Be attentive to your guest and engage in conversation.  I am reminded of the Hearst Castle tour I once took.  Mr Hearst would invite people to join him at the castle.  Of course, there was no one local so he would have to bring them from the east coast via his yacht.  When his guests … More Secrets of the Dining Area

If you have taken the time and trouble to fix yourself and your date a meal, then take time to properly enjoy it.  The best way to achieve this is to have an area set aside for the purpose.  Even if you are living in a small apartment and don’t have a proper table, you … More Secrets of the Dining Area

  Olive oil – there are myriads of choices.  Two that work well, an expensive salad style oil that you might like the flavor.  It should be an extra virgin organic style.  The discount stores like Costco sell a good basic oil.  The other would be for adding oil without too much flavor.  Also available … More Other Essentials

Sea salt Black pepper Granulated garlic Chili powder Curry powder Cinnamon Raw sugar Turmeric Italian spices Oregano Crushed red pepper Nutmeg Honey – not a spice, but I cook with it and sweeten coffee with it Steviana  This is a brand of Stevia sweetener.  It is an all natural sweetener that is zero caloric.

  A set of sharp knives.  For sure a chopping or butchers knife, a paring knife and a serrated edge knife.  I also like a good old fashioned sharpening rod.  They work well and are very appealing to you know who when used with grace. They must be kept sharp to be safe.  Its like … More OK – Some Essentials

What a terrific Year 2012 was for me.  I hope it is and was for you.  There will be continuous postings to this blog from the upcoming new book, published under the title of  Some Men Can Cook, Some Men Can Watch TV, Some Men Can Do Both – Secrets of the Fighter Pilot In The Kitchen. Please … More Happy New Year

A good kitchen must be clean and neat.  Nothing is more unsettling than a kitchen with too much stuff.  Too many gadgets are unnecessary.  And always focus on tidiness.  If you aren’t using something, get it off the counter and get it put away. If it isn’t employed quarterly, get rid of it.

This is an interlude posting.  I will not include this in the upcoming book.  Just wanted to wish all you followers a Happy Christmas.  (And a Merry New Year). I had a nice lunch today with another class C Bachelor.  Defined as married but for job reasons on his own.  Steve fixed a very nice … More Blessed Nativity & Merry New Year