“The willingness of America’s veterans
to sacrifice for our country has earned
them our lasting gratitude.”
~ Jeff Miller
“The willingness of America’s veterans
to sacrifice for our country has earned
them our lasting gratitude.”
~ Jeff Miller
Going through a kitchen remodel has to be one of the most challenging home improvements ever. Symmetry and balance are important. Changing the layout was not an option since it remains functional as an open-ended galley kitchen including a central corridor. In fact, it all began being a simple goal to modernize the kitchen cabinets from 1970s dark wood to the bright airiness of antique white. As often happens, one thing leads to another. Before long we were updating stainless steel appliances, replacing countertops, leaving the double sink behind in lieu of a large single basin, choosing black matte cabinet pulls with copper accents, and more. One constant remained: the authentic dark hardwood flooring. To this day, it endures as the solid foundation from the time it was installed. Now that the kitchen remodel is complete, is it a state-of-the-art gourmet kitchen, you wonder. Not at all. But it has been designed around my needs, which makes it perfect. And speaking of perfect…Some of my posts have been favored by “Le Cordon Bleu” and the “Food Network” on Twitter (Snapshotsincursive @DornaGail) as well as Ina Garten’s The Barefoot Contessa, on Instagram (gail _dorna). You can even follow me on Pinterest at Gail Dorna. I’d love to connect with you. I also met Chef Michelle Tribble of Hell’s Kitchen reality cooking show. Fun times. Experience different flavors and textures as you eat with your eyes. Catch a glimpse of “What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen: Country Casual Cravings.” This remarkable journey of the palate is unique 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 daily words of encouragement. I couldn’t have come this far without you.
“Let me recommend the best medicine
in the world: a long journey,
at a mild season, through a pleasant
country, in easy stages.”
~ James Madison
What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? Elevated Edibles: Ramping Up Breakfast! For a hearty and satisfying way to jumpstart your morning, think outside the box with sautéed ramps. Prepared in minutes with hardly anytime at the stove, you’ll be serving up a “green” feast fit for a king. If you live in the country where farm fresh eggs are as plentiful as the next roadside produce stand, even better. Treat yourself to a scrumptious weekend meal on the back porch in true farmhouse style.
RAMPING UP BREAKFAST
Ingredients:
1/4 pound wild ramps
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 eggs
2 smoked sausage links
2 pieces artisan bread, toasted
Crushed oregano, for garnish
Instructions:
Wash thoroughly every crevice and leaf stem of each ramp. Cut off and discard bulb roots. Rinse again. Gently pat dry with paper towels. Set aside. Warm olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer ramps to the skillet. Cook until tender and crispy, gently turning. After 10 minutes, divide ramps between two plates. Cook eggs according to personal preference. Add to each plate. Heat smoked sausage, slicing open to sear. Arrange on plates. Butter toast to complete each breakfast plate. Garnish ramps and eggs with crushed oregano. Serve immediately.
Dining Outside the Home: BB King’s Blues Club in Nashville, Tennessee! Follow the rhythm through the double doors of BB King’s for a legendary adventure in soul music. Glance around the room. The art-filled walls create an ambiance endorsing the musical genre that originated in the Deep South. Listen to the toe-tapping chords strumming on the guitar. Is that a blend of country, jazz, blues, and classical? Better hang around a little longer for this kind of talent. Afternoon turns into evening. Libations flow easy. Southern dishes satisfy hunger pangs. And the music plays on. Maybe it’s time to get back to your roots.
“Three chords and the truth,
that’s what a country song is.”
~ Willie Nelson
“Living in a rural setting
exposes you to so many marvelous things –
the natural world and the particular
texture of small town life, and
the exhilarating experience of open space.”
~ Susan Orlean
This Veterans Day, and always, let us be grateful for those who serve and have served, those who sacrifice, and those we remember. Thank You! 🇺🇸