1 cup pitted Castelvetrano or kalamata olives, smashed and roughly chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 medium shallot or ½ medium onion, minced
2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed (PJH: use 1 cup)
4 cups (32 ounces) chicken broth (PJH: use 2 cups)
¼ cup roughly chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Heat the oven to 400 degrees. Use paper towels to pat the chicken thighs until dry on all sides. Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon each salt, pepper and dried oregano and a pinch of crushed red pepper.
Place a large Dutch oven or other heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat and add oil. Let oil heat up for a few minutes. Add thighs to the pot, skin side down, and let cook undisturbed until they self-release from the bottom of the pot, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Cut 1 lemon into ¼-inch-thick slices. Add to the pot and cook until caramelized and softened, about 2 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
Add the olives, garlic, shallot and 1 teaspoon each salt, pepper and dried oregano to the pot. Cook over medium-low heat, scraping browned bits from the bottom of the pan, until garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn the heat up to high, add the rice and broth to the pot, stir to combine and cover until it comes to a boil, about 5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat, add the browned chicken thighs on top of the rice, skin side up, then cover the chicken thighs with the lemon slices. Place the pot, covered, into the oven and bake until the rice and chicken are fully cooked, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve topped with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, ginger and salt. Set aside.
Using a separate mixing bowl, either with a stand mixer or a hand mixer, cream together the softened butter and sugars on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy and a pale yellow color, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally as needed. Mix in the eggs (one at a time) and molasses, and beat on medium-low speed until each is combined. Gradually add in the dry ingredient mixture and beat until it is evenly incorporated. PJH: this is where I add the chopped up crystallized ginger.
Transfer the dough to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the dough is completely chilled. PJH: totally fine to skip this part
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper; set aside.
Roll the dough into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Fill a separate small bowl with sugar, and roll each ball in the sugar until it is completely coated. Place dough balls on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 8-10 minutes, until the cookies begin to slightly crack on top. Â (They will crack more while cooling.) Â Remove from the oven and let cool for 4-5 minutes. Then transfer the cookies to wire racks to cool completely.
Serve warm and enjoy, or store in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months.
I hit the skies again to meet up with Courtney who had already been in New Orleans for four nights for a Board meeting. I was joining her for 3 more nights.I worked for a half day and then drove to the airport. My flight was delayed a 1/2 hour – just enough for a quick airport beer.I didn’t get in until 11:30 at night. The next morning we left the hotel early for a morning stroll along the great Mississippi.It was a beautiful morning – sunny and warm – as it was every day when I was there.We stopped at cafe du monde for some beignets and cafe au lait.We walked around the french quarter enjoying the absence of crowds in the morning.For lunch we went to Mother’s which was fantastic. We split a big wet meat po boy, a bowl of gumbo and some turnip greens.Courtney had meetings all afternoon so I hit the streets in search of oysters. First stop: Acme Oyster House.Acme did not dissappoint. I had a quick half dozen, a beer and watched the non stop shucking.Next stop was Felix’s right across the street. Six more fatties and the bartender kept giving me extra ones too. I had to stop as we were going out to dinner soon – but mmm mmm good.I met Courtney back at the hotel when she was done with her meetings. We had a drink at the hotel bar and then ubered to a place called N7 in the bywater neighborhood a few miles out. It was an amazing little place in the middle of a neighborhood hidden behind this wooden fence.We ate in their magical garden and had a great meal.pateGumbo, sazerak… I don’t remember all that we ate but everything was excellent.We got dropped off at the edge of Bourbon Street and walked back. The drunken throngs are not our thing any more – but fun to walk through.beautiful nightThe next morning we walked a bit and then caught the street car to the Garden District. We had breakfast at Ruby Slipper that was just ok and then walked around the neighborhood admiring the mansions.This corn themed iron fence was cool.Courtney had meetings all afternoon so after hanging out at the pool for a bit – it was too hot – I took a streetcar to the art museum to check out their outdoor sculpture garden.Their (free) sculpture garden was very nice – one of the best I have been to.Unique sculptures everywhere.In a beautiful setting.It was huge.Ohhh… there was a cafe du monde outpost right in the park… I can’t say no.For dinner we went to (another) amazing place. Atchafalaya in the Irish Channel neighborhood.I had shrimp and grits that were next level. Courtney had fish that was also amazing.Banana something or other for dessert. Goodness.The next morning was our last day and we were flying out early afternoon. We checked our bags and Courtney wanted to go to cafe du monde again.Who am I to say no.We walked around the french quarter more.Love the live oaks.We went for an early brunch at Compere Lapin – A Nina Compton restaurant for you Top Chef fans. We started with the smoked fish and caviar dip.I had some bougee french toast and Courtney has some lovely chicken and biscuits.We had about an hour and a half to kill after brunch and we were tired of walking so we went to a bar down the street recommend by our waitress – who was from Lakewood by the way. Had my only hurricane – it was good.We relaxed, played some cards and people watched. We got to the airport and of course just as we got there our flight was delayed for over an hour. But we made it home as we always do. Laissez les bons temps rouler.
