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Appetizers

El Dorado Quesadillas 1024 739 Mari Bickmore

El Dorado Quesadillas

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This 2016 election year is the election year from Hell.  As I have mentioned, we have a woman who is as corrupt and self-serving as the day is long.  She is no more a public servant than a man in the moon…there is no man in the moon…

Don’t think I wouldn’t like a woman president, but one who is strong, honorable, and worthy of the title, not one who cleans up her husband’s womanizing problems with her witch’s broom.  Back in 1992, when we lived in Memphis, we had some good friends who lived in Arkansas and were friends of the Clinton’s.  Even though they were friends, they had some pretty bad/wild stories about the Clinton’s, and many revolved around just those things…and they were their friends.   If you are not a liberal wearing blinders, then you have to have read soooo many terrible things about them over these many years, but they seem to be teflon and get away with it all.  Probably because the people who could throw them under the bus are either DEATHLY afraid of them or they have dirt on that person, i.e. blackmail.  But basically they just don’t want to die a early and mysterious death.  I’m sure Hillary has collected enough dirt on people to fill several books.  In any event, this new book by the ex-secret service guy on their staff, just backs up all the things I’ve known or thought I knew (Crisis of Character: A White House Secret Service Officer Discloses His Firsthand Experience with Hillary, Bill, and How They Operate by Gary Byrne).  But do I think liberals will be able to process it???  HAHAHA!  Absolutely not.  They did elect ZerO a second time, and look how he has morally and fiscally bankrupted my country.  I still haven’t figured out how the American public thought electing someone who spent their formative years in Indonesia instead of being steeped in the American culture and learned to love America would be a good choice for President.  It never made sense and still doesn’t.  Anyhow, somehow being a statesman and having integrity is not important for getting elected to President in our current pop culture society.  I find that quite sad and disturbing.
The other day someone I know made a post stating that Christians shouldn’t post things that are judgmental about candidates and that instead they should only post positive things about their own choice for office.  I absolutely and unequivocally disagree with this posit.   Not only when someone is running for office are they laying their life bare for all to scrutinize, but as Christians we are supposed to do some investigation to find the best candidate to strengthen the values we want upheld in our localities and country to maintain for us and our children.  Exposing a bad apple is a good thing.  We are supposed to hate the sin but love the sinner, but when you “hate” a public figure you are hating what they stand for, since we don’t actually know them on a personal level.  We are actually supposed to judge a righteous judgment (that’s true, look it up).  I don’t condone maligning someone with untruths, but, especially in this case, you don’t have to look too far until you see the abyss.  Hillary is like black mold in the walls of a house that is spreading through the cracks and corners and the liberals are like the homeowners who are in denial and just keep painting over it.   We may all do things that are wrong (not as bad as Clinton by any stretch) and make bad choices, but we are not running for political office and then acting like we are in it to help people.  I find her scary and justified in noting it.  We won’t even go into how much she lied on her recent Email-gate investigation and how she somehow wiggled out of getting indicted, although who really thought they would do that to a Clinton…they live above the law and know it.  That’s why they do the things they do.  I will address this later.

On a lighter note, since I always have to end with food, fashion, or design, so food it is…again.  This is a fairly quick and easy dinner, and just yummy.

El DORADO QUESADILLAS

4 boneless chicken thighs

1 large boneless chicken breast

1/3 cup Kitchen Bouquet sauce

1 tsp Tony Cachere’s Creole Seasoning

Grated sharp cheddar OR Mexican cheese blend

Cotijo OR Queso Fresco

1/3 cup chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Good quality flour tortillas

1 Granny Smith apple or other tart firm apple

Cinnamon

Butter

1 Haas avocado

Creamy chipotle sauce (recipe below)

Place all chicken in a glass bowl and stir with the Kitchen Bouquet and Tony’s; let marinate for 30 minutes to an hour.  Meanwhile prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Cut the apple into semi-thin slices and halve.  Sprinkle very lightly with cinnamon and saute in butter until al dente and set aside.

Saute the chicken on medium-high until golden on each side, just a couple of minutes, and then reduce heat to low-medium until done.  Cool just until able to handle, then shred.

In a nonstick skillet, either melt a small amount of butter (my choice) or use an oil of your choice and heat on medium.  Place a flour tortilla in the skillet and twirl to evenly disperse the oil.  Sprinkle all over with both of the cheeses (I don’t do it very heavy, but depends on how much cheese you like).  On one side place chicken pieces, apples, and sauce.  On the other side sprinkle onions, cilantro and some avocado.  Fold the quesadilla in half and cook until golden on each side.  I slice some tomatoes and use the extra avocado to garnish.  Really yummy!

Chipotle Sauce

Okay, this is just something easily made up.  The first time I made it I used ½ cup prepared Chipotle Mayo, about 3 Tbsp of cream, 1/4 tsp cayenne and 1/4 tsp salt.  Way good.

The second time I used ½ up mayo, 3 Tbsp prepared chipotle sauce, 3 Tbsp cream, 1/4 tsp cayenne, and ½ tsp salt.

