Food Adventures of a Comfort Cook

Can’t beat pork barbecue on a potato bun topped with coleslaw. Mary Cokenour photo
We own two smokers, but they are not the type of equipment that can be set up and forgotten about. Specific temperatures, wood supplies, and maybe even water in a pan must be maintained. Considering the several feet of snow outside, and especially blocking the door to the shed, where the smokers...
A delicious mistake: the chocolate lava cake that lacks the lava. Mary Cokenour photo
When it comes to perfection, I am far from it and proud of my quirks. They make me unique, the square peg that doesn’t fit into the round hole, and most of all a character. Enjoyment comes from attempting new things – little adventures that make life very interesting. When it comes to cooking and...
Chinese dumplings are a staple for many celebrations and express best wishes for happy days and good health. Known as potstickers in America, they are typically pan fried on the bottom, then steamed.  Mary Cokenour photo
January 22, 2023 to February 9, 2024 is the calendar year of the rabbit, according to the Chinese zodiac. The rabbit is the fourth in the twelve-year cycle of animals that appears in the Chinese zodiac, and is an earth symbol. In the origin story of the zodiac, Rabbit was proud and arrogant about...
A nice Italian recipe, like this baked ziti, is a great way to get some comfort this new year, both while you’re preparing it and while you’re eating it.  Mary Cokenour photo
For New Year’s, most of San Juan County was hit by snow storms, dumping much-needed moisture in the mountains, and in and around the towns. This is definitely a blessing! However, it did make travel difficult, so the truckers delivering goods for the stores and packages from Amazon weren’t thinking...
Just about everyone loves some bacon, so why not celebrate the new year with a new twist on this longtime favorite? This delicious bacon-wrapped meatloaf with a Mexican twist is just the ticket.  Mary Cokenour photo
With 2022 in the rearview mirror, we have arrived at a beginning. Each new year we make resolutions, promises to ourselves that we will be someone better. I, of course, do not make such resolutions. Oh no, I maintain that I will continue to be the same witty, sarcastic, and snarky woman you have...
A rich and hearty chestnut soup is a great holiday treat.  Courtesy photo
“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose. Yuletide carols being sung by a choir. And folks dressed up like Eskimos.” – The Christmas Song by Mel Torme / Robert Wells Once again, I am referring to Good Housekeeping’s list of December days of celebration, and have chosen...
American, Mexican, and Puerto Rican holiday drinks.  Courtesy photo
December 21 is a busy day for celebrating. First off, it is the Winter Solstice, the beginning of the end, so to speak. Earth’s axis tilts away from the sun in the Northern Hemisphere and the sun reaches its greatest distance from the equatorial plane. This is the shortest day of light, and the...
A visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor is one that can produce many feelings of pride, sorrow, and reflection for Americans.  Courtesy photo
According to an article in Good Housekeeping magazine, there are 142 reasons for celebration in the month of December. Instead of only the big three, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, we have Boxing Day on December 26 (my birthday as well), New Year’s Eve on December 31, Yule/Winter Solstice on...
You’ve probably had a few every Christmas even if you didn’t know what they’re called. Pizelle are popular and tasty this time of year.  Mary Cokenour photo
December 18 is Bake Cookies Day, according to Good Housekeeping magazine. On May 2, 1885 Clark W. Bryan, of Holyoke, MA, founded Good Housekeeping as a bi-weekly magazine. It became a monthly publication in 1891. Good Housekeeping is the go-to magazine for American women, providing information on...
A panoraramic view from the Abajo Mountains on an anniversary drive with Roy and Mary Cokenour.  Mary Cokenour photo
In October, Roy and I celebrated 19 years of togetherness, and that anniversary day began in an interesting way. In desperation, a coworker had texted him about not understanding some duties of the third shift. After coming home, from helping his coworker, the dogs had to make the huge...

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