Filibuster Fraud Flourless Chocolate Cake

https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/30/opinions/mitch-mcconnell-senate-filibuster-zelizer/index.html

One word: Mitch McConnell is a HYPOCRITE.

Filibuster Fraud Flourless Chocolate Cake

This decadent cake is the real deal - and it's gluten-free, too! 

¾ cup butter (1-1/2 sticks) 1 pkg. (10 oz.) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate chips 1-1/2 c. sugar 3 Tbsp. brewed espresso coffee 1-1/2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt 6 eggs Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 9-inch round springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Microwave butter and chocolate in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1-1/2 to 2 min. or until chocolate and butter are completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 sec. Stir in sugar, coffee, vanilla and salt until completely combined. Add eggs, one at time, blending completely after each addition. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 45 to 50 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs. Run a sharp knife or thin spatula around edge of pan to loosen cake. Let cool in pan 10 minutes; remove collar. Cool completely. Serve sprinkled with powdered sugar. Tips: I am able to find bittersweet chocolate chips (or chunks) at Aldi, but only during the holiday season. I hoard them and keep them in my freezer!  Serve cake with good vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream and berries. Did you know? Coffee intensifies chocolate flavor!

CONTINUOUS CABLE CANARDS Plum Kuchen

Someday soon DT will no longer control the news cycle. In the meantime, pay attention to what he does, not to what he says. 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/30/trump-relies-right-wing-cable-news-launder-his-false-claims-about-fraud

CONTINUOUS CABLE CANARDS Plum Kuchen

You do not have to be German to enjoy this delicious cake, and that’s no lie!       

BATTER 2-1/4 c flour 1 c sugar 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 c (1-1/2 sticks) butter 3/4 c milk 2 eggs, beaten	TOPPING ½ c sugar 6 Tbsp. flour 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg 1/4 tsp. salt 3 Tbsp. butter
6 to 8 plums, pitted, sliced

For Batter: Preheat oven to 375°F. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in large bowl. Cut in butter until size of peas. Whisk milk and eggs in small bowl. Add to flour mixture and stir until just blended. Turn into greased 13x9-inch baking pan. Arrange plum slices on top of batter to cover; set aside.

Mix first 5 topping ingredients in small bowl. Work in butter with fingertips until mixture is moist and crumbly throughout. Sprinkle over plums.

Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted in kuchen comes out clean. 

Makes 12 servings.

DYNAMIC DUCKWORTH Dill Dip

https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-duckworth-pritzker-retail-casinos-scott-atlas-controversy-spin-20201118-mbmk367xhjd6dmnzwg7cj5xgr4-story.html

Delivers on flavor, the way that Senator Duckworth delivers to her constituents.

DYNAMIC DUCKWORTH Dill Dip

4 oz. cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup sour cream

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (1 or 2)

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

1 tsp. lemon zest

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise until well combined. Stir in remaining ingredients; chill 1 hour to blend flavors.

 

Tip: Serve with assorted fresh crudites.

NO CONTROVERSY Slow-Cooked Chicken with Pan Gravy

http://www.sj-r.com/thedome/x1665856929/Illinois-Senate-committee-approves-bans-on-guns-clips
 
 Attention:

• people who sleep with handguns under their pillows for safety
• people who are passionate about thte 2nd amendment in case they need to overthrow a tyrannical government
• hunters

NOBODY is going to take away your pistols, handguns or rifles in Illinois.

House Bill 1263 bans the possession and sale of semi-automatic assault weapons
House Bill 815 bans the possession and sale of large-capacity ammunition magazines

NO CONTROVERSY Slow-Cooked Chicken with Pan Gravy
Makes 6 servings

The best weapon is a great dinner.

1 whole chicken (4 lb.)
1 diced peeled carrot, celery stalk and shallot
5 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
2 sprigs rosemary
1 Tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup white wine
1 Tbsp. cold butter (optional)

Rinse chicken with cold water; pat dry.  Sprinkle chicken inside and out with Kosher salt and pepper.  Place in 4 to 6 qt. slow cooker.  Sprinkle with vegetables, garlic and lemon juice.  Tuck rosemary between wings.  Cover.  Cook on HIGH 5 hours (do not open cover or stir during cooking time).

