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Grace

Pastrami and Swiss on Rye

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This page may contain affiliate links. So I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about the delicious sandwich called Pastrami and Swiss on Rye!

Pastrami and Swiss on Rye With Pickles

Can you imagine at the age of 19 being mistaken for someone else? Then can you imagine finding out that that person is your twin? How about if a third individual came to light? And then amazingly you found out that you were a triplet, and not a twin? It sounds incredible, but this story is true!

This story is told in an amazing documentary called "Three Identical Strangers." I won't go into details because I don't want to spoil the film for those who haven't seen it. We watched this film on our recent Sunday movie night, and the setting of the film is New York.

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How To Make Mouthwatering Russian Beef Stroganoff

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about delicious Russian Beef Stroganoff!

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Movie Night

This will age me a bit..but that's ok. Some of my favorite memories of childhood involve going to the movies. I remember going to see movies like Star Wars, Gremlins, ET, and Jaws as a kid. Those movie going experiences were absolutely thrilling!

One of the most thrilling and exciting films ever is Raiders of the Lost Ark. I pretty much fell in love with Harrison Ford when I watched this film. It was an edge of the seat experience throughout this masterpiece of action and adventure film.

Several sequels followed Raiders of the Lost Ark, and I had the privilege of seeing them all. With one exception: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. My husband discovered that the Indiana Jones series is now on Netflix (yay!). Therefore last Sunday we chose Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull to watch on movie night.

On movie nights, I love to cook a meal for that evening that has something to do with the film we are watching.  For example either the setting of the movie, or food actually eaten or highlighted in the film can inspire the meal.

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Simple and Delicious Puglian Orecchiette with Broccoli

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This page may contain affiliate links. So I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about the classic Italian dish called Orecchiette With Broccoli!

Orecchiette With Broccoli in a white bowl with santa and mrs klaus

A trip to Italy would be a trip to foodie heaven. Italy boasts some of the most delicious food on planet Earth. It is a dream of mine to travel back to Italy on a culinary tour. Can you imagine amazing pastas, wines, cheeses, and desserts available at most every corner in Italy? Foodie heaven for sure!!

Saucer Shaped Pasta

Puglia, which forms the "heel" of Italy's boot, is a region in Southern Italy. And Puglia arguably has some of the best food in the country. A signature dish from Puglia is Orecchiette with Broccoli. Orecchiette is a type of pasta that comes from the Puglian area. Saucer shaped, it means "little ears" in Italian.

Orecchiette With Broccoli in a white bowl

Puglian Orecchiette with Broccoli is often made with broccoli rabe. I have used regular broccoli in this recipe, which is just as delicious. The main flavor comes from anchovies, which is commonly used in southern Italian cooking. So, this dish is savory and also a bit spicy due to the addition of red pepper flakes.

Anchovies

Certainly anchovies are not just for pizza!! And, I love cooking with anchovies. In this instance, the combination of olive oil, garlic, red peppers, and anchovies is absolutely delicious.

Meanwhile, I challenge you to practice your Italian whilst making this dish! Keep repeating "orecchiette" and "Puglia" until these words roll off your tongue. 🙂

Most importantly, you will love Orecchiette with Broccoli! So, I hope you will enjoy this soon, and be sure to top with a generous amount of parmesan! Enjoy a taste of southern Italy!!

You may also enjoy these other pasta recipes:

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Cheers!

Grace

Orecchiette With Broccoli

Puglian Orecchiette with Broccoli

This recipe from the Puglian region of Southern Italy is absolutely delicious.  Flavored with anchovies, often used in southern Italian cooking, it is savory and also a bit spicy due to the addition of red pepper flakes or chilies! 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 25 mins
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 crown broccoli medium to large
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 anchovy fillets with oil
  • ½ ts red chili flakes can also sub a couple of your favorite chilies!
  • 4 tablespoon butter
  • 16 oz orecchiette pasta
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil extra virgin
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • parmesan cheese grated

