Braised Spicy Brisket or Chuck Roast

We love our brisket but have you noticed … it’s pretty expensive these days. Plus, brisket isn’t always available at our local grocer’s. When it is, the cut can be huge. Chuck roast is my brisket substitute. It’s cheaper, often on sale and plentiful at our local grocer’s. I find chuck roast requires shorter cooking time vs brisket of the same weight.

This recipe is inspired by JoiceGlobal from TikTok. Deliciously spicy without being too. Enjoy!

Try my Brisket Soup if you have any leftovers. Yep, chuck roast works too.

 

Continue reading


Tamale Pie

Many of my friends remember this as a kid. It was even Doug’s favorite. There are so many versions of this casserole I thought I’d add my own. I don’t remember my mother’s. It was rarely made and everyone in the family shied away including me. If my mother’s tasted anything like this I definitely missed out.

Tamales and Tamale Pie have little in common. Tamale Pie came about with the popularity of Mexican Cuisine … Although not a traditional dish it does have a special place on the table. It’s a hardy tasty economical meal!

Give it a try. And if you’re in a big hurry … leave off the topping, skip the baking and enjoy. Yes, it’s delicious this way too.

Yep another repost. I did find mother’s old recipe ?, and it seems somewhat different from what I remember … mainly because I love it this time around. Give it a try too and see what you like best.

Continue reading


Green Pepper Steak

Here’s a really simple dinner in no time. Use an economical cut of beef, requiring a little longer cooking, or a sirloin cut. I used sirloin … It was on sale this week. Just a word about sirloin … not all sirloin cuts are the same in taste and tenderness. There are approximately 11 different cuts. This particular piece I used was called Sirloin Filet. With this the cooking was brief and the whole dinner came together in about 20 minutes. Ask your butcher to recommend a cut if you aren’t sure.

This recipe and a side of rice is perfect for four. Give it a try.

Continue reading


Cheese Dip Velveeta or Not

It’s really about Cheese Dip … not the meal I turned it into! Cheese Dip just sounded a perfect addition to Super Bowl Sunday. To use Velveeta or not? I went with the tradition but after tasting a slice I realized this isn’t the Velveeta of my youth. Now What? All this Velvetta! Here’s what I did.

Continue reading



A Repost, It’s That Good!

For Winter Solstice our family will celebrate with Mexican Cuisine. We pretty much do this every year. I usually order out for the appetizers and stick to cooking the main dishes. When these are so easy, why? After making my Shredded Beef these Taquitos were a cinch! And I cheated a little with the Guacamole. It’s my son’s, Ian, and his wife’s recipe. Thank you Ann. Ann received her inspiration for their Guacamole from the California Avocado Commission. Check out this site for great avocado recipes of all kinds.

Continue reading


Spaghetti Soup

When you’ve a house full of hungry guests (and creating more meals than expected) … here’s a way to put together a quick soup they’ll love. If you just made Italian gravy so much the better but a jar sauce with a few other ingredients will do in a pinch. Some sauce ideas, here, if you need.

Continue reading


America’s Test Kitchen Stew

If you’re into stew or even if you’re not this is to die for! This was our Sunday Dinner and yes, it’s the best Irish beef stew I’ve tasted to date. If you’re shopping for those newly weds or anyone who likes to cook America’s Test Kitchen Cookbooks are a treasure. It’s not so easy to find their recipes on line … You need to be a member. It’s all worth it! The recipes are tested just as it says. Thank you Will for the great dinner! I look forward to next Sunday!

Here’s a couple of tried and true order on line foods to make your Holidays easier, biscuits Here & pies Here.


London Broil Dinner

Perfect for the Holidays

When turkey no longer gets everyone’s attention try this simple but elegant meal. Portions can be done days ahead. And just think … there’s no crazy clean up! Best of all this is not a budget buster!

Continue reading


Portuguese Meat Casserole

This dish tastes better the next day but you won’t have leftovers to test It’s a meat and potatoes indulgence with a soupy tomato and onion broth. As I type this I wish i had some. Yep, no leftovers!

You will need time to oven roast (about 2 hours in a fast oven) but the prep is rapid. If you’re a meat and potatoes fan you’ll love this dish!

Continue reading