HungryChris

Smoked salmon and a bunch of sides. HC

I spotted this at Aldi this morning. HC

When I was in the restaurant business, New Year's Eve was one of my least favorite nights of the year and ever since I left, I have celebrated by not celebrating and I like it that way too! HC

Poached eggs on ramp compound buttered English muffins and smoked salmon with fresh salsa. HC

I brined some fresh salmon from Aldi overnight, put it uncovered on a rack in the fridge for most of the day today. As soon as we got back from lunch (champagne brunch at Todd English's Tuscany), it went into the smoker with some hickory chips. HC

Spotted some pork tongues and snapped them up this morning. Into the Morton Tender Quick they went within minutes of their arrival at the house. See you in 2 weeks! HC

I found these two little chuck eye steaks that were just about perfect for dinner last night. HC

Poached eggs on little beds of rehydrated porcini mushrooms sautéed in butter and dry sherry, on toasted English muffins, scrapple and a generous portion of fresh, hot salsa. HC

@Shelby, I confess to never having used chicken gizzards for anything, but gravy in the past. I have my doubts about how receptive Deb will be to them, but I intend to give them a try as a fried food, based on your efforts. HC

I tried kimchi ramen for lunch today. I thought it was pretty good. As I added the flavor packet to the boiling ramen, I couldn't help but think it might be an interesting addition to a Bloody Mary.

Ipot beef stew and cheddar bay biscuits tonight. HC

I paid a visit to the only oriental market within 20 miles to replenish my supply of what is quickly becoming my favorite instant ramen. The coolers were dark and empty and the shelves were pretty bare (including the one that used to hold the ramen. I have seen this before and know it does not bode well for the future of this little market. The only store I could think of that I would be sure to find what I wanted is an hour drive, each way, in Hartford. I decided to try Amazon and bingo! Click and wait is so much better than a 2 hour drive. The hot chili oil I also was looking for in the market will be delivered tomorrow, along with some spicy kimchi ramen I have been wanting to try. HC

Once my errands for the day are done, the car is put away and dinner is figured out (the pizza, still on the peel in the freezer from a few days ago), I will break out a cold lager to have with lunch. I did not feel compelled to mention it. I think the picture does a fine job. HC

Lunch today was a small salad, which I enjoyed greatly. HC

Deb's daughter and SIL invited us over for a Christmas brunch. As it turned out, the casino she works in, had many more patrons than expected and she had to work 4 hours extra. Those 4 hours were intended for cooking and the quiche, stuffed mushrooms and pepper poppers we brought as sides, became the mains. We still had a good time, and like they say: "It's the recovery that counts!" HC

Stadium brat with kimchi, chopped onions and ball park mustard. HC

Fried shrimp po'boys, dressed. HC

I had a small reprieve from cooking last night. Deb agreed to pick up Chinese takeout on her way home from returning grandson. This place, nearby, has recently changed hands and seems to have greatly improved as a result. Deb had beef teriyaki, chicken fingers and fried rice. I was happy with hot and sour soup which I spiked with a dash of crushed red pepper and a bit of vinegar. HC her

I was making a sweet pepper and leftover meatloaf pizza for dinner last night, but as soon as Deb saw the pizza peel on the table, I knew there was a problem. Apparently, I had forgotten that a happy customer had bought pizza for the entire truck shop for lunch yesterday. My pizza quickly went into the freezer for a later date and meatloaf sandwiches took its place. HC

Yikes!!!!!! HC

I got the new forks, and gel fuel for my 'new' vintage fondue set yesterday. I will have to look for the TJ's fondue. Might be fun for the first run we take at it. HC

I used to make up my own vinaigrette with olive oil, but it would solidify in the fridge. I would have to take it out of the fridge for an hour or so to get it liquefied. One day I happened to notice the Kens Italian Dressing and Marinade, still in liquid form, right next to my solidified mushroom jar and the rest is history. It makes the process easier and the end product easier to use and still is quite good IMO. HC

Meat loaf, roasted garlic mashed potatoes with mushroom gravy and broccoli with lemon and garlic butter. HC

I have to confess that I have the overwhelming belief, that given the chance, I could fix whatever is broken in your mind on the subject of zucchini! In the mean time, I'm the one lighting the candle for you, sir! HC

I was up early, as usual, to make Deb's lunch, only to learn that a satisfied customer was buying lunch for everyone in the shop today. It was 14 F this morning, so doing anything outside (besides bringing in firewood), was out of the question. A hot meal from the oven, like meatloaf, seemed like a good idea for tonight, so off I went to get the fixens. I have learned that the final product benefits form being assembled early and having a rest in the fridge for an few hours, so that is what I did. Skipping breakfast and opting for an early lunch that included fried zucchini with a spicy ranch dip, I intend to have a rest of my own this afternoon. HC