Just Good Food: Waffles

 Eat a Waffle

"You should eat a waffle! You can't be sad if you eat a waffle!" —  Lauren Myracle

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission. 

Just Good Food: Sandwiches

Intersections 

I seldom go a day without eating, taking a photograph, or posting my PaD. It should not be a surprise that there may be an intersection, or overlap, of these activities; nor that this may seep into my blogging. So, it looks like that I will probably devote much of this month to what I am calling good food; starting with sandwiches. 

When it comes to a sandwich I am pretty much a structure purist: A sandwich must consistent of two pieces of bread/baked product, with fillings in between. Thus a wrap or a burrito is not a sandwich. An exception may be made for a sub or hoagie (not necessarily two separate pieces), but not for a hotdog. My definition would allow for a hamburger to be a sandwich, but I think that it needs to be called something different so as not to be confused with a ham sandwich.

My favorite sandwich is a BLT. Oddly, I don't have a decent photo of one. I guess that I scarf them down too quickly. 

All writing and images ©Cliff Hutson unless expressly noted. Do not use without permission.

Food for Thought

"Is mother nature a psychopath? Why would she design foods to shorten the lifespan of the human race?"

Pan-seared Strip Steak: photo by Cliff Hutson

Evidence from a recent study suggests dairy fats can have health benefits, as do many other foods discouraged by  health officials and scientific authorities.

Some of us may seize upon this as great news. Others may be left at sea as it conflicts with long established habits or medical advice. 

Steak and Eggs: photo by Cliff Hutson

An Omnivore's Dilemma 

A case can be made that can be made one should cut down or eliminate meat from their diet for ecological reasons. An ethical argument against eating animals can also be persuasive.  But, as time goes by, health does not seem as a compelling reason for doing so. Although, one can have too much of a good thing.

Humans, as omnivores, can eat just about anything Nature (or food processors) has to offer. Deciding what to eat is the real question. 

Rice and Beans: photo by Cliff Hutson

Two Julia Child quotes:

• "If you're afraid of butter, use cream."

• "I believe in red meat. I've often said: red meat and gin."

Gin Bottle with Cat: photo by Cliff Hutson

Long Haul Dining

I am not now, nor ever have been, a long haul trucker. There were more than a few times when my late wife and I would fantasize about getting a conventional cab Kenworth and hitting the road as a team. But, we realized that it was probably not as glamorous as it seemed and kept on doing what we doing.

However, on our road trips we liked to eat where the truckers stopped. Some say that truck drivers frequent diners where the coffee is good. Others say that they just stop where there is room to park a big rig. We, in any event, usually found the food to be to our liking.

I still do, and present some of my standard fare:

Steak and Eggs

Skillet Steak with Fried Egg: photo by Cliff Hutson

Steak and eggs, another timeless meal. Most people probably think of this dish as breakfast, but like pie, it can be eaten any time of day or night. Many a long haul has been fueled with nothing else. Except maybe grits. And, biscuits. Don't forget the biscuits

Grits

Bowl of Grits: photo by Cliff Hutson

Grits is a food made from corn, or hominy, that is ground into a coarse meal and then boiled. Said to be of Native American origin, they are now most associated with American Southern cooking. They are a great side dish at breakfast, or whenever steak and eggs are consumed. 

Biscuits

Pile of Biscuits: photo by Cliff Hutson

George Bernard Shaw supposedly said, “The United States and Great Britain are two countries separated by a common language,” even though it is not found in any of his writings. However, the word "biscuit" certainly proves this conjecture. It is used, in Great Britain  to describe what I call a cookie or cracker. While, in America, it means a soft, leavened quick bread.

Some people say that they feel uncomfortable eating in truck stops as they don't fit in. This has not been a problem for me, as long as I did not try to sit in the "Log Room" or whatever area was set aside for truckers only. 

The one point of friction I have encountered is in ordering biscuits - which I prefer over toast or muffins, or any other bread product associated with breakfast. A surprising number of roadside diners seem to only offer "Biscuits and Gravy".   So, to get biscuits with my meal I order biscuits and gravy and have them hold the gravy. I do this with a little trepidation as it reminds me of a scene in the movie "Five Easy Pieces." 

Coffee

One More Cup of Coffee: photo by Cliff Hutson

Breakfast in the morning, of course, calls for a cup of joe. Other times of the day, that can be problematic. 

The Next Move

The next move is up to you.  If you are enticed by the call of the open road, eschew the chain restaurants and try a place where you see the big rigs. By the way, it is not all breakfast, you know.

Cheeseburger in Paradise: photo by Cliff Hutson

Skillet Steak

Skillet Steak with Fried Egg

Steak and eggs, another timeless meal. Many a long haul has been fueled with nothing else. Except may be grits. And, biscuits. Don't forget the biscuits. Guess I will have to cook this meal again and do it up right.