HEALTH, OLD AND BROCCALI CHEDDER SOUP

I haven't been on here for awhile. I just haven't felt as good as I would like. You know the saying, "Its Hell To Grow Old"....well, suddenly, that has really hit home! Now, don't write me and tell me all the benefits there are to growing old.........I know the two. But I sit at my computer and look across my field to the neighbors back door. They are ancient, really old, both of them. They built a ramp to their back door, instead of the steps. I watch them come out, slowly, slowly, working their way to their car. They can barely get in but finally are settled and off they go. I sit, totally still and sort of sick thinking........"Wow, is that it? Is that really the future? Why? Is there any joy? Is there any fun?" Okay, I know there are still fun things ahead, its just a new challenge, a new way of life. Its just that I used to be so busy and so full of life and physically able to do anything. Now, can barely carry a 14 lb bag of dog food to the house from the car.........sigh. Now, don't get me wrong.......I'm not "down" or becoming depressed.......not on my watch........but I just have to accept a new way of life. And I will. I just refuse to dye my hair purple or where lace up black shoes with a polyester pants suit or ride in those little motorized carts at the big box stores...........oh dear.
Now, I want to thank everyone that has asked where my blog is.....I am always amazed at how many people read this. Remember you can google"Cooking for Bob" and see more, older blogs with more recipes.
I guess I am still into soup and boy is this a favorite. I just sort of made it up so hope it works for you.
Saute in a skillet, in butter: chopped carrots, chopped onion, chopped garlic and a head of broccoli florets........sliced.
When sauteed to a soft onion, stir in a Tblsp or so of flour and then add a cup or two of chicken broth, depending on how much you are making, continue to cook til all is soft. Then mush up with an immersible blender if you have one........love mine!.........or use the blender...........When ready.......add a cup or more of milk and a cup or more of shredded cheese......I used cheddar just because I had it on hand. Just stir til all is melted and serve warm. This is sooooo good.
Enjoy!

SUPER BOWL, DIP AND RICE CRISPY TREATS!

Of course, Sunday is a big day! Looking so forward to the game.......GO Broncos! Manning will have his hands full with Newton.......should be a great game!
I follow all trends in cooking. I subscribe to the cooking magazines, watch the cooking shows and read cook books like novels. One of the big trends this year for a Super Bowl dip......is Buffalo Chicken Dip. I've checked out several recipes and found this one pretty easy.
Beat 8 oz cream cheese, a cup of Ranch dressing and 1/2 cup of hot sauce together. Just fold in a bunch of shredded

chicken from a rotisserie chicken from the store.  Put in a buttered pie tin and bake at 350 degrees for about 15 min........Top with a bunch of shredded cheddar cheese and put back in oven for about 10 more min. That's it! Serve with corn chip scoopers.

BUT my favorite is Nachos.........lots of ways to make nachos so I'll just tell you how I like mine.
First.......make your own Pico de Gallo. Chop a couple tomatoes, add a chopped purple onion, add a chopped Serrano, add a bunch of chopped cilantro, then the juice of one lime, two if small and a good sprinkle of salt. Thanks it.
So, In a skillet brown a good amount of hamburger with some chopped onion, and add a tsp or more of New Mexico chili powder, tsp cumin, salt and pepper and sprinkle the whole works with a bit of cornstarch for a thickener and mix well. Now add about1/2 cup of beef broth and simmer til just a little thick. Stir in a drained can of pinto or black beans.  Okay, now put all of your corn chips on a large cookie tray. I make my own chips....just cut corn tortillas with a pair of scissors into 4 pieces, fry til crispy......cool on paper towel. SO much better. Then spoon the hamburger, bean mixture over chips, top with a lot of shredded cheddar cheese and place in oven, for about 20 min......til cheese is melted.
 HAVE all of the following toppings ready to top the nachos before serving.
Top with Pico de Gallo SALSA, and JALAPENO SLICES from jar, then chopped LETTUCE, I like BLACK OLIVES and thin sliced RADISHES  and final GUACAMOLE topped with chopped GREEN ONIONS.
Guacamole: 2 avocados chopped in a bowl, add chopped purple onion, chopped tomato, chopped cilantro, a chopped hot pepper and sprinkle with juice of a couple limes.
Now, this is a whole meal......might be a little bit  time consuming but well worth it.
Are you too "grown up" for Rice Crispy Treats? Not me.........one of my favorites. AND you will be glad to know.........If you make a pan of 24 (9 x 13 pan) that one piece has only 47 calories.......this is if you make it yourself.
Stir over low heat 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick) and 40 large marshmallows or 10 0z of miniatures.........til all melted. Stir into 6 cups of Rice Crispys......pour into a 9 x 13 buttered pan...smash down...that's it. Oh, I like mine a little more gooey.......I only add about 5 1/2 cups of Rice Crispys and they just taste better if you add a tiny red food coloring!
ENJOY the game and your dips!

PICTURES, MUFFINS AND HIMALAYAN SALT LAMP

Okay, you will never know how hard this has been for me to add this picture!!! I will not promise that I can do it again. About 80% of my readers come from googling  "Cooking For Bob".......the Googlers don't have a clue what I look like so this is for all of you, here I am.

Now, for those of you that know me, you know that I really don't cook "healthy" I love butter, cream, sugar, meat and especially meat with a lot of fat and I love deep fat fried foods.  But now and then, I run across a recipe that is deemed "healthy" and decide to give it a try. 

