Meat Filled Weekend.

 

... "This weekend I put my meat skills to the test. I went to my meat vendors after all of them heard that I got a smoker from a long time high school classmate. I also had some produce from my neighbors and my grocers were insisting that I needed to pair "The Five Basic Tastes" - sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and most important, UMAMI. I didn't picture the green tomato chutney I made, but the ingredients are listed below. Again, I barely ate any of this ... but in the back of mind ... I'm thinking that I should do competition meat cookoffs, especially, BBQ competitions. I'm just glad that I fed James, my BFF's wife, Suzanne, James' mum, and my kick ass neighbors, Serena and Jeff, and Lisa and Eric." /not even hungry and drank my Premier protein shakes instead

Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder - BI Pork Butt. K-Salt. Light Brown Sugar. P.

Green Tomato Chutney - Green Tomatoes, Sugar. Vinegar. Coriander Seeds. S. Red Pepper Flakes. Lemon Juice.

Smoked Prime Beef Ribs - USDA Prime Grade 1st Cut Prime Rib. USDA Prime Grade 2nd Cut Prime Rib ... with my own SECRET Asian/Cajun Dry Rub Blend.

BBQ Sauce - a ketchup based sauce with secret ingredients.

THE PANTRY PANDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

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Sautéed Lemon Chicken Strips. Herbed Rice Pilaf.

 

... "To the people who know me, every Friday night is 'Friday Night Steak Night.' I can't eat beef until October. In the last month, I've cleared out all of the frozen goods in my freezers. All I had left was chicken tenderloins that were for the dogs as a backup when we ran out of prescription dog food. I had some capers, lemons, and James' sliced almonds that he eats for a snack at his office desk. I still have to get rid of 3 pounds of Jasmine rice and lots of chicken stock, beef stock, vegetable broth, and other products in my nearly full pantry. With that all in mind, I whipped up a meal (which I can't eat anyway) and there are plenty of leftovers ... so come over and eat, please, I'm begging you!" /can't believe that it's been a full month since I had gastric bypass and I'm still not feeling hungry nor have the urge to eat anymore

Sautéed Lemon Chicken Strips - Chicken Tenderloin. SnP. VO. US Butter. Garlic. Capers. APUB Flour. LS Chicken Stock. Lemon Juice. Parsley.

Herbed Rice Pilaf - US Butter. Onion. S. Jasmine Rice. Garlic. Fresh Thyme. Bay Leaf. LS Chicken Stock. Sliced Almonds. Parsley.

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Butter Chicken. Onion-Garlic-Chili Naan.

 

... “Today was a disaster. After the storm on Monday afternoon and finding a leak over my kitchen until today, I really needed to make some food. James really wanted Indian food, especially there isn’t one near Schorsch Village. I had to bust out my Instapot because I couldn’t use my stove all day. The recipes I used was given to me by a good friend who now passed, but I tweaked his recipes for more heat and made it more savory in the butter chicken, and used no leavening agents the naan. I only tried a small piece no bigger than my thumb of the naan. I really don’t miss carbs anymore - eating nowadays is tough, but I’m glad I’ve lost almost 100 pounds since I started my weight loss journey in January. One day at a time. One small bite that’s chewed 30x before swallowing. Meh. I wonder who wants leftovers ... I can’t eat it. Anyone?” /needs to learn how to cook for 1.25 not 12.5

Butter Chicken: Onion. Garlic. Ginger. Jalapeno, Homemade Garam Masala, Ground Coriander. Ground Cumin. SnP. LS Chicken Broth. Yellow Curry Powder. Tomato. Sugar. Heavy Cream. SL Chicken Breasts. Greek Yogurt. Cilantro.

Onion Garlic Chili Naan: Water. Greek Yogurt. VO. Egg Yolk. UBAP Flour. Sugar. Rapid-Rise Yeast. S. Onion. Jalapeno. Garlic. Coriander Leaves.

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Zucchini Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce.

