"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.

Heartburn

The news from yesterday's loss was an odd mish-mash of punting, kicking, defense and turnovers. The defense was the main course - they played really well. Robbie, once again, served up the you can count on me to be excellent side dish. But the turnovers were what caused the heartburn. Overall Hanie looked pretty good. Perhaps with this game under his belt he can relax and make better decisions next week.

Who will Hanie face when the KC Chiefs come to Soldier Field next week. Will it be Palko or ex-Bear Kyle Orton? Will the quarterback choice affect your menu choices? Let's explore that as we prepare for Sunday's game.

By the way, Coach Ditka not only produces some delicious Hall of Fame Salsa but he's now added a line of California wines. They are quite delicious. Another TD Coach - Congratulations!

Those Teddy Bears Have Teeth!

The Lions played Elvis Presley's "Teddy Bear" as the Bears took the field. I guarantee you, Lions fans, those Bears have teeth and some amazingly faithful friends who helped fill Ford Field.

Both the Lions and the Bears brought it. It was a good game and almost a record day for Hester. Next week at Soldier Field against the Patriots may be the day but whenever it happens I Guarantee I'll be joining all Bears fans in a Standing Ovation, Shouting from the Rooftops and whispering a not so quiet Thank You for Devon's talent and spirit.

I learned from Larry Mayer's blog that Ford Field has some of the worst food in the press box. I have to say I didn't especially enjoy today's Coney Dogs. I prefer Chili Dogs because they have more bite. Did I mention Da Bears have teeth? I had some chips and onion dip on the side but I put away that away after the first half when it obviously was not helping. I switched to Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Salsa and Chips.

For those of you who like Coney Dogs, here's what I used for today's Winning Recipe:

Ingredients:

1/4 LB Hamburger

1/2 onion chopped

1 can Hot Dog Chili Sauce

Chili Powder

2 TB Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Salsa

Salt and Pepper to taste

Nathan's Hot Dogs

Hot Dog Buns

Directions:

1. Brown hamburger and onion, drain

2. Add Spices, Salsa and Chili Sauce, heat

3. Cook hot dogs under the broiler

4. Top with Coney Island Sauce

5. Win!

Now it's off to put together a babydoll stroller. Where's Peanut Tillman? I need his help.

A Victory Over Vick

The family's lining up for this one folks. If asked, I'd have some harsh words for Michael Vick but then, no one's asked. Well, they say success is the best revenge so let's cook up some success over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Phillie Cheese Steaks with a generous dose of Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Salsa seems appropriate. Anyone have a favorite recipe to share? I'll be cooking on Sunday and then joining the puppy on the couch to cheer on Da Bears!

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all.

Detroit Lions

My grand experiment began kind of weak. The Lions were coming to Chicago but a friend wanted to bring the food. I should not have agreed because she brought Chicken Soup. It was yummy but I didn't think it had the required oomph to win the game. I was right. "What's a good hostess to do?" I wondered.

Then I remembered my secret weapon, Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Salsa was in the house! Just as Calvin Johnson jumped and caught what looked like the winning touchdown, I passed around the very tasty and spicy salsa. Whew! The catch was ruled incomplete. The Bears won and Mike Ditka Hall of Fame Salsa became a Football staple in my household.