HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

I keep forgetting to do this and that is wish all you January Speakies a "HAPPY BIRTH DAY AND ANNIVERSARIES NO MATTER WHAT THEY THEY ARE."  I was looking up some dumb stuff for January and here is a little list of what I discovered.

• Gene Simmons, of the shock-rock group Kiss, earned a B.A. in education and speaks four languages.  Never knew that for a fact.
• The New York Board of Education barred the whipping of children in its schools on March 4, 1908.  Some states are still in debate over that today.
  
  
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  During the Stalin era, education in Russia was stressed. As a result, a majority of Russian women and men are very intelligent and hold degrees. In fact, Russia’s literacy rate is about 98 percent.  I think its too much Vodka.

  
  

  As far as holidays go today, it is "DO NOTHING DAY."  I can live with that idea and I'm sure those working have the same idea.  That means, no work, no homework for my little ones, no housework for my Dolls and no manual labor for my Guys.  Sit on your asses and rest easy.

  Now for us foodies out there it is "FIG NEWTON DAY."  I like them but haven't eaten one in a few years.  We also observe "HOT AND SPICY FOOD." There are so many hot and spicy foods where to you begin?  Here is my list, add a comment and tell me yours.

  Horse radish - that will open you sinus in a few seconds.  I love that stuff on a good piece of ham or roast beef.
  

  Dried Red Peppers on pizza.  That will make your nose open fast.
  

  The lowest form of hot peppers, Jalapeno's are okay.  Now my sons love all those hotter peppers and sauces on food.  I want to enjoy the flavor of the dish and not cry my eyes out.
  
  A good spicy chili and my favorite is Roe's homemade chili.  Good ingredients and just enough spices to keep you wanting more.  I am ready for some so as the weather changes to a bit cooler temperature.
  
  Dipping sauce with taco chips and one of our favorites is at Azetca De' Oro located near Orlando, FL. You can not beat the food, portions and that hot sauce.  I am finished for today, have a great one and stay safe.

  
  

HAPPY JANUARY 10 SPEAKIES

Good Morning to all my Guys and Dolls out there.  Today the holidays suck, but we do have some food stuff to celebrate.

January is "Oatmeal Month."  I have not eaten oatmeal in years, I am a man of cereal.  You ask what kind of cereal?  I like Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Wheaties and some other varieties that catch my eye when we are shopping. One has to have bananas in the cereal to make the breakfast complete.  I really enjoy eggs, over medium, omelets or scrambled eggs with some pork roll, ham and of course home fries.  But these days Joey Z is limited on sodium intake, but once in awhile I sneak it in mostly on cruises.  I have to admit Roe makes one great omelet, my son Joey could verify that fact. I forgot we are talking oatmeal today, I remember Mom making some great oatmeal from just the box and adding her own flavors.  So you oatmeal lovers enjoy it today.

January is also "Tea Month." I enjoy a cup of tea now and again especially a night.  Decaf of course as not to keep me up all night long.  Once in-a-while I sneak in a cup of coffee with a little treat.  I also have to drink tea when we go to a Chinese restaurant it adds flavor to the meal.  So tea lovers put up those little pinkie fingers up and enjoy yourself today or tonight.

Now as far as the food stuff goes it brought me back to the memory of Lisook's Jewish Deli (hoped I spelled it right or my reader the Skip will correct me) on Brunswick Ave., where I grew up.  The smell coming from there was great.  Giant Kosher pickles in a barrel, fresh lunch meat, sweets of all kinds.  The best part were the hard rolls and fresh bagels in the inside of the front windows.  They made for a great sandwich.  My favorite was a good hard roll with butter and a cup of coffee in the morning.  Near my Grandmother's house there were so many bakeries which specialized in their best products.  Sad to see them gone now.  Yesterday I went looking for fresh French hamburger buns for a good pork roll sandwich.  All of them were soggy so I had to pass those guys up.  Oh well enough of food for today, have a great one Speakies.

