HomeMy Family’s History Growing up Krejci What’s Cookin’ – Family Dinners

What’s Cookin’ – Family Dinners

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'Whenever you feel afraid, just remember. Courage is the root of change – and change is what we're chemically designed to do. So when you wake up tomorrow, make this pledge. No more holding yourself back. No more subscribing to others' opinions of what you can and cannot achieve. And no more allowing anyone to pigeonhole you into useless categories of sex, race, economic status, and religion. Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies. Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what YOU will change. And then get started.'

from Lessons in Chemistry

Hey there, lovely readers & Happy Holidays!

Welcome back to my slightly neglected corner of the internet. You know, life has this funny way of happening when you're busy planning something else. Between my two music groups, the hustle with Pampered Chef and Mary Kay, the thrilling ski adventures, cozy camping trips, and the not-so-glamorous office grind, I've been quite the busy bee.

Now, November threw a curveball with not one but two family members landing in hospitals, conveniently 100 miles apart. Talk about a double dose of unexpected twists!

But fear not, amidst the chaos, I've managed to jot down a whopping 46 ideas for blog topics. Yet, here I am, breaking the silence to share a little slice of joy with you – my 'What's Cooking' monthly blog post.

So, grab a cuppa, cozy up, and let's dive into the delicious details. Enjoy!



Monthly Morsels - Family Dinners From Krejci to Wilson

#FromMyKitchen - This Thanksgiving, our dinner table took on an intimate charm, intentionally kept small for a planned quiet celebration. Despite the scaled-down gathering, I stuck to my time-tested tradition, preparing Julie’s Perfect Roast Turkey with all the trimmings—yummy mashed potatoes and rich gravy that never fail to evoke the spirit of gratitude. As we transition from one festive occasion to the next, the mantle of Christmas ham has gracefully passed into the capable hands of my husband.

Julie’s Perfect Roast Turkey & Mashed Potatoes
This is for a 18-20 lb turkey, dinner at 5:00 PM
Check out this recipe

#RetroRecipe - In the heart of my Traveling Trivet Facebook group, I love delving into the vintage treasures of bygone eras, particularly through the lens of retro recipes. On this homestead culinary journey, I occasionally play the mad scientist in the kitchen, conducting flavorful experiments on my somewhat picky but lovable husband. Our latest undertaking featured a dish straight from the pages of my 1981 Hormel Meals in Minutes book—baked spam and noodles, or as my dad charmingly dubbed it, Šunkafleky. This retro gem earned its spot on the menu due to its refreshing lack of veggies or 'green stuff.' However, recognizing the potential for a flavor boost, I infused the mix with a sprinkle of Pampered Chef Garlic Rub before sending it to the oven. The result? Much to my surprise and delight, a resounding thumbs up from the husband! 'Hey Mikey, he likes it!'

Baked SPAM and Noodles
I found it in my 1981 Hormel Meals in Minutes, using spam for the ham! I dressed it up to cover the mid century blandness and tested this one out on my husband and he liked it!
Check out this recipe

#PamperedChefRecipe - Indulging in the irresistible flavors of our #WilsonFamilyFavorite, the Pressure Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta, is a culinary experience that brings warmth and satisfaction to our table. This dish boasts the perfect combination of comfort and convenience, offering a quicker and simpler alternative to the traditional casserole. Adding our twist to the recipe, we opt for game meat in lieu of chicken, infusing a unique and savory twist that elevates the overall dining experience.

Pressure Cooker Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Make Italian night any night of the week with this easy recipe thanks to a Pressure Cooker.
Check out this recipe
Photo credit: TravelingTrivet.com

#TheLazyGastronome - Embarking on the Krejci culinary adventure during my upbringing was a delicious journey! Exploring my cousin's foodie website is like taking a stroll down memory lane with dishes that evoke nostalgia. Those cherished family dinners at Grandma's house featured her irresistible rye bread, a unanimous favorite among all the cousins!

