Creole seasoning is one of the easiest and quickest ways to add flavor and variety to any meal. Effortless to make and once you do, you will never buy store bought again! Creole seasoning is a great way to take your meals to the next level. It definitely adds a wow factor to chicken, pork,Continue reading “Creole Seasoning”
Author Archives: Drew Frederic
Basque Cheesecake
Talking with a nurse a few weeks ago about food and restaurants. We talked about regional foods, our favorite recipes, our favorite restaurants, and then she piped in about this incredible cheesecake she had. She told me I needed to try making a ‘Basque Cheesecake’. She said I would be hooked immediately as it isContinue reading “Basque Cheesecake”
Vegan Blueberry Muffins
I have decided to join the countless number of people on the planet by switching to a diet full of fiber, rich in vitamins and minerals, free of cholesterol, and low in calories and saturated fat. A plant based diet is a powerful way to achieve this. I have been told to gently wean myselfContinue reading “Vegan Blueberry Muffins”
Basque Style Paella
While paella is not originally Basque, Basques have adopted the dish and you will find it most restaurants in Basque Country of Spain. Traditional paella from the Basque Country of Spain is very simple and extremely delicious!! It is also cooked with a variety of meats and seafood. Basque paella is a must try forContinue reading “Basque Style Paella”
Pumpkin Muffins/Loaves
This is my favorite pumpkin muffin recipe!! I first had these muffins while visiting my cousins Larry and Cheryl. It seemed I had these every time I came home for a visit. I think I was a tad spoiled. They are super moist and soft, easy to make, very reliable, and easily tweaked by addingContinue reading “Pumpkin Muffins/Loaves”
Bacon Wrapped Dates
(Pincho Dátiles con Bacón) This is a pintxos recipe that is perfect for a nice summer gathering. Pintxos, also known as pinchos, are typically slices of crusty toasted baguette topped with something savory, they can also be small plates, skewers, and sweet/salty morsels. Pintxos are served throughout the Basque Country of Northern Spain and areContinue reading “Bacon Wrapped Dates”
Caramel Popcorn
I love making popcorn!! It is one of my favorite snacks and I can eat a whole bowl (XL serving) all by myself. I am one to share, but I will usually pop a separate bowl for guests or family!! Just something about eating popcorn and watching a movie or a tv program at night.Continue reading “Caramel Popcorn”
Chunky Ketchup
A fresh tasting ketchup that goes well on hamburgers, hotdogs, hot sausages and more. Once you make ketchup from scratch, you will not use store bought again!! It is so delicious and addicting!! Cheers! Ingredients:8 cups diced, seeded, and peeled tomatoes2 medium onions, diced2 medium green bell peppers, diced2 cups of sugar2 cans of tomatoContinue reading “Chunky Ketchup”
Oatmeal Bread
Easy homemade Oatmeal Bread made with quick oats, flour, and sweetened with brown sugar an molasses. I love this delicious healthy bread recipe that my younger sister introduced to me back in 2006. It is Vegan friendly!! I have been using this recipe ever since. This recipe is a fun way to get in theContinue reading “Oatmeal Bread”
Fabulous Shirataki Noodles
Most people don’t even know or have heard of Shirataki Noodles. What are they? Shirataki Noodles are a type of Japanese noodle made from the konjac yam and water. After they are cooked, they are packaged in water to keep them fresh. Shirataki noodles are a great alternative to traditional pasta as they are gluten-free, low-calorie,Continue reading “Fabulous Shirataki Noodles”
Chinese Chili Oil
Chinese Chili Oil also known as Red Oil is one of those condiments that is extremely versatile and adds a zing to your everyday cooking. Chinese Chili Oil is a very aromatic oil with a mild level of heat making it perfect for dumplings, noodles, rice, eggs, home fries, and more. I keep a jarContinue reading “Chinese Chili Oil”
Tzatziki
Literally one of my favorite sauces or dips that I eat a ton of with just about all my snacks and meals. It’s refreshing and very easy to make. There is not a store brand that can compete with a homemade version. I first had Tzatziki at a Greek Orthodox Easter celebration in Ipswich, MassachusettsContinue reading “Tzatziki”
Udon Noodle Tofu Stir Fry
