tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-287894742024-03-07T16:16:57.618-05:00Opinions & And Rectums,We All Got One!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.comBlogger571125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-4165670149768951362010-07-26T09:06:00.002-04:002010-07-26T09:11:17.832-04:00To My Father's Loyal Blog ReadersThis is Craig, Richards son. Richard passed away this morning unexpectedly. I know that he really appreciated this community and considered many of you friends so I thought it would be important to let you all know. Since his retirement this blog was very important to him and his life long passion of cooking. I am sorry to have to tell you all this in this fashion. He was loved and will be missed. Thank you all for being his friends and inspiring him to continue cooking right up till the end.<br /><br />Craigbuffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com143tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-62558925964730773382010-07-25T13:37:00.002-04:002010-07-25T13:48:37.036-04:00I Hope You Liked My Smackdown Entry.....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROBUyB682yKhqLFXLiA5_36xW6qFyzRjI6AwpKsWF2_fVOdsHwGSqYRqC9WS6_myPrPERiQWIain57HEHgLNy_B5yZUBg2TT8wXPR0n7DIWeUU8V7fHm3rDhXLQfKJtjLJ5qXLA/s1600/green+bean+ribbon0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROBUyB682yKhqLFXLiA5_36xW6qFyzRjI6AwpKsWF2_fVOdsHwGSqYRqC9WS6_myPrPERiQWIain57HEHgLNy_B5yZUBg2TT8wXPR0n7DIWeUU8V7fHm3rDhXLQfKJtjLJ5qXLA/s200/green+bean+ribbon0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5497902161892059554" /></a><br />Because it took 3rd in the State of Michigan BB-Q Cook-off in Vegetables! We didn't get skunked! We finished 28th out out of 48 teams overall, and were very happy with that! 5th in potatoes- 1/2 point out of third! Missed second in veggies by 1/2 point. More photos to follow in next post!<br />It rained all Friday, making the field a muddy mess where nearly everybody got stuck at least once!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-3218435369759658302010-07-22T11:03:00.002-04:002010-07-22T11:12:38.328-04:00My July Smackdown Entry...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktGMcVJz-Jc06DTaR5vBaLVOprU27wWYSeEBqAGOlf3btiJ2gfDm3aLChxbfJl0EhNMlRoTrdgjTHGuTVC_-gOfNaWJ4k8Lmbx4C5E5CrctPMrXHNFZTp8JhEbPJjbUc79NWQng/s1600/green+beans0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktGMcVJz-Jc06DTaR5vBaLVOprU27wWYSeEBqAGOlf3btiJ2gfDm3aLChxbfJl0EhNMlRoTrdgjTHGuTVC_-gOfNaWJ4k8Lmbx4C5E5CrctPMrXHNFZTp8JhEbPJjbUc79NWQng/s200/green+beans0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496748724739822082" /></a><br />We were practicing Monday for the BB-Q side dishes, and tried a few different things, settling on this dish for our vegetable entry. We battered and deep fried green beans! Simple, incredibly good- with a creamy dip for added flavor! They were crisp, firm, flavorful, and the dip was creamy yet with the addition of hot sauce- it had a nice zip to it! I know there will be more colorful vegetable side dishes, but for flavor- these were very tasty!<br />I'll let you know how we did after the cook-off!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-10398430668418784012010-07-19T16:12:00.003-04:002010-07-19T16:31:38.840-04:00A BB-Q Primer...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8MoEdgGXLPiXeIHVr3BZ6bjcTtEq-5JiLgKfveaOkT3YpoHNG6LctJIq-I99av6MWfeWARQi9PI9uRj-q3ee7NTZHcdL5wVWRXCBwjRapLqbnrR-7nleavMilF_ONFhdF21mcw/s1600/BB-Q0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ8MoEdgGXLPiXeIHVr3BZ6bjcTtEq-5JiLgKfveaOkT3YpoHNG6LctJIq-I99av6MWfeWARQi9PI9uRj-q3ee7NTZHcdL5wVWRXCBwjRapLqbnrR-7nleavMilF_ONFhdF21mcw/s200/BB-Q0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5495717441284649938" /></a><br />I have six or seven books on BB-Q, but these three are my "go to" books! Paul Kirk is my guru of BB-Q, and have learned the most from his writings...He is informative on procedures, and makes sense in his philosophies. <br />The three jars in the photo are as follows: On the left, a mustard slather. This is spread on the meat for two main reasons, one mustard has vinegar and tenderizes meat to a degree, and two- it holds the dry rub (next jar) in place as it dissolves onto and into the meat. Mine is made from mustard, beer, molasses, and hot sauce. Beef and pork only, and it will not taste mustardy!<br />The second jar is dry rub, made of herbs, spices, salt, sugar. It flavors the meat- in a good way!<br />The third jar is a finishing sauce, put on towards the end of long slow cooking, otherwise known as BB-Q sauce. Glazing it onto ribs, or mixing it with vinegar for pulled pork is common. Glazing on chicken is good, too! I use a separate one for beef brisket...<br />We tried out a couple of our side dishes, and were quite pleased with the results!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-30491814503473420242010-07-15T11:06:00.003-04:002010-07-15T11:24:19.330-04:00Freelance Pasta Salad!