Serious Eats - seriouseats.com

First cookbook I ever used was one my parents were given as a wedding present back in the 1940's. I think it was Woman's Home Companion, or something like that. Lot's of great recipes that became family regulars. Always enjoyed looking at the photos as a kid. Sadly, I don't know whatever happened to it.

Lately, it's a super-simple focaccia bread. Great with olive oil.

ham, sharp cheddar, sliced apple on sourdough -- grilled!

chocolate pot de creme!!!

One of many fond pork memories is from my childhood -- going to the local farmer's market with my dad (he always did the cooking on the weekends) and buying fresh pork cracklings (fried pork rinds). A little TOO decadent for me now, even if I knew where to find them, but I sure loved those things as a kid!

Onion bagel, cream cheese, lox, thin slice of red onion, tomato. Heaven!

Thankfully MANY fond pork memories. But one that stands out is my wife's late Uncle John's bbq pork spareribs. It seems like we waited FOREVER for them to be done. I was sure they would be dried out. But instead they were the most flavorful, tender and succulent ribs I ever tasted! Sadly, he would never share his secret recipe, and took it to the grave with him. They will remain legendary!

tomatoes, basil, cucumbers, beans, eggplant, zucchini, peppers

Dark!

Pliant and slightly chewy, but not too limp -- fat should be well-rendered.