Dont know why

But its true, I cant help it.

Kates Pad Thai

This is my absolute favorite thing she makes. She found the recipe in a book called "Skinny Bitch in the Kitch". Notice how I stopped filming when she asked me to? She is going to kill me.

6oz rice noodles (cooked and drained accorsing to directions)
1/4 cup agave nectar (ya-I know but its worth it)
1/4 cup mirin
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoons sriracha
2 tablespoons refined coconut oil
14-16 oz extra-firm tofu
1/2 red onion cut into 1/4 inch slices
2 cloves of garlic minced
3 scallions halved lenthwise and cut into 2 in. pieces
2 cups bean sprouts
1 carrot shredded
1/4 cup fresh cilantro
1/4 cup roasted peanuts-chopped
4-8 lime wedges
-------------------------------------------------------------

1. In a bowl mix the agave, mirin, ketchup, tamari, lime juice and sriracha and mix and set aside
2. Heat coconut oil in wok- add the tofu and stir fry for 4 minutes
3. Add the red onion and stir fry for 30 seconds
4. Add garlic and stir fry for 30 seconds
5. Add the noodles and mixture to wok and cook until noodles are soft and coated
6. Add rest of ingredients and stir fry for a few more seconds
7. This is good stuff... enjoy!

Bon Voyage My Friend- There Are Greener Pastures

This is an odd one for me but I feel that it is worth writing.

My friend, Tiffany, had a hard year:

A divorce.

Her mother, whom she was very close to, passing away at an age when she should have been in her prime.

A terrible car accident.

A job in an industry where you can't be totally sure whether your next day will be your last.

Another car accident that ocurred while on a date where she had to be cut out of the car with the jaws of life.

I don't blame her for wanting to dive off the cliff that she has (more on that later).

She was always that "it girl". Tall, blond, fun, friendly-you get my point. She and I always had that kind of relationship where we clicked and were friends. Not the kind of friend who checks in every day but the one who is genuienly happy to see the other and chat for a few when we bumped into each other at a happy hour or the office.

But at some point during this year, I kind of backed off.

To be perfectly honest, I was intimidated by her and if you don't know me then you need to know that if I am extremely outgoing. I am not shy. I have few insecurities and the ones that I have I manage to hide.

Not so much with Tiffany after her seperation- I was intimidated. While I will admit that I think she is quite good looking, the reason for my intimidation was the fact that I didn't want to be seen as hitting on her now that she's single. I just didn't want that.

I saw her when the divorce happend and I didn't know what to say. I wanted to tell her that everything would be OK for no other reason than to be a good friend. But I am a married man with three kids. I wanted to be a friend to her while she was having a hard time - but I didn't want to give her the wrong impression.

Then her mother had a very unfortunate accident and passed away. I didn't know what to say. I am sure that whatever I said was awkward. I remember telling her sorry while we were in the office lobby one afternoon while we were crossing paths. She to lunch with friends and I was going to the pool for a workout.


Then she disappeared from the office for a bit. I heard through the grapevine that she had been in an accident. I was genuinely happy to see her back in the office. I remember seeing her in a dress that showed her back after this and seeing a few scars. It broke my heart.

Then I started to wonder why her Karma was so bad. What could this nice girl have done to deserve all of this?

She realized that she needed a change. She is taking over a year off and is travelling to Asia. Just getting out. Getting away. Healing. Getting back to herself.

I talked to her about her trip. It just reinforced what I already knew. She is awesome. A really cool person.

I am going to be keeping up with her on her blog that she will be writing about her travels. Check her out. She also promised to guest post for me every once in a while.

http://makinglemonade.tumblr.com

Go say hello to Tiffany for me every once in a while.

And we are off!

Cleveland here we come. We are going to my cousins wedding. It should be fun. Sorry I have been silent-busy boy these days! I'll let you know how the trip goes.

Michelle Obama's Farmers Market

My subway stop for work is McPherson Square/White House. Michelle Obama decided that she wanted to close Vermont Avenue every Thursday for a Farmers Market (note the Secret Service guys on lookout).

My first thought as a dark suited/red power tie kinda guy was, "Dammit-this is going to totally screw up my commute. And there are going to be hippies everywhere". In fact, it did a make it a little bit more difficult but I finally gave in and went to the Market on Thursday on my way home. OK, so my snap stereotype was broken-these vendors knew their stuff.