 

 

These muffins are made with lots of grated vegetables........they are so good, I will definitely make them again. 

In a big bowl add: 1/2 cup grated apple, 1/2 cup grated carrots, 1/2 cup grated zucchini or beets, and 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1 shot of honey (1 Tblsp) 1/2 cup olive oil and 2 eggs. Gently mix this all together and then add 1 cup flour, 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp cinnamon and a tiny salt. Fold all together. Last, fold in 1/3 cup of raisins and 1/3 cup flaky coconut. Bake is greased muffin tins at 350 degrees for about 20 min. I made mine in a mini muffin tin, as it makes me think I can eat 12 of them and I won't be eating as much! I also left out the raisins and then my dogs can have one as a treat. Bake in the mini tin for about 15 min.

Do you feel guilty if you don't clean your plate even if you are full?

Breathing Rosemary can help to increase your memory.........I am filling my house with rosemary!

Do you know how to tell if a pineapple is ripe? This came from my son, the Chef, Dustin, pull on the leaves in the center at the top, if they come loose, its ripe. All these years I've been smelling it. LOL!

My daughter, Misty, bought me a Himalayan salt lamp. I am so excited.....it is suppose to remove all the impurities in the air. It also tastes good!

I will be working on posting pictures of my food dishes...............please be patient......

 

 

 

 

BREAD AND THE BEST PORK CHOPS YOU WILL EVER EAT!

I have decided that one of the culprits of modern society weight gain is bread.  First of all we eat way too much bread and we eat really awful bread. I have tried not to eat any bread at all and of course that does not work. What about sandwiches? What about French Toast? What about Grilled Cheese sandwiches? Hamburgers, Hot Dogs? I believe I just gave you an old, old recipe I have had forever for French Bread, I keep this loaf frozen and just slice off enough to go with a bowl of soup, stew, or casserole. If we leave our bread in the bread box or out on the counter in plain view........we will eat more. I have found, my personal preference to be, Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat VERY THIN bread. If we must eat bread, this is the way to go.........if you haven't tried it, give it a try. Makes great sandwiches and you are eating at least half of what you normally would.

I was so hungry for Pork Chops and saw someone on a cooking show, making something similar to this..........sooooo good!
Started with an extra thick beautiful pork chop salt and peppered and browned really well on both sides in a little olive oil.  Remove from the pan.
To the pan add chopped red onion and a couple cloves of chopped garlic........throw in a sprig of rosemary and stir until onions are soft.........don't burn the garlic.
Then add about 1/4 cup of white wine and 1/4 cup of chicken stock. Double this for 2 pork chops. Add a tsp or so of capers, a Tblsp of Dijon mustard and a couple Tblsp of butter.............Stir well. Now add the pork chops back to the pan......place in the oven til cooked through......only 5-10  min. Don't over cook. My pork chop was so moist and tender could cut it with a fork. Loved the sauce, a little different from the norm.

I was thinking this morning.........Do you remember when we didn't have to make a decision about what conditioner to use.....because we didn't use one!? We had only a few shampoos to pick from and no conditioners at all. Many people washed their hair with hand soap. Boy, has everything changed...........sigh.

MAKE UP AND GUACAMOLE!

I guess I have got to buy one of those lighted, magnifying make up mirrors.  I am seeing strange things on my face.......I had NO idea were there. Have you ever seen an old lady with a black hair growing out of her face somewhere and thought OMG why wouldn't she get rid of that hair?! Well, now I know.......she can't see it, folks. That poor old lady cannot see that hair or any of those other strange things. Even if she has glasses....makes no difference. Do you wonder why she has those rosy cheeks, black eye brows and red lips that go out of the lines? Well, that's it........she doesn't have a clue! She can't see. The moral of this story is...........more patience and understanding for these poor old ladies that tend to look like clowns, now you know why.

So, did you love the play offs on Sunday? Well, anyway, the Broncos, Patriots game was really exciting. Sorry for the Cardinals, was really cheering for them, since I lived in Phoenix for 10 years and still have family and friends there. Peyton and Cam.....wow, am hoping for a good game, will be a fun day! So, on Sunday I told you I would be eating chili and apple pie, I ended up eating guacamole and home made chips and a chocolate angel food cake! Did eat the chili the next day.
I know there are many ways to make guacamole........I will give you my real Mexican recipe. First and foremost.........NEVER put your avocados in the blender and turn your guacamole into mush or baby food!
2 perfect ripe avocados, peeled and spooned into a bowl
Mash up a bit with a fork.........not too mushed, just a little.
Add Chopped purple onion, 1 small chopped serrano pepper (seeded) , juice of a lime and about 1 tsp salt. I use Kosher salt for almost all of my cooking. I keep it and my course ground pepper in two little fancy Mexican dishes by my stove. This is the way the Mexicans make guacamole.   I usually add  a chopped tomato. Its up to you. AND people fry your own chips.......cut up fresh tortillas and fry.......so simple and sooooo much better!
Remember if you miss some of these posts or you are just looking for something to read........you can always google Cooking For Bob.  I really enjoy hearing from you. Also, if you have a recipe you are searching for.........I have it.

FOOTBALL-CHILI RULE

I am not sure if this is written somewhere......in the Bible, in History Books, maybe even the Constitution but I know it is a written rule somewhere.......... that you must eat Chili on the day of Football Play Offs! Maybe its because the weather is generally cold and believe me, it is going to be a cold game in North Carolina tomorrow! The Cardinals.......are in for a jolt! Leaving balmy Arizona and the Panthers have already been practicing in the snow.
And, who isn't excited about watching the Manning/Brady Show!! I can't wait!