Remove chicken and cover with foil.  Skim fat from pan drippings (see note).  Place defatted drippings in medium skillet.  Bring to a boil and reduce by half.  Stir in cornstarch that has been mixed with the wine.  Continue to cook and stir until thickened.  Stir in butter if desired; keep warm over very low heat.

Cut chicken into serving pieces.  Serve with pan gravy and your favorite starchy side dish, such as mashed potatoes, rice or egg noodles.

Note:
I love this item:  Chefs Essentials Grease Separator, $15.95.
http://www.chefscatalog.com/product/28736-chefs-grease-separator.aspx

Soul-Searching Spanish Salmon Sauté

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/11/09/republican-soul-searching-probably-mostly-pointless/

Is it really pointless to search your soul and figure out what's wrong with your agenda?

Soul-Searching Spanish Salmon

Sauté

If you search your soul, you know it's best to eat heart-healthy fish a few times a week.  This is a dish that is not only healthy but delicious.

Makes 4 to 6 servings

2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 oz.) mild diced tomatoes with green chilies (Ro*Tel)
1-1/2 lb. salmon fillet (3/4-inch thick), seasoned with salt and pepper
1 fresh lime, halved
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro

Heat oil in medium skillet on medium-high; add garlic.  Cook 1 minute or until garlic is fragrant.

Add tomatoes; bring to boil.  Add salmon.  Reduce heat to medium low, cover and simmer 10 minutes or until barely pink in center.  Squeeze half of lime over salmon; sprinkle with cilantro.

Serve salmon with crisp green salad and remaining lime, cut into 4 wedges.

Tip:
If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot diced tomatoes with green chilies, or add 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper, seeded and minced, with tomatoes.

"SLOW" TO UNDERSTAND Short Ribs with Garlic Polenta

http://voice4america.com/articles/2012/10/17/bill-maher-mitt-romney-has-to-start-understanding-why-people-dont-like-him.html#axzz29wVj8fBG

"SLOW" TO UNDERSTAND Short Ribs with Garlic Polenta
Makes 10 to 12 servings

Slow, because they are slow-cooked while you're at work.  

12 (about 5 lb. total) boneless beef short ribs, excess fat removed
Kosher salt, black pepper

1 Tbsp. oil

6 shallots, chopped
1 carrot, peeled and chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

2 Tbsp. tomato paste

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1-1/2 cups red wine

1 can (14 oz.) reduced sodium chicken broth or stock

2 Tbsp. Minute brand tapioca

2 bay leaves

12 (about 5 lb. total) boneless beef short ribs, excess fat removed

1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
Garlic Polenta (recipe below)

In 2 batches, cook ribs (seasoned with salt and pepper) in oil in large skillet on medium-high heat 4 minutes on each side or until browned.  Add to slow cooker.

In same skillet cook shallots, carrot, and celery over medium heat until browned, about 8 minutes.  Stir in tomato paste and thyme and cook about 1 minute.  Stir in wine; bring to a boil and simmer until reduced by half.  Add broth, tapioca and bay leaves; bring to a boil, then pour mixture over meat in slow cooker.

Cover and cook until the meat is very tender, on LOW 8 to 10 hours (HIGH 5 to 6 hours).  With a slotted spoon, transfer the ribs to serving bowls with a generous dollop of garlic polenta. Spoon sauce over polenta and ribs and sprinkle with parsley.  

GARLIC POLENTA

Prepare 1/2 (1 lb.) package of instant polenta as directed, substituting reduced sodium chicken broth for the water.  Bring the broth to a boil in a sauce pot containing 3 cloves minced garlic sauteed in 1 Tbsp. olive oil and continue as directed.  