EAT HAM, GET YOUR SHOT AND ENJOY MACARONI

Hello Guy and Dolls:



Roe told me writing in capital letters means that I am screaming, its easier for me to see my typing but as always I respect her views thanks honey.  "PEACE WITH JUSTICE WEEK", is upon us and enjoy the George Carlin clip, what a guy.  His view of what is Peace with Justice is the right way.  Oh but I hear the voices out there say that we should not do this.  How many criminals are there in your state running free after bail?  Florida has loads and this is a perfect solution. When I wrote  my book I picked an island out in the Pacific Ocean barren as can be, fly these useless germs of society and drop them in the ocean.  If they make it to shore fine if not, food for the sharks.  Maybe I should change it to the Bering Sea and let them freeze to death before they make it to shore, like that better the poor becoming the soon extinct creatures would have some food to eat.

ADULT MEDICAL SHOT WEEK - For us senior citizens get your flu shots and do not put it off.

EAT HAM MONTH - I love ham especially the good old Polish ham called Krakus.  This was a great treat on Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.  To find it here in Florida is like searching the state for a good cheese steak.  I am not a fan of country smoked ham.  Come on Florida wake up a little, your Southern roots are drifting slowely away.

Today is also "PASTA DAY." - What ever you would like to call it.  Italians from Trenton called it macaroni and that is what Roe calls it.  So many shapes to enjoy and they all fit a certain type of sauce well.  I love Penne, Gnocchi, regular Spaghetti and one of my favorites Farfalle or Bow tie macaroni to you none Italians.  No smart remarks, enjoy the pasta you like with your favorite sauce and have a bowl tonight.

I would appreciate your comments on my blog.  I've asked this a number of times!  I want to know if you are enjoying my posts or not, comment are important to me but for all my readers who stop by thank you. 

TO ALL MY SPEAKIES THANKS IF IT WAS NOT FOR YOU I WOULD BE GETTING A PART-TIME JOB.  HAVE A GREAT DAY.

ONE HIT WONDERS AND CRABS

HELLO SPEAKIES:



"ONE HIT WONDERS", HOW MANY WERE THERE?  PROBABLY THOUSANDS SINCE MUSIC BEGAN.  WHEN EVER I HEAR THEM IT STILL BRINGS BACK MEMORIES TO ME.
IT DOES NOT ONLY INCLUDE MY GENERATION BUT FROM THE 80'S, 90'S AND TODAY FOR THOSE WHO LOVE ONE TIME WONDERS.  MY FAVORITES ARE STILL 50'S AND 60'S, BECAUSE I GREW UP IN THOSE YEARS.  MUSIC IS OURS ENJOY THE SONGS YOU LOVE.

COMIC BOOK DAY - BIG BUSINESS NOW, GROWING UP I READ COMBAT, SUPERMAN AND NEVER SAVED ONE BOOK TO MAKE IT RICH ONE DAY.  HOW MANY OF YOU OUT THERE HAD TO DO A BOOK REPORT AND READ "CLASSIC COMICS?"  I DID AND NEVER RECEIVED A GRADE LOWER THAN A OR B.  DON'T TELL THE KIDS.

SIGHT SAVING MONTH - GET THOSE EYES CHECKED, ALONG WITH THE LITTLE ONE'S EYES.  YOU MAY HAVE A PROBLEM AND DON'T PASS IT ALONG.

CRAB NEWBERRY DAY - SOUNDS LIKE A SALAD TO ME, WHICH I LIKE.  ONE DAY I AM GOING TO HAVE A SOFT SHELL CRAB SANDWICH AT ONE OF THE LOCAL SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS DOWN HERE.

THAT IS IT FOR TODAY, HAVE A GREAT ONE.

HAPPY MONDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2012

GOOD MONDAY MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:



I hope you all had a great weekend, enjoyed all the football one can see on television and hoping all your favorites won.  Let's get to some holiday celebrations today so if you are ready away we go.

SWAP IDEAS DAY - Sounds like a good holiday but if I had an idea that would make me a fortune why would I want to swap my idea with some bozo.  I would swap some bad ideas but as Joey Z always says, "Charity Begins at Home."  Don't become alarmed it is only for this crazy holiday.  I have compassion for my fellow man first comes my purse.

NATIONAL RICE MONTH - Must be a big holiday in China and the rest of the Asian countries.  I like rice but it must have flavor, not the plain old white rice.  Let see what kind of dishes I like that include rice to honor this great monthly celebration:

GOOD OLD GUMBO, WITH CHICKEN, SAUSAGE, SHRIMP, RICE AND ALL THAT OTHER GOOD STUFF FROM DOWN SOUTH.