I really doubt if there are many out there that have made more batches of Chili in their lives, than I have. Unless of course, you are a Chef in a Mexican restaurant. I have always loved Chili and have tried lots of different recipes, some much better than others. I believe when making Chili.......if you like it really spicy, as I do, you must be careful as you don't want to ruin the taste of the Chili with too much spice......theres a limit. Also, big difference between green chili and just good 'ol red chili. (American)
I also know that Chili is always better the second day........another rule......make a day ahead. Okay, heres my recipe for a really good old fashioned chili.
Brown, in your large cast iron pot, a lb of hamburger and about a lb of cut up sirloin.
Next add chopped onion (lots) and chopped garlic. When this is browned good add:
a can of diced tomatoes.....(I like fire roasted), about a cup of beer or more, any left over coffee from breakfast, about a cup of beef broth and a couple Tblsp of tomato paste..........stir and bring to a boil.
Now, here are the spices: 2 or more Tblsp of any of the following......Sriracha, Chipolte Tabasco, Cholula Hot Sauce.......whatever you have on hand.
a couple tsp of cumin, a sprinkle of Mexican oregano, a good tsp of New Mexico Chili Powder and a bunch of salt to taste.
Now add a couple cans of whatever drained beans you want. I like pinto but I guess I also like dark kidney beans or even black beans......what ever you have. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour or so. You may want to add more liquid....beef broth or tomato sauce........just depends on how you like it.
Now, you just have to decide what to eat with..........crushed up soda crackers, always a favorite, tortilla chips, a quesadilla (my favorite) or even a grilled cheese sandwich.
I hope you enjoy the day of football tomorrow and your bowl of chili as much as I am going to. I think there might be another rule that you must eat homemade apple pie for dessert!

TIRES AND CHEESECAKE FOR ONE

First, if you didn't try the bean soup in my last blog.......you really need to. So good, I just finished my last bowl yesterday.
Okay, so a couple days ago I decided that while my car was cold I needed to check a few things. I checked the oil, fine, I checked the water, fine and then I checked the air in the tires, 5 #'s low. Oh, dear. Now I know that in cold weather your tires loose some air but I felt 5 #'s was a little too much. Being alone, I worry about having a blow out or some kind of tire problem. So, I pulled the car around to my garage door, got out the air compressor but do you think I could figure out how to attach my valve stem attachment to the air compressor? NO. The reason you are hearing this story......is that, as much as I hate it, my memory is slowing waaaaay up! I stood in the garage going through all of Bobs tools, talking loudly to myself, furious that I could not remember how to attach the two together. Finally I gave up. A few days later Bobs son, Bill, reminded me of how I did it before with the coupler. Oh, yes, now I remember. But he also said, 5#'s is not too much. I just need to watch it. Okay, that's done.
Do you ever get so hungry for cheesecake but don't really want to make one? I do. I refuse to buy a frozen one and to make one is just too much. But, I found the best recipe for one or two people.  Its so simple and believe me, it tastes just like a real baked cheesecake!
First make your crust: 1 cup graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 c. melted butter and 2 T sugar
Mix and press into a buttered 9" pie tin. No cooking.
Now, mix tog. 8 oz softened cream cheese. 1/2 cup sugar, 1 Tblsp lemon juice, dash of vanilla and dash of salt.......beat in 2 eggs, one at a time and pour into the pie crust. Bake for 25 min at 325 degrees.
Remove and stir tog. 3/4 c sour cream and 2 Tblsp sugar  and smear over the warm cheesecake and back into the oven for 10 more min. Cool on the rack for an hour and then in frig for a couple hours.
I was so impressed with this.......serve with strawberries or blueberries or both thawed. I keep those in the freezer at all times.
Now, I was thinking. Does anyone still eat tapioca or tuna fish casserole? I do. My poor daughter Misty, had to sit at the dining room table for a couple hours, when she was about 5 years old because she refused to even take one bite of tuna casserole! She still hates it!  Enjoy the cheesecake!

