food

Dining Outside the Home: The Sidewalk Café in Hagerstown, Indiana

Along a scenic two lane road in rural Wayne County, nestled among Amish settlements, sits a charming little town since 1832. My girlfriend, Judy, and I shared a carefree lunch of artisan choices leaving room for tasting decadent desserts. Oh, my! As the conversation flowed, we were surrounded by old-fashioned comfort, artistic expression, and pleasing aromas. This quaint little bistro is a splendid distraction for anyone who appreciates homemade flavor served with a modern-day touch. 

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!”

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter S

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? A Burst of Flavor: Southern-Style Sausage Gravy and Biscuits! Some call it “comfort food”, others say it reminds them of Home. Whether you’re from the southern states or not, this meal is a hardy choice for an early breakfast, mid-day brunch, or late-night dinner. Add a side of tomatoes, eggs, cheese, or grits and you’ll soon have another family favorite. 
SOUTHERN-STYLE SAUSAGE GRAVY AND BISCUITS
Ingredients:

12-ounces of bulk pork sausage

1/8 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/4 cup butter 

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk

1 tube buttermilk biscuits
Instructions:

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage with black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt, and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally. It will be crumbly when cooked through. Set aside. In a 2-quart pan, melt butter and remaining 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt over medium-low heat, being careful not to scorch. Add flour all at once into the butter to make a roux. Whisk vigorously for about one minute. The mixture will thin and begin to bubble. Reduce heat to low and let it cook for two minutes more, stirring occasionally. Continue whisking and gradually pour the milk into the mixture, eliminating any lumps. Bring the gravy to a boil, stirring often. Lower the heat and gently simmer for two minutes longer or until thickened. Using a slotted spoon, transfer sausage to the gravy, reserving 1/3 cup for garnish. Meanwhile, bake biscuits according to package directions. Remove from oven. 

Split biscuits in half and top with sausage gravy. Sprinkle crumbled sausage over all and serve immediately. 

Lakefront Town is a Paragon of Serendipity 

Discover hidden treasures while meandering among the unique shops, galleries, and food joints in Mt. Dora, Florida. You never know what you’ll find. It may be a vibrant needlepoint pillowed Picasso in the Modernism Museum Shoppe, the most gigantic hand-blown witches ball you’ve ever seen at Home & Garden Treasures, or “talking flatware” by Uncommon Love at the local Farmers Market. Mt. Dora is a paragon of serendipity you’ll want to add to your list of places to visit. Imagine my delight at meeting Erin, an expert handicrafter of “talking flatware”! She is skilled in the art of creating messages on silver-plated utensils with exceptional results. You may have noticed I tend to use such accents while showcasing the recipes on my blog, Snapshotsincursive. The food section is entitled, “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet”. I am pleased to announce, from time to time, future dishes will be complimented by some of Erin’s designs that I purchased that day. You are invited to accompany me on this mouthwatering journey of the palate. 

Dining Outside the Home: Copacabana Cuban Café in Mt. Dora, Florida 

Down a cobblestone alley, among palm treed archways and iron grillwork, you can hear the passionate Cuban rhythms playing overhead. The aromas of sweet plantains and garlic butter mojo sauce waft over tropical breezes. A dark-haired beauty, Gaby, served up fresh mint and iced lime juice concoctions for sipping in leisure as we wiled away the afternoon. At the copa…Copacabana, the hottest spot north of Havana!

Dining Outside the Home: Pisces Rising in Mt. Dora, Florida 

Dining Outside the Home: Pisces Rising, Seafood and Steak House. This alluring southern home-turned-restaurant sits on the edge of a quaint downtown in a peaceful lakefront community. Its quiet elegance is visible through full length windows in views that overlook the endless beauty of Lake Dora. Our meal was spectacular, especially the classic dessert finale skillfully prepared table-side, French Creole Bananas Foster. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter E

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? A Burst of Flavor: Edamame Chicken Broccoli Stir-Fry! Mention the word “Stir-Fry” and watch people gather around the table. There’s something about the freshness of vegetables combined with chicken tenders smothered in a nutty savory sauce that screams “More! More!” It’s healthy, it’s easy, and it’s filling. The versatility of stir-fry makes an instant star of leftover ingredients. Everyone wins!
EDAMAME CHICKEN BROCCOLI STIR-FRY
Ingredients:

3/4 pound of chicken tenders, boneless and skinless

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1/2 pound of broccoli florets, stalks trimmed

1 cup pineapple chunks

1/4 cup edamame, dry roasted nuts
Ingredients for Sauce:*

4 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons peanut butter, creamy

1 tablespoon molasses

2 teaspoons vinegar

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 garlic powder

20 drops of sriracha sauce

*If you’re short on time, you may substitute bottled Hoisin Sauce for the homemade one. 

 
Instructions:

The sauce can be made first so it is ready when you need it. Simply mix all the ingredients together until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. 
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chicken tenders in olive oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Chicken should be browned and cooked through after 3-4 minutes. Be prepared to add a tablespoon or two of water if the pan goes dry. Reduce heat to low. Place broccoli around the edge of the pan before finishing in the middle. Add pineapple chunks and edamame. Pour sauce over all and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes longer. Serve over rice. 

Eating My Way Through the Alphabet; Letter A

What’s Cooking in Gail’s Kitchen? A Burst of Flavor: Angel Hair Pasta Partners! When you’re short on time and need things at your fingertips, turn to this quick weeknight dinner option. You’ll appreciate the convenience without sacrificing flavor. The texture is pleasing and the presentation is reward enough. Make this and you’ll be able to put your feet up and enjoy the evening. 
ANGEL HAIR PASTA PARTNERS
Ingredients:

6 ounces angel hair pasta, uncooked

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

4-6 Roma tomatoes, quartered

1 green pepper, cut up chunks

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1/8 teaspoon basil

1/8 teaspoon marjoram 

16 Italian-style meatballs, fully cooked

Parmesan cheese for garnish 
Instructions:

Cook and drain pasta per package directions. As pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and green peppers. Cook 2 minutes until tender; remove from heat. Stir in Roma tomatoes and meatballs. Return to low heat and warm through. Add drained pasta and gently toss with basil, marjoram, salt, and pepper. Serve pasta meal sprinkled with Parmesan cheese. Add a side of crusty garlic toast. 

A Burst of Flavor

Herbs and spices make all the difference in Gail’s Kitchen. Whether it’s fresh, dried, or a liquid extract, adding herbs enhances the flavor of any dish. And compliments it. Maybe it’s time to cut back on the salt a little bit in exchange for a little zing! Pull up a chair for “Eating My Way Through the Alphabet: A Burst of Flavor!” 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: A BURST OF FLAVOR!”