Nomday: Chicken Cacciatore

This was the most expensive meal so far. I think it had to do with the added cost of the wine, but at least I will have some creativity lubrication and Max has something to help him sleep when he gets home from work late at night.

Max drew the art for this page because he kept saying cacciatore reminded him of Bugs Bunny cartoons.

Chicken Cacciatore

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 7 hours

Approximate Cost: $18.50

2-3 lbs. chicken thighs (we used boneless/ skinless)

14 oz. can diced tomatoes with Italian seasoning

6 oz. can tomato paste

14 oz. chicken broth

1 large white onion, sliced

6 cloves garlic, pressed

2 green bell pepper, chopped

1 carton sliced baby bella mushrooms

1 cup dry red wine (I used one small bottle of the Sutter Home Merlot)

1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning (Mix my own combination)

Salt & Pepper to taste

Place all ingredients in the crock pot. Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours until chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.

Steak and Mushroom Stir-fry, Asparagus and Potatoes

My son and I are about to partake in the adventure that is National Novel Writing Month! With that journey only a week away and my birthday just this past weekend, I decided to splurge a bit.

Steak and Mushroom Stir-fry

Prep: 30 min

Cook: 30 min

Serves: 4

1 Lbs. Stir-fry strip steak

1 package sliced baby bella mushrooms

6 – 7 pearl onions

¼ cup Red wine

¼ cup olive oil

3 tbsp. Greek spices

Marinate meat in a portion of the wine, oil and spices. Pan cook meat and veggies with remainder of wine, oil and spices.

Buttered Asparagus

Prep: 5 min

Cook: 10 min

Serves: 4

1 lbs. asparagus

Butter to taste

Clean and cut asparagus. Melt butter in pan. Cook asparagus until soft.

Cheesy Mashed Potatoes

Prep: 10 min

Cook: 20 min

Serves: 4 – 6

1 lbs. Red potatoes

½ cup shredded sharp cheddar

½ cup milk

½ stick butter

Salt & pepper to taste

Boil potatoes until soft, drain and mash with forks or spoon. Blend with shredded cheddar, milk and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy as a great last meal to fuel your next adventure, or in celebration with someone special.

Restaurant Review: Mimi's Cafe

Mimi’s Cafe

7450 W Bell Rd
Glendale, AZ 85308

Mimi’s Café is the perfect place to bring the kids for a slightly classier experience, instead of the typical chain restaurant or burger joint.

JD mentioned that tonight was a fundraiser night for his school at Mimi’s Café on Bell road. Jess was with us for classes and work on her County Fair solo, so we invited her for the experience. It was well worth it. I am sad to read so many poor online reviews about Mimi’s. We had a notably wonderful time!

For a Tuesday evening the crowd was minimal, so we expected a short wait, we got that. Our waiter, Edward, was fabulously attentive, offering suggestions, and letting us know that the bread basket and drinks were bottomless. He gave us plenty of time to make our choices, but never left us wondering where he had run off. Being that this was Jess’s and JD’s first visit the manager came out to our table with a box of complimentary muffins to take home with us! I was astonished!

JD ordered the basics, Buttermilk Shrimp and fries. He was very pleased! He was equally pleased with the decadent Triple Fudge Brownie he ordered for desert. We thought Jess’s face was going to melt with joy at first nibble of her Petite Filet, cooked to perfection. She raved about the simple perfection of the coffee and the Tomato Bisque. I was more than equally pleased with the choice of Scallops and Asparagus Ravioli. Jess and I also ordered the Chocolate Mousse, astounding!

The provincial atmosphere was perfect and even prompted a brief French lesson and proper tables manners from both Jess and JD. Did I mention how wonderful the waiter was? Yeah. That good! While Mimi’s is a bit on the pricey side of family dining it is well worth every penny. The portions are reasonable without being too slight or excessive. And, again, the staff, amazing! It is not just about the muffins and bread, but they are awesome too!

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz

On my last bellydancing performance adventure as AdeebA Korsana with Dancers of DeNile I visited Ground Control Coffee Company in Goodyear, Arizona. Like most performances I get a little bit nervous prior to, during, and after being on stage. Unlike most dance locations, Ground Control serves a broad range of alcoholic courage elixirs.

I asked Shaun to grab me a glass of vino. Of course, with the array offered, he asked which one. Instead of going with an old standby or running the risk of choosing something nasty with a lovely name, I told him to ask for a moderately priced, sweet, dry, red. Something fun. He returned with a glass of a dark red that blew me away at first taste!

Jam Jar Sweet Shiraz is exactly as I asked for. It is a sweet, though not syrupy red from South Africa, with hints of all those delectable little berries that turn your fingers purple when picked. Blackberry, strawberry, a hint of raspberry and blueberry too. There is nothing overpowering about this wine. It does not leave that sticky film on the glass or your tongue when drinking. It goes down smooth with very little alcohol after taste, but it is not so candy-like in nature that you feel like you are drinking spiked soda pop.

I enjoyed the glass so much that I asked if we could buy a bottle to bring home. Imagine the thrill and joy brought by the nostalgic and quaint twist top bottle with picnic tablecloth print!

I adore this wine and at $9.00 - $12.00 per bottle, it is reasonable enough to have for any social occasion or just for personal inspiration now and again.

*Note: Drink very little, if at all, when performing and never when driving home after.