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The Joy of Eating

Food is one of Life’s pleasures. It is sustenance for our very existence, mood-altering for our emotions, nourishment for our soul, comfort for our inner child, and essential for our livelihood. It brings Joy into our world. If you agree with me, pull up a chair for “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: The Joy of Eating!” Within a few short months of blogging, the response continues to amaze me on this journey of the palate. Thanks very much to all of my followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. What’s cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as reciting your A-B-Cs. One of my passions is being at home in my own country kitchen. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. Now more than ever, since I am retired, I relish the thought of creating something delicious from scratch. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I often never think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most of the recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be altered in any direction. The leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten again later or shared with others. And I love to share. To me, seeing a smile in gratitude is thanks enough. The recipes you will find here in the next several weeks can be prepared very easily. Feel free to contact me with questions. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: THE JOY OF EATING!”

Equal Measures

A sprinkle of this and a dash of that is what makes cooking at home an adventure. Turn a basic recipe into a legendary dish by giving it a healthy twist of flavor or spice. Did you know a squeeze of lemon is a great substitute for salt? It’s also a good thickening agent for fruit butters, jams, and sauces. Lemon juice is my “go-to” marinade from time to time when slow-cooking meats. It also enhances olive oil for a light salad dressing drizzled over fresh vegetables. I think you get the idea. Time flies on this journey of the palate. Thanks very much to all of my followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. Follow me on Facebook at Gail Dorna, on Instagram @gail_dorna and Twitter @ Snapshotsincursive. What’s cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as A-B-C. One of my passions is being at home in my own country kitchen. No matter how much we travel, I relish the thought of returning there to create something delicious. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I often never think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most of the recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be altered in any direction. The leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten again later or shared with others. And I love to share. To me, seeing a smile in gratitude is thanks enough. The recipes you will find here in the next several weeks can be prepared very easily. Feel free to contact me with questions. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: EQUAL MEASURES!”

The Daily Special

Gail’s Kitchen seems to be open 24 hours a day. Pull up a chair for “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: The Daily Special!” With over 1300 posts, the response continues to amaze me on this journey of the palate. Thanks very much to all of my followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support and moving words of encouragement. I’m also on Instagram @gail_dorna. Please check it out.

What’s cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as reciting your A-B-Cs. One of my passions is being at home in my own country kitchen. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. Now more than ever, since I am retired, I relish the thought of creating something delicious from scratch. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I often never think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most of the recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be altered in any direction. The leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten again later or shared with others. And I love to share. To me, seeing a smile in gratitude is thanks enough. The recipes you will find here in the next several weeks can be prepared very easily. Feel free to contact me with questions. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: THE DAILY SPECIAL!”

The Chow Down

“Chowing Down”, what a charming expression. We’re all familiar with its meaning: to eat, especially at mealtime. It’s no secret I get great satisfaction from food, whether it’s an afternoon snack, evening appetizer, or late night sweet. Nowadays with the flux of farm-to-table and organic options, is it any wonder the allure of food is so enticing? Mealtime then becomes an all-star event. And speaking of stars…Some of my posts have received a nod from the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive@DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram @gail_dorna. This continuous journey of the palate gives me time with you. Thanks very much to all of my guests and followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as A-B-C. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. Most recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be easily modified. Leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten later or shared with others. Seeing a smile of gratitude keeps me going. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: THE CHOW DOWN!”

Something to Savor

Food is delightful and brings pleasure. We savor the flavors of food, just as we do our friendships. Recently I received a new apron and hand-made pot holders. Aren’t they super-cute? Special thanks go out to Nancy and Judy! I appreciate friends like them who like fresh ingredients, garden herbs, rich chocolate, and French butter. Some of my recent posts have been favored by the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive@DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten, The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram @gail_dorna. Come along with me for “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Something to Savor! This remarkable journey of the palate allows time with you. Thanks very much to all of my guests and followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as A-B-C. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I seldom think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be modified. Leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten later or shared with others. Seeing a smile in gratitude keeps me going. The recipes you find here in the next several weeks can be prepared with ease. Feel free to contact me with questions. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: SOMETHING TO SAVOR!”

Foods For Sharing!

