Seeking Substance

We’re deep into Scorpio season, as I was writing about it in the previous post. Scorpio is known for transformations and death/rebirth cycles, like a rising Phoenix. And one team definitely showed their “ignited from the ashes” spirit this past week.

So, how about them Cubs!! They were burned and resurrected more than once, but, at the end, rebirthed yet again. Did you see that last game? It was insane! I predicted their win by the way! Scroll down my posts and you’ll see. šŸ™‚ Us, Scorpios, are very intuitive always knowing where the truth lies.

Google reported that the Chicago Cubs parade brought together over 5 million people, which made it the 7th largest peaceful gathering ever recorded in the world. The other 6 were pilgrimages and religious funerals. I guess the Cubs parade became a religion in itself too. Were you celebrating Thursday night after the win? I felt your “the morning after affliction” all day on Friday so I was drinking lots of water for us both. But at least we shared a drink, right, that was the fun part! šŸ™‚

On a more cumbersome note though, my aunt said it took her over an hour just to get through the crowds of people at the Union Station so getting home in Chicago was mighty complicated Friday night. That’s a good note to self, don’t plan your next family visit around any dates of major sporting events. But I’ll worry about it next year.

And, on a completely random and unrelated note, the posts about my last Chicago visit in August have been viewed multiple times every single day since I created them. I’m yet to figure out what exactly drives people to view them every day as I just posted funny pictures and blubbered nonsense. I may never find an answer to this question but it’s fun to ponder it and marvel at some happenings. Maybe certain people find substance in my chats. I definitely had a great time that week with family and helping my kid create his own memories of both the city and Chicago relatives.

We didn’t get to the Wrigley Field though, maybe next time.

What’s Cooking This Week

Since we’re talking about Scorpios and substance and family, I have a Russian recipe for you that contains all of these. Just like in Scorpios, there’s a standard unassuming shell but you’d be surprised to find a soft juicy layer of stuffing (if you’re allowed to get to that part). This dish is definitely substantial with all the protein and would keep you full for hours. And, as a great Russian recipe, it is, of course, a family favorite.

Russian Stuffed Cutlets with Eggs and Scallions.

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Makes 10 large cutlets:

1 lb each ground veal and beef

2 Tbsps of mayonnaise

1 tsp of garlic powder

1/2 tsp each oregano and rosemary

1/4 tsp each coriander and marjoram

2 eggs, hard boiled and chopped

2 spears of scallions, chopped

3 Tbsps of fresh dill, chopped

Seasoned breadcrumbs (I used gluten free)

salt, pepper, olive oil

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Combine both ground meats with mayonnaise, all the spices, salt and pepper and mix well until everything is incorporated.

Combine eggs with dill and scallions and add a pinch of salt and pepper to season.

Divide meat mixture into 10 parts. First, make a meatball, then flatten it into a round disk. Place some egg and herb mix in a middle and close it together pinching the edges. Form a long cutlet, coat with breadcrumbs and set it aside.

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In a large frying pan, heat olive oil and fry cutlets about 2-3 minutes on each side, turning until everything, including the edges, are throughly browned.

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These stuffed cutlets are very filling and are best served with some roasted vegetables. A pickle on a side pairs well with them too and creates a nice salty undertone.

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