Fresh Produce... and I Mean, FRESH!!!

Finally the dividends have started to pay off! This year both the kids and H and I planted a garden, side by side, very cute. I should really post some pictures. But after a few months of tending and watering as needed, we are started to get some very nice produce, including a ton of cherry tomatoes, and regular, cinnamon, and lemon basil.

Tonight was no exception to our fortunes, as we picked our first cuke (a.k.a. cucumber). It was fantastic. Fantastic! I was watering the garden anyway as we are approaching daily 90 degree temperatures, when H noticed an easily 10 inch long cucumber on the vine. So we picked it, and in a timeless tradition, I rinsed it with the hose, rubbed off the prickles, and took a nice bite of cucumber! Nothing tastes quite as good as veggies (or fruit) right off the plant!

G and C both tried a bite, and H picked a tomato and leaf of basil for an impromptu caprese salad. If only we had a little mozzarella plant to go with!

When My Kids Amaze Me...

I love experiencing those comments kids make that just make you swell up with parental pride. I got to experience one this morning.

G-Ram: "Daddy, do you know who my three best friends are?"
A-Rand (thinking): "Hm. Is this going to include Speckles?"
G-Ram: "Mommy..."
A-Rand (thinking): "Okay, that was a given"
G-Ram: "Speckles..."
A-Rand (thinking): "That was nice, but I wonder if CTR or I gets to rank as #3... or Pooch?"
G-Ram: "And God and Jesus."
A-Rand (thinking): "..... wow ....."
A-Rand: "That's so nice, G-Ram"

Yep, that's all I could muster in return. What an amazing kid.

Confessions of a Buffalo Wing Addict

This somewhat facetiously titled post is about a topic near and dear to my heart - the almighty buffalo wing. I was first introduced to this culinary delicacy around a decade ago, I'd guess. From my first attack of a lightly breaded, dipped-in-sauce ounce-and-a-quarter piece of chicken, I was in love. Granted, at roughly 80 calories a wing, they aren't exactly healthy, especially when you tack some ranch or blue cheese dressing on top of that. But they are good. Oh so good, as I am certain more than a few of you can attest.

Over the years, I've enjoyed many varieties. Fast food wings. Appetizer wings. Boneless. Asian-style wings (alone or soaked in phở). I've even made my own, buffalo wings and buffalo shrimp, to the delight of friends and H-Rand. The hotter the sauce the better; I haven't yet found one I couldn't conquer. My love of the wing has even extended to my last-second victory in the Blazin' Challenge at Buffalo Wild Wings, as described by Wikipedia:

The "Blazin' Challenge" is offered at some locations to patrons who can finish 12 of the hottest wings offered (wings covered with Blazin' sauce) in less than 6 minutes. The rules are no drinking of any beverages, no eating other foods (such as ranch, bleu cheese, or celery), and no touching the face. Customers who complete the challenge are eligible to have their name and picture placed on the Blazin' Challenge wall and are given a "Blazin' Challenge" T shirt.

Yes, I have the T shirt.

So my confession is that lately... I haven't enjoyed a single buffalo wing. I've had wings at quite a few restaurants, including Buffalo Wild Wings, and even from the frozen section of the grocery - and I am just not enjoying them. To the point that I am actively considering my decade-long wing obsession may be over.

But I won't let this go without a fight. To the delight of H-Rand when she reads this, my last chance test will be on Super Bowl Sunday. I must admit the best wings I've ever had were the ones made at home. So next Sunday, while the Steelers and Cardinals battle for football supremacy, a dozen or so wings will wage the battle of their life; yes, a battle for the survival of one man's obsession with deep-fried chicken. I will be making wings at home; the last chance for a line of food to be deemed enjoyable.

Stay tuned for the results of this momentous occasion.

When I Said "Brrr"...

I MEANT BRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!