I took my time shopping and tried a lot of the vendors' products. I talked to them about what would go well with whatever. There was a local bakery and the gentleman seemed genuinely pleased to discuss how he made his semolina bread with me. The array of fresh vegetables made my local Safeway seem like it was bush league. I stumbled upon one stall where the dude working it was selling bison meat.


I have always heard that it was excellent and tasted just like beef but much leaner and probably 100 times healthier. After talking to the guy for a minute I decided to go for it. I told him that I am a bison meat virgin and he simply said, "Try the burgers". So, I picked up some awesome bread, heirloom tomatoes, and some bison burgers. I made them on Friday night and we LOVED them. My wife really liked the fact that bison was so much leaner than beef and that it not only tasted pretty much like beef but tasted better. So, we may be doing bison burgers more often.

Michelle, good call. You are as smart as you are good lookin'. Thanks from just a regular Joe who works down the street from your house.

Nancy Was Right Mac And Cheese & A Party

My friend Kate from the office was having a birthday dinner party the other night for one of her friends and asked me for a few recipes and some help with dinner ideas. The mac&cheese is bottom right in the picture.

One of me and my wife's favorite recipes is called, "Nancy was right mac&cheese". Kate and I were just dating and Nancy was her roommate. They were kind of a package deal. A long time ago Nancy and I were cooking dinner and she wanted to make this recipe. My first reaction was of utter disgust. Who puts cottage cheese in something like this? I was dead wrong and now this recipe is one of my go-to's. Thank you Nancy!


8oz Cheddar (shredded)
1 3/4 cup macaroni
1 cup plain yogurt
1 beaten egg
3/4 tsp salt & a few decent sized pinches of pepper
2 cups small curd cottage cheese
paprika (I actually use cayenne)
Italian Bread Crumbs
-----------------------------
1. cook pasta according to box, drain
2. in a bowl add cheese,yogurt,egg, S&P, cottage cheese and mix
3 Pour past into the bowl and mix
4 add pasta mix to a lightly buttered casserole dish, pan or whatever
5 bake at 350 covered with tin foil for 40 minutes
6. remove and top with bread crumbs and lightly sprinkle paprika
7. bake for about 5-10 more minutes
(use paper towels to blot out grease that will accumulate on the sides occasionally)

The boys first college football game

I took my kids to their first college football game. We only lasted the first half due to the fact it was about to pour down rain and the kids' attention span is actually only 20 minutes. They did so well. George didn't watch the game,he talked to the cheerleaders the whole time. That's my boy! When we left at just about half time Catholic U was tied with Randolph Macon 7-7. I am actually a big fan of Catholic U even though I didn't go there. I almost did. My brother, cousin and my best friend went though. That's good enough for me. I'm not a U Maryland, Georgetown or UVA fan. I went to GWU and we dont have a football team-so the CUA Cardinals are now my team and I will be taking the children to games from here on out.

Easy dinner-Stuffed shells

One of my favorite things to make is stuffed shells. Its pretty easy to make and I seem to go through periods when I make it about once a week and then don't make it for a few months. My wife and daughter love it-and its a sneaky way to get my daughter to eat spinach.
------------------------
1.Mix chopped spinach (drained-it has a lot of water in it) with ricotta cheese, a pinch of salt & pepper, and 1 beaten egg
2. Your large shells should be in the colander draining already
3. Spoon the cheese mixture into the shells
4. Cover the bottom of a casserole dish or whatever with a thin layer of sauce (I make my own with some hot Italian sausage)
5. Line the shells up in the dish and cover with sauce
6. Add some Parmesan and mozzarella
7. Bake it at 350 until the cheese is nice and melted
eat it

There is a new sheriff in town...

My first night alone this weekend with no wife. She is out having a good time at a wonderful hotel in DC, going out to dinner and drinks with friends, having a spa day with no kids or husband. The kids and I are going to party!

• Chips and BBQ sauce for dinner


• Bedtime? Whatever


• Breakfast tomorrow? Cookies


• Doobie Brothers on the radio (pretty loud)


• Honkey tonk piano


• Mayhem

I rule.

P.S. I'm free for baby sitting jobs anytime. Email me at dadcancook@gmail.com

She Just Doesn't Get It

You ever talk with your spouse and actually have 2 different conversations?