DOGS AND ME, BEAN SOUP AND BREAD EVEN A VEGETARIAN WILL LIKE

Okay, I survived the extraction of the piece of root that was left after I pulled my tooth. Still a little temperamental so have been eating soups and soft foods...recipe later.
So during this past week, if you are on Face Book, you know the story of my new adopted dog, Pistol.  Pistol isn't a new dog, has been hanging out at my house off and on for a couple years. He is a Lab/Pit mix and his parents abandoned him, he ended up in the pound and I adopted him. So, now I have 4 wonderful dog companions! Oh, and by the way, Mollys eye seems fine now. But, oh, dear, when it comes time for me to move west this spring.......4 dogs are going to be a challenge. When I go to town, of course, they all want to go. Problem is, they all want to sit in the front seat by me! I wish I could video this, the two big dogs and Molly in one seat and Poncho the Chihuahua on my lap! When I run into the store, they all howl in unison! I'm sure I am the only one that thinks its cute!
I did make the most delightful bean soup. So easy and it could be a vegetarian soup, its up to you.  Wonderful on a cold night with the homemade French bread.
Bean soup:
Put a little olive oil in a large pot and saute: chopped onion, chopped carrot, chopped
                                                                       celery and chopped garlic. Sprinkle with
                                                                       salt and pepper
When soft, add a drained can or two (depending on how much you are making) of cannelli beans or (I didn't have cannelli beans) small white butter beans (limas)
One or two small cans of tomato's either diced, chopped or whole
2-4 cups of chicken broth OR you could use vegetable broth
I threw in a sprig of fresh rosemary and thyme
A bunch of chopped Kale...........simmer about 20 minutes or more and serve with French bread. This French Bread recipe is so easy, I have been making this same recipe for 50 years! Now, I know you can buy a baguette at any grocery store but there isn't anything that smells better then homemade bread baking on a cold day, is there?
In a large glass bowl (run bowl under hot water to warm it up) place 1 1/4 cups of warmish/hot water............sprinkle over 1 pkg yeast..........stir til dissolved.
Then add 1/2 TBLsp of salt and 1/2 Tblsp melted butter.........stir
Now add about 3 1/2 cups of flour or less.......knead and form into a ball......place in a clean lightly greased bowl and cover with a clean towel and let raise in a warm place until dbl in size. This is so easy..........I usually turn my oven on to low and let the bread raise on top of my stove on a cold day.
Now, punch the dough down after it has risen. Sort of roll it out just a little and then roll it up in a log shape, tucking under the ends. Place it carefully on a greased baking sheet, sprinkled with cornmeal. If you don't have cornmeal........you can just forget it but cornmeal should be a staple in your kitchen.
Let raise again........covered......until doubled. Set oven at 450 degrees.........when bread has doubled.........with a razor blade, slice 4 diagonal slices on the top....carefully.
Bake for 25 minutes, remove and brush on some egg white that you have mixed with a little water and return to oven for 5 more minutes! You will absolutely love this......so easy and so delicious! You can easily double this recipe and have 2 delightful loaves.

MOLLYS EYES MY TOOTH AND NO RECIPE

Okay, so this was a very hard day yesterday. I noticed that my dog, Mollys left eye was rolling back in her head. I was devastated. Molly came from the Humane Society in Cabo San Lucas. We think she is about 10 or 11 years old. I have noticed that she was getting cataracts quite awhile ago but she still seems to see fine. So, I spent most of the day, crying, every time I looked at her. We had another dog from Cabo, Ruth, that went blind in her old age but died of a stroke shortly after she lost her sight. But, this morning when we woke up, her eye seemed normal. I know there is not much I can do for her. I've done some research and we'll just take it a day at a time.
Then, over Christmas I had a loose tooth, the only tooth left on my bottom left side to chew with........sigh. Went to Dentist, wouldn't pull til off Plavix for 7 days.......two days later, I pulled it myself. If you ever do this......place a wet tea bag on the cavity and it stops the bleeding right away! Anyway, I didn't get all of the root, so today back to the dentist to dig out rest of the root. Oh, dear, will be sore for awhile.
So you are reading all of this.........why? Because, I won't be posting a recipe for a couple of days.......made chicken soup and jello......I'm prepared........everyone surely knows how to make chicken soup and jello........?
I wanted to post a picture of Molly but still can't figure out how to do it from my phone!! Maybe someone can give me an idea..........?

FOOTBALL SUNDAY AND CHICKEN WINGS! AND HALF OF A CAKE!

Well, I have discovered there are good things and there are bad things about living alone. One good thing I have found is that I can eat whatever I want to, whenever I want to.  So today, I ate an entire half of a chocolate angel food cake! Actually it was a half of a half. I saw a cooking show where Trisha Yearwood made a chocolate angel food cake. It looked so good.....I jumped up and made a half of one......I have a small bunt pan so made it in that. I ate half of it while watching the Seahawks and the Vikings. Can you even believe how exciting these playoff games are?!
So, I am also a creature of habit. On Sundays Bob and I always had chicken wings while we watched our Nascar races. So its chicken wings for the playoff games today. Now I know there are lots of recipes for chicken wings. There are Chinese sticky wings, there are barbeque sauce wings and there are hot wings. Well, really the original chicken wings were the hot ones and that is what I make. I have given you this recipe in the past but I'll give it to you again. So easy and by far the best hot wings you will ever eat. I promise.
Cut your wings into three pieces.....I always fry the tiny ends......worth a bite.
Deep fat fry the wing pieces for about 10 min a batch. I have a deep fat fryer but you can fry them in a heavy pan on the stove top also. (about 350-375 degrees)
remove, place on paper towel and then into a 9 x 13 pan. I always use a glass pan
In a saucepan on stove melt one stick of butter and pour in one 12 oz bottle of Louisianna Hot Sauce.........stir.....bring to a boil.......shut off the heat.
When you have finished frying all of the wings......pour the sauce over all of them and turn them to coat.
Into the oven 350 for about 30 minutes.........I always turn them once while cooking.
Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing.
That's it folks.......Now back to the game.
AND No, I didn't win the 900 million but will shoot for the 1.3 billion on Wed. I did get the power ball.......worth $12.00!

