Author Archives: Valorie Delp

Obama and the Economy

Obama on the Economy We’ve been talking in the politics blog about Phil Gramm and his comment that America is simply a bunch of whiners. We took a look at how McCain distanced himself from his long time pal. For Obama, Gramm’s comments have given him opportunity to talk tough on the economy and talk about what he’ll do differently then his opponent. There is Little Doubt We Are in a Recession Obama says that despite the fact that we are seeing slowed growth as opposed to negative numbers (those negative numbers being the technical definition of a recession), there’s … Continue reading →

Garlic and Cheese Grits

Of all the Southern food I’ve learned to cook over my last twelve years of marriage, grits remains high on my ‘disdained’ list. Why not eat oatmeal? But my husband insists it’s simply not the same. Frankly, I continue to remain unconvinced although I have to say that this particular recipe has made me think twice. Grits, or better yet, hominy grits is a southern dish made from corn. Hominy is the dried kernel of a corn, after the hull and germ have been taken away. It dates back to Native Americans and as I understand it, was one of … Continue reading →

Politics Blog Week in Review July 7-13

The week in review is our way of catching you up on whatever you may have missed in the politics blog during the week. Lots was happening this week as I’m sure will continue to be the case until the general election in November. Monday July 7 The Week in Politics News The previous week, I had been camping with my family on vacation and so we revamped the major news stories from the previous week. Tuesday July 8 Why You Should Vote Some people say it’s a lost cause, others are wondering if this is really the best we … Continue reading →

Love Chocolate? Try This Mississippi Mud Cake!

I have mentioned before that my spouse is from the South. His mom is a great cook. All of my really exceptional, ‘make-my-guests-say-wow’, desserts come from the South. All of my super duper phenomenal tasting chocolate recipes–come from the South. I have yet to visit any part of the South other than Florida, but I’m thinking that part of this “Southern hospitality” or “Southern charm” that I keep hearing about, must have something to do with the desserts. Seriously. . .I haven’t met a recipe or a cook for that matter, that hails from the South, that wasn’t simply scrumptious. … Continue reading →

McCain Talks About the Economy

Yesterday I shared some thoughts on Gramm’s statements that we are a nation of whiners. Both candidates were quick to back away from his statements and quick to paint themselves as empathetic towards our economic plight. Frankly, the candidate who addresses the American people with plan to help people spend within their means (in addition to some short and long term plans), gets my vote. Unfortunately, that doesn’t describe McCain or Obama. McCain was quick to distance himself from Gramm’s comments saying that he “strongly disagrees” with Gramm’s remarks. He apparently has a plan. Plan at the Pump Some distinctive … Continue reading →

A Different Kind of Blueberry Cobbler

Nothing sings the praises of summer like blueberry cobbler. Cooks love summer for its fresh bounty and yes, if you make it right–blueberry cobbler sings! Personally, I love a dallop of crème friache, but it’s not necessary to make this tasty treat really stand out. This blueberry cobbler is unique with a cornbread cinnamon top but I almost guarantee that once you try it this way–you may just ditch your old blueberry cobbler recipe! The recipe originally appeared in Fine Cooking Magazine. . .however I’ve tweaked it just a little to bring out the combination of cinnamon, cornbread and blueberries. … Continue reading →

Mr. Gramm, the Economy, and the Sensible Response

The economy is the number one issue on the campaign trail. . .or so the media tells us. We all care deeply about our homes, our jobs, and our families. Makes sense. We all care deeply about the economy and how to get it back on track and out of this recession. . .or so the media tells us. Since the issue is so important, I’ve decided to dedicate today on talking a bit more about the economy, starting with Gramm’s gaff. The Economist Talks About the Economy Phil Gramm, one of McCain’s top surrogates, a former presidential candidate and … Continue reading →

The Iranian Missile Crisis

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran is making a statement. In fact, he’s been making statements for quite some time now. Despite repeated warnings from other countries, Iran continues to develop its nuclear program and test fired missiles that have the capability of reaching Israel, among other Middle Eastern states. Why Is Iran So Dangerous? My disclaimer to this is that I don’t have the time or space to explore all the issues in the Middle East. Frankly, we could write books and books and still probably not cover all the bases. However, the BIG issue that everyone is talking about … Continue reading →

Barbecue Chicken with Personality

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Personally, I don’t love chicken cooked over a grill unless it’s boneless. I know that goes against every primal instinct in barbecue but the truth of the matter is, I find that very few people know how to cook bone-in chicken over the barbecue so that it’s not burnt. . .and yet, not still clucking. The balance between undercooked and overcooked seems harder to achieve with chicken legs. However, this barbecue sauce has a little spunk to it so that regardless of how you like your chicken you’re covered! You will need: One to two tablespoons of butter 1 onion … Continue reading →

Why You Should Vote

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I was recently discussing politics with a friend who said, “I’m not even going to bother to vote. It’s like the lesser of two evils.” Feeling that Obama was inexperienced on the Iraq war and McCain represented more of the same type of politics we’ve had over the last eight years she feels like there’s not really a good option. Add to that the voting debacles over the last few years, and by her reasoning, what’s the point? Do We Little People Really Make a Difference? Call me idealistic, but I think that we little people do make a difference. … Continue reading →