CHRISTMAS WILL BE DIFFERENT-CHRISTMAS EVE ALONE

 I bought myself a couple of seafood items for Christmas Eve.

Some scallops.

Some shrimp.

I may make Adolph's seafood appetizer. It gets lots of internet reads.

I may or may not make a seafood sauce for some pasta.

I am glad I have so many photos of Adolph's dishes.

So this year, simple just me. Remembering all the wonderful Christmas Eve times over the years with family.

The last couple of years it has just been Adolph and me anyway.

There are several posts on Christmas Eve seafood dishes on this blog so check them out if interested.

#christmaswillbedifferent#rememberingchristmasevecelebrations#seafoodissodelicious#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

A DAUGHTER MAKES GRANPA'S HONEY BUBBLES OR STRUFOLLI

 Sonya made her Dad's struffoli. She adjusted the recipe to suit her cooking of the honey sauce.

Not bad for a first effort.

I think the family tradition will continue. Adolph's post was December 2012 if anyone wants to check it out.

House of Kerrs

You can check out her instagram and blog posts for other festive recipes.

#granpalovestocook#daughtermakeshoneybubbles#daughtermakesstruffoli#honeyissweetandgood#rememberingdadthroughfood#adolphdimambro

TRYING HOLIDAY SPECIALS 2020

With Lockdowns and curbside pickup and outdoor eating, no way to go to a restaurant. 

So last week I did the Festive holiday meal with Swiss Chalet. Loved the stuffing and cranberry sauce. I had the chicken and ribs combo. It took me 2 1/2 days of meals to eat it but it was worth it. I even ordered the Coconut Cream Pie.

Yesterday I ordered the Holiday at Home special from Pizza Pizza. Three toppings on a medium pizza, three drinks and choice of dessert. So pepperoni, green pepper and olives, diet coke, nestle ice tea, and Peace peach iced tea- the better choice as the can is twice as big as the other two and funnel cake. As sides, the breaded cauliflower bites and 5 chicken wings. Creamy garlic dip for them.

I ate two wings, a few bites and one piece of pizza with my own glass of wine. Later the dessert watching some TV.

The best part was the funnel cake strips that I dipped in the caramel sauce. Not bad for a pizza place.

Too much pizza. So I bagged 7 slices individually and put in the freezer to eat over the next month or two. Or if the grandsons come to visit an easy snack to heat in the microwave for them.

Being single and no parties other than Zoom ones, ordering in meets a need. 

So many places have fun holiday treats and specials.

The big dilemma is what to choose next week?

#holidayspecials#beingathomeandorderingin#pizzapizza#swisschalet#chickenwings#funnelcake#dietdrinks#peaceicedtea#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

CHRISTMAS HOPE BRINGS A POSSIBILITY OF A VACCINE IN THE NEW YEAR

 Behind the scenes teams are working vigilantly to strategize the rollout of a vaccine for COVID.

Most of us just take it for granted we will get one sometime.

But there is a need to thank all the people working on this outcome.

The scientists.

The lab technicians who have been doing the testing..

The doctors. The nurses. The clinic and hospital staff. Even the politicians.

The Public Health teams.

The truck drivers who will transport the vaccine.

The people who will be setting up the clinic. The logistics of it all.

And the Military. They will play a huge role in all of this endeavor.

It is like we are going to war against the Virus.

So thanks to all and everyone who is working on this project from all of us. Give a virtual hug. Let's hope there is not burnout of everyone. 

#vaccinerolloutisahugeendeavor#scientistshaveplayedtheirrole#labtechniciansdeserveourthanks#everyoneinvolvedintherollout#themilitary#allthestaff#saythanksforagoodNewYearwithavaccine#granpalovestocook#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

DECEMBER- WHAT WOULD GRANPA MAKE

 So much of Christmas cooking was Adolph's job.

I made the Canadian Christmas dinner.

He made the seafood dishes. Fresh egg noodle pasta. 

Baccala or cod soup.

Clam sauce for the pasta.

Shrimps and shallops. 

His honey bubbles or known as struffoli were his favourite. There is a post for them.

I stopped doing lots of baking years ago. No one really ate the goodies.

So banana oven baked donuts are a hit so I make them for the grandchildren.

But I am feeling I need to have some food in the house that Adolph would have liked.

Torrone was one. But the basic hard one.

Vermouth as it was a staple at Christmas. I would have a drink with lemon and toast with his Mom.

Of course the tangerines or clemetines. Some delicious apples which were part of my childhood.

Figs, pomergrante, and prickly pears were his favourites too.