SNOW! GREEN CHILI AND 1 BILLION $ JACKPOT

Opened the blinds this morning to a dark, gloomy day. Okay, you can either choose to go into depression and slink around all day in your pj's or you can make green chili and go buy lottery tickets! I chose the latter. For those that know me, you know I am a gambler but I only allow myself one lottery ticket a week. Well, that just went out the window! The jackpot is at 900 million as I write.........wow.......I know, I know the odds but someone has to win and it could be me! So, I loaded up all the dogs, warmed up the car, drove through blinding snow (just kidding, we only got a dusting) into town to buy my tickets. Now back home and green chili.
Every time I make green chili, it is different. Everyone seems to make it a little different. My son, Dustin, the Chef, uses tomitillos in his, its delicious. I tend to use what I have on hand. Remember, it is called green chili for a reason....its made with green chilis.
I had 1/2 of a pork loin in my freezer, thawed it, cut it into cubes and browned it in a tiny bit of oil. Loins don't have much fat. Remember to be patient when browning meat, the meat will turn loose from the pan, when it is browned.
Chopped about a cup of onions, white and purple, and dumped those in. Sitr
Then added the spices: 1 tsp cumin, New Mexico Chili Powder, a sprinkling of Mexican oregano, salt and pepper Stir and sprinkler with a couple Tablespoons of flour
Now, add a couple cups of chicken broth and stir to bring all together. Now, in real life, I would char, peel and seed a bunch of Pablano chilis but I don't have any. So, I am adding canned chilis. Its okay, people, you do what you have to do!
Add a cut up and cubed tomato
And again, in real life, I would add a can of beer but again, I don't have any beer, so I added 1 cup of white wine. Perfect. Taste test. Perfect.
Chopped a bunch of cilantro and added. You can always add more water as you go. Just before serving I mix a couple Tblsp of flour with a couple Tblsp of soft butter and stir in as a thickener.
I have some tamales in the freezer so will thaw a couple, warm them and add to chili in my bowl. Is there anything better on a cold day than chili? Sorry, Vegetarians. I know, I know, you are healthy.
Enjoy. Good luck tonight with the lottery draw! Wouldn't it be fun if someone we know would win?!
Oh, as soon as I figure out how to move the pictures from my phone to my PC I will be publishing pictures of my food!

HERE I AM AGAIN! AND POTATO SOUP

Okay, I have decided I must do something constructive every day, so I am going to pursue my blog. I just checked into my Blogger.com and saw that I have had over 12,000 views! Wow, I am excited about that, I always thought only family and friends looked at this. This blog will be a bit about growing older and a bit about eating. Whom is not excited about both of those subjects!?!
For those that don't know me........a little info.......I will be 73 in March.  I am a widow. I live alone with my 3 dogs.  I am the Mother of four, I lost my oldest son to cancer when he was 48 yrs old in 2011.  I have 8 grand children.  I lived in Mexico for 21 years.  I lost the love of my life, my husband Bob, in April of 2014.  I love to cook and even though I am only cooking for myself now........I still love to read recipe books, watch cooking shows and cook up a storm in my little kitchen.
I am afraid that as we grow older we tend to get in a routine or a rut. Doing the same things everyday in a certain order. It feels comfortable but oh, dear, very destructive to our lifestyle and our adventurous senses. So, I decided to shake things up a bit. Dr. Oz says to try brushing out teeth with our left hand......I tried.....I ended up missing my mouth and brushing tooth paste over the side of my face!  Then, I decided to really shake things up and vacuum my carpet starting at the end of the carpet that I have always vacuumed last. That was a real adventure. Okay, I won't watch the regular TV shows that I like, instead I will read. I spent an hour looking at my library of books, trying to decide on one. I have many that I have started and not finished........is my mind loosing interest too soon? Is this common for the elderly? I decided against Fifty Shades of Grey (a friend gave me) probably not a good idea.........zeroed in on David and Goliath (underdogs, misfits and the art of battling giants) a book my brother gave me long ago, I thought I had read but after thumbing through, I realize I hadn't. So, today I will read and make potato soup.
Now I know that most of you know how to make potato soup but sometimes, its just seeing the suggestion that refreshes your taste buds to give it a try. Since most of us in the US are experiencing some cold weather, any home made soup is wonderful. We usually have all the ingredients for potato soup on hand, always good for a last minute meal.
First brown about 4-6 slices of bacon.........I like mine crispy
While that is cooking......cut up and dice a couple potato's 
Put the diced potato's in a pot with water, bring to boil and boil and cook just til a bit soft but still a little crispy
In your soup pot put a little of the bacon drippings and saute a diced onion until soft. At this point you can add chopped celery if you like that flavor in your soup. Sprinkle the onion and/or celery with a little flour and stir
Now pour in your milk, about 3 to 4 cups depending on how much you are making
You can use 1/2 n 1/2 for part of the milk if you like it a little richer
Sprinkle in salt and pepper and Tabasco.
Do not boil........just simmer until almost a boil and add your diced potato and chopped bacon. Love this with crispy French bread. Enjoy
I WILL BE POSTING THIS TO FACE BOOK BUT YOU CAN ALSO GOOGLE MY BLOG AT "COOKING FOR BOB".........I WOULD LOVE COMMENTS ON ANYTHING........GOOD OR BAD! THANKS!

LETS TALK DOGS.....AND CHOCOLATE SPICEY SYRUP

Okay, lets talk dogs. Everyone I know has at least one dog if not two. Living in Cabo, all my friends either adopted a street dog or adopted one from the Shelter. The dogs, of course, were so grateful for this new life, they made wonderful companions. I knew all of my friends' dogs names and discussed them as part of a family discussion. In Cabo, when there weren't any telephones, everyone communicated with hand held radios and everyone had a handle, or radio name. Many people went by their dogs names or Two Dog Bob, Three Dog Bob, etc. I didn't even know some of these friends last names but when I addressed them it would be, "Hi, Two Dog, how are you doing?" So, of course, all my life I have had at least one dog. I now have four! Yes, four, two are my sons that I am caring for, PiPi and Poncho. I have my dog Molly, came from the Shelter in Cabo and I now have a stay Pitbull I have named Oreo. Now, if I was to pick a new dog from 100 dogs, Oreo would have been number 100, but I didn't pick him, he picked me. Wandered in as an uncared for, hungry, thirsty big guy looking for a home. He now has one. Being alone, I have grand conversations with my dogs, some listened intently and some have  more interesting things to do, like sniffing the garbage or scratching or looking out the window for squirrels. What would life be without our dogs?

