Mr. Coffee is back in my kitchen!


Back in July of 2013 I had to lay my Mr. Coffee to rest after many years of good service. I tried to embrace another brand but the brewer just could not perform to the standards that my trusted Mr. Coffee maker operated at. The biggest set back was the new machine just would not brew the water hot enough.
Anyways, after a couple months of struggling, I gave the new one away to my security guard buddy who works nights and bought another Mr. Coffee machine.

Now all good is restored in my kitchen.

Welcome back Mr. Coffee and thank you.

https://www.mrcoffee.com/    Welcome back

Chocolate Candy Showdown!

Whitman’s  vs.  Russell Stover chocolate candy taste test.

candy

Today I had the awesome task of tasting a bunch of chocolates and then telling the world my opinion. Lets get down to business.

I had a box of Whitman’s assorted chocolates containing 7 candies, a box of Whitman’s Reserve that had 2 candies in it and a box of Russell Stover chocolates containing 4 candies.

After tasting each I came to the conclusion that I like the Russell Stover chocolates a bit more. It’s hard to say chocolate is better than chocolate but being side by side made it easier to pick a favorite. My taste buds told me that I favor the Russell Stover candies a little more than I liked the Whitman’s candy.

In 1993, the Whitman’s Chocolate brand became part of the Russell Stover’s Family. They continue the tradition of creating the Sampler boxes.

Unfortunately, neither Marsatta Chocolate or See’s candies were not sold at Rite Aid and did not participate in this survey.

AQUINAS – Napa California Cabernet

AQUINAS  2011 California Cabernet Sauvignon

Named after St. Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), an Italian Dominican friar, priest and revolutionary scholar who used the laws of science to support his belief in the Almighty.  This wine, like it’s namesake, is smart, bold, dedicated and has many quality attributes.

The Dude of Food rating:

Give this wine a try.

Homemade Fried Catfish Sticks Rock

catfish sticks

Homemade fried catfish sticks are easy to make and fun to eat. If you are looking for an alternative to pizza, pasta or hoagies then give this a try.

top

Take 1 lb of catfish and wash it off.
Chop it into preferred sized bits.
Mix 2 eggs into a bowl.
Pour some bread crumbs onto a plate.
Dip the cut fish bits in the eggs and then onto the bread crumb plate.
Once all the bits are crumbed up then deposit them into an electric frying pan that is dialed up to 340 degrees.
There only needs to be enough oil to sit the fish in. The sticks do not need to be submerged as you can flip them over. Let cook for about 5 minutes each side or until they look as crispy as you like them. Remove sticks from oil and pat dry. Put the sticks on a plate, sprinkle with some fresh lemon juice and serve with a side of tartar and your favorite cold beer. YUM.

Marinated Fish for Grilling

marinated fish

SIMPLY AWESOME TASTING !”

Halibut, Chilean sea bass or shrimp work well. In this photo you see thick fresh halibut fillets and fresh sea bass fillets all after having been soaked overnight in a delicious marinade I found at a local market in Santa Monica.

The marinade is an island blend sauce that was perfect. I then topped the mix with a pineapple ring, covered and let sit in the fridge. The ingredients pictured in the pan were thrown on a grill for a few minutes at a local architectural firm for Friday lunch, served with potato salad, grilled shrimp, grilled salmon with a rosemary lemon sauce and a side of mixed fruit chutney and it was simply delicious.

FISH TACOS

These are easy and delicious. Crack open your favorite Mexican beer. Put the other 11 somewhere cold. At the cabin I stick them right in the snow outside the front door.

Next grate some cheese,  chop onions, lettuce, tomato and avocado and put the piles into separate small bowls.  Pan fry some red snapper, halibut or shrimp in light oil.

Bake some tortillas so they are warm and soft, but be mindful not to dry them out. I like them warm but not too steamy.

Once all the ingredients are laid out, create a conga line along the taco prep area and enjoy. Add salsa and a squeeze of lime per taste if so desired.

Fiesta y salud!

Fish Tacos.
Fish Tacos at p3.