Make It Monday for a Home Made Meal Idea by Ruth Paget

Make it Monday for Home Cooked Meal Night Ideas by Ruth Paget

-Pasta with butter, shredded Swiss cheese, and strips of prosciutto with boiled eggs on the side or in the pasta.  Pasta made from 00 flour has a high protein count.

This is a modified Schinkennudeln (ham and noodle pasta dish) from Germany that is a baked casserole there. 

I have eaten this for years and like it.

-Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwiches are also good

-I have made breakfasts for dinner too.  (Bisquick pancakes and syrup are all-American dinners in my book.)

Note: Walmart carries all these ingredients at a reasonable price.  There are two Super Center Walmart Stores in Salinas - one on North Davis and one on North Main.  Target on North Main generally carries these products as well.  Costco sells jugs of maple syrup.

Happy Cooking!

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lesson written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission,  French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Free Rancho Day at the Adobe in Salinas, California reposted by Ruth Paget

Rancho Day, a free family day event is going to be held at the Adobe in Salinas, California on September 26, 2026.

This event will feature:

-historical re-enactments 

-blacksmithing

-dancing charro horses

-cowboy roping

-produce sales

-food trucks

Details about this event from the Monterey County Weekly Online Calendar follow:

 https://www.montereycountynow.com/events/#/details/rancho-day-at-the-adobe-to-be-held-on-september-26-2026/19604302/2026-09-26T11

Have fun!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture blogs

-writer of 1900+ Central coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory blogs

West Coast Shellfish Boil with paella on the Side at Esteban Restaurant in Monterey, California reposted by Ruth Paget

The Monterey County Weekly Online Community Calendar lists a West Coast Shellfish Boil with a side of Paella at the Esteban Restaurant in Monterey, California on Monday nights.

This looks like a really good deal at $30 per person with free parking.

Details from the Monterey County Weekly’s online calendar follow:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/events/#/details/west-coast-shellfish-boil-mondays/18290444/2026-09-21T16

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Northern California Renaissance Faire is being held from September 20 - October 25, 2026 in Hollister, California reposted by Ruth Paget

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is Coming Up in September and October 2026 in Hollister, California!

The Northern California Renaissance Faire is being held from September 20 - October 25, 2026 in Hollister, California.

Information about the Renaissance Faire and ticket purchase details follow:

https://norcalrenfaire.com/

Have fun!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about Dan Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Malaya Tea Room in Alameda, California offers Nice Afternoon Tea reposted by Ruth Paget

The Malaysia inspired Malaya tea room in Alameda, California offers a nice afternoon tea service.  Everything looks very appetizing and pretty generous.

The following TikTok video shows what Malaya offers:

 https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTUKqWACC/

Pinkies up!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 190+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Shallow Pot Pasta Boiling Benefits by Ruth Paget

Shallow Pot Pasta Boiling Benefits by Ruth Paget

When I first saw Giada de Laurentis boil pasta in a shallow pot, I thought that was a very safe method.  

You lift cooked pasta out with tongs and can easily transfer it to a skillet of sauce next to it on the stove. You can let hot water cook before emptying the pot.

The following blog also states that cooking pasta this way saves energy and money as well:

https://www.tastingtable.com/1442548/boil-noodles-shallow-pan-time-saving-pasta-hack/

A little food for thought.

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Coffee Shop Job Skills High School looks interesting reposted by Ruth Paget

This article in the Monterey County Weekly about a high school with a coffee shops job skills class in Seaside, California looks interesting:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/people/831/central-coast-high-school-s-student-run-coffee-shop-teaches-practical-skills-in-a-real/article_b23fb2c4-ac07-40d2-8d03-8068deb23c8b.html#tncms-source=mosaic

A lot of coffee shop seem to be offering food options in addition to diners and fast food chains that make them a growth industry.

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games such as Vienna, Matcha, and Ballotin

Educator Appreciation Night is October 2, 2026 at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco reposted by Ruth Paget

Educator Night complete with mahjong lessons is October 2, 2026 at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, California.

Details about attending follow on the link below as well as information about upcoming exhibitions:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_personal/1a0b6c05943f617a

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

$2.49 per pound for fresh pork loin at Raley’s Nob Hill reposted by Ruth Paget

$2.49 per pound for fresh pork loin at Raley’s Nob Hill in Salinas, California for Raley’s Members reposted by Ruth Paget

I received a digital coupon today for Raley’s Nob Hill members for ogress pork loin roast sold at $2.49 per pound for Raley’s members.

You can sign up for the membership app online or apply in the store.

A good recipe for roast pork loin is made with prunes like they make it in France’s Touraine region.

I have posted a recipe for roast pork loin with prunes below from the Pardon Your French website:

https://www.pardonyourfrench.com/braised-pork-loin-with-prunes-porc-aux-pruneaux/

The recipe is easy to put together.  I like to drink Sauvignon Blanc with this dish to offset the sweetness in the prunes.

This is a nice recipe for a personal chef to know how to make.

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Centet

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

-

Gaming Takes Over LA ComicCon from October 30 - November 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California reposted by Ruth Paget

Gaming Takes Over the LA ComicCon from October 30 - November 1, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Details about this year’s ComicCon and ticket purchase information follow:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/1a0b54644501349f

Game on!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

3 Oktoberfests in Monterey, California reposted by Ruth Paget

3 Oktoberfests are Happening in Monterey, California in 2026!

Peter B’s brewpub at the Portola Hotel in Minterey, California will be celebrating Oktoberfest between September 19 - 24, 2026 (except on Wednesdays).