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNZA2EwSkW4uaPTk2P2Y2YdRKHnEFea7Vng1w8B8aczhzzsO-GoVcQ8U8Bdrtw0_gOtY8euMfXk3iLzilmH64CU3Znalqd5svkFLHfhZBBdQyLMEQZFf7JJKiY1p6X6aSZM2dYQ/s1600/pasta+salad0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNZA2EwSkW4uaPTk2P2Y2YdRKHnEFea7Vng1w8B8aczhzzsO-GoVcQ8U8Bdrtw0_gOtY8euMfXk3iLzilmH64CU3Znalqd5svkFLHfhZBBdQyLMEQZFf7JJKiY1p6X6aSZM2dYQ/s200/pasta+salad0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494153735789747282" /></a><br />I never seem to make pasta salad the same way every time.... I tend to use what is available, yet compatible! The one you see in the photo takes on a bit of an Italian theme, with the following ingredients:<br />Tri-colored spiral pasta<br />Hard cooked eggs, chopped<br />Pepperoni slices, quartered<br />Shredded sharp Cheddar cheese<br />Chopped sweet onion<br />Chopped tomato<br />Chopped green olives<br />Chopped black olives<br />Creamy Caesar's Dressing, for binder<br />Mix and chill, then serve on bed of lettuce<br />The green olives provide enough salt for the whole recipe, pepperoni gives heat but not too much!), and the dressing is somewhat tart and garlicky-really good!<br />Nice cool bite to eat, when the weather is hot!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-25922983573734249342010-07-12T17:21:00.002-04:002010-07-12T17:48:00.716-04:00Mini Meme Time! BB-Q...I will be in The Taste of Grand Rapids KCBS sanctioned BB-Q cook off in a couple of weeks.. I thought it would be a good question to throw at you! It doesn't matter if you make it yourself, or buy it at a restaurant....<br />1. What is your favorite BB-Q food?<br />2. What is your least favorite?<br />It's hard to have BB-Q that isn't good, but try!<br />I really like chicken that has been marinated, smoked- usually thighs with skin on, skin crisped and coated with a good finishing sauce towards the end of the cooking time!<br />I've taken 3rd and 4th place with Beef Brisket in the state, but I don't enjoy it as much as most people seem to..go figure!! I had some at Smokey Bones once, I swore was beef jerky!<br />Have fun with this, I enjoy your comments on these Mini-Memes!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-27394357876441445632010-07-10T10:14:00.002-04:002010-07-10T10:31:22.992-04:00It's Soup! The Easiest Use Of Left Overs....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw3jUDql6lqvngnCVl4HVPylWnpCeKchEK-zc9O71xQ-PO7q9ecIO6E4kN0uZl28jrKoEttSWVx5WOcduErf3qUX7DjSSlChWcgrFHj6xwkGKVLelcHZkGGhr_WpV9wSBmiKEMw/s1600/chicken+and+rice+soup0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibw3jUDql6lqvngnCVl4HVPylWnpCeKchEK-zc9O71xQ-PO7q9ecIO6E4kN0uZl28jrKoEttSWVx5WOcduErf3qUX7DjSSlChWcgrFHj6xwkGKVLelcHZkGGhr_WpV9wSBmiKEMw/s200/chicken+and+rice+soup0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492285073876133938" /></a><br />I eat soup year round! A few nights back, I had left over chicken and rice...Plenty can be done with these ingredients! I chose to make tomato based soup, utilizing chicken and rice into a hearty soup, even though the temperature outside was a bit high. Tomato sauce, Italian spices, some milk, some cheese, and the base was simmered until blended. Adding already cooked ingredients made this a quick, tasty meal! I floated a tomato slice, with croutons and Parmesan cheese on top of soup....quite tomatoey, it was rich! Some like that, and some don't, but I don't make soup from a recipe- and neither do you!<br />Have a good week-end, everybody!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-42109312589492909002010-07-08T08:18:00.002-04:002010-07-08T08:30:12.308-04:00Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs, And Rice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp089pEShhQO4F5uco9O7ymewvXGqDZpVGZGOriynDfd3-TGwuzJlVpfjHN7r3F_O2uM1GiqB_8ITp5BbnrMFCMw6n3_qacFUcySHaxXLYxUuvbTPDdTidXlFM5RW5qQFbDFF4g/s1600/chicken+and+rice0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpp089pEShhQO4F5uco9O7ymewvXGqDZpVGZGOriynDfd3-TGwuzJlVpfjHN7r3F_O2uM1GiqB_8ITp5BbnrMFCMw6n3_qacFUcySHaxXLYxUuvbTPDdTidXlFM5RW5qQFbDFF4g/s200/chicken+and+rice0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491511682824164514" /></a><br />This is a classic match! Simple, tasty, and easy... even without skin, thighs stay more moist than white meat. Seasoned, then baked while I made the rice, we had a nice meal in a short period of time!<br />I have plans for the leftover chicken and rice- either Mexican flavors, or Asian..I haven't decided which yet..<br />I'm still kind of sore from where I fell, so cooking has been a little slower than normal...<br />I got my confirmation on the KCBS BB-Q entry.. got to start making sauces and rubs soon!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-23951826236420610542010-07-06T11:59:00.004-04:002010-07-06T12:14:02.052-04:004th Of July, Fireworks, Pork Ribs, And Deviled Eggs!Be warned- No photos! In our rush to leave the house, I forgot my camera! I dry rubbed the ribs(minus membrane)and baked the ribs in the oven, in an aluminum pan- covered with aluminum foil at 300F for 3-1/2 hrs. Then I used a home made finishing sauce for another 40 minutes, uncovered..these were falling off the bone tender and full of flavor! None came home!