Peckerwood Manor

I don't believe I have ever met someone who doesn't like at least one pasta dish. At least. I eat it so many different ways I have lost count. I like twists and new versions of old favorites when someone does something unexpected. But I always go back to the pasta my godfather used to make, and when his mom came from Italy to visit, she would make so many lovely things, but they were always comforting and homey. That she refused to acknowledge my godfather's sexuality made for a strange tension, I didn't understand, and I think she cooked so much to avoid what was in front of her. A four-bedroom townhouse-one was mine; one room was an office, one was my cousin's, and the other had a king-sized bed. But OK, lady.  There are a few things I retained passed on by him to me. If you love pasta, quality olive oil is one thing to invest in. It elevates pasta dishes and makes the flavors richer and closer to how Italians eat their food. Ironically, some of the best olive oil

Finances should not stop anyone from feeding themselves or nurturing themselves with something tasty. There are various reasons someone needs to cut costs as inflation rises and food costs have become outrageous. It should not be an obstacle to making something to eat that you love and tastes like you spent more than you actually did. Good food can be quick garlic and chili pasta tossed with olive oil or trading chicken breasts for chicken thighs. Buying a chuck steak in the place of ribeye. Chuck roast one night and use the leftover meat for a quick stroganoff. Boneless turkey breasts are usually very reasonable; you substitute them for chicken breasts and save a little money. You know that restaurant that seems a bit pricey, but you are dying to go? Go for lunch, and you still treat yourself. If things are even tighter, choose a place with a bar menu, and have some appetizers and a drink. With those savings, you can get a massage or splurge for a lovely holiday somewhere for the week

It has been a sweltering summer, and very few of us want to spend time in a hot kitchen, so let's devise ways to eat and stay as cool as possible. What are your plans for dinner, and did you eat anything tasty today? Is there anything you want to make but need a little help with techniques or ingredients? Post your recipes, tips, questions, and whatever food related is on your mind.  I am still hobbling, so I can't cook much. I had a nice juicy blue cheeseburger with pickled onions, nice size salad, and some melon. I have no shame. I ate half a second one. That was lunch. By the time this posts, I will have had my dinner. We decided to grill marinated brined lemon chicken, summer slaw, grilled vegetables with crumbled goat cheese, french bread, and probably some chilled fresh fruit.  My first recipe is Gazpacho. I make a giant pitcher of it, and we eat it as a nice soup for lunches or even a beginner for dinner.  Gazpacho  To make a tasty Gazpacho, use 3 parts ripe tomatoes to