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Monday Menu: Chicken Cacciatore

Plated Chicken Cacciatore on a white plate and red/white tablecloth

This is a recipe my mom made often when I was a kid. I’m not sure when she stopped, but I have an idea why. This recipe is best when it sits on the stove or in the oven, all day. Stirring occasionally. Not always easy to do with a house full of kids and a busy life.

All day on low heat is how it gets its amazing flavor. Something an instant pot or slow-cooker cannot duplicate.

A dramatic Artic freeze for the weekend provided the perfect opportunity to make an old favorite.

Chicken Cacciatore

  • 1 whole chicken, cut up or 6-8 thighs, skin on, bone-in
  • basil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper to season chicken
  • 1/2 green pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red pepper, diced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 2 tsp basil, 2 tsp oregano, sprig of rosemary
  • 1/2 cup red wine (opt)
  • Any or all of these: button mushrooms, sliced zucchini, eggplant, sliced carrots
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Work Wednesday: When Reality Is Harsh

Getty Center entrance
Getty Center

It’s happened before, but not so dramatically. When what I’m writing is impacted by real-life events. This past week, both friends and family have been affected by the wildfires in the Los Angeles area. For now, most are safe and sound, but on edge. And I watch from a distance, helpless, as the Los Angeles I love faces devastation.

Getty Villa sign set against a backdrop of flames from the Palisades fire
Both Getty locations are well prepared for fires and so far have been spared.

The third book in the TJ Wilde trilogy sees most of its action taking place in Los Angeles, specifically Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and both Gettys – Getty Center and Getty Villa. Which means I have spent time on my last two visits to the city, exploring those areas. And while I’m writing fiction, the neighborhoods are very real.

So, I’m struggling a bit with writing at the moment. The drama around my characters seems trivial. However, I do find, when I finally return to writing, the escape into the fantasy LA I have created is comforting.

If you’re looking for comprehensive information on the fires, the local news stations – KTLA and ABC7 – have great coverage and links to vetted donation opportunities.

Furry Friday: Shedding Into The New Year

I did a deep clean for the Christmas party, and boy, howdy, why do I have so many animals? The fur! It is everywhere.

Two Great Danes and their house panther on the couch

This picture makes me smile. When Sully, my house panther, came to live with us, he had never been around other animals. He was a four-year-old, owner surrender. Not sure why, he has NO bad habits. I didn’t know much, except he’d been an only child and was afraid of loud noises (that’s a story for another day, LOL).

Continue reading Furry Friday: Shedding Into The New Year