Signature Dish

I was catching up with Top Chef and you always hear "signature dish", I always ask myself, what would be mine? For last night's dinner (FND instead of SND), I made roasted chicken w/ cheddar mashed potatoes and green beans, basic but delicious (no pictures, I was too hungry).  This might rank as my top go-to dish, it's perfect for company and pretty darn easy, just stuff the chicken, season and bake. Perhaps I should get a group of friends together and do some taste tests.

I went to Border's to buy a new cookbook, I didn't see anything that interested me.  That is a first, I always find something. When I got home I pulled out The Complete Robuchon cookbook.  It's currently marked with several post-it's.  I have a feeling this year will bring a slew of "French home cooking for the way we live now".  Well it's a nice long weekend and I have some relaxing to do.  Talk to you all next week, have a safe and declious Labor Day!

Rich and Julia

I need a Julie and Julia moment...

...I'm so mad at Julie for coming up with the idea of cooking through Julia Child's book before I did.  That would be perfect for me.  Now if I do anything remotely like it, no will care and I won't get to write a book that they turn into a moving starring Meryl Streep.  What to do and what would I cook from...Rachel Ray?  Too easy...  Ina Garten?  Her books aren't large enough for a years worth of material.  Martha Stewart?  Her recipes NEVER turn out right...

There really isn't anything as iconic as Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking...what to do...I need a distraction from this life and something to focus some positive energy on.  It seems that my positive vibes aren't cutting it in the workplace.  Stay tuned for what's next...suggestions are welcomed.  Peace possums!

Tablescaped Luncheons

Nothing beats a tablescaped luncheon.

-Risotto

-Sauteed Mushrooms

-Green Beans

-Great People

Saturday Night Dinner

My most favorite part of the weekend are Saturday Night Dinners (SND); a sometimes delicious meal prepared by Chef Richard (me).  What was on the plate last night?

Happy Hour: Spiced Red Pepper Olives and Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Main Course: Stuffed Chicken Marsala, Homemade Pasta and Steamed Brocolli

Dessert: Homemade Oatmeal Chocolate Chip 

Cookies, Homemade Vanilla Bean Ice Cream and Fudge Sauce

The meal was a success and enjoyed by all.  Stay tuned for future SND posts....enjoy the rest of your Sunday.

Wolfgang Puck Tri-Grill

I love kitchen gadgets, but I love it even more when a gadget turns into an essential. To say the least, my Wolfgang Puck Tri-Grill from Home Shopping Network has won a place on my kitchen counter. To date, everything I ahve made has been fabulous. Porkchops, chicken, grilled cheese, ham and cheese panini's, potatoes, squash, burgers...the list is endless and delicious! If you like cooking and want an easy solution to preparing your favorite meals, order one of these. It is easy to use and easy to clean. Throw your items on the grill, do some housework and come back to a perfectly cooked meal.

Fall is falling away...

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Originally uploaded by rjrogo248

I can't believe September is pretty much over. This month flew by so quickly! Fall is my favorite season, the air is crisp, the leaves change, fresh produce is in abundance at the Farmer's Market, apple picking, pumpkins, gosh the list could go on. I'm so lucky to live in Upstate New York, where we have such a beautiful fall season. Granted the weather is a bit shitty this week, but I'm holding out for the perfect fall day. The fall also marks my return to the kitchen. Cooking in the heat of summer is never fun; but add the fresh produce and cool air of autumn and it's a match made in heaven. I plan on studying French cooking this year. We'll see how that works out. But for now I'm planning some apple picking adventures and a fall menu to rival the finest restaurants in town.