Instructions
 

  • Cut the broccoli crown into bite sized pieces
    chopped broccoli
  • Heat up your olive oil and butter in a heavy skillet, then add minced garlic and stir fry on med heat for 1 minute
  • Add your anchovy fillets, with some of the oil that the fillets were packed in.  Stir fry for 2 minutes, or until the anchovies have "melted"
    Anchovies, Red Chili Flakes, Broccoli, Garlic, and Parmesan
  • Add red chili flakes (or a couple of your favorite minced chilies), stir, and keep warm on a very low setting
  • Boil pasta water in a large pot, and prepare your orecchiette according to package directions.  PLEASE NOTE:  You will need to reserve approximately 1 cup of the pasta water, collected at or near the end of the time when the pasta is finished cooking 
  • 3-4 minutes before your pasta is finished cooking, add the broccoli pieces into the boiling pasta water 
    broccoli and orecchiette on a ladle
  • When the pasta is finished cooking, drain the broccoli and the pasta.  REMEMBER:  You will need to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water just prior to draining the broccoli and pasta
  • Add the cooked broccoli and orecchiette to your anchovy, garlic, red pepper (or chilies), and olive oil mixture, and stir
  • Start adding the reserved pasta water a little at a time and continue stirring.  This helps make a smooth sauce and prevents the pasta from sticking! 
  • Add salt and pepper to taste

Notes

Feel free to substitute broccoli rabe for the broccoli crown.
Top your Orecchiette with Broccoli with a generous amount of Parmesan cheese.  Serve with a side salad and a glass of Italian Pinot Grigio for an amazing meal, and enjoy the taste of Puglia!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

New Hampshire Inspired New England Clam Chowder - 1,000 Foods to Eat Project

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This page may contain affiliate links. So I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about New England Clam Chowder, one of the foods in my 1,000 Foods to Eat Project!

New England Clam Chowder

October 2017 we had the privilege of visiting New England in the fall.  Wow!  The colors were AMAZING!  Our main destination was Maine, and we drove from Boston through New Hampshire into Maine and traveled along coastal Maine through crisp fall weather and gazing at beautiful fall foliage.

State of New Hampshire Welcome Center Sign with People

En route to Maine we stopped at the Hayseed Restaurant (accompanies the Smuttynose Brewing Company) in New Hampshire. The Hayseed is where I had my first ever New England Clam Chowder while in New England.

Prior to even leaving for Maine, I had been anticipating eating my first clam chowder in New England. As I have always loved clam chowder, I couldn't wait to have my first bowl! This chowder did not disappoint. 🙂

Here you'll find my recipe that tries to recreate this creamy clam chowder.  I hope you'll agree that this clam chowder provides a taste of New England!!

Celery Garlic Potato Onion and Green Onion
https://www.instagram.com/p/B1YywybFlyA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

1,000 Foods to Eat Project

New England Clam Chowder is one of the foods listed in the book 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die, by Mimi Sheraton. It became #19 in my quest to try each and every one of the foods in the book.

1,000 Foods to Eat Before You Die Front Jacket
1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die

Please follow along with me on this quest to try the 1,000 Foods To Eat Before You Die, from the book by Mimi Sheraton! Join me in this journey and discover new foods, experiences, and cuisines which I hope will add inspiration, fun, and joy to your life! For a list of the foods tried so far visit the 1,000 Foods to Eat Project page.

If you'd like to follow along and be a part of the 1,000 Foods Project, please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 🙂

New England Clam Chowder

Other Great Soup Recipes!

If you love soup you may also love these soup recipes!

