Food Adventures of a Comfort Cook

Pork can be a bland meat, but brining, marinating in a dry rub, and slow roasting on the grill can create a tender, juicy meat packed with flavor. Mary Cokenour photo

Looking at the science of brining

In celebration of young children, teens, and adults returning to school, let’s talk science – the science of brining food. I promise not to go all Thomas Dolby on you, and blind you with science. What is the science behind brining meat? Osmosis is the diffusion of water through a semi-permeable...

Colorful homemade salsa is a culinary highlight of the season. Mary Cokenour photo

Feel that salsa rhythm

“Come on, shake your body, baby, do the conga. I know you can’t control yourself any longer.” Conga, Miami Sound Machine Featuring Gloria Estefan Here we are, the end of August and the official start of autumn is less than a month away. Fall Equinox, aka Mabon, will be on September 22, and it will...

The raw materials for simple guacamole. Mary Cokenour photo

Avocados are more than guacamole

Go into any Mexican eatery, whether it’s a fine family-oriented place or fast food joint, and guacamole is on the menu. It’s easily created and it’s a tasty condiment to add to any dish or just snack on with tortilla chips. The main ingredient in guacamole is of course avocado, which botanically is...

Folks are excited that The Dove Creek Dinner Bell rings again. Mary Cokenour photo

The Dinner Bell finally rings again

How times flies in the restaurant business. It was only 2015 when we discovered The Dinner Bell in Dove Creek, CO and enjoyed many a breakfast, lunch, or dinner there. I have to admit that breakfast was my favorite meal. We would get up early on a Saturday or Sunday morning, take a ride up into...

Banana bread all by itself is already a worthwhile treat, but add fresh strawberries and that really ratchets it up to the next level. Mary Cokenour photo

Always a reason to eat strawberries

“Strawberries, strawberries, every year...These must be eaten, enjoying here...Even the best cakes allow it when...Made in kitchen, the cook will be then...Baked with love, served with pleasure” – Ingeborg Bauer Strawberries are a deliciously unusual fruit – unusual due to their structure. With the...

Some tasty coleslaw partners perfectly with barbequed ribs. Mary Cokenour photo

A little cabbage-patch goodness

Coleslaw is a salad made primarily using shredded cabbage, served cold and frequently as a side dish at picnics and barbeques. Researching its origin began with dissecting the name and finding out what it actually meant. At first, I began with Cole’s Law, and wondered who the heck was this Cole guy...

Twin Rocks has Cottonwood Flair

May 2019 was the last time I had written a story about Twin Rocks Café. I was told that Duke Simpson loved that article, and how happy it made him feel. Then, suddenly, the Duke passed on to that great trading post in the sky. While it was a sad event, I was glad, in the knowing, that my story had...

Beet it to defeat it

“Just eat it, eat it, eat it, eat it! Get yourself an egg and beat it!” Weird Al Yankovic From the moment of birth, our bodies begin to die. It’s just a fact of human life. However, that doesn’t mean that we simply sit around and wait for that last moment. Instead, we live! If the Fates allow, we...

Baking Teaches Patience

“Baking, because murder is bad” is a meme I recently spotted, and shared, on Facebook. Yes, murder is bad, no matter the excuse, grievance or mentally dysfunctional desire. However, I read more into this quote than that. I believe it says, “Practice patience first.” Personally, I have been doing...

Whether it’s a brat or sausage, the eater is the winner. Just add some sauteed peppers and onions to complete this summertime grilling staple. Mary Cokenour photo

Brat vs. Sausage: Is there a weak link?

Brats vs. Sausage, neither is the Weakest Link. Disclaimer: No naughty children (brats) were grilled and eaten in the writing of this article. Brats, or Bratwurst, are a grilling favorite, along with a variety of sausages containing some type of meat, usually pork or beef. Those who do not eat...