Wet and Wicked

Both teams played one half well and one half horribly. It was a wet and wicked game. The Bears were dreadful during the first half. Going into the locker room, they were behind, Matt Forte was showing signs of knee problems and Cutler was looking over his shoulder for the next sack. Somehow, they pulled it together, and came out to play in the second half. The fans, suffering through a rainy game, were rewarded with another win at home.

This cook was beginning to fret during the first half that my choice of Florida Grouper was too obvious. Had Lovie seen my playbook?

Grouper is a large, meaty fish. Mine was breaded in Panko and fried. It was moist and tender. Florida Grouper is usually served on a bun with tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato and onion. Give it a try.

Hot Win!

 Finally! After disastrous games in a row and no home wins, da Bears finally gave the fans what we've wanted - a Home Game Win!

Don't even talk to me about who, what, when or where. It was a win and I'm tickled! It was a fun football game. The only screaming was happy so McKenzie didn't have to dive into the guest bathroom. All was good.

My choice for the Minnesota winning recipe was a Hot Dish - their phrase for casserole. Today's choice is courtesy of one of my college room mates - Sharon Glessner - and her delicious Tater Tot Casserole. Savor the win and enjoy the recipe.

Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:
1 # ground beef
1 # tater tots
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can mushrooms
½ onion diced
½ tsp Worcestershire
S &P

1. Brown onion and ground beef, drain.
2. Add soup, mushrooms and Worcestershire
3. Put in greased 1 qt casserole
4. Top with tater tots


Bake 25 minutes at 375

"At A Loss For Words"

Brandon Marshall is "at a loss for words." Brian Urlacher believes the only thing elite about Jay Cutler is his money. Coach Ditka is angry. Walter's son, Jarret Payton, said the Packers game left him "embarrassed as a  Bears fan."

Not just the famous are commenting.  I've received texts and emails from other teams' fans, suggesting that I might want to cheer for their teams. Right now, it's painful to be a Bears fan.

From my outside perspective, there seems to be a lack of cohesion. The Bears aren't behaving like a team, they're a group of individuals - many of whom are extremely talented. A successful team wants to work together and to support their quarterback. To say that Jay Cutler isn't warm and fuzzy is an understatement. However, he has to learn how to engender loyalty if he has any chance of being a team leader.

When I was deciding what to cook for the Packers game, I made a mistake. I went back to basics and made Tailgate Chili, believing that was what was needed by the Bears. That's not true. What the Bears need is a team meal where the ingredients work as one. Perhaps Jay should host a party featuring this delicious Italian Beef. In this recipe, all the ingredients work together to support the quarterback:

Chicago Style Italian Beef

3 LB Sirloin Tip Roast
32 Ounces Beef Broth
1 package of Good Seasons Zesty Italian Salad Dressing
1 jar Pepperoncini Peppers
1 jar Giardiniera (in oil)

Spray your crockpot with Pam. Add all ingredients and cook on Low for 24 hours or longer turning every 6 hours.