I’m honestly so shaken up right now. 😭🇺🇸
I was just trying to enjoy a peaceful beach day when some young man walked past, stared directly at my new hat, kept walking past and muttered "dumb bitch" right under his breath. And his friend just laughed, did they really think I wouldn't hear that??? I couldn't even hold back the tears. It is wild how the exact same crowd that constantly preaches about "tolerance," "kindness," and "protecting women" will turn into aggressive, hateful bullies the second they see a young girl who proudly loves her country and thinks for herself.
They want us terrified, isolated, and completely quiet. But these tears aren’t out of weakness—they’re out of pure disgust for what they’ve done to our culture. The left is so deeply threatened by a generation that refuses to buy into their narrative, but targeting people in public is a whole new low.
I’m keeping this hat on, and I’m going to stand even taller. Has anyone else experienced this kind of aggressive behavior from the "tolerant" crowd just for showing your patriotism? 🦅💥 #AmericaFirst#StandFirm#TolerantLeft#Unapologetic
Baked Chicken Ricotta Meatballs with Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Ingredients
Chicken ricotta meatballs
1.5 lb (680 g) ground chicken
3/4 cup whole‑milk ricotta, well stirred
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3/4 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil (for your hands + tray)
Spinach Alfredo sauce
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp olive oil (or more butter)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup whole milk (or more cream)
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus extra to serve)
1/2 tsp kosher salt, to taste
1/4 tsp black pepper
Pinch nutmeg (optional but classic)
3 packed cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
To finish
Extra parsley, grated Parmesan, black pepper
Instructions
Heat oven: 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment and lightly oil it.
Mix meatballs: In a large bowl combine ground chicken, ricotta, panko, egg, Parmesan, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic. Mix gently with a fork until just combined; the mixture will be soft.
Form: Lightly oil your hands. Scoop into 20–24 golf‑ball–size meatballs (about 2 tbsp each) and set on the tray.
Bake: Bake 12 minutes. Turn the broiler to high and broil 3–5 minutes until tops are golden and centers read 165°F (74°C). Set aside; keep warm.
Make spinach Alfredo: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add garlic; cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant. Pour in cream and milk; simmer gently 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Whisk in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and glossy. Stir in spinach; cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. If sauce gets too thick, loosen with a splash of milk or pasta water.
Combine: Nestle baked meatballs into the skillet of sauce and simmer 1–2 minutes so flavors marry. Squeeze in a little lemon juice if using.
Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and extra Parmesan. Great over pasta, gnocchi, or mashed potatoes with garlic bread alongside.
Tips and swaps
Extra tender: Let the meatball mixture rest 5–10 minutes before forming so panko hydrates.
Breadcrumb swap: Use 1/3 cup fine dry breadcrumbs or 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers.
Lighter sauce: Replace half the cream with evaporated milk; simmer a bit longer to thicken.
Add-ons: Stir in sautéed mushrooms or sun‑dried tomatoes with the spinach.
Make ahead: Bake meatballs up to 2 days ahead; rewarm in the sauce 10 minutes on low. Sauce reheats best gently with a splash of milk.
House is 26 years old,pool is 20, deck was replaced 3 years ago 1st time. I retired 3 years ago. Paint failed to adhere. Sherwin Williams ate 4 gallons of paint. Re paint was on me. I don’t see how I kept up now. I am physically wore out. Any way. Save some for later.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Roll-Ups
Ingredients
8 small flour tortillas (6–7 inch)
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup ranch dressing (plus more for dipping)
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or chives
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1–2 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
2 tbsp butter, melted (or neutral oil) for the skillet
Optional add-ins
1/4 cup finely diced green onion
1/2 cup finely diced bell pepper (sautéed)
Pinch of smoked paprika
Instructions
Make the filling
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and hot sauce (if using) until smooth.
Fold in chicken, bacon, shredded cheese, and parsley/chives until evenly combined.
Assemble
Warm tortillas briefly (microwave 10–15 seconds or in a dry skillet) to make pliable.
Spread about 1/3 cup filling in a line across the lower third of each tortilla. Roll tightly, tucking edges slightly as you go. Place seam-side down.
Cook Skillet method (crispiest):
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush with melted butter.
Add roll-ups seam-side down and cook 2–3 minutes per side, turning to brown all around until golden and the cheese is melted, 6–8 minutes total.
