It's a Comfort Food Week

This week's menu is heavy on comfort.  Mr. Hinkelgruber may be thinking warm weather, and lighter fare, is around the corner - but not this week.

Hearts to you!

It was brought to my attention if we posted what might be considered disgusting food, we'd have fewer guests for dinner!  So, in that spirit, you'll notice Tuesday's and Wednesday's menu items are, perhaps, not for the faint of heart.  Honestly?  We won't be around for these meals, either, but thought those of you who might be considering joining us should reconsider.  We won't even be in town!

This past weekend has been a smashing success - my wine cellar is restocked and even the whites are chilled and ready for spring to arrive and the deck to open.  Now, if spring would just hurry up!

Happy Valentine's Day, all!

Told ya: January is the longest month!

Now, I know some of you believed this past week was a long one - but for me, it truly flew by!  And it's the first 'fly-by' week I've had in a couple of months.

Mr. Hinkelgruber and I have planned trips to the coast and to Las Vegas. I can hardly wait!  In the meantime, there is work to be done around the house, a dog that seriously needs to be put on a diet, and the anticipation of farmers' markets opening.  Oh, how I love spring!

If it's February, then....

If it's February, and on Tuesday it is, then spring really is right around the corner.  Some of you may think this means gardening but for me it means less darkness and more time with the deck door open.  (Well, the deck door probably won't really open for at least another two months, but as with gifts, it's the thought that counts!)

Mr. Hinkelgruber pointed out to me that since we've subscribed to a new cooking mag, our usual menu line-up seems to have gone by the wayside.  It was nice to see that as he planned this week's menu three old standard favorites made it in:  Potatoes Au Gratin, Red Flannel Hash and Macaroni & Cheese.  We'll see you this week - you know who you are and we know when we'll see you!

Seriously?....SERIOUSLY???

Are you kidding me?  Seriously?  Are you f------ kidding me?  How can January NOT be over, yet?

My entire life, January has been the longest month of the year (it averages about seven weeks for me). But January 2011 will go down in the annals of my life as taking three full months to get to week three! Which means we have another month/week to go before we even see February.  On the bright side, I guess that means that since they supposedly discovered a new Zodiac sign, there really will be room for it in my calendar world.

The other bright side, is of course, Mr. Hinkelgruber has planned another terrific week of meals - most all of which count among my favorites.  And those that aren't, merely aren't because they're brand new try-outs!  I bet by next week they make it into the favorites column.

What the....???

Before you all say it, know that I too wondered, "What exactly is Mr. Hinkelgruber putting on the menu now?!?"  Yes, you read correctly, "Grape Picker's Skillet."  I had to look it up in the latest cooking magazine we received to make sure I was reading it correctly!  Let me assure you - it has no grapes, but does include bacon, potatoes and gruyere cheese - given those items, who cares what they call it! (Apparently, it's a dish adapted from the Burgundy region of France and a favorite among the wine grape pickers!  Who knew?!?)

Sunday's dinner will also feature a dessert tray of miniature cheesecakes (I'm experimenting for an upcoming dinner to which we've been invited), so forewarned is forearmed.

Bowl Game Week!

It's BCS Championship week and the Oregon Ducks will make their first appearance!

We'll be watching from Sam Hinkelgruber's home (47" of high definition TV!) and hopefully, a "Man-bucket" of Corona will be on hand.  (Hint, hint, Molly?!?)