When  squash comes in, it really comes in. Four squash plants can keep the crisper drawer of a refrigerator packed to the gills. Like Bubba in Forest Gump, “There is Fried Squash, Steamed Squash, Squash and Onions, Sautéed Squash, Squash and Tomatoes, Squash and Limas, Pickled Squash, Squash and Grits and the list goes on.” An often overlooked away to serve squash happens to be one of my … [Read more...]

The best Corn Dogs I have ever eaten came from a small stand just outside the grand-stand entrance to the West Virginia State Fair. Over the years, I made it a point to order one (or two) every time I went. These weren’t frozen, micro-waved Corn Dogs. They deep-fried them on the spot and sometimes there was quite a line waiting. But it was worth the wait for the piping hot, sweet, delicious … [Read more...]

  My mom used to make Seven Layer Bars, especially if company was coming. These sweet morsels are to die for – rich, creamy, chocolaty and delicious. I thought about Mom and those bars recently and decided to make a batch.  As expected, each and every one was wolfed down and an order is now on the table for more, any time I want to make a batch. Seven Layer Bars can serve as dessert … [Read more...]

  Tuna salad is always a great lunch option – tasty, very healthy and diet friendly. On a recent visit at Wal-Mart I looked for some tuna, preferably packed in oil, which delivers more flavor, and I found what I was looking for - Solid  White Albacore Star Kist Tuna packed in Vegetable Oil. I bought 2 large cans for about four-bucks each. I have found – by the way – if you pay more for … [Read more...]

  When I go out to eat, I often judge a restaurant by the quality of cole slaw it serves – especially a seafood restaurant or  BBQ joint. Cole slaw is the ideal complement to fried or broiled fish, and pork as well. It offers the palette a change of pace and enhances the entrée. Cole slaw is also a powerful side dish with a bucket of chicken. I have been searching and swapping cole slaw … [Read more...]

  I like Tacos. I like Meatloaf. So how about a Taco Meatloaf? Bingo! It’s fun, it’s good, it’s tasty and easy. Here’s how I made mine. For starters, I have been using Ground Sirloin – a 90/10 blend -  in my recent burger recipes. It has lots of flavor but not so much fat – barely enough to drain and in this case, no draining. Put 2 pounds of the sirloin in a bowl and add 1 1/2 C … [Read more...]

  Most anytime I have the opportunity to stop at a genuine BBQ joint, I’ll order a North Carolina-style pulled or chopped pork sandwich. But you know what? A pulled chicken BBQ is pretty darn good itself and has a fraction of the calories of a pork BBQ. Recently, I needed some meat for lunchtime sandwiches and thought I’d buy a pound of sliced chicken at the Deli. The Deli was busy with … [Read more...]

  We ordered a ten piece box of KFC for a picnic lunch last week and I held myself to two pieces and still gained a pound and a half the next day. Sometimes you’ve just got to say, “To hell with the diet, I’m eating fried chicken.” The chicken was good. It was worth it. But I found a recipe for oven fried chicken that – though it does not rival real fried chicken in flavor – it’s pretty … [Read more...]

  I’m not proud of it, but I made a Spinach Pie with a Filo Crust. If my Golf Buddies find out, I’m toast. They don’t like playing with Snowflakes. But even Manly Men like Popeye the Sailor like spinach and I had a spinach craving. Spinach is one of those rich vegetables that needs a little help, otherwise it can be too much of a good thing. I was shuffling through recipes and saw … [Read more...]