I just love using Udon noodles in stir fry dishes because they are a thick chewy noodle that is really delicious and soaks up all the yummy sauce you use to create the dish. Udon noodles hold up well for left overs and go well with any vegetable, meat, and any sauce you can create.Continue reading “Udon Noodle Tofu Stir Fry”
Hamburger Soup
I made this soup the other day because I wanted something quick and easy and because I needed some comfort food on a rather cold early summer day. Hamburger soup fits and satisfies the need. I love hamburger soup so much, because you can add whatever veggies you want. I think hamburger soup makes forContinue reading “Hamburger Soup”
5 New Chaps – Pizza & Brewskis
I have explored just about every neighborhood, every park, and every alley in the city of Denver. I did it with curiosity and with my camera. If you know me, you know I am very inquisitive. I have this incessant desire to know things, discover, learn, figure things out, explore, and I am not hesitantContinue reading “5 New Chaps – Pizza & Brewskis”
Rhubarb Sauce – 5 Stars *****
I have always had rhubarb mixed with a fruit. Strawberry and rhubarb pie, strawberry and rhubarb jam, blueberry and rhubarb jam, etc. I have never had rhubarb as a stand alone. Until!! A few weeks ago my mom had the idea to make some rhubarb jam. Kind of wondered about this, but went along withContinue reading “Rhubarb Sauce – 5 Stars *****”
Elephant Revival – Denver, 2011
Elephant Revival is a unique group of instrumentalists and singers based in Colorado. I have been listening to their mix of Americana, Celtic, Folk, and Transcendental Folk music for close to a decade now. Elephant Revival is the first band I ever photographed and they have enriched my life in many ways. Funny story aboutContinue reading “Elephant Revival – Denver, 2011”
Japanese Teriyaki Sauce
Traditional Japanese teriyaki sauce has 4 ingredients. Ingredients such as garlic, foreign liquors, and spices are all due to Kikkoman meeting the needs of Americans and other foreign countries. For example, after the war, in the 1950’s, the people at Kikkoman realized Americans were using teriyaki sauce for BBQs. Thus, Kikkoman produced a BBQ saucedContinue reading “Japanese Teriyaki Sauce”
Baked Oatmeal
I was very skeptical about this dish in the beginning but after I tried it, WOW!! I am completely won over by this very healthy dish. It is perfect for a crowd, brunch, breakfast, or for a snack. I eat a bowl in the morning and it will last me till way past lunch. ItContinue reading “Baked Oatmeal”
Bethlehem
Banana Breakfast Bars
This is a very easy and healthy breakfast bar and snack!! Takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 22 minutes of cook time. Fast to make and a heckuva’ lot cheaper. More delicious and made with real ingredients. Ingredients:2 medium bananas mashed (the older the better)1/4 of your favorite cooking oil1/4 cup packed brownContinue reading “Banana Breakfast Bars”
English Scones – Tweaked
I always thought the triangle shaped scones I ate in American Coffee Cafes were how traditional English scones were supposed to be. Fruited, dry, crumbly or dense, and drizzled with a glaze. I enjoyed but this was all I knew until I traveled extensively throughout the UK and found out there is a huge differenceContinue reading “English Scones – Tweaked”
Pickled Red Onions
Want to jazz up your fish tacos, your pulled pork sandwich, or your salad? Add pickled red onions!! These easy pickled red onions are great on salads, beans, burgers, or a roast. As a matter of fact, they add the right amount of sweetness and zing to boost any dish. They are quick and easyContinue reading “Pickled Red Onions”
Chicken Cutlets
The other day a few of us in the ER (around 3ish in the a.m.) were talking about restaurants we loved/love in the greater Portland, ME area and Dr. E brought up “I can’t find anyone who does a chicken cutlet anymore. Everyone just has chicken tenders.” He’s pretty damn accurate and his comment inspiredContinue reading “Chicken Cutlets”
Rabokki
One of my many favorite food memories of living in Denver, was having a Korean dish called “Rabokki” for the first time. Typically a popular street food in Korea, it can be found in some awesome Korean restaurants throughout the Denver Metro area. Rabokki is a combo of “tteokbokki” (tubular rice cakes) and Ramen noodles.Continue reading “Rabokki”
Rustic Italian Bread
Easy and quick artisan Italian bread recipe. No knead, no machine, and only a 2 hour rise time. Make as one round loaf or into several small football shaped loaves. A fantastic comfort bread!! Ingredients:3 1/4 cups of all purpose flour (a little more for dusting)1 teaspoon sea salt1 1/2 cups warm (room temperature) water2Continue reading “Rustic Italian Bread”
