October Days and Shredded Cuban Pork

Recently there was a showing of Thirteen Days on the television. Have you seen that one? It’s the 2001 film dealing with the Cuban Missile Crisis, the thirteen days in October when the world stood at the brink of yet another war, one with possible Nuclear consequences. Just how factual the movie is when giving us, the ordinary person, a glimpse of the crisis from “behind the scenes”, I haven’t a clue. What I can tell you is that the fear I felt back then was very real. It is a fear etched in my mind that has remained all these years later.

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Cornbread and Beef Skillet Pie – Oh My!

Lately it seems that I have fallen in love with my cast iron skillets all over again. It is amazing all the different delicious meals that can be had in a single skillet. That and they make a great door stop!

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Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Bring on the chill of an Autumn evening. Bring on the comfort of a beautiful bowl of soup. My favorite time of the year has to be fall. The days are still warm enough to take long strolls through the neighborhood, while the nights are cool enough to welcome dinners that warm you to the bone. Soups. Gotta love soups.

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New England Pot Roast Supper with Pot Roast Gravy

One of the things I really like about the internet and social media is the ability to reconnect with people you’ve lost touch with over the years. Childhood friends that moved away and the Christmas Cards became less and less. Thanks to the marvels of social media, the friends I grew up with are once again people I “see”.

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Slow-Cooker Beefy Kidney Bean Chili

Last weekend in the sleepy little town of Sutter Creek, there was a car show and chili cook-off. Why do car shows and chili go so well together? Or more to the point, why does chili appeal to men as much as hot rods do? I haven’t a clue . . .

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Kentucky Bourbon Butter Glazed Bundt Cake

Do you own a Bundt pan? I have three and counting, and yes they are all Nordic Ware pans. These days it’s amazing the detail that goes into a Bundt pan. You could end up baking a cake that looks like a crown or maybe the castle. Bundt cakes are so beautifully simple – a single layer, no frosting, only a glaze or dusting or drizzle for that “wow” factor.

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An Easy Seafood Bisque or Is It?

As far as a true Bisque is concerned, this ain’t it. Not by a long shot. So let’s talk Bisque for a moment, shall we?

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Asparagus Parma with Crisp Prosciutto

This has to be one of the most delicious way to serve Asparagus on the planet. But then, you gotta love Asparagus and Capers. The red pepper flakes also give it a nice little kick. So if that’s all to your liking, this is the dish for you. I know it is for me.

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Foil Baked Salmon for Garlic Lovers Everywhere

Salmon is an unusual fish in that I like salmon better than Hubby likes salmon. That says a lot when you consider it was Hubby who turned me around where fish was concerned. The last meal I ate in a hospital was salmon and it was good. Salmon is something delicious from the kitchen no matter who is doing the cooking.

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Creamy Red Skin Mashed Potatoes

Who remembers Stuart Anderson Black Angus restaurants? Yeah, I know that Black Angus Restaurants still exist, although hardly what they once were. Black Angus Steakhouse began as a chain in 1964 in Seattle Washington. By 2001; there were 103 restaurants in 13 states. By 2004; the number had fallen to 93, with 57 of those remaining in California. At last count, there are about 45 locations, with 31 in California.

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Mushroom Pork Chops Marsala

Marsala dishes, like Picatta dishes, are interchangeable – that is chicken, veal or pork will work in either. My favorite Piccata is veal, for no other reason than veal was my introduction to Piccata, with chicken as a close second since that was the first Piccata I ever cooked. Although I must confess, the Pork Piccata is also delicious as part of my fabulous Six Course Italian Supper. Then again, the buttery-lemony sauce with a kiss of wine that gives Piccata its unmistakable signature goodness works well with fish such as Dover Sole. Oh let’s face it, I like Piccata.

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Vodka Kahlua and the Holidays

Did you know that today is National Liqueur Day? It is, but that’s not really why I’ve shared a recipe for making Vodka Kahlua. The fact that it is National Liqueur Day only prompted me to think about the holidays.

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Crunchy Doritos Chicken Casserole

Do you like crunch? How about the flavor of Cool Ranch? And Alfredo Sauce. And tomatoes. Are these striking a cord with you? Great, then we’ve got a casserole that is right up your alley.

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Braised Mushroom Red Wine Sauce

Today is both National Mushroom Day and National Red Wine Day. So why not combine the two to create a wonderful dish that is perfect along side a delicious steak? Don’t you just love it when the steak at your favorite restaurant elevates their presentation with a  side of delicious mushrooms?

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As Promised, Cheese Curd Tomato Bisque

Today is National Cheese Curd Day! The moment I heard this, my heart skipped a beat as I remembered our visit to the Tillamook Cheese Factor in Oregon. Sure, it was interesting to see how cheese is made. But it was even better to have lunch in their cafeteria. If it contained cheese, you could get it. Everything from Grilled Cheese to Pizzas to big bowls of soup with delicious Cheese Curd.

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