Cheese Steak Sandwich

468.  When in Philadelphia it is a must to find a Restaurant serving up Philly Steak Sandwiches.  This sandwich is pretty basic but it is the quality of steak and seasoning that make all the difference.  

My recipe started with sliced rare roast beef chopped, 2 red bell peppers, onion sliced, garlic chopped.  I sautéd the veg first then added the meat, seasoning with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, dash of turmeric and a dash of garlic salt.

Make sure your rolls are fresh and I find a white American Cheese really melts well and the flavor is so good.

• “Warning: May cause excessive cheesesteak cravings. Happy National Cheesesteak Day!”  ~Annonymous

National Cheesesteak Day, celebrated annually on March 24th, is a day dedicated to indulging in the deliciousness of this iconic American sandwich. This beloved culinary creation, a testament to the art of simple yet satisfying flavors, has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers across the nation.

4-Pies in One

467.  Recently I caught a video on Instagram of foodnetworkkitchen for the "4 Thanksgiving Pies".  I had to give it a go.  Now, this pie could be any fruit and in the place of baked fruits you could try puddings all in a sheet pan.  I can't take all the credit for the idea but credit for trying and so perfect for Valentine's Day.

The original recipe is here:  

Food Network Kitchen 4 Thanksgiving Pies

This is a great option and it satisfies everyone.

"If you’re like most folks you love pie! That hot, crispy crust. That luscious filling. Pie really is the perfect food! "

~Annonymous

Cheesy Spaghetti Squash

466.  This recipe for Cheesy Spaghetti Squash is a surprising side to any meat dish.  The recipe is simple to follow but will take time at preparing the squash, baking the squash, mixing the squash and then baking the squash to finish.  Make sure to leave plenty of prep time or start early before dinner.  Here is my recipe:

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved. "

 ~Helen Keller

Christmas Cookies 2024

465. Each Christmas it is exciting to try new recipes and create variations to old favorite cookie recipes.  and this year was no exception.  The process starts about September or if there is an interesting recipe spotted throughout the year.  Meringues were on the "Try New Recipes" list and they did not disappoint.

Merry Christmas! 

"Funny, how one good cookie could calm the mind and even elevate a troubled soul." 

~ Dean Koontz

Gnocchi Soup

464.  Soup season is here and sitting down with a hot bowl of steaming soup, bread on the side with a chill in the air means autumn has arrived.

My daughter makes a version of this soup recipe which I have taken and switched up a bit.  Here is my recipe:

"Troppi cuochi guastano la cucina."

"Too many cooks spoil the broth."

~ Anonymous Italian Saying

Winnie the Pooh Baby Shower

463.  The baby is due sometime in December and we planned the Baby Shower in October before the weather grew cold.  It was to be an outdoor event but with rain in the forecast we shifted to indoor.  The decor was crafted, handmade and baked and pumpkins/squash grown for this event.

There were no complaints as our shift brought everyone closer and a more intimate setting was lovely.

All the food was prepared lovingly with three quiche options, charcuterie, fruit and veggies, sugar cookies, macarons and cupcakes with hot cider, coffee and beverage.

Each guest who attended was a cherished friend and neighbor and they blessed the baby boy with beautiful and thoughtful gifts.  What a labor of love to share.

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
~ A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh

Sugar Cookies

462. Sugar Cookies decorated with royal icing is an art.  I am amazed when I watch experienced bakers apply royal icing with finesse and skill to handmade sugar cookies.  And their cookie decorations are phenomenally beautiful.

Now, baking is a joy of mine and this was a great challenge to tackle. At Christmas I have made decorated sugar cookies but the cookies I would need to make were Winnie the Pooh themed.  We looked on-line and locally but the cost was astronomical.  So...this became my task to create Pooh cookies and challenge myself to a new level.

I researched so many pictures, cookie ideas and sites to gain a perspective and plan.  Here is my pictorial process.

 

I loved these piping bags and rubber loops that secured the bags so very well.

There were so many great tutorials on-line with step-by-step processes and suggestions.  If you google or search on YouTube or Instagram it is incredible how many great bakers and artisans are lending their creativity and advise.

Several products that were suggested include Pooh Cookie Cutters; Ann Clark Bright White Food Coloring Gel; Judee's Complete Meringue Powder Mix; LorAnn Butter Vanilla Bakery Emulsion; 122 Pieces Tipless Piping Bags;3pcs Black Food Coloring Markers (edible) and of course, powder sugar and food coloring. 

Cost-wise, this may have spent my time but not my wallet.  And, the fulfillment of the finished product is priceless.