Pasta e Fagioli
Pasta e Fagioli translates to ‘pasta and beans’ and is a classic Italian soup. It’s a dish of many names – pasta e fagioli, pasta fasul, or pasta fazool. You can’t miss with this one pot hearty soup, it will win anyone over. Pair it with a nice loaf of rustic Italian bread and youContinue reading “Pasta e Fagioli”
Chicken and Biscuits
Chicken and Biscuits is a classic down-home comfort food! Flaky, soft, buttery biscuits are topped with creamy chicken and vegetables for a hearty and delicious meal. Easy to make in a cast iron Dutch Oven or large pot. Ingredients:1 tablespoon oil1 medium onion, chopped3 stalks celery, chopped1 cup carrots, chopped1 rotisserie chicken, cut up intoContinue reading “Chicken and Biscuits”
Cream of Tartar Biscuits
Maine Style This is an easy homemade biscuit recipe with cream of tartar used with baking soda for the leavening agent. The biscuits turn out perfectly flaky, buttery, soft, and tall every time!! A fantastic biscuit to serve with dinner or breakfast. Ingredients:2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon of cream of tartar1 teaspoon baking soda1/2Continue reading “Cream of Tartar Biscuits”
Italian Zucchini Pie
A classic recipe that I have made tastier by adding bacon, Prosciutto, more cheese, and seasonings. Ingredients:2 cups of chopped/cubed zucchini1 cup of chopped tomatoes – I use grape/cherry tomatoes sliced in half1 small onion thinly sliced1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese1/2 cup of small mozzarella balls (marble size)3 slices of prosciutto – diced3Continue reading “Italian Zucchini Pie”
Korean Rice
Perfect way to cook rice!! I have always struggled to cook rice. I have tried many methods and each time my rice was too wet or too dry. I could have bought a rice cooker, but that was always easy way in my mind. Or, the need to get this right always prevented the purchase.Continue reading “Korean Rice”
Caramelized Onions
Caramelized onions are an easy and mouthwatering way to take a burger, sandwich, or any meal to a new level. Plus, caramelizing onions is easier than you think. Ingredients:1 to 2 red onion or yellow/white3 or 4 tablespoons of olive oil and butter (I use 2 tablespoons of each)A wee bit of sea saltA weeContinue reading “Caramelized Onions”
Seafood Gumbo
I first came across this amazing dish when I was living and working in East Texas. A coworker who hailed from Louisiana brought me in some to taste. Fell in love with it immediately. She gave me her recipe and I tweaked it to fit my taste. She used squid and octopus in her recipe.Continue reading “Seafood Gumbo”
Tofu and Sweet Potato Stew (Vegan/Vegetarian)
I recently made a Sweet Potato Beef Stew that came out extraordinarily delicious. Immediately after making this dish, I got to thinking about my Vegan and Vegetarian friends. Thus, I decided to make the dish again for them. I swapped out the beef with tofu and swapped out the beef bone broth with vegetable broth.Continue reading “Tofu and Sweet Potato Stew (Vegan/Vegetarian)”
Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a popular Mexican salsa tracing back to ancient Aztec cuisine and specifically from the Yucatan Peninsula, Sonora, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca regions of Mexico. It also goes by the name salsa bandera, which means flag salsa, because it depicts the green, white, and red colors of the Mexican national flag. It isContinue reading “Pico de Gallo”
Sweet Potato Beef Stew
This is the perfect comfort food for a snowy winter day. It goes well with some homemade bread or biscuits. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 lb sirloin steak, diced (season with salt and black pepper) 1 medium onion, chopped 5 medium carrots, chopped 5 celery ribs, chopped 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped 1/4 cupContinue reading “Sweet Potato Beef Stew”
PLANT BASED ‘MEXICAN CHARRO BEANS’ – THE NEXT LEVEL OF GREATNESS
Beans are one of my favorite foods. I have enjoyed them cooked many ways such as: Cuban style Black Beans and Rice, Cajun style Red Beans and Rice, Texas BBQ Beans, Boston Baked Beans, and Mexican Charro Beans. I first tasted this Mexican classic dish at the granddaddy of Houston Tex-Mex restaurants ‘Felix Mexican Restaurant’.Continue reading “PLANT BASED ‘MEXICAN CHARRO BEANS’ – THE NEXT LEVEL OF GREATNESS”
