Save it For a Rainy Day

Isn't it nuts how different you can feel from one day to another?  Cloudy rainy days as opposed to clear skies.

Yesterday was breaded chicken cutlets but today, glazed spicy tenders did the trick.

One Way or Another, I Wanna Get Ya

Chicken Cutlets with Asian dipping sauce

Crispy baked lightly breaded chicken cutlets and a slew of roasted vegetables including this awesome crispy roasted Tofu that I was quite proud of and that prompted a tight dipping sauce with soy, sesame oil, garlic, pepper, Hoisin sauce, with a dash of fish sauce and cilantro.  So good! 

For dinner and work lunch boxes.  Or when your husband wants chicken and you want soup, it's nice to have pots of options.

Roasted cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts

Weighted down and thoroughly dried firm tofu cut into chunks was a delight! Tossed in all the fun spices as the vegetables before roasting, and then turning when crispy on the bottom.  How can something with so little flavor taste this good?!

The chicken took zero time and stayed very juicy.  I shit talk white chicken meat but when it's good, it's so clean tasting!

Some Find it Pleasant Dining on Pheasant

In January, when its cold and gloomy, you might want to rely on boxed or frozen aids, like Mac and cheese and onion rings.  It's quite alright to take emotional food breaks, just try to get the best quality or you'll pay for it.  I made my own cheeseburger on Dave's toasted bread to balance out the plate.  

Satisfyingly decadent in a simple way.
One great thing that's been confirmed from a little more aging is that I am a big fan of the simple life and thank God because it seems that's all I can afford. 

I Want to Break Free

Roasted Herb-Butter Chicken
Sometimes its fun to treat a small roaster with the care you would give your Thanksgiving bird, massaging with herbed butter, rubbing it under the skin, filling the cavity with goodies.  Chicken lives matter. 

Homemade Chicken Carcass stock
And then ensuring its entire carcass has been put to good use with a rich stock.

Turkey Vegetable Soup
And then making a vegetable rich soup with that broth.  

A pot of soup and a vat of shredded chicken buys you freedom all week.  

A blended onion, tomato, pepper slurry to thicken

I Got Blood in My Eyes for You

Steak Dinner

I ate through this juicy steak like a menstruating teenager.  Clearly the body was craving the iron and nutrients that only beef and greens can accomplish.

Another highlight was this deconstructed wedge salad.  I love a beautiful slice of that lettuce pie but admittedly, it is not as easy to eat with all the good bits running off on ya.  This chopped version that consisted of all the good bleu cheese,  bacon, tomatoes, and red onions made the experience effortless and the could be tossed in the dressing before serving.

Only a Fool Would Say That

Shrimp and Sausage with Polenta 

I guess the reason I still feel the need to shout about Sheet Pan dinners, like they're anything new is they continue to amaze and delight, even getting better.  There are endless combinations, but more so is the fabulous end results each and every time. The simple formula of tossing everything together in a large bowl, in olive oil and spices, then roasting on 425 - 450 for 20 to 30 minutes is foolproof.  Rice, polenta, noodles, barley, quinoa or any starch serves as the perfect bed. On special occasions, you can do an herby sauce but a quick squeeze of lemon or hot sauce is often good enough.  

A soyrizo scramble with hash browns for breakfast

Take Me to the Pilot of Your Soul

A Trump Storm

The great thing about  past news is that you rarely care about it just a short time later.  Months ago, Trump in church was the talk of the town on this day along with a gnarly windy sleet storm here in Brooklyn.  At the time it seemed important and I recall having tons of thoughts on it.   Yet, this slow cooker chicken chili is what will be etched in my mind from that cold day. 

Black Bean Chicken Chili

A Little Old Fashioned But That's Alright

Hobo Casserole

Sometimes the most unlikely influences come your way.  I discovered Anna Buchholz  of Cooking the Books  on YouTube.  She makes recipes from vintage cookbooks.  Basic, one might say, boring recipes, but somehow I love her demonstrations and discussions afterwards about the old books and how excited she gets about graphics illustrations. Admittedly, she is a replica of my grade school bestie who passed but that is merely a bonus.  Her content is compelling and I love her passion.  It's also incredible how our palettes have changed since the 50's and how salt and spices amped up but simple recipes can still work.  This got me on to depression era cooking sites and beyond.  Back before the convenience brands like Hamburger Helper or frozen dinners came along, dishes like this Hobo Casserole became popular, using what vegetables were on hand along with ground meat, cheese and potatoes.  

And like these chicken legs,  slow cooked in broth with olives, garlic and lemon until they fall off the bone.

I fancied up the Hobo Casserole by layering potatoes and cheese like lasagna with ground turkey, a bechamel sauce, American cheese and spinach.  I topped mine with French Fried Onions. Lots of salt and pepper is all that is needed for this homey feast. 

Except maybe a biscuit!

So, I'm Gonna Put You Down for Awhile

Slow Roasted Pork over creamy-cheesy Polenta and kale.

Instead of a whole shoulder, grab a couple of country ribs.  They can be done in no time. Besides, consuming too much pork at your age is not a great idea.  

Apples, onions and kale was the perfect accompaniment to the spicy pork and creamy polenta. 

I will never be enough for this dear boy.  He is always waiting for his true love to come home.