<br />16 Deviled eggs were also made by me- a natural at a picnic outside....None came home, either! <br />We had a decent fireworks selection, and shot them from dusk until 11PM...No mistakes were made that night! <br />My knees were killing me, and from moving from a chair to a picnic bench, I went right on my ass! I had only had one drink, in case you're wondering!<br />Beautiful day on the lake, but a smaller turn out than years gone by...<br />Hope you had a good one, too!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-53013179655868581492010-07-02T10:01:00.002-04:002010-07-02T10:13:13.819-04:00One Pork Leftover Meal, And One To Go!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGFSI_cJZb6S9-f3NtCt_pMzu-E9pGaajzS_Oh-8nvAjs2UjKiKkmi77xw_iN87IrSw0e37WSd4oAtJGIlkskooYE0mL51yYV47ScYAVsR9pLmVaOc8bMRhr1mjKGyDxyMgCCsg/s1600/pork+sandwich0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGFSI_cJZb6S9-f3NtCt_pMzu-E9pGaajzS_Oh-8nvAjs2UjKiKkmi77xw_iN87IrSw0e37WSd4oAtJGIlkskooYE0mL51yYV47ScYAVsR9pLmVaOc8bMRhr1mjKGyDxyMgCCsg/s200/pork+sandwich0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489311719857836034" /></a><br />I had cooked pork roast, gravy, and bread..sliced the pork thin, simmered it in the leftover gravy, and put it over toast..It all took about 1/2 hour, and we were eating! Over rice, pasta, noodles, or potatoes works too!<br />Today I must make BB-Q sauce for ribs...it can pull double duty as a sauce for chopped pork in a bun! Three meals from one roast is even enough for me...<br />Yesterday, I picked up my 4th of July nukes..we shoot them over a lake for safety and viewing pleasure! I'm bringing pork baby back ribs and some other dish as well to the party we have before the fireworks.. <br />I hope you all have a great 4th of July!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-66337887997232264332010-06-30T14:04:00.003-04:002010-06-30T14:25:04.822-04:00Pork Pot Roast And Roasted Potatoes With Gravy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr79ttez5fxCViV3YTrY11KJiS47mLedoEoIIEqFbf1XyjVHAtnY0WFdZmT54VJuYTDGJaMfuAc54FkakHZPkFUfwshcpVJgcI8Tkm0irnISND0unFGgjcCHGLOPcLNe1ax4ffvA/s1600/pork0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr79ttez5fxCViV3YTrY11KJiS47mLedoEoIIEqFbf1XyjVHAtnY0WFdZmT54VJuYTDGJaMfuAc54FkakHZPkFUfwshcpVJgcI8Tkm0irnISND0unFGgjcCHGLOPcLNe1ax4ffvA/s200/pork0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488634407853188914" /></a><br />I'm sure I've posted this before, but this was dinner last night... A lot of people don't know this, but if you mix brown gravy mix with an equal amount of chicken gravy mix, you come up with a gravy that is excellent on pork! I got this out of an old church cook book, and it works! I sprinkle this on a pork roast, along with garlic, onion powder, and black pepper(of course!) wrap tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 3 hours at 320F..this creates a tender pork roast, and a great gravy for the potatoes you roasted in the same pan for the last two hours. Gravy usually needs thickening, but cold water and corn starch can do the job... This makes a great dish that is simple and tasty! Left overs can be made into burritos or BB-Q sandwiches- or what ever you can imagine! We talk about what to do with the leftovers, while we're eating the original meal... Look at left overs as a challenge, and not a burden!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-50943783713830079082010-06-29T10:08:00.002-04:002010-06-29T10:23:49.856-04:00Home Made Bread..What To Do?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_T2mzlJBB9xDnzN4CNzML01kJmz54hsitlkiL5GshRB1Wl0OKKYBb3CvtzJKLJMUWRBmDm1XS-mmeRvU6ZDH0UGAPetBS9yzp_x0U_Dg0PKE_ybkxubcESALsTeiBG0vUxoW4g/s1600/bread0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE_T2mzlJBB9xDnzN4CNzML01kJmz54hsitlkiL5GshRB1Wl0OKKYBb3CvtzJKLJMUWRBmDm1XS-mmeRvU6ZDH0UGAPetBS9yzp_x0U_Dg0PKE_ybkxubcESALsTeiBG0vUxoW4g/s200/bread0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488201178200099890" /></a><br />I made a couple of loaves of white bread for Sunday brunch...Frankly, I've made better! The flavor was sweet and good, but the texture was a little crumbly. The plan was to make French toast, but everybody just wanted fresh bread. I have one loaf left, and plan to try and make a bread pudding out of it! I have never made this, but appears to be easy and tasty..<br />I'll be cooking a pork roast today in the slow cooker. It doesn't heat up the house, and left overs make a good pork BB-Q sandwich. I'll be doing pork ribs for the 4th, so I need to make some sauce anyway! We have been eating lighter the last few days, as warm weather tends to do that to people...buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-88241727046980390762010-06-26T15:46:00.004-04:002010-06-26T16:08:31.694-04:00When Nothing Sounds Good..Fix Some Eggs!