Whether you are making a seasonal dish for a casual dinner party or helping everyone relax with comfort food at the end of the day, home cooking is meant to be shared, in my opinion. It can be potluck-style entertaining or a weeknight meal where the kids pitch in. Reconnecting and exploring new flavors makes dining the quality time you hope it to be. Step into my kitchen where fresh ingredients, garden herbs, rich chocolate, and French butter are staples. I continue to be favored by the “Food Network” on Twitter, Snapshotsincursive@DornaGail, as well as Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram @gail_dorna. Check out my “pins” on Pinterest @ Gail Dorna. Catch a glimpse of “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Foods For Sharing!” This remarkable journey of the palate is unique because it gives me a few moments with you. Thanks very much to all my countless guests and devoted followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as A-B-C. One of my passions is being at home in my own country kitchen. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I often never think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most of the recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be altered in any direction. The leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten later or shared with others. And I love to share. To me, seeing a smile in gratitude is thanks enough. The recipes you find here in the next several weeks can be prepared very easily. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: FOODS FOR SHARING!”

Timeless Classics!

Discovering recipes that stand the test of time are a true treasure. Families harbor trade secrets with measurements that require “a large cup” of this to “a handful” of that. Most come with stories that pass down from great-grandmother to the youngest child. Handwritten notes are often scribbled along ragged edges of stained cookbook pages. We all have our stories. Step into my kitchen where fresh ingredients, garden herbs, rich chocolate, and French butter are staples. I continue to be favored by the “Food Network” on Twitter, Snapshotsincursive@DornaGail, as well as Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram @gail_dorna. I’d love to connect with you there as well. Catch a glimpse of “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Timeless Classics!” This remarkable journey of the palate is unique because it gives me a few moments with you. Thanks very much to all my countless guests and devoted followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as A-B-C. One of my passions is being at home in my own country kitchen. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I often never think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most of the recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be altered in any direction. The leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten later or shared with others. And I love to share. To me, seeing a smile in gratitude is thanks enough. The recipes you find here in the next several weeks can be prepared very easily. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: TIMELESS CLASSICS!”

Eat More!

Eat More! Stop feeling guilty about fueling your body! Food fulfills many basic needs: nutrition, health, social connections…to name just a few. Think about it. What does food mean to you? I like fresh ingredients, garden herbs, rich chocolate, and French butter. But I’m in good company. Some of my recent posts have been favored by the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive @DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram (gail _dorna). I’d love to see you there as well. Come along with me for “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: Eat More!” This remarkable journey of the palate is special because it gives me a few moments with you. Thanks very much to all of my guests and followers on http://snapshotsincursive.com for the uplifting support, award nominations, and moving words of encouragement. What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? It’s as simple as reciting your A-B-Cs. One of my passions is being at home in my own country kitchen. I love to cook, and my husband loves that I do it often. Now more than ever, since I am retired, I relish the thought of creating something delicious from scratch. I adore time-honored traditions using tried-and-true recipes. Yet, I often never think twice about tweaking old favorites or modifying others to suit the inner craving of the moment. Most of the recipes serve 2-4 people, but can be altered in any direction. The leftovers are golden morsels to be eaten later or shared with others. And I love to share. To me, seeing a smile in gratitude is thanks enough. The recipes you find here in the next several weeks can be prepared very easily. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Now take a deep breath, inhale the aromas, and join me on a tasteful journey entitled, “EATING MY WAY THROUGH THE ALPHABET: EAT MORE!”

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter J

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? A Burst of Flavor: Jam Session! This recipe guarantees to be music to your ears. For once, you can make a single jar of your favorite fruit jam without spending an entire day in the kitchen. Simply put: This recipe is an answer to a time-saving prayer. Adapt to whatever is in season. If your craving today is raspberry, or strawberry, or apricot, or peach, have a jam session in minutes. 
JAM SESSION 
Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups fresh peaches; peeled, diced, and stone removed 

1/2 cup sugar 

1 tablespoon white wine*

3 discs of spiced ginger, slivered 

2 cinnamon sticks 

1 lemon

Pinch of sea salt

*May be substituted for water. 
Instructions:

Pulse half the peaches in a food processor to make the fruit chunky. Transfer to a 2-3 quart saucepan. Add remaining diced peaches, sugar, wine, ginger, and juice of half the lemon. Slice a section of the lemon with rind on, remove seeds, and drop it into the pan. You will fish it back out later. (The lemon is a natural thickening agent.) Add two cinnamon sticks. Mix well. Cook the peaches over medium-high heat at a boil. It should begin to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking until mixture becomes jam, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. Before transferring to a jar, remove the cinnamon sticks and lemon wedge. Store in the refrigerator.