Here's the background: I married a VERY nice girl. Sometimes she shocks me. She just doesnt get how mens minds work most of the time. Think Martha Stewart-only much more serious and on Prozac.

Kate: Chris, when we can afford to replace the deck, I think we should go bigger.

Chris: You'd prefer a bigger deck?

Kate: Well - I mean, it would just be a few extra inches.

Chris: (totally laughing now) Just a few inches! Ha, ha! So you want a boyfriend?

Kate: Chris, what the hell are you talking about?

Kate, I am sorry honey. This was just toooooo good not to write about.

Road Trip-The Revenge of Road Trip!

Once again I am piling the travelling circus into the Expedition and taking a road trip to see family. This time its to Cleveland from DC for my cousins wedding in the middle of October.

Any suggestions for the PA portion of I-70/76? I am guessing that area is about mid-way there. Possibly somewhere around Pittsburgh?

The picture is from National Geographic.

OK, fine! I love Rachael Ray!

So, on the subway to work today I was reading my Rachael Ray mag. My wife got it for me, OK!


I saw this recipe for Minestra (I guess Minestrone) with Sweet Sausage. I checked the website and it isn't up. I'm sorry Rachael but I want to make this- it looks fantastic!


Minestra With Sweet Sausage


2Tbs Sweet Sausage

1Lb Sweet Sausage (really? No hot?)

1 Onion Chopped 3 Cloves Garlic, chopped

1 15.5 oz can cannellini beans

2 Bunches escaraole-coarsley shredded

S&P

Nutmeg

4 Cups Chicken Stock

3/4 Cup whole wheat penne or ditalini

2 Tsp grated lemon peel Grated Pecorino Romano/Parmesan


1. In a soup pot, heat EVOO, 2 turns of pan, over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 2 minutes, the stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the beans and escaraole; season with S&P and a little nutmeg. Add the chicken stock and 2 cups of agua, cover and bring to a boil.


2. Uncover the pot, stir in the pasta, lower the heat and cook until the pasta is al dente, 6-7 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon peel. Load on the cheez!


OK, so this is my dinner on Friday. Let me know if you try it first.


Also, I totally stole this picture from Perez Hilton and the recipe from HER magazine.

Smokey Joe's

I have all this great video from the trip so I have to use it. Great BBQ in Darien, GA.

My wife is TOPLESSSSS?

Georgia is really hot in the summer....NOT A DRY HEAT.

OK, she won't let me take topless pictures. This is as close as I get.

G Daddy's BBQ joint in GA

We left the beach around noon this morning and are making our way back north to DC. I found G Daddy's BBQ just off of I-95 exit 3 sometime around 4 PM. We all needed a break and something to drink. I liked it, Kate liked the flavor but wasn't so sure since they hadn't removed the crispy skin from their BBQ sandwich.

We needed a change

OK. So you may think that having a pool and a beach in the backyard is heaven. I agree. Unfortunately, the kids needed a change today. We went to the local aquarium. Awesome.

This is what its all about

So I havent been doing the ususal cooking blog lately. Im on vacation. So here is a pic of me grilling brats for dinner last night. Satisfied?

And of course the kids are having the time of their lives!

Georgia BBQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!||

We drove from Hilton Head, SC to Tampa, FL. Along the way we stopped oof in Georgia - where my family is originally from. So I stopped off at a BBQ joint along the way.... Kate was thrilled! I don't think I made a convert.

Dia Dos (Day Two)

Hurrincane Bill has made the surf a little strong here in Hilton Head. So... I bring you hot chicks in bikinis and kids being taken out by waves.

1st night of vacation

We have a 2 BR suite in Hilton Head. Ridiculous. Kate being an event planner certainly does have its perks. Check back tomorrow... I have more videos. The kids LOVE the water.

ROAD TRIP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am on furlough this upcoming week and I decided it was time for the family to get on the road. No way was I going to sit at home with nothing to do, not go to work, and listen to my kids scream for a week.

My Papa has not been doing well lately so we are going to Tampa, FL to let him see the kids and then we will drive down to a family beach house in Long Boat Key. But.....about halfway to Florida we will be staying here in Hilton Head, SC for 2 days because I'm not driving 15 hours straight.

