Setzer Burgers with Cuba Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Kent Miller of Plato Dale Farms gave me a pack of freshly ground beef the last time I saw him at the Horsefeathers Market, the same day I picked up a container of tallow. I'll be using that to make some Native American scon/fry bread soon. I took Kent's advice, hand formed them and cooked them David Setzer style.

Here I am grating the extra sharp Cuba Cheddar cheese (which I found at Dash's Market on Hertle Avenue in North Buffalo) for the macaroni and cheese.

This time I left out the parmesan cheese and the veggies, going for pure unadulterated mac & cheese.

The giant toasted Al Cohen's bread rolls were layered with slivered purple-red onion, slabs of tomato, ruffle edged romain, and sharp nosed dijon mustard piled a mile high above the patties.

Sometimes we forget the importance of simple comfort foods. Comfort food is not a phrase, it's a way of being. When sad or lonely, oftentimes the best way to be is to share a meal and talk.

So many people were connected with the amazing and incredibly talented David Setzer and were saddened by his death. The benefit that was planned to defray costs is still taking place on April 10th at the CalVary Espiscopal Church's Hughson Hall in Williamsville, NY.  Tickets are still available.

For friends who are asking where to send donations, checks can be mailed to Attorney Sharon Osgood at:

Sharon Osgood c/o Setzer Family

69 Delaware Ave. Ste 702

Buffalo, NY 14202

Buffalo Companion Animal Network

Pet's aren't people (though I have many friends who might disagree with this) but they too deserve to eat and eat well. Many in this city live at or below the poverty line and have furry friends that they share their lives with. The Buffalo Companion Animal Network began as a group of area citizens protesting the announced end of adoptions at the City of Buffalo Animal Shelter, part of the city's cost-cutting moves to close its serious budget gap. Now the group focuses on community-based initiatives in support of animal welfare.

They are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity and operate on a 100% volunteer basis, and all of their activities are funded exclusively through fundraising, membership fees, contributions, and donations. One of the most special features of this nonprofit, besides running a pet food pantry and low to no cost vaccination and micro chip clinics, they also provide AniMeals. This is a program that delivers up to seven individual servings once a week for a dog or cat in the home of a Meals on Wheels for Western New York participant.

Their next fundraiser is very sweet! I hope to see some of my readers here in the city and suburbs of WNY on September 15th at

 

All proceeds to benefit the Buffalo Companion Animal Network  AniMeals Program!

         Saturday, September 15, 2012

              6:00 pm -10:00 pm (auction to begin at 9 pm) at

              Floral Explorations   at   1448 Hertel Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216

              Admission Price: $20.00

              Complimentary hors d'oeuvres, wine and adult beverages, and

              even more prizes in a silent auction giveaway!

              Bid on creative confectionary masterpieces graciously donated by:

              Gino's, Romano’s, Bruni’s Cakes, Carriage Trade Pastries, Caramici’s Bar and Bakery, 

              Zilly’s, Sweet Beginnings, Muscoreil’s Fine Desserts, and many more!

              Pre sale tickets available at Floral Explorations and

              The Puppy Playpen at 2293 Delaware Avenue

              For more information call (716) 447-9699