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTiiPLzVhqdOxo1bAy-Y6XQwwM37ptkDub3aVt_cJOxb9H-AaLaD2SqhCCncAjkGI_D3kJ-1HhtaWLVI1YSNm7dUcBQ7vv10ExAjifx709OJu-RXZaiOkZ2PPmSN3Brrt8Rm9rQ/s1600/eggs0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzTiiPLzVhqdOxo1bAy-Y6XQwwM37ptkDub3aVt_cJOxb9H-AaLaD2SqhCCncAjkGI_D3kJ-1HhtaWLVI1YSNm7dUcBQ7vv10ExAjifx709OJu-RXZaiOkZ2PPmSN3Brrt8Rm9rQ/s200/eggs0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487176155960770594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTp_hgubCODwozy-4Pd6RgcHM84MoMJYDRva52CUX1CstGTrwDnetVktxemf4tVmnJuWzphLfU5TmHdtzzK4LXMUEMUOIrcD1XnqNzsb389N4R-LkH3-uideOwCGTIyqSX2lgOA/s1600/eggs0002.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoTp_hgubCODwozy-4Pd6RgcHM84MoMJYDRva52CUX1CstGTrwDnetVktxemf4tVmnJuWzphLfU5TmHdtzzK4LXMUEMUOIrcD1XnqNzsb389N4R-LkH3-uideOwCGTIyqSX2lgOA/s200/eggs0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487176022404664130" /></a><br />We have had a goofy schedule lately...nothing requires less planning than eggs for a meal! I made a rather homely cheese omelet, but tasted great! Today, I found out my wife was working 2nd shift on a Saturday, so I fixed myself something she would never eat- sunny side up eggs! Eggs are cheap, tasty, and are a healthy form of protein. Studies have proven they aren't the heart attack bomb everyone thought they were 10years ago... They are versatile, and can be used in cooking, baking, or stand alone for a meal! Looks like a brunch tomorrow, and I'm sure eggs will be somewhere in or on the menu!<br />P.S.- Can anyone tell I like Black pepper?buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-61358267986901749122010-06-24T11:05:00.002-04:002010-06-24T11:20:30.850-04:00Beef Enchilada Bake<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGvpkUzCQ-_qpkRibiNZvRrLdqtVUZXROzz6hBwgg5B9_Lhl6rBs6VKUda71HTF9zlcYg3PjL0Zbmarl2gL4DRh-TlqLJZpGUxrpBbnm3W6rTFnUCzcM8ZymaIQ7Q3ef67Dm1kw/s1600/enchiladas0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGvpkUzCQ-_qpkRibiNZvRrLdqtVUZXROzz6hBwgg5B9_Lhl6rBs6VKUda71HTF9zlcYg3PjL0Zbmarl2gL4DRh-TlqLJZpGUxrpBbnm3W6rTFnUCzcM8ZymaIQ7Q3ef67Dm1kw/s200/enchiladas0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486360360700877314" /></a><br />I had everything in the house to make this dish, and I know from experience my wife loves the flavors of Tex-Mex food! I seasoned and browned 1lb. of ground beef, using more liquid than normal,, because I will drain the meat and have ready made enchilada sauce to pour on the enchiladas. I used small flour tortillas to wrap the meat, laying them seam side down in the oiled casserole dish- four fit perfectly! I poured the sauce over all, then topped with cheese. I also added some Jalapeno slices, which really kicked up the heat a bit! I baked them uncovered, until cheese was melted, and dinner was served..If it sounds simple- it is! All the classic flavors are there, and even had two left over...<br />Hopefully today I will pick up some fireworks for the 4th.. I always look forward to that!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-48376715316727413992010-06-22T12:17:00.004-04:002010-06-22T12:35:15.289-04:00Tuna Salad In Cantaloupe- It's Summer!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjbpQh0ssPMv1YAuqXwnr7MWL_4Mk3CmZ2fscdhywjCmNp5kehOYYuqWyESqF7EN2AePa4vB-jVB2kfDJYkOrJ9VPhlsU3Y_AdNqtrbOUWE_FDBrby0Cp4TpO-GxsSppToK5tXQ/s1600/tuna0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipjbpQh0ssPMv1YAuqXwnr7MWL_4Mk3CmZ2fscdhywjCmNp5kehOYYuqWyESqF7EN2AePa4vB-jVB2kfDJYkOrJ9VPhlsU3Y_AdNqtrbOUWE_FDBrby0Cp4TpO-GxsSppToK5tXQ/s200/tuna0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485637466842095682" /></a><br />I have made this dish and featured it before, but there are some new people that visit since I posted this last. Chicken salad and shrimp salad works well like this also!<br />My tuna fish salad recipe is simple and straightforward:<br />1. High quality tuna, either fresh cooked or canned Albacore in water, 12-16 oz.<br />2. Two hard cooked eggs, peeled and cooled<br />3. 2 stalks of celery<br />4. 1 medium onion<br />Chop all above ingredients into bite sized pieces<br />5. Add real Mayo (Miracle Whip and low fat mayo both have too much water in them!) to taste.<br />6. Add mustard, lemon pepper, and dried dill- all to taste.<br />Mix all above until blended thoroughly.<br />Cut a medium sized ripe cantaloupe in half, cleaned of all seeds. Fill cavity with tuna salad, and enjoy!<br />This is a good summer meal, eaten cold. It is filling and refreshing..<br />My melon could have been riper, but it was still OK..the salad was great!<br />Last night our area got clobbered with high winds, thunderstorms, and a lot of rain..Tornado warning were out, and the sirens were going for an hour!<br />Hard to get any sleep with a dog going crazy, and sirens blaring!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-11180278528976242572010-06-21T11:37:00.004-04:002010-06-21T11:57:30.526-04:00My Fathers Day- Food And Goodies!