My trip couldn't be any worse than the Griswold's.


Also, I want to thank Christy from What We Eat for a good Burger War. I was seriously concerned when I saw her pictures and recipe. Good game Christy. Maybe she will want to go head to head again sometime soon- of her choosing?. A rematch in the making?

A girl? What? She can't grill!

So, Christy of What We Eat and I are now official nerds.

She has a blog about cooking, etc. as well. Recently, we were talking about who could make the best burger and we have differing opinions. So, its up to you my friends. Whose burger looks the best!

No pressure.... since girls really aren't supposed to be allowed to touch the grill! Ok ok ok-who cares, let the pictures tell the thousand words. Good luck to Christy.

Check out both of our sites to see the burgers and then vote for the one you like best over at her site.

My burgers were made with finely diced raw onion, Mexican hot chili powder, cumin, and S&P. I roasted some jalapenos and a pasilla pepper (of which for some reason I just have a pic of but no video). I also added some fresh chunky salsa from Trader Joe's, pepper jack cheese and red lettuce.

BUT FOR HONESTY IN COMPETITION.... I forgot the freaking avacodooooo!!!!!!!!!!

But who cares....

Pulled Pork Sandwiches!!!!!!

My wife, The Friday Chef, used the crock pot again and made pulled pork sandwiches, with home made cole slaw. We can freeze a few portions of this and eat them later. So, our freezer is getting stocked lately. Also, I found a good article on food shopping on washingtonpost.com . Some good thoughts there.

Basically I put a 6 lb pork butt (Boston Butt) into the crock pot with some cut up onions, S&P, a shot of bourbon, and some hot sauce for about 6 hours on low. While I was at work I had Kate drain the liquid from the pork, chop it and put it back into the crock pot with a bottle of BBQ sauce on low. I can tell you that the house smelled awesome when I got home from work.

Kate quote :"It looks like the meat is talking to you". Funny.

The pork was good. I made the cole slaw when I got home and we toasted some buns and had pulled pork sandwiches for dinner. Im having one for lunch today as well....At least I brought my fish oil pills and am going to swim before I eat lunch.... cuz you know.... I'm on a health kick....?

All American Summer Day

On Friday I got my hands on the best baseball tickets I have ever had. So I invited my next door neighbor and two friends from the office (you invite one then you have to invite the other as they are a couple). We got to sit right on top of the Nats dugout on the 1st base line. I literally was able to put my beer and chili dog on top of the dugout---until I got yelled at to remove them.

I was torn as to who to cheer for. It was the Nationals vs. Diamondbacks. So I just enjoyed the game for what it was. One of my teams was going to lose. The Diamondbacks STINK. If you get soundly beaten by the Nationals then you have a bad club. Poor Dbacks. Also, I now have a new favorite player. Nyjer Morgan. I saw him steal a base after slapping a ball to left field for a single. Nyjer is one of the fastest players I have EVER seen and is currently 4th in steals in the Major Leagues.

The new Nationals stadium is awesome. Its beautiful and its actually GREEN, meaning as environmentally safe as a stadium can be. But I have to tell you that the food places there are top notch. They even have a Ben's Chili Bowl. If Obama can eat Bens then I certainly can too. Hail to the Chief! And hail to the Nationals for their 8 game winning streak!

Chicken Soup with Rice

When my fist kid was born I started to do the Freezer Cooking thing. I remember it being quite simple. Lasagnas, pasta sauces, chicken soup, tortilla soup, beef stew, and Brunswick stew. I love all of these recipes and will start cooking them all again. Although I need to buy a lot more Tupperware soon. The first thing I am going to make is Chicken Soup with rice- and I have no recipe so I taste it constantly. My kids love the book and my wife sings that song to them every night before bed.

Enough water to make a decent amount of soup

Enough chicken bouillon cubes to make the broth

About 2 handfuls of rice (be careful since rice expands and suck up water and too much will make your soup mushy)

Bay Leaf

Thyme

Bone on chicken (skinless)

Curry powder

Carrots (diced)

Celery (diced)

Pepper

Dried parsley

--------------------------------------------

Put chicken, bay leaf and water in pot and boil it for a while

Go have a drink and watch tv, play with the kids, read the paper

When the chicken looks completely cooked remove it from the water

Remove meat from bones and toss bones back in water

Chop the vegetables

Shred the meat or chop it-whatever

Throw in the chicken bouillon (use the directions each cube is usually for 2 cups of water)

Put the meat and veges in the pot

Put the spices and herbs in

Put the rice in and simmer until the rice is done

Taste and re-spice if needed

--------------------------------------------

As far as the bruise goes........ I fell down the basement steps when I was playing paddle ball with my dad in the backyard. You never would have guessed that huh!?

