Tuesday was gorgeously warm and my defrosted deck beckoned me to bask in the afternoon sunshine, which me and the furbabies did! I fired up the offset and smoked chicken thighs and pork chops for the week, and it felt absolutely delightful listening to the chirping birds, barking dogs, and bustling spring projects getting underway…
Acini de Pepe Soup
This hearty yet simple soup is perfect for slurping around the fire pit on chilly spring evenings with the fam. Ingredients 4 servings frozen meatballs of choice 2 cups dried acini de pepe 2 large carrots, sliced into coins, larger coins sliced in half 3 cups collards, mustard greens, chard or kale, rough chopped 5…
Braised Greens over Polenta
I love greens, and I’ve been eating them since I was a toddler zooming around my parents trailer in pull-ups. Although I don’t have a copy, there’s a picture of me to prove it. Fortunately, my mother semi-divorced me back in 2011 after I moved “way up North” and followed through with my “supposed marriage”)…
Kung Pao Gnocchi
This simple sweet and spicy solo dinner recipe is ready in 15 minutes for a no-fuss veggie forward meal. Increase the ingredients for two or more servings and, as always, add as little or as much heat as you like. Ingredients 1 cup frozen gnocchi 1 cup fresh green beans, trimmed 2 celery stalks, trimmed…
Skillet Shrimp & Rice with Smoked Sausage and Okra
Mardi Gras just didn’t have me Ya Ya-ing this year. I dunno if it was the arctic like snow storms or covid or the wife being on a business trip or generalized cabin fever disorder, but I ended up not making my traditional batch of Gumbo and pitcher of Bloody Mary’s this year. Instead, I…
Orecchiette with Sweet Sausage & Arugula
Recently, I joined my first book club, which the LGBTQ+ Alliance Group in my area organized. For our first book we’re reading All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. The Queer discussion and support is such a welcomed relief and I find myself lingering in the video chat long after our official 8pm time…
Tofu Burrito Bowl
This tofu burrito bowl is as versatile as it is delicious! Toss fried tofu in buffalo or bbq sauce, teriyaki or honey mustard then empty those nearly forgotten veggies out of your fridge, utilize leftover take-out rice, and finish it all up with whatever salad dressing you have on hand for a fast, low prep…
Chili Pie
It’s been so freaking cold and slushy out! This winter seems the longest of my life! I dunno’ about you, but it’s had me craving all things warm and savory, like this chili pie bake, which is super easy to throw together and perfect for a hectic weeknight dinner! I like A LOT of chili…
Hot Sour Noodles
Instant ramen can be just that: instant. OR, you can add a couple minutes worth of prep and really transport yourself into a bowl of slurp worthy perfection that tastes like you spent all day in front of the stove! Ingredients 1 box Akuan Chongqing Hot and Sour Noodles 2 cups water 1 cup chopped…
Korean Ramen Pot
Thanks to a foodie group I discovered the beautiful golden pot I picked up from Newark Farmer’s Market a couple months ago is more than a lovely addition to my prop collection. It is a a traditional soup pot used to prepare instant ramen, as the thin metal rapidly heats the water required to rehydrate…
Smoke & Charm Farm 