Saturday, March 26, 2011
20 years ago!!!
Twenty years ago I was blessed with a beautiful blonde fuzzy haired, blue eyed baby girl!! That baby girl has turned into a beautiful pain in my ass.. I mean woman.. :) She is going to kill me but.. I have to do this, because she was so darn cute.. so this is my beautiful young woman as she was growing up..
Friday, March 25, 2011
It's Friday!!!! (Chili Rellenos Casserole, Spanish Rice)
Friday already, why is it that when you are working the week just drags by, but when you are on vacation it flies by... why??? The first 2 days have been amazing, don't really have anything planned today.. just some cleaning, maybe a trip to the nail salon for a mani/pedi and maybe spend some time at the park enjoying the wonderful weather that God has blessed us with.. I need to grab the stuff for Rebekah's birthday dinner today I guess and some rice for tonight's dinner and Sunday's dinner.. I might even experiment with another cheesecake this weekend.. The White Chocolate Raspberry One, and I have found a cool dessert to make for her birthday dinner.. A Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Pie.. it looks yummy.. not sure that really goes with Chinese food.. but who really cares.. I am sure she won't.. lol
We did go to the nail salon.. my guy David worked us in.. He is the best.. I have Daisies on my fingers and toes in honor of my sister Jo.. So hard to believe that on Tuesday she will have been gone from our lives for 11 years.. where has the time gone.. I miss them all so very much..
For dinner tonight I am making a new recipe.. Chili Rellenos Casserole and making my Spanish Rice.. I love Chili Rellenos, I hope the casserole is as good if not better than the real Chili Rellenos.. We will definitely see.. and I will try to be good and take more pics this time to post..
Chili Rellenos Casserole
2 (7 ounce) cans whole green chile peppers, drained
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
8 ounces Longhorn or Cheddar cheese, shredded
3 eggs, beaten
9 oz evaporated milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can enchilada sauce
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Lay half of the chilies evenly in bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and cover with remaining chilies. In a bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, and flour, and pour over the top of the chilies. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top, and continue baking another 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Jack and Cheddar cheeses and return to oven for about 5 minutes until cheese melts. Serve with Spanish Rice and Refried Beans..
Spanish Rice
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
garlic, minced
salt and pepper
1 1/2 c rice
2 c vegetable broth
1 c salsa or tomatoes with chilis
In a saucepan heat the olive oil, add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes.. then add the garlic and cook for a minute,add salt and pepper, add the rice and toast it for a few minutes.. then add vegetable broth and salsa, bring to a boil, stir, reduce heat to low and cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. very yummy and you don't have to worry about the sodium content. :)
Refried Beans
Olive oil
1 onion, chopped
garlic, minced
Pinto Beans.. 2 to 4 cups.. drained, reserving liquid
chili powder
cumin
salsa
Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes.. add the garlic and cook another minute.. add the beans and start mashing, add liquid as it gets thick.. add the chili powder and cumin and keep mixing.. add the salsa and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes over low heat stirring occasionally..
Yummy, Yummy dinner.. if you wanted to you could add ground beef or turkey seasoned with salsa and chili powder/cumin to the chili rellenos casserole.. I will probably play with it a little.. it is really good the way it is.. but I think I could make it even better.. :)
We did go to the nail salon.. my guy David worked us in.. He is the best.. I have Daisies on my fingers and toes in honor of my sister Jo.. So hard to believe that on Tuesday she will have been gone from our lives for 11 years.. where has the time gone.. I miss them all so very much..
For dinner tonight I am making a new recipe.. Chili Rellenos Casserole and making my Spanish Rice.. I love Chili Rellenos, I hope the casserole is as good if not better than the real Chili Rellenos.. We will definitely see.. and I will try to be good and take more pics this time to post..
Chili Rellenos Casserole
2 (7 ounce) cans whole green chile peppers, drained
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
8 ounces Longhorn or Cheddar cheese, shredded
3 eggs, beaten
9 oz evaporated milk
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 can enchilada sauce
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Lay half of the chilies evenly in bottom of baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the Jack and Cheddar cheeses, and cover with remaining chilies. In a bowl, mix together the eggs, milk, and flour, and pour over the top of the chilies. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, pour enchilada sauce evenly over the top, and continue baking another 15 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining Jack and Cheddar cheeses and return to oven for about 5 minutes until cheese melts. Serve with Spanish Rice and Refried Beans..