Sophie and I went on a weekend New York City Trip. We had a 2:50PM flight from CLE and got into LaGuardia around 4:30.We took the free bus from LaGuardia to Queens subway station and then took the subway to Manhattan. The subway was super quick but the bus from the airport took forever due to Friday rush hour traffic. We quickly checked into our hotel and dashed out the door……as we had 7:00PM tix for show on Broadway about six blocks from our hotel and we made it by the skin of our teeth with about 10 minutes to spare. Exhale. The show was great in every way: original – based on a crazy true story, great music and singing. Dead Outlaw. We also won them via the lottery so they were only $35 apiece with no fees – and the seats were great.Pumped after seeing a great show… and famished as we hadn’t eaten in a long time we walked around looking for a place to eat. We walked past Joe Allen and I remember reading about it and we were able to get a table right away. It was a perfect place where we had Manhattans, I had a cheeseburger et frites and Sophie had meatloaf, mashed potatoes and sauteed spinach which won the prize.We got to talking to our super nice waiter and turns out he grew up in Willowick. Small world indeed.Apres dinner we strolled for awhile. We stopped at Magnolia bakery and got a vanilla cupcake and banana pudding. The cupcake was just meh but the banana pudding was a winner… good stuff.Stopped at a pub for a quick pint.…and ended the night in Times Square oggling at all the people and lights.
They have a show at midnight where all the billboards display a video installation. A different artist every night. Not too exciting this night but was pretty cool.After a great nights sleep we hit the pavement bright and early. First stop was a Russ and Daughters outpost that was just a few blocks down. Sophie got a sesame bagel with cream cheese, sauerkraut and red onions. Good stuff.We walked the High Line that was not crowded at all early in the morning. It’s such a unique thing and I was happy to be there when all the trees, plants and flowers were blooming. Amazing gardens at every turn.The day started out chilly but quickly was warming up into a beautiful late spring day.Tiny Island.We jumped on the subway after walking through Chelsea Market, the Starbucks Roastery in Meatpacking district and took the subway to Brooklyn.Our goal was to go to the vintage flea market that was under the Brooklyn Bridge. Lots of vendors with different stuff and lots of people. Sophie bought some sunglasses (I think that is the only thing any of us bought all weekend that wasn’t food or drinks) and then walked along the river with great views of the bridge and Manhattan.We found our way up to the Brooklyn Bridge and joined the crowds heading across.There are not too many things as beautiful as the Brooklyn Bridge… especially on a beautiful May day with bright blue skies.We walked downtown after the bridge. We checked out a couple of cemeteries looking for Alexander Hamilton and Eliza but pretty sure that section was closed off.We stopped at Les Printemps, a new department that just opened up downtown about a month ago. I had to take a picture of the bathroom as it was as beautiful as the whole store.More bathroom pics 😉This was the cosmetics tunnel – so cool.This was the red room in Printemps that was covered in amazing mosaics. The building was an old bank building that they restored.We headed up toward ground zero checking out the 911 memorial area……and the oculus.
We were hungry at this point so hopped over to China town and walked around looking for a good place. We put our name in at Joe Shanghai and got a table after about 20 minutes. We had an excellent meal of soup dumplings, fried dumplings, scallion pancakes and Heineken. mmmmmmmm.
We walked through Bryant Park, went into the NY Public Library and then went to our hotel for a quick siesta.Feeling refreshed we jumped on the subway and headed uptown to walk through Central Park.It was a perfect late afternoon and no better place to be.The sheep meadow filled with lots of people.After spending a few hours in the park we headed back downtown to Greenwich Village. Washington Square was hopping.We had drinks sitting outside at a great little Italian bar called Bar Pisellino in the West Village. Perfect spot.We then stopped at another spot in the neighborhood and had pizza… and had espresso martinis.We then stumbled upon a greek natural wine bar that we had to stop in too. On our way back after an excellent evening.Next days bagels were at Black Seed Bagels – not as good as previous morning’s but still pretty darn good.We walked to Grand Central and explored the beautiful building.We walked up 5th Avenue. It was still pretty early so none of the stores were open. The Louis Vuitton store was impressively decked out as a Louis trunk.
