30 December, 2023
What’s Cookin’ – Family Dinners
'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.
#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!'
#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.
#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!
#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.
#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!
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.
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
One thought on : 1
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!