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Pokin’ through my pantry, I found some lovely manicotti shells. Then, I recalled a recipe involving Italian sausage and cheese. Italian Sausage Manicotti 1 pound Italian sausage, hot or sweet1/2 medium yellow or sweet onion, diced4 garlic cloves, minced2 teaspoons Italian seasoningPinch crushed red pepper flakes8 ounces chive and onion cream cheese1 cup ricotta cheeseFresh-ground pepper, to…

Happy Election Day! Election Day coverage requires some serious game-day food. Get out and vote. I think it’s a great feeling because we are free to cast our vote for anyone we want, without fear of persecution. Wow! What a great country we live in! Enjoy the coverage tonight. Grilled Tri-Tip Nachos 1 (2 pound) tri-tip, trimmedKosher…

Today is National Chicken Lady Day, which honors Dr. Marthenia “Tina” Dupree. Dupree was the Director of Community Relations and Training at the second-largest chicken restaurant chain in the world for over 12-years. Dr. Dupree led numerous efforts to improve education in her community. She provided training and certification that led to business opportunities to…

Happy Friday! I’m thinkin’ it’s gonna be a slow cooker weekend. Enjoy your weekend! Crock Pot Chicken Enchiladas 2 lb chicken thighs or breasts skinned and boneless2 tsp paprika2 tsp cuminKosher salt, to taste2 tsp chili powder6 garlic cloves, minced2 red bell peppers2 small red onions, diced1 jalapeño, diced *optional2-28 oz cans red enchilada sauce2 cup black…

I asked my mother-in-law, Susan, what she would like for game day food on election night. She wants tacos and I usually do whatever she wants. So I guess we’re having tacos. Vote early and vote often. Carne Asada Street Tacos and Mexican Rice For the Carne Asada Marinade:1 lb. flank or skirt steak1/4 cup orange juice1/4…

Here’s something for a cool, Fall weekend. I used to make this at Tappan Out Pizza, when I was closed on Sundays. Mama Areola’s Sunday Gravy 2 pounds boneless beef chuck roast4 tablespoons olive oil, divided1 pound uncooked sweet or hot Italian sausage links6 cloves garlic4 large sprigs fresh basil4 tablespoons tomato paste2 (28-ounce) cans whole peeled…

We have some cold, wet weather headed to Redding this week. Bundle up with a classic. Tomato Soup with Cheese-Onion Toast For the Tomato Soup:2 tbsp olive oil1 large onion, chopped4 cloves garlic, minced1 carrot, chopped2 cans (28 oz each) whole peeled tomatoes4 cups vegetable broth2 tbsp tomato paste1 tsp sugar1 tsp dried basil1/2 tsp dried oreganoKosher…

Here’s a side for my surf n turf dinner. It’s a good lookin’ side, it’s delicious and it makes your pee smell funny! Garlic-Parmesan Bacon Wrapped Asparagus 2 lb asparagus cleaned, woody ends removed1 stick unsalted butter2 tbsp minced garlic1 lb thin-sliced bacon½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheeseRed pepper flakes, to tasteKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to…

This will make the menu for Saturday night’s Make-A-Wish dinner as a starter. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Court Bouillon (Poaching liquid for shrimp)10 cups cold water2 medium carrots, quartered2 stalks celery, quartered1 large onion, quartered1 head garlic, halved1 lemon, halved1/2 bunch parsley5 sprigs fresh thyme2 bay leaves 2-pounds medium shrimp, de-veined and shell onFresh cilantro leaves, for garnish6 Roma…

I’m putting together a surf-n-turf menu for a dinner at my house that was purchased at the Make-A-Wish Foundation Radio-thon. I’m considering a take on Steak Oscar. Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream Sauce 4 (6 oz) filet Mignon steaksKosher salt and fresh-ground pepper, to taste2 tablespoons olive oil1/2 pound large shrimp, peeled and de-veined1/2 pound…