Journal

2021 - Week 30 Cooking Results

After missing their estimated installation date for the doors (new back door was late), They were here to install on this past Wednesday. Tuesday night, I went through and cleaned a number wasp nests from around the door, along the gutter. When they came knocking on the basement door asking if I had some wasp spray, I got my can from the garage. I thought maybe I had missed one. However, it appears that there was a giant nest between the brick, inner wall and the door frame on the back door. They went to the hard ware store and got six more cans. I guess the only nests I had gotten were the ones who felt the colony was too crowded. They did some good work. The front door is a bit odd now, as it actually retracts to close pretty quick, making the behavior of door less gentle. I’m pretty happy with our door and window choices. This was an experience for Mani, however, as he is not a big fan loud noises, especially unexpected ones. We have a guy coming Monday to look at the garage door.

Hot sauce burgers, vaguely based on this

So I added three tablespoons of of a local hot sauce, and, since Shannon doesn’t like the direct taste of fish sauce, a tablespoon of soy sauce and mixed them together. I think maybe there was a bit of heat, a bit of savory added to the burgers, but not enough to appear to have made a difference. I looked at the recommended sauce and passed on buying it. Perhaps just the modified ketchup would add the desired flavor. Anyways, it was ok.

Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Sandwiches and Potato Wedges (not grilled)

Made mental and time adjustments to do this in the oven. Even though it was hot outside, it worked out pretty well. I don’t thing the wedges we probably close tot he same as if they were grilled, however they were still pretty good. I wasn’t able to find large Yukon gold potatoes, so I ended up using smaller ones. Perhaps something to reduce the water from the potatoes a bit? I dunno. Anyways, a good meal, I really liked the sauce.

Pasta with Sausage, Basil and Mustard

I had made this previously and the longest part of the recipe is getting the water to boil. I used a spicy brown mustard this time. Things came together well and it was a pretty good meal. I had it with Rose Champagne, that I meant to drink of the 4th, but didn’t. I also bought a (fancy) boxed wine for the purpose of being able to use wine in a dish, without having to finish he bottle. Though since I made this on Saturday night it probably wouldn’t have mattered.

Taco Salad

Good as always.

Tuna Melts

I thought I had more (non-special) tuna left, but I made it work. I may have added too much liquids, since I wanted to combine the tuna and its smell fast before I attracted Loki and Mani to the kitchen where they would be demanding. As it stood only Loki showed up and was a bit confused (like he smelled something but didn’t anymore). I used a small sourdough from a local bakery. I forgot that I put the pre-sliced one in the freezer downstairs. Pretty good, if a bit messy.