West African Soupe Gumbo

The BEST Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup

Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings

I'd love your feedback! Any comments or suggestions are greatly appreciated! Cheers! Grace

New England Clam Chowder

New Hampshire Inspired New England Clam Chowder

Enjoy a taste of New England with this delicious clam chowder!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 25 mins
Total Time 45 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices bacon cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 ribs celery diced
  • 2 large potatoes peeled and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 4 6.5oz chopped clams
  • 1.5 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 ea green onions sliced for garnish
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • 1 ts chicken bouillon seasoning I used Maggi
  • corn starch to thicken if desired

Instructions
 

  • Cut bacon into bite sized pieces and brown in a large saucepan or stockpot 
  • Drain cooked bacon on paper towels
  • Cook the onion and garlic in the bacon fat on med heat for 3 minutes stirring occasionally
  • Add the celery and cook another 2 minutes
  • Add potatoes, 1.5 cup chicken broth, ½ teaspoon of chicken bouillon granules and bring to the boil
  • Turn down heat to med low, and simmer for around 15 minutes (until potatoes are tender) 
  • Add 1 cup of heavy cream and all the clams (with all their juices) and stir to combine
  • If at this point the chowder is too thin for your liking, add some corn starch (follow directions on your corn starch container as to how to add the corn starch)
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.  (Go easy on the salt as the chowder will likely be salty due to the bacon and other ingredients)

Notes

Scoop your chowder into some bowls, add bacon bits and green onions on top, and enjoy the taste of New England!!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about the delicious Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel!

Alaskan Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese and Capers Bagel

I dream of visiting all of the National Parks in the US. Did you know that Alaska is home to 8 National Parks?  I'll be thrilled if I can just get to one of them!

Alaska is home to unparalleled beauty and I hope everyone can visit someday.  And the food?  It's my understanding that Alaska has some of the most delicious food out there!

Alaskan Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel

I chose a recipe to honor Alaska that is not quite a dish Alaska is known for. This recipe for a Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel includes wild Alaskan salmon. Wild Alaskan salmon is very well known for its amazing taste and health benefits.

Alaskan Salmon, Cream Cheese, and Capers Bagel

The delicate flavor of Alaskan salmon is wonderful, smoked or not. It is considered a Superfood, and it contains omega 3 fatty acids.  So, I definitely think it's a great idea to eat more salmon! Check out this article, "What is Wild Alaskan Salmon Good For?" to find out more about how nutritious and healthy wild salmon is for you.

Wild Alaskan Smoked Salmon, Lemon, and Dill

The sandwich also includes lots of yummy cream cheese, fresh dill, sliced red onions and capers! Each ingredient is full of flavor on its own. Combined they are an amazing flavor bomb!

In conclusion, please use wild Alaskan salmon in this sandwich. Wild Alaskan salmon tastes better and is also better for you. You will definitely love the amazing flavors in this Salmon and Cream Cheese Bagel. Enjoy a taste of Alaska!

You Will Also Enjoy These Other Recipes!

Mississippi Catfish Allison

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In addition, I invite you to come along with me on a fun food journey! Sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 🙂

Cheers!

Grace

Alaskan Salmon, Cream Cheese, and Capers Bagel

Alaskan Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese, and Capers Bagel

Enjoy this sandwich using smoked wild Alaskan salmon.  The flavors are amazing, the colors are beautiful, and you should be able to fully taste the delicious and delicate flavors of this salmon. 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 mins
Total Time 15 mins
Course Sandwich
Cuisine American
Servings 2 people
Calories 361 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 oz wild Alaskan smoked salmon
  • 2 bagels can use thin if preferred
  • red onion thinly sliced
  • cream cheese whipped
  • 1 tablespoon capers
  • fresh dill few sprigs
  • 2 lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Lightly toast your bagels
  • Spread cream cheese on each slice of bagel
  • Layer bottom side of the bagel with 2 oz of wild Alaskan salmon, thinly sliced red onion, ½ tablespoon of capers, and some dill.  
    Red Onion, Cream Cheese, Lemon, Capers, and Dill
  • Squeeze a bit of lemon, then place the top part of the bagel on the sandwich. 

Nutrition

Calories: 361kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 22gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 1116mgPotassium: 232mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 59IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 2mg
Keyword bagel, salmon, smoked salmon
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Florida Cuban Sandwich

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about the AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS Florida Cuban Sandwich!