We walked through Central Park again because it was so nice out and made our way to the Met. A John Singer Sargent exhibition was our primary goal. It was interesting.
We also visited the fashion exhibition which was about black male fashion. It was very well done and interesting to look at.We visited a few of the galleries… wish we had more time. It for sure is the most amazing museum. So big with amazing amazing stuff everywhere.
We found our way up to the rooftop patio which offered an amazing view……and some needed refreshement.Sophia wanted to stop at this swedish candy store that was on the upper west side.We walked back to our hotel through the park again. Enjoying the beautiful weather.We grabbed our luggage from the hotel and made it to LaGuardia in no time. Of course our flight was delayed…. but we made it home after another great trip.
Sophie picked Courtney and I up at work in the afternoon and drove us to the airport where, after a pre flight beer, we had a long flight to Vegas getting there at 10:00PM where Thomas picked us up and drove us to their house.The next day we drove Grace to work, borrowed her car and went out to breakfast downtown at a place called Winnie and Ethel’s diner that sounded interesting. It was a good choice. I had these evil deep fried french toast above and Courtney had a full southern breakfast with grits and biscuits with sausage gravy. Good stuff. After breakfast we drove a few blocks to this little coffee spot to buy some coffee as it is what they served at the breakfast spot and it was delicious. We did a bit of shopping and then drove back toward the strip to meet Grace for lunch.After walking around the strip for just a bit we met Grace at the Aria for some Din Thai Fung. Can’t not go there. Can’t not get the cucumber salad.We had a delicious meal getting all our favorites. The Xiao Long Bao are still my favorite though.After our long leisurely lunch we drove back to Grace and TJ’s house. They moved into their new house just a few weeks ago. Their house is super nice – especially their back yard with great patios, pool and hot tub.The next day Grace dropped us off at the car rental and we drove to Zion National Park for the day. It was an easy 2 1/2 hour drive through beautiful scenery in Nevada, Arizona and Utah. We got to Zion around lunch time. We were staying at the NP lodge for the night so we dropped off our car and put on our hiking books and hit the trails. Happy to be back in beautiful Zion. We started at the grottoes and did the west rim trail up to scout overlook. It was a very difficult hike. Up. Up. Up. But we stuck in there and made it. The trail ended at the start of Angels Landing which we will do in some other lifetime. It looks super scary. One of the many switchbacks going up – and back down. Amazing scenery everywhere. Pictures don’t do it justice. It took us about 3 1/2 hours and we were very happy to make it back for a post hike beer. We stayed at the lodge in the middle of the park in this cute little cabin. Nice and cozy. The next morning after breakfast in the lodge we did the Sand Bench Trail that several people reccomended. We had the trail to ourselves mostly. A group on horseback passing us by. We overdressed as it was chilly in the morning but it quickly warmed up as the sun came out. This trail was so different than the previous one going through many different terrains. So amazing. Heading back down through the sand. We drove back to Vegas in the afternoon meeting Grace and Thomas who just finished work. We dropped the rental car off and went to get some ice cream at a custard place we like that was in a local casino by their house. We went out to dinner at a local bar w TJs Mom that night. Our last day we spent the whole day lounging in the sun by the pool while Thomas smoked some chickens. Love the blue skies.
We watched NCAA playoffs from the hot tub and had a nice dinner. We headed off to the airport around 8:00 to catch the red eye back to CLE which was uneventful – but sucked as it always does. Another nice trip to Vegas – can’t wait until our next one when baby Ealy will be here.
Place the cashews, smoked paprika, chili, lime juice, olive oil, honey and salt in a bowl and toss to combine. Spread the cashews on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake, turning halfway, for 20 minutes or until golden. (PJH: 20 minutes is too long…check frequently as they burn quickly – although the burnt ones taste just fine too)
Let the nuts cool completely before serving. You can keep the nuts in an airtight container for up to one week.
