Cooking...for guys
Thu, 04/27/2006
It's no secret that I am fond of food. But when I got married, I figured out early on that if I want to eat the stuff I like, I would be fixing it myself.
I know this because Mrs. Anthony said those very words. If I waited around for her to fix dinner, it would be carrot sticks and something called wheat bulgur. No thanks.
So cue the fanfare, I'm going to present my time-honored, almost-award winning favorite recipes. All of them are bachelor-tested and easier than easy.
I don't fuss with measuring cups and spoons (just more stuff to clean when I'm done cooking) the key is to use your eye. And because I've learned a little about presentation, I have Mrs. Anthony fooled into thinking that I've really slaved over these simple dishes...I think.
I'll start with my:
Cornbread/Chili Casserole
First, you get a box of cornbread mix. Regular is fine, but if you want to freak out your spouse, buy the Blue Cornbread mix and tell them you don't know what happened, but that 'it should be ok.'
Grab an 8x8x2 baking dish out of the cupboard and put two cans of chili into it. Mix up the Cornbread mix as per the instructions and then pour it on top of the chili. Crunch up some corn chips and sprinkle them on top. Add some grated cheddar, cover it with foil and bake it for about 35 minutes.
Serve it with some sour cream and a small salad. You are now a hero.
Chicken Sort of Piccatta
I learned this recipe from watching one of those chefs on Channel 9. I made my own adjustments of course.
Take two organic chicken breasts and toss them on the cutting board. Find the wooden masher in the drawer and beat on the chicken until it's somewhat flattened.
Get a pie tin and toss a couple of good-sized dollops of flour in, along with a little salt and pepper. Stir it up and toss the chicken breasts in and flop 'em around.
On low Heat, put some olive oil in a medium saucepan and add a little garlic and a splash of lemon juice. Turn up the heat and add a half glass of wine. Non-alcoholic is ok.
Now toss in some capers. What are capers? Ask somebody at Trader Joe's. You'll like them, 'nuff said. If you want to, watch the game for about five minutes. Come back and flip the chicken, then watch the game for five more minutes. Don't forget to come back though. Trust me, it's not good.
You're done. Serve the beautiful dish with some rice. Sit back and let the missus praise your efforts.
Pizza Face Pie
This one is fun and big with the kids. If you're the only kid, that's OK, you count. Get some pre-made pizza dough. The stuff in the tube is fine. (Making dough from scratch is nice, but this is cooking for guys, remember).
Now, get yourself a cookie sheet and toss some flour on it. Pop open the tube and extricate the gooey mess onto the sheet. Now flop the dough around until it gets floured pretty good.
Wasn't that fun? You washed your hands didn't you? (I should've reminded you earlier).
Oh well, just turn the oven on 425; that should sanitize things.
After you get the dough rolled out with one of those things she chases you around the house with, you're ready for the spaghetti sauce.
Don't bother with "pizza sauce," it's nearly the same thing as spaghetti sauce, just more expensive.
Smear on the sauce, and then add a layer of mozzarella cheese. More is good. Now you have a "canvas." Use sausage slices for the eyes, tomatoes make good ears and broccoli becomes a nose.
For some reason, my last pizza turned out more like a dog's face (perhaps because I was being watched by a couple of them as I prepared it). Add some diced onions and garlic and toss it into the oven for about 15 minutes.
You are now a chef as well as a hero, but don't let it go to your head, there are still dishes to be done.