Mystery Ingredient

          I enjoyed yesterday's lunch so much that I went back today.  We have stuffed cabbage, rice pilaf, chicken and cabbage ( sauerkraut ) and . . . the mystery item.  There was no label at the hot food bar so I took a chance.

          It seems to be chicken and pork wrapped in . . .something.  It's actually pretty good, whatever it is. 

Eastern European Lunch

           

          I had read some blog reviews of this place and decided to try it.  It's called Baza Market and it's close by in Newton.

          This is stuffed cabbage ( rice and ground pork ), lamb raviolis, and potatoes with mushrooms.  It's pretty good.

          I will definitely go there again.  It was a little intimidating not being able to read the labels on some items, but, what's the worst that can happen ?  I end up eating something I never had before ?  Sounds like a bonus.

           

Deli Sandwich

     Today in the balmy 65 degree Northeast we have a  *special*  lunchtime treat . . . tongue !  I went to Barry's Village Deli in Waban ( Newton ).  It is wonderful, although my co-workers are giving me funny looks.  The half-sour pickle that comes with it is delicious, too. 

Gators !

          I just spent a week in Orlando at Gaylord Palms.  What a place!  They have small Alligators living there.  It's pretty cool.

          
          There is also a lagoon with a boat in it ( indoors ! ).  It is a bar and restaurant and is a great place to have a tropical drink.
          The lagoon is stocked with some of the biggest fish I have ever seen.  I did not find out what they were, but some of the other pools were full of Koi, which are Japanese carp.

 

Marina Bay, Quincy, MA in Winter

     Marina Bay, vibrant in the nice weather, is almost deserted at the beginning of March.  The restaurants and bars are still open, but, without the outdoor seating, the place is so 

much quieter. 

Chili ( again )

 First, we have ground beef ( also known as "hamburger" ).  Browned and then the fat and grease is spooned off and dumped into an old coffee can.

 Meanwhile ( in my Martha Stewart dutch oven ) I saute bacon, scallions, and 5 jalapenos ( diced ).

The finished product.  I have been sprinkling in shredded cheese and it really tastes good.

Thanksgiving !

9:20 AM.  My turkey, about to go in.  Half-an-hour at 425, then 325 the rest of the way.  Basting will occur at 15 minute intervals.

Stuffing is a bread stuffing with shallots and celery.  Bell's seasoning and a little salt and pepper.  The bird was rubbed with melted butter and then sprinkled with salt and pepper.

Chili

Chili !  Nature's perfect food ( or is pizza nature's perfect food ? ).  2-1/2 pounds of hamburger, 2 big cans of diced tomatoes, 2 cans of kidney beans, 3 jalapenos, 1 green pepper, and seasoning.  I sprinkle some shredded cheese in when I'm dishing it up. 

Boston Public Garden

 

 I rode the T today to Park Street and walked across the Common and the Public Garden.  The Garden was beautiful even this far into Fall.

 

 

The ducks were doing their usual thing.  I walked the length of Newbury Street ( no, I did not get a manicure, pedicure, facial, or anything ! ).  Then I cut over to Boylston and walked back.  With a stop at Au Bon Pain for decaf and a Ham, Egg, Cheese sandwich.

Roast Chicken, Potatoes. Onions

 

 

I'm roasting a chicken along with potatoes cut in half and onions also cut in half.  I drizzled a little canola oil and some melted butter on everything.  Then I sprinkled some Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on all of it.

 

The smells are wonderful.  I get to enjoy them for about 2-1/2 hours, or, until the thermometer pops up.