https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/I have long had a passionate love affair with my stomach. Between that, my love of soups, and my early realization that since I love to eat, I'd damned well better learn to cook, I've been working on all manner of ways to amuse myself in the kitchen and satisfy my palate in ways somewhat beyond the average guy's simple "just nuke it" methodolgy. I also discovered early on that cooking dinner for various and sundry young ladies was a great cheap date -- at least once. Finally, I'm cheap and I'm a guy. That means it bugs the hell out of me to pay someone to do something I can do far cheaper -- and better -- at home hourly12000-01-01T12:00+00:00https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/682687This isn't an original -- I think my sister gave it to me -- but man, it's good! It's quick and easy, too, always a good thing. All you need are the following: A baking dish Three or four chicken breasts, thighs, or leg quarters, whatever you prefer Two cans of cannelli beans A package of grape...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/680113Well hi there, and Merry Christmas! I thought I'd share a quick, easy, and deliciously decadent treat I will actually be fixing later on today. Bear in mind that one should, whenever possible, use fresh ingredients, but some folks may not be near truly fresh shrimp. In that case, that...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/670453Hi kids -- it's been awhile since I dusted off the pots and pans here in the old Soup Kitchen. On the other hand, it's been too damn hot for soup! Still, found another great marinade -- very easy and really delicious. Here's what you need: Fresh chicken, breasts or thighs - figure two per person....https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/660414Getting ready to hit the farmer's market -- local goods all. There is a killer baker down there who makes the most amazing hmemade foccacio. So whatever else we have tonight, that will figure into it as well. Actually, I have some fresh local shrimp, and between that and fresh squash, onion, and...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/659875One would think with these hot days cranking up, soup would be the last thing on my mind. Wrong. As a card carrying soup-a-holic, I'm just looking for lighter fare. One of my favorites is sort of a version of Mexican chicken soup. Lots of good vegetables, but without the chile kick I like so much...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/659578I tried something I found in an obscure recipe book -- one I think I got at an estate sale. But what a great summer treat! First, I took a pound of peeled and deveined shrimp, dredged them through a mixture of corn starch, sherry, and just a pinch of salt, and stir fried them for about three...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/652291While I often discuss the joys of the great American guy's outdoor self cleaning oven, the grill, I have actually found myself using the oven in the kitchen quite a bit lately -- and liking it. In fact, last night I did some Korean ribs that turned out so well I may never do them on the grill...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/649661Ah, the scallop! God bless peple with shellfish allergies -- that means there's more for me and of all the succulent treats out there, the scallop is by far my favorite. I had a half a pound of those beautiful big fat sea scallops and a pound of those smaller bay scallops -- different flavors and...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/648694Lovely flame seared, perfectly grilled New York Strips topped with homemade warm crab salad. Garlic mashed potatoes. Asian slaw. It was not that difficult to do. It's all a matter of timing. The steaks are gently rubbed with a little kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. They are then thrown on a...https://www.blogit.com/Blogs/Blog.aspx/strat3291/647430With guests arriving in town Friday, my Beloved and I are going all out. Got the secret family crab cake recipe ready to go and my world famous shrimp and corn chowder. We will have fried crab cakes, teriyaki grilled tuna, asian slaw, and of course, stone ground grits. Chocolate cheesecake, which...