SPANISH RICE WITH BLACK BEANS OR REFRIED BEANS AND SOME GREAT TACO'S TO GO ALONG.

GOLABKI - THAT GREAT POLISH DISH WITH RICE, GROUND MEAT AND CABBAGE TO SEAL THE DEAL.  JOEY Z'S NUMBER ONE RICE DINNER.

ROE HAS A GREAT RICE SIDE DISH WITH PEAS, CARROTS AND CORN, GREAT WITH FISH OR A LIGHT DINNER FARE.

CHICKEN RICE SOUP - NOTHING BETTER ON A COLD WINTER DAY OR NIGHT TO TAKE THE CHILL OUT OF YOUR BONES.

RICE PUDDING - OH HOW COULD WE FORGET THIS DESSERT?  THERE MUST BE TONS MORE, SEND YOUR COMMENTS IN PLEASE AND LET THE OTHER READERS ENJOY.

ETHNIC FOODS MONTH - THERE ARE SO MANY NATIONALITIES IN THIS COUNTRY EVERYONE HAS THEIR FAVORITE ETHNIC FOODS.  I LOVE POLISH AND ITALIAN THE MOST.  MEXICAN AND CHINESE ARE COMING UP THE REAR, SOUNDS LIKE A HORSE RACE BUT THOSE ARE MY FAVORITES.  THERE ARE ALSO COMFORT FOODS WE ALL LOVE, LIKE OPEN FACE SANDWICHES WITH TURKEY OR ROAST BEEF, MEAT LOAF, FRIED CHICKEN, BURGERS, DOGS AND IT GOES ON.

Enough for today Speakies, have a wonderful day and a pleasant evening and start enjoying the Fall weather up North with all those leaves you have to pick up.

ME TARZAN HAVE BANANA

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:



Happy Monday to you all and I promise not to brag about not working.  Hope you all had a great weekend and are in a great mood to start the new week off right.  Over the weekend we missed two good holidays so I have to honor them today.

HOT DOG DAY - I love hot dogs but now have to watch all that sodium on the good stuff you put on them but everything in moderation as Roe would say wisely.  Honestly the best hot dog I ever had was a Italian hot dog at the Casino in Trenton, NJ.  Good hard Italian roll, split dogs, topped with potatoes and peppers and coated with some mustard.  The Casino has closed and gone to restaurant heaven but will always be remembered by those who dined there.  The next time I visit my son on the coast and before we go fishing we are going to a place that has great Chicago Hot Dogs, I have never had one and sodium or not I'm going to polish one off.  I could talk all day about hot dogs, give me a good chili dog with onions and mustard and I'm also in heaven.  I have to stop this dog talk and move one but enjoy some dogs tonight.

CHERRY POPSICLE DAY - I may have been a fan of cherry popsicles when I was little, but as Joey Z grew his taste buds expanded to Root Beer and Vanilla as being my favorites.  You always had to be careful splitting those twin pops in half to share with your best bud or girl at the time.  I did pretty good in that art.  So for nostalgia purposes today go out and have an ice popsicle and if cherry is your favorite you just hit a home run in popsicle park.

Now for a brief summary on today's holidays:

TARZAN DAY - How could one forget those famous words "ME TARZAN, YOU JANE."  I must have seen every Tarzan movie on a Saturday when I was a kid.  If it was pouring rain outside Tarzan came on the tube.  Just good guy wins against the bad guys all the time.  If you like Tarzan movies keep your eyes open on the Turner Movie Channel (TMC), recently they had a Tarzan marathon but I was not home to enjoy it.

BANANA DAY - Good old bananas, filled with potassium for your body and great to eat plain or in cereal like I love.  When I was working, in the morning I never ate breakfast until I got to work.  There a copy of coffee, a toaster strudel a piece of pie or cake or a donut would do.  Since coming out of the hospital, I have changed my entire diet to ensure better health to my heart.  I start off with a small glass of OJ, some cereal and black coffee.  Believe me I would love to eat donuts but after shedding 30 pounds I fee the best ever since the 70's.  Well so much for today Guys and Dolls hope you have a great one and I'll see you soon.  Enjoy the blog, read all you want and enjoy the music as well.