.. "My neighbors, Serena and Jeff, graciously gave me a bushel full of fresh tomatoes grown from their own garden. At first, I'm like ... let's make pizza!? Then, I realized that I can't eat carbs until the end of October. I'm going through my Rolodex of recipes. Being that I can't eat carbs and I'm trying to get James to eat healthier (regardless, he eats what I make anyway - so he's already eating healthier) and it's a WIN-WIN situation right now, I decided to substitute pappardelle pasta with zucchini pappardelle. It's so much healthier and it's delicious! I'm not really missing rice or donuts anymore. I'm beyond that. Maybe, I should try making a 'Beyond Burger?' A black bean burger?" /not concerned that I'm stepping out of my food crate to try different things

Zucchini Pappardelle with Bolognese Sauce: Zucchini, Salt. US Butter. Onion. Carrot. Celery. Ground Beef Chuck. Ground Veal. Ground Pork. Whole Milk. Chardonnay. Tomatoes. Parmesan.

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Roast Chicken and Root Vegetables

... 'I'm six days post-RNY surgery, but I wanted to get on my two feet and start cooking again and way some headway for my revamped The Pantry Panda website featuring my husband and my two dogs - not to mention how to make his dinner more bariatric friendly. Tonight's dinner was a test run of how my film crew will stage in my kitchen. James and I haven't received our new dining room table - but the kitchen island is where he ended up having dinner tonight. I took the roasted onions, roasted carrots, and the roasted parsnips and puréed them and de-fatted the drippings from the chicken to make a 'strained yet flavored packed chicken soup.' If any of you guys or girls need a cooking lesson, come on over! We'll go food shopping and give you the tools you need to make some bariatric meals for you and your family which your family will be wanting more - well, you can't because your sleeve/pouch is to limited, ugh. THE STRUGGLE. IS. REAL." /totally wanted to kill that other half of chicken and munch on those blistered and crunchy potato skins

Roast Chicken and Root Vegetables - S (salt). Sugar. Garlic. Bay Leaves. Whole Fryer Chicken. P (pepper). LS (low sodium) Chicken Broth. Red Potatoes. Carrots. Parsnips. Yellow Onions. VO (vegetable oil).

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Spiced Pork Loin with Warm Potato, Celery Root, and Fennel Salad: Brown Sugar.

... "It's been a month since we moved into our new flat that is literally across the parking lot from our old flat. There have been some much needed repairs to the kitchen - the kitchen sink, the microwave, and the dishwasher - that our landlord's handyman and I fixed. In the end, I have a fully functioning and reorganized kitchen with 1/3-less of the kitchen appliances and kitchen gadgets that I graciously gave to my friends. Also, since March, James and I have been eaten out every day instead of me cooking. I finally decided to bring The Pantry Panda back into the light and start cooking once again.

Spiced Pork Loin with Warm Potato, Celery Root, and Fennel Salad: Brown Sugar. Ground Fennel. Ground Coriander. SnP. BL Center-Cut Pork Loin Roast. Red Potatoes. Celery Root. Fennel Bulb. Garlic Cloves. EVOO. Parsley Leaves. Basil Leaves. Apple Cider Vinegar. Capers. Whole-Grain Mustard. White Sugar.

I spent today going to my local grocers to get the ingredients. All of the grocers that I interacted today were wondering why I haven't been cooking. So, I told them why ... lack of motivation and time management. My grocers understood. However, I have to make a conscious effort to make time to cook. My new neighbors around us smelled the parsley-basil relish from the open windows in our living room and kitchen. I made him a plate - which is the second picture. All in all, the inspiration is there again to cook healthy delicious meals for the both of us ... and my new neighbors ... and friends." /watching James devour dinner and stepping back and looking at my kitchen and thinking of the next meal that I'll prepare

THE PANTRY PANDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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Perfect Roast Chicken.

... "Dinner. Who doesn't want to come home to a hot cooked meal? James​ didn't think that I would have candlelight dinner on the table when he got home from work tonight.

Perfect Roast Chicken - Whole Roaster Chicken. KSnP. Thyme. Rosemary. Oregano. Garlic. Lemon. US Butter. EVOO. Onion. Carrot. Fennel.

