THE FLY

Greetings, everyone.  I’m the Cherry’s food critic, Vincent Reinhart.  I’m taking over this blog today because Dennis has been busy in the outside world and in the kitchen, but hasn’t given me space for my reviews.  So, while he is off to his Cast and Crew Fellowship meeting at church, I’ll be catching up on my reviews.

We’ll start off with Garlic-Infused Parmesan Chicken Pasta Casserole.  https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=705575572322517&set=a.427755983437812

As I mentioned before, Dennis is on a casserole kick this year, and this is just one of many.  This turned out to be quite good as is, no adjustments needed.  Much better than the Chicken Parmesan Pasta Bake, which was just okay.  Served with Grandma’s Biscuit’s, it was a good meal.

Next was an early Halloween experiment.  Worm Sandwiches from the digest-size recipe book, “Halloween:  Spooky Snacks and Tasty Treats.“ This was a request by Dennis’s wife, Kristine, who is getting into the Halloween spirit early this year.

And before you say anything, no, Dennis isn’t already in the “spirit” here in August – just because Costco already has the decorations out.  Sometimes Dennis and Kris like to experiment with a new dish before serving it or taking it to a party.  These were fun to make and eat.  I’d say about a hot dog and a half for each sandwich.  The barbeque sauce really gives it a tang.

On a side note, for years, Bull’s Eye Barbecue Sauce, in its many varieties, was the favorite of the Cherry household.  But recently, one recipe called for Sweet Baby Ray’s Barbecue Sauce, then another, then another.  It quickly became the new favorite of the Cherry kitchen.  And it’s available in bulk at Costco.

Next was Candy Calzones from the same book.  Dennis and Kris filled them with Snickers, Twix and Milkey Ways.  This would be a great treat for a pot luck, although, I don’t see what Calzones have to do with Halloween.

Next was Panda Express Orange Chicken (Copycat Recipe).  https://www.theslowroasteditalian.com/panda-express-orange-chicken/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLWoSVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEzRDd5QmtMV3ByejBQVHVIAR7pgov64xAF-_yAhVPgceJog0nzsakNcJSvMAdUvHnUCIM7zaJesA0ctPnxRg_aem_Rx44lj4a_xCWgcocGVxPqg

This was very good, although it did include two ingredients that weren’t in Dennis’ pantry; garlic paste and ginger paste.  It’s always a concern when a new ingredient is called for.  Will it be used again, or will it rot in the fridge?  The orange sauce was good and was just enough to cover the chicken – which was the goal, but we would have liked some more to flavor the rice.  This is a winner, but maybe still a work-in-progress.  Maybe double or triple the sauce next time.  (Maybe that’s how Dennis can use up the garlic and ginger paste.)

Dennis hasn’t tried a new breakfast recipe for a while, and Kris had been yearning the biscuits and gravy from the Apple Farm in San Luis Obispo.  So, Dennis found Southern Style Sausage Gravy with Biscuits.  https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0QaUvLHTA2r3XZuS4CMjESACqhfHeCoJ4SNEC3GR7FMk5jrQvq7f7xy5DB5Kn81ASl&id=100083324051813

This turned out really well and very close to the Apple Farm version.  Dennis liked it as is using two teaspoons of pepper, Kris would prefer just one teaspoon, but that’s just a “to taste” adjustment.

Yes, it was very good!

And last, last night Dennis made BBQ Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese Bake.  https://www.facebook.com/cheapdeliciousrecipes/posts/pfbid02CFaWY7EAU5XjAWYbNH6pLLjbiXBb359opvx3wdcJ1DuMdEHGf8CfmB717JdTS2GTl

Again, another winner in the casserole division.  Kris liked it as it was, Dennis thought it could use a little less elbow macaroni (3/4 pounds) and a little more BBQ sauce (1-1/4 cups).

And now, I’m all caught up in the Cherry kitchen.  It’s unusual that Dennis tries that many new recipes in such a short period of time.

Next week, I’ll let Dennis have his blog back.  

Vincent Rienhart

282nd blog completed.

Second Steampunk novel: 4,986 words.  Chapter Four done.

Second Steampunk screenplay:  157 pages.

First Steampunk screenplay:  Updated with notes from the novelization.

First Steampunk novel:  77,546 words.  Completed until an editor reviews it.

Third Steampunk screenplay:  38 pages.

“Can I get a word in edgewise in my own blog?  There was one ray of sunshine when I had my car accident.  When I had my car towed to the mechanic, this was there.

A movie accurate Jurassic Park vehicle.