My old gas grill died last week. At the end, it had fewer jets working than the candles on a toddler’s birthday cake. After a brief ceremony – recalling some really great outdoor meals and a few I’d rather not mention -– the grill was laid to rest. We like to think it’s in a better place – without bird droppings. I am now the proud owner of a new gas grill with 4 burners – and they all work. It … [Read more...]
Keeping the Deer at Bay
Keeping The Deer At Bay No deer allowed! Don’t we wish that’s all that was necessary, to put up a sign in our yards and gardens instructing the deer to stay out? Unfortunately, deer can’t read, but they sure can eat. Our flowers, vegetables and shrubs can attest to that fact. So what –if anything – can we do to assure a few fresh flowers and vegetables each spring? Personally, I … [Read more...]
Southern Fried Bluegills
I am aware of a certain fish that you can’t buy in a store, yet there is no more flavorful fish found anywhere. Furthermore, they are basically free. All you have to do is catch them, or have someone catch them for you. The fish I speak of is a bluegill, which is classified as a game fish in Virginia; therefore they cannot be sold commercially. Bluegills, sometimes referred to as “bream” in … [Read more...]
Ritzy Squash
Sometimes, well many times, I like to root around in the kitchen and see what’s available, then cook that. No recipe, just instincts. Sometimes my wife wishes I hadn’t use a particular instinct, but for the most part, the food is edible and occasionally delicious. Such was the case last week when I cooked up a batch of Ritzy Squash. I had four small, yellow squash from Kroger’s - young squash, … [Read more...]
Rack of Pork
Most wanna-be chefs are familiar with rack of lamb – a great entrée for a fine Sunday dinner. And who doesn’t relish a standing rib, beef roast? But fewer chefs experiment with another great cut of meat – rack of pork. On a typical stroll along the meat aisle at the local grocer, seldom do you see a rack of pork. Yet, one day I did. It looked fantastic, and it was on sale, so I bought … [Read more...]
Turn The Radio On
Many Boomers lived in an era call BT. Before television. In the late 40’s and early 50’s, there were only a handful of TVs in the entire United States. I think the White House had one, and maybe Clark Gable, and that was about it. My family had a Philco radio. It was the center of our family and social life. We kept the radio in the kitchen so Mom could listen while she was fixing meals … [Read more...]
Goose Parmesan
I am a hunter, and I have always believed that if you kill a bird or an animal, you should eat it. Most of the game I have harvested through the years has been delicious – birds such as quail, pheasant, ducks, grouse and doves are delightful; likewise, venison, rabbits, squirrels and bear. Geese, though, are not among my favorites, yet I really enjoy a spirited goose hunt. Some of my … [Read more...]
Rivers Beginning to clear
So far this year, the James, Shenandoah and much of the New River have been simply unfishable. If it hasn’t been dumping 2-inches of rain in a day, it has been blowing hard, creating difficult conditions. The coming weekend (barring unexpected downpours) will likely offer the best fishing of the year. It’s the first of May, the smallmouth are ready to spawn and they are hungry. The water will … [Read more...]
Pasta Made Perfect
When Americans think of pasta, spaghetti with meat sauce and lasagna come to mind. That’s pasta, right? Some sort of noodles smothered in meat, cheese and sauce? That’s not what Italians think of when it comes to pasta. To an Italian, pasta is itself the focal point and the sauce is merely that - a sauce or compliment to the succulent pasta. In Italy, pasta is an entrée, served as an entire … [Read more...]
Cool, Clear Water
I went on a mini vacation last week. Four days of food and fun, along with multiple adult beverages. I was with my 4 amigos on our semi-annual retreat from reality. When I returned, the bathroom scales added 4 1/2 pounds to my person. It was time to get back to a healthy lifestyle and lose those dreaded pounds, but no crash diet for me. I have found ways to eat like a champ and still lose weight. … [Read more...]