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF0m2ShBlNSwUgaSy0OzDY5Fzc5oVhyphenhyphenAwtLKKXNeaxmLx8P9gsG8QnAqKij8ZOzdLtYXvn90RH74XuyMZeUrcgLK4aQkGl89V9TtyJtOUoOajaVE72hdjjunc-sMXzxcLB1OgUA/s1600/fathers+day+20100001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF0m2ShBlNSwUgaSy0OzDY5Fzc5oVhyphenhyphenAwtLKKXNeaxmLx8P9gsG8QnAqKij8ZOzdLtYXvn90RH74XuyMZeUrcgLK4aQkGl89V9TtyJtOUoOajaVE72hdjjunc-sMXzxcLB1OgUA/s200/fathers+day+20100001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485255296945960114" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hw97G1UaEjQCWqE8IEEBiPmE5XbJGheUerhy0TqvBC8AmIqExoQtKgEfVEsTRjsm2trMazLcHK7syYZMRUnLQQz3QGZPhkbzhNmFRGL8CnvN_MaSxHTl-yenf_2kkkQAnWgqXQ/s1600/fathers+day+20100002.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Hw97G1UaEjQCWqE8IEEBiPmE5XbJGheUerhy0TqvBC8AmIqExoQtKgEfVEsTRjsm2trMazLcHK7syYZMRUnLQQz3QGZPhkbzhNmFRGL8CnvN_MaSxHTl-yenf_2kkkQAnWgqXQ/s200/fathers+day+20100002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5485255185715857682" /></a><br />I had a nice day Sunday..My one son in Kansas City sent me a hilarious book with a card, and phoned me later from St. Louis, where he was starting his vacation. My other son stopped by with a banana cream pie, made at a local restaurant who specializes in pies, again with a funny card! Wife got me a box of Sea Foam from the local candy shop( which I love!) and picked up the meal I said I would like to fix for dinner!<br />Dinner was some high grade tuna steaks, fresh asparagus, rolls, and of course- the pie! Nailed the tuna perfectly- medium rare, seasoned with butter, fresh lemon, black pepper, and dried dill...asparagus was still crisp and delicious after steaming it, and the pie was perfect too! The photo is the "to go" plate we fix our son who works Sundays a mile from the house.<br /> The book was about what his father used to say on all sorts of subjects, and any father should read this for some good laughs!<br />I had extra tuna, and will be making a tuna salad today out of some pretty pricey fish...buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-57962959411269970632010-06-19T15:01:00.002-04:002010-06-19T15:18:32.094-04:00A Fathers Day Rant- Or Observations...I wondered about my dad for years...as I got older, I saw the wisdom (or lack of it!) in his actions! He never hit me, but I got yelled at a lot.. I figured out later he was doing the best he could, with what the good Lord gave him! He was a good bowler, and the day I became a better one, we never said a word. He was proud, and I never rubbed in the fact that I could now beat him. He was a terrible cheat at golf, yet for years I let him be..he was decent enough to take a teach me the game, as best he could. He loved me, and I loved him, no matter what came up between us. He never thought he was good enough, but I did. I was the "bad cop" in the family..the guy who had to tell dad he was dying.. but I also told him he had done a great job raising three productive kids who loved him.. Try to understand your father Sunday- it ain't easy being one all the time, you know..buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-57507746452068424272010-06-18T12:43:00.003-04:002010-06-18T13:18:59.055-04:00Chicken Paprika- Simplfied!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjfXZI8n8gjzkCxzs72Jjn4Z_h5wUzzMNuPEFNabokvKBMKlkokQddQWUsN0UdUNxCXlQ9d3ly5yoIU2OLVSN5XK0aheDLT51L4XZYkTt_8Ej9_tnsY1gJgwYaM5SW6S0V7OGmA/s1600/chicken0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjfXZI8n8gjzkCxzs72Jjn4Z_h5wUzzMNuPEFNabokvKBMKlkokQddQWUsN0UdUNxCXlQ9d3ly5yoIU2OLVSN5XK0aheDLT51L4XZYkTt_8Ej9_tnsY1gJgwYaM5SW6S0V7OGmA/s200/chicken0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484164398313096706" /></a><br />I have had chicken a lot of ways, but haven't had this dish in quite a while! When I say "simplified", I mean I cut corners in the traditional recipe and went with the basic flavors that give this dish it's taste. I took two large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salted, peppered, and added onion powder, before dumping sour cream over them. I then sprinkled paprika (a fair amount!) on the sour cream, covered them in a casserole dish and baked them at 300F for quite a while! They came out very flavorful, but as this kind of chicken isn't prone to getting tender, they were still tender enough to eat and enjoy! With a side of left over broccoli casserole, it made a passable meal...<br />I'm struggling with new ideas as to what to eat lately- I think we all go through this occasionally!<br />Enjoy your week end, everyone!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-1012755768766441132010-06-16T11:57:00.004-04:002010-06-16T17:21:33.588-04:00A Meatless Casserole- but not Cheeseless!