Some days are so much better than others. The best days are those I don’t have to put nary a tire on I-575. Those people are crazy. Certifiable. NUTS!

I have some theories about I-575 and I-575 drivers. Care to hear them? Great!

• I am sure the drivers are not licensed drivers unless the licenses came from Walmart.
• I am sure the drivers should be required to take the driving test at least weekly and that’s being generous.
• I am coming to believe they drove on the Autobahn in a previous life. They hit 575 and have flashbacks.
• Lines and lanes mean absolutely nothing.
• Nor do turn signals.
• If the task at hand requires both hands, your brain should also be involved in the task.
• The driver behind you always wants to go five miles an hour faster, even though you are already exceeding the speed limit.
• Practice clearly does not make perfect. It does however increase accidents tenfold.
• Those driving slower than you are idiots and those driving faster are maniacs.
• On 575 you will see more middle fingers than a manicurist.

Who knew 575 consisting of two lanes could get five wide? True stories of 575 y’all. You just can’t make this stuff up. Do you think the Army would loan me a tank?

Balsamic Roasted Tomato Panzanella with BBQ Drums

Ingredients:

• 8 chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
• 1 container cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar + 3 tbsp.
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil + 3 tbsp.
• 1 loaf stale bread, cubed
• 1 tbsp. Basil
• 1 tbsp. Oregano
• 1 tsp. garlic
• Salt & Pepper to taste

      

Directions:

Bake or grill chicken drumsticks until done. Coat with BBQ sauce and return to oven or grill oven for about 5 minutes to caramelize the sauce. Cover and set aside.

Toss tomatoes with 3 tbsp. oil, 3 tbsp. vinegar, salt & pepper. Place in a greased baking dish and roast at 425 degrees for about 30 minutes. Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, add bread cubes and remaining ingredients. Toss well. Add roasted tomatoes. Toss again. Bake in 425 degree oven for about 15 minutes or until bread is toasted. Serve with drumsticks. You can drizzle with additional oil and vinegar if desired for added flavor.

Note: You can also toast bread in a skillet on the stovetop. I prefer the oven method, but either will work.

Life is too short to eat ugly food y’all.