Its pronounced Car-Mel

Good Afternoon Dahlings. A lovely autumnal weekend is upon us and Pious Kitchen Lady is preparing a large batch of Caramel Corn for the neighborhood block party. Sadly, Pious Kitchen Lady can not attend the affair due to a previous True Columbus Day engagement. But it would be rude to not offer a treat to the urchins...children that roam... terrorize...entertain the neighborhood.

Now, PKL is sharing with you a little secret – Caramel Corn is not that difficult to make. Of course, it does involve many pots and pans, some pretty significant burn risks and about on hour of your precious time. But when all is said and done, you have a deliciously impressive treat to serve.

And truthfully, isn't it all about impressing?

Caramel Corn

2 cups Brown Sugar

1 cup butter (2 sticks)

1/2 cup corn syrup

1 tsp salt

In a larger pot than you think you need, Boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. (the more you stir the more sugary the syrup becomes so try to control yourselves) This will be EXTREMELY hot. Do not let the urchins...children assist here.

Take boiling hot syrup off stove and add

1 tsp baking soda

1 TBS vanilla

stir carefully as it will foam all over the place.

Pour over 2 gallons of popped, lightly salted popcorn. (this is about two 3 quart saucepans of popped corn). Stir gently.

Bake at 200 degrees for one hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Place all dirty pots and pans into a sink of hot soapy water and have a Hot Buttered Rum. By the time you are finished the sticky syrup will be melted away.

No no, the syrup burns were worth it; just to see the smile on your face.

A Bagful of Cauliflower

Good Morning! One of my Dahlings is facing a dilemma. She writes:

                Dear Pious Kitchen Lady,
               My in-laws gave me a large bag of frozen cauliflower. What should I do? 

Here is what you do, dear. 

Roasted Cauliflower

Spread fresh of semi-defrosted cauliflower florets on a baking sheet.
Spritz generously with olive oil and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Roast at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes. 
The florets will begin to look burnt. These are actually the best pieces! 

This makes a delightful snack or side dish. And be sure to serve this the next time those in-laws visit. Everyone knows it would be rude to not allow them to enjoy this charming gift.

Now Dahling, here is a bigger question. Just why would your in-laws give you a large bag of frozen cauliflower. I am unaware of this being any sort of endearing custom. They may be concerned for your intestinal health, I suppose...

Peppers, Pasta and One Large Sausage

Do not allow left-overs to bamboozle you Dahlings. Just follow Pious Kitchen Lady's lead. Tonight I serve you Peppers, Pasta and One Large Sausage.

The Grocery List:

Left over Pasta in red sauce, the spicier the better.

(because Pious Kitchen Lady likes it spicy)

One bag Trader Joe's Peppers and Onions

(poor Dahling. No Trader Joe's? Just slice up a bell pepper or two – any color will do, and

one onion.)

One small can mushroom stems and pieces

15-20 Cherry Tomatos cut in half

8-10 black olives sliced

Here's What You Do:

In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil. Saute the peppers and onions (from frozen or fresh) and mushrooms. Season with a sprinkle of salt and perhaps a dash of red pepper flakes. Once the veggies are tender add tomato and black olives. Saute for another 5 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine and add the left-over pasta. Heat through.

(If you do not have left-over pasta you can cook your favorite type fresh but seriously, who doesn't have left-over pasta?)

On the side, grill Italian Sauages until cooked through. Place on top of the Pasta while still in the skillet. Cover and let cook for another 5 minutes or so on low heat.

Serve with crusty bread and fresh parmagiano. If you like to be extra fancy, as Pious Kitchen Lady always prefers, pour 1/4 cup olive oil in a small flat bowl and drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze. Use this for a delightful dip for the crusty bread.

Enjoy!

Seriously, who doesn't like a nice big sausage?

Pious Kitchen Lady enjoys her Peppers, Pasta and One Large Sausage with a nice glass of Malbec while listening to the Best of Dean Martin. You may enjoy your favorite beverage and music but really, why wouldn't you listen to Pious Kitchen Lady? Are you trying to hurt her?