Sautéed Pork Chops with Pears and Blue Cheese. Creamy Parmesan Polenta. Roasted Brussels Sprouts.

... "'All the leaves are brown and the sky is grey.' This famous lyric is from 'California Dreamin' by Mamas and the Papas. The weather was just like that today in Chicago. I asked James what he wanted for dinner today while he was at work. He said, '[p]ork chops.' I answered back, '/done.' I went to the grocery store and I thought - palm trees and warm weather. I need to represent that ...

Sautéed Pork Chops with Pears and Blue Cheese: 1" BL Pork Rib Chop. SnP. VO. Pear. Sugar. LS Chicken Broth. US Butter. Balsamic Vinegar. Blue Cheese.

Creamy Parmesan Polenta: Water. SnP. Baking Soda. Polenta. US Butter Parmesan.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Brussels Sprouts. EVOO. Water. SnP.

As you can see, I made the Brussels sprouts into something that looked like palm trees. The polenta resembles sand. As for the pears - don't they look like surfboards? Anyway - I told James the reasoning behind the presentation and why I chose the ingredients that I did ... alas, he didn't care. He sat down and ate it. I chuckled. It's good that he's coming home to a home-cooked meal once again. Looks back towards the kitchen and glad to see this new kitchen is being put to good use." /wondering if we should head into the West Loop for ice cream for dessert

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Old-Fashioned Pot Roast with Winter Vegetables.

... "James and I have settled in our new flat here in the Illinois Medical District in Chicago. The transition for James, Wally, and Eva is quite easy. Heck, I'm quite surprised. It took me 3 days/nights to get my kitchen up and running - yeah, I forgot a couple of key items back in Lindenhurst, but, I'll get them soon enough. I asked James what he wanted for dinner. He said, 'comfort food.' Well, there was farmer's market that I went to and I grabbed some veggies ...

Old-Fashioned Pot Roast with Winter Vegetables: BL Chuck-Eye Roast. S and P. US Butter. Onion. Carrot. Parsnip. Celery. Garlic. Beef Broth. Merlot. Tomato Paste. Bay Leaf. Thyme. Balsamic Vinegar.

I tested out the stove, microwave, dishwasher, and even the refrigerator. They all passed my tests. I couldn't believe how comforting it was to actually cook once again for James. Wally and Eva were right there watching me as well. I shed a couple of tears. I'm just glad that we are all back together in the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Remember, comfort food isn't comfort food - unless you are making memories while eating it." /stares at James scarfing down and licking his plate and asking for more

... "Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn, and cauldron bubble. Fillet of a big grizzly bear, in the cauldron a soup to share ... FOR EVERYONE! It's October! The pumpkin spice lattes are already out, the leaves are starting to fall, and everyone is anticipating the holidays and the comfort food that comes with it. Did you dust off your fall and winter recipes? What recipes and food photography are you going to share this October? Need I mention Oktoberfest? All the German food and beer!!! Need I mention Halloween? All the sweet treats that all of us will be indulging ... or will you get tricked ... maybe get a 'trick?' Happy October, Bears in the Kitchen!" /looking for käsespätzle and pumpkin pie

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