Meals for the week?

So, my wife is now a stay at home mom. We live off of my meagre paycheck. I need to figure out how to make meals stretch a little longer. I made lasagna the other night. I put half in the fridge and the other half wrapped up in portion sizes in the freezer.


Have you heard of something called Freezer Cooking? Basically you cook for one or two nights and can freeze what you arent eating immeditely. Then you can pull out dinner from the freezer for the rest of the week. Smart idea. Count me in. It cant be all that hard. Making lasagna with my daughter was fun (she will only become faster and more competent with time) and we can eat that for a few days. I read a good article recently about how to cook on a budget. Also, here are some freezer cooking websites & here & here. Let me know if you have anything that you like to make in bulk and freeze.

Vacation Was Great

I had a great time on vacation. Can you guess how I did this to myself? You get points for style and creativity.

Ma La- I love you too

Dear Ma La,

I know that I have others on the side but they are just cooking tools. You are my spice. My heart.... & my sweat running down my forehead and nose. Just the thought of you makes me hot.
Just the thought of you makes me sweat,

Chris
----------------------
If you know me then you cant eat food that is as spicy as I can. And I have met my match. My friends and I go to Great Wall on 14th NW close to P st. Its absolutely phenomenal. If you live in DC then I suggest you give them a try. The family lives above the restaurant and grandma does most of the cooking. Try the Ma La wontons, Mal La chicken, the pork and ABSOLUTELY the tofu (its the hottest thing they make).....They will try to gringo up the spice for you and tell them that you want it 100%. And yes, that picture is of me on my birthday with my office buddies who can handle the heat.

Ice Cream

ICE CREAM! THE ICE CREAM MAN IS COMING!

We went to Harpers Ferry, WV recently. It's and 1 1/2 hour drive from DC. We went to the train museum and then went to the Harpers Ferry Flea Market. We all had a good time and had ice cream. I think the biker dudes had a good time watching us as we trashed the picnic table next to them.



Here is what happend to the kids when we told them we could all have ice cream.

I'm the Kitchen Nazi

So my wife is going to be a stay at home mom. Along with all of the crazy shit that she is going to have to put up with day to day I decided to concede some control in my kitchen. I do all of the cooking in the house. Its not that she can't cook but more along the line of it's what I enjoy doing. So I decided that Friday dinner is all hers from here on out. She can plan all week for it. She must be rusty since she and I have been living together (over 10 years) she has not really had to do much in the kitchen. So last night I tossed her the softball and asked her to hit it out of the park for me.

I looked up a recipe for a crock pot chicken dish and pulled all of the spices out of the cabinets, the measuring cups, the crock pot (my mistress-they had to meet sometime), vegetables and sent her an email detailing my explicit instructions on how to change the recipe a little. In case you are wondering- YES, I am totally having some loss of control issues. I checked in from the office a few times today and found out that she didn't start the crock pot until 3:30! Holy Shit! What have I done? She didn't get to the few other things that I asked her to do either! I broke out in hives and had to breathe into a paper bag. We are going to all starve and die!

I got home at the regular time. The house smelled great. ( OK- I admit I added a little curry powder to the crock pot when she wasn't looking) The kids were fed and happy. I took off my coat and tie and sat down with my family. As it turned out, dinner was great. Life is good. I need therapy for my control issues.

She even took pictures so I could post about it. Isn't that special?

BBQ Contest in Louisa Virginia

The Virginia State BBQ contest and car show was this weekend in Louisa, Virginia.

Louisa is about a 2 hour drive into the center of Virginia from suburban DC. Basically next to James Madison's Montpelier. The contest was in a field next to a lake in the middle of the woods. A beautiful setting.

I could smell the smoke coming from the contestants' fires even before we saw the field. Some of these contestants were SERIOUS about their competitions! I had a great time, the kids had a good time and Kate..... well isn't a BBQ fan (I'll make it up to you honey).

