Sometimes I like taking shortcuts, ok a lot, especially if it ends up with the same result. Sometimes that works and sometimes your disappointed. Like defrosting meat in the microwave, it takes less time than the overnight method in the fridge and it usually works out. Sometimes you get tough tips. Cooking the same meat…
Read more Chicken Cheese Tortellini Soup
Leftovers are the bane of my existence. I love the variety above all things, especially with food. The only exceptions: Coffee, doughnuts and Chinese food. I could have those every day; although they might have to change a bit from day to day. Like the flavor of creamer, the filling of the doughnut, and from…
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Strawberry Cheesecake I work at a wine and deli restaurant, where I am the “Pastry Chef”. The reason I put quotes around that term is that I do not make fancy desserts, per se, but they are delicious even though basic in the decoration. We just are not that venue. However, every once in a…
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Sometimes you just gotta grill; in the middle of winter. Here is my favorite basic marinade: 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 2 T vegetable oil 2 T soy sauce 2 T ketchup 1/4 tsp onion salt Mix all ingredients in a bowl and submerge meat for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.…
Read more Grilled Pork Chops
Hello all incoming visitors! We are renovating our site and are currently upgrading. Keep this in mind as may take a couple of days to get things started, but there will be new blogs containing different kinds of recipes coming. If you want to know how to make something, please feel free to reach out…
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This appetizer was inspired by some fig and balsamic vinegar goat cheese. I have a small fig tree that I absolutely love. It produces about 25 figs a year right now. I’m hoping that it will continue to grow, but Iowa winters dictate that it comes inside. Finding the space for a growing fig tree may not…
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This was a very delicious salad. I am taking care of the garden at our church. We have solved the problem of deer grazing on our green goodies. I picked some spring mix of lettuce, and a few strawberries and thought about this for lunch. The dressing is super easy with a blender or food processor.…
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I finally have my computer back so I can blog again!!! Our vacation in SFO inspired me to make this bread. I have kept my sourdough starter for about 7 years now and am always looking for ways to use it. I did a previous post on sourdough english muffins and bread where you can…
Read more My San Francisco Sourdough
On our vacation to San Francisco we encountered the Boudin Sourdough Bread Company. They have a walk through tour where you can watch them making and shaping the bread. They also have a basket ride for their bread that travels the whole store and stops by the counter for the attendant to restock. Pretty clever I…
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ingredients: 1 cup ketchup 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1 ounce honey 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil 1/3 cup large diced Vidalia onion 1/3 cup large diced celery 1/3 cup carrots sliced 1/4-inch thick, on a bias 1/3 cup large diced red bell pepper 1/3 cup large diced green…
Read more Sweet and Sour Pork