Food, fun and randomness
When David and Tony were here, we took a trip downtown, which included a trip to Heaven on Seven for breakfast (not lunch, since the gumbo was not ready 🙁 )
I reacquainted myself with an old friend, Shrimp and Cheese Grits. Still, totally awesome.
On the way out, I thought we should have gotten a steam cleaning, but no one else was interested.
On the way back from Rachel Spangler’s wedding, we wanted to stop and get some Wisconsin cheese (at least some properly squeaky curds). We stopped at the Mouse House.
We needed some lunch. I had the hard salami.
Mom just had their special brick cheese.
Of course, we got some curds, smoked string cheese (awesome) and some Landjäger.
Karen stopped by for Fathers Day, and we teamed up to make dinner. Here is the final result. We made the pesto from Mom’s basil and some parsley.
It was delightful, but would have been better if David was here. Fourth of July, so close…
I saw this recipe from bon appetit on my RSS feed, and thought it looked pretty interesting.
Mixed up and ready to go. Action shot of Mom tossing the arugula salad that accompanied it: 
Plated up with arugula salad: 
It was pretty good, and I would make it again, although I would simplify it. I think the people from bob appetit have too much free time on their hands. Or interns.
David and Karen – I can’t wait to make this for you. Not 🙂
Scott and Amy graciously hosted yet another fine Bacon Fest. Here is a selection of the delightful items we indulged in:
The ever popular classic, Candied Bacon:
Rumaki:
Crostini with goat cheese (Janet):
Thea made these:
Lenny made two different kinds of bacon: honey and bourbon:
Amy made these bacon pot stickers:
We made this Roasted Cabbage with Bacon from The Kitchn:
Bacon wrapped green beans. How did green vegetables get in here?
Scott’s famous bacon burger sliders:
Will made a Spanish Tortilla:
Most of the full spread:
Wish I had gotten a picture of Amy in her bacon dress!
We have been making this for years (probably like 1982-83). It came from one of those little recipe leaflets on the Spice Islands brand spice rack. We tried it and obviously liked it.
Of course, there are Joe ramifications. I don’t add tomatoes, and use more beef bouillon (actually, I use Beef Better Than Bouillon) instead of salt. And, when David isn’t home, we add the mushrooms (Baby Bella’s are really nice).
Here is the recipe:
Just before the final step:
And of course … you must Flambé. Did I mention another Joe ramification was adding a bit more warmed brandy than the recipe calls for?
Now, that is festive enough to serve for Spanokopita!
Nothing seems to help heal a cold faster than homemade Matzo Ball Soup. Thanks to my friend, Leah, for bringing me some! 
So, I had to try it. Everyone’s talking about how it gives you energy and boosts your metabolism and focus. (The easiest container on hand was a Samuel Smith beer glass. I swear it’s coffee!).
I’m not sure that I felt all the benefits, but I definitely liked the flavor. The butter makes it tastes rich and smooth. And it is very filling. I did feel more energized, but that might have just been the coffee. More research in the kitchen is needed.
So much food! Typical Loda feast.
I can’t believe I like ham so much. I used to think I wasn’t a ham person, but I guess TJ’s Spiral Ham has converted me.
We also tried special Easter Polish sausage from Paulina Meat Market. (Later grilled)
Brussels sprouts cooked in pancetta fat and olive oil, and browned to perfection.
Sauerkraut and caraway seeds. The secret is to rinse it first, so it’s not so sour.
Grilled Bread covered in olive oil, butter, garlic, and Herbs de Provence.
Oh yeah, we also had our favorite wine for this special occasion, Chateauneuf du Pape.