Now, food. I have always felt that I made the best Hot Fudge Sauce in the world and have shared the recipe in the past on this blog but believe me........I have found a new one that is even better. This one has some kick......just enough to make you wanting more. This recipe make quite a bit, you can half it or fill a quart jar and keep in the frig for later. Will last a long time. Just heat enough for your bowl of ice cream and enjoy!
3 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups milk
6 Tblsp butter
Mix this tog in a saucepan and whisk til the sugar is dissolved......3-4 min.
Then add:
1/2 cup plus 1 Tblsp of cocoa
dash of cinnamon
1 1/2 tsp sea salt
1 tsp chipotle  chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne
3 oz semi sweet chocolate
Stir well til all is blended and the chocolate has melted
That's it.........give it a try......You will be so surprised at how good it is!

"ELDERLY"....???? AND SUMMER SALAD DRESSING

Okay, have given this some thought. It has been so hot here in Oklahoma this last month, almost unbearable. With all of the weeks and weeks of rain we had and then suddenly in the high 90's everyday, our heat index has been 118, 116, etc! The air is so heavy its hard to even breath outside. The Government issued warnings that the elderly should stay inside. I thought,  "Yes, of course they should" and then........suddenly......I thought, "Oh, I am an elderly!" Wow, that is hard to except. Elderly have always been those old people with grey hair, canes, old lady black shoes and polyester pants. Is that me? How did this happen? Well, first of all......its not me.......If I ever wear polyester pants please someone put me out to pasture. I still live in my levis, flip flops and t shirts. But, I realize I do have some of those "elderly" tendencies. Now, some people may call this a rut, I call it a routine. I wake up very early, doesn't matter what time I go to bed, I'm up usually before the sun. I have exactly two cups of coffee on the patio while I look through my tablet. First I look at the weather, then local news, then national news, then my emails and last Face Book. I then feed the dogs and I have a bowl of oatmeal, that I have done for 20 years, no sugar just oatmeal and whole milk. My Mexican Doctor told me to do that and I'd never have high cholesterol, he was right.
I then survey my yard, front and back and finally get cleaned up and ready for the day. Do you think this is "elderly"? I guess it is. Do you feel elderly? Do you have a routine? Okay now on to this delightful salad dressing. In the summer, well, actually most of the time I prefer a vinegar/lemon dressing but now and then I get hungry for a creamy dressing. I just love this one.........make enough to store in the frig for awhile.
Not sure if it has a name or if I made it up or where it really came from.
1 cup of Mayo
2 Tblsp Chili Sauce ( I use Sriracha)
1 Tblsp Ketchup
1 Tblsp Worcestershire sauce
1 Tblsp A-1
So good......also excellent on Corn on the Cob and Fruit Salads
Enjoy! AND if I stay inside.........whose going to mow this acre?
Oh, and if you like my blog enough to share, please do. Thanks.

WAAAAAY TOO MUCH TIME ON MY HANDS AND PINEAPPLE ICE CREAM

A friend said to me, after I posted my recipe for dog biscuits, I think you have too much time on your hands. Okay, she's right, so I decided to start my blog again. Like I said before, I am no longer Cooking for Bob but Blogger won't let me change the title  so I guess it still works. I know, even though I am down to one... me...I still love to cook and try new recipes.  I amazed how many people actually read this thing, according to Blogger I have had over 11,000 views! So I guess someone is reading my gab.  Visiting with an old friend from Cabo this morning, doing a little reminiscing of Cabo life. We agreed it was the best years of our lives. I was in the prime of my life, in my 50's and 60's, about 10 years older than most of my friends, damn. Transitioning from my 60's to my 70's has been a tough road. Of course, during this time I have lost my dear husband, my son and my beautiful daughter-in-law, this has changed my life but I guess the theme of my blog is life goes on. My glass has always been half full, not half empty and always will be. So, when I roll out of bed in the morning and every bone in my body aches because yesterday I mowed my acre of grass, I know it will be a good day, because I can still walk! At this moment I still know what town I am in, my name, my dogs names and the day of the week. With that being said, I want to make this blog fun and something you might look forward to reading. Do write comments if you want to discuss something specific. So, now on to food.
This time of the year I tend to make a lot of ice cream. I have one of those ice cream makers where you freeze the canister, add the ice cream and crank like mad for 20 minutes, pour in a container and freeze for an hour or so. Its always perfect and so much better than even Ben and Jerrys, well maybe that's going a little too far but its always good. This is the basic recipe.........so easy.
2 cups cream
1 cup Half and Half
1 cup of sugar
2 cups of what ever fresh fruit you choose
Mix well and pour into your ice cream maker
Now, my favorites are peach and/or raspberry. If you don't want the seeds in the berry ice creams just mash up and put through a sieve for 2 cups of juice. I like my peach a little chunky and if you want fresh pineapple I suggest you simmer it with just 1/4 cup sugar to get it a little mushy......of course cool before adding to the creams. Other suggestions are blackberry, cherry, chocolate chips, toffee, Anything you care to add.
ENJOY!! All these fresh fruits will be gone soon..........now is the time!

