Tantalizing Thursday-Tennessee Again!

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.

There is huge excitement and a ton of buzz surrounding the return of the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers to the beloved Bristol Motor Speedway in light of the changes that have taken place to the track since the spring. Short track racing under the lights is highly anticipated and much beloved. Who doesn’t love beatin’ and bangin’ on a Saturday night?!

In addition to the race, my milestone 40th birthday is on Friday, so that is a celebration I intend to herald!

Friend of mine and Chief 187™Chatter, Chef Eddie has returned to create a splendid menu of incredible foods in honor of the racing at Bristol, Tennessee. He has selected some of his down-home favorites that are sinfully delicious!

The first recipe Chef Eddie deliver is described by him, “This is a simple recipe that I got from my Auntie Ellen back home in Kingsport, Tennessee( next door to Bristol). Fried chicken is staple in menus in East Tennessee, and all over the South, but nowhere is it as good as it is on Ole Rocky Top!!”

Chef Eddie likes to take this recipe to the races, especially Bristol Motor Speedway! The following is in Chef Eddie’s own words for authenticity’s sake!

Aunt Jemima, Honey Dipped, Deep Fried, Killer Eddie Chicken

I prefer to use skinless chicken thighs, but you can use any cut you like. Here’s what you’ll need:
• A deep fryer with propane gas
• I use peanut oil because it’s healthier. You can use any oil you want, vegetable or canola.
• 6 pieces of skinless chicken thighs.
• 2 cups Bisquick pancake mix
• Bee’s honey.
• 3 grade A large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 or 2 cups of self-rising flour
• A cup or so of Panko bread crumbs


You may be wondering why I use Bisquick pancake mix when the name of this masterpiece says Aunt Jemima??? Well, Aunt Jemima, Honey Dipped, Deep Fried, Killer Eddie Chicken just sounds better. You can certainly use Aunt Jemima or any other brand. I’m sure it will be equally delicious.

Let get started.

First, you wanna make sure the chicken is fully defrosted. You know how you check the oil to see if it’s ready by tossing a few drops of water in and waiting for it to pop? Well, just imagine what 6 pieces of chicken, still frozen will do. It’s like a volcano.

Take a gallon or 2 of peanut oil and pour it in the fryer pot, put the strainer basket in, and turn the gas on to medium high. If after 15 minutes or so, it hasn’t started to heat up, check to make sure you lit it, haha. Just be careful at all times, but especially when lighting a gas fire.

While the oil is heating up, measure out 2 cups of pancake mix into a big enough bowl for 6 pieces of chicken.

Add 2 grade A Large eggs and 1 cup of milk and mix it up with one of those little whisk things. A big fork will do, but you’ll just have to mix it a lot more. It’s ok for it to be a little bit lumpy.

Once it’s all mixed up pretty smooth, pour in about a cup of bee’s honey. Mix that in the batter until it all looks a little brownish. Then stick your finger in it and taste a little bit. If you can taste the honey pretty easily, then that’s enough. If not, just keep adding and tasting until it’s right for you. Then set the batter aside.

In another small bowl, crack the last egg in, and pour in around 2 tablespoons of honey in and mix it up.

Next, take the flour and pour out a cup or so onto a flat plate.

Also pour out some Panko bread crumbs on a another flat plate

Now, you are ready to dip and cook. I usually use a fork to dip with, but you can use your fingers. Just have a way to wash your hands periodically, cause they’re gonna get real messy.

Step 1. Dip the chicken first into the egg and honey mix. Flip it a few time to make sure it’s all covered.

Step 2. Lay the chicken in the flour and flip it around. You can sprinkle flour all over it to make sure it’s covered.

Step 3. Sink the chicken into the pancake batter.

Repeat Steps 1, 2 and 3 until all the chicken is sunk. Let it set for maybe 30 minutes.