Bread - Grandma’s Rye Bread - The Lazy Gastronome
It’s been in interesting month. In an effort to find something productive to do during this time, I’ve rediscovered my love of making bread.
Check out this recipe
Bread - Grandma’s Rye Bread - The Lazy Gastronome

#LocalFave - At times, be it after a lengthy day at work or engaged in leisure, our go-to family dinner option is ordering pizza. Pinky G’s Pizzeria holds the top spot in our hearts, earning extra points for being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives! Their Godzilla Pizza is a carnivore's delight, generously portioned enough to satisfy both my husband and me over multiple meals. This recipe is another local favorite.

Ask For It: Pinky G’s Return of the G - Jackson Hole Restaurants
Jump to recipeLast summer, Dishing held an Instagram contest in which magazine readers helped Pinky G’s Pizzeria pick a new pizza for its menu. Food Network star, celebrity chef and…
Check out this recipe
Ask For It: Pinky G’s Return of the G - Jackson Hole Restaurants

#TVDinnerRecipe - This literary-inspired masterpiece takes the art of lasagna to new heights, infusing it with flavors that resonate with the essence of the story. Layer by layer, this recipe unfolds a savory narrative that captivates the taste buds and transports diners into the world of the novel. From the rich, velvety cheese to the perfectly seasoned meat sauce, every element harmonizes to create a dish that's not just a meal but an experience. Bringing this fictional delight to life in my very own kitchen is on my to-do list!

The “Perfect” Lasagna
Elizabeth Zott’s testing her recipes—now it’s your turn to repeat the experiment. Get inspired with full recipes from “Lessons in Chemistry” on Apple TV+.
Check out this recipe
The “Perfect” Lasagna

TV Dinners - Lessons in Chemistry

This show had me hooked from the get-go, thinking it was a show about a cooking show. Little did I know, "Lessons in Chemistry" took me on a wild ride over three evenings of secret binge-watching escapades after my husband hit the hay.

Enter Elizabeth Zott, a former chemist turned cooking show sensation in 1960s Southern California. In the 1950s, Elizabeth's dream of donning a lab coat is thwarted by a society that thinks women belong solely in the domestic sphere. Fired for the crime of being pregnant (the nerve!), she rises like a soufflé in the oven by hosting a TV cooking show, where she aims to school a nation of underestimated housewives in more than just the art of lasagna and baked potatoes.

And let me tell you, there's a scene that hit home harder than a rolling pin on cookie dough. Picture this: in the test audience, a couple of fabulous women, opinions being ignored and interrupted by the men who just couldn't handle the kitchen heat. Even when the women finally got their moment in the spotlight, their opinions were tossed aside like a burnt casserole.

It's a story that transcends eras, and sadly, as Miley Cyrus belted out in her revamped "Santa Baby" on Jimmy Fallon, the struggle continues. "Lessons in Chemistry" serves up laughs, drama, tears, and a side of social commentary, making it a must-watch for anyone hungry for more than just cooking tips!



Featured Culinary Companions

But First - Speaking of Pampered Chef, this month marks a significant accomplishment as I reached the 50k PC milestone. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported me in my business! Your encouragement and patronage have been instrumental on this journey.

Introducing the Deep Covered Baker—your new kitchen essential for everything from roasted chicken to stuffed peppers. This versatile baker ensures tender, juicy results whether you're broiling fish, braising beef, or roasting turkey breasts, all in the oven or microwave!

Say goodbye to preheating—just place your food on the stone, cook, and serve right from the same dish. It's designed to save you time and reduce cleanup. When you're done, simply pop the pieces in the dishwasher. Cook, serve, and clean up with ease using the Deep Covered Baker!
Meet the Deluxe Multi Cooker—the ultimate kitchen powerhouse that can replace most of your small appliances. This versatile tool can pressure cook, slow cook, sous vide, make rice and yogurt, sterilize utensils and bottles, and so much more!

