Well, this weekend in the Pacific Northwest has been interesting weather-wise. As I write this post, the snow is falling and beginning to pile up. This snow event is definitely atypical for this area and makes me want to cook carbohydrate laden meals and prepare for hibernation! So I will try to resist that desire when planning this week’s menu so we do not fall into late Autumn lethargy. To combat that ‘carb coma’ trap, I will toss several stir fry type meals into the menu to inject vibrant fresh vegetables…
Here is another coffee based cocktail, a twist on the Italian ‘corrected coffee’. Caffè Corretto describes anytime espresso has been ‘augmented’ with a spirit like grappa, sambuca, brandy, etc. For my variation, I decided to increase the coffee depth by adding Galliano Ristretto while adding a subtle sweetness and herbal aspect with amaro and simple syrup. This cocktail is the Flatliner’s best friend – strong and reliable, yet easy going and self-effacing. Caffè Corretto is another easy sipper that works best as an after-dinner libation or dessert accompaniment…
Recently I received a a teaser for this recipe via the New York Times Cooking section and I just had to try it. Of course, that means I needed to rework the recipe for one or two servings so I would not be eating an 8 to 12 serving kuchen by myself! So I went to work and the results were simply amazing. So amazing in fact, I just had to share them with you. This kuchen is wonderfully flavored with lemon, honey, ginger… and naturally apple. This recipe is easy to prepare as well…
Another month comes to a close and it is time for me to post the meals made during the month that did not become a blog post – or were a previous blog post now that I am posting the weekly menus. For those not following my Instagram account where I post pictures of the meal made each night, this post is a great way to catch up… and see what you have missed. Be prepared to get hungry as these pictures certainly whet my appetite. Ready, set, go! Pizza Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Prosciutto…
Here we are quickly closing in on the holidays as October ends and November begins. The weather is getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and comfort foods are on my mind. This week’s menu is based on previously posted recipes that showcase simple yet delicious comfort foods… or at least my type of comfort foods. I am sure as the weeks go on, I will showcase many other ‘comfort foods’ I have posted in the past. For now, let’s just enjoy these! Sunday – Schnitzel, Spaetzle, and Rotkohl…
Just in time for Halloween partying is this spookily named cocktail, the Cadáver Reviver. While it is not scary in appearance (i.e. this cocktail does not contain ingredients simulating blood or other ghoulish additives), it is based on tequila which is dangerous enough by itself! I like the wonderfully complex yet fresh taste of this cocktail; to me it is a very interesting twist on a margarita. It is an easy sipper that will either keep you dancing at the party or will get you to relax into a semi-catatonic state. So which…
Tonight’s recipe is a close approximation to the party favorite chili I make for events. While I have claimed I would never share this recipe when requested for it in the past, I just cannot be that selfish. This variant is a small batch version of the original; primarily only missing bell peppers and onions from the recipe. The secret ingredient is the enchilada sauce – which jump starts the chili flavors without having to roast and re-hydrate dried peppers, etc. So the secret ingredient makes this dish a quick cooking chili as…