NEW ROUTINE-GRANPA GETS A BREAK FRIDAY NIGHTS

Barb has taken pity on me. She suggested a couple of Fridays recently to let the cook have a break. Friday night is good. The restaurants are not as busy as Saturday. A nice end to the week.
Started with a trip to Swiss Chalet with the regular chicken- two leg dinner for me.
So one week, Abruzzo Pizza- a local Italian cuisine- take out veal parmigiana dinner with salad, spaghetti and tomato sauce and a panzarotte.
Another week, Chinese Food ordered and delivered from our favourite place- Choice of the Orient. We have eaten their food for over 25 years. We love their Cantonese Chow Mien as  well as the Peppered Seafood Combination.
To start the September Labour Day Weekend Barb suggested we go out. Decided on Lodestar- a local Texan style restaurant. We both ordered the steak with a loaded bake potato, steamed vegetable, potato wedges and onion rings.I had a coffee while Barb tried the iced tea margarita. Close to home and easy, fast service. I hate staying too long dining out.
So we must decide what to do next week. I'll keep you posted. I like eating at home better!
#granpa#SwissChalet#ChoiceOfTheOrient#Lodestar#AbruzzoPiazza#chinesefood#vealparmigiana#steak#bakedpotato#cantonesechowmein#givethecookabreak

COOKING FOR A BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

My daughter was having the gang to celebrate her husband and Mom's birthdays. Both on the same day. So the cook made a hearty meat sauce to put on the tortellini. Chicken thighs and legs, hot and mild sausage along with potato chunks sprinkled with rosemary were cooked in the oven. While the food was hot, it was transported to her home. Easy food but good. A salad and appetizers were additions to the event. Barb bought a bottle of prepared Sangria for the ladies present! Of course cake and coffee for the b-day celebrants.

                       Fruit with whipping cream for dipping topped off the evening!

THE GNOCCHI LUNCH WENT WELL

The lunch went well. Something for everyone. Gnocchi was a hit-very little remained. Chicken- cooked in the oven as the meat dish as even the grandkids love it. Lots of vegetables-broccoli, mushrooms, potatoes, roasted red peppers, and a big dish of salad. Birthday cake for the birthday girl!! Even heart jelly beans in pink, red and white. To top off the lunch- a platter of fruit- watermelon slices, pineapple, grapes, strawberries and cantaloupe. Now back to my daily cooking. It did give me something to do at 3am when I was up!!

BARBECUE SEASON CANADIAN STYLE

Although some people barbecue year round, I prefer the warmer weather. It is more enjoyable to take the food from the grill and sit outside to eat. For the record, I do not use a gas barbecue but still prefer the charcoal and smaller unit.  Steaks, chops and chicken are the meals so far. Barb bought me a new grilling pan so maybe I will use it when some of the fresh veggies are ready from the garden. She has trips planned over the next few months to markets and farms so I know I will be buying lots of fresh produce as it becomes available. There are many ways to use the barbecue. Potatoes wrapped in tin foil can be put in the coals to cook. Sometimes I precook them a little in the microwave before wrapping and putting in the fire.  Even corn on the cob tastes better grilled and not boiled in water. As the season progresses, I am sure to have some delights to share with you. Tonight I will be cooking some lean pork tenderloin cut into pieces. We had some last week. It was quite tasty. I bought a large piece and divided it into portions for two. So Canadians coast to coast are in full swing of barbecue season.
#barbecueseason#backyardfun#freshveggiesfromthegarden#daytripstofarmersmarkets#cornonthebarbecue#steaksonthebarbecue#potaoesonthebarbecue#chops#chicken#freshproduce

WHY CHILDREN'S PARTIES ARE FUN!

The fun part about being a granpa is eating the food at a child's party.

From popcorn-

to cheesies-

to chips!

Great appetizers. Of course, healthy food was served. I had my share of salad with the chicken and potatoes. And only one cupcake!

Lets me be a kid again! There are more parties to come! And lots more fun eating!

ROSMARINO-ROSEMARY- THAT WONDERFUL LITTLE MEDITERRANEAN HERB

Rosemary is a wonderful herb I learnt to use in my cooking from my mother. It can be added to many dishes. Now I grow fresh rosemary in my garden but it can be bought dried in any store food section that sells spices and herbs.
With a little internet research, I discovered some history of the herb. Apparently when the Virgin Mary spread her blue cloak over a white rosemary bush, the flowers turned to blue so from that time it became known as the "Rose of Mary". It is supposed to have some medicinal purposes. For me, I just like the taste on my food.
It brings back memories of my childhood in Italy- Cassino area. We used to grow it all along our driveway.

I use it on a variety of meat.

Lamb with potatoes roasted in the oven is a popular dish for our family. That little Ciociaria lady keeps popping up everywhere!

One of our Sunday favourites growing up, was chicken and potatoes with rosemary cooked in the oven. It is an easy dish- chicken legs and thighs or breasts with potoato wedges covered in rosemary- bake in 400 F about one hour and check when ready.
A small pork roast will benefit from additions of rosemary. Barb tells me she just loves the aroma in the house when any food is being cooked with rosemary!

Pan Fried potatoe slices- the way I like them or you can make wedges cooked in vegetable oil  with garlic and rosemary in a pan on the stove. It is another welcome addition to any meal. I make this dish with a summer barbecue. It can be greasy so I like to dab the oil off the potatoes before eating.