Sometimes the most easiest meals can be such an elegant one. With the rain pouring down - James and I didn't want to go out; neither Wally or Eva. I turned down the lights and lit votive candles. I told James that I was going to workout immediately after work - it was Abdominals Day. Ugh. Anyway - I did all the mise en place this morning and threw it altogether last minute and put in the oven before I worked out for 2 hours. He walked in soaking wet and angry because he didn't have an umbrella, but when he saw the lights were turned off and one of my favorite YouTube live jazz radio stations playing and smell of aromatics filling the whole flat - his anger turned into happiness. That's all that matters - cooking for the one you love and be unpredictable ... sometimes." /about ready to carve into this 7 pound chicken and eat dinner whilst talking to James about his day at work ... not to mention giving Wally and Eva some chicken too

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Chicken Cacciatore. Parsnip Purée. Arugula Salad.

... "Today was a busy day. James and I went back up to our townhouse to cleanup the second floor and get more of my junk. We are getting new carpet for the second floor next week. With all the errands we also had to do in the suburbs, James wanted a quick Italian dinner and favorite vegetable on the table. I had to make it somewhat paleo-friendly ...

Chicken Cacciatore: Chicken Leg Quarters. SnP. VO. Cremini Mushrooms. Onion. Red Bell Pepper. Tomato Paste. Garlic. Rosemary. Red Pepper Flakes. White Wine. Diced Tomatoes. LS Chicken Broth. Basil.

Parsnip Purée: Parsnips. SnP. Heavy Cream. Thyme. Garlic. US Butter. EVOO.

Arugula Salad: Argula. Lemon Zest. Lemon Juice. EVOO.

With time being a factor - shopping for ingredients, mise en place, actually cooking, serving/food styling, taking countless photos, photo editing in LightRoom, and finally posting the finished presentation plate on social media ... it's very time consuming. In the end though, I finished everything in less than three hours. That's not bad for a time crunch." /needs to head to the gym and do some more crunches to get rid of this flabby belly

THE PANTRY PANDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
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One-Pan Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans and Potatoes.

... " I haven't cooked a Sunday dinner all summer. Autumnal temperatures and the breeze off the lake were quite refreshing today. On Friday, Rush University Medical Center hosted the last 'Rush Fresh Market' of the year. Midwest Foods was there selling fresh produce and I got inspired once again to cook ...

One-Pan Pork Tenderloin with Green Beans and Potatoes: US Butter. Chives. Garlic. S & P. Pork Tenderloin. Hoisin. Green Beans. EVOO. Fingerling Potatoes.

I bought the green beans and the fingerling potatoes from Midwest Foods. The pork tenderloins were from Peoria Packing Butcher Shop in Chicago. One must to get to know local vendors. Local vendors always have the freshest ingredients available. Granted, I don't mind grocery shopping from my local supermarket, but the knowing where you food actually comes from is quite fulfilling - mentally and through your stomach.

James was out for a while running errands and when he got back he wondered where we were going for dinner. I told him I was making dinner and he was shocked. The tables and not to mention the leaves on the trees have turned and I'm going start cooking healthy and including paleo-friendly meals. Stay tuned for more." /wondering if I should take out my Crockpot out of the closet

THE PANTRY PANDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:
TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Thai Coconut-Curry Braised Chicken.

... "So, as promised I made dinner instead of my usual going out to dinner. James​ wanted something quick for dinner and I wanted to use some of the spices that I bought in the last couple of days ...

Thai Coconut-Curry Braised Chicken: Dried Mexican Chilies. Shallots. Scallion. Garlic. Ginger. Lime Juice. Lime Zest. VO. Fish Sauce. Five-Spice Powder. Ground Cumin. Water. BL-S Chicken Breasts. Coconut Milk.

I chose to do a hybrid of two recipes. I wanted to play in the kitchen - heck, I had all day to cook since I've been on nights. Honestly, I like working the night shift. It's quiet and I can get all of my work done without interruption, well, there are some medical emergencies I have to tend to, but alas, I get the job done Just like dinner, I had to get the job done, the cook, the picture, the photo editing, the blog post, and finally - eat. People just don't know how long it takes and the planning I have to do just to get one shot that captures everything I want to say. At the end of the day ... meal? It's all worth it in my book - in my blog rather." /scurries off to work to save lives

THE PANTRY PANDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
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BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables.