SPUMONI PLEASE AFTER THE CATFISH DINNER

Happy Tuesday Guys and Dolls:





Hey fish lovers August is 'NATIONAL CATFISH MONTH."  Catfish is eaten in a variety ways all over the world.  In Europe it is cooked like carp.  Here in the good old USA it is covered with cornmeal and fried.  You can also have it broiled, baked or blackened.  How they eat it in the Asian countries varies and I really don't want to know how.  I guess I watch too many of that Travel Station Show "Bizarre Foods", with Andrew Zimmern.

It is "POETS DAY".  if you are a fan or better yet a reader of poetry read your favorite poems.  For all you poets never give up on your writing even if it does not sell you have the gratification of being called a poet.  I wrote a book it sold copies but I'll never see a million sold.  I wrote the book because it was something I always wanted to do.  Call it a bucket list item but I was happy I did it and enjoyed writing it. 

Let's say Happy Birthday to the Oldsmobile.  It was produced for most of its existence by General Motors and was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897.  In its history it produced 35.2 million cars plus at least 14 million at its Lansing, Michigan factory.  Olds finally was phased out in 2004 just like a Star Trek phaser pistol on a Ferengi.

Ice Cream lovers and that includes Joey Z who has found a new favorite in the flavor we celebrate today "SPUMONI DAY."  Spumoni is an Italian ice cream made with layers of different colors and flavors.  The one I buy is Edy's made with Cherry, Pistaschio and Chocolate.  If you have never tried Spumoni please do it is delicious.  I'm always telling you what to eat but listen to Joey Z he usually right on target in the pickle barrel.

Roe and I are planning to catch a movie this week a senior discount of course.  Have a great day and a wonderful evening.

SOON JOEY Z IT WILL COME

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

I’m getting psyched only two more days of work. Roe figured out why you get those feelings of anxiety about retiring. We look back on life and remember our parents retiring and now it is us, well like I wrote yesterday let us enjoy the benefits of our many years of labor. May we all share in good health, happiness, love and adventure.

Just checked the food holiday for today, it is one of my favorites, however a forbidden fruit for me now. How I hate to utter the words of this holiday for it is “NATIONAL CHILI DOG DAY.” A dog smothered with chili and chopped onions on a warm toasted bun with a side of baked beans truly a meal in itself. One of my fondest memories of dogs which does not include the chili variety was at Connie Mack Stadium in Philly. My dad and I loved watching those last place Phillies back in the late 1950‘s and early 1960’s and when that hot dog man came around I had to have one of those lukewarm dogs with a slap of yellow mustard on it. It was a taste you could not refuse.

Now-a-days there must be a variety of ways to dress up a chili dog, for me I like them the way I mentioned earlier for the rest of you Guys and Dolls have it your way. Thanks for stopping by, be careful out there and have a chili dog for me.

DELIGHTS OF THE SEA FOR ME

Happy Thursday Speakies:

As I promised today we are talking “SEAFOOD” and I want to see you send in comments on your favorite seafood dishes no excuses if you can read write me a comment on my blog. When I was younger and it was summer my Dad made several trips fishing on head or party boats at Pt. Pleasant, NJ with the guys we worked with. I loved when he brought back fresh cleaned fluke or better known as summer flounder. Mom used to bread it, side it with some fries and coleslaw and there was one great summer meal. I also remember the times my Uncle Charlie had a boat and we would fish Barnegat Bay for Blowfish. My uncle had a board on his boat that we merely but the fish on a nail attached and one quick jerk and the meat came clearly off. There was not a lot of filet on each fish but at that time you could boat about 100 fish per day. Blowfish was fried like flounder and very tasty and there was never any talk about poison sacks. Good memories of times past. I guess I got off the favorite seafood subject, but those were the fun days of catching fish and enjoying seafood at its finest to me.

You readers know that many times I have written about seafood and my favorite types. I love shrimp, mussels, lobster, crab, flounder, sea trout and scallops. My son says I have to try Key West Grunts, they are small fish not much meat but if you catch a nice batch they make a good meal. Light in flesh and very tasty; when I retire I think I will give that a try and see if I can have a meal worth eating. For those in the Central Florida area or those planning a visit, a friend I work with suggested trying “HOT N JUICY CRAWFISH” located in Orlando. I placed their website below for you to check it out. You can eat there or take out I understand the seafood is very fresh and tasty. http://hotnjuicycrawfish.com/

So much for today and seafood, have a wonderful day and be careful out there.