Cubano Sandwich

I visited Miami over 20 years ago and can't believe it has been that long! The need to go back is starting to get stronger. 🙂 I remember being thrilled at the Cuban accents I heard for the first time. Additionally the unmistakable Cuban influence on the food was everywhere and was an exciting new foodie experience for me.

Unfortunately I did not try the Cuban Sandwich (also called the Cubano) while I was there. The Cubano is a must when visiting Florida so I truly missed out! Therefore I wanted to try my hand at making one of these delicious sandwiches and bring a taste of Miami to my Texas kitchen.

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The BEST Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup!

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Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup in a white bowl

At the time I write this, it is winter, and a large part of the mid West is suffering from extreme temperatures due to a Polar Vortex. Here in San Antonio we'll be in the 50's over the next couple of days. This is t-shirt weather compared to up North! I'm really praying that our neighbors in the mid West suffering through this weather stay safe and warm!! One soup that is guaranteed to warm you up anytime is this Spicy Broccoli and Cheddar Soup!

Cold winter days call for warming soups and stews. I've been cooking quite a few of these lately, and one of my favorites is also quite spicy, which ups the "warming" factor.

The BEST Spicy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
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Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about super delicious Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan!

Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan on a plate with a fork

I love vegetables in all forms, however roasting vegetables brings out the most amazing flavors in them and this is true especially with broccoli.

Simple Is Best

Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan is simplicity at its best. This highly nutritious vegetable is simply tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper, and roasted until tender and gently browned.

Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

The added parmesan cheese gives it a lovely salty flavor boost. When roasting broccoli, the sweetness of the vegetable shines through and the addition of the saltiness from the parmesan is a fantastic combo that can't be beat!

Roasted broccoli is beautiful. Serve this as a healthy and delicious side dish with your next meal.

Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

Oh...and I think cheese makes most anything taste better, so enjoy a liberal amount of parmesan with your broccoli!

Here is my taste tester, Toby, taste testing my Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan. 🙂

Some Other Recipes You May Enjoy!

Incredibly Delicious Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts

Okinawan Carrots

Okinawan Carrots

If you'd like to come along on this food journey with me, please sign up to get the latest recipes and inspiration for you to expand your food comfort zone! It's an incredible journey, please join me by signing up here. 🙂

Cheers!

Grace

Roasted Broccoli With Shredded Parmesan

Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

Grace
Delicious on its own, or added to pasta.  Simple roasted broccoli is a delight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Side Dish
Servings 4 people as a side dish

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large broccoli crown (or 2 small crowns)
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste
  • parmesan cheese shredded or grated

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 450F
  • Cut up your broccoli into small bite sized pieces and place in a bowl
    Cut up broccoli florets on top of a yellow spoon
  • Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to your broccoli, and mix well
    broccoli florets seasoned with salt and pepper
  • Place your broccoli on a roasting pan, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Roast for approximately 10-15min.  If your broccoli is cut very small roast for 10...larger pieces roast for 15 or until tender and gently browned.  
  • Remove at the end of the roasting time, add parmesan cheese (amount to your liking), and place back in the oven for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt
    Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan

Notes

Roasted Broccoli With Parmesan is simplicity at its best!  In addition to the florets, the bottom part of the crown is delicious roasted too!  
Keyword broccoli
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Ft. Worth Long Weekend Getaway

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about a Ft. Worth Long Weekend Getaway!

Ft. Worth Water Gardens

One of my great joys is traveling with our dog, Toby. Toby absolutely loves car journeys and exploring...perhaps more than we do!

We recently took a trip to the Ft. Worth area over New Year's, and stayed at "The Bunkhouse," a cozy guest cottage that we found on Airbnb. A Ft. Worth long weekend getaway was absolutely delightful!

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Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings

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This page may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link. This post is about delicious Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings!

Delaware Chicken and Slippery Dumplings Soup

Delaware is a mid-Atlantic state that is pretty much surrounded by water. Therefore it has miles of beautiful beaches and many coastal towns to explore.  It is known as "The First State,"due to it being the first of the original 13 states to ratify the US Constitution.  

I wanted to cook a dish inspired by the state of Delaware, so did some research.

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