... "Sunday night dinner. A weekly ritual that I promised myself to keep as a 2017 resolution, but I already broke it two weeks in a row. I was determined to make dinner tonight. I asked James what he wanted for dinner. He didn't want beef, because we've maxed out prime rib and steak for the last couple of weeks. I didn't want to talk to my new butcher for a pork roast nor my new fishmonger for salmon fillets. So, chicken it is.

Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables: SnP. Sugar. Garlic. Fresh Bay Leaf. Chicken. Water. LS Chicken Broth. Red Potato. Parsnip. Fennel. Shallot. Carrot. Onion. VO.

I haven't really brined anything in my past - so, I wanted to prove that brining does work. I will say that it really does! James and I were surprised how juicy and moist the chicken was and the roasted vegetables with the chicken stock reduction gave it the vegetables that 'umph' it needed. Regardless, back to the main story, I have to focus on cooking again at least 2 to 3 times a week and I promised myself that I would up my photography game too by using soft light boxes and using my camera tripod ... not to mention to take a food photography class. I think I'm on a good start with my resolution." /wonders that I'm going to make this week for dinner ...

THE PANTRY PANDA ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
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Herb-Crusted Prime Rib. Parsnip Purée. Pan-Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Garlic and Parmesan.

... "Sunday Dinner. The one meal that I cherish the most. With all the food that James and I have had over the course of the week, I haven't cooked at home. I really wanted to be lazy today/tonight, and I asked James if he wanted to go out for dinner. He wanted to watch the new season of 'The Man in the High Castle' on Amazon Prime - so, I took this opportunity to head to the grocery stores alone. The word "PRIME" was dancing in my head ...

Herb-Crusted Prime Rib: Second Cut Standing Rib Roast (Bone 6 - Bone 9). EVOO. SnP. Thyme. Oregano. Rosemary.
 
Parsnip Purée: Parnsip. SnP. Cream. Thyme. Garlic. US Butter.

Pan-Roasted Asparagus with Toasted Garlic and Parmesan: OO. Garlic. US Butter. Asparagus. KSnP. Parmesan. Lemon.

James was so focused watching TV while I was cooking away in the kitchen. It's like him on Sundays to chill on the section and play video games and/or catch up on TV. For the first time since we've lived here in Chicago, I felt that we were 'home.' The funny thing is that 'Julie & Julia' was about to start on TV. I opted to serve him dinner on the sectional and join him. Like clockwork, Wally and Eva were right there wanting some. I chuckled. I gave them both a piece. I looked at James and said, 'Rate it!' ... he couldn't reply, he just continued scarfing it down. That's all I needed from him." /has my cold plate of food, but the photographs I took were on point

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
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BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Almonds. Roasted Sweet Potatoes. Smothered Pork Chops with Cider and Apples.

... "The snow is coming down in Chicago and I knew that James and I weren't going to out for dinner. We weren't going to put delivery drivers out there with the roads being so bad. I managed to head to the supermarkets and stock up on sips, snacks, steaks, starches, and sorbet. The five essentials to have in a snowstorm. James wanted comfort food and wanted porkchops and applesauce ...

Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Almonds: US Butter. Gala Apples. Brussels Sprouts. Garlic. Thyme. SnP. Almonds.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet Potatoes. VO. SnP.

Smothered Pork Chops with Cider and Apples: Bacon. UBAP Flour. Cider. VO. BI Rib End Pork Chops. SnP. Onion. Granny Smith Apple. Water. Garlic. Thyme. Bay. Parsley.

James and I have settled on going out to restaurants recently for dinner because of my hectic work schedule. I do say I really missed going to supermarket and getting fresh ingredients to make a home-cooked meal. There's nothing better." /laughs at James eating dinner on the couch with Wally and Eva beside him while looking outside at the snow coming down

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
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BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Steak with Boursin and Potato-Cauliflower Mash. Skillet Broccoli with Olive Oil and Garlic.

