MaryIsobel

When my daughters were small (and for many years after) my husband and some friends aways did a week long fishing trip to the west coast of Vancouver Island. It became tradition that for one evening meal when he was away, the girls and I would drive into town and the girls could order any ice cream concoction that they wanted from Dairy Queen; the only game in town for ice cream. They thought it was the most decadent meal ever.

Still all with only one functioning hand? I admire you, I would have likely reverted to freezer stuff or takeout. Bravo!

The green tomato quick pickles are good. Of course I didn't wait the full 24 hours to taste them - more like 20. They retain a pleasant crunch. A bit vinegary, but I suspect that will wane the longer they sit. Going to make another batch or two tomorrow.

I too, was taught this.

I understand your frustration. I am the family matriarch now, not due to just my age, but also the fact that I host all large family gatherings. One of my sisters is great and tells me "I am your servant for the night." The other never fails to make a "Martha Stewart" remark in regard to a table setting or a centerpiece or any other little extras that I do.

First time trying quick pickled green tomatoes. Suffice to say that my husband overplanted and as much as I love a fresh garden tomato, I just want them all to go away now. I have made batches of salsa and frozen gallons of roasted tomatoes. I definitely don't have the Shelby gene. I grow weary of doing the same thing over and over. We are rural here, so practically everyone grows tomatoes, so giving them away is not easy. My daughters have learned to try and leave before Mom hands them another bag of tomatoes. These will have to sit for 24 hours, so the jury remains out until this time tomorrow.

I will have to look for that. I have always said that Gewurtztraminer (which I first tried in Alsace) reminded me of aftershave. Everyone thinks I'm nuts. I should print off this post to prove that I am not the only one who feels that way!

I have never cut anything that neatly in my life! Especially things topped with chocolate like the Nanaimo bars that I must make every Christmas...

I'm going to have to try the "started on the range, finished in the oven" method for fried eggs. I gave up on fried eggs due to not being able to achieve the results I desired. ie. firm whites with not a trace of brown and a still liquid but not raw looking yolk. Poached has been my go to for years. Occasionally scrambled if I'm goiong to share with my dog - he loves scrambled eggs!

My favourite is shrimp and asparagus, but a simple, nothing added rissotto when made well is perfection.

Said pie. And yes, this belongs in the dinner topic because now we have decided that that's what's for dinner. Maple walnut ice cream for my husband and a slice of old cheddar cheese for me.

I hear you on not cooking dinner. We've been dealing with a daughter's move and I've been dealing with a deluge of tomatoes and apples. Two batches of 8 pints of salsa, a couple of apple pies and apple butter. I am so over "harvest season!" Last night was shrimp rissotto and tonight is chicken tortilla soup and buns from the freezer before we go and help said daughter dismantle her couch and bed and tv console in anticipation of the move Friday.

Oh my gosh! That sounds and looks fabulous. I have never seen anything remotely close to such a thing offered where I live. Woe is me... although halibut is easy to come by so I may have to recreate this. Thank you for the inspiration.

Have never had wild turkey. How does it differ from domestic turkey? The burgers look fabulous!

Everything looks so good. I'm not normally a breakfast person but "toast and tomatoes" is something I can always go for in the summer when tomatoes taste like tomatoes. I had a similar revelation (I'm 61) recently when I thought to lightly toast the inside of the bread before assembling and grilling a Reuben. It makes a world of difference and was a lightbulb moment for sure. Never to old to learn!

I don't know the definitive answer but when in doubt I freeze. Also want to say that I am so envious that you can buy huge cans of peppadews. They are only a specialty deli item in these parts and end up being about $1.00 (Cdn) a piece!

I hope all is well. Just wanted to say that the one and only time that we needed medical care in Mexico - I was impressed beyond words with the response and secondly, the very reasonable cost. Also, that is way above and beyond any hospital meal I have seen/partaken of in Canada!

I have serious schnitzel envy! The one restaurant within a reasonable drive from here (and everything is a drive from here!) that makes real, veal schnitzel and sides is always my first choice for our anniversary dinner. Yours looks every bit as good if not better!

I'm intrigued. My Scot great gran said (phonetically) Ware no chap, ware thrufty. As I child I had no idea what she was saying, but once I was literate, it became apparent. Warms my heart just to say it.

Happy Anniversary Ann and Moe! I am making lazy cabbage rolls AKA cabbage roll casserole in an effort to use a neighbour's gift of a gigantic cabbage as well as some of the 10 bs. of ground beef that my husband impulsively bought "because it was on sale!" I have asked before for him to please check with me before making large purchases of meat - but this "was on sale!"

Often, clean out the fridge soups are the best! When my husband says, "make that vegetable soup again" I have to say "I can't, it was a one time thing!"

Thank you - I'd be honoured to have you as a guest, should you every find yourself near Vancuver, B.C. As I'm sure you realized immediately, this is a bastardization of Choucroute Garnie, which we first had in Alsace on our honeymoon, 32 years ago. I think it was a highlight of a month in Europe for my husband. The addition of a whole head of cabbage makes it go further I guess!

I'm making Michael Symon's "Pap's Pork and Sauerkraut" tonight, but since it is a very unphotogenic albeit delicious dish, decided to take the picture at this stage. The sausage and smoked pork won't be added for another 30 minutes. Due to my not wanting to go out, I'm making a couple of substitions; cajun spice & a bit of cayenne instead of red pepper flakes(since someone didn't add red pepper flakes to the list when they used the last) home smoked pork chops rather than a 1/2 rack bone-in smoked pork loin and a little less meat altogether than the recipe calls for. It is one of my husband's favurite dishes. Excuse the grungy dutch oven - it is well used and I do have a nicer, newer one to use when we have company. We'll have it with local corn, which we are eating at every opportunity while it is available.

Wow - around here "heirloom" tomatoes at the market are around 6.99/lb. Certainly way beyond an average familie's budget. Good on you for sharing your bounty!

The exact year is definitely questionable. I was born in 1960 and it has been around as long as I can remember, but possibly not 60 years. But thanks to the helpful advice here, it will be around for a while yet.