Inspiration can be found all around us. A few Saturdays ago, Hubby, Kiddo and I did a little errand running. I needed to stop off at World Market for some pasta and Advent Calendars. Every year we give my sister’s children each an Advent Calendar that has a piece of chocolate to count down the days until Christmas. It’s something we do at Thanksgiving to ring in the Christmas Season.
Let Us Honor Our Veterans Today
In America, Veterans Day is a day to close many schools and business. There are sales galore for things we might not really need. Many establishments offer discounts to active and formal military members as a way of saying thank you.
Risotto alla Milanese
While rice grains are the most widely consumed cereal in the world, Risotto is exclusively Italian in origins. The present-day risotto preparation is the result of a long evolution. Its main feature is the retention of starch released during the slow cooking process that binds the grains together in a creamy compound. Not just any rice grain will do as not all types of rice are the same. Arborio, Carnaroli and Maratelli are some of those best suited for the perfect risotto.
Roasted Chicken Thighs Caramelized Lemons
Caramelize anything and the flavor just naturally pops. It doesn’t matter – onions, pan seared asparagus, even lemons just naturally taste better once caramelized. There’s something about heat releasing the natural sugars that brings a new dimension to the dish.
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Louisiana Shrimp Étouffée 1
It’s only fitting that a state that gave us National Treasures such as Jazz, Creole Cooking and America’s best Mardi Gras would have its own special day. Part of the Louisiana Purchase of land from France in 1803, Louisiana was the first of 15 states to be carved out of the region. The great state of Louisiana entered the union in 1812.
Welcome Autumn Guests with a Caramel Cream Cheese Spread
One of the most magical things that happen during the Autumn are unexpected guests. People have settled into their cold weather routines. Children have returned to their studies and families tend to say closer to home.
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Cast Iron Grilled Alaska King Crab Legs
When it comes to recipes, do you have a pet peeve? I have two. Okay, maybe more than two, but two that come to mind immediately. The first is a list of ingredients, the order of ingredients. The second is additional information that needs you to be redirected to another site or another page in the book.
Mexican Salad with Jalapeno Ranch Dressing and Dorito Croutons
Those of you who have been following along for a while know that every spring Hubby and I plant a small garden. We mainly grow tomatoes, tomatillos and a variety of peppers. Our freezer is full of peppers and sauces. Great for soups or salad dressings with a nice spicy kick.
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Skillet Pork Chop with Pears and Red Onions
Have you ever had pork chops and applesauce? Same thing, only better. I love the way the Pears and Red Onions play off one another. This dish is so pretty. The aromas floating from the kitchen will really get you excited.
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Let the Men Folk Cook!
Today’s National Day comes with its own set of rules. The first Thursday in November is National Men Make Dinner Day. And the first rule of the day is that National Men Make Dinner Day is always celebrated on the first Thursday in November.
No Bean Cheesy Beef Nachos
There are National Days (for America) and International Days to celebrate. Sometimes, the National and International Days are one and the same. Sometimes the National Days exist only in America. Still other days are different depending upon the calendar used.
Chicken Thighs with Mushroom Sauce
While most varieties of mushrooms are available year-round, many reach their peek season in the fall and winter. That means now. It explains why I yearn for mushrooms more this time of year. While we might not be aware of it, I think our internal “desires” are very much season driven.
Baked Potato Chili Cheese Dogs
Hubby and I stood together in the produce section of our usual Grocery Market. Hubby was looking over the week’s produce list as we divided up the task of grab and bag. He came to the potatoes in the list. Russet Potatoes. Would five pounds do? That would be fine for mashed potatoes to serve with Sunday’s Crunchy Oven Fried Chicken. He grabbed a five-pound bag, then paused again. I could tell by the look on his face he wasn’t so sure about the next potatoes on the list. Bun-Size Baking Potatoes.
Crab Rangoon with Spicy Ginger Dipping Sauce
Today is National Chinese Take Out Day. Personally, I’d rather have Chinese food in a Chinese Restaurant, preferably one in China Town in San Francisco, than from those cardboard take out containers. Or make it myself. That’s not to say Chinese Take Out is a bad idea. It’s just that by the time you place your order and get it home, the food has lost it’s freshness. Most food is just better going straight from the kitchen to your tummy.
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Let Carrots Brighten Your Table
Sometimes I think we don’t get enough orange in our diet. We eat plenty of brown foods and green foods, but not enough orange foods. I was not a carrot eater before meeting the love of my life. Sure, I liked raw carrots straight from the garden, but cooked – no way!