GREEK YOGURT – INSTANT POT RECIPE
Equipment Needed: Instant Pot Jelly Bag or Cheese Cloth (jelly bag is best) Fine Mesh Strainer Thermometer (Quick Read or Candy) Wooden Spoon Non-Metal Whisk *All equipment needs to be bacteria free. Make sure your equipment is thoroughly cleaned. Ingredients Needed: Whole Milk – ½ Gallon, I use Oakhurst (use any really good pasteurized milk)Continue reading “GREEK YOGURT – INSTANT POT RECIPE”
Mama Saluzzo Parmigiana di Pollo
INGREDIENTS: Boneless Chicken BreastItalian Bread Crumbs mixed with Parmesan cheeseEggsMarinara Sauce (homemade)Fresh Mozzarella CheeseFresh Parmesan CheeseFresh Ricotta Cheese (seasoned)Cooked Spaghetti Noodles Preheat oven to 400 degrees Boil your noodles, drain, and then toss around in your seasoned ricotta cheese. I make fresh ricotta but you can use store bought. I season my ricotta with ItalianContinue reading “Mama Saluzzo Parmigiana di Pollo”
NOISE
NOISE keeping me at adistance,bending me tohis will,keeps my thoughtsin awhisper,branches snappingscreaming at me,find a slit inthe night,dissolving through thescreen,alert,a whistleiron on iron,escaping,to the safety of myown noise Drew Frederic Model: JACOBLocarion: Jonesborough, TN
No One Listened
No One Listened i went about my lifearound and aroundhappy, buta disease is growingmanifesting witheyes always upon mesecrets kepteventuallyrages surfacescarsscabsa cluttering of bruises shame glances onlyno one will face mei am screaming, insideno one listened faded timesleeping smiles awakenvisual signs, vanishedstill screaming insidesolid looksinto my eyestalking at me a return around and aroundeyes upon merageContinue reading “No One Listened”
Black Bird Fly
Black Bird Fly elusive Beethovenneverknowing trust, raptureescapingformingthe abyss, red, black, blueoilsseeingcreating pain, candywhite crossjunkeuphoric escapes, all designingthetrenchof instant release, more, moremoreneverending more, light’salluringdarknesssucks inthe promise, residueis butpainevolving into, afracturedmanic soul, the casualtyoferasing pain Drew Frederic
LIGHT
Light kissing and caressingas it dancesupon the body,thesole agentimpressingthe thoughtsofthe eye Drew Frederic
THOUGHTs CHOICEs
THOUGHTs CHOICEs thoughts choices thoughtsthoughts thoughts thoughtschoiceschoicesChoiiiii cesssssss ………… thoughts choices thoughta thought a choicechoicesthoughts and choice they arewhat set us apartin theanimal kingdom thoughtchoicethoughtchoice and yEtthey areour owndestruction a thought and a choice stewardordestroyer choices thoughts enjoying the journeyorself destructing thoughtschoices reverent service kindnessself-love thoughtschoices hate loathing voidselfish thoughtschoices the journey Drew Frederic
Complicated
Complicated iamacomplicatedman.wrapped upinthoughts.releasedbytheequationofanother. Model: TimothyPhotographer and Poet: Drew Frederic
Waking Up
Waking Up i feel the warmth of his breatha quiet coldness melts awayturning overa toucha grinsoft kiss upon my eyesolace embraces my thoughtsthe scent of his desiresa toucha grinroaming fingersroaming lipssoft teetha toucha grinwaKing uP Drew Frederic Image: Shot on a cliff on the PCH in Monterrey, CA
The Day
The Day Cold, a word freezing my eyeBlindness is at my door, it steals my timeI am the one who will hold your heartYou do not go unheard, the man you need warms youYou will not give up and you will have your choicesAnd you will have your ladder to the stars You are notContinue reading “The Day”
My Simple Life & Friends
I am fortunate to have space in the woods where I can embrace all of nature and her glory. This particular visit my chickadee friends were quite excited to see me. There has been a cold spell and they were very frisky and overly friendly. Man I love my simple life! Cheers and enjoy theContinue reading “My Simple Life & Friends”
Pierre
After a tense election, I headed north to the border to be at my cabin, my Zen space. I am spending a number of days here. My true and trusted friend, Pierre, is always here to welcome me. (Notice how he flirts with me 😊) Cheers, Drew Frederic
Sanctuary in Chaos
Sanctuary in Chaos i don’t even knowmy opening mind full of tambourine noiseit keeps following themagic of the foldnot knowing of wanderingeffortless actionjingling jingles jinglingtangling up in thepurity of thedangerous daunting deceivingbeauty of the rolling wheel 44 running to the brushesrunning to the paintsurviving within my own 44 scarcely a trace leftit will be alrightiContinue reading “Sanctuary in Chaos”