand Central Terminal to visit the new Murray’s Real Salami store. Rob Kaufelt, the owner of Murray’s Cheese, is now selling cooked and cured meats from artisan producers like Creminelli, Larchmont Charcuterie and Niman Ranch.

The staff, though not like the Di Palo family members who can recite the history of a cheese or cured meat off the top of their heads, was helpful and excited about letting you try almost anything you want. The Creminelli sausage was perfectly salty with some spice in the end, while the $99-per pound Ibérico de Bellota was naturally oily with some velvet in your mouth (must be all the acorns those happy pigs ate). Just try getting a sample of that at Despaña.

The venison paté was superb with apricot and hazelnuts. The pheasant was rich and had pistachios. Both were perfect on their own or on fresh baguette. I ended up buying with everything I tasted except for the Iberico, plus some bresaola and cornichons. I also took home a bonus package of Niman Ranch bacon because I spent more than $25 during opening week. Across the aisle was Murray’s Cheese where I picked up slivers of Ombra, Pecorino Ginepro and Le Chevre Noir. Back home, I saw no reason to stop: I opened a 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape bottle to go with everything.

There should be more Friday nights like this.

Murray’s Real Salami is inside the Grand Central Market, 212/867.7202. They are open until 9pm during the week.

Related post/s:
Murray’s Real Salami photos on Flickr

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Chunky Apple Muffins

Filed under Baked Goods + Desserts + Drinks

After a full week of craving salty foods, I woke up Sunday morning eager to bake something sweet. I’m not a big fan of too much sweet, though, so I opted for an easy apple cake recipe minus half a cup of sugar. When I took out the baking pans from the oven, I saw an old muffin pan I’ve only used a few times. From there, I just decided to make muffins instead of cake so I can transport them easier to work the next day.

Ingredients:
1 red apple, peel on, chopped in small chunks
2 cups flour, sifted
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup butter, melted, plus a little extra to grease the muffin pan
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tsps cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

1. Preheat the oven to 350º with the rack in the middle. Butter and flour a muffin pan.
2. Combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar and salt in a large bowl. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the eggs and the buttermilk, and then the melted butter.
3. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the flour mixture. Fold in the apples. Stir until barely combined. Try not to over-mix so that it’s not too sticky.
4. Spoon a small amount of batter into each muffin hole so that it’s only halfway full. It will rise and will need the extra room later. Bake for about 15 minutes or until muffins are just set. Lower the oven temperature to 275º and bake for another 10 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from a gentle poke. Turn off the oven and leave the muffins inside until the oven cools back down. The muffins will continue to cook in the remaining heat.

Related post/s:
Muffins with bacon!
Day-old bread dessert

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