ACCURATE ACCOUNTS Apple Muffins

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/08/opinion/krugman-truth-about-jobs.html?ref=opinion

None of this should be taken to imply that the situation is good, or to deny that we should be doing better — a shortfall largely due to the scorched-earth tactics of Republicans, who have blocked any and all efforts to accelerate the pace of recovery. (If the American Jobs Act, proposed by the Obama administration last year, had been passed, the unemployment rate would probably be below 7 percent.) The U.S. economy is still far short of where it should be, and the job market has a long way to go before it makes up the ground lost in the Great Recession. But the employment data do suggest an economy that is slowly healing, an economy in which declining consumer debt burdens and a housing revival have finally put us on the road back to full employment.

And that’s the truth that the right can’t handle. The furor over Friday’s report revealed a political movement that is rooting for American failure, so obsessed with taking down Mr. Obama that good news for the nation’s long-suffering workers drives its members into a blind rage. It also revealed a movement that lives in an intellectual bubble, dealing with uncomfortable reality — whether that reality involves polls or economic data — not just by denying the facts, but by spinning wild conspiracy theories.

It is, quite simply, frightening to think that a movement this deranged wields so much political power.

ACCURATE ACCOUNTS Apple Muffins
Makes 12 big muffins

Made with Honeycrisp apples, these are truly delicious!

2 cups flour
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. freshly ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. freshly grated nutmeg
1/2 tsp. salt
1 stick butter or margarine, melted
1 container (6 oz.) vanilla yogurt
3/4 cup milk
2 eggs
1 large Honeycrisp apple, chopped (1 cup)
3/4 cup toasted chopped pecans

Heat oven to 375°F.  Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.

In separate bowl, mix butter, yogurt, milk, eggs and apples.  Stir in dry ingredients and pecans until just moistened.  Spoon evenly into 12-cup muffin pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.  Let stand in pan 5 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack.  Serve warm.

Tip:
You can replace the pecans with walnuts if you like, but be sure to toast them.  Toast nuts in the preheated oven on a baking sheet for 5 to 7 minutes, or toast in a shallow microwave-safe dish in microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on HIGH, stirring every 30 seconds.

THE TRUTH Toddy for Two

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/election-2012/wp/2012/10/05/obama-campaign-mitt-romney-meant-it-about-the-47-percent/

He said it.  He meant it.

THE TRUTH Toddy for Two
Makes 2 servings

This election has become mean and hurtful; sometimes I feel entitled to have a strong drink.

1 cup apple cider
1/2 cup amaretto

Heat cider in small saucepot until just simmering at edges.  Pour evenly into two cups.

Add 1/4 cup amaretto to each mug.  Serve with cinnamon sticks.

HANDOUTS FOR BILLIONAIRES Hobo Stew

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/02/opinion/mr-romneys-government-handout.html?ref=politicd&_r=0

Why is it only called a handout when it benefits the poor?

HANDOUTS FOR BILLIONAIRES Hobo Stew
Makes 4 servings

Something for them, and something for the rest of us.  Heck, this simple dinner is fit for a king!

4 large pieces aluminum foil (heavy duty if using grill)

1 lb. ground beef

1 can (14 oz.) seasoned diced tomatoes (pick your favorite)

2 potatoes, scrubbed, sliced

4 carrots, peeled, sliced on bias

1 red onion, halved, cut into wedges

1/4 tsp. salt and pepper

1 cup shredded cheese (look for something to complement the tomatoes – see note)

Heat oven to 375°F, or prepare grill for indirect medium heat.

Shape hamburger meat into thick discs. Place in center of foil sheets lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Top evenly with tomatoes (avoid using all of the juices). Surround meat and tomatoes with remaining vegetables and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fold foil over meat and vegetables securely leaving room for air circulation. Place on baking sheet.  Bake in oven or grill on indirect medium heat for 1 hour or until vegetables are tender. Carefully open packets.  Top each with 1/4 cup cheese and re-close packets for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.  Serve immediately. Note:   Here are a few good diced tomato/shredded cheese combinations. Diced Tomatoes Shredded Cheese Fire roasted with garlic Mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend With basil, garlic and oregano Mozzarella or an Italian cheese blend With spicy red pepper or with diced green chilies Colby and Monterrey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend

POINTLESS BLUSTER Belly Buster

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/tax-reality-check/notax.html?hpid=z2

In the end, only 1 percent of non-working households making more than $20,000 paid NO federal taxes.