When you are ready and the oil has reached about 325 degrees, it’s time to fry. Very
carefully, using a fork, pull one piece of the chicken out of the mix and let it drip dry
for a few seconds and roll it around in the Panko bread crumbs.

Then very slowly, dip in into the oil. If you drop it right in quickly, the chicken
will stick to the bottom of the fry pot. Chef Nicky, The Racing Chef, taught me that
trick. Once all pieces are in the oil, kick back and relax a little. You’ve got about 25
minutes of cooking time. Also, this would be a good time for making side dishes.

After 25 minutes, or when the chicken is browned and floating, Pull out the basket and let
it drain. I usually just leave it in the basket to cool. That takes about 20 minutes.

It’s now ready to eat. Remember, it’s a pancake batter, which will stay a little soft,,,, like
pancakes. If it’s too crispy, then you’ve probably overdone it. May be like chicken jerky.

Hmmm, that’s an idea? Just kidding, it’s probably still good to eat.



Chef Eddie’s Momma taught him a lot about cooking down home vittles. Here he shares a Southern favorite that tastes good with myriad foods. The following are also in Chef Eddie’s own words.

Special Cheesy Garlic Grits

Ingredients:

1 cup quick grits
6 ounces butter
12 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoon garlic powder
1 cup milk

Directions:

Cook grits in boiling salted water, according to package directions, until thick. Remove from heat. Stir in butter and half of the cheese. Beat egg with garlic powder, milk and hot sauce. Stir into grits.

Butter a 2-quart casserole, and pour the grits in and top with rest of the cheese. Bake 1 hour at 350°. Pull it out and dish it up!! Let it cool some though, or it'll burn the dickins outta your mouth!

Now, I have also ground up about a half a pound of Tennessee Pride Mild Sausage, browned in a frying pan and added into the grits before tossing it in the oven, M M GOOD!!!


Cooking is a family affair in Chef Eddie’s family. His Momma had a hand in the above, and his son has perfected the following recipe for a tasty barbeque sauce with a twist.

Tennessee Blue Ribbon, Finger Lickin, Tummy Teasin, Peanut Butter Bar B Que Sauce

Ingredients:

2 cups ketchup
1 cup apple cider vinegar
3 spoonsful of creamy peanut butter
½ stick butter
And a little bit of the following:
Worcestershire sauce
lemon juice
salt and pepper
chili powder
brown sugar

Directions:

Mix the whole concoction in a pot on medium heat for about 30 minutes or until the sauce is smooth.

Believe me, this is LIP SMACKIN GOOD!!!


This trio of recipes is great to add to your repertoire and a fantastic way to welcome Saturday Night Racing from Bristol into your home.

Don’t forget to add your favorite beverage – sweet tea, lemonade, or something more “adult” and, for this week, a birthday cake to celebrate my 40th birthday!

Cheers!

Join me tomorrow for the always popular and interactive Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter!

Love Part VIII

Welcome to the eighth edition of “Love” on Freestyle Wednesday on Chief 187™Chatter.

As August is the month when my birthday falls, I am taking ownership of the August edition of “Love” and streamlining it. For this month all of the entries are songs – music is what I love most this month.

My time is limited between raising the children, keeping house, and working on my articles and radio programs. I haven’t had time to read books outside of the NASCAR topics I devour to stay current and well-read. I haven’t watched a movie in full since the racing season began back in February. But music I listen to each and every day.

The music I choose to put on my iPod playlists runs the gamut from Classic Rock to my favorite Broadway show tunes and everything in between. But, for the most part, love songs populate my lists the most.

Love is, quite frankly, what makes the world go around. Love inspires, motivates, and captivates. Love, in all of its forms, is the topic that intrigues, fascinates, and pleases me most. And so, with great pleasure, I give you the love songs that I wish to showcase for this feature “Love: Part VIII” on Chief 187™Chatter.

New Love

“Beginnings” Chicago – This selection may have been used before on this series, but it bears repeating what a truly electric, awesome, and wonderful song it is. For those who have ever fallen in love, the lyrics and feeling of this song fit the emotion beautifully.