We could only stay for so long due to it being very hot and the kids' relatively short attention spans... and the fact that we caught Oliver happily trying to get back into the moon bounce with blood pouring out of his nose. I think it got a little rough in there. But here are some pics of our trip! Next year will be even better when we go since the kids will hopefully try the BBQ, not try to dive into the lake or put their hands on hot smokers, not jump in front of moving contestants' cars, and actually sit still for pictures.

OK-I'm on a Persian kick now

Falafil, lavash bread and chicken kabobs? It was a regular Sunday afternoon... we needed to get the team out of the house and fast. So we went to the pool which only lasted about an hour and a half before the kids were asking for lunch. So we went to my new favorite joint called Church St. Pizza. As usual, the pizza was great (a nice NY thin crust with enough grease to satisfy-along with a tall cool Miller Light). The kids ate their pizza happily and the wife and I kept the violence and crying to a minimum. After we ate I just couldn't deal with taking them back to our house and a light bulb burst over my head. I have always wanted to check out the Persian Bakery down the street. I drive by it every morning on the way to the subway and tell myself, "I'm going to check that joint out someday". I wasn't disappointed. The people there didn't speak English. Nor would they have understood my rudimentary Arabic-It was Persian (Iranian). I walked in and smelled the freshly baked bread, exotic spices, and row upon row of groceries with labels that I couldn't read or even know what they are. So whats a guy like me to do? I dive in. Grab all sorts of things to try out-that's what I do! I even bought the kids some sugar cookies from the seriously geriatric baker dude. He smiled at me as he looked at my blond brood of little ones. He didn't charge me for the cookies or for the tomato that my oldest decided to smash. Regardless if I totally blow this experiment I will be back. I love places like that.

Here are some videos of me making the falafil with tahini, lettuce and lavash bread. With children screaming in the background and giving commentary....

Never mind all that mess in the background and I definately dont drink Michelob Ultra.....

Saturday in the summer

Remember being a kid during the summer? Going to the pool? Eating popsicles? This summer has been relatively cool here in DC and actually quite enjoyable. I cant wait for the kids to be older. I am going to have them join a local swim team-heck I may even volunteer to help coach, be a timer, or a turn judge. It is really exciting to think about my kids doing something that has always meant so much to me. I remember doing summer swim league when I was a little guy. I swam for Mountain View Country Club and was a pretty good swimmer. I hope they take away from it what I did. Fun and competition. I will never expect my kids to achieve what I did (Division I collegiate athletic scholarship) but I hope that they learn the amazing feeling of competing to win. It doesn't matter much to me if the win or if they are good or not. Its more about being on a team and working towards a goal.

Chinese Fire Drill

OK. I got lazy. It was a long week at work. I work in the construction industry and there have been layoffs left and right. I kept my job. My family will be fed and clothed. I was emotionally exhausted at the end of the week and just wanted to make a quick and easy dinner that tasted good. I cheated. I took the easy way out. Okay you caught me, I had beers with the boys before I got on the subway home and then went shopping for dinner! A little advice- make things yourself. Dont use the recipe on the back of a bottle. No self respecting cook would do what I did. I have to tell you that it was terrible and ate cheese and crackers for dinner instead. "Father, forgive me for I have sinned."

Chicken Pot Pie

I love that scene from Just Shoot Me. I love to make Chicken Pot Pie. Here are the directions with pictures...Chicken pot chicken pot chicken pot pieeeeeeeee.

4 cups vege mix (peas/carrots etc)
1 1/2 TBS veg oil
3 TBS butter
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
1 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
3TBS flour
1 TSP curry powder (I use a boatload more)
2 TBS parsley
1 TSP Salt & 1 1/2 TSP Pepper
2 cups cubed chicken (boil first)
2 store bought pie crusts
___________________________________

1. Oven 400 degrees
2. Toss veges in oil and spread on a sheet pan cook until browned
3. In pan heat 1 TBS butter & sweat the onion & celery
4. in separate saucepan slowly bring milk & broth to simmer
5. add last 2 TBS butter to celery & onion mix until water is gone
6. add curry & flour to celery/onion mix. cook 1-2 minutes
7. whisk in milk/broth and cook until thick
8. add parsley & pepper

9. Add everything to pie crust that you baked for about 5 mins in oven
10. Cover with 2nd pie crust


11. Cook it for 25 mins.

YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Congratulations little brother!

