I’m still cooking. I just haven’t been writing about it, lately. It seems as if something is always taking precedence over the blog.

Much of it has to do with the fact that I’m not a great typist. I didn’t take tying in school because only the [insert stereotypical sexuality slur here] took typing and I just wasn’t ready to be lumped into that category way back then. Times change, and I wish I had been brave enough to take that class – it would make all of this easier! Then there are the pictures. I don’t style the food for the blog – obviously! I just grab my trusty Nikon CoolPix and snap a couple of photos before setting things on the table. They don’t always come out, ya know?!?

And then there’s the “I really just threw things together from what was in the kitchen…” There is no recipe. It’s just what I did at that place in time. Those are the dishes Victor calls “Stuff.” When I’m just throwing things together pretty much knowing it will never be replicated – it’s stuff. Like last night.

06-08-16-stuff

Diced chicken breast, carrots, onions, celery, mushrooms, and a bit of garlic, sauteed. A splash of white wine and a bit of heavy cream. Topped with mashed sweet potatoes and baked at 350°F for 30 minutes.

Quick, easy, quite tasty – and we probably won’t see this exact dish ever again. It was what I had on hand at that moment in time – and the weather was a bit cool for this time of year, to boot.

We had catfish a few nights ago.

06-08-16-catfish

And a really good rice

Bacon Rice Pilaf

  • 4 slices bacon
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • Splash Tabasco
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste

Fry bacon until crisp; crumble and set aside. Sauté onions, celery, and green pepper in the bacon grease until tender.

Add rice, tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and seasonings. Cook on top of the stove for 10 minutes. Pour into a buttered baking dish; cover tightly and bake at 350°F about 1 hour, or until rice is tender.

The catfish was simply floured, dipped in egg, and then cornmeal – and fried. Really simple.

And the salad was just a salad…

06-08-16-salad-2

The fun thing about it, though, was the lettuce and broccoli came out of our garden! I’m still in awe that we’re actually growing real food in our own yard! Other than peppers and tomatoes, this is a new experience for me. I’m loving it!

So, here’s to more fun meals and more writing – maybe my typing skills will improve with practice.

And definitely more pictures of the garden!