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCt8y-b7nkMvNpS6lbyvfLpnyZpSC0S_8iymkGT2Bv3a2ZVnBwkkirMW2ykTQxtqCNYRpy5SBm1UWhq3QH23TVJ5yNJQPtTQXfhZk_xArJOIfnv43LJPKLurnbqcvK_ogpotDDw/s1600/casserole0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJCt8y-b7nkMvNpS6lbyvfLpnyZpSC0S_8iymkGT2Bv3a2ZVnBwkkirMW2ykTQxtqCNYRpy5SBm1UWhq3QH23TVJ5yNJQPtTQXfhZk_xArJOIfnv43LJPKLurnbqcvK_ogpotDDw/s200/casserole0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483408092721358578" /></a><br />This is a casserole that has been around for more than 50 years..I just kind of updated it! It is a rice, broccoli, cheese concoction that I altered to make it a little more upscale. Normally, it is white rice, frozen broccoli,milk, and Velveeta cheese, baked until cheese melts. I used brown rice, cooked for 45 minutes in chicken broth, then mixed with American cheese, sour cream, a can of cream o mushroom soup, and steamed, chopped fresh broccoli. I then topped it with a layer of Cheddar cheese slices, and baked until top layer of cheese melted in a covered casserole dish that had been buttered before cooking. I sprinkled savory on the casserole before baking (350F for 40 min). Brown rice has a nutty, stand alone flavor and texture we really enjoy!<br />I have an older Catholic friend, who really didn't like taking the Lord's name in vain, so instead of yelling "Jesus Christ!" he would yell "Cheese and Rice"!<br />You can use this as a meatless main dish, or a side dish- you can also add chicken, ham, or turkey to the casserole for a one course meal...<br />Try it, you'll like it!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com45tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-347666767601680552010-06-14T10:01:00.003-04:002010-06-14T10:20:04.790-04:00Broiled Shrimp In Jerk Sauce, Chicken, Potatoes, And Gravy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8viwTuYUueI5kF9MhA8ThEmqltkGynd2FGVLGCvNoyiW2oAAwQkxrCyRJG5KrX-3kIJbjRwJKrq3M4tiIhuVhixvF6iXQEBP1lodPmHXkcuVWo7JFmJ4blxBGxnmyM-eve0lkw/s1600/friday+and+saturday0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf8viwTuYUueI5kF9MhA8ThEmqltkGynd2FGVLGCvNoyiW2oAAwQkxrCyRJG5KrX-3kIJbjRwJKrq3M4tiIhuVhixvF6iXQEBP1lodPmHXkcuVWo7JFmJ4blxBGxnmyM-eve0lkw/s200/friday+and+saturday0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482633749538462786" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSv2Gw35fM52lUHCHC6Y4Che8vaIJmr6kp9so4UbvxvrJPeFXa7VplAs6esBtQT-y7ejhlYovNApdROPVL_O8LTaIR895640HLzr9ZBOl6uEKnGu6JxDs7c7qVozL1APfjUdRtQ/s1600/friday+and+saturday0002.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVSv2Gw35fM52lUHCHC6Y4Che8vaIJmr6kp9so4UbvxvrJPeFXa7VplAs6esBtQT-y7ejhlYovNApdROPVL_O8LTaIR895640HLzr9ZBOl6uEKnGu6JxDs7c7qVozL1APfjUdRtQ/s200/friday+and+saturday0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482633634375357570" /></a><br />Friday, we just wanted a little snack for supper...used up some shrimp I broiled with a thin jerk sauce, and some lef over potato salad...<br />Sunday, we were going to make a run to an Indian casino north of town, so Saturday we had our normally large Sunday meal! I have been using too large boneless skinless chicken breasts, and was sick of them! I like dark meat- preferably bone in thighs, with the skin left on! This goes well with roasted potatoes, as the cooking times and temperature for both are virtually identical! Lawrys Seasoned salt, coarse ground black pepper, then coated with olive oil is really all you need. Baked at 330F for 70-75 minutes in an uncovered pan, gives you a simple, yet hardy dish! I made chicken gravy for the potatoes, but a little on the chicken doesn't taste bad either..<br />Our trip to the casino was slightly lucrative, coming home with more money than we left with!<br />I did add a photo of a local park for the Picnic Throwdown, which is one post back..<br />Tonight I have plans to make a rice, broccoli, and cheese casserole we haven't had in ages..<br />Have a good week everybody!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-10252138823561848782010-06-11T10:32:00.009-04:002010-06-13T18:19:08.728-04:00Picnic Smackdown For June<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6CrkIDwgR56ZxfUKccbNBCj4hCfoq95fXxu6q3p_oACOl_lmh6n5U2j85W9bKw9blodoJw4ajqWYwIMlJ8UU1wnXJH45zjW5P0hXAFqHW00B_-7tv1GMlpGHm715-QtP-LhIBQ/s1600/picnic0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT6CrkIDwgR56ZxfUKccbNBCj4hCfoq95fXxu6q3p_oACOl_lmh6n5U2j85W9bKw9blodoJw4ajqWYwIMlJ8UU1wnXJH45zjW5P0hXAFqHW00B_-7tv1GMlpGHm715-QtP-LhIBQ/s200/picnic0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482385947174122194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEyZefdf4RRgJKxnt9lqkRQZYTeCx2OwSD5OvacnTjF_YgYmq533X-hQ13-Ck9-anHAIHsmopSV9WOKMQXysYxUWVNybh3x4TOyr6JyIn7Wf7vflGloVl6YiapU886FXbX23VoQ/s1600/picnic0004.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEyZefdf4RRgJKxnt9lqkRQZYTeCx2OwSD5OvacnTjF_YgYmq533X-hQ13-Ck9-anHAIHsmopSV9WOKMQXysYxUWVNybh3x4TOyr6JyIn7Wf7vflGloVl6YiapU886FXbX23VoQ/s200/picnic0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481531974770620594" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28n2fv_gXO2X5dZ0BuVenHKyw5p5aI9PDx2VZUYmBkeYFKRdQ9il85tlvsMaLZxSOHlkeRBx-xjV4DWuovfTwelojjgtk2C5-Zsebo3SBzf1SyQF8OFg2sH5OkM6zrvVMX_EhGg/s1600/picnic0006.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28n2fv_gXO2X5dZ0BuVenHKyw5p5aI9PDx2VZUYmBkeYFKRdQ9il85tlvsMaLZxSOHlkeRBx-xjV4DWuovfTwelojjgtk2C5-Zsebo3SBzf1SyQF8OFg2sH5OkM6zrvVMX_EhGg/s200/picnic0006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481531818499865010" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjnBe2tobzGdSGMj2FL5xxvRq-GZViwukucKNSf_RlcZEJHUZqauT9Y7clntyg7fOcy7fUByJmmv3lCeFEP2gnas7dzl5gSH4ZkQA4AJ1nAWYMUhxn4kC4y_cd1k4WPqrXXsdbw/s1600/picnic0005.