Favorite Things #33 - Rada Cutlery

A few weeks ago I told you about Shun knives and how much I love them. I understand that the knives are very expensive and really don't fit into most people's budgets for a knife. Here is my absolute favorite affordable alternative, Rada Cutlery.




These knives are SHARP and extremely durable. You can get this awesome knife on Amazon for around $9. I first discovered these knives in an Amish community in Western PA and bought a paring knife and a chef's dicer. I bought those knives about 14 years ago and they are still incredibly sharp and have maintained a perfect edge.

What is your favorite bargain item that is just as good or better than the big name brand?

The Best Thing I Ever Ate - Spicy Stuff

When I am sick, I don't want chicken noodle soup, I want something with a kick that will get my sinuses flowing and have me sweating by the time the meal is done. My go to meal is Pho from a local place called Noodles Ranch.

If you are not familiar, Pho is a Vietnamese rice noodle soup that comes in all sorts of varieties, you can even get it with tripe, which I have tried and loved. The version I get comes with spicy chili on the side, so I can make it just as hot as I can handle. I like to bring it home and bring it to a boil and poach an egg in it as well.


If you get a chance, try some Pho!

What is your favorite thing to have when you are not feeling well?

Simple Crock Pot Kielbasa

Growing up in Western PA I ate a lot of pierogies, sauerkraut and kielbasa. Kielbasa is a smoked sausage and is available in most grocery stores. I was very excited when I saw some Boar's Head kielbasa on 'Managers's Special' at my local store and I snatched it right up.

For this recipe you do not need much at all, just a crock pot and a few ingredients.


Kielbasa, sauerkraut, potatoes and a beer.


Chop up your potatoes into bite sized pieces.


Do the same with your kielbasa.


Layer in the potatoes, kielbasa and top with sauerkraut then pour the beer over the whole thing. Pop on the lid and let it cook on low for about 6 hours.


After 6 hours you are ready to eat. You can mash up the potatoes if you want or just serve them as is. This is the ultimate in comfort food for me and reminds me of being a kid. I am glad I was exposed to all kinds of foods when I was younger.

Have you had kielbasa before?