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 . . .
Continue reading “Slow-Cooker Beefy Kidney Bean Chili”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?
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.
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.
Continue reading “Foil Baked Salmon for Garlic Lovers Everywhere”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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Lemon-Garlic Pork Medallions and Asparagus
It was a beautiful Autumn Day – highs in the upper 70s, dipping down into the mid 40s overnight. The air was crisp, and clean and oh so beautiful. My menu for this perfect day was equally perfect – Lemon-Garlic Pork Medallions, Jasmine Vegetable Rice Pilaf and Green Beans. The Marinated Pork was in the refrigerator, just waiting to grace our table. Everything was in place. And then it happened – life had other plans.
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Christopher Columbus and a Caribbean Sweet Potato Pot Roast
How does it go? In 1492, Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue. Five hundred and twenty-seven years later, Federal Banks are closed as Americans rush to the shopping malls for Columbus-Day specials. Hum, not so sure how I feel about that. One thing I can tell you is that you aren’t going to find me in a mall. While there might be things I’d like to have, there is nothing I need so much that I am willing to fight through a crowd of crazed bargain shoppers.
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Sunday Roasted Herb Chicken and Potatoes
Thank goodness, it’s Sunday. Sunday in the fall can only mean one thing – roast chicken! Golden, beautiful and just screaming of childhood memories. Many a Sunday we came home from Mass and sat down to a late afternoon supper of roasted chicken. The house was warm and filled with family. Cousins, aunts and uncles. People we weren’t really related to but called family anyway.
The Miracle of the Spinning Sun
Another Catholic rant – I know. Sometimes I get caught up in the celebrations. The Miracle in Fatima is an amazing story. One can argue the Spinning Sun was a result of mass hysteria or crown induced delusion. An event for the uneducated. Call it what you want. The fruit platter will still taste good.