Lettuce Wraps ( Like Changs but way better)

Wash/dry lettuce. I like Butter.

Mix up a nice drizzle sauce. Soy, rice vinegar, fresh grated ginger etc.

Chop some Fungus and green onion.

Sear and chop chicken into small pieces.

Return to pan and saute with veg and fungus. Don't forget to add some Waterchestnuts for crunch and to throw in a nice stir fry sauce.

Serve with some sauces and some bean sprouts.

Very, very Tasty.

Pickles

So. I received a treat the other day from my Dad and sister. They know I like pickles, so they picked me up a "Hot Mama".

All I can say is, "Wow".
That's a stiff vinegar. I didn't get the "hot" part... sure it made my eyes water, but it was all vinegar, no spice.

Mike seems to enjoy his bit, but as far as I'm concerned, my face says it all.
It was pretty rough.

Limeade III (Orange lemonade)

While I did make Limeade, both Chris and David have created excellent posts about Limeade so I will not. I will however mention the addition of mint to the simple syrup made with the lime zest. very nice.

Mint

And now...
Orange Lemonade

O.k. Make a simple syrup. You know, sugar and water. Allow to cool to room temp.

If you can find them, Juice a whole bunch of oranges. (about 4 cups) Juice a whole bunch of limes. (about 1 cup) looking for a ratio here of 4 -1... mix together juices and simple syrup. Serve over ice garnished with lemon slices.

Sit in the shade and drink.

Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella 2000

Everybody else says...

Carefully selected grape bunches are hand-harvested in Bertani’s best Valpolicella vineyards in Fumane, Marano and the Novare Valley. Unlike most leading Amarone producers, who buy grapes from outside growers, Bertani’s harvest originates entirely in the firm’s own vineyards. With marlycalcareous soil sheltered by surrounding woodland, these vineyards offer the ideal terroir for nurturing the quality of grapes necessary for producing a world-class Amarone.

94 Points, Wine Enthusiast - Bertani keeps a library of vintages that remain available. This 2000 is absolutely gorgeous, with exotic spice, clove, milled pepper, black fruit, dried apple skin, tobacco and cola. The complexity is extraordinary and so is the smoothness and quality of its fine tannins.

90 Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate - The 2000 Amarone (70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara) is big, rich and sexy in the way it combines fresh, vibrant rose petals, red cherries and spices with a firm, structured personality... offers notable poise in a powerful, muscular style.

Tasting NotesDeep garnet red. Generous aroma of freshly-picked cherries mingled with notes of sour cherries, vanilla and an agreeable trace of spiciness. Dry, full-bodied and amply structured; cherries, red berries and a hint of vanilla lead into a dazzling finish that recalls walnuts and hazelnuts.
Grape Varieties70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara

I just know it was delicious...

Camp Nacho

Ok So throw some chips and grated cheese into a Dutch Oven...

Apply some heat. For Nachos, it is probably best just on top since you just want to melt the cheese. Takes no time at all to get it all melty.

Top with chopped Onion, Avacado, Tomatoes, Sour Cream and Salsa Verde.

Delicious!

Dump Cake

Dump some frozen fruit into your Dutch Oven. Here I used 4 cups of Blueberries and Blackberries. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of flour over fruit as a thickener.

Dump one box white cake mix with pudding over fruit flour mixture

Gently dump one 20 oz lemon lime soda over everything. Make sure not to mix or anything of that nature.

Dump some heat above and below... I went 24 above and 6 below in case you are interested.

40 minutes later check on your cake.

It may not be pretty but it sure is delicious.

As a side for your dumpcake it is nice to have something like a Pulled Pork Sandwich and some Potatoe Salad.

Boiled Peanuts

I just returned to Richland after being away for a couple of weeks... and while I'm unloading the truck, the neighbors show up and give me some boiled peanuts.  And while I'd say these are by no means a typical Pacific Northwest snack, they are a treat.  They're pretty darn good.

Salty, Soft, with a hint of Cayenne... This is where the Legume side of the peanut shines.  They remind me of beans.

Except for the bit of peanut flavor.