danistrulytheman

I'm STILL a self confessing, self professing know-it-all, or so I think!


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new digs, and a new friend!

I LOVE my new kitchen, the whole place kinda rocks! New stainless steel fridge, new cabinets, counter-top, island, sink & faucet, above stove microwave, new backsplash, new bar stools … but the star of the show is a new gas stove!! My first time cooking w/ gas too. In fact I had a maiden meal all planned out, I wanted pasta w/ either braised/simmered oxtails, or veal shanks … but grocery store deals dictated otherwise, so it’s pasta w/ sausages & meatballs. Not too shabby a second fiddle! Oh, true story – wanted to serve my inaugural meal w/ a Barolo … and a couple days ago allowed myself a final budgetary indulgence. It was a front of the line, membership benefits I saw in my inbox, a limited release Barolo. Perfect timing! I pounced, and if any’s left, the rest of you plebes can search ‘n seek LCBO’s inventory, when it’s finally released to the general public. I payed the same price, $49.95/bottle (plus only $15 shipping) for the 2 bottles I bought. Oh, speaking of indulgences, I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my next to last one … that one should arrive anytime soon. Perhaps, another blogpost, lol?!

Ok, mostly pics, few words – better, eh? A couple of notes about my gas range. Of course we all know (even if you don’t own one, never have used one), the best feature is immediate heat. I love that. But, my fave new thing to get used to, is not only the incremental heat that is available, but unlike other types of ranges w/ burners that continually shut off, trying to moderate cooking temps – gas ranges don’t … there’s never that lull, the simmer/sizzle never stops. I LOVE that!! As promised, pics …

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… yep, a sucker for sweet pussy!!


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sausages & chickpeas!

This is another one of my famous throw everything in the pot and hope for the best type of creations!! I bought sausages (hot Italian), and used whatever else I had in the house. I’ve been on a chickpeas roll of late, incorporating them in many meals I’ve been making … talk about awesome and healthy!! I grilled the sausages, then combined them w/ sautéed sweet onions, red peppers and kale. After a few minutes of sizzling ‘n flippin’ on high heat, I deglazed w/ white wine, added a bit of chicken broth, tossing in the chick peas, and bringing everthing to a simmer before placing in the oven to finish! Served w/ the obligatory/proverbial Italian crusty peasant loaf to sop up all the goodness, the best cheese you have in the icebox, a glass (or bottle, lol) of red vino, the lights dimmed creating the perfect ambience, Sting, or maybe Annie Lennox, playing softly in the background setting the mood… and yep, dansyermothereffinguncle …

mungia mungia! farmer style mungia mungia …

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yum, yum, and YUMMO …

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my stingy/meager portion (another blog post/lesson – another time) …

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leftovers w/ fried & caramelized onions! leftovers are ALWAYS better …

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linguine leftovers! w/ sausage & rapini!

Finally … pics, lol! I think it’s day 3? And I def know, I’m the master of using what’s in my pantry/fridge … I’m The King of Leftovers!!

… roasted yellow peppers, jalapeño peppers, garlic & sweet onions too!!

Served w/ olive ciabatta, Romano Lupa … bob’s yer f’n uncle!! 

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more chillin’ than grillin’

Warm days have been great, I ain’t complainin’. Just that during these days my motivation/excitement level to bbq is through the proverbial roof. But, by the time I get home after stopping and shopping for groceries, and then firing up the grill (doing some prep work while I wait) … day suddenly disappears into night. Temps drop quickly too – maybe just appears that way as I’m special occasion/celebrating drinking my frosty Creemore, lol. Here’s a few pics; two strip steaks (rubbed liberally with garlic salt, cracked black pepper, and my secret – Barberian’s Steak Seasoning), and four Mexican style sausages courtesy my local Fortinos … enjoy y’all!!

fire in the hole

grill marks looking good

the PERFECT char