Details about Oktoberfest at Peter B’s in Monterey, California follow:

https://www.portolahotel.com/events/oktoberfest-at-peter-bs

Alvarado Street Brewery downtown will also host an Oktoberfest on September 20, 2026 at Colton Hall.  Details follow:

https://www.montereycountynow.com/events/#/details/alvarado-st-brewerys-oktoberfest/19489735/2026-09-19T13

Oktoberfest at Tipsy Putt Monterey Information:

https://tipsyputt.com/event/oktoberfest-at-tipsy-putt/

There will probably be some impromptu celebrations elsewhere.

Prost!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Carmel Valley Uncorked Wine Tasting and Paella is October 11, 2026 reposted by Ruth Paget

Carmel Valley Uncorked Wine Tasting and Paella Dinnet is being held on October 11, 2026 at Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market in Carmel Valley, California.

Ticket purchase information follows:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/1a0b0f66a929e6f5

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

CSU - Monterey Bay Earns 4th Place Among Suburban California Schools re: Forbes reposted by Ruth Paget

Forbes magazine placed CSU - Monterey Bay 4th amongst California’s universities with a suburban campus.

The staff, faculty, and students are all working hard.

Forbes is especially impressed with job skills outcomes that the university focuses on. 

The CSUMB announcement follows:

https://csumb.edu/news/news-listing/2026/q3/csumb-repeats-as-a-top-california-school-in-forbes-rankings/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Baked Salmon with Honey-Dill Sauce Made and Filmed by Florence Paget reposted by Ruth Paget

Baked Salmon with Honey-Dill Sauce Made and Filmed by Florence Paget reposted by Ruth Paget

My daughter Florence Paget filmed herself making baked salmon with honey-dill sauce for a quick weeknight dinner with green beans on the side.

Salmon actually swim down from Washington to Northern California, so we can easily find them at the store. 

If you bake salmon yourself, it is about half the price you would pay for a ready-to-bake fish at the store.  

Florence’s recipe is easy to put together, and is something my French mother-in-law would have liked.

Florence’s TikTok video of her recipe for baked salmon follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTUt9ScTy/

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle games

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

$2.99 for 18-count cage free eggs at Raley’s Nob Hill reposted by Ruth Paget

AA Large cage free, 18-count eggs are $2.99 for members at Raley’s Nob Hill I saw in my Raley’s members email today.

You can sign up for the Raley’s Nob Hill app online or in store.

I have a recipe for refried rice using eggs that follows:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2022/05/california-refried-rice-recipe-by-ruth.html?m=1

Happy shopping and cooking!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

SJSU Joins $30 Million Research Center Studying AI reposted by Ruth Paget

San Jose State University will join a $30 million dollar National Science Research Center funded by National Science Foundation studying turbulence in various systems from the atmosphere to oceans.

More information about this initiative involving expertise in AI technology follows:

https://blogs.sjsu.edu/newsroom/2026/nsf-tempest/

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks are $1.47 per pound at Nob Hill for Members today reposted by Ruth Paget

In my weekly Raley’s Nob Hill members email I saw that thighs and drumsticks are $1.47 per pound today(9-16-2026).

Nob Hill in Dalinas, California carries these items while supplies last.  You can sign up for the membership app online or sign up for the Raley’s member program in the store.

One recipe that you can make with these items is coq au vin - video follows:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/09/coq-au-vin-made-and-filmed-by-florence.html?m=1

You can also make French mustard chicken with thighs and drumsticks:

https://ruthpaget.blogspot.com/2026/09/french-mustard-chicken-made-and-filmed.html?m=1

Bon Appeti!

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage travel games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley history Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Final Cut Ranch Dressing Recipe Made and Filmed by Florence Paget reposted by Ruth Paget

My daughter Florence Paget has made a Final Cut of her ranch dressing recipe using measures for seasonings in her dressing, which bring all the flavor and balance to the final dressing.

The TikTok video follows:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTUgT1UyN/

I like this ranch dressing with broccoli slaw in addition to traditional salads.

This simple dressing is fun to make with children who seem to eat salad if they can have ranch dressing,  This ranch dressing is also a good dip for vegetables at a party.

Happy Cooking!

By Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage  knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about Dan Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9music theory games

Kindle $1.99 Sale on The Early History of the Ancient Near East reposted by Ruth Paget

Readers interested in archaeology might be interested in the following book from the University of Chicago Press on sale today for $1.99 on Kindle:

The Early History of the Ancient Near East: 9000 - 2000 BC by Hans J. Nissen

Purchase information follows:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EZ8OKQC?_bbid=360215990&tag=core_cohort_a_email-20

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

Hispanic Heritage Month Books from UChicago Press reposted by Ruth Paget

The University of Chicago Press is offering six books for sale for Hispanic Heritage Month including The Female Vampire and The Lighthouse Tattoo.

Purchase information about the books follows:

https://mail.google.com/mail/mu/mp/465/#cv/priority/%5Esmartlabel_promo/1a0aa33ae26f35f4

Reposted by Ruth Paget

-author Eating Soup with Chopsticks, Marrying France, and Europe’s Lessons written during overseas duty in Germany + 5 other Kindle books

-developer of the Novgorod and Bento War Games + 8 Classical Western Civilization War Games

-developer of food and beverage knowledge games

-creator of online exhibits about San Miguel Arcangel Mission, French baguette making, and the Carmel Valley History Center

-creator of French travel and culture games

-writer of 1900+ Central Coast California lifestyle blogs

-family genealogist

-developer of 9 music theory games

-