Air fryer:
Brush roll-ups lightly with melted butter or spray with oil.
Air-fry at 380°F (193°C) for 6–8 minutes, turning once, until crisp and melty.
Oven:
Place on a parchment-lined sheet, brush tops with butter, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve
Sprinkle with extra bacon bits and herbs if you like. Serve hot with ranch (or chipotle ranch) for dipping.
Tips and swaps
Chicken: Leftover grilled chicken or poached chicken works; season lightly with salt/pepper if plain.
Cheese: Cheddar for sharpness; add mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra stretch; a little pepper jack adds heat.
Make-ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead; cover and refrigerate. Cook just before serving.
Freezer-friendly: Freeze assembled roll-ups on a sheet tray, then bag. Cook from frozen in the oven at 400°F (205°C) for 18–22 minutes, or air-fry 10–12 minutes, until hot and crisp.
Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions to balance richness.
Serving ideas
Pair with a simple side salad, tortilla chips and salsa, or roasted veggies.
For a party platter, slice each roll-up into 3–4 bite-size pieces and secure with toothpicks.
Wife has tapered off SSRIs (Effexor). You really ought to think very hard before you start a prescription in the first place. Whatever you are trying to treat with the SSRIs better be life threatening.
P3 in my third Late Model race. I was ready to pounce if the top two got together, but too free to really mix it up with them. Now back to CLT to chase a Summer Shootout 🏆
Americans are struggling to pay for groceries and gas while Elon Musk becomes a TRILLIONAIRE.
When the federal government is for sale, the rich get richer and everyone else gets shafted.
The system is rigged.
Burnt Basque Cheesecake in a Loaf Pan
Ingredients
16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving extra paper hanging over the sides.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until completely smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in heavy cream, vanilla, salt, and flour until silky smooth.
Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for 35–45 minutes until the top is deeply golden brown and slightly burnt while the center still has a gentle jiggle.
Cool at room temperature for about 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best creamy texture.
Slice and serve chilled or slightly softened at room temperature.
Rich, creamy, caramelized perfection with that signature Basque cheesecake texture!
🇮🇹 If you think potato salad has to be drenched in heavy mayonnaise, Insalata Pantesca will completely change your mind. Famously known as the traditional potato salad of Sicily, specifically from the island of Pantelleria.
This dish is a masterclass in Italian simplicity. Like most classic Italian recipes, it champions fresh, high-quality ingredients. Rather than using mayo, it relies on a bright, zesty vinaigrette made with extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar to bind the ingredients together, creating a perfectly balanced and refreshing Mediterranean side dish.
🎥 our_cookingjourney | IG
@SenBooker “Chaotic and cruel immigration policy”… you mean the thousands of children that’s been lost and the innocent people who’ve been raped and murdered by the illegals you let in? This is what you fight for?? Got it.
Today I visited Delaney Hall as part of my congressional oversight duties, meeting with both those who run the facility and privately with people being held there.
After seeing who is being held and the conditions under which they’re detained, I believe most Americans would agree that this facility is a moral stain on our community.
In fact, the majority of the people we encountered have NO criminal charges or the kind of violence or criminality that Donald Trump said he was going to be focusing his attention on. This is unacceptable to me.
I’ll keep demanding this facility be closed now and to end this administration’s chaotic and cruel immigration policy. I will not vote to give another dollar to ICE.
@SenatorAndyKim You’re disgusting -worried about criminals more than the ones you’re supposed to represent. Shameful, to say the least. Voters will remember.
Secretary Mullin said I shouldn't have been at Delaney Hall, but I disagree.
This isn't about me. This is about the detainees and their families, the lawlessness we're seeing from ICE.
I was willing to take a risk and I'd do it all over again to keep people safe.
Anthony Bourdain had one absolute favorite sandwich… and it’s way simpler than you’d expect.
The secret? Mortadella fried until it’s golden and super crispy, stacked with melty provolone right in the pan, then tucked into a toasted bun with a swipe of mayo on one side and sharp Dijon on the other. It’s rich, crunchy, cheesy, and seriously addictive.
Sometimes the best things in life really are the simplest — just a few quality ingredients treated with respect.
Would you give Bourdain’s favorite sandwich a try?