“Give Me Just a Little More Time” Chairmen of the Board – A great hook, plaintive singing, and a fabulous sound add up to a favorite for me that I recently rediscovered.

“Overjoyed” Stevie Wonder – A lovely song that awakens a passion in me. So sweet, emotional, and well-crafted. “All true love needs is a chance…”

Taking a Chance

“Through the Fire” Chaka Kahn - I am obsessed with this beautiful song I loved during its first go-around. Thanks to YouTube and one of its suggestions, I found it again. Kahn’s voice is luscious as are the lyrics and music.

“Ready to Take a Chance Again” Barry Manilow – I refuse to be ashamed or quiet about my love of many of Manilow’s works. He is a talent and, before he became lounge-lizard-like, a true pleasure to listen to. I still enjoy his earlier works immensely, like this one. Optimistic, encouraging, and, at the risk of over-using this word in this piece, passionate, Manilow makes this one a joy to listen to over and over again.

“Ordinary People” John Legend – I know I have used this song before for the “Love” series, but, like so many others, it belongs here again. As someone who has been with the same man her entire life, it is a comforting song that takes the pressure off. Love songs tend to be flowery, overly emotionally one-sided, and hard to live up to so this song is a gorgeous reminder that what unfolds is all good. We don’t know what will happen but nobody does. Ahhhh, thank you.

Heartstrings

“I Love You” Climax Blues Band – Every time I ask for a love song on one of my Friday Music Blogs my husband lists this song and this song solely. I love it. To him, it is the perfect summation of our love story. How can I argue with that? If you don’t know it or haven’t treated yourself lately, it’s a lovely song even if it doesn’t tell your story!

“Sweet Love” Anita Baker – In the late 1980s I pined away for my love who lived nearly 500 miles away from me. The first strains of this song would play on the radio and it would take me to him in my mind. I still adore the song and remember fondly how it helped stoke the fires of our love.

“Endless Love” Lionel Richie and Diana Ross – Call it trite, sophomoric, or silly, but I adored this love song when it debuted and have never had my love for it wane. Being with my high school sweetheart and never breaking up I do believe in its premise that our love is indeed endless. Truly gorgeous song.

Heartbreak

“Easy” Lionel Richie – Such a beautiful song that is actually about the bitter end of a relationship! “I know it sounds funny but I just can’t stand the pain, Girl I’m leaving you tomorrow.” Whoa. But, even though it is negative, I cannot help but enjoy its musicality. Awesome.

“Holding Back the Years” Simply Red – I know I’ve written about this song many times before. I’ll reiterate, I would not go to bed in the summer of 1986 until I heard this song on the radio. It was a haunting song then and still is. I adore it and own it on my iPod in both its original form and as a live acoustic version. It holds up to the years!

“Hello Again” Neil Diamond – Like my enjoyment of Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond’s lush music, heartfelt lyrics, and amazing music makes me soar. This song makes me cry. Although my husband and I have very rarely spent a night without one another, we have lost our way at times. He tries to reach out and, believe it or not, my poor communication skills have caused riffs. He just calls to say hello and I never really got it. Thankfully I do, now.

I could, simply, go on and on but this seems like a good place to stop. It dawns on me that most of these songs have been featured on other “Love” posts throughout the year, but when I started this edition, I wanted only my favorites. Of course, there are many more and throughout the rest of the year I’ll get to them.

My Simple Joy is to learn about others’ favorite songs, especially love songs. As a gift to me, would you kindly list your favorites? They need not be categorized like mine, just one, two, or a list of your favorite love songs. I appreciate it in advance!

Please join me tomorrow for the delicious Tantalizing Thursday from Bristol, Tennessee on Chief 187™Chatter.

Simple Joys

Welcome to Simple Joys on Chief 187™Chatter.

With August my life becomes one fast-paced roller coaster ride. It is filled with twists and turns, chills and spills, and a whole lot of life.

