So what has been happening around the Vman's Kitchen since April?
Actually not much at all. I have been like most everyone else in the kitchen....down right lazy, and in fact I will admit I am often the first to ask "Where do you wanna go to eat this evening, or where should we order out? Because I don't want to cook after a day at work. In my heart and soul I know this is not good for my family and its not good for me. Its easy enough to have a protein and a nice salad and veggie. But man, let me tell you. That is easier to type than it is to motivate your behind into the kitchen to start preparing knowing that the cleaning part comes afterwards. See, for the most part, I have OCD when it comes to cleaning. Yes, like Monk! And that even makes me exhausted sometimes. LOL!
But I have not gone all anti-cooking, not in the least. The kitchen and new things bekon to me and I will muster the tiniest bit of strength to answer. So here are just a few things that I tried during my absence. And now that I really look at it, I have have been having a little fun and a little good food! :-)
But I have not gone all anti-cooking, not in the least. The kitchen and new things bekon to me and I will muster the tiniest bit of strength to answer. So here are just a few things that I tried during my absence. And now that I really look at it, I have have been having a little fun and a little good food! :-)
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April, while it was still cool outside, I tried my hand at making preserves, but I only had a pint of blueberries. So, a quick mash and added sugar, heating the berries in an iron skillet until the pectins begin to thicken. Then into a sterilized jar and sealed. Really great blueberry flavor. Enjoyed this on some homemade biscuits.
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April also meant Bread and Butter pickles, which are a favorite of mine. It appears that I am the only one in my immediate family who enjoys the sweet and savory flavor. I tried a simple recipe I found on line and added some drying peppers from my baker's rack and voila! Pickles! Enjoying them on sandwiches all summer long or straight out of the jar! ;-)
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May there was a hint of warmer weather and I immediately prepped the grill. Marinating some country ribs in Italian dressing and slow smoking/grilling. Of course, I had to complete this with a comfort item...mac-n-cheese.
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Dede and Vman getting dinner together in the kitchen.
It think it was well received.
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June, was a vacation to Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. While there, besides the hours of sleeping poolside, watching the surf, soaking up the sun, reading a great book, walking miles along the Pacific shore, and generally enjoying the company of wonderful friends, I got a chance to go fishing, catch some mahi mahi, corrado, and bonita,...and to help cook the evening meal.
A little marinade and a hot grill and its fresh fresh fresh! 
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My brother Phil's grilling beast! Infra-red searing, gas grilling, charcoal and wood smoking Monster of the Midway grill!!
Just a sample of what the grill and Phil prepared that day. I was too busy eating. ;-)
The Fellas! Vman, William, Steve
The Ladies!
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July was family Gathering time and we had a blast in Chicago. Of course the event was anchored my food. I was so busy grubbing I forgot to take pics. But here is maybe one to wet your appetite! This gathering was a compilation of family and friends who are simply family. Visiting from Sweden after years of being apart we were all together and behaving as though it was just another day. Steve and Elizabeth even brought me an apron of Italian cheeses. Questo e' Amore!
The Gents! Vman with Bro Phil!
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Skip ahead to September, because August was a blur and all the back to school activities!
September means Football season is back. It just so happened that I was in a grilling mood when the Fantasy Football draft came around. So besides chilling at the computer with a Dos Equiss, this year i decided to try something else. I brined an turkey breast and some chicken wings in orange juice and kosher salt for 24 hrs. then after a quick dry herb rub, smoked them on the grill. The result was excellent! Yes the pic that graces the page. 
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So that's what has been happening. But I am back and looking forward to another great year of laughter, love, cooking, and sharing great recipes and tips to you. I can't promise updates weekly like before but I will work diligently to provide bi-weekly updates. So check back on Monday mornings to see what has been happening here in the heart of Ohio in and around the kitchen of the Vman, ya one and only Homeboycooking!
PEACE!!
PEACE!!
