J Reilly

Former Vegetarian’s First Attempt At Cooking Prime Rib

In case you are wondering why it’s taken me so long to make a standing rib roast for the first time, once upon a time I was a vegetarian. It didn’t make much sense considering how much I loved a juicy rare steak, but I sacrificed my meat-eating ways to be in synch with my boyfriend. Ah, the things we do for love!

Decoding Oven Racks: 101

I have some questions about my new Frigidaire Gallery Gas Range. I’m working the stovetop with panache (except that I can’t cook rice, even on the lowest setting, without the pot boiling over.) I’ve even been able to turn on the oven and roast some stuff. But the removable rack configuration has me baffled. TheContinueContinue reading “Decoding Oven Racks: 101”

Kale and Chickpea Soup with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

I have this bartender app where you enter ingredients you have on hand and it spits out a cocktail recipe for you. Let’s try the same method with food and see what we can come up with for tonight’s dinner.

Amaro and the Italian American

Two bottles of Italian liqueurs have been languishing in the liquor cabinet and threatened with drain pouring and bottle recycling by the Keeper of the Cabinet (aka spouse). “Oh, noooo…” say I in my best Mr. Bill impersonation. But what will we do with Amaro Montenegro and Amaro CioCiaro? First, we taste. Amaro is aContinueContinue reading “Amaro and the Italian American”

Songs in My Wine Glass

What’s playing in your wine glass?

Man vs. Deep-Fried Turkey

Somewhere along the line, my brother-in-law tasted deep-fried turkey and was hooked. The very next holiday involving turkey at his house presented him the opportunity to try to convert us to worshipers of deep-fried bird.

A “State” Of Mistaken Identity

In the spirit of drinking games that have you take a sip whenever a word or phrase is spoken, we’ve adapted our version to Philadelphia’s Action News and the code word is “Schuylkill” (pronounced SKOO-kul). Since we’re new to the area, the place name Schuylkill has a novel sound to our unfamiliar ears. And itContinueContinue reading “A “State” Of Mistaken Identity”

Misadventures in Real Estate: Part 6-In Spite Of Misadventures, We Have Much To Be Thankful For

Realtors tend to impart their wisdom with a cache of axioms that, when selling your house, you wish weren’t true.

Misadventures in Real Estate: Part 5 – Deal or No Deal

We spend a sleepless night wondering what went wrong. Can they call off the sale after the contract is signed? Why don’t they want the house suddenly? Can our realtor save the deal?

Misadventures in Real Estate: Part 4 – The Realtor Cam, Oh Yes I Did!

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that potential buyers want to look in your pantry and kitchen cabinets. Maybe I was a little curious as to why they looked in the refrigerator. Open houses are the best for observing what happens when the cage door springs open, and little creatures are set loose upon your home.