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjnBe2tobzGdSGMj2FL5xxvRq-GZViwukucKNSf_RlcZEJHUZqauT9Y7clntyg7fOcy7fUByJmmv3lCeFEP2gnas7dzl5gSH4ZkQA4AJ1nAWYMUhxn4kC4y_cd1k4WPqrXXsdbw/s200/picnic0005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481531670819908994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2myTBbDWekDhVz6Ri2ohwSVmUTOapMOGjZWiSeIPner1sEqud-byhwN8RtItEqx6JlWYsoR13LiM9NC_LFSx6wdl8skkYHKO0vW-M110DpX6cVsWCFXUpsVfxCQGIuscuiY-IQ/s1600/picnic0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2myTBbDWekDhVz6Ri2ohwSVmUTOapMOGjZWiSeIPner1sEqud-byhwN8RtItEqx6JlWYsoR13LiM9NC_LFSx6wdl8skkYHKO0vW-M110DpX6cVsWCFXUpsVfxCQGIuscuiY-IQ/s200/picnic0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481531508579837954" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBhKxU0fwH4vNYEjIRiIY3P-4EiaRHu3eSGkkR7apSk1mpolA-3jTaH8PhGJ0NRbq2nL4jEwsLGbCUjq4petYsCq6OIw0tZpvN-Io1kJMTOzIcLF2t-2zBu3wctqmMRH12xSaTA/s1600/picnic0003.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBhKxU0fwH4vNYEjIRiIY3P-4EiaRHu3eSGkkR7apSk1mpolA-3jTaH8PhGJ0NRbq2nL4jEwsLGbCUjq4petYsCq6OIw0tZpvN-Io1kJMTOzIcLF2t-2zBu3wctqmMRH12xSaTA/s200/picnic0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481531333355486242" /></a><br />To me, a picnic is a very portable meal made from tried and true favorites. Michigan is surrounded by fresh water(The Great Lakes) and has thousands of inland lakes and rivers, so usually the picnic setting has something to do with water! We have where I live, the Grand River that flows through Grand Rapids. It has numerous riverside parks, and is the start of The White Pine Trail, a closed railroad track that has been paved or a two track that covers almost 90 miles! Most parks in Michigan prohibit alcohol, so no nice bottle of wine today! The photo is a shot of Versluis Park, a township park by our house. <br />My picnic fare included deviled eggs, onion wraps, potato salad, fresh strawberries with powdered sugar, shrimp salad sandwiches on croissants, and peanut butter Rice Krispie squares frosted with semi sweet chocolate..<br />The cooler has taken the place of a picnic basket, paper plates and plastic utensils work for ease of clean up!<br />Anyone who would like the recipe for anything I made is welcome to ask!<br />Simple things, done well is my motto...buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-87407970584290715502010-06-08T11:52:00.002-04:002010-06-08T12:13:15.137-04:00Bean Dip Deluxe- A Meal By Itself!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-yjFpWzUG0NJ6RyCIOapaJlFDwMZNOcJLVixoGCdVWs_KfMGHiIFlDOu3zEvBkn3jAmq34SjVP0oQs3iBXzIFqDZSEQvuUZl849y7LmtLEQFZiLGtSNRSuedVc2ZJ_VQSn0fhw/s1600/dip0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-yjFpWzUG0NJ6RyCIOapaJlFDwMZNOcJLVixoGCdVWs_KfMGHiIFlDOu3zEvBkn3jAmq34SjVP0oQs3iBXzIFqDZSEQvuUZl849y7LmtLEQFZiLGtSNRSuedVc2ZJ_VQSn0fhw/s200/dip0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480436582970369058" /></a><br />A while back, I mentioned I enjoyed hot snacks, and the one I listed was bean dip. My version is loaded with goodies to a point of being enough to eat for a meal- just add tortilla chips! My recipe goes pretty much like this:<br />1 can refried beans<br />1/2 of same can water<br />4-5 oz of chunky salsa (medium heat)<br />1/2 chopped onion<br />1 chopped red bell pepper<br />1/2 lb. of browned ground beef<br />1 fresh tomato, chopped<br />2 oz of liquid taco sauce<br />6-8 oz of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese<br />cumin and chili powder to taste<br />Simmer all ingredients until smooth and hot. Use as dip with Tortilla chips.<br />It goes quickly, and if some is left over, can be reheated easily.buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com46tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-33819450794882585562010-06-06T08:50:00.003-04:002010-06-06T09:09:23.482-04:00An Upscale Egg McMuffin And Spicy Mac N Cheese<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIa58UTnDpMg0aMktYoE8ZVKSrKLpsPc0v90Wy2-Cw_LVfCkfXbSMlEJkiBbUQInFNQlw5crp1ve4BHWoNxaepYCLbDYB6ziQygdR708dzcjAYkXdYCpdJUAVcudk-jq6SP_lHg/s1600/egg+sandwich0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIa58UTnDpMg0aMktYoE8ZVKSrKLpsPc0v90Wy2-Cw_LVfCkfXbSMlEJkiBbUQInFNQlw5crp1ve4BHWoNxaepYCLbDYB6ziQygdR708dzcjAYkXdYCpdJUAVcudk-jq6SP_lHg/s200/egg+sandwich0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479647049321616578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj4HGx4GBbANm_JF9y2V9d_8NuAgLZjktsu0K9yqt8Jdw1u7LdURs8KQbVE1xFg5QyI1MUtw_lIB8Zch9Iqlvk4BcZauWkyzU2nAwcz28ig7kR_sefJLCsUQCJllHSzaOBfB7Vw/s1600/egg+sandwich0002.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkj4HGx4GBbANm_JF9y2V9d_8NuAgLZjktsu0K9yqt8Jdw1u7LdURs8KQbVE1xFg5QyI1MUtw_lIB8Zch9Iqlvk4BcZauWkyzU2nAwcz28ig7kR_sefJLCsUQCJllHSzaOBfB7Vw/s200/egg+sandwich0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479646906402828514" /></a><br />I had some big croissants, left from another project and thought they would work out well for an egg, ham, and cheese sandwich. I scrambled the eggs, used sliced Black Forest ham, and a good Colby cheese...they were tasty and big enough to call supper! I never was much on croissants, but I am changing my mind about that now!