Once again... this isnt about cooking. Its about my life and one of the most important people in my life. My brother. I went to his wedding this weekend. Not only did I go to his wedding but I performed the ceremony as well. He and his lovely new wife are perfect for each other and I was so honored to be asked to marry them. I went online and got ordained last week. I think I pulled it off-with a slight stutter and a stammer here and there but good nonetheless. But this isnt about me. Its about them. I wish them years of happiness, love, understanding and most important of all-friendship since at the end of the day that is what matters most.

The wedding took place on a sailboat outside of San Diego. The setting was perfect. She looked beautiful. Did I mention that this weekend was the first time I met her? My brother isnt a suit guy but he looked great in a nice grey suit and a light tie (I think that it has been years since he wore one last). I brought my daughter with me as well and she, aside from the wedding, was the center of attention. I know that their memories of that day will last forever.

I love you.

Salad? WTF? Thats not dinner!

Recently one of my closest friends went to his normal check up on a Friday afternoon. His doctor, personally, called him on Saturday and told him to not exercise, take it easy, and to meet him at 7:30 in the morning on Monday.

His triglycerides were over 4 times the normal acceptable level.

He called in on Monday and said he was going back to the doctor that day and would be late for work. I didn't get to talk to him until late in the day on Monday, when he told me what had transpired. I couldn't believe it. I was floored. He is skinny. We eat the same things. The only difference between us was the fact that I swim at lunch often, I don't eat egg sandwiches for breakfast and we are obviously aren't related.

Regardless of those facts I was very worried for him and worried for myself. I recently started taking fish oil pills because of him. I am going to redouble my efforts to get my workouts in. I am no longer going to be dousing my pancakes with butter but will be using margarine instead. I am now using I can't believe it's not Butter.

Don't worry. I'm not freaking out. I still love butter and bacon. But I have decided to make better choices now that I am in my mid 30's. I'm no longer indestructible.

And you know what? salads don't have to suck. They can be very good. My concern is hunger. I have always have been able to eat anything I want and not gain weight. I know-sorry. But I have decided that I am going to eat a salad, only a salad, for dinner twice a week. No chicken, no bacon bits, nothing. Nada.

I have always looked at salad as a side dish or an appetizer. There has to be something that tastes great without the Ranch Sauce or the Bleu Cheese Dressing and can still make my heart sing. check back. I am scrambling right now. I am reading up on salads.

Take your fish oil, exercise, and lay off the bacon this week. Are you with me?

Fajitas?

Who doesnt love fajitas? I make them often. Today I made both chicken and beef.

1. The chicken breasts I marinated in mojo sauce for a few hours. Mojo is great becuase it gives a nice garlicky/citrus flavor to meats. Its also AMAZING on pork.The steak I rub with chili powder, garlic powder and S&P.


2. I slice an onion and a bell pepper and some chili peppers thinly and put them in a frying pan with olive oil and hit em with high heat at first just to brown some of them a bit. Then I turn the burner on low and cover until they are nice and soft.


3. I obviously light the grill. And grill the meats.


4. I also like to make rice and beans as well.
   

Fajitas are a very good dinner and are quite simple to make.

Paninis-the revenge

Ya, so last time we talked I made the paninis. They were fantsatic. And in case you were wondering.... I am a hunka hunka burnin' love. Ladies love guys that can cook.... that why I have 3 kids... Ahem....

Dear Panini Maker

Dear Panini Maker,

I know you heard me talking to the crock pot. Yes, I do love her. But its a different kind of love. There is enough room in my heart for the both of you. I swear, you are so much more sophisticated and shiny. Nobody can brown my sandwiches and make them taste better than you can.

Paninis?

Oh man, you ever just made a prosciutto, mozzarella with tomato panini? Could it be any easier? Maybe some pepper is needed or a tiny bit of garlic. But "Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature risin'". Oh man... why is it that just toasting a sanwich makes it taste so much better? I love making paninis for dinner. The Boss does not like the proscuitto-so she misses out. Not my problem.... All I can tell you is that I am a hunk of burnin' love.