PIZZA VERSUS CHINESE - PIZZA WINS READ ON

Happy Monday Speakies:

Good old Joey Z is a very busy man these weeks before retirement getting my replacement trained, personal things that must be completed, you catch the drift.  Hoping you all had a great weekend.  I was glad to see the Phillies finally win Friday night over the Orioles, sorry Mack but my boys are floundering in last place just like when I was a kid.  Time to rebuild and I'm sure one day they will.  Pretty hot and rainy in Florida, today is Saturday and I am posting for Monday but like I said lots to do.  Tried a new pizza joint Roe went to the other day for lunch on Friday called the Original Anthony's Pizzeria and Italian Restaurant.  We just order the pizza lunch special 2 slices and a drink and I can say the pizza was good.  Thin crust, nice amount of sauce, cheese was soft as could be not chewy overall one of the best.  If you are in Central Florida, near Disney attractions, the address is:

The Original Anthony's Pizzeria
1166 W. Osceola Pkwy.
Kissimmee, FL 34711
Website:  www.anthonysoriginalpizza.com

On Friday night we tried a new Chinese restaurant over on the Orange Blossom Trail, average place nothing to rave about.  The best Chinese food ever was in Trenton, NJ on Beatty St. one block before Lalor, can't think of the name but they were great, nice atmosphere, clean and great service and per Roe the best General Tao's Chicken done properly.  I don't know if another Chinese restaurant still exists but it was on Brunswick Ave. right before the circle and near Top Road Barber Shop.  Old Joey Z and Roe will be keeping posted on places to dine if you are visiting the area.  Remember you have to find the small places that the locals go to not these chains they are all the same.

So much for today Guys and Dolls, have a great Monday and please be careful.

GET YOUR SEAFOOD HERE, SEAFOOD HERE

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

“FUKI, YAKI, SAKI, WANT SOME SEAFOOD?” That’s right Speakies it is officially Week of the Oceans and to Joey Z that means seafood for eating. I must confess as I have mentioned in several posts my favorite food is from bountiful pleasures of the sea, how about those words? No kidding I’m a big seafood fan I think it all started when I was a wee Joey Z whose mother served him Mrs. Paul’s fish sticks and fries. Then came Granny O. who made those delicious salmon cakes served with her enormous French fries. Of course there was that wonderful flounder, fries and slaw that came every Friday when my mother ordered it for dinner from Top Road Tavern. I can still see wee Joey Z crossing Brunswick Ave. to pick-up our order at 5:00 p.m. The memories of catching Fluke out of the Atlantic Highlands and Roe preparing her beer battered fish for the family to enjoy. Seafood, seafood I could go on for hours but I would start to get real hungry and right now I don’t have access to seafood unless I skip out to Mickey D’s for a fast fish sandwich. Shall I name the rest of my favorite seafood delights, yes and they are as follows:

Shrimp – Anyway you cook them.

Scallops – Broiled in butter or fried.

Flounder – Fried, broiled, stuffed with crab and old time Joey Z favorite.

Lobster – My rich man’s delight when we are cruising.

Clams Casino – Crecco’s in Trenton, NJ had the best.

Mussels Marinara - LaGondola served the very best.

Sardines - Always great as a quick snack.

Oysters on the Half Shell – Never had one but it’s on my list if I don’t look at them first. Bucket List item to eat.

Enough seafood already there are more holidays to speak about like Animal Cracker Day but to me they are only cookies of my childhood past but in honor I promise to eat some one day. Have a great day Speakies and think Seafood.

HONOR THE SPUD

Have a Potato Day Speakies:

I told you all we would be talking about some food this month. Well February is “POTATO LOVERS MONTH.” Now we all love our potatoes and Joey Z loves his as much as the next person. One of my favorite meals is meatloaf with mashed potatoes covered in gravy and on top load those potatoes with sweet peas. No finer eating than that for a man. I’m not much of a cook but Roe makes one great meatloaf and my son Joe who never cooked turned out to be a good one and makes a great meatloaf also. While on this subject I’m going to name my favorites and how I like them. Feel free here to jump in and make your post of your favorite potatoes also.

