Mexican Lasagna with Pork, Corn, and Pinto Beans.

... "Finally, I'm back to my old self again. I bought a new car and I don't feel stranded at home. I will say not having a car was killing me. After waiting all morning to get Victory Auto Wreckers to junk my car this afternoon, I desperately needed to restock our pantry and refrigerator. My international supermarket specializes in Mexican items ... after watching the Masterchef USA - Season 5 finale over the weekend ... i need to make something Mexican inspired.

Mexican Lasanga with Pork, Corn, and Pinto Beans: VO. Onion. Red Bell Peppers. S & P. Garlic. Chipotle Chiles in Adobo Sauce. Chili Powder. Ground Pork. UB-AP flour. LS Chicken Broth. Pinto Beans. Diced Tomatoes. Corn. Cilantro. Lime Juice. Corn Tortillas. VO Spray. Colby Cheese. Monterey Jack Cheese.

Going back deep into my memories, I haven't really made Mexican food - other than eating at many restaurants in the Pilsen neighborhood and eating the local/street fare near my house - I haven't really delved into it. I'm glad I did. James was surprised too ... he was expecting something Filipino or a 12-piece box of fried chicken and a large white rice for dinner on a Tuesday night. Not today. LOL!" /suddenly wants très leches cake

TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

Osso Bucco. Gremolata. Polenta with Gorgonzola.

... "My neighbor graciously gave me some tomatoes the other day which sparked a conversation about her escapades in Italy. While she was pouring a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, I asked the question, "What dish reminds you of Italy?" She replied, 'Osso bucco. I remember the fragrant smells walking down Piazza San Marco and looking over Ponte di Rialto seeing the gondoliers go by.' ... so I went to the grocery store and butcher shop to get ...

Osso Bucco: EVOO. US Butter. Veal Shank. White Wine. Onion. Carrot. Celery. Garlic. LS Chicken Broth. Bay Leaf. Diced Tomatoes.

Gremolata: Garlic. Lemon Zest. Parsley.

Polenta with Gorgonzola: Water. S & P. MG/SG Cornmeal. Gorgonzola.

I graciously asked my neighbor to sit down and have dinner with us, she opened the door and the smell of the osso bucco cooking stopped her dead in her tracks. She was very excited and was smiling from cheek to cheek. I called James down from his office and he was surprised that we had a weeknight guest for dinner. I said, 'Guests are always welcomed for any meal at our house!' The table was set and I served our neighbor her osso bucco first. My neighbor's jaw dropped and was in shock. She shed a tear and said, 'MANGIA!" James and I both chuckled. During dinner, our neighbor was telling us about the food and the culture of Venice. James told me ... '[w]e're going to Italy instead of Cancun.' I said, 'You're buying!" My neighbor raised her glass of wine and proposed a toast .. 'James, è meglio avere un sacco di soldi! Jon è costoso!" (James, you better have a lot of money! Jon is expensive!) ... /chuckles and hoping that James and I go to Venice in the winter ...
 
TWITTER - INSTAGRAM - PINTEREST - PERISCOPE: @thepantrypanda
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/thepantrypanda
WEBSITE: http://www.thepantrypanda.com/
BEARS IN THE KITCHEN: http://www.bearsinthekitchenn.com/

NEW PROFILE PICURE!!

... "I would like to thank my dear friend, Joan Varitek for my new profile and Twitter picture! Thank you from the bottom of my stock pot!" /makes my famous garlic and herb prime rib just for Joan

For more information about Joan's work:
JOAN VARITEK - SOCIAL MEDIA
INSTAGRAM: @pinkopigtails
WEBSITE: http://www.joanvaritek.com