So looking at food to bring me comfort as a reminder of him needs a little work. Of course someone will have to eat it.

#christmasfoodsasareminderofAdolph#granpalovedcertainchristmasfood#figs#pricklypears#pomergrantes#seafooddinner#canadianchristmasdinner#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

NOVEMEBER TIME FOR BIRTHDAY CAKE

 Two major family birthdays where I get to have cake.

Another family member lives far away.

So a granddaughter and a daughter gives this Nana/Mom pleasure to have a little bite.

A fancy Longos cake for one granddaughter. 

Can't wait until the end of November for the other one.

#birthdaycake#birthdaycelebrations#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

THANKSGIVING AND ALL THE TRIMMINGS

The pumpkin for the pies.

The buns.

Oh the turkey being washed and then ready for the stuffing.

Lots of potatoes to mash.

Sweet potaotes and squash.

Brussel sprouts.

A table full of appetizers.

Ingredients for the stuffing.

Photos are memories of past Thanksgivings.

#thanksgiving#Canadianthanksgiving#turkey#stuffing#brusselsprouts#buns#somanygoodthingstoeatatThanksgiving#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#pumpkinsforpies
 

OCTOBER WITH THE FUN HOLIDAYS OR NOT THIS YEAR

 Are Thanksgiving and Halloween really threatened due to COVID-19?

Yes and no.

A smaller gathering is possible.

I may be a food truck for my families if we can not dine together. I will cook and deliver.

If together, safe distancing since we will be inside. 

As for Halloween, if kids can not come to me I will make goodie bags and bring to them. 

2020 is the year to improvise and roll with whatever comes our way.

So the eating will be the usual turkey and all the trimmings.

Pies like apple and pumpkin.

How are you celebrating with the restrictions that may be in place??

#halloween#thanksgiving#turkeyandallthetrimmings#makingitworkduringcovid19restrictions#Imaybecomeafoodtruck#smallergatheringsaredoable#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#barbaradimambro

COVID-19-REALLY A SECOND WAVE-IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF

 There have been so many links to the Spanish Flu. Its second wave happened because people let their guard down and socialized too much.

Really!!

So what is happening with us?

More of the same. The party scene, the overcrowded bar scene- instead of limiting patrons, the anti-maskers, the who knows what others decenters exist.

With the kids back at school, stores and businesses opening we can not let the morons hurt the majority, can we?

Responsible Canadians, are doing whatever they can.

The younger crowd thought they were invincible. Well they are not!!

I try to stay within my family group. If out, masks etc. One outdoor neighbour party two ago. Outside. Mask. Physical distanced. Washed hands. Elbow greetings.

I am fine but I did worry about being with others outside my bubble. Now the number is less than it was two weeks ago. Can not be with a group of over 25.Although that party was actually less than 25.

So with increasing numbers that was forecasted several months ago, let's be diligent. For the sake of everyone. But mostly for each individual's sake. I know I do not want to get the virus. I do not want my children, grandchildren, friends, neighbours oh well anyone to get it.

So do we have to have history repeat itself. Can we not learn from history?? Oh I really hope so.

#covid19#learningfromhistory#keeppracticisingthosepublichealthprotocols#bearesponsiblecanadian#wearyourmask#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

FALL DISHES-WHAT TO MAKE WITH ALL THE FALL PRODUCE

 

Just a few of our Fall fare here in my area. I have put some roasted red peppers in the freezer.

Love the squash, brussel sprouts, pumpkins and all the good food.

When missing the fresh veggies and fruit of the summer, it is always rewarding to have local fall produce.

What are you making this Fall?

#fallproduce#pumpkins#Squash#sweetpotato#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

MAKING PASSATA OR BUYING BOTTLES

 I have been seeing posts of Italian-Canadians making "tomatoes" or as it is really called passata.

Adolph and I decided after his mother passed away that it was her thing. He was the cook so decided what passata to use. Besides Mamma would often complain about the tomatoes. One year too much acid. Another year too watery.

We would always freeze some roma tomatoes, buy tins of tomatoes and fresh ones to use in sauce and soups.

But doing the tomatoes became passe for us.

So this year I search the flyers for discounted passata. 

And I found some at Food Basics as in other years.

So carrying cases from my car to the house was so much work.

#passata#makingthetomatoesisover#usingavarietyoftomatoesforfood#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#bottledpassataisbest#

COOL WEATHER BRINGS INDOOR COOKING AGAIN

 I love using the slow cooker for meals. Today a ragu sauce Granpa style. Adolph taught me well. I make a double batch. Give some to my daughter, make some freezer containers and use some fresh for today's meal.

