TDawg's Creole Meatloaf

Truly decadent. This is without a doubt the best meatloaf recipe I've found!

This is my version of a meatloaf recipe originally "kicked up" by Emeril Lagasse.

Cherry Chipotle Pork Loin

This is one of my favorite BBQ recipes. I'm also posting my BBQ Notes from the smoke.

Calabacitas

A lighter alternative to rice and beans ...

TDawg's Quick Mole Sauce

I love mole but traditional recipes take way too much work and time to make. After much experimentation, here's my quick and easy way to make a delicious (and versatile) mole sauce.

Red wine packed with antidiabetes compounds - health - 19 November 2010 - New Scientist

Red wine packed with antidiabetes compounds - health - 19 November 2010 - New Scientist

Cranberry Sauce Recipe : Emeril Lagasse

One of my favorite holiday recipes

All-Purpose Gravy - Cooks Illustrated

Makes 2 cups. Published November 1, 2003.

Is it possible to make really good all-purpose gravy without a roast, using only canned broth and a few vegetables? Yes - Cook's Illustrated tested various recipes and came up with a perfect, easy gravy recipe. This gravy can be served with almost any type of meat or poultry or with mashed potatoes.

Ember (Paula's BDay weekend in Breck) - 106 E. Adams St., Breckenridge Tel.: 970.547.9595

While in Breck for Paula's BDay weekend, we took advantage of the awesome Restaurant Week deals. Paula saw an ad for Ember in the Breck dining guide and on Saturday night we decided to try it. We were sooo glad we did.

Meatball Sub and Chicken Parm Sandwiches - Anthony's Pizza, Pasta, and Sandwiches - 5925 S Zang St., Littleton (Bowles / C470)

Last night was Zac Brown Band night at Red Rocks ... Think tailgating in the parking lot with an extremely messy Meatball Sub, a nicely browned Chicken Parm sandwich and a bottle of Spanish Garnacha (Las Rocas, cheap and fantastic). Can it get any better?

Was an awesome night. The music was hot. Zac rocked!! The sandwiches and wine were fantastic and of course the conversation and time spent with Paula was priceless. I love this woman!!!

Amazing Breakfast - Asada with Eggs - El Senor Sol, 5935 S. Zang St., Littleton (Bowles / C470) Tel: 303.973.1020

There are so many times that I'm looking for a great breakfast place at the last minute and this was a choice find. I've been to Senor Sol's many times, but have never tried the breakfast items. This morning, Paula wanted breakfast burritos and so she and I (and Derrek) paid them a visit.

Tapas With Paula - The 9th Door, 1808 Blake St., Denver Tel.: 303.292.2229

I took Paula out again last night and it was fantastic. We decided to do Tapas so naturally, I selected The 9th Door.

Big Changes ... Another Great Visit to 240 Union ... this time, on my first date with Paula

The change of seasons has brought big changes for me (and this blog). Fall has always been my favorite season and Summer has always been my least favorite. This year did much to reaffirm my feelings in this regard. I think from here on, I will not make any major life decisions except in Fall. It just seems like my karma runs really strong at this time of year.

Tonight I met the woman I'm going to marry. Her name is Paula and she is spectacular. We met on EHarmony and had our first date tonight. I chose 240 Union as it was reasonably close to her work and I knew it was a low key place with a great menu and wine list and very conducive to conversation. It was perfect.

Rosés, With All Due Respect

FEW wines are both as beloved and belittled as rosé. Since its return to fashion in the last five years or so, the public has embraced it as a wine of summer. Yet bottles of rosé seem to come with neon-red warning signs admonishing consumers that they run the risk of pomposity if they dare to critically assess the wines.

Tips for Cooking with Onions and Garlic

*** Updated *** Simms Steakhouse (formerly Simms Landing) - 11911 W. 6th Ave., Golden

We had Kyle last night and wanted to go somewhere with good food, and a relaxed atmosphere. Jen wanted steak and I wanted somewhere that would be playing the NFL Draft. We chose Simm's because you can't go wrong here ... another fantastic meal / evening. :)

240 Union Grille - 240 Union Blvd, Denver

I really like this little place even though it's in a kitschy little strip mall. It's one of only a few places that provides Cherry Creek / Downtown quality in the western suburbs. The only complaint I've ever had is that it's a little too brightly lit at dinner time.

The Best Lasagna I've Ever Had >>> from Michael Chiarello's Tra Vigne Cookbook

This is one of the best lasagnas I've ever had - and it contains no pasta.

Those of you who know me, know that I love my meat, ricotta and pasta lasagna, but this was to die for - and maybe a little healthier.

Click "Read More" to see the recipe

Cafe Brazil - 4408 Lowell Blvd., Denver (44th and Lowell near Tennyson area)

Jen and I have been to this place several times. Every time I go, I like it.

Briarwood Inn - 1630 8th St., Golden

So Jen and I were out on Saturday running errands and stumbled across Briarwood Inn. She had actually been there before for High Tea with her Mom, but had never eaten dinner there.

Fortunately they were still doing the 5280 Restaurant Week menu so we decided to try it (otherwise, this is definitely a special occasion place).

After we sat down and studied the place for about 5 minutes, we both laughed as we had the same thought.

Samba Room - 1460 Larimer St., Denver

Tonight we went with our friends Lisa and Aruna to Samba Room which specializes in latin cuisine. Because it's restaurant week in Denver, in addition to their standard menu, they had the special 5280 menu (a multi-course meal for $52.80 per couple).