Fried Potatoes - Sliced and sautéed with onions and peppers. My Dad made a great fried potato dish.

French Fries – No skinny string fries, Joey Z likes his nice and thick, crispy on the outside and soft inside. Crinkle cut fries are another favorite of mine. French fries on the Boardwalk at Seaside Heights, NJ loaded with salt in a cone cup can never be topped.

Baked Potatoes – Loaded with butter and sour cream and replenished as the potato is being eaten. Right now I have to watch the salt so I may be dreaming of potatoes past.

Italian Potato Salad – A Rosemary specialty boiled baby potatoes with oil, spices and sometimes French style string beans. This is served room temperature and goes great with any meal.

Potato Salad – I miss my Grandmother and Mother’s potato salad all I have now is memories of that delicious taste. A woman I work with named Danuta (Fine Polish Woman indeed) makes a great potato salad when we have our parties at work. Hats off to you Danuta.

Now for the sweet treat of today it is “GUMDROP DAY.” I loved those spice flavored ones. Enjoy the day Guys and Dolls and remember potato is the word.

DON'T DUCK HISTORY

Hump Day is Here Guys and Dolls:

For all those visiting the Sunshine State on vacation, I hope you are all having a great time. It’s not the 80 degree weather but let’s face it you are not freezing those butts off either.

We do have a different kind of food holiday today. It is “PEKING DUCK DAY” that famous duck dish from Beijing that has been made since the imperial era of China. Peking Duck is known for the thin, crisp skin, with the real versions of the dish serving mostly the skin and little meat, sliced in front of the diners by a cook. These ducks are bred especially for the dish and are slaughtered after 65 days and are seasoned before being roasted in a closed oven or hung oven. The duck is eaten with pancakes, onions and hoisin sauce or a sweet bean sauce. I had Peking Duck made by a friend a long time ago and it was excellent. I’ve eaten regular duck once on a cruise and found it to be too greasy to enjoy.

Now for a little look back in history for today. Remember Moms and Dads retain this material in case those little ones pop those questions to you.

1535 – Francisco Pizarro founds Lima, Peru.

1733 – 1st polar bear exhibited in America, Boston, Ma.

1795 – Captain Cook discovers the Hawaiian Islands.

1943 – Jews in the Warsaw Ghetto begin to resist the Nazis.

1943 – The Soviet Army breaks the long resistance of the Nazi siege of Leningrad.

1948 – Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour premieres on DuMont.

1964 – Plans for the World Trade Center in NYC are announced.

1967 – Albert DeSalvo (The Boston Strangler) sentenced to life in the pen.

1991 – Eastern Airlines goes out of business. The Wings of Man no longer operate; I flew Eastern a great deal while in the service.

Enough knowledge for today. Have a great day and a wonderful evening Guys and Dolls, see you soon.

SOUP ME AND SAY THANKS

First Hump Day of the Year Speakies:

And let me tell you there are plenty more to come this year. I hope you all are back in the swing of things so let’s check some stuff out for today. There are lots of monthly celebrations in January so let’s check some out.

NATIONAL SOUP MONTH – I love soup for lunch being it’s easy to heat up in the microwave at work. There is one drawback that I have to watch and that is the sodium count in those cans so it is becoming difficult to choose the right lunch to eat. Now I’m going to name my favorite kinds of soups, homemade of course. Chicken noodle with fresh pieces of shredded chicken, carrots and that good broth that Roe puts together. Roe loved my Mom’s Pea Soup; she had everything in there with a good pea broth, nice and thick almost like a stew. Tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich on a cold night can’t be beat. Potato soup warms me tummy on those chilly days and another favorite is that Italian Pasta e Fagioli. Roe and I differ on the temperatures of soup, she likes hers warm and ready to eat, mine has to be hot. How could I have forgotten this favorite sodium filled soup, French Onion is a real treat for me. Let’s move on to another topic, I’m craving French Onion soup right now.

NATIONAL THANK YOU MONTH – A habit that seems to be disappearing recently in my view. I’ve noticed when driving I signal the other driver to go and not even a simple wave of the hand. Opening a door for someone is a hit and miss with a Thank You. I was raised to say Thank You always when someone did you a favor, open a door or gave you a gift. So take a little advice from Joey Z and start practicing saying Thanks and start to teach those little ones too.