I have decided to do a slow cooker meal every week. Eat some, freeze some. I really find it hard cooking for one. So making fresh and freezing a meal or two from the dish like the sauce, beef stew, pot roast or chilli will give me the chance to have some ready made meals when I do not feel like cooking.

Granpa/Adolph was the cook/chef. He taught me well. But I really miss his cooking. He made great soups.

So I will do my best without him.

#coolweathercooking#granpataughtmewell#ragusauce#makingfreshandfreezingsomemeals#usingmyslowcookerformeals#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

SUMMER BARBECUES ARE THE BEST

 I threw out my little charcoal barbecue because it was falling apart.

Luckily I have two daughters with backyard gas ones. So dinners out and barbecues have been enjoyed this summer.

Granpa always loved a picnic lunch especially fried chicken. Oh the memories!

Summer and barbecues and picnics. Always will miss Granpa's cooking. Luckily we have the recipes, the pictures and the memories.

#summerbarbecues#granpalovedfriedchicken#picnicswerealwaysfun#enjoyingthesummer#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

CHEF ZACH AT RIVERSTONE ECO RETREAT CENTRE.

 The menu for a wonderful lunch and tasting of the dishes by Chef Zach Keeshig and his interns at Riverstone ECO Retreat Centre near Durham- Grey County Ontario.
The day was an excursion for Sonya from House of Kerrs to write about the menu as well as experience the Riverstone Eco Retreat Centre.

Zach's 5 interns from various areas in Ontario and one from as far away as Nunavut introduced themselves before the dishes were served. They will be continuing their studies at various Ontario colleges.
Using food from the land, the array of dishes were so tasty.
House of Kerrs will feature the dishes.
House of Kerrs- https://houseofkerrs.com
I loved the sourdough bread cooked in the wood fire oven with the maple syrup from Riverstone and herbs from the garden. The whitefish cooked on birch bark was a delight to see. The desserts were good but the maple sponge toffee with wild mint chocolate truffle was a great finish to the whole culinary experience.
A tour of the property as well as the garden after a little walk over the bridge illustrated what a wonderful place for a retreat as well as any formal events. Many weddings have been held there.

So have a look at the menu. You can go to Chef Zach Keeshig's  facebook page and book an experience. It would be worth the adventure. As for me the Retreat setting would be a great getaway for some reflective thinking. And more good eating!!
#Chefzachkeeshig#reverstoneecoretratcentre#cookingfromtheland#tryingindigenousfoods#tryafoodadventure#granpalovestocook#barbaradimambro#whitefishonbirchbark#mapletart#indigenouseating#foodingreycountyontario#visitingplacesinontarioforgoodfood#Elephantthoughts#helpingyouthtobehappyandhealthythroughcommunityeducation

JUNE AND HOME COOKING DURING THE PANDEMIC

Take out versus home cooking.

With the limited jaunts to the grocery store and more online grocery deliveries, cooking at home has become the norm.

Yes food is more expensive ordering online. So paying for take out with a fridge full of food seems wasteful.

So trying to use up all the veggies and fruit differently.

More banana bread or muffins. But thought to try something different with the rotting bananas so bought some doughnut pans. I'll let you know how it goes.
#homecooking#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#homemadedonuts

GRANPA SAYS HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY/REMEMBERING A MOM

As everyone knows Adolph learned to cook from his mother- Concetta Matrundola Di Mambro. Helping her in the kitchen from his teenage days to the last months of her life.

 Adolph the little boy on the left in shorts at a Di Mambro wedding 1955ish.

Adolph with his Mom- April 1971.

A collage of Mom pictures.
Happy Mother's Day everyone!
#granparemembershismother#learningtocookfromhismother#helpingmominthekitchen#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#cookingisapassion#italiancooking#ciociariacooking#concettamatrundola

GRANPA SAYS HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUDSON BAY-350 YEARS

So Hudson Bay is 350 years old today.

A long surviving Canadian company. Although now it is owned by Americans- go figure.

It's history is long. Fur trade. Iconic stores.

Striped goods that are its trademark.

So if looking for a history lesson with children and teens, it has it all. Fur trades. First nations. Beavers, Canoes- well you can find it in the Bay's history.
#hudsonbaycompany#350yearsyoung#learnaboutcanada'shistory#furtrade#firstnations#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA SAYS EAT FRENCH FRIES TO HELP CANADIAN FARMERS DURING COVID19

With so many restaurants closed or with reduced sales, french fries are in abundance.

