Journal

2012 - Week 11 Cooking Results

Chicken Alfredo and Bacon Pizza (Shannon's request for a birthday dinner)

So, I had my doctor's appointment and we were talking about this and that and when I told him what I was making for dinner, he paused, and said, I guess special occasions are all right, or something like that.  It struck me as funny.  Anyways, I made the Alfredo from scratch, fried up some bacon, and I had forgotten to buy some chicken, so I ran out picked up some.  And after a little work it came together.  Now I will admit, it was kind of a mess to eat (probably a combination of to much and slightly too runny Alfredo sauce), but it was a truly indulgent and a good birthday dinner.

Chicken Alfredo and Bacon Pizza

Braised Pork Jowl Tacos (sort of based on this)

Ok, so I didn't really look at the recipe.  I seared off the pork jowls, deglazed the pan with some tomatoes, added some salt, pepper and some crumbled up dried peppers and then some chicken stock.  Added the jowls back in for a slow braise.  After a few hours, the jowls were fall apart tender, and had a decent taste (I'd like to experiment more, but I don't have more jowls).  After some toppings, we had a good dinner (Joseph too).

Braised Pork Jowl Tacos

Smoky Tomato Soup

Sunday was not exactly a warm day, but still nice, so it made sense to make this.  It turned out well as a classic combination.

Smoky Tomato Soup

Chopped Steak Sandwiches

I think I may be allergic to hot cherry peppers.  Now I don't just say that.  The sandwich was delicious, but I had strange ear things happen.  Judging by taste they're very similar to the Wickles Hoagie Relish, which also does strange things to me.  It's an odd thing.  Anyways, the sandwiches were very go, though I payed for them later.

Chopped Steak Sandwiches

Quick Skillet Mac and Cheese

So I when I was making this I thought, why not make something that reminds me of my childhood.  So as it was finishing up, I added some tuna and peas.  We both reminisced about similar dishes growing up.

Quick Skillet Mac and Cheese

Chicken and Sausage Cacciatore with Grape Tomatoes

In all the times that I've used Graziano Sausage, I don't think I ever have used them as whole sausages.  This turned out ok.  I skipped the mushrooms (I apparently forgot to buy them, or used them for something else). and maybe that was why.

Chicken and Sausage Cacciatore with Grape Tomatoes