Maybe I’m missing the south, because I fried chicken for dinner tonight.  Actually there was a sale on two-pack chicken, so that’s the real reason.  I am going to make chicken soup with the other chicken (I will post the recipe for that when I make it).  I usually soak the chicken in buttermilk overnight, but wasn’t planning on the sale.  Seasoning the chicken directly and not the flour helps control the taste.  I know I’m the diet chef, but my screen saver is chicken frying in oil (everything in moderation).  If you want the recipe, just do a search for fried chicken, it’s one of the first posts I ever did.

I read this story the other day, a sign of the times.  Food is now currency, I actually might come out ahead on this new food swapping thing.  How about some homemade soup for a gallon of gas?

I know you, my recipes are fine once and awhile, but what you’ve really been missing is a good kitten video!

Life is full of change.  Some embrace it, and it scares the heck out of others.  I have always embraced it, there is something exciting to me about not knowing what is around the corner.  I am back in New York, and there is without a doubt change happening in my life.  I will be excited to see how it unravels.  While I was in Charlotte I helped Celeste move her massage business to larger digs.  She is now an owner of a wellness center and a landlord (I would say those are big changes!)  It has only been a few years since she started her practice, and since she focuses on barefoot massage, and recently for woman only, it’s really quite amazing how well she is doing.   Part of the reason she is doing so well is because she pays attention to all of the little things.  When you get a massage from her, you are transported to a different place with the music, trickling water, essential oils, fresh flowers, it truly is amazing!  Well, when you take a perfectionist, and mix that with a half-ass handyman to do odds and ends, lets just say the fireworks get rocking!  We’re still friends though.  It doesn’t seem that long ago when I drove her around town and she would run out and stick business signs in the ground.  I forget what the sign said, but I remember she got some creepy calls from guys who thought barefoot massage was something else.  If you want to be blown away or are looking for the gift of a lifetime, check it out here. (oh yeah, she also built both of those websites herself!)

I flew back to Charlotte a few days ago. While I was waiting for my bags at the airport, a family surprised their mom by singing her happy birthday. The mom was so taken aback by her husband playing the guitar, and her nervous tweens singing, it was great. We all clapped when they finished, for some reason I don’t envision that happening at Lagaurdia Airport. My car was indeed a total loss, and they will give me a settlement for it. I am doing some handyman work, so it has been nice to put the old tool belt on again (watch out!) I love bbq, and if I had some free time, and money was not an issue, I would put together a kick-ass team of bbq warriors and travel the country from one competition to the next. I checked out the annual Blues, Brews, and BBQ event here, and if I am in town next year, I decided I am going to be a volunteer. I wanted to eat at the legendary Big Bob Gibsons, but had to run, and the line was long (next time).

Thailand’s Prime Minister got ousted today by the court because of private employment while in office. It turns out he was hosting this cooking show on the sly, though he claims he was only reimbursed for the groceries and travel (yeah, right). I could understand if he was this great host, but he’s really not even that engaging (you gotta give the guy credit for loving food though). I thought the recipe was western when the chef added whipping cream, but then followed that up with fish powder, and proclaimed how good it smelled (gross).

I was so worried about Hurricane Hannah when I left Charlotte that I wanted to curl up in a ball and suck my thumb.  Well, it’s ironic that it swept by there without a drop of rain, and here in New York, we got got dumped on for several hours by that storm.  It’s a beautiful day here, and n.f.l. football starts today (life is good).  I made this for dinner last night as I watched the storm pass through on my balcony,  it’s not how I would make for day job, but rather an easy version that would be great on the family table.

Huevos Rancheros

Serves 4

4 flour tortillas

1 lb. chicken, diced and cooked

1 can refried beans

1 jar salsa

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 fried eggs

chopped cilantro

Warm the tortillas and top with re fried beans, cheese, chicken, salsa, and eggs.  Sprinkle the cilantro, and enjoy.

I fancy myself as a cat whisperer. I never really liked cats until I met Celeste’s. Now I have them eating out of my hand and even her thirteen year old cat who never trusted guys loves me. She was telling me about a new business in Charlotte that is training dogs, and I quickly thought of the equivalent for cats. The name also came fast because this won’t be a cute and cuddly program, but rather a kitty boot camp, where I take no prisoners and show up in my camouflage uniform and teach them some lessons! First step in the program is to get your cat back in shape.

I am in New York, but will be back down in Charlotte next week. Lots to figure out there, my house, my car, moving my stuff in to storage (and my brother’s house), and helping Celeste move her business to bigger and better digs. I am excited about her move, and getting my power drill ready to hang her massage bars. Through it all, I am still testing recipes for the website, I came up with this one for the steak lovers. If you haven’t checked out the website yet than please do. I call it version 1.0 because I already have my programmers working on a bunch of changes, but the bottom line is you get free weekly dinner recipes that are good for you. It’s free, and I have decided to keep it free, so go ahead and sign up, I promise you won’t be disappointed (because you didn’t pay anything). This recipe is one of the free recipes this week, except it is healthier, and has full nutritional information.

Open-Face Steak Sandwich on Garlic Cheese Bread

Serves 2

1 italian sandwich roll

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese

1/2 lb. steak

1 teaspoon steak seasoning

lettuce and tomato

Mix the mayo, garlic, and cheese. Spread on the split roll and bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, season the steak and grill or pan-fry. Slice thin and top the bread with lettuce, tomato, and steak.