There are five people in my immediate family including my husband and me. All five of our birthdays fall between mid-August and the end of October; there is always much to do in that short period of time. Summer ends, my parents leave for Florida, school begins, and all of the autumnal activities do as well.

Days are filled to the brim with have-tos, want-tos, and a host of other activities and events. Moods range from intensely happy to sad and waning. And each day I look for the Simple Joys that enrich me, bring perspective and peace.

Simple Joys that run the gamut from momentous to nearly insignificant add up to a well lived life each day.

And now, without further ado, is today’s Simple Joys.

Birthday. My son, the first child I had, turned ten last week. He is a wonderful boy who enriches my life daily. In the past we had celebrated his birthday with parties held at home. This year we decided to forego a big party and instead celebrate quietly with the extended family – grandparents on both sides.

We had a relaxed, fun-filled celebration. We were able to just enjoy watching the boy open his presents and he was able to spend the time making the enormous Lego Pirates of the Caribbean ship he received.

Soaking in the moments of my first child turning ten in a peaceful and special way is a Simple Joy I believe I will always remember and cherish.

Marble Bundt™ cake. My son asked me to make the marble Bundt™ cake, the one I made last year on his birthday and a few other special occasions, for his tenth birthday. It strikes me as an odd choice for the boy as there is no frosting (or icing) and no decorations, candy bits, or sprinkles.

The last time I had made the cake it hadn’t worked. The cake literally came apart as I was unmolding it from the pan. But this time I prepared by buying a brand new pan, reading the directions carefully with my beloved reading glasses, and making it early in the morning before humidity was a problem.

The cake came out perfectly, unmolded without a flaw, and tasted sinfully good. Everyone at the birthday party raved about it and my son, most of all, was thrilled with his special treat.

Baking my son’s favorite birthday cake and having he and everyone love it was an enormous Simple Joy.

Great-Grandpa. Perhaps the very best gift my son received was a visit with Great-Grandpa. At 92 it isn’t easy for him to get around, but get around he does. He made the long journey to our home with my in-laws and participated in nearly every adventure we went. My son adores him (as we all do) and was so pleased Great-Grandpa, who had been there at his first birthday party, had returned for another birthday celebration.

I had time to talk to Great-Grandpa alone. He is a wealth of knowledge with a fine sense of humor, a great grasp of perspective, and a huge capacity for love. I always feel richer in mind and spirit after sharing time with the man.

Hosting Great-Grandpa for another week is a Simple Joy I hope to continue to experience as long as I can.

Sticker Book. In an effort to calm the younger children whose birthdays are one and two months after their brother’s respectively, I gifted them the same Lego Sticker Book I gave the birthday boy. They were all enchanted and enthralled with their prized possession. Each child took their book into the car on trips, sat with it on the couch, and carried it to and fro and nobody screamed that another person was “using all of my stickers”!

Having foresight to quell disastrous moments by simply tripling up on one reasonable gift that provides endless hours of enjoyment was a huge Simple Joy.

“Birthday Week”. Before my son was born in August I was the only person in my family who had a birthday in that month. Once he arrived a decade ago I had to share my “Birthday Month”. Now we each get our respective “Birthday Week”. Once we bid a fond farewell to my in-laws and got out the thank you notes to write for the birthday gifts my son received, I was able to think in terms of my own “Birthday Week”.

It is here and I am duly excited! My birthday falls on a Friday this year. I am looking forward to a fun-filled weekend to cap off this “Birthday Week”.

Spending “Birthday Week” with my family and all of my friends is a Simple Joy I am so very blessed to have and very thankful to share.

Simple Joys are the blessings in my life that outshine the mundane, the tedious, the trying, and the odious. They are the moments in my life that add lightness, blissfulness, and happiness.

Whether a text that brightens an hour of your workday, a visit with a friend that is uplifting, or a joke that makes you chuckle, Simple Joys can be all-powerful to your life.