They are both equally as good in the quesadilla.  The first one has an edge on just tasting out of the bowl.

EAT UP!

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What Are Excuses For? (and Fish Cakes) 1024 768 Mari Bickmore

What Are Excuses For? (and Fish Cakes)

I tell you what excuses are for…to make up reasons why you haven’t done something you need to do.   Well, it’s not that I need to write this, but I do like to do it.  You wouldn’t think so considering the paucity of posts I have written, now would you.  I have to make a confession though.  Something I don’t really like to talk about, yet here I am laying it out to the world…or actually the five people who might actually read this post.  I had been a little down, i.e. melancholy; depressed if you will.  Maybe I was just teary for awhlle.  Call it what you will.  Not a debilitating thing, but not fun either.  From early 2016 until sometime in April I would just cry too easily.  It’s like tears were just parked behind my eyes waiting to come out.  Do you ever feel that way.  I don’t think it’s fun for people you live with either.  If someone said something the least bit off-putting to me, I cried, and then I would start thinking about things I couldn’t control in my life, and that would make the crying last longer.  I have moved so many times now that I have all but forgotten how to make friends, and that would be my biggest trigger.  Somehow I came out of that…thank you God.  I don’t want to make light of depression by saying I came out of it just like that.  I have had this, whatever this is, on and off for many years and it is usually situationally-based in nature.  Stuff happens, right?  Sometimes I just don’t deal well with it.  Anyway, now I’m still trying to remember how to make friends, even though I’m not sure I have the energy for it.  I have concluded that it takes a lot to make new friends at my age.  I feel like everyone in a new place already has a life and friends and is quite busy and that they don’t need someone new in their lives…so I don’t barge in to upset their applecart, so to speak.  In any event, right now my son’s girlfriend from Norway is staying with us and I really like her…maybe she’ll be my friend.  Kind of sounds like I’m in junior high..right?  “Will you be my friend?”

Good new is that I’m able to play tennis again, the sun is shining everyday, the flowers are blooming, and life is good.   My husband is a love and takes good care of me.  I would promise that I won’t write anything morose for quite some time, but I might not be able to keep that promise.  Just depends what life brings my way.  There are lots of things happening in the world that I have a strong opinion on right now:  CRAZY election year here – a lying, corrupt, self-serving witch and a real estate mogul who can’t keep his mouth shut to save his campaign…or is that what he wants us to think?  More CRAAZZY Muslim murderers, Brexit, men using the little girls room, “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together… mass hysteria!”…and the beat goes on.  Ready to put my two cents out there.

In the spirit of Norway (see above), I decided to make something with fish and that turned out to be a very good thing.  I promise you will love these fish cakes.  If you love crab cakes, you will definitely love these.  They are more Cajun than Norwegian, but those guys need to get some spice in their life, I mean spice in their food.

Cajun-Spiced Fish Cakes

Ingredients

2 pounds Alaskan halibut fillets, poached and flaked (about 4 cups loosely packed) I think you coud use most types of mild, white fish or even salmon AND you could sear it  also (I poached mine the day before, and it was actually leftovers and refrigerated overnight – it made it easy to handle)

Option: 2/3 cup of chopped shrimp or langostino

2/3 cup unseasoned fine bread crumbs

4 tsp BonTon Seafood Spice by Jazz  

1-1/2 tsp dried chives or 1/3 cup chopped chives

1 tbsp chopped cilantro

1/2 tsp salt

1  cup Mayonnaise

1 large egg, beaten (or 2 small/medium)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more if needed)

1 tbsp olive oil

Mache lettuce or mixed greens.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the halibut, optional shrimp/langostino, bread crumbs, BonTon spice, salt, cayenne, chives, cilantro, mayonnaise, and egg.  Mix all together gently until crumbs are incorporated.  IMG_5690

Shape into about 3-inch patties about 3/4 inch thick.   Makes 9-10 patties. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

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In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat . Add the cakes and cook until golden, 3-5 minutes per side.  Place two cakes on top of lettuce and a dollop of tartar sauce and serve.  I promise you these are really yummy and pretty darn simple too!

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I had some jalapeno and horseradish tartar sauce that I didn’t love, so I used about half a cup of that and added about 2/3 cup mayo, a minced sweet pickle, a little lemon juice, a tsp or so of chopped cilantro, and a 1/4 tsp of salt.  Perfect for the fish cakes.  Your favorite tartar sauce should work just fine too, or a garlic aioli.

Well, that ought to be enough until next time!  I already need a vacation…where should we go?

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Seared Scallops with Almond Oil 1024 768 Mari Bickmore

Seared Scallops with Almond Oil

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We are in the midst of winter…cold and snow.  Hubby broke out the new snowblower yesterday and had a good time with his new toy.  I am tired of winter, but, then again, I’m tired of winter before it even starts.  I should live in a warmer climate.  But I’ve known that for a very long time.  I do tend to cook more, though, as I don’t get out as much.  I do have to say that these scallops are really, truly wonderful.  They will make you feel like you are eating out at a Michelin restaurant.

