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?!?)

Out with the old, in with the new

I really don't believe in New Year's Resolutions (seriously - if you truly want to change, do you have to wait for January 1???), but I kind of like the idea of a fresh start. (And, I read once that it's not a goal if you don't write it down.)  So to that end:

• Go to the gym five days a week, and work out a minimum of 45 minutes a session;
• Use my new "Big Boy" KitchenAid mixer at least once a week (hmmm, may need to increase the gym thing to a minimum of 60 minutes a session); 
• Laugh more; 
• Bitch less

So, my friends and family, here's to a Happy and Healthy New Year to all!

Another Year

This has been an eventful year for the Hinkelgrubers.  Here's hoping for a prosperous and happy new year!

The Solstice is Near

The Hinkelgrubers look forward to the winter solstice every year.  It means we will begin to see slightly longer days and can start thinking about the promise of spring.

Welcome Home Nick!

This week's menu has a remarkable absence of chicken, shrimp, and salmon.  Our youngest son, Nick, is coming home for Christmas break and we are concentrating on his favorite dishes.