Cream of Jaguar

We've got rhythm, we've got defense, we've even got offense who could ask for anything more? 41-3 Bears win and a tie with Minnesota for the lead in the NFC North results in ridiculous singing and dancing in this household.

Admittedly the first half was a snore but the Monsters who emerged to play the second half were awesome. For the second week in a row, Peanut caught an interception and ran it in for a touchdown. His eighth defensive touchdown set a franchise record. Congratulations and banana bread to you! Not to be outdone, Lance Briggs grabbed a ball and ran in his own defensive touchdown. That's how da Bears defense rocks!

Lovie said that the "Number 1 priority on defense is to score." That gives us two offenses and we certainly saw it today.

Robbie continues to be perfect. Forte is amazing. The dynamic duo of Cutler-Marshall is a pleasure to watch and every time Hester has the ball, we all hold our breath. Did you see his amazing catch?

Today's menu was Cream of Shrimp but the game was truly cream of Jaguar. This is a great recipe. Allow plenty of time at the end to strain the puree and, if it is too rich, add a bit more chicken broth.

Brian Urlacher has reportedly said that his major role is giving high fives. This winning recipe, based on a recipe from Williams-Sonoma, definitely receives an Urlacher High Five.

Cream of Shrimp

Ingredients:
3 TB unsalted butter
2 carrots, finely chopped
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 small baking potato, finely chopped
2 Lbs. small shrimp peeled and deveined, shells reserved (Note: I used frozen cocktail shrimp, medium size and cut them into bite size chunks)
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups half and half
1/2 TB dried thyme
1 bay leaf crumbled
Salt and white pepper
2 pieces of fried, drained crispy bacon - crumbled (Optional garnish)
1 TB fresh parsley leaves (Optional garnish)

Directions:
1.   In large saucepan, melt butter.
2.   Add carrots, onion, celery, potato and shrimp shells. Saute until onion is translucent and shells turn pink (2-3 minutes)
3.   Add stock, half and half, thyme, bay leaf and all but a handful of the shrimp.
4.   Bring to a boil, reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 20 minutes.
5.   In small batches, puree the soup in a blender.
6.   Force the puree through a strainer using a wooden spoon.
7.   Return soup to the pan and season to taste with salt and white pepper.
8.   Add the remaining bite size shrimp chumks and simmer gently until warmed (2-3 minutes).
9.   Optional garnishes are crumbled bacon or parsley leaves.

Serves 4 Bears Fans

Comfort Food

I am not sure if I'm glad the season is over or not. Today's game against the Vikings was a lot of fun and a final win in the stats. We saw amazing football from both sides. McCown did a great job for da Bears showing courage and ability in the pocket. What fun it was to see Peanut grab the football and run it in for a touchdown.

The Vikings brought their game as well. 69 Dude! I was rooting for you. You're a football fan's football player. And Webb, I would be pleased to see you in a Bears uniform. Your moves, balance and decision making was amazing.

All in all, it was a fun game until the ghost of 2011 reappeared in the form of Major Wright colliding with Urlacher. Now we have to wait to hear from the trainers to learn the extent of Brian's injury.

Today's menu choice was perfect to end this injury-prone season. Minnesota fancies something called a hotdish which is basically a comfort food casserole. Goulash is my ultimate comfort food and I must say I enjoyed it. Treat yourself to some warm comfort on a cold winter day.

Goulash
Ingredients:
1 LB Ground Beef
1 Onion, chopped
1 tsp Garlic, chopped
1 Large Can of Diced Tomatoes
1/2 Bag of Dumpling Sized Egg Noodles, Cooked and Drained
Pepper and Season Salt to taste

Directions:
1.  Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside
2.  Brown ground beef, onion and garlic. Drain.
3.  Add diced tomatoes, noodles, salt and pepper.
4.  Simmer for 30 minutes.

The Season Closer

A tough season comes to a close against the Minnesota Vikings. A well put together and talented Bears team dealt with a character building season as a result of key injuries. Highlights included a delightful 5 game winning streak and Peanut Tillman's long overdue invitation to the Pro Bowl.

This up and down season comes to an end against Minnesota on New Years Day. Neither team has a chance of going to the playoffs so this game is for bragging rights only. Both teams have had key players hurt so hopefully everyone will stay healthy and will play a fan-friendly game.

When thinking about a fan-friendly menu I am drawn to some Minneapolis-St. Paul cuisine I haven't explored before. Hotdish is a term applied to a variety of comfort foods and casseroles. A Juicy Lucy is a hamburger with cheese in the center. Pick your poison Bears fans and Bear down!

The Little Game That Could've Been

If only / Except for / But if ..... da Bears were stuttering. First an interception by Tillman .... called back by a penalty. A bunch of almost caught passes by Cutler. An interception by Urlacher that was wasted and then a touchdown called back due to holding - except there was no holding. Preposterous!

The menu was a one/two punch with smoked cheese appetizer followed by brats in saeurkraut. Not much of a recipe folks, you just throw the brats, onion and saeurkraut in a crock pot. Serve on a bun with mustard and a schmeer of Coach Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa.

Congratulations to the Lions - 3 and 0h my goodness.

On To The Playoffs

Thank you Bears for a great regular season. While we may have wished for another outcome to today's Packers/Bears game, no one was hurt and we're headed to the playoffs. Before we move on, let's take a moment to enjoy Charles (Peanut) Tillman's interception and 42 yard run. It was a thing of beauty! Congratulations Peanut!

Once I know who we'll be playing, I'll cook up a unique winning menu. In the meantime, I'm off to buy more Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa. It's available here in Champaign at World Harvest. Thank you Chicago Bears!