COOLER WEATHER MEANS COMFORT FOOD

Like any cook trying to think of something to make every day brings it challenges. So last Friday when I asked Barb what should we have for dinner, she said make it simple- soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. So I cheated and made Campbell's tomato soup and a grilled cheese- slices of Canadian Cheddar Cheese on multigrain bread fried in a frying pan. We have a little grilled cheese maker but too much effort to pull it from the cupboard.
Saturday night another opportunity to slack off. Calling from the club I asked Barb what do you want for dinner. She did not cook as she had been busy with Christmas stuff, housework and all the activities she tries to jam in a Saturday. Meat, chicken but not a sandwich! I sometimes like to get her a pannini from Tim's! So that was out! And she wanted a salad.
Why not Swiss Chalet? Coming home as it was early, I ordered from home- two quarter chicken dinners- one with fries and one with the baked potato.  I decided to make our own salad as I am not fussy about their ingredients. I do not like shredded carrots in my salad. Barb usually rolls her eyes when I say that! I used their discount coupon at Barb's request. I hate using coupons.
I only ate half of my baked potato as I am trying to watch my weight. Barb ate half her fries but somehow I managed to eat her other half.
Sunday breakfast- peameal bacon, eggs and toast with a second cup of coffee.
So some good old comfort foods for the weekend. But I am back to making a hardy vegetable soup for the week. Barb will take a large container to work today and freeze some for other times.
Maybe I should watch a cooking show to get inspired. Or make my old standbys. Some homemade gnocchi anyone with ragu sauce?

NOVEMBER SOUPS AND STEWS

I  love making soups and stews now that the cooler weather is here. Barb likes the soups. She freezes some containers to take for her lunches. Fast and easy to put in her lunch bag. Frozen then thaws by lunch time. Eggs were on sale so maybe it's time for some homemade egg noodles for pasta. The cooler weather makes it easier to make. The dough holds better. All these food items are available in previous posts. The same old recipes make for good eating. Barb may pull out the bread maker her mother gave her years ago for Christmas. The smell of fresh bread baking would be another wonderful addition to the cooler weather.

Oh for some fresh pasta anyone!

Some soup on the stove.

Barb's favourite- vegetable soup! Maybe I will watch some of those Italian shows for some ideas of new dishes to make my family.

GRANPA ENJOYS DINNER OUT AT VIVO

One of several franchise locations, Barb and I went to the newly opened restaurant at Bathurst and Carville in Richmond Hill. VIVO-pizza+pasta!
The daughter and son-in-law of one of my first cousins are the owners.
Barb and I had the Insalata Caprese as an Antipasti.

Fior di latte cheese, basil and sun dried tomato pesto with extra virgin olive oil.
Barb ordered the Calamari and Gamberetti Fritti- crispy fried calamari and shrimps served with lemon-garlic aioli and balsamic vinegar.

I had the Scaloppine alla Parmigiana- Breaded veal scaloppini with tomato sauce, Fior di latte cheese served with spaghetti Pomodoro. Barb did not get a picture as I ate too fast!
                                               Barb had a cappuccino after the meal.

VIVOand I had my espresso- no dolci!

Andrea explained the concept. Orders are taken at the front either for take-out or you can order, find a seat and the food will be taken when ready to your table.

Casual location- my style and good tasty food. A good dinner for the cook. Sometimes the cook needs to taste something new. I sure will recommend VIVO to family and friends.
#VIVO
#vivo#pizza#pasta#richmondhill#familyfun#espressocoffee#fish#closetohome

FALL COOKING

Trying to embrace my zest for cooking. Sauces and soups are starting to happen. However, I am a little bored lately. Making the same old, same old is routine. Barb is an easy person and enjoys all my meals. I have been cheating lately. I even bought a veal sandwich from Longos for her dinner last night! Since I am trying to diet making myself a bowl of rapini, I did not want any carbs. Barb took pity and gave me 1/4 of her big sandwich! Maybe I should read my own posts and try a recipe or two!

HELPING WITH THANKSGIVING

Okay the turkey and all the trimmings is Barb's domain. Thanksgiving is a Canadian tradition.  So this Italian born Canadian should not mess with the tradition. Appetizers- some veggies & dip, crackers, little fishes for the kids, porscuitto wrapped on bread sticks, olives, pickles and 3 cheeses plus some boccincini.  But Barb let's me make the brussel sprouts my way- boiled then sauteed in olive oil, garlic and a little hot pepper; the mushroom sauteed in olive oil and garlic as well as the broccoli- boiled then sauteed in olive oil, garlic and a little hot pepper. Barb always includes a few Italian sausages. Barb makes her mother's bread stuffing for the turkey. The secret ingredient a little dash of ginger. One dish everyone loves including me! The girls bring the pies- pumpkin and apple. Of course there is lots of ice cream for the dessert. So mostly Canadian traditions with lots of mashed potato, squash, sweet potato, peas and dinners rolls. But Barb let's me help to make some new family traditions as long as I stay out of her way.

Of course, some crunchy Italian bread and buns are a must!
#thanksgiving2016Barb's house

FALL COOKING

Time for soups and sauces as the cooler weather arrives. But last night a barbecue with the last of ours steaks from an order in June. Warm enough to eat outside which Barb loves. So some Fall nights let us be outside. Maybe time for some fresh pasta for the girls! Now that the humidity is gone I feel human again!

PICKLED EGGPLANT/MELANZANA

Eggplants are having a good season. I bought a large box and decided to grill a few on the barbecue. I really like to make a few jars of eggplant to eat throughout the year with a new piece of  fresh bread.

Sliced and salted to stay overnight with something wearing them down to drain the moisture, they can be put in jars with the olive oil, vinegar and spices the next day.

Good to go! Of course this is my thing to do while Barb goes to the Ex with the girls and grandchildren.

I have my eggplant while they have cotton candy and caramel apples! What would you chose?