Food | D. Brent Miller

January 25, 2023

Appetizer Failure. Or, was it?

I frequently post pictures and descriptions of the food I cook. Pizzas, Fish. Steaks. Casseroles. Turkey on the grill. Looks good and I get compliments, especially on Facebook. So, it is only fair that I post a food failure.

This is the cheesy bread that I attempted to make, looking into the trash can. It is a recipe that I learned and often purchased when I was a professor at Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa, (1989-1993). I would go over to the student center cafeteria for lunch and order a salad and some cheesy bread. It was so delicious. Makes a great appetizer too.

This attempt was a failure because I accidently removed the cap of the seasoning instead of popping the lid to shake some on the cheese-onion-mayo mixture.

I screwed that cap off without thinking and poured a whole bunch of salt and pepper blend onto my cheese mixture. Damn.

Well, thinking I at least need to finish the appetizer and give my effort a taste test. Maybe it was not too much. I soon learned that was not the case. I took one bite. The whole batch of cheese mix and the three appetizers immediately went into the trash where it belonged. Now, off to the grocery store to replenish supplies.

If properly done, it is grated cheese, finely chopped onion, mayo, with a little salt and pepper, spread on French or Italian bread, and a quick broil in the oven to melt the cheese. It’s delicious. Not willing to admit defeat, and to learn from this experience, I tried it again the next day to accompany a bowl of chili. The cheesy bread was outstanding. Chili too.

The appetizer is best if the bread is slightly toasted before topping it with the cheesy mix. You get a better crunch when taking a bite.

Pop it into the oven under the broiler. Keep an eye on it. It does not take long for the cheesy mix to start bubbling. Wait for just that right amount of browning.

Take it out of the oven. It should look like this.

Transfer to your plate and enjoy.

Yum. That was oh-so good.

Failure is only a failure if one stops at that point. One failure can be a learning experience resulting in success. In other words, try, try again until you succeed.

See you on the highway … or maybe at the grocery store.

Brent

January 11, 2023

Donut Appreciation

Who doesn’t like a good donut or two, pastries included? In my opinion, there are two uses for donuts. First, they are a delightful treat often bringing joy as that doughy delight hits the tongue for a little self-satisfaction. Second, donuts and pastries can be a valuable relationship-building tool for the benefit of friendships. Stay with me on this one.

I occasionally buy a coffee and donut for friends. It is a simple gesture to show appreciation for the friendship. I have also been known to show up with donuts at places of business that I frequent—mostly motorcycle shops. Also, very much appreciated. To me, it is appreciation for their friendship and for the work they do. The apple fritters seem to go over the best. My wife calls this act schmoozing, something she claims I do very well.

We have contracted to build two homes during our 37-year marriage, and both times, I went the extra mile with showing appreciation to the builders. I would show up with a box of donuts while the house was being framed. Then the plumbers and electricians. The drywallers too. In all, I think I invested about $100 of donuts each for both houses, and I still claim those investments resulted in a better built house. Why? Because the craftsmen felt appreciated. They weren’t building just another house, they were building a home for the guy that shows up with donuts! The builder of our home in northern Indiana became my best friend, and I mean best friend that lasted until he passed several years ago, and I still miss him.

I am not the only one that thinks donuts have more capability than just a doughy delight. Donuts, like other food and beverage items, can be the focus for tourism. For example, take a look at what the shops in Butler County, Ohio did.

Want a donut? You have to have a coffee or tea with that, and that’s why Butler County in Southwest Ohio county created the Donut Trail. Visit all the shops, get them stamped on your “Donut Trail Passport” and you get a free t-shirt. Makes you want to wander through Ohio, doesn’t it.

So, the next time you think you want a donut, maybe you should think about buying a donut for a friend. Show a little appreciation. Don’t forget to use the tissues.

See you on the highway … or maybe at a donut shop.

Brent

February 14, 2014

Sophia’s

Sophia’s restaurant is one of those diners tucked into a long narrow building in the downtown Cincinnati area, and operating for about 20 years. The building is more than a 100 years old. About 15’ wide and 60’ long, it seats about 40 people serving breakfast and lunch. The grill is at the front for all to see as they enter or from the street as people walk by. Booths line the sides, and tables with the cushy chairs fill the center. The cook is friendly, and if the waitress doesn’t know your name, she calls you “Hon.”

The Gyros are great.

See you on the highway.

Brent