POINTLESS BLUSTER Belly Buster

There will be no loud complaints when THIS arrives at the dinner table!

1 pound lean ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves minced garlic

2 cups  elbow macaroni (8 oz.), cooked as directed, drained 
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes (do not drain)
1 can (10-3/4 oz) cheddar cheese condensed soup

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Cook beef and onion in large skillet on medium high heat until no longer pink, adding garlic during last minute cooking time; drain.  Return to skillet and stir in macaroni, tomatoes, cheese soup, pepper and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.  

Cook on medium-low heat 5 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Remove from heat.  Top with remaining cheese; cover. Let stand 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

BRAINY Bird Thighs

http://www.colbertnation.com/#tool_tip_1

It is high time that conservatives stop trying to appeal to smart people. Letting Rick Santorum in front of a microphone is a great place to start. 


BRAINY Bird Thighs
Makes 8 servings

A very smart way to make chicken.

3 cups (6 oz.) French fried onions*

3 Tbsp. flour

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 

1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. salt

8 bone-in chicken thighs (3 lb.)

1 egg, beaten

Heat oven to 400°F.

Place onions, flour, cayenne and onion powder in plastic bag. Lightly crush with rolling pin. Transfer to shallow dish.

Dip chicken into egg.  Coat with onion crumbs, pressing to adhere. Place chicken on baking sheet lined with foil and sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.

Bake 50 min. or until no longer pink in center, turning chicken halfway during baking time.

Tip:
If your family prefers milder chicken, substitute 1/4 tsp. paprika for cayenne.

*French fried onions are what you use to top a classic green bean casserole.

CLUELESS Club Chicken Casserole

http://www.businessinsider.com/romney-middle-income-2012-9


Once again, an ill-advised response to a simple question.

CLUELESS Club Chicken Casserole

Makes 6 servings

Even the most inexperienced cooks will have success preparing this deliciously simple casserole.

2 cups rotini pasta, cooked and drained

2 cups chopped cooked chicken

1 can reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup (do not dilute)

4 slices bacon, crisply cooked, crumbled

1/2 cup milk

1/2 cup light mayonnaise

1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained

1 green pepper, chopped

3 green onions, sliced

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Heat oven to 375°F.

Mix rotini, chicken, soup, bacon, milk, mayonnaise, tomatoes, peppers and onions in greased 2-qt. casserole dish.  Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until bubbly. 

Sinking Ship Cinnamon Rolls

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/15/us/politics/obama-erases-romneys-edge-on-economy-poll-finds.html?_r=1&ref=politics

If Romney doesn't have the edge on the economy, he's doomed.

Sinking Ship Cinnamon Rolls

Makes 12 servings

So yummy, you'll be doomed to eat more than one.

1 cup milk, scalded

3/4 cup butter, divided

1 egg

3-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided

1 Tbsp. yeast

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

Stir milk and butter in medium bowl until butter is melted.  Cool to lukewarm.  Whisk in egg.

Combine 2-1/2 cups flour, yeast, sugar and salt in large mixing bowl.  Beat in milk mixture with wooden spoon.  Add remaining flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until soft dough forms.  Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and knead 5 minutes or until smooth.  Cover with damp cloth and let rest 10 minutes.  While dough is resting, mix brown sugar, cinnamon and remaining butter in medium bowl.

Heat oven to 375°F.  Roll dough to 12x9-inch rectangle.  Sprinkle brown sugar mixture evenly over dough.  Roll up tightly from 12-inch end; pinch together ends to seal.  Cut into 12 pieces and place, cut side up, in 9x13-inch pan sprayed with cooking spray.  Cover and let rise until double, 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Bake 20 minutes or until golden brown.  Serve warm.