SOMEBODY THROW ME A LIFE LINE! AND PEACH ICE CREAM

I know....that is the title of a book but it is so apropos I had to borrow it.  I want to thank all my friends and family that have responded to my blog.  I am amazed at the comments and emails.  I was especially pleased to see, according to blogger.com, my blog has had over 9,000 views! Wow, and I thought only a few friends and family would be it! So, thanks everyone!
Since I have been alone....I spend most of the time thinking or talking out loud to the dogs. I try hard to shut off the "thinking" but it just creeps right back in. Now the last thing I want in my life is depression.......so I take deep serious thoughts and try to turn them into something constructive. I don't want to be a "Debbie Downer" but I feel this is an important subject for everyone and that is, communication with people that are alone. I know I am so guilty of this......so I am pointing my finger first at myself. I think of my own Mother and the years and years she was alone. I was living in Mexico so communication was difficult but I did call at least once a week. Not enough.  When Bob passed away I was barraged with love from friends and family, slowly it all but disappeared, and I am still alone. Okay, okay, this is a fine line in voicing my feelings but not wanting pity or guilt feelings.....I just want awareness. I am sure each of you have someone in your life that is alone. I know that it is hard sometimes to communicate with them but if you only knew what a phone call, a note, a message on FB, or an email means to that person you would do it. I have a friend from Canada that has called me almost every other day since Bobs death. My dear friends, Brenda and Mike from Cabo San Lucas called me everyday, after Bob died, for 22 days straight, before they moved to England. I'll remember that all my life....they cared.  I have several other friends that call almost as often. If you only knew what those calls mean to me. Sometimes, I can't even talk, I just cry, but it is such joy to me to know that someone cares and is thinking of me enough to call or write. Before the conversations ends......I am usually smiling or laughing. Its just a shot in the arm that a person alone needs. So, remember that one caring act can keep a lonely person from feeling sorry for themselves and start to smile and have a good day instead of a bad one.
Okay, enough of that........please understand...its just a message I want everyone to think about.
I know I have given you this recipe before but since it is peach season.....this one can't be beat. This is my Mothers Peach Ice Cream recipe....so simple.....its like eating peaches and cream but you can keep it in the freezer and dig it out anytime.
I will give you her measures for a large ice cream maker. I have a small, hand crank, so my measurements are in parenthesis.
2 quarts cream  (2 cups)
2 quarts mashed peaches (2 cups)
3-4 cups of sugar (1 cup)
Just stir it all tog..........put in your ice cream maker.......it takes mine exactly 20 min.
Scoop out into a freezer container and freeze.
I promise this is just delightful.  I have 3 peaches left so tomorrow will make a mini peach pie. Enjoy your peaches while the are fresh and wonderful. Its a sunshiny day and sunshine always makes me smile!

BITTER/SWEET

Everyday is different. I have some good days and I have some bad days. Yesterday was my Nascar race. Bob and I looked forward to it every week. I would plan special food to eat and all friends and family knew not to call or come by during a race. Our "man" was Dale Earnhardt and then after his death, of course, turned to Dale Earnhardt Junior. Junior has had a rough road to haul but suddenly is on the right course. He won yesterday, his third win of the year, and I was so excited but my heart ached as I could not share it with Bob. For 12 years we have cheered for Junior, wanting so badly for him to be a Champion like his Father. The irony of it.......I believe he is headed for the Championship this year and Bob will miss it. Oh,  I know, he won't "miss" it but it won't be the same for me. These are some of the things we just don't think about with the death of a loved one. No one is sitting in his chair.
Okay, so I spent the rest of the day trying to stay busy. I see the beautiful peaches in a basket on my bar. I'll make peach jam! Now, I am not sure why more people don't make fresh fruit jam or jelly any more. Its so easy and nothing to be afraid of. My daughter Robin has a crab apple tree in her back yard that would serve the entire city of Ft Collins crab apple jelly! Every branch was just weighted down with crab apples. I hope she finds the time to give it a try.
So for 6 pints of peach jam: First buy your pint jars, lids and screw tops. You will need 4 cups of peaches, I cut up my peaches, mash some and leave some of the small pieces whole. Put these peaches in a large pot and add 1 package of pectin. I use Sure Jell. Stir like mad on med/high heat. When comes to a full on boil.........add 5 1/2 cups of sugar. (I know that sounds like a lot but its not....AND it must be exact. Bring all of this to a full on boil.......boil 1 minute. Ladle into clean jars leaving about 1/4" from the top..........Nothing to it. Just follow the directions that come in your package of pectin.
Okay, here's the hints: Wash jars and make sure they are warm. Put the lids in a pan on the stove and bring to a boil, then simmer. As soon as you ladle the hot jam into the jar,
wipe the rim with a wet cloth, to remove any drops......any debris on the rim of the jar will keep the jar from sealing.......place the lid on the jar, then the screw lid and just set aside until you have done all six. You will hear them "pop" as they seal themselves.
I don't put mind through a water bath.......this is all that I do. If one or more doesn't seal....just put them in the frig......will last a long time. Please give it a try.......any fresh fruit is great.......you will be so proud! Okay, Brenda, not sure what kind of pectin you have in England but search around and give it a try.....I remember how much you love peach jam and homemade is the best!