... "The first major snow has fallen here in Chicago. After doing a 12 hour shift today, I know on a Sunday ... I didn't want go out for dinner. I haven't cooked in the longest time with my crazy and demanding work schedule and James​ and I are getting tired of traversing all over the place to get food late at night. James didn't want to leave the house and I didn't blame him. I opted to head to the grocery store and make dinner after work.

Steak with Boursin and Potato-Cauliflower Mash: Yukon Gold Potatoes. Cauliflower. US Butter. Whole Milk. S. P. New York Strip Steak. VO. Boursin Cheese.

Skillet Broccoli with Olive Oil and Garlic: OO. Garlic. Thyme. Broccoli. S. P. Water.

As I quickly shopped for dinner, my mind was racing. My mind never rests; just like Chicago. Shoppers were frantically stocking up on the essentials, while I was just trying to get the ingredients to make tonight's dinner for the both of us. Nevertheless, I got home and made dinner. Snow continues to fall outside on the pavement. James asked me to help him take out Wally and Eva after we ate. I insisted that he should do it. I told him, 'I made dinner and I worked a 12 hour weekend shift!' He comes back with, 'I'll rub your belly and do the dishes.' I said, 'You got a deal!" /doesn't want to go back out in the slushy snow

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
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BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Sautéed Pork Chops with Pears and Blue Cheese. Creamy Parmesan Polenta. Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

... "'All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey.' This famous lyric is from 'California Dreamin' by Mamas and the Papas. The weather was just like that today in Chicago. I asked James what he wanted for dinner today while he was at work. He said, '[p]ork chops.' I answered back, '/done.' I went to the grocery store and I thought - palm trees and warm weather. I need to represent that ...

Sautéed Pork Chops with Pears and Blue Cheese: 1" BL Pork Rib Chop. SnP. VO. Pear. Sugar. LS Chicken Broth. US Butter. Balsamic Vinegar. Blue Cheese.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta: Water. SnP. Baking Soda. Polenta. US Butter Parmesan.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels Sprouts. EVOO. Water. SnP.

As you can see, I made the Brussels sprouts into something that looked like palm trees. The polenta resembles sand. As for the pears - don't they look like surfboards? Anyway - I told James the reasoning behind the presentation and why I chose the ingredients that I did ... alas, he didn't care. He sat down and ate it. I chuckled. It's good that he's coming home to a home-cooked meal once again. Looks back towards the kitchen and glad to see this new kitchen is being put to good use." /wondering if we should head into the West Loop for ice cream for dessert

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Old-Fashioned Pot Roast with Winter Vegetables.

... "James and I have settled in our new flat here in the Illinois Medical District in Chicago. The transition for James, Wally, and Eva is quite easy. Heck, I'm quite surprised. It took me 3 days/nights to get my kitchen up and running - yeah, I forgot a couple of key items back in Lindenhurst, but, I'll get them soon enough. I asked James what he wanted for dinner. He said, 'comfort food.' Well, there was farmer's market that I went to and I grabbed some veggies ...

Old-Fashioned Pot Roast with Winter Vegetables: BL Chuck-Eye Roast. S and P. US Butter. Onion. Carrot. Parsnip. Celery. Garlic. Beef Broth. Merlot. Tomato Paste. Bay Leaf. Thyme. Balsamic Vinegar.

I tested out the stove, microwave, dishwasher, and even the refrigerator. They all passed my tests. I couldn't believe how comforting it was to actually cook once again for James. Wally and Eva were right there watching me as well. I shed a couple of tears. I'm just glad that we are all back together in the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Remember, comfort food isn't comfort food - unless you are making memories while eating it." /stares at James scarfing down and licking his plate and asking for more

... "Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Fillet of a big grizzly bear, in the cauldron a soup to share ... FOR EVERYONE! It's October! The pumpkin spice lattes are already out, the leaves are starting to fall, and everyone is anticipating the holidays and the comfort food that comes with it. Did you dust off your fall and winter recipes? What recipes and food photography are you going to share this October? Need I mention Oktoberfest? All the German food and beer!!! Need I mention Halloween? All the sweet treats that all of us will be indulging ... or will you get tricked ... maybe get a 'trick?' Happy October, Bears in the Kitchen!" /looking for käsespätzle and pumpkin pie

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Roast Beef Sirloin with Caramelized Carrots and Potatoes.