Create incredible one-pot meals and perfectly tender veggies without ever turning on your oven. With its pressure cooker settings, you can cook up to 70% faster than traditional oven or stovetop methods, helping your foods retain more nutrients.

Forgot to take the meat out of the freezer? No problem! The Deluxe Multi Cooker can pressure cook it straight from frozen. Turn everyday ingredients like meats, beans, rice, eggs, and yogurt into multiple, easy, and affordable meals. Simplify your cooking routine and enjoy delicious results with the Deluxe Multi Cooker!
Introducing the Quick Slice #1181—a must-have for effortless prep! With its unique V-shaped blades, this tool swiftly slices through your favorite fruits and vegetables without squishing them. From avocado halves to a ball of fresh mozzarella, or a bunch of strawberries and mushrooms in one go, it's versatile and efficient. Ideal for salad enthusiasts and fans of sheet-pan meals, the BPA-free plastic handles ensure a comfortable grip while surrounding the stainless steel blades. Simplify your kitchen routine with precision slicing, all in one simple motion!

Collectible Cuisine

In the past year, my collection of vintage cookbooks has undergone a delightful transformation, expanding from around 10 to a staggering 60+! Among this cherished assembly, one particular gem holds a special place in my heart. It's not my first vintage cookbook, but it was among the initial ten, and it stands out as my most treasured.

This culinary relic belonged to my grandmother, passing through the hands of my dad before finding its way into my collection. Titled "Bohemian-American Cook Book" with subtitle "Tested and Practical Recipes for American and Bohemian Dishes," it holds the essence of my family's culinary heritage. Published by the Automatic Printing Company in Omaha, Nebraska, the 4th Edition from 1947 is an English translation of the original Bohemian-language cookbook compiled by Marie Rosicky. The mere sight of it triggers a flood of memories, and the tales of dinners at Grandma's are deserving of an entire blog post of their own!

Tales from the Table

In my blogs, you've probably noticed that I often reminisce about dinners at Grandma's – a nostalgic journey back to the heart of my upbringing. Those holidays at Grandma and Grandpa Krejci's hold an indelible place in my memories, marked by the warmth of family gatherings and a table laden with an abundance of delicious food. Picture a scene where aunts, uncles, cousins, and a myriad of dishes, ranging from traditional ham and turkey to those quirky Jell-O salads of the 70s, filled the dining space. And let's not forget Grandma's pastries – they were legendary.

Among the culinary delights, Grandma's apple strudel was the pièce de résistance, a heavenly treat that lingered on our taste buds. Once suppertime concluded, the kids embarked on their adventures, and the adults convened for rounds of Penny poker and highballs. Laughter and sarcastic banter echoed through the house as everyone talked at once, creating an atmosphere of joy and togetherness.

Though Grandma and Grandpa have been gone for quite some time now, their spirit lives on in the lasting memories of those days. Whenever I catch up with my cousins, our conversations invariably circle back to these cherished moments, reliving the magic of those family dinners that shaped the core of who we are. The legacy of those gatherings transcends time, an enduring testament to the power of shared meals and the bonds forged around Grandma's table.

Thanks for joining me on the journey! If you've enjoyed the retro vibes, delicious recipes, and vintage kitchenware tales, don't miss out on future escapades. Subscribe to TetonTrekker for the latest updates and musings. For a real-time connection, follow me on social media @TetonTrekker. Your support and engagement mean the world—let's keep this fun-filled adventure going together!

Keep on Trekkin! ~ Julie




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Mom, wife, computer geek, web designer, musician, board member, ski bum, bicyclist, camper, glamper, fishing woman, treasure hunter, bookkeeper, office wizard, blogger, vlogger, foodie, and Pampered Chef Independent Consultant, trekking through life in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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  • January 6, 2024 at 1:04 pm

    What a great collection of recipes!! Thanks for including Grandma’s rye bread – and thanks for sharing at the What’s for dinner party!! Hope to see you next week (well, tomorrow) too!

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