Just Dinner, and a memory.

A restaurant review, then and now.

The beautiful dining area.

My 29th Birthday at Just Dinner

Just Dinner on Dunlavy has a special place in my heart. I wrote the review below when I went for the first time. The friendly owner, Andrew Rebori, who we got to know over the years, sadly passed away a year ago. I cried when I read the article Katharine Schilcutt wrote. At the time, it surprised me how upset I got. Then I realized how rare it is to come across a person so warm, humble, and welcoming. Just Dinner still has the same warmth and amazing food, and I think of Andrew every time I pass by or dine there.

Rebori will be remembered by his family and friends as the epitome of a restaurateur who loved his life. "He started each day thinking about food, shopping and gardening," said Lisa. "He daily met all his customers. He was always concerned about their comfort and satisfaction. He took tremendous pride in creating opportunities for people to talk to each other and to share a good meal."

Read the touching story about Andrew Rebori.

And now my original review...

Cajun Pizza

Or Boudin "Big Bread" 

I'm not sure if we made up this recipe, or if people make it all the time. I certainly have never heard of it. Casey made it a few days ago when we were in a pinch. It's easy to make, and it's a great lunch or dinner. I wouldn't say it's the healthiest recipe in the world, but throw some sautéed veggies on the side, and you're good to go.

Boudin is a cajun style pork sausage. Find it where you would find sausage. 

Ingredients

• 1 package of boudin
• 1 loaf of crusty french bread 
• 2 tbsp butter
• Minced garlic
• Shredded cheese (we used cheddar & pepper jack)

Turn the oven on to 350º. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Boil boudin according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small sautée pan, melt the butter and add garlic. Cut the french bread in half (you should have 4 pieces total), and place them onto a baking sheet. Once butter and garlic smells fragrant, use a basting brush to spread butter and garlic onto bread. When boudin is cooked, carefully cut casings off and spread boudin on top of the bread (you do not want to eat casings!). Sprinkle as much cheese as you would like, and place baking sheet in the oven. Bake until cheese is melted and bread is nice and toasty.

Santa went to Sur La Table.

We take kitchen gadgets and accessories to a new level.

Santa knows that the Murphrees love kitchen gadgets. This year was no different. Casey and I bought a Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker with a gift certificate we got from Aunt Ann and Uncle Dave. After scouring the interwebs for the perfect ice cream recipe, Casey finally picked one. And he didn't shut up about it for DAYS. I'm glad he loves food as much as I do, but sometimes he gets OBSESSED. He picked Goat Cheese & Strawberry.

Courtesy of Heather Homemade

When Christmas Day (finally) came, we got to work on the ice cream. Well, actually, Casey did most of the work, and I did the taste testing. It turned out awesome! It's an almost cheesecake consistency with perfectly sweet strawberries mixed in. I think the secret is adding a little balsamic vinegar to the strawberry mixture after roasting them. YUM!    Here's the recipe.

Santa also brought us a Crock-Pot. It was technically for me, but I’m sure Casey will get some good use out of it. It also came with a bonus small crock-pot for dips! We haven’t used the it yet, but here are some of the recipes I want to try.

Crock Pot Super Garlic Chicken Legs - 20 cloves of garlic!

Grillades and Cheese Grits - This is a dish served at BB's Cafe in Houston. I'm interested to see if this version is as good!

Crock Pot Puttanesca- This lovely Italian word literally translates to "Whore Style." Sailors would come into port, and the various "Houses of Ill-Repute" would cook this sauce with pasta. It smells so incredible, they couldn't resist.

French Dip Roast Beef - Thought this was an interesting thing to make in a Crock-Pot!

Slow Cooker Chicken with Rosemary, Apples and Onions - Great flavor combo.

Corned Beef and Cabbage - One of my all-time favorite dishes.

The gadget giving didn’t stop with Casey and Me. We all pitched in and got a new Waring Comercial Deep Fryer for Dad. He’s awesome at making fries, and the deep fryer he had was on the small side. The new one is a nice size - Paula Deen would approve. 

His recipe is a mixture of different techniques he has tried over the years. I will post it as soon as he can get it to me!

And for the woman who started this family on the Foodie Adventure - Mom got a bunch of little things for the kitchen, including an olive oil mister, OXO mixing bowls, and silicone berry colanders. 

There's only so much we can fit in her kitchen at this point!

Do you have any great Crock-Pot, Ice Cream or Deep Fryer recipes? Please share!