... "It's my first official night in my new place in Chicago. It was snowing and raining today. Mother Nature is being a real queen. So, I thought ... I want to be a king cut of beef for dinner ... so did Scott ...

Roast Beef Sirloin with Caramelized Carrots and Potatoes: Thyme. US Butter. Red Potatoes. Carrots. BL Top Sirloin Roast. VO.

Heck, I had to open the windows to vent out the kitchen. The sounds of traffic and pedestrians shouting in the streets made me felt I was in the gauntlet of Chicago's fury. At least my appetite will always be satisfied ... until I want dessert ... hmm, GrubHub?" /wants a pint of Netflix and Chill ice cream (popcorn ice cream with M&Ms) from Cone Gourmet Ice Cream

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

All-American Mini Meatloaves. Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes. Fast Buttery Peas.

... "Having no front teeth is hard. Heck, the foods I enjoy most: fried chicken, hard candy, apples, and even peanut butter have been a challenge. I looked for comfort from a good friend of mine, Suzanne​. I asked her what she gave her baby and she said, adult food. Here I am, eating applesauce and strained carrots and crying over it. I decided to take things in my own hands and make a 'soft food' dinner ...

All-American Mini Meatloaves: Ketchup. LB Sugar. Cider Vinegar. VO. Onion. Garlic. Thyme. Panko. Parsley. W-Milk Wochestershire. Egg Yolk. Dijon Mustard. S & P. Ground Pork. 90% Lean Ground Beef.

Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes: Yukon Gold Potatoes. US Butter. Buttermilk. S & P.

Fast Buttery Peas: US Butter. Shallot. Thyme. Garlic. Frozen Peas. Sugar.

Yes, the struggle is real. I didn't really think how much teeth are important in not only food digestion, but in food consumption! James​ was surprised that I even made dinner with the medication I'm on - he was expecting me to have Ensure and yogurt for dinner ... but, alas, I have to start figuring out food that we can both eat with or without teeth." /so wishing that I had my four front teeth right now

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies.

... "Cookies. Who couldn't resist eating these delicious discs which puts smiles on faces of children young and old. At work, I heard that some people couldn't celebrate Thanksgiving with their families and I felt that I had to cheer them up. I thought that my famous cookies would definitely turn their frowns upside down ...

Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Cookies: US Butter. Dark Brown Sugar. White Sugar. Egg. Vanilla Extract. Orange Zest. Orange Extract. AP Flour. Baking Soda. Cinnamon. Oats. Dried Cranberries.

Cookies aren't just a dessert. Cookies can be a meal all itself. I tend to make my cookies as big as one's head. What really made my day/night is to see the smiles of the faces, the warm hugs, and thanks ... and the tears of the remembering the comforts of home during the holidays with co-workers ... it gave me the warm fuzzy feelings. Pandas love warm fuzzy feelings - especially ... this one."
/looking for a tall glass of ice cold milk

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Pie.

... "Dessert is not one of my specialties; however, when Mark Ciale posted some pictures of his spanakopita using pâte brisée, I had to make something sweet and tart.

Lemon Meringue Cheesecake Pie: Salt. AP Flour. Vegetable Shortening. US Butter. Ice-Cold Water. Heavy Cream. Mascarpone. Cream Cheese. Sugar. Lemon Juice. Egg Yolk. Cornstarch. Cream of Tartar. Egg White.

Baking is a science. I usually eyeball measurements in the majority of my recipes, however; I didn't want to mess this up. I will say though, the final result of the LMCP was not just photogenic, but damn good delicious. James went out to take care of some errands for Thanksgiving by getting the 10-pound turkey that I ordered from my butcher ... I told him just before that he left that I was going to make something simple for dinner ... when he got home though, I surprised him with a piece of the LMCP - you should have seen the look on his face. We were both surprised how good it came out. James said, '[m]aybe you should bake more.' I responded, 'Meh, I'll think about it." /thinks about opening a bakery while eating the torched and smoked meringue ...

#NationalPieDay

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