Courtney, Jack, Haley and I went on a weekend trip to CHI. We left CLE at 1:30PM on FRI 3/7 and got to Chicago about 5 1/2 hours later driving through rain and snow. We hit the pavement and the River Walk, happy that the weather was finally clearing, for a nice evening stroll looking for a place to eat.We put our name in at a place called Ema that looked promising in the River North neighborhood and then went to a nearby pub for a drink or two while waiting. After about an hour we had a really nice dinner at Ema of Mediterranean small plates (and lots of wine).We stayed downtown at a Hilton Hampton Inn -the skinny stone art deco building above – on East Wacker just off Michigan Avenue. It was a great location.The building was originally the HQ for the Chicago Motor Club – a precursor of AAA. The lobby had this great original mural from 1920’s showing the nations highways and national parks at that time.On Saturday Jack and Haley met some friends for breakfast. Courtney and I had breakfast at the hotel and then went for a walk enjoying the blue skies and big city views.
We met Jack and Haley after breakfast back at the hotel and headed north and explored the great architecture and history. It was a beautiful afternoon and soaked in the sun and blue skies.
We originally were supposed to go to a concert on Saturday night – the reason for the trip – but unfortunately the band cancelled all their March shows. Above…on our way to dinner on Saturday… we met Andrew, William, JP, Soupy and Meg for drinks at Kerryman for drinks and then Lou Molnati’s for pizza. It was fun to see everyone and glad we were all able to hang out.On Sunday we went for another walk until 11:00, checked out and headed to Evanston to visit with Courtney’s uncle and aunt. We took the long way along Lake Shore Drive and Sheridan Drive going past Northwestern and Courtney’s grandparent’s old house in Evanston. Uncle Alan just returned home the previous day from being in the hospital and rehab for a long time so he was very happy to have visitors. We were all there as well as a couple of their old friends, and also Nicholas and Laurie. George and Maddie met us there as well. After visiting for an hour we said our goodbyes and went to lunch at Homer’s with George and Maddie for a throw back lunch of cheeseburgers and milkshakes. Good stuff. We hit the road after that for an uneventful drive back to Cleveland.
Courtney and I ditched cold Cleveland for a trip to Anna Maria Island in FLA. Our 6:00AM flight to Tampa was uneventful and we were in Tampa and on the road by 9:30AM – not bad. After a leisurely brunch at the local First Watch we drove to The Henry B. Plant Museum which was part of the old Tampa Bay Hotel built in 1891 and closed after the depression. It’s now part of The University of Tampa. The old hotel was super cool – huge – and interesting to see how rich folks vacationed back in the gilded age. We spent an hour in the museum, other parts of the old hotel and walking around the grounds and then hit the road for Anna Maria Island – about an hour south.We were so fortunate that John & Alissa invited us to share their house for the week. John’s Mom, Stephanie was also there. They had been there for a week already and her SO and Andrew and William had to leave hence the extra bedroom. So thankful. The house was beautiful in every way – especially the pool and hot tub that we used a lot.Anna Maria Island is a great place – beautiful beaches, not very big and not crowded. click on picture for an article that was just in cleveland.com today about AMI.Our days were spent relaxing on the beach enjoying the FLA sunshine. We celebrated New Years Eve – although we were all in bed before 10:00PM.Sunset before dinner. We went out to dinner once and lunch twice – both at local places. We never left the Island once we were there.The tide was low one morning and explored some interesting tide pools.The Boyd women.We left AMI on Saturday morning and said goodbye to everyone. We stayed an extra day in Tampa area. We stopped at the Florida Botanical Gardens and walked around. We liked this six foot tall bay plant.Alligator and turtle friends?We rented ebikes for the afternoon and biked along a nice trail along the coast – stopping for lunch somewhere along the line. It was the first time on ebikes – could get used to it for sure.We explored Honeymoon Island on Sunday morning as we had an hour to kill before our flight home.Nice trip and so nice to get away.
We have been making this for many years. It is from an old weight watchers slow cooker cookbook that is falling apart – so thought I better put it on here. We don’t follow the recipe directions at all so I won’t even include them here. Just throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning and let it go at its lowest setting all day… et voila, le dîner est servi.
1 lb pork loin cut up into 1 inch cubes. Boneless pork chops work just fine
2 cups onion chopped pretty fine
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
3 garlic cloves minced fine
1 teaspoon salt
2 14 oz cans diced tomatoes, drained
2 14 oz cans great northern beans, rinsed and drained – if you have time cooked dried beans are always better
1/2 lb smoked sausage cut itnto 1/2 inch pieces – we pretty much always use Slovenians which I highly reccomend
Sprinkle each serving w a bit of parmesan, ground pepper and fresh parsley if you have some.
Eat On Edgecliff 