Have a great day and be careful out there.

VICHYSSOISE OR PEANUT BUTTER?

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Today is “VICHYSSOISE DAY”, cold soup to those who love it. My soup has to be hot, not even luke warm. Vichyssoise is a thick soup made of leeks, onions, potatoes, cream and chicken stock. It is traditionally eaten cold but can be heated up. Sounds like potato soup but you can skip the leeks and chicken stock for me. It was said to be made famous by Louis Diat a chef at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City. So if you are a fan of cold soup, enjoy a bowl tonight or at lunch today.

I know there are plenty fans of this next observance for November is also “NATIONAL PEANUT BUTTER MONTH.” Peanut butter the favorite sandwich of every kid at heart. Honestly I haven’t had a peanut butter or peanut butter and jelly sandwich since I was a kid and never ate that many of them. I guess I was a bologna sandwich kid. The way I enjoyed peanut butter more was on Ritz Crackers or celery sticks. My son and daughter-in-law were recently in Southern California celebrating their first wedding anniversary and told me of an unusual sandwich that my son really enjoyed. There is this restaurant called Slater’s 50/50 that serves wild burger combinations. My son had a burger with peanut butter, strawberry jam and topped with bacon. He said the combination was so strange but absolutely delicious and one of the best burgers he ever had. I guess one can truly say peanut butter is not only for jelly anymore.

So today Speakies be a kid at heart, make yourself and your loved ones some peanut butter or peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and enjoy. Have a great day and a wonderful evening, enjoy the weekend but be careful. See you soon.

BRING BACK THOSE 15 CENT BURGERS

Happy Wednesday Guys and Dolls:

I was checking out some food holidays for the month and today we celebrate “FAST FOOD DAY.” You know what that is eating all that stuff that’s not good for you or your kids; I call it Make You Fatty Food. What were some of the early fast food places? From my home town I remember Pix it was similar to the early McDonald’s with cheeseburgers, hamburgers and fries and I think the most expensive item was 25 cents that was in the early 60’s. McDonalds came next; we had Gino’s on South Broad Street, Burger King of course and KFC. I’m sure there are plenty more today so send me the names of your early favorites. Joey Z’s opinion on it will make you fat is if you eat and enjoy in moderation all will be fine. There is too much interference today in what we do, eat, say and look like. Tell these soothsayers of eating doom, cop-a-walk and get a burger and fries.

We also celebrate “NATIONAL RAISIN BREAD MONTH.” I like raisin bread and have it in the morning at work with coffee. There is nothing special about raisin bread to me, I like the taste of the raisins with the butter and a cup of coffee makes it a healthy breakfast in my mind at least. I really would prefer a nice crispy round hard roll the kind I use to eat on Sunday mornings from the Jewish deli down the street oh well. If you are a fan of raisin bread go ahead and eat some today or pick-up a loaf at your favorite grocery or bakery.

Have a great day Guys and Dolls and a wonderful evening.

A MID-ATLANTIC TREAT

Happy Hump Day Speakies:

Not very much happening today except for a food favorite of the Mid-Atlantic States. I know it is a favorite of my reader Skip and I’ve also enjoyed this delicacy originally made famous by the Pennsylvania Dutch. Are you ready, for it is “SCRAPPLE DAY.” What is Scrapple you say? You know what goes in hot dogs that are not 100% beef well scrapple is a tradition of mush of pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal, flour and spices. This combination is made into a semi-solid loaf and the slices are pan fried before serving.

Scrapple is typically made from all hog, such as the head, heart, liver and other goodies which are boiled with any bones and even the entire head to make the broth. Once cooked all the bones and fat is discarded and the balance is made into the loaf. People call it “everything but the oink.” Normally scrapple is eaten as a breakfast meat, served with potatoes, eggs and toast. That’s the way I always had mine. In Philly it is sometimes fried, mashed with fried eggs, horseradish and ketchup. No thank you for me. Some manufacturers are now making scrapple out of beef, chicken and turkey but one has to have the original to say “I’ve eaten scrapple.”

I would also like to wish all my Guys and Dolls celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries today a very happy and wonderful day to you all. Well I will see you tomorrow and remember Pigs don’t fly.

