I don’t know too many people who don’t love pizza. It’s near the top of my list of all-time favorite foods, whether it’s a supreme, veggie, some gourmet concoction or just plain cheese. There are so many great places that will deliver, but sometimes I just like making my own. I have a super-easy dough recipe, and the kids love creating their own pies, piling the toppings on high.
I usually don’t like to blog about negative things. My Mom always says if you can’t say anything good about something, then don’t say anything at all (actually, I think all moms say that.) But in this case I feel compelled to dump this post about GaviLyte-N on the world, because most people are going to have to drink this nasty stuff at some point in their lives. I’ve created a new category for my blog called “Ick!” – it’s for anything that is particularly disgusting, and this stuff is at the top of the list.
The first time I ever had quiche was in the late 1970s. My Aunt Jean made an awesome one that was sure to clog your arteries and cause heart disease. I can’t find the recipe, but I do remember it had a pound of sausage, lots of bacon, mushrooms, a cup of mayo, 6-8 eggs, half and half, etc. It rocked, and yes, real men did eat it! And I have been a fan of quiche ever since (although I would probably call Aunt Jean’s version a sausage and bacon pie.)
Now that I’m in vegetarian land until August, I make a delicious artichoke, potato and red pepper quiche that is great for brunch, lunch or dinner. Here’s the recipe:
The great thing about wild Alaska sockeye salmon is not only is it delicious, but it is also full of natural minerals and vitamins that are good for you. High in protein, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, it contains no detectable mercury. Salmon are different from most fish, which either live in fresh or salt water. This is not the case for salmon. During the course of their life they will live in both salt and fresh water. Make sure you always buy the wild salmon – don’t even get me started about the farm raised stuff.
“The Interior Department is in charge of salmon while they’re in fresh water, but the Commerce Department handles them when they’re in saltwater,” Obama said. “I hear it gets even more complicated once they’re smoked.”
Well Mr. President, I don’t know what kind of salmon you’re talking about, but here are two recipes just might cure the munchies – cedar plank grilled sockeye and sockeye salmon cakes. When the sockeye is on sale, I buy extra to grill to make the cakes a few days later.
“Suddenly Frodo laughed: from the covered basket he held, the scent of mushrooms was rising.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring
I think people either love mushrooms or avoid them like the plague. I’m a lover. My mom is a hater, so growing up we never had them unless my dad sneaked them in the spaghetti sauce (he did that with liver, too.) I remember the first time I tried raw mushrooms – it was en route from Raleigh to Atlanta in a Volkswagen van to see Pink Floyd in concert, circa 1975. What a fun trip that was, and I’ve been hooked ever since! But I digress. Now that I’m in vegetarian world, I have been searching Raleigh for some great mushroom sandwiches, and luckily have found quite a few. Here are some of my favorites, plus my own grilled portabella that is absolutely magical.
Portabella mushroom sandwiches ares a great alternative to calorie-laden burgers. Good for you and good to eat! I love the red wine vinegar in the marinade – although balsamic vinegar works well, too.
It’s hard to make homemade meals every night between working full time, teaching water aerobics twice a week and carting the twins around to their various functions (I swear they have a busier schedule and social life than I do!) However, with all of the pre-made meals and other conveniences (such as shredded cheese, cut up vegetables, etc.) available in most grocery stores, I don’t need to always start from scratch.
I call this section of the blog “Cheats” and will share some of my shortcuts to make tasty meals and my life easier. The first is one of my favorite comfort foods – macaroni and cheese. Continue reading
Been to the Player’s Retreat (PR) lately? If not, it is worth a visit. Across from N.C. State’s campus on the corner of Hillsborough St. and Oberlin Rd., the PR is a Raleigh institution since 1951, when Bernie and Mickey Hanula opened its doors.
I remember going to the PR when I was still in high school (Mom, I hope you’re not reading this!) The drinking age back then was 18, the driving laws were laxer and most places on Hillsborough Street didn’t check IDs like they do now. It’s amazing that some of us are still alive. When I was legal to drink and in college, it was a great place to meet and play some pool before going to the Brewery or somewhere to listen to live bands. After my first husband and I divorced in the mid-80s, my best friend Rose and I were saved by many a Gabby burger after a long Friday or Saturday night. But as Raleigh started exploding with new bars and restaurants, the PR became lower on my list of places to go. That is, until a couple of weeks ago.
I love kitchen gadgets. From measuring cups/spoons, chopsticks and skewers, to hand-held can openers, apple corers and corn-on-the-cob holders, I have drawers full of them. I was thinking about the ones I use most and the ones I must have, and came up with my top-5 favs.
Kel's Cafe of All Things Food 