There have been many times in my life that it was difficult to locate the Simple Joys that were all around. Once I opened my heart and mind to their existence I was able to usher them in to my life. It takes practice, but the more Simple Joys are welcomed, the more they become visible and, thus, able to be experienced.

Write them down like I do or at least think about them to continuously recognize and enjoy the Simple Joys in your life.

Wishing you another week of Simple Joys!

Join me tomorrow for Freestyle Wednesday for the eighth edition of my popular monthly series on “Love” on Chief 187™Chatter.

Monday Media Blog-Birthday Edition

Welcome to the Monday Media Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

This is a celebratory week at the site as on Friday my milestone 40th birthday occurs. I have tried to find a way to create a virtual birthday party of sorts, but have yet to practically execute that idea. As a writer, I know the best way to draw attention to it is to write about it!

The Monday Media Blog is a fun way for me to start the week. This week’s focus is varied.

First, list any movies that have birthdays in the storyline.

Second, list any movies that were released in 1972 that you liked.

Remember to include a list of actors in the movies as well as a description of the plot and/or a review of the film to share with us all.

Finally, list any television shows that you adored that aired in 1972. That can also include television specials, mini-series (were they around then?) or anything else that aired on television that year.

It is with great excitement that I embark on my last days of being in my 30s. It was a tremendous ten years that started with my retirement from teaching, the beginning of my family, and eventually the expansion of my family to three beautiful children. Now it is ending with a happy full home and a bustling career as a professional writer and on-air personality! I welcome my birthday and the year and decade to follow. From all accounts the 40s are a fabulous decade! I’m ready to experience it first hand!

I look forward to reading your responses to these prompts!

Please join me tomorrow for the uplifting and ever-popular Simple Joys on Chief 187™Chatter.

Pure Michigan 400 Race Recap by Chief 187™

Some unexpected failures on his competitors' part and some skillful driving on his part led Roush-Fenway driver Greg Biffle to pilot his No. 16 Ford Fusion to victory at Michigan International Speedway for the running of the Pure Michigan 400. This win puts Greg Biffle right in the thick of the Chase Battle upping his wins from one to two this season.

It seemed a lock for Jimmie Johnson to win the race when he had an engine blow with six laps to go, a problem that plagued other Hendrick Motorsports drivers and teams that ran HMS motors like defending champion Tony Stewart and Johnson’s teammate Jeff Gordon.

Biffle had to fend off a hard-charging Brad Keselowski but did so handily. This was Biffle’s 18th career victory and, as mentioned, his second of 2012.

Keselowski finished second only a fraction of time ahead of HMS driver Kasey Kahne.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. followed in fourth proving that not all of the HMS motors were duds at this track. Aussie Marcos Ambrose driving for Richard Petty Motorsports followed his win at Watkins Glen last week with a fifth at MIS.

Carl Edwards, trying hard for his first win of 2012 and to secure a spot in the Chase, came up short with a sixth place finish. Michael Waltrip Racing’s Clint Bowyer finished seventh. Eighth was Stewart’s teammate Ryan Newman. Paul Menard, the Richard Childress Racing driver, brought home a solid ninth. MWR’s Martin Truex Jr. rounded out the top-10.

After his win on Sunday night Biffle takes over the top spot in the NASCAR Sprint Cup points race. It is the first time he’s been atop the leaderboard since the spring. This was a one spot increase over last week.

Biffle has a 20 point lead over the number two spot held by teammate Matt Kenseth who also picked up a place.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. also bumped up one spot to third. Jimmie Johnson tumbled three positions to fourth due to his 27th place finish in the race. Keselowski remains in fifth.

Truex Jr. and Bowyer remain respectively sixth and seventh this week. Kevin Harvick moves up one position to eighth. Stewart drops one place to ninth. Denny Hamlin holds firm in tenth for another week.

After the results from MIS, Kasey Kahne and Ryan Newman currently hold on to the wild card slots for the Chase. Of course, that could easily change in the last three races before the Chase begins.

