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Let’s get serious now, about game-day food. Sausage-Stuffed, Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers 1-pound mild, or hot Italian sausage16-24 slices bacon8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded¼ cup chives, finely diced1-pound jalapeños, sliced in half, lengthwise and de-seeded (about 15 peppers) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment…

I wrote this with a crowd in mind, but you can certainly pare it down to whatever you need. So bust out your panini and get to work. You can even add a drizzle of sherry wine to the toppings and call it a “Sherry Panini” Get it? Spicy Italian Panini 16 slices of good, hearty breadMayonnaiseItalian…

To hell with the cold weather. One good thing about it, is comfort food. It’s gonna be nasty in Nor-Cal this weekend. Comfort your soul with my mom’s chicken and dumplings. I’ll be back in July to bitch about the heat. Ruthie’s Chicken and Dumplings 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, dividedKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste1 fryer…

Braised Squid Stuffed with Chorizo 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil8 ounces fresh chorizo, peeled and crumbled1 cup fresh bread crumbs1 1/2 pounds whole squid with tentacles1 medium onion, chopped4 garlic cloves, chopped2 bay leaves4 strips lemon zest1 cup white wine2 cups fish or chicken stock1 (32 ounce) can whole tomatoes in juiceKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper,…

The NFL Playoffs are here! I’m rooting for two teams tomorrow. The Browns, for my friend Robert Withrow (a.k.a. Robert Christopher) and the Dolphins, for my son Max and because they’re playing the Chiefs. Double this recipe for a crowd. Rib-Eye Steak Sandwich with Blue Cheese and CaramelizedOnions and Mushrooms 1 lb. boneless rib-eye steak2 tablespoons balsamic…

It’s Super Wild Card Weekend. No Niners till next weekend, but good games. Saturday…doubleheader, Sunday…tripleheader, Monday Night Football. Time to plan your game day menu. This is a smoker to fryer recipe. If you fry them only, fry in batches and increase the frying time to 10-12 minutes. Bang Bang Chicken Wings Bang Bang Sauce:1 cup mayo1/4…

“Show ’em that little move I taught ya there pork chop” Garlic Butter Baked Pork Chops 2 thick, bone-in pork chopsKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste4 tbsp butter, softened1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped4 cloves garlic, minced1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1. Preheat oven to 375°.2. Season pork chops with salt and pepper and set aside.3. In…

Baby backs in the oven is one of my favorites. Baked BBQ Baby Back Ribs ½ cup ancho Chile powder¼ cup white sugar¼ cup brown sugar¼ cup Kosher salt2 tablespoons fresh-ground pepper1 tablespoon ground cumin1 teaspoon dry mustard1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper½ teaspoon ground dried chipotle pepper1 rack baby back pork ribs1 cup barbeque sauce Preheat oven to…

Marinated Flank Steak With Blue Cheese Schmear 1 1/2-2 lbs. flank steaksMarinade1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce2 teaspoons kosher salt1 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper2 tablespoons minced garlic1/4 cup olive oil Schmear1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled3 tablespoons salted butter, room temp1 tablespoon prepared horseradish1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil1 tablespoon chopped fresh thymesalt & pepper 1.Trim steak of any excess…

The 49ers host the Rams this Sunday for the final regular season game of the year. Next up…divisional playoffs! Go Niners!   Easy Grilled Buffalo Wings   1 1/2 cups hot sauce. I like Crystal or Frank’s. 1/2 cup buttermilk Hot wing rub (recipe follows) 3 pounds chicken wings, drums & flats separated. Get them…