Category: Cooking

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Nerds?

Sauerkraut soup. Lots of it. The leftover ham from the holidays equipped me with the perfect main ingredient for a flavorful, warm, comfort food, which never disappoints. So I grabbed one of my old beer brewing pots and threw in diced russet potatoes, two jars of old fashioned kraut, two cans of beer, and four jars of water. Absolutely nothing else needed. Most importantly, absolutely delicious.

Aside from the cooking, been working on a little SBC. Yes, they are getting pricey. My theory on any sort of TV box/entertainment unit is that the OS should be as “thin” as possible. Lightweight. The main objective? To only include files that are absolutely necessary to utilize, to make it function properly. The rest is bloat, or even worse…

This little board has made things difficult. So like yesteryear, will continue to work on it. (they don’t make it easy these days).

How similar is a disk dump copy to that of a dual tape deck cassette record/dub? An iso/img copy to that of the product of a xerox machine? Your answer may indicate a few things. And the challenges for some of us.

Oh nevermind.

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Meals

Making the Rangoon is fairly simple. The filling is a mixture of green onion, cream cheese, crab meat (preferably lump), and a sprinkling of either soy or similar sauce (1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons). I would also suggest adding a red sweet relish to your mixture, gives it a fuller flavor.

Grab some wonton wrappers. Fill center with half table spoon of mixture. Coat edges with mixed/beaten egg. Fold over to finally seal.

Fry in peanut oil, brown on each side.

Dipping sauces can range from hot mustard, sweet and sour, sweet chili… all standard.

—Crab Rangoon—

Well, as expected, made way too much for the holidays. So now we start getting creative. Soups, subs, salads, casseroles, etc. Damn, that was one big ham! Lots of leftovers.

Time to think about summer.

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The Weekend

Coffee. A perfect scent at 4:30 AM, the time I’ve been waking up lately. Today is cooking and cleaning day, putting in a little effort before the holiday. And honestly, will be happy to go back to normal diet on Fridays. (It’s a small compromise to “get along”).

There is a very simple way to make a great tasting fish. Thaw it out, crumble (club) crackers in a cup w/melted butter salt, garlic. Spread the mixture on top of the thawed filet. Bake at 400 for about 20 minutes. (Easy air fryer recipe also).

If you have read the deals I posted, and checked out some of the recipes… you have an idea of what’s going to be thrown in the oven. The dog is not making the cleaning part easy 😉

Thinking of this song (but in the wrong context).

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Deals

In a time when everyone is budgeting, looking for deals, thought I’d share a few. You probably already know, how much I hate doing this, (because it’s product promotion), but gas and everyday items are going up in price. The only recent products I’ve paid full price for were some stickers I could stick on gas pumps, with the saying “I did this”, next to a picture of an orange orangutan.

SodaStream c02 cannisters at Walmart – $14.96!

Peanuts in Shells 6 Pack (I’ve written about these, delicious) – $13.08

AAAANNNNNNDDDD…………

The holiday ham! Back again!

Meijer has the hams also!!

Feeling like some Terence Trent D’Arby tonight.

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Unprotected?

So, it’s been a very long time since I’ve used protection. There are a ton viruses going around, and there are many known methods used through manipulative tactics, to entrap individuals. Not to mention, the growing popularity of the “backdoor”. It’s been a REAL long time since I’ve had any legitimate reason to be concerned about viruses.

However, as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry. So I recently started using another vpn, thinking about migrating back over to Linux for the majority of my computer activities. The thoughts about security/protection also came to mind pertaining to streaming services and smart devices. Would it possibly be safer, in the future, to buy monitors (not smart TV) + SBC (w/ kodi) for entertainment needs? Audio may be an issue that needs attention.

….anyways, in a few minutes it’s Friday (they call it lent), and tonight made homemade Crab Rangoon. Will reheat tomorrow. (Recipe may be on its way, once I tweak it a bit)

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Eating Healthy

Typically, budget friendly frozen berry blends are available at your local store. Yes, I’ve been shopping at Walmart lately, so their frozen strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, blueberry combo makes a lot of sense. If you are a fan of Greek yogurt (and budgeting), the store brand makes a lot more sense also. If you are watching carbs, always buy “plain”, unflavored. Why? Because we are going to be adding a TON of natural carbs later.

A buddy of mine suggested tart cherry juice a while ago. Problem is, the sugar/carb content. It is loaded with anti-oxidants and is great for joint health. Use sparingly in mixtures. Stay well under “serving size” on label. It’s very important to buy 100% juice.

So it was a different breakfast this morning. Normally, I don’t mince fresh garlic, throw it in a pot with broccoli, brussel sprouts, green beans..sprinkle with salt and pepper, let cook. But, this morning, I felt like it. Felt like being weird this morning (not exactly an ususual day). Still needed some carbs.

1/2 banana, berry blend mentioned above, 1/4 naval orange, about 1 1/2 tablespoons cherry juice, 2 tablespoons greek yogurt, 1/3 cup 2% milk, 2 tablespoons Bob’s Red Mill Apple Blueberry Granola.

Tossed in the smoothie maker, and had a wonderful breakfast. Definitely not traditional. But with coffee, before and after, felt fantastic. Ready to start the day.

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Cabbage

That’s right! You are going to need cabbage. But, you have a choice to make. Make things easy and buy a cole slaw mix? Or buy a cabbage, chop it up, and then add chopped carrots, radish, etc?

Folks we are making egg rolls!