The action moves from the superspeedway to the shortest short track on the circuit, the newly reconfigured Bristol Motor Speedway. The Irwin Tools Night Race from Bristol will air on Saturday, August 25th with coverage beginning at 7pm EST on ABC.

Be sure to tune in and return to this site for my Irwin Tools Night Race Recap.

Candice Smith is a writer, columnist, and blogger as well as creator of the widely popular Chief 187™ Chatter. Her works have been featured under the pen name Chief 187™ around the Internet including a syndicated post within the Indie Republic Network where she has conducted in-depth interviews with musicians, Mixed Martial Artists, and other personalities as well as waxes poetic on myriad topics. Candice Smith is currently writing her second season of her original column “Why I Love NASCAR” by Chief 187™ on Skirts and Scuffs. Additionally, another of her NASCAR columns can be found at MotorsportsUnplugged.com. She also contributes articles and NASCAR Sprint Cup Race Recaps weekly at WowShaneRadio.com. She began her Internet writing career at Rowdy.com where she honed her blogging skills and reawakened her love of NASCAR. Candice Smith can be heard on air four times a week co-hosting motorsports programs on Internet radio as well as her own racing show “Drafting the Circuits” on WhooBazoo.com. She can be reached via Twitter by following @Chief187s. To find out more please visit http://Chief187.com.

Friday Music Blog-Detroit

Welcome to the Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.

As the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers return to Michigan International Speedway to compete in the Pure Michigan 400, my mind once again turns to music.

The last time we visited this great state the topics revolved around the many nicknames it has and dads as it was Father’s Day weekend.

This time I am vastly interested in exploring the music roots in Detroit. From Motown to Kid Rock, Ted Nugent to John Lee Hooker, list your favorite songs from the Motor City. Remember to list the artist(s) as well as the song.

Be sure to check back to this post throughout the day and weekend to see what has been added and possibly add more yourself. This is a reference for all to use and enjoy.

Weekends are an ideal time to catch up on all things at Chief 187™Chatter. Recipes are easily found using the search feature located in the upper left hand of this page. Scroll through Tantalizing Thursday blogs to find just the right recipe for your mood and skill level.

Movies, television, and games are discussed at length on the Monday Media Blog (and Monday Movie Blog) so that is a great place to peruse when looking for some couch entertainment.

Looking for some uplifting and positive reads? The Simple Joys features fit the bill as do the Freestyle Wednesday posts.

Whatever your mood and frame of mind, there is something for you on Chief 187™Chatter.

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The pageviews keep climbing and the positive climate I provide continues to attract new readers while keeping the “regulars” contented. It was always my goal to stay true to my beliefs, stick to my style, and provide a place where positive articles flourish. By supporting what I do here you are helping to spread that positive wave. Thank you!

Please join me again on Monday as I begin another week of all new, fresh, and original works on Chief 187™Chatter.

Tantalizing Thursday-Michigan Revisited

Welcome to Tantalizing Thursday on Chief 187™Chatter.

The NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers are returning to Michigan to compete at the Pure Michigan 400 from Michigan International Speedway.

A return visit to a venue gives me ample opportunity to delve deeper into the local cuisine, a treat to be sure!

Our last trip to Michigan netted recipes heavy with cherries and other local produce. This time we’ll explore other delicious ingredients and preparations.

As it is the Dog Days of August, grilling is still the primary form of cooking. There is nothing better than the great American burger, except perhaps a stylized one indicative of this area. Sink your teeth into one of these.

Dad’s Favorite Detroit-Style Roquefort Burgers
Recipe found on http://allrecipes.com/recipe/dads-favorite-detroit-style-roquefort-burgers/detail.aspx
Provided by: Aunt Julie

"Fifty years ago, my Dad used to have this burger at lunch with his business clients in a nice restaurant in Detroit, Michigan. They all raved about them all the time. I don't remember the name of the restaurant, and chances are it is long gone... but the burger is still YUM!"

Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup Roquefort or other blue cheese, crumbled

4 Kaiser Rolls, split and heated
4 slices onion, or to taste
4 lettuce leaves
4 slices tomato


Directions:

Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Mix together the ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and salt and pepper in a bowl, and divide the mixture into 4 portions. Make each portion into a ball, and form a pocket in each ball. Stuff the balls with about 1/4 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese, and gently pat and flatten each ball into a bun-sized burger.
Grill the burgers on the preheated grill until no longer is pink in the middle, the cheese melted, and the burgers show nice grill marks, 7 to 8 minutes per side.
Serve burgers in heated Kaiser Rolls, with sliced onion, lettuce, and tomato on the side.



Burgers are a great staple and the more recipes the better. But, sometimes a lighter and healthier fare is the order of the day. Many think burgers, brats, and beer when they think Michigan, but this recipe for tuna is also from this great state.

Sesame Tuna with Soy Miso Dressing
Recipe found on http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sesame-tuna-with-soy-miso-dressing/detail.aspx
Provided by By: Steve Gold

"This recipe is served at a seafood restaurant in Royal Oak, Michigan. The sesame covered tuna is done medium rare inside (almost like sushi) and has a fantastic soy miso dressing drizzled over the top. One of the best seafood dishes I love!"

Ingredients:

3/4 cup sesame seeds, divided
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon wasabi powder
1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
3 fluid ounces milk
2 (4 ounce) tuna steaks (about 3/4 inch thick)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (1.1ounce) package miso soup mix
1 tablespoon soy sauce


Directions:

In a shallow bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sesame seeds, seasoning salt, white pepper, onion powder, wasabi powder, kosher salt and flour; set aside. In a separate bowl, mix together the eggs and milk.
Dip tuna steaks in the egg mixture, and then dredge in the flour mixture until well coated on both sides. Press on as many extra sesame seeds as possible, so it is well coated. Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tuna steaks for 2 minutes per side, and immediately remove from heat. The inside of the fish should still be red.
To make the soy miso dressing, mix together the miso soup mix and soy sauce. Heat in a small saucepan or microwave, and drizzle over steaks.


Looking for a fun “mock-tail” to serve with either meal or on its own? This one is colorful, flavorful, and appropriate for all ages.


Michigan Fizz
Recipe found on http://allrecipes.com/recipe/michigan-fizz/detail.aspx
Provided By: SUNFLOWER173
"Michigan cherries give this drink a tangy twist."

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons frozen cherry juice concentrate
1 cup ginger ale soda


Directions:

Measure concentrated cherry juice into a tall glass. Fill glass with ginger ale and stir gently.


As you all know I am a dessert fanatic. My favorite cookie by far is the classic chocolate chip cookie. When I stumbled upon this gem I just had to share it to end our time in Michigan.



Blue Ribbon Chocolate Chip Cookies
Recipe found on http://allrecipes.com/recipe/blue-ribbon-chocolate-chip-cookies/detail.aspx
Provided by: Carolyn Solomon
"Great cookies that have won blue ribbons at 4H fairs and the Michigan State Fair. My kids love them and they usually last about two days in our house!"

Ingredients:

1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup shortening
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 eggs
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup wheat germ
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup crispy rice cereal
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips


Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Cream together white sugar, brown sugar and shortening until fluffy. Stir in the vanilla and eggs. Combine the flour, wheat germ, salt and baking soda; mix into the batter. Stir in crispy rice cereal and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls on an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing cookies 2 inches apart.
Bake for 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are light brown at the edges. Cool well before eating as the chocolate can burn your mouth.


Here you have a complete meal (with choice) to enjoy an authentic Michigan weekend watching the Pure Michigan 400 from MIS and rooting on your favorite driver(s).

Please join me tomorrow for the always popular and interactive Friday Music Blog on Chief 187™Chatter.