Not a recipe

I started to write this blog to talk about food... and whatever else comes to mind. This morning on the subway in to work I was trying to think of something to say. I wanted it to be something interesting.

I decided to talk about something that is very important to me. Now, I am not tooting my horn here but I do believe that with work, family, and my very limited social life I still have time to do something that is bigger than all of that.

I do volunteer work for Food & Friends. I have been delivering food to people who are very sick and shut in to their apartments all around my office in downtown. It really is an eye opening experience to deliver bag after bag of pre-prepared meals to people who you would never meet otherwise.

I have gotten to know some of the people over time on my route. Some just close their door after I hand them their meals. Some smile and say hello and nice to see you. One I actually chat with for a minute or two every time. I know that I am the only person that some of these people see that day. Just being able to do that one small thing for my neighbors makes me happy.

I would eventually like to be able to donate more of my time to this cause, maybe even help with the food preparation. Maybe I will start having my children volunteer with me when they are old enough. It's a good cause. It's the right thing to do. And maybe-just maybe I can teach my children that life is not all fun and games but more about being a kind person. Maybe this is a life lesson that I can share.

So if you have a minute-click on the logo above and check out Food & Friends. If you have a few extra dollars to spare, then please do so. If you have a few extra hours every month then please volunteer-if not for Food & Friends then for something else. Trust me-it will be an experience of a lifetime.

Taste of Summer on the Grill

Want to make an amazing taste of summer on the grill? I made something like this the other week for my mother in law. But tonight I decided to add some other stuff to it. Here it is:

Add all of this into a bowl with salt, olive oil & pepper:
3 Green squash - slice thinly like in the picture.
2 Red pepper - halved
3 ears of white corn
1 onion halved (think the equator)
4 Pasilla Peppers

Turn to coat.

The pasillas just need to blacken on all sides then move to the indirect heat side.

The onions go on the direct heat side and blacken both sides a little and then move to
indirect. But keep them close to the heat as onions take a while to really soften.

Red peppers need to blacken then move to indirect.

The corn needs to be burned a little on 2 sides and move to indirect.

Cook the squash directly until both sides are done (light green & soft should be gone). Move to the indirect & the coolest part of the grill.

Cover the indirect cooking veges (but make sure there is still a lot of air coming in) and use your best judgement.

Shave the ears of corn into a bowl.

Remove the charred skins from all the peppers.

Cut the rest (whatever size you like) of the vegetables and mix with corn in bowl. I added a few drops of the hot sauce as well.

Also: If anybody is listening.... This is what I want to do for Fathers Day. Just give me an hour alone and I will make you a nice dinner.

Who am I making dinner for?

OK. So I read other blogs. And a lot of women's blogs (they seem to be the people who do most of the cooking). So I know that most of my readers are women, and I'd like to get their take on this.

I found this funny picture in Google images. It was part of a blog post about what body types men and women prefer.

And the labels above hold true for me. It wasn't the girl in the middle that caught my eye. Actually, she wasn't even #2. Sorry Hollywood.

Ok, so there is an issue here....

I even bet that you made some assumptions about all 3 of them already. Middle girl- she eats tofu, works out, and maybe even really doesn't eat much. Girl on the right-maybe you think that she might be called larger but fit girl. Maybe she likes to have pizza and beers with her boyfriend or husband every Thursday. But she is not and would never be considered fat. Maybe she plays soccer or something. Girl on the left- She is not as toned as the other girls. Shes got curves though. She does seem to be a little softer than the other two.

So because I am a pig at heart, and love food. Which girl would I let have a nice dinner with me?

Middle girl- I bet you are quite spunky and fun but I enjoy cooking for a girl and sitting down to a nice dinner. I could be wrong and you might be able to out eat me but...you are a little skinny for my tastes anyway. Next.

Girl on the right-I bet you are a really fun girl to hang with. But I'm not really into blonds. Next.

Girl on the left- Hi, I'm Chris. Yes, I like a girl that looks like a woman but that isn't what caught my eye (aside from the very nice backside)... it was the "come hither look". Yes, and I bet you would help me cook and polish off the bottle with me as well....

SUMMARY:

Girls in the picture, you are all very pretty. Guys are easy. I'd have dinner with all of you since I bet you all have your own stories and are probably a lot of fun to be with. But really, the first one to give me "the look" over the shoulder wins. Truth.