Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I am always reading 2-3 books at one time; usually 1-2 non-fiction books and a good solid work of fiction. At present, my non-fiction reading list includes the complete works of Plato, and one of his successors, a man by the name of Plotinus. Because I like toContinue reading “A Chapter Well-Written”
Author Archives: Matthew Scraper
On Different Pages
There is a story about a young boy named Tommy who only had one good eye. One morning as he left for school, Tommy’s grandmother gave him a dollar and asked him to go buy a loaf of bread on his way home. Realizing that he had a test that day, Tommy decided to stopContinue reading “On Different Pages”
Mr. Holland’s Opus
In 1995, MGM studios released a movie starring Richard Dreyfus called Mr. Holland’s Opus. The movie told the story of a high school music teacher whose sole ambition it was to write a great American symphony. As the story unfolds, viewers enter into this teacher’s lifelong journey with music, experiencing the joys and struggles bothContinue reading “Mr. Holland’s Opus”
When to Let Go
Love is taking a few steps backward, maybe even more, to give way to the happiness of the person you love. Winnie the Pooh I had to let go. I didn’t want to. After all, the minute that I let go of the back of her bicycle, it was a certainty that she would fall.Continue reading “When to Let Go”
What a Pitcher!
There is a song by Kenny Rogers about a young boy who walks outside one day with his ball and bat. When he finds the right spot in the open field near his home, he takes the ball and holds it out in front of him. Just before he throws it up into the airContinue reading “What a Pitcher!”
Super Running Hugs
“Find what scares you the most and go live there.” Unknown Nothing compares to a dad hug. They were only toddlers when super running hugs became as common as anything else in our home. I would kneel at one end of whatever hallway might be situated within our current home, my daughters barely containing theirContinue reading “Super Running Hugs”
Chicken Noodle Soup
The Ingredients Whole Chicken (I prefer NAE, if possible)Whole, Unpeeled Carrots (8)Celery Stalk (1)Large Yellow Onion (1)Green Onions (1 bunch)Shallot (1)Minced GarlicFresh Parsley (1 bunch)Maple SyrupChicken Broth 32 oz (2)Celtic Sea SaltCoarse Black PepperExtra Wide Egg Noodles (1 bag) The Recipe There really is nothing quite like a great bowl of chicken noodle soup onContinue reading “Chicken Noodle Soup”
Margherita Pizza
The Ingredients The Sauce:Crushed Fire Roasted Tomatoes (28 oz can) (2)Tomato Paste (6 oz can) (1)Minced GarlicItalian SeasoningCoarse Black PepperCeltic Sea Salt The Crust:Artisan Bread Flower (2 cups)Active Dry Yeast ( 1 Packet)Sugar (about 2 Tbsp)Celtic Sea Salt (about 1 Tbsp)Extra Virgin Olive Oil The Toppings:Sliced Mozzarella or Burrata CheeseFresh Basil Leaves (preferably straight fromContinue reading “Margherita Pizza”
Matthew’s Chili
Ingredients Lean Ground Beef (1-1.5 lbs)Ground Sweet Italian Sausage (1-1.5 lbs)Sweet Green Bell Pepper (1)Large Yellow Onion (1)Large Red Onion (1)Stewed Fire Roasted Tomatoes (1 28 oz can)Dark Red Kidney Beans (1 14.5 oz can)Tomato Sauce (1 8 oz can)Guinness Stout (1 bottle)Worcestershire SauceMinced Garlic (4 cloves)Celtic Sea SaltCoarse Black PepperCrushed BasilGround CinnamonDill WeedChili PowderPaprikaDarkContinue reading “Matthew’s Chili”
Aged to Perfection
“It takes a long time to grow old friends.” Unknown Life takes time. As I stepped through the low-hanging doorway, the smell of aged bourbon barrels combined with old wood wafted toward me, carrying a scent that is unique to the Kentucky hills. Knowing that I have a bit of a fascination both with theContinue reading “Aged to Perfection”
Dr. Matthew B. Scraper 