Dinner With James Garner

I have lived on my own for around 15 years but I have 3 imaginary friends who keep me constant company.  My best friend is Lieutenant Columbo.  

My most recent bosom buddy is Jessica Fletcher.  

But popping in and out over the years has been the lovely Jim Rockford.  

Columbo and J.B. usually hang out with just me, myself and I.  But Jim usually only comes around when Vic does.

Vic is my ex.  We were a couple for 8 years, and then I did lots of sofa-surfing and a stint on a houseboat for the next few years after we split up.  When I decided to become a grown-up and rent my own place on land, Vic suggested I get a flat in the same block as his.  Soon after that we started hanging out and watching our way through The Rockford Files. There are 123 episodes, plus the pilot, plus 8 TV movies. I think this is going to take us some time…

Usually when we watch The Rockford Files we have a big old bowl of James Garner’s Oklahoma Chili to go with it. This is my absolute all-time favourite chili recipe. It is highly, highly recommended. Recipe follows.

When I told Vic that me and Mr R were going to see an all woman Slade tribute band on Valentine’s night

(who are FABULOUS by the way) his response was, “What I really want to see is an all woman Wombles tribute band.” Haha – I would pay good money for that too!

James Garner’s Oklahoma Chili

3 lbs ground chuck / beef mince

2 medium onions, chopped

2 bell peppers, chopped

2 hot, yellow chili peppers, chopped

2 cans(16 oz each) whole tomatoes, chopped

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

2 teaspoons salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

4 teaspoons chili powder

2 teaspoons brown sugar

1/2 cup honey

1/4 lb margarine

1 teaspoon liquid hot pepper sauce

Brown meat lightly in a skillet and transfer to a large pot.

Saute onions and peppers in skillet and add them to meat.

Saute tomatoes and add them to meat mixture. Add remaining

ingredients; blend well. Simmer 3 hours in covered pot,

stirring often.

This post is a late entry into the James Garner Blogathon

I will be skipping over to the Realweegiemidget site very soon to read the other entries. Everyone loves James Garner!

14 responses

  1. haha! Love the Wombles! Some people might think that margarine in a chili is a mad idea but it is GORGEOUS. It is the only time I use margarine. The honey might have something to do with it too!

  2. haha! Love the Wombles! Some people might think that margarine in a chili is a mad idea but it is GORGEOUS. It is the only time I use margarine. The honey might have something to do with it too!

  3. i shall try the chili recipe. a good read is his autobiography online.
    i first started watching t.r.f. thursday night at my uncles’ house in the mid-seventies.
    hands-down the best t.v. show on the air !!!
    nearly 50 years later still one of the best shows out there to watch, or watch again.
    it will always be part of my most treasured memories.

    1. Ahhhh, thanks for stopping by. I too have such great memories of watching the show in the 1970s, I always loved the bit with the answer machine! Do let me know if you try the chilli – it really is my favourite! JEnny x

  4. i shall try the chili recipe. a good read is his autobiography online.
    i first started watching t.r.f. thursday night at my uncles’ house in the mid-seventies.
    hands-down the best t.v. show on the air !!!
    nearly 50 years later still one of the best shows out there to watch, or watch again.
    it will always be part of my most treasured memories.

    1. Ahhhh, thanks for stopping by. I too have such great memories of watching the show in the 1970s, I always loved the bit with the answer machine! Do let me know if you try the chilli – it really is my favourite! JEnny x

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Cooking The Detectives is a bite-sized guide to all the best TV cop shows - click on image for more details.

Recipes from the kitchen of Angela Lansbury and many of her fabulous co-stars - click on image for more details.

Recipes from the kitchen of Peter Falk and many of his fabulous co-stars - click on image for more details.

Supper with the Stars: With your host Vincent Price - click on image for more details.

Cooking With Joan Crawford - 2023 reissue with extra recipes from Joan's kitchen - click on image for more info.

Vera Haiku - every episode of the iconic TV detective show distilled into seventeen syllables - click on image for more info.

Monthly movie star menus direct to your inbox - just click on the image and enter your email address.

Monthly Vera Haiku direct to your inbox

Cooking Vincent Price’s Goulash with Nathalie for the British Film Institute

Silver Screen Suppers on Market Kitchen

Silver Screen Suppers Archive

The Stars

BMC logoBuy me a coffee

Monthly movie star menus direct to your inbox

You have Successfully Subscribed!