Impulsive Pasta Fagioli

http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/dana-milbank-mitt-romneys-bucket-brigade/2012/09/12/1aa4fde0-fd2c-11e1-8adc-499661afe377_story.html?hpid=z3

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ezra-klein/wp/2012/09/12/the-romney-campaign-gets-desperate/

Could this be the beginning of the end?

Impulsive Pasta Fagioli
Makes 2 servings

No need to plan ahead; this is a quick meal that you can make without much thought using food that's on hand in your pantry.

2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 oz. ham, chopped
2 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup macaroni, uncooked
1 can (15 oz.) white beans, rinsed and drained
5 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oil in medium sauce pot on medium heat.  Add onion; cook and stir 4 minutes or until tender, adding garlic and ham during last minute.

Stir in broth; bring to a boil.  Add macaroni, reduce heat to medium and simmer 7 minutes or until macaroni is tender. 

Stir in beans, basil and pepper.  Cook 2 minutes or until heated through.  Serve with Parmesan cheese.

BA-ROCK THE HOUSE Hawaiian Cookies

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/barack-obama-plans-to-offer-a-better-path-forward-in-democratic-convention-speech/2012/09/06/d285761a-f854-11e1-8b93-c4f4ab1c8d13_story.html

BA-ROCK THE HOUSE Hawaiian Cookies
Makes 6 dozen cookies

Brings down the house every time!

2-1/4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
3/4 cup each sugar and brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
1 cup coarsely chopped macadamia nuts
1 cup white chocolate chunks

Heat oven to 375°F.

Mix flour, soda and salt in medium bowl; set aside.

Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla and eggs; beat until well combined.  Beat in dry ingredients until well blended.  Stir in nuts and chips.

Drop by tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets.  Bake 9 to 10 minutes or until light golden brown.

Comment:
YUM!

SLICK WILLY Dilly Dip

• 
  
• Slick Willy Dilly Dip
• Makes 16 servings, 2 Tbsp. each
• 
  
• Delivers on flavor, the way that the former Democratic president delivered at the convention.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (1 or 2)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp. lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Beat cream cheese, sour cream and mayonnaise until well combined. 

Stir in remaining ingredients; chill 1 hour to blend flavors.

Tip:

Serve with assorted fresh crudites.

FORWARD Four Bean Pasta Salad

http://www.democrats.org/democratic-national-platform

Today, our economy is growing again, al-Qaeda is weaker than at any point since 9/11, and our manufacturing sector is growing for the first time in more than a decade. But there is more we need to do, and so we come together again to continue what we started. We gather to reclaim the basic bargain that built the largest middle class and the most prosperous nation on Earth – the simple principle that in America, hard work should pay off, responsibility should be rewarded, and each one of us should be able to go as far as our talent and drive take us.

http://maddowblog.msnbc.com/_news/2012/09/04/13656929-a-record-to-run-on?lite 

Often, the Republican line takes the opposite tack -- Obama has done too much, approving too many policies that are too progressive. Ryan is now saying, in effect, "Never mind all of those accomplishments we condemned, the new line is the accomplishments don't exist."

People can and should argue about whether Obama's successes have been worthwhile, whether they were ambitious enough, and whether they were effective, but whether one approves of the president or not, the fact remains the successes are real.

FORWARD Four Bean Pasta Salad
18 servings, 1/2 cup each 

Look forward to a long life, beginning with the next four years, eating delicious, healthy foods.

2 cups whole wheat macaroni, uncooked
1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed, cut in half
3/4 cup light mayonnaise
1/4 cup light Italian dressing
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 can (15 oz.) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz.) light kidney beans, rinsed and drianed
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red onion, chopped

Cook pasta as directed, adding green beans to the water during last 2 minutes.  Drian; rinse with cold water and drain again.

Whisk mayonnaise, dressing and dill in large bowl.  Add macaroni mixture and remaining ingredients.  Gently toss to combine.

Refrigerate 2 hours to blend flavors.  Stir gently before serving.

Tip:
You can always use white macaroni, regular mayo and regular dressing in this recipe, but why would you with all of those other healthy ingredients?  This is one of those salads that tastes good prepared the usual way or the healthy way.