What you are going to need:

Worcestershire Sauce or Soy Sauce
Ground Pork
White Onion
Egg Roll Wrappers
Cole Slaw (mix)
Garlic Powder
Salt
Black Pepper
Peanut Oil
Egg

Makes about 10-12 egg rolls

Cook about 1/2 pound of ground pork in skillet w/ 1/3 cup diced white onion. While cooking, season with teaspoon of salt, teaspoon of pepper, teaspoon of garlic powder. Add a tablespoon of worcestershire (soy sauce can be used, but add a bit more) to mixture also. Cook well, do not drain.

Combine seasoned pork mixture with approximately 8 ounces of cole slaw (mix) in mixing bowl. Mix well so that slaw and meat are blended throughout mixing bowl.

Crack an egg and mix it (breaking yolk) in a bowl.

Take egg roll wrapper and turn to a diamond shape in front of you. Coat the upper edge (of diamond), looks like this ^ , with egg/yolk from above. This creates a sealant for your egg roll.

Place about 2 tablespoons of cole slaw mixture in mid-lower bottom of egg roll (diamond). Roll upward, fold in sides of diamond, fold over top, sealing with the egg mixture (used to complete previous step). Do this with each egg roll, Place on plate, we will fry in next step.

Heat about 1/2 inch peanut oil in medium sized skillet on medium/high heat. Peanut oil heats fast and cooks fast, so keep a watchful eye on skillet. Brown sides of egg rolls by cooking two sides at approximately one minute a piece. (Turn each egg roll once, to cook opposite side, in skillet).

Tips

A small, portable fryer is a perfect product for this recipe. And is much more efficient. My opinion is that peanut oil is the best…Takes about 3-4 minutes per basket.

Missing Sauce? Create your own yum yum by combining ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and worcestershire sauce.

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Southern Heat.

So what you want to do is use the Martha Stewart, classic way of cooking rice. This is long grain white rice. 1 cup rice per 2 cups water. Rinse, boil, cover, simmer for 15 minutes. Finish cooking rice first (we will reheat later).

IMPORTANT: This recipe assumes you are serving 2 people and using HALF of the rice made above. I chose to make more for other meals. (If you want to make rice for just this meal, use 1/2 cup rice, 1 cup water). Let’s proceed.

I prefer using brussel sprouts, broccoli, onions, sausage. But feel free to add shrimp or any other ingredient.

Use broccoli florets and fresh unflavored brussel sprouts (fresh or frozen), combine with cooked meat, and mix with rice in medium skillet.

Add 3/4 cup of water to skillet, 1/3 cup of Buffalo Wing Sauce (I prefer Sweet Baby Rays Buffalo Sauce)

Bring liquid to boil (with ingredients in skillet) and let cook for about 4 min. Cover and simmer for additional 15 min. Stir before serving.

This is a good, quick, easy jambalaya with vegetables! Prepare to sweat.

Feeling frisky? Make with noodles!

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Spicy and Sweet.

Do not forget to chop jalapenos and mix them with cream cheese. Separately. Then cover one side of the bagel with the blend.

What you are going to need:

Harry and David Pepper and Onion Relish
Red (Purple) Onion
Bagels
Chicken Breasts
Swiss Cheese
Jalapeno
Mayonnaise
White Onion
Green Pepper
Garlic
Salt
Pepper
Hard Boiled Egg

First Step

Cook two chicken breasts by either boiling, or heating in an air fryer (keeps moisture in). Check centers to confirm they are fully cooked. Cut into small chunks, place aside.

Second Step

Mix two heaping table spoons of mayonnaise, one diced hard boiled egg, about 1/4 cup of diced green peppers, 1/4 cup white onions, teaspoon of salt, teaspoon of garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked pepper in mixing bowl.

Third Step

Mix chicken chunks with mayonnaise mixture (step 2) to create chicken salad.

Fourth Step

Mix chopped jalapeno and cream cheese together (if jalapenos from jar, mix in a little juice). Create enough to cover one side of bagel (more if making extra sandwiches)

Fifth Step

Toast two bagel halves (lightly in toaster).

Sixth Step

Cover top(s) half of bagel with jalapeno cream cheese. Add a layer of Harry and David Pepper and Onion Relish

Seventh Step

Place a good portion of chicken salad on bottom half of bagel. Add a slice of swiss cheese. Add a few slices of red (purple) onion. Create sandwich by placing top half on bottom.

Eighth Step

Enjoy!

This was a delicious bagel sandwich made by a deli I frequented years ago when I worked downtown. There are only a few of those delis left, and they discontinued this menu item about two decades ago. But it is both spicy and sweet. Refreshing and delicious.

Give it a try, you won’t be sorry!

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Walmart (+)

Same products, cheaper prices, excellent service. You know what? I rarely, nearly refuse, to promote products or services. But, let me tell you what, Walmart, yes Walmart, is making a very strong case to be a lead competitor against Amazon. If not over take them. The main advantage, brick and mortar stores, facilitating faster shipping and better service (even with groceries and pharmacy).

I did a pickup order the other week, and my car died in the parking lot. Weather, and the fact that my battery hasn’t been changed for quite a few years, probably the culprits. The staff at the store could not have been more helpful. Offering to jump the car (for free), the auto department quick to help out with any future needs which might ensue. A young kid, skipped out to the car with me, couldn’t have been more happy about the weather, and jumped my wagon.

W+, Walmart’s answer to Prime, has been awesome. Grocery delivery for free (within reasonable expectation, usually same day). A shipping option, for free, for non-perishable items, typically same day also. And all this with other perks and a ton of savings.

No shame in this Walmart shopper.

(produce, as far as fresh vegetables, fruit, rice, beans, etc all competively priced also… just a great experience)