I also watch/read a lot of news.  For commentary look past the recipe.  More reasons to repatriate all Muslims to Islam-only countries.

Ingredients

1/4 cup roasted Marcona almonds (I couldn’t find them at my regular grocers, but did find at Costco)

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1-1/2 tablespoons (or more)  white wine vinegar

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh chives

Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper

8 large sea scallops (about 9 oz.), side muscle removed

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2-3 sprigs thyme

2 tablespoons peach preserves

Preparation

1.  Roughly chop almonds into pieces.

2.  Stir preserves and 1/2 tsp water together in a small bowl and set aside.P1030445

3.  Mix almonds and 4 Tbsp. oil in a medium bowl. Whisk in 1-1/2 Tbsp. vinegar and chives; season vinaigrette with salt, pepper, and more vinegar, if desired.P1030444

4.  Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

5.  Season scallops with salt and pepper. Add to skillet. Cook until deep golden and caramelized, 2-3 minutes.P1030450

6.  Turn scallops over to sear the other side.  Immediately add butter and thyme. Frequently spoon butter over the scallops and cook until they are deep golden and just cooked through, 2-3 minutes longer.

6.  Smear 1 Tbsp. preserve mixture onto the center of two plates and top with 4 scallops each. Drizzle some vinaigrette over. Garnish with herbs or baby greens.P1030456

After capturing over 300 Christians in Syria a few days ago, the
Islamic State has begun executing them in the way of Muhammad.

Islam’s Latest Contributions to Peace“Mohammed is God’s apostle.  Those who follow him are harsh
to the unbelievers but merciful to one another”
  Quran 48:29
Note that this list is just for two days… Remember, you can find these atrocities every. single.day.

2015.02.27 (Mainok, Nigeria) – Islamist gunmen walk into a market and shoot fourteen traders to death.
2015.02.27 (Nangarhar, Afghanistan) – Two children are disassembled by a Fedayeen suicide bomber.
2015.02.26 (Jos, Nigeria) – A dozen students are among seventeen innocents shredded by Islamist bombers at a bus station.
2015.02.26 (Zaourararm, Niger) – Two villagers on a horse-driven car are taken out by Boko Haram bombers.
2015.02.26 (Biu, Nigeria) – Nineteen people, including several women, are reduced to pulp by a suicide bomber at a market.
2015.02.26 (Cairo, Egypt) – A person bleeds to death outside a pizzeria following a Religion of Peace bomb blast.
Gourmet Mac and Cheese Appetizer Muffins (Gluten Free!) 1024 768 Mari Bickmore

Gourmet Mac and Cheese Appetizer Muffins (Gluten Free!)

For the first time in several years I am playing Bunco again.  I only know one of the ladies, so it will be a great opportunity to meet some people.  Doesn’t hurt that I won….a whole $15!!!  Plus, I think it is going to a fun group.  I had to make an appetizer to bring with me, so I made some nice comfort food, namely macmac cheese muffins 11 and cheese.  These could be rolled into balls, chilled and fried, also.  You can’t tell this quinoa macaroni from the original, but there are alternatives such as brown rice macaroni.  I just like the quinoa better.  The muffins could actually be served either as a side dish or an appetizer, or a snack for your children.  You could definitely use this recipe for a pan of mac and cheese too.

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon melted butter, plus more for baking dishes
1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
8 ounces grated sharp Cheddar cheese
4 ounces grated Fontina
4 ounces shredded Parmesan, plus 1/4 cup for topping
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 1/4 cups whole milk (or for creamier use half of whipping cream and half of water)
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes.
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne
1/8 tsp nutmeg

DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Butter two muffin tins for a dozen muffins each.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon melted butter with breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan and set aside.

4. Cook macaroni until al dente, In a large pot of boiling salted water, according to package instructions; drain.

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5. In a large saucepan over medium heat, bring milk to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; add cubed cream cheese and stir until melted, about 2 minutes.

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6. Gradually stir in remaining cheeses until melted, about 5 minutes.

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7. Add cooked pasta, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper; and nutmeg and stir to combine.

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8. Divide the mixture into muffins tins and bake until bubbling, about 8 minutes. Remove from the oven; sprinkle with the breadcrumb mixture. Bake until golden, about 8 minutes more.

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Commentary: Islam’s atrocities for the past few days..

2015.02.05 (Damascus, Syria) – The Army of Islam sends rockets into mainly Christian neighborhoods, killing ten residents.
2015.02.04 (Beni, DRC) – Seven women are among twenty-one villagers hacked to death by ADF-NALU.
2015.02.03 (Mabrook, Libya) – Islamists storm an oilfield and slit the throats of thirteen employees.
2015.02.03 (Raqqa, Syria) – The caliphate releases a video showing a captured Jordanian pilot being burned alive in a cage.
2015.02.03 (Alexandria, Egypt) – A civilian is killed – and a child injured – by an Islamist bomb at a checkpoint.
2015.02.02 (Raqqa, Syria) – Another gay man is thrown from a building by Sharia activists.