Skein and Hook

I love a good caesar salad.  It's not something I eat often but every now and then I really get in the mood for it and today is that day.  I looked around a little online.  I started with a recipe from Pioneer Woman and then just tweaked until it was right for me.  When I make this for my kids, I leave out the parmesan cheese and it is still really, really good.  Also, you could easily add grilled chicken to make it a main dish for lunch or dinner.  Here is what I did- Mixed the dressing- juice of 1 lemon, about 2 tablespoons 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 1/2 tablespoons canola mayonnaise 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce Combine the above ingredients and let sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Make the croutons- 1/2 to 1 loaf french/italian bread (depending on how many you want to make) canola oil garlic powder salt and pepper italian seasoning Cut the bread into cubes and put on a baking sheet.  ...

I love Nigella Lawson.  I have all of her cookbooks.  I love her recipes even if I don't make all of them.  I love how she describes food- she makes it magical.  Every single description and word she utters about food is poetry. This recipe is based on her Rapid Ragu in the cookbook Nigella Express.  I have changed it quite a bit and possibly massacred it in her eyes but I make it with what I have on hand.  And to me (never really having the original version), it is great. 2 tbsp canola oil 1 onion a few slices of bacon, I have used both already cooked, leftover from breakfast and raw bacon both with great success 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 pound ground beef 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5oz 3/4 cup white wine (I usually use Pinot Grigio) 1/2 cup lentils 3/4 cup water Saute onion in oil until starting to brown.  Add the bacon and cook either until the bacon is cooked though, if using raw, or heated, if using pre-cooked.  Add the garlic, sti...