Stir Fried Bok Choy Sum

It has been a beautiful Fall and the farmer's market in Minneapolis was still going on last week, so Breanne and the kids came downtown and we made our last stop at the market for the year. We had some great finds including some fresh Jalapeno cheese and a new ingredient for me; Bok Choy Sum. Similar to traditional Bok Choy or Chinese Cabbage but the Bok Choy Sum is thinner stalks and leaves with yellow flowers. It's a great looking plant and the little Asian woman assured me that I would like it much more than the traditional Bok Choy. Since I had never tried either I went with her suggestion.

Bagel Extravaganza

With all the bread I have made in my life, I don't know how I've never gotten around to making bagels before. I wouldn't say I'm a huge bagel fan but I really do like a good bagel, especially for a nice sandwich or toasted in the morning for a quick breakfast. The technique for making bagels, with boiling and then baking also intrigued me, so again not sure why I haven't ever tried it.

To make up for lost bagel making time, I've made them for the last two weekends now and gotten to experiment a bit with different flavor combination's. The first weekend I just made plain bagels just to try out the recipe and get a feel for it. Last weekend I went all out and mixed up four different flavor's: Blueberry, Cinnamon Raisin, Garlic and Parmesan and Sesame Seed. They all turned out great and it was a lot of fun getting to play with a new recipe.

Savory Crepes with Creamy Chicken, Bacon and Mushroom Filling

If you remember, last month I went to visit my parent's in Connecticut. We visited the River Tavern restaurant in Chester and had an amazing lunch. I had some amazing shrimp crepes and my Mom tried to track down a similar recipe and recreate it at home. She found this recipe from Emeril Lagasse and although it's not quite the same as what we had for lunch there, I think this may be one of my new favorite foods!

Apple Fritters

This month has been pretty amazing for Minnesota this year. The weather has been beautiful and even quite warm for a few days there at the beginning of the month. I love this time of year and we're trying to enjoy it as much as we can. The only part I don't like is that I know that it's going to start getting colder here quite soon. I ride my motorcycle up to the transit station every day and I've already noticed some mornings are getting a little chilly on the bike.

Pear Cobbler with Blueberries and Stone-Ground Corn Biscuits

I have to admit, I thought this recipe looked great but I was hesitant to make this with the pears and here's why: When I was younger, someone made our family a pear pie for some occasion. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever tasted. I love pears and I'm not sure what made it so bad, but it has made me avoid cooking with pears for over 10 years now.  I decided I was going to make it but substitute peaches to the recipe. My wife was with me though when we were shopping and she convinced me to get the pears.

Blue Cheese and Caramelized-Onion Squares

As Thanksgiving approaches, it's time to start thinking serious food! I know it's a little early but Electrolux Appliances has asked for submissions of appetizers and desserts for Thanksgiving and so it got me going down this track. This is my favorite food holiday and it's always fun to find new things to make for this great get together with family and friends.