Back before Hubby, Kiddo and I relocated to Stanislaus County, get togethers with family were just a little easier. Not that the distance has reduced our time with extended family, but rather complicated the pot luck aspect since transporting food around the corner was a whole lot easier than taking it for an hour-long drive through the country. Space is another consideration. Making multiple trips around the corner were doable. Not so now. Planning must incorporate certain limitations and require some creative thinking.
Real Men Don’t Eat Bacon and Cheese Quiche
Do you love Quiche? I sure do! Hubby’s favorite saying when it comes to Quiche is that real men don’t eat Quiche. Sound familiar? It’s the title of Bruce Feirstine’s best seller by the same name, a tongue-in-cheek book satirizing stereotypes of masculinity. When we do a fancy brunch for Easter or Mother’s Day or whatever the reason, I like to include a Quiche, while making sure there are plenty of “manly” dishes to offset the feminine foods. I haven’t a clue as to what makes Quiche on the feminine food radar, but whatever. I adore Quiche. Fortunately, so does Kiddo. I say we should all eat Quiche!
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Asparagus Almondine
You say Amandine, I say Almondine, any way you say it, a garnish of almonds over just about anything makes a simple dish sound fancy. Green Bean Amandine, Fish Amandine or in this case Asparagus Almondine. A little butter, a sprinkling of almonds and bam, what was ordinary is transformed into extra-ordinary.
Earthquake Cake and The Richter Scale
As National Days go, April 26th is a humdinger. National Audubon Day, Dissertation Day, Kids and Pets Day, Pretzel Day, Help a Horse Day, South Dakota Day, Arbor Day, Hairball Awareness Day (I’m not sure if that is for our cats or us) and finally National Richter Scale Day. The minute I realized it was National Richter Scale Day I knew I had the perfect recipe. After all, what does the Richter Scale measure but Earthquakes. Unless an earthquake strikes in the middle of nowhere and you happen to be there to experience the rocking and rolling, earthquakes are not a good thing. However; Earthquake Cakes are awesome! Traditionally speaking, Earthquake Cakes are made with coconut flakes. While I don’t mind a little coconut in my cake, my guys would say no way. They’d rather be in an earthquake than eat cake with coconut. Some non-coconut bakers have used chocolate chips. I decided to go one better, and add peanut butter chips, too.
Creating Your Own Fiesta Feast!
As we say farewell to April Showers and turn our attention to May Flowers; the first of the May “Feast” days is just beyond the horizon. Cinco de Mayo – the 5th of May. Some people think this date equates to America’s 4th of July. While I knew it wasn’t Mexico’s Independence Day, I did not know the real history of the date. How is it that so many people celebrate “holidays” without knowing the history or significance of the day? I know I’m guilty of celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a feast of tacos, Margaritas and a host of other things without knowing why. Living in California, a state that once belonged to Mexico, with a large Mexican population, you would think I might have some idea of the history. This was an error I intended to correct . . .
Artichoke Spinach Stuffed Pork Chops
This is one of those dishes that I adore, but don’t eat often. Hubby says even the name “Artichoke” does not sound like something worth eating. I love artichokes. But then our conflicting views are to be expected. I grew up in the shadow of the Artichoke Capital of the world, and developed my culinary tastes in the 60’s. What self-respecting hippie doesn’t love artichokes? Hubby on the other hand grew up in the mid-west, the meat-and-potatoes heartland of America. One thing I will give him credit for is his willingness to break from the meat-and-potatoes dishes of American and try new things. Generally, he gravitates to Mexican cuisine, but there are times when he will truly venture out of his comfort zone, allowing me to indulge my need to eat foods he’s not wild about.
East Meets West Might not Be What You Think
When I learned that today is National East Meets West Day, my mind immediately went to cultures – Eastern Culture and Western Culture coming together on common ground. Turns out, I was wrong. In April of 1945, World War II had been raging for over six years. Allied Forces were marching toward peace, but to reach their goal would require the coordinated efforts of the American Troops in the East and the Soviet Armies in the west.
Continue reading “East Meets West Might not Be What You Think”Spicy Pigs in a Blanket and Family Fun
Are you a part of a game-playing family? We love getting together with my youngest sister and her family to play games. Most of those gatherings revolve around the holidays, as most family gatherings do.
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Spring is in the air. I love spring entertaining. I adore warm afternoons with cool nights. I am captivated by all the colors of spring. I want everything that graces my table to be bright and delicious and inspiring. One of my favorite of an Italian evening (besides the breads and wines) is the antipasto platter. There is so much versatility in the platter, filled with wonderful ribbons of cured meats, the brightness of vegetables and the creaminess of cheeses. And let’s not overlook the presentation. Everything just seems more special on a skewer, don’t you think?
Celebrating National Picnic Day
Yesterday was International Earth Day, and today is National Picnic Day. It was hard to pick a day to share this menu between the two, since having a picnic on Earth Day makes sense. Earth Day, Picnic Day. I went back and forth, but as an American, I had to go with Picnic Day. And let me tell you why.
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These yummy tacos were featured as part of last year’s Cinco de Mayo Feast. While great for the occasion, tacos this good are awesome any time. Can you tell, rather than have a day celebrating all that is Mexican through foods, I’d like to have an entire month dedicated to the exploration of Mexico’s culinary delights. Wouldn’t that be great?
Continue reading “Fiesta Chicken-Chorizo Tacos”Alton’s Ginger Ale Glazed Carrots
How many of you are fans of Alton Brown? I know his show, Good Eats, was corny, but it was also very educational. I like knowing the background of a recipe. And I really like knowing why – why put the salt into the bowl before the sugar. The Why factor is an extremely important component in the creation process. It brings a clarity and depth of understanding. It breaths life into everything.
National Jelly Bean Day – Hooray!
I bet you were expecting something revolving around Earth Day for today’s post. I’m sorry if I have let anyone down. I’ve decided to go with another National Day – the celebration of Jelly Beans. Besides, with a little imagination, your Jelly Bean Cupcakes can be an expression of what Earth Day means to you.
Super Easy Hot Cross Buns
Are you a great baker? Nope, me either. I can make a Chocolate Soufflé just fine, but I’m not the best when it comes to dinner rolls or breads or things that require all that kneeing and rising and well, you get the picture.
Easter Morning and Resurrection Cinnamon Rolls
For those who are Christian, today is a very special day. I wish you all the blessings this day brings. For those who are not, who have a different belief than mine, I respect that. I invite you to skip over this posting. Hopefully you will join me later with recipes more to your liking.
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Welcome to Rosemarie's Kitchen 