Chicken Sloppy Joes – Maybe for Halloween?

When I was a kid, we walked to school, and hot lunches were 25 cents and included a bottle of milk with a paper cap. (I know, I’m dating myself.) My absolute favorite was sloppy Joes with a side of slaw.  There may have been chips, too, but that’s hazy in my memory. I always looked forward to the “sloppy” part — that small amount … Continue reading Chicken Sloppy Joes – Maybe for Halloween?

Blue Plate Diner Special: Salisbury Steak & Mushroom Gravy

Yesterday we had to take our vintage kitchen screen door off for repair. It’s one of those plain wooden doors with screens on top and bottom.I already miss that door. It dawned on me what I’m missing is what it represents. Fresh air coming through the screen. The sound of the door slapping shut when the little ones come in with armloads of produce. A … Continue reading Blue Plate Diner Special: Salisbury Steak & Mushroom Gravy

Buena Vida Chili Powder

As I’ve mentioned before, when it comes to chili powder blend for chilies, pulled pork, etc. I use Buena Vida brand. Why? We grew up in a large Lebanese family and Mom was a health food advocate way before the term was coined. Lebanese food was the star of Sunday family dinners, but during the week she cooked a lot of one pot meals, like … Continue reading Buena Vida Chili Powder

Mongolian Beef in Slow Cooker

Oh gosh, we are definitely into autumn here on my little patch of heaven, which means we’re still busy outdoors getting all the potted plants and gardens transitioned to winter’s chill. Oh gosh, we are definitely into autumn here on my little patch of heaven, which means we’re still busy outdoors getting all the potted plants and gardens transitioned to winter’s chill. That’s why today’s … Continue reading Mongolian Beef in Slow Cooker

Slow Cooked Pepper Steak

I like to keep you up to date on my gardens. Both my teaching herb garden and family vegetable gardens have gotten a boost from the much needed rain. And so have the weeds, which means I’ve been spending time happily tilling and hoeing between rows. How about you? Are you enjoying being more outside than in? If so, and you’re the cook, I think … Continue reading Slow Cooked Pepper Steak

Flank/Flat Iron Steak with Garlic, Honey, Soy Marinade

OK it’s nice to be back with you if just for a bit. As you may heard, my husband, Frank, had a very serious accident here at home and is now in rehab after almost 8 wks of back & frothing to hospital, rehab, etc. I wanted to share a recipe I talked about with Matt Swaim on the Sonrise Morning Show today. I don’t … Continue reading Flank/Flat Iron Steak with Garlic, Honey, Soy Marinade

Three More Brisket Recipes

I  was reminded brisket weather is here from daughter-in-law, Jessie, who served a delectable, fall-apart beef brisket last week. “It’s your recipe,” she said. That brisket with red gravy was mouthwatering, really, served alongside buttery mashed potatoes.  But true disclosure, it wasn’t my own, but one which a Jewish friend gifted me with years ago.  This recipe may sound strange to some of you, especially … Continue reading Three More Brisket Recipes

Mini Meatloaves for Dinner

Did you know mustard has Biblical roots? You may be familiar with that popular passage in Matthew about the kingdom of heaven being like a mustard seed. Today Matt Swaim, Sonrise Morning Show on Sacred Heart Radio, chatted about mustard. Back in Bible days, mustard seed was ground up into a paste for food. Both wild and cultivated mustards were also used medicinally. Mustard is … Continue reading Mini Meatloaves for Dinner

Hummus and a Kind of Gyro Burger Food for Ancient Israelites

Today Matt Swaim, Sonrise Morning Show/Sacred Heart Radio, chatted about what the ancient, common folk Israelites ate. Here’s what I found: DAILY DIET OF ANCIENT ISRAELITESMeals eaten by ancient Israelites fell into 2 categories: daily and festive meals. The daily diet of the ordinary ancient Israelite was mainly one of bread, cooked grains and legumes, like lentils and beans. . Agricultural workers comprised the largest … Continue reading Hummus and a Kind of Gyro Burger Food for Ancient Israelites