Category Archives: Appetizers

Strawberry Jam with Rosemary and Balsamic

This year I decided to change up the strawberry jam recipe again by adding rosemary instead of cinnamon. To offset the flavor of the herb and increase the sweetness I added balsamic vinegar. The result turned out very good, with … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Dessert, Food, Recipes, Things in Jars | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Chocolate and Strawberry Combos

The bubbly is optional, dental floss is not. Chocolate-Filled Strawberries 20 medium strawberries 4 ounces dark chocolate 2 tbsp finely chopped almonds 1.5 tbsp butter 1 tbsp Amaretto Wash and hull strawberries. Scoop out about a teaspoon of the top, … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Dessert, Food, Recipes, vegetarian | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Strawberries First

The secret to this salad dressing is of course really fresh, ripe strawberries. Increase the amount as much as desired, this will keep refrigerated for at least a week. Strawberry Vinaigrette 1 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled 1 tsp balsamic 1/8 … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Food, Garden, Recipes, Sides, vegetarian | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Eggplant Sandwiches

These started out as stuffed eggplant rolls, but the grilling process did not make the eggplant roll up well. Oh well sandwiches worked even better. To jazz this up even more layers of grilled red bell pepper could be alternated … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Food, Grilling/Smoking, Italian, Recipes, Sides, vegetarian | Tagged , , , | 19 Comments

Sunday Suppers: Cinco De Mayo Preparation

This is a week ahead of time so everyone can plan ahead. Of course nothing says you can’t make a few of these earlier in the week. Instead of a full menu, we’re going al a carte this week. Mix … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Beef, Breakfast, Chicken, Dinner, Food, Grilling/Smoking, Mexican, Recipes, Sides, Spirits, vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Potato Flapjacks

Potato pancakes are very versatile. They go well with breakfast, lunch or dinner. They can be topped with any type of meat or sauce and work exceptionally well with applesauce. They also work well as a side with roast meats. … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Breakfast, Dinner, Food, Recipes, Sides, vegetarian | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Bok Choy Soup

This soup is a perfect starter course or light lunch. It does require a little pre-planning if it is going to come together quickly. If the dashi has to be made from scratch add at least two hours. It also … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Dinner, Food, Recipes, Soups, vegetarian | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Crispy Oven Baked Fries

The question has plagued man since the dawn of time. Or the dawn of time when fat was brought to a boil and potato slices fell in. How do I make french fries that are crispy and tasty without adding … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Food, Recipes, Sides, vegetarian | Tagged , , | 23 Comments

Sunday Suppers: Hit the Deck

Let’s take this week’s meal outside. Screened in porches are all the rage down here and a recent trip to our local home-improvement store demonstrated that outdoor furniture costs more than some indoor furniture these days. Fire up the bug … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Chicken, Dinner, Food, Recipes, Sides, Spirits | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

A Lighter Twice Baked Potato

Normally the Rufus Guide does not recommend removing any fat from a dish. Especially something like twice baked potatoes. Here is a healthier option for those of you who want it, or ran out of cream and were to lazy … Continue reading

Posted in Appetizers, Dinner, Food, Recipes, Sides, vegetarian | Tagged , , | 19 Comments