Monthly Archives: September 2023

The Best Pickles Yet: English Cucumber Pickle Chips

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Today I just made the best homemade pickles ever. The secret? English cucumbers plus a flavorful pickle brine. I just couldn’t pass up blemish-free, organic English cucumbers which I noticed during our most recent shopping trip to Costco’s. Sold in two pound bags, this was a larger quantity that we could possibly eat. Call it an impulse purchase. I have never seen such long cucumbers. I decided that these long, cylinder cucumbers — uniform in size with small seeds — would make perfect pickles. So, here I am making pickles in September. I used a recipe which is sweet and flavorful. These pickles turned out to be crisp and delicious! Holiday presents, perhaps?

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French Dip “Sliders” Au Jus in the Instant Pot

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One of my favorite sandwiches of all times is a French Dip Po-Boy. This sandwich is made with tender roast beef, sautéed onions and melted cheese. Flavorful beef broth or “au jus” is served for dipping the crusty French bread sandwich. You can’t find a better po-boy that this one. It has been awhile since I’ve made these sandwiches, but I’m in the spirit. Plus, it is football season – again – and these sandwiches make an easy game day meal. Just “grap and go.” I “downsized” the sandwiches by using small pistolette rolls to make “sliders” rather than large po-boys.

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Knock-Out Corn Dip

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Here’s an incredible snack dip which is perfect for an autumn football gathering or party. Just open cans! Who would guess that the star of your next party would be “Knock-Out Corn Dip” or that canned corn would make any sort of exciting dip. Watch out. This appetizer can become quite addictive. Our friend, Regina, has been bringing the corn dip to every social event that our little music group has had for the past five or more years — I’ve lost track. Now we tease Regina and remind her to bring the corn dip and chips to parties. The main ingredient is canned Fiesta-style corn which is a colorful medley of corn and peppers. Mix in a sour cream dressing, cheese, seasonings and green onions. Wow. This is a spicy and delicious concoction. I modified the recipe by including fresh corn cut off the cob.

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Southern Baked Beans with the Instant Pot

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I have vague dreams (or nightmares) of celebrity chefs visiting on late night talk shows and cooking an entire meal using four Instant Pots. Now, where in my kitchen can I put four Instant Pots to cook at the same time and still have counter space to prep the ingredients? I think these television shows were aired prior to or during the Covid pandemic. I guess my vision will remain a memory as I hear from the media that the original Instant Pot company has filed for bankruptcy. Not that it matters. If we all take care of our four Instant Pots, we will be cooking in them for many years to come. I still use my one and only Instant Pot from time to time for several select dishes such as this delicious “Southern Baked Beans” recipe.

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