Salute to Saltines

This has been the mainstay of my diet for a couple of days as I recuperate from a surgery, and they bring back memories. When I was a kiddo, they were a treat, especially when smeared with softened butter. Or maybe just topped with a square of cheddar. Ever just nibble along the perforated edges to smooth them out before eating the cracker? Mmmm.

Hummus

Neighbor Gena made this hummus full of garlic and red peppers. Excellent! I've never made hummus in my life. Got any recipes to share?

Teriyaki Chicken

Mr. Yoshida gave me a head start on last night's chicken. Recipe: marinate frozen chicken breasts in about a 1/2 cup of Mr. Yoshida's sauce mixed with minced garlic and a little chili oil. Because I got busy, the chicken marinated in the refrigerator for two days. Oops...but O-K because it grilled up so nicely.

Garlic Parmesan Bread

Look at this pile of garlic Parmesan bread that my daughter wouldn't even "try." Well, more for me. Recipe: slice French bread, brush with melted butter w/minced garlic, coat with grated Parmesan (the kind in the jar), and put cheese-side down in a hot skillet. Brown for about a minute, then flip the bread for another minute of browning.

Pork Chile Verde at the Brick Oven Bistro

One of my favorite places to eat: the Brick Oven Bistro. These two dishes were specials when we dined last week. Above is pork chile verde and a salad. Below is a sweet, BBQ, pulled chicken with a side of pork chile verde.

Teriyaki Chicken and Asian Noodle-y Salad

Dinner on the patio over the weekend. Grilled teriyaki chicken on top of an Asian noodle-y salad. Chicken: Marinate skinless, boneless breasts in teriyaki sauce with honey and garlic added - then grill. Salad: Cook linguine al dente and rinse in cold water. Slice Napa cabbage, carrots, red bell pepper. Toss together and add bean sprouts, noodles and cilantro. The dressing is soy sauce, red chili oil, sesame oil, minced garlic and brown sugar. All to taste.

Golden Wheel Adventure

We were at our bank, and our daughter could smell the food cooking at the Golden Wheel next door and wanted "that" for lunch. I hadn't been there in years. Here's our order served up, and notice that heaping tray of French fries. We did encounter an oddity: our daughter wanted fish and chips, which are listed on the menu along with a "combo meal" option. We were told that fish and chips wouldn't come with "chips" unless we ordered the combo. ???? That bumped the price to almost $9, instead of $6 - and she was served three small pieces of fish along with all those fries for that price. It may be a small thing, but I think it's silly to offer fish and chips and then say the chips are extra. Chalked up to experience.

Chicken Salad with Apricots and Pecans

Here's my chicken salad recipe: two chicken breast halves seasoned generously and baked, then diced. Add diced celery, diced sweet onion, diced dried apricots and chopped pecans. Stir in mayonnaise until desired consistency. That's it!