PRAISE THE GREASE TODAY

Good Tuesday Morning Speakies:

Get ready to slide today and I don’t mean on sleds, water slides or any of those fun things. I’m talking food sliding for today is “GREASY FOODS DAY.” All those foods that are not good for you in excess or like me on a daily basis. Joey Z is talking the cream of the crop greasy foods here, comfort food that’s it, good old comfort food. I’m making a list with my comments and I want you to send me your favorite greasy delights. Here we go:

French Fries – hot and crispy with ketchup. The ones on the boardwalk at Seaside were some of the best; eat a few and you had to wipe your fingers.

Pepperoni pizza – pick up that slice baby, fold it in half and just watch the greasy oil slide down to the tip and hit the plate. Take that first bite and wipe your mouth you are in pizza heaven.

Pork Roll – fried up a little burn around the edges on a nice roll with cheese and spicy mustard.

Scrapple – God’s King of Grease, everything goes in it but who cares its great with eggs, potatoes and toast.

Bacon – nice and crisp, pick it up and feel the snap in your mouth. Can you say BLT?

White Castle Burgers – I call them nature’s own laxative.

Cheeseburger – right off the grill put it on a bun and see the grease stain, bite into it and the juices just drip down your chin.

Italian Sausage Sandwich – of course with peppers and onions, a true treat.

Polish Kielbasa – the Filet Mignon to us Polaks, add some horseradish and take us to the promised land.

Well those are some of my favorites, send me yours, don’t be shy you can make a comment on this blog about any subject I write about. Have a Greasy Day.

IT'S CORN POPPING NIGHT

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

I want all of you to know I searched all my sources for any history lessons that could be learned today and believe me nothing really struck me to write about. One Happy Birthday for today goes out to Mickey Mantle the Yankee great. Happy Birthday to all my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today.

This month we do celebrate “POPCORN MONTH”, you know that stuff you share with your date at the movies or at home on the couch. My popcorn has to be loaded with butter and salt however lately the salt is a goner. Forget the caramel popcorn never cared for it. Roe bought Kettle corn which is pretty good and features a little different taste. I remember being a kid I use to go down to Willets which was our local 5 &10 cent store but they carried everything in the world you would need to survive. They had one of those popcorn machines that had little white bags and you would deposit a dime put the bag over the spout and out came the hot popcorn. Here was another great treat for us kids back then “Jiffy Pop.” I call it popcorn in a frying pan; you would rub the pan over the stove top burner until the magical aluminum top started to blow up like a balloon. I stood there like a deer in the headlights waiting for the foil to pop open and fill the kitchen full of hot popcorn. The foil got bigger and the popping stopped only to discover there were a lot of burned kernels instead of hot popcorn. The microwave popcorn of today truly tops that of the old frying pan.

Gather the family together tonight and make it an old popcorn popping night, add a good movie and you have a nice family or romantic evening. Have a great evening Speakies whatever you do.

ON TOP OF SPAGHETTI

Good Morning Speakies:

Hope you all had a great weekend and ready to start a brand new week. Should we do a history lesson today or talk food. Food it is and all I can say is “ITS GOOD TO BE THE KING.” We honor PASTA today and it is also National Pasta Month. What is pasta you ask? Pasta is a staple food of traditional Italian cuisine and now worldwide served. The word pasta first attested in English in 1874, comes from the Italian name pasta which in fact comes from the Latin word pasta meaning dough or pastry cake. There are two types of pasta dried and fresh. Dried pasta is made without eggs and has a two year storage life. Fresh pasta will keep for only a few days in the refrigerator. There’s a little on brain matter concerning pasta or as most Italian from Trenton call it macaroni.

Let’s see what kind of pasta or macaroni Joey Z favors. I’m a fan of regular spaghetti; you can say old number 9 with some Marinara sauce serve it and all will be fine. Some of my other favorites include Farfalle, Gnocchi, Fettuccine, Linguine, Angel Hair and Penne pasta. I like different types of sauces with the above but all in all Marinara sauce is my favorite. You need some good meat sauce to go along with certain pasta. Staples like meatballs and Italian sausage can complete the other types for a great tasting dish. To really top it off a nice glass of Italian red wine.

Like I said it’s Monday and I’d better let you get back to work. Have a great day, see you soon.