Sorry for the long time away. Covid-19 and other issues kept us away, but now we're back and looking forward to sharing all kinds of observations, recipes, and experiences. We just came home from a spectacular time in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's like a mini Yellowstone. Every bit as satisfying as Yellowstone without the … Continue reading Highlands Ranch Resort, Lassen Volcanic National Resort
Dr. Pepper Ice Cream
A favorite YouTube channel of mine has become Tipsy Bartender. He makes fun drinks and shows you how to do it in an entertaining way, and is obviously having a great time while he's doing it. Recently I saw a video of his that showed how to make Mountain Dew flavored ice cream. I've always … Continue reading Dr. Pepper Ice Cream
Tuna Steak with Sesame Crust
I recently managed to get a doctors appointment, which is something I have been irresponsibly lacking for a long time. One of the things that came up was I have rather unhealthily high cholesterol. So in the future I'm going to be adjusting my habits and diet to try to get that under control. Less … Continue reading Tuna Steak with Sesame Crust
Pork Lo Mein Hong Kong Style
We had some left-over pork shoulder in the freezer and I wanted to use it up. I decided I was hungry for some Chinese food since we are up here in Northern Wisconsin far away from any decent Chinese food. I wanted something I could do totally in the wok without needing to make rice... … Continue reading Pork Lo Mein Hong Kong Style
Ramona Falls
I've been trying to do a lot more hiking for many reasons lately. For starters, just getting out of the house is important these days. A hike may be the best excuse for it. In addition hiking is one of the safest, most socially distant activities you can do right now. Albeit you do need … Continue reading Ramona Falls
Roasted Potatoes
When I first moved up to Portland, I was living with a room mate and supporting both of us on a grocery store paycheck. Rent took up most of that so simple, easily prepared meals became the way to go. I created this recipe for roasted potatoes for this. It requires only a bag of … Continue reading Roasted Potatoes
Corn Chowder
This is a classic recipe in the Kirkley household and one they I hadn't had in a long time and have never made before. I was in the mood for something rich, hearty, and with the unique flavor profile of corn. I had to get Dad to send me the recipe but when I did … Continue reading Corn Chowder
Chili Verde
I don't know exactly how, but I was talking to my friends about stuff I hadn't ever really got the hang of cooking properly. The thing that came up was authentic Mexican style chilis. It takes a great deal of skill to make this sort of thing correctly and they use techniques not completely familiar … Continue reading Chili Verde
Lost Hills
I recently went to visit a friend in San Diego. I know, travel during the pandemic is risky but I've been stuck inside for a long time and needed a bit of a change of scenery very badly. Plus I hadn't been to San Diego in a few years. Being in San Diego wasn't really … Continue reading Lost Hills
Marinated Mushrooms
Up here in Northern Wisconsin there appears to be a preference for all things pickled; especially in drinks as garnish: pickled Brussels sprouts, pickled radishes, pickled pickles and pickled mushrooms to mention a few. The other day after we finished a round of golf, we stopped in a the bar for our half-off cocktails. I … Continue reading Marinated Mushrooms