Andy Schrader

(Based on an autobiographical story by Japanese master Tanzan, 1819-1892) 

Two Zen monks, Tanzan and Ekido, traveling on pilgrimage, came to a muddy river crossing. There they saw a lovely young woman dressed in her kimono and finery, obviously not knowing how to cross the river without ruining her clothes. 

Without further ado, Tanzan graciously picked her up, held her close to him, and carried her across the muddy river, placing her onto the dry ground. 

Then he and Ekido continued on their way. Hours later they found themselves at a lodging temple. 

Ekido could no longer restrain himself and gushed forth his complaints: “Surely, it is against the rules, what you did back there…. Touching a woman is simply not allowed…. How could you have done that? … And to have such close contact with her! … This is a violation of all monastic protocol…” Thus he went on with his verbiage. 

Tanzan listened patiently to the accusations. Finally, during a pause, he said, “Look, I set that girl down back at the crossing. Are you still carrying her?”

We’ve entirely gotten away from using pre-mixed seasoning and sauces. We’ve been making our own spaghetti sauce and meatloaf mix and now I’m having luck with Taco seasoning.

This is simple, tastes better, cheaper, and healthier:

• 1 Tbsp Chili Powder
• 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 1/2 tsp Paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/2 tsp Pepper

Chop an onion and sweat it in a pan with some olive oil and salt. Add 1 lb ground beef and brown over medium heat. Add the seasoning with 1/4 cup water and enjoy with tacos or on top of nachos!

Use SimplyRecipes.com

In large skillet:

• 1 cup of finely chopped onion
• 1 celery rib, chopped fine
• 1 Tbsp minced garlic
• 1 carrot, chopped fine
• 1/2 cup of finely chopped scallions (can substitute onion)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoon salt (use 1 1/2 teaspoons if using Italian sausage)
• 1 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup

In large bowl mix in:

• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 lbs meat (GB or GP or a mix)
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
• 2 large eggs, beaten slightly
• 1/3 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

Use Alton Brown’s glaze

For the glaze:

• 1/2 cup catsup
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Dash Worcestershire sauce
• Dash hot pepper sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey

350 for 1 hour