Old Books and Coffee

Seems I've made a liar of myself. This morning I stated we'd spend the afternoon hunkered down in wait for a large storm. We didn't. Instead Sweet Wife asked if I'd like to get out of the house, storm or no storm. I hit the shower and was in wait behind the wheel before she had a chance to take a deep breath. Women, are slow.

She wanted to take in a large antiques mall. Fine, I knew they had nice benches and a coffee shop. What I didn't know was it also held a fine book shop. As you know books are one of my loves in life. I was happy.

I truly hope you had a nice day too. Try the Balzac.

Stephen

Sweet Banana Fritters

Our forecast for the day calls for heavy afternoon thunderstorms. Think we'll hunker down today and make a few banana fritters.

Recipe from this nice lady.   



If you like fritters, you will love these banana fritters. It seems I am always looking for recipes using bananas and this is a favorite at my house.  We like them for breakfast or just anytime.

1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

3 bananas, mashed

2 eggs

2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring

1/4 cup milk

1 cup oil

Confectionery sugar

 

Whisk together the dry ingredients in a bowl. (Flour, baking powder, cinnamon, sugar, and salt) Add eggs, butter, vanilla, milk and bananas and mix well with a spoon.  Heat the oil in a skillet. Drop mixture into hot oil   (I use an ice cream scoop full for each fritter).  Brown on both sides.  Remove and drain on paper towels.  Sprinkle with confectionery sugar.  (You can use syrup or any topping you like). Makes about a dozen fritters. Enjoy!

 

Stephen

Ugly As Is

I'm sorry but this is just plain bump your butt in the mud ugly. As is...

She's a Taurus Zombie Responder and can be purchased in .454 Casull, .45 Colt and of course the .410.

Slap some nice stocks on her and she'd gleam.

Stephen

Just Another Friday

The clocks ticks, and ticks, and ticks as I wait for the morning ritual of the nurses visit...now they send two for some odd reason. One more day of this and I'm free. Oh, forgot, visit the surgeon on Monday for my official pass off base. If I were a drinking man I'd hit the first bar in town and get rip roaring drunk. But in reality I'll just drive around and enjoy the beauty of our fully bloomed Azaleas. Everywhere I look I see reds and pinks and purples, nice.

Yesterday I went to market and bought the ingredients for a nice Italian dinner. I wanted to do something nice for my lovely wife. She's been through hell the last two months. So I made her a fine dinner, from scratch mind you, of meatballs and spaghetti with bruschetta and a nice fresh salad. I don't do canned or jar sauces. I begin with Roma tomatoes and pace myself for a long day of hard work. It paid off. She smiled all evening. By the way, a small block of imported Parmigiano Reggiano, a very small chunk, cost eleven dollars.

Sweet Wife asked if I thought I could make the meatballs a little bit bigger than normal....sarcastically. Seems I made some whoppers. I used a pound of lean ground beef and one pound of Italian sausage. They turned out very tasty. And before you ask - to the meat add two eggs, garlic, a nice grated mound of the aforementioned cheese, spices, and good quality bread crumbs...mix well. Brown in olive oil. On all sides, and for the love of all that is holy, keep them round. Be gentle when you turn them. I use a slotted spoon.

Your red sauce, a traditional one please, should have been simmering for at least an hour. Then add the meatballs.

Bruschetta, under construction.

And then served.

I went simple and used very good olive oil, crushed fresh garlic (not that canned crap please) fresh basil and plenty of freshly grated Parmigiana cheese. Melt the cheese before you add the other ingredients, it only takes about ten seconds under the broiler.

About the time I was deep into my preps I received a text from my son with a request I run and pick up my Little Bit from school. Afterwards she walks into the house and said, "Papa, it smells so good in here."
She runs in and rummages through my knifes and selects a small one and turns to me with, "Okay, Papa, I'm ready to chop."  Love that girl, I do.

Have a great day.

Stephen

Thanks & Welcome

To my new friend and follower, whskee. Welcome to my humble blog and I promise to always answer any comments. Whskee's blog, is but a shy click away, please drop by and give him a warm hello. His blog is new and he needs a few friends.

Thanks my new friend, and welcome. You are now among friends.

Stephen

Cut Shells

Recently someone asked me about cut shotgun shells. I've only now remembered I'd promised to find and post the video, and I always keep my promises. I like this 'Ole boys shotgun sling too.

Perhaps sometime in the future this little trick might come in handy.

Stephen

Numb

Is the best way I can describe myself of late. Guess I've been stuck inside so long ideas for articles have been hard to find. I've taken to books for inspiration and even that tactic has failed.

Please bear with me.

I'm sure as soon as my life returns to some sibilance of normal my muse will return. Until then please take a look at all the nice blogs listed on my sidebar. They're good talented people.

Later.

Stephen