Corn Cheddar Chowder with Turkey

This is sooo flavorful & good.  It's slightly spicy, smooth, and filling at the same time.  I used left over turkey and only took less than 30ish minutes to make. Directions: render 1/4 cup pancetta (or two bacon slices) in pot until crisp; remove & save bacon.  Saute following in remaining fat: 1/2 onion, 1 red pepper, 1 carrot, 2 celery stalks all chopped with 2 cloves minced garlic.  Salt, pepper, and season with 1 tsp of Italian spices.  When onion translucent,   add 1.5 cups chopped red potatoes, 1 lb shredded turkey, and 5-6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock. bring to simmer until potatoes tender.  Stir in 2.25 cups of frozen corn.  In bowl mix 1 cup flour with 2 cups low fat milk with wisk and add to pot.  Bring to boil until thickened - about 10-15 min.  Add cup of cheddar cheese.  Ladle in bowls topped with green onion, crispy pancetta or other bacon, and corn chips if desired.

The soup was well complimented with a unique German beer I got at BevMo.

It's 50% Steigl-Beer and 50% Lemon soda - Light and easy to drink. Flavor enhanced with an orange slice.

SImone's Donuts

Beautiful day today! Skies blue with clouds hovering over the mountains.  I postponed my ride today based on the forcast for 40% chance of rain.  Instead, I grabbed a tall iced coffee from Starbucks and headed to my favorite donut place - Simone's Donuts in Long Beach.  These are my favorite donuts; and very popular with the locals.  The dough is light and has a slight crispy outside that is addicting.  I limit myself to one per visit (today I bought 2 for the foto) and usually dive out of my way, once or twice a week,  for these beauties.  If your in the area, you've got to try them - located  on the corner of Stearns & Palos Verdes in Long Beach.

Shoreline Cafe French Toast

This place is the best breakfast I've ever eaten.  Located on 2nd street in Belmont Shore.  My fav is the Breakfast Enchiladas.  You need to ask for them since they are not regularly on the menu..  They're made with egg & feta cheese wrapped in tortillas, topped with spicy red chili sauce, cheese, & accompanied with beans and rice. Fantastic!

After Thanksgiving Ride

Will be doing this 66 mi  course Saturday or Sunday - depending on the chance of rain. Click here to see it on Map My Ride.

Thanksgiving Ride!

Today, I went riding with co-workers and new friends.  Started at Heartwell Park in Long Beach at 8am, followed the San Gabriel River bed trail, rode past Golden West College, reached PCH, and followed it back to the river bed.  Total of about 36 miles and finished at 11:20.  The day was crisp in the morning and quickly warmed up by 9:30.

Enrique looking good after the nice hill on Gothard street.

Cheryl kept up a good pace on the hills with her clip-in pedals.  Her strategy of facing the skies and cursing the heavens seems to work well for her. Keep it up Cheryl!

Dawnelle, looking pretty in pink, makes it look too easy.

Edwin knows his stuff.  He kept alerting us to the best bikes and accessories on the rode.

Alfonzo helped me keep pace on PCH by alternating to the front on some good headwind. Thanks.

The crew resting after pushing through the wind up PCH.  Their cat-like reflexes kept their bikes from swerving into the marshlands when a pack of cyclists startled them by shouting, "On the left!"

Overall, it was a fantastic ride and got me in the mood for my mom's fantastic feast. Until next time.  Happy Thanksgiving!