A NEW CHAPTER IN THE BOOK OF LIFE

I given this a lot of thought. I am not trying to be morose or asking for pity but I am writing this as a therapy for the new journey I am taking. As most of you know, I lost my beloved husband Bob in April. Of course my life has changed. I have had days and days of crying, pacing the floor, looking out the window, and begging God to help me. I finally said, "enough, get a grip, thousands of ladies out there have been through what you are going through and they made it......you can too!" I think I am unique, that no one loved their spouse as I loved mine....not true. So I am moving on and this blog is going to help me and maybe someone out there will benefit from my words also.  I am going to continue with my recipes, as cooking is my therapy. I'll always love to cook, it will just be different. I had just learned to adjust recipes to cooking for two and now I'll cut it one more time.......to cooking for one. I am sure this won't be daily but as often as I have thoughts and food I want to share.
Going through this difficult time.......I find my mind just races with different ideas and things I need to do. One day I packed up all of my painting supplies and put them away in the garage. The next day I woke up and said, "Why did I do that, do I think I'll never paint again?!" I move things around in the house from place to place and then suddenly I have everything right back where I started from. So, now I realize I must just take my time and eventually I will find the right answers.
So, quite a bit of TV time right now. I have full control of the remote. Cooking shows do tend to top my list and I was watching Rachel Ray the other day when her guest was Heidi Klum, whom happens to be a great cook. Heidi made her mothers recipe of Sauerkraut Soup, looked so good I immediately jumped up and made it. It was really good and I do want to share the recipe. Oh, I have no eating schedule now.....eat when I am hungry........actually quite nice. Yesterday I had a rib eye at 10:00 am!

Sauerkraut Soup:
3 med onions
1 lb hamburger
2 cups chopped mushrooms
1  2lb bag of sauerkraut (I used canned.....don't drain)
1  28oz diced tomatoes
1 cup vegy broth (I used chicken broth)
1 bottle of shish kebab sauce......no where to be found in OK.....I used a little bottled
            sweet n sour sauce and generous amount of hot sauce
2 cups water
1/2 cup cream
Brown onions and hamburger, add mushrooms.
Add sauerkraut, tomatoes, broth and the kebab sauce....add water as needed.
Just before serving, stir in the cream.....do not let come to a boil!
Misty suggested adding navy or pinto beans.......good idea.
Now I know that this sounds more like a winter dish but I have found that in the hot days of summer, I just want something light and soup is always good. Of course the rib eye was an exception. Enjoy!

COLD, COLD DAY AND SPLIT PEA SOUP

I am not sure what the weather is like where you are but it is cold here in Oklahoma and has been for days and days and days.......I am getting real sick of it! Cold weather does mean soup or stew or chicken 'n noodles or chili or mac and cheese......any kind of comfort food. As a child split pea soup sounded like the most horrible thing anyone could eat. Now, I liked peas but mashed up peas were really disgusting! I think that came from my brother chewing them up across the table from me and then opening his mouth wide so I had to look at him and screech.  I have given you this recipe in the past but I seem not to make the same thing exactly the same twice so here it is again.

SPLIT PEA SOUP

I use smoked beef sausage cut into cubes.  Now, when it comes to buying sausage, for hell sake, this is not the time to be cheap.  Take your time and read all ingredients, only buy the best.

1 russet potato diced

1 onion diced

1 carrot chopped

1 cup dried split peas, rinsed

about 3 to 4 cups chicken broth

Saute the sausage, add potato, onion and carrot continue to sauté til vegys are a little soft. Stir in the split peas and then the broth and bring to a boil.  Simmer about an hour.  You may need to thin with a little more water. I guess you vegetarians could omit the sausage and use vegy broth and it would work for you........not nearly as good but would be okay. LOL!  Pray fro Sunshine......my body needs some rays!!

SUPER BOWL SNACKS.......A MEMORY OF YESTERDAY!

Well, its all over...during the week, I made numerous plans for food for Super Bowl Day but as it turned out, Bob wasn't feeling well and he spent most of the day in bed.  OH, wait, wait, don't feel sorry for me........I am one of those strange people that really enjoys my own company.  I comment to myself, I yell at the TV, I shout, I cuss, I jump up and down and totally enjoy myself. So, I made a decision, I was going to eat snack food all day.  I know its not healthy but decided it was a "sort of" holiday and decided to "Go for it!" Looking in my freezer, which by the way, has lots of little freezer bags of left overs, as I just can't bear to throw away food, I found a bag of red pork filling left from when I made tamales. Another bag of frozen left over refried beans, (yes, I freeze everything!) I layered this and the pork, salsa, and cheese and made a delightful dip. I made some taquitos from rolled up corn tortillas filled with cheese and fried in oil and these were my munchies for the day. But wait, I'm just getting started! Then I ate some cherry jello with whip cream, then 3 "cuties" (the little tangerines) followed by 2 mint filled oreo's (those are just delightful!) and I finished the evening with a handful of chocolate covered raisins and a spicy V8 juice. Isn't that just disgusting!? BUT I really enjoyed every minute of it.  So today, Bob is feeling better and it was meatloaf and baked potatoes for dinner. Is your meatloaf as hard as a brick? Its because you are either using bread crumbs or crackers for filling......if you want light, moist meatloaf use fresh bread torn into tiny pieces.  Sorry about the Bronco's........I so looked forward to a day with Peyton.....congrats to the Seahawks, I guess.....sigh.