<br />I also made some spicy mac-n-cheese yesterday, chopping some onion and Jalapeno peppers, then adding to the cheese sauce. I baked it for a bit , with extra cheese on top, and sprinkled heavily with black pepper. It had a zip to it, but was still pretty good! Today, I'm making my loaded bean dip....ground beef, refried beans, cut up peppers, onions, tomatoes, hot sauce and shredded cheese. It is so loaded with goodies, it's a meal in itself!<br />I also made some treats for the new neighbors that moved in Friday- good way to get off on the right foot with them!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-5272763141110929832010-06-04T15:36:00.002-04:002010-06-04T15:52:10.020-04:00Mini-Meme On Snacks!We all snack! On munchies, on dips and munchies, on hot and cold munchies! The questions today is what is your favorite munchie? What is your least favorite munchie, served at buffets, parties, and eateries?<br />1. I love munchies in general, but I like something that is hot, and tasty.. like bean dip! My bean dip has meat, peppers, onions, cheese, and refried beans galore! Hot sauce is a given! Fresh taco chips, or Tortilla chips needed for dipping!<br />2. Gagamole..I didn't misspell it it- it gags me! How an over rated high cal, high fat dip with the flavor of green mush got popular is beyond me!<br />Agree or disagree, let's hear your answer as to what you like or dislike in a munchie!buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28789474.post-32421229662768192402010-06-02T09:13:00.006-04:002010-06-02T09:35:51.569-04:00Anniversary And Quick Meals<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4DVAk4enWJkTloU3KbTgcMWUPRLaTaVwCVDvunOGnN4V60PsIc5ZF06G4Z-A1maxJPjk-tOxEFBdjpiddxbbBK69CiMOWH9T3sUKFg7OXy21IIQ19MNrWFXjwtPVmrDw86yyFw/s1600/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0001.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn4DVAk4enWJkTloU3KbTgcMWUPRLaTaVwCVDvunOGnN4V60PsIc5ZF06G4Z-A1maxJPjk-tOxEFBdjpiddxbbBK69CiMOWH9T3sUKFg7OXy21IIQ19MNrWFXjwtPVmrDw86yyFw/s200/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478169082870827730" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DuNfPZW3fbJ4_5a8PzIZ1s87DagSOq-DrYTlh52cNrUWFpKk2ht8LGHYQkCxjIKeucWI2h7mkHSHeHwcv_l93H2zSopOmyc6ygVYx6N73W9XrVYv3wpHFSpKNWzSv_Bk9Q4NYw/s1600/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0002.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DuNfPZW3fbJ4_5a8PzIZ1s87DagSOq-DrYTlh52cNrUWFpKk2ht8LGHYQkCxjIKeucWI2h7mkHSHeHwcv_l93H2zSopOmyc6ygVYx6N73W9XrVYv3wpHFSpKNWzSv_Bk9Q4NYw/s200/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478168990876804098" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR_ZdFj_frzAE0JfVLkWTsIcpZWLT48ELQIAMJqaurDEeJH6v0A2vxF-3Z9PGDImH6DGuDiSd2EsnM2cHnQFPbsm1Nt_JZMZ2StS3Mtw1vwZk3lIuF8WcJ4goJ9tk3tcES_IJ5A/s1600/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0004.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVR_ZdFj_frzAE0JfVLkWTsIcpZWLT48ELQIAMJqaurDEeJH6v0A2vxF-3Z9PGDImH6DGuDiSd2EsnM2cHnQFPbsm1Nt_JZMZ2StS3Mtw1vwZk3lIuF8WcJ4goJ9tk3tcES_IJ5A/s200/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478168891427602994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsuAORVR6nFiRgod7k4XX8gxewpIu8cMqQYCHO9lo_OWi3LLsnSxjKlD4H6f0hxl2QLBtBkgQez8-Yt39vcK81Y7Vkgs2r15JPbEl55K0rUhBosFH-bT9XjVaCagvQcUdi7c1Og/s1600/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0003.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsuAORVR6nFiRgod7k4XX8gxewpIu8cMqQYCHO9lo_OWi3LLsnSxjKlD4H6f0hxl2QLBtBkgQez8-Yt39vcK81Y7Vkgs2r15JPbEl55K0rUhBosFH-bT9XjVaCagvQcUdi7c1Og/s200/ham+n+cheese+patty+melt0003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478168747519388258" /></a><br />Today, my wife and I celebrate 37 years of marriage. Hard to believe it has been that long, but the numbers don't lie! If you have been married any length of time, you learn it is a journey of evolving... You will not be the same person you were when you got married! You learn to not sweat the small stuff. You learn forgiving. You learn there are certain traits in the other person that probably will never change, so accept them. This ends today's sermon, the collection plate will come next!<br />We had a Black Forest ham and baby Swiss toasted sandwich Monday- neither of us too hungry! The photo of the Klondike bar is a funny story- wife bought them and ate two- probably would have eaten all six without telling me she bought them!<br />Tuesday, it was a version of a pattie melt..I like to add blue cheese and some hot sauce to mine! I also gave her a box of candy from a great local candy maker, Sweetlands- which we got into promptly!<br />I can't post the food we're going to have today, as it will be in a later post!<br />Thunderstorms again last night, and cable TV is out for who knows how long...buffalodickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00663035745368682736noreply@blogger.com41