Superbowl 2013 Chili Bar

 

GAME DAY!

Watching the Superbowl?  There are certain foods that are synonymous with this all-American celebration.  Chicken Wings along with some blue cheese dressing, carrot and celery sticks make a great appetizer.  For heartier fare, set up dinner at half-time with a good old fashioned bowl of Chili.  Whether you’re serving a large crowd or a small family, how about making it more interesting by switching it up a bit to a Chili Bar?

What to include?  I have a vegetarian in my family, so I traditionally prepare a meat chili as well as a vegetarian chili.  Build upon some creativity and grab a serving bowl or a bread bowl (a small bread round with the top sliced off and the bread hollowed out, creating a crusted bowl).  Start building!

  • meat chili
  • vegetarian chili
  • mashed potatoes – yes!
  • grated cheddar, monterey or pepper jack cheese
  • sour cream
  • guacamole
  • sliced scallions
  • freshly chopped cilantro
  • freshly chopped tomatoes
  • sliced black olives
  • chopped jalapeno peppers (for kick!)
  • tortilla chips
  • salsa
  • corn bread

Set up ‘The Bar’, call in the gang in to help themselves and enJOY your friends & family…EASY!

Don’t forget the Margaritas ~ Virgin for the kids.

 

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Thank You, Chester County Book & Music Company!

Chester County Book & Music Company in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Chester County Book & Music Company in West Chester, Pennsylvania

It was 1997 when I walked into The Chester County Book and Music Company in West Chester, Pennsylvania to do some market research.  It was part of a research project that I was working toward as a pre-requisite to my studies at Immaculata University.

My topic of choice for my research project was on how to write a cookbook.  On that day in 1997, I walked into the largest bookstore in the county, scoped it out and saw an employee on a ladder loading the shelves with books.  There we were – in the cookbook section of the store as I looked up at thousands of cookbooks, dreaming that one day, mine would be on that shelf.  He was kind and took a few moments to speak with me.  His words remain with me today as he said, “Write what you know and put it on the shelf!”  I did.   The first publication of MaMa Mia Cucina was published in November, 2007.

The book store is a Chester County icon and I am sorry to say that they are closing their doors in February.  My hope is that they will re-open one-day soon.

When I walked into the store today, January 8, 2013 to thank my friends at The Chester County Bookstore, I am grateful for my beginnings, their advice, and all that they continue to bring to our community.

Forever grateful and best wishes to my friends at The Chester County Book & Music Company!

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Turkey Time @Pounds’ Turkey Farm

It was a beautiful sunny brisk autumn day during my visit to Pounds’ Turkey Farm in Leechburg, Pennsylvania.  Beverly Pounds, our gracious hostess, provided a tour of her family farm as we learned about the love and passion that goes into their successful family business.  For three generations, the Pounds’ family has been dedicated to offering their customers the very best. They have been a local favorite since 1935.

How do they do it?  Their turkeys are raised on their family farm with lots of fresh air, clean water, sunshine and nutritious grains.  They take special care of their birds ensuring quality to all who share in the bounty.

As a group of us gathered at their farm store prior to making the walk up to the turkeys, we first wiped our shoes with anit-bacterial wipes in an effort of eliminating any potential bacteria and illness to the turkeys.

On our way up we first visited the cattle.  The Pounds’ family also raises beef.  I must say, it was quite pleasurable to watch the cattle roam the land as nature intended.

As we approached the turkey gathering, the birds greeted us, reacting to our visit.  Evidently, turkeys like, and are attracted to visitors, as well as shiny and sparkling objects.  Some shiny and sparkling objects also hang in the hen house as a distraction to the sometimes frustrated birds.

The Tom Turkeys are slightly larger than the Hens and enjoy opening their wings and ‘strutting their stuff’, as they say.  The Hens have pink/red necks, while the Toms have some blue.  I guess this is where the pink and the blue come in distinguishing the boys from the girls?  Don’t you just love nature!  And…there really is a ‘pecking order’ in the world of turkeys.  As geese know and understand the importance in flying in formation, the turkeys are also aware of their place and order in society.  Animals, like children, teach us many important life lessons if we study them.

Our tour ended with a visit from a brave and special Hen who sat nicely for a visit from all who welcomed an opportunity to offer a special touch. 

If you have not had the opportunity to share in an all-natural fed antibiotic and hormone- free turkey, you must!  Pounds’ Turkeys are available at Thanksgiving, Christmas and late summer.  Their birds are free of added salts, oils and water/broth solutions.  Frozen turkeys, as well as delicious turkey selections, are available all year.  Personally, I am a big fan of their Turkey Pot Pies, which are freshly-made on the farm.

Place your order quickly, the celebrated holidays are around the corner!

Orders accepted at:  724-845-7661

Visit the Web:  www.poundsturkeyfarm.com

For our family favorites of stuffing, apple pie and many side dishes, order your copy of MaMa Mia Cucina HERE.

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

 

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Foods of The Harvest

 

The autumn harvest is in full swing, and eating seasonally is beneficial to your health as well as pleasing to the senses.  Savor the flavors and take in the colors, textures and aromas.

Enjoy your favorites, new varieties and try a new option each week.  Experiment in the kitchen.  So, what’s in season?

  Apples – Try the many varieties!

Beets

Blood Oranges – you must try one!

Broccoli

Broccoli Rabe

Brussels Sprouts

Cauliflower

Celery Root

Chard

Chestnuts

Chilies

Cranberries

Fennel

Figs

Grapes

Green Beans

Green Cabbage

Kale

Pears

Persimmons

Pomegranates

Potatoes

Pumpkin

Radishes

Rutabagas

Sweet Potatoes

Squash, Squash and Squash… (to name a few…)

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