Posts

Posted on

Inside the seals in Iraq

20121226-083252.jpg

My daughter Kristin gave me this wonderful book for Christmas “American Sniper” by Navy Seal Chris Kyle. Like “no Easy Day”, I sat down and read it in one day!

What is unique about “American Sniper” is not just Chris Kyle’s perspective… But the inclusion of long sections written by his wife that added a meaningful perspective on the sacrifices everyone made.

For those looking for drama and action it is there… Even a bit of family and romance. The story to me was also about Chris finding what was valuable in this world, moving on and paying back to those who made his life successful and meaningful.

I don’t think it hurts the story to say that Chris is learning the value and contribution to the greater good in being a better husband and father. His contributions speak for themselves… But what he is now doing also helps build a better future.

I am reminded that one of the top Christmas wishes for this year… Was for a father.

Posted on

chip in with cioppino on christmas eve!

shrimp and langostino!
shrimp and langostino!

As many Californians know, “Cioppino” (pronounced “CHIP-PINO!) is a favorite Christmas Eve meal. Some cooks make it as a hearty soup while others prefer the thick taste of a stew.

There are many stories on the origin of the name and the recipe for Cioppino. My favorite tale centers around fisherman returning with their catch being asked to ‘chip in’ some of their catch to the communal pot; others say this great dish had its roots in Genoa, Italy. Either way, the roots of this dish are definitely from San Francisco where it still is a popular everyday meal!

This was one of my late father-in-laws favorite meals and he loved fishing through the shells for the little treasures of meat. However, although the obstacles of shells make the dining experience more interesting; I remove all of the shells prior to the final assembly.Yes, I still cook the mussels in their shells and retain the water and flavor to start a nice fish stock. Our Cioppino contains whatever we have on hand along with some special shopping when necessary. Shrimp, langostino, clams, penn cove mussels, scallops, crab, wild cockles headline the dish… but my fish of preference is Talapia.

Cioppino is like a seafood gumbo without the ‘rouge.’ However, if you miss the thicker sauce, you can compensate with more tomato and it transforms into a stew. Everyone loves a little wine into the recipe and the choices very. Many like a bit of bite to the sauce and will add a range of things to meet that requirement… from Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco Sauce to orange juice and capers. I like to add a bit of Pimenton (smoked Spanish paprika).

Now that I have what I need, I can rest until the 24th. It’s worth the preparation.

Posted on

Kokkari in San Francisco

20121212-091634.jpg
Our daughter Kristin with a Kokkari cookbook making a visit to San Francisco complete!

We love Greek food and although much of our food has Greek influences , we still enjoy Greek night whether or not we are visiting Kokkari… But Kokarri is special.

20121212-092105.jpg
No great meal is complete without Baklava Ice cream!

20121212-092235.jpg

Posted on

dear santa, what I really want for Christmas

From the Universal Pictures movie “Bourne Legacy”

I did actually enjoy the movie “Bourne Legacy”. In fact, it is a nice addition to the three previous Bourne movies with a rugged new main character. I won’t spoil it for you, but it is worth the price of a Blue Ray disk.

The rifle that caught my eye was Featured in the movie, it is a high powered rifle that could be quickly broken down and easily assembled… even with your gloves on! Now, that’s my kind of hunting rifle! Italso  nicely fits in a case that can be stowed in your backpack. I am not the only one impressed with this development… here’s a nice article on the gun itself.

Nemesis Arms  makes this rifle (scopes are extra) and believe it or not, they make it right here in California! Check them out on FACEBOOK, too.

When you watch this movie, it’s hard not to want to go out and hunt in the snow!

 

Posted on

Time to reinvent the Twinkie

20121130-123400.jpg

Everyone has an opinion why Hostess failed and now stands to make a whole lot of people rich in the liquidation process… And not surprisingly, it will probably leave a lot of folks unemployed. You never make up the money lost when you go on strike… So it better be worth it to you emotionally.

I do hope they go back to the original formulations … Before they added stuff like high fructose corn syrup to save a few cents…. And to pay their top exec well over $100 k per month. How hard a job was it for this guy to say “close it down.” The Teamsters handled the issue well ( I was a member in times gone by) but a little obscure union was the one who screwed it for the rest of the workers.

Anyway , lets hope that whoever pics up this franchise… Makes it better.