So buy when ordering take out food get fries or get some frozen ones from your supermarket when shopping.

We usually have some in the house for the grandchildren anyway.

People have been buying bags of potatoes and I guess not french fries.

Eating french fries is not a hard order.

I hope the dietitians agree with the call to help the farmers. If not don't tell them.
#eatfrenchfriesduringCOVID19#eatingfrenchfriesisfun#orderfrenchfrieswithtakeoutfood#havefrenchfriesinthehouseforthegrandchildrenanyway#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara

GRANPA SAYS A DIFFERENT EASTER FOR EVERYONE DUE TO COVID19

With COVID19 there will be no family Easter dinner except by video chat.
I dropped off the plates, napkins and goodies to my girls and families.Some Longos mild bambino sausages to a grandson.
Adolph and I will eat alone.
The lamb and rosemary potatoes and some pasta.
The important fact is the family will celebrate but just not together.
Physical distancing is important.

Easter is a time for celebration. And reflection. This year we will be reflecting more.
#COVID19#Easter#Easterwithoutfamily#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

GRANPA HAS A NEW WAY TO EAT LEFTOVERS DURING COVID19

Normally we waste so much food.

When there have been leftovers, good for another day and if not eaten into the garbage.

So with grocery shopping reduced and restricted due to physical isolating and the STAY HOME policy, I decided to eat as much of the meal and then make freezer meals. No second time eating.

It works. On those days when cooking seems boring or for a quick lunch, heating up one portion for Adolph works.

Since he does not eat as much meat, I really do not want to waste any meat right now. So again a mini meal with gravy and all into the freezer.

But are you finding items in the back of your cupboard or in the freezer that is getting used up. I am.

Creativity is not the deal right now. I just want a hot meal with at least one veggie.

How is your cooking going?
#usingleftoversduringCOVID19#nowasteinourhouse#usingeverythingtosaveonfood#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#barbaradimambro

GRANPA STOCKS UP ON LONGOS LASAGNA

Okay other people were out buying toilet paper. I was buying Longos Lasagna and sausage for Easter.
It is good through this COVID 19 crisis to be prepared with goods but not to go crazy.

So extra pasta. Some cans of condensed milk in case!! Other canned and frozen goods I usually buy are in the house.

Of course lots of cookies for the grandchildren.
#stockingupfortheCOVID19virus#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#Longoslasagna#italiansausage

GRANPA ATE CHINESE FOOD FOR VALENTINE'S DAY-SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY

With the Coronavirus or Corvid19 causing unnecessary fears in the community, the Chinese community has experienced the majority of those fears. People have stayed away from their restaurants and stores. Business is suffering.

So Adolph and I would have preferred the option of having any food we liked, chose to have Chinese Food from our favourite local establishment.

A full meal from Choice of the Orient in Richmond Hill was ordered early in the day for pickup at 430 pm.
Choice of the Orient

Adolph prefers the regular wings and egg rolls. Also the peppered seafood combination, Cantonese Chow Mein and some fried rice. I threw in some honey garlic ribs.

We save the Fortune cookies for one of our grandsons who really loves them.

Granpa can not help everyone but can help one place at a time.
#chinesefood#ChoiceoftheOrient#supportingthecommunity#Valentine'schinesefood#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro

FEBRUARY- TIME FOR ROASTS AND SLOW COOKING

So hard to find foods Adolph still likes to eat. So decided to slow cook a roast with a gravy mix added. Just a little onion.

It turned out quite well. The gravy was so good. Day 2- I made it into a beef stew with some carrots, onion, peas, little cherry tomatoes that were soft, little potatoes. Simmered for a hour to cook the veggies.

Always good with some crunchy Italian buns or bread.

Winter weather is so conducive to oven and slow cooker meals. I love the aroma in the home for the afternoon.

So today the time honoured MacnCheese. Along with cheddar cheese, I will add some provolone to give it a little Italian flair.

#Februarymeals#slowcooking#slowcookerroastwithgravymix#whattomakefordinner#macncheesewithprovoloneandcheddarcheese#lovethearomainthehome#granpalovestocook#adolphdimambro#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

JANUARY BIRTHDAYS BRING LOTS OF GOOD EATING

A brunch for Adolph's birthday and a Red Rooster Chicken dinner for mine. Birthdays bring lots of cake and good eating.

The best part is sharing with family.
#birthdaycelebrations#lotsofgoodeating#birthdaycakes#granpalovestocook#barbaradimambro#adolphdimambro