Spanish Rice
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
garlic, minced
salt and pepper
1 1/2 c rice
2 c vegetable broth
1 c salsa or tomatoes with chilis
In a saucepan heat the olive oil, add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes.. then add the garlic and cook for a minute,add salt and pepper, add the rice and toast it for a few minutes.. then add vegetable broth and salsa, bring to a boil, stir, reduce heat to low and cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. very yummy and you don't have to worry about the sodium content. :)
Refried Beans
Olive oil
1 onion, chopped
garlic, minced
Pinto Beans.. 2 to 4 cups.. drained, reserving liquid
chili powder
cumin
salsa
Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes.. add the garlic and cook another minute.. add the beans and start mashing, add liquid as it gets thick.. add the chili powder and cumin and keep mixing.. add the salsa and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes over low heat stirring occasionally..
Yummy, Yummy dinner.. if you wanted to you could add ground beef or turkey seasoned with salsa and chili powder/cumin to the chili rellenos casserole.. I will probably play with it a little.. it is really good the way it is.. but I think I could make it even better.. :)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Happy Thursday!!! (Garlic Pasta)
Good Morning everyone!!! What a glorious day out today.. it looks to be absolutely gorgeous.. I slept in, felt sort of good, my body can only stay in one position for so long before something starts screaming to move.. I am not sure what all today is going to bring, but it is going to be great..
Yesterday was so much fun with my girls, Saundra, BekahBoo, Meaghan and Kristin.. we loaded up the mini-van with snacks and water and off we went in search of a cute little town south of Atlanta where they film Vampire Diaries, plus the perfect house for a Bed and Breakfast is down there.. I want it so bad.. guess I need to start playing the lottery.. the only way I will ever be able to afford it.. :) Covington is gorgeous.. I love it.. I could see myself living down there.. We went into the cutest little coffee shop.. Square Coffee.. omg.. I fell in love with it.. The cast was filming on set in Atlanta yesterday and we didn't get to meet them.. but we had so much fun.. took some great pics.. lol.. we won't talk about me somehow going the wrong way back home.. and then ugghhh traffic.. that's all I am going to say.. we all got home safe and sound.. hehe.. We ended up eating dinner at El Nopal.. we got a very very green waiter.. I think we were his very first table by himself.. and we were well behaved.. we sat outside, because it was to nice to be inside.. :) We are planning another trip to the town in the fall.. it has so many historic homes.. love it..
I am meeting a sweet friend for lunch at Lucky China in Kennesaw.. one of my favorite places.. I love that most of their business is carryout and delivery, I love sitting in there and sipping on green tea and enjoying my food in leisure.. then I guess sometime I need to take the van back and get my car.. she might think I don't love her anymore, which I do.. but I LOVE driving that van.. though I did have a minor heart attack putting gas in her yesterday.. but she did good.. drove her to Covington and back and still have gas left.. just was a shock after being used to putting gas in my car.. which I LOVE.. lol.. but anyway.. trying to decide what I want to do for dinner.. I haven't really cooked much this week.. we've been eating leftovers out of the fridge.. I guess I will come home from lunch and clean it out and then decide.. I'm thinking either Garlic Pasta or a Chili Relenos Casserole. hmmm.. not sure which though.. or make a huge fruit salad and take it to Cauble Park and enjoy the outdoors.. doesn't matter if I sneeze 100 times or not.. I LOVE the outdoors.. hmm... will definitely be thinking.. :) I've been craving fruit a lot lately..
Back from my wonderful lunch with Kim.. she is the best.. Rebekah is in total love with her.. and I feel the same.. what a wonderful person... she has definitely brightened my life lately.. though she was a total sneak and snatched the check out of Rebekah's hands while I was in the bathroom.. LOL It's my turn to pay next.. :) She is the kind of person that makes you want to be a better person.. I am honored to call her one of my bestest friends..
After lunch I was going to drop the van off and pick up my car and there was this car blocking mine in.. well not really.. I would have just had to back up quite a distance, and I don't back up well, and there are trees in the yard and I have this thing about backing into trees.. so needless to say.. I still have the van.. actually I am using it as an excuse to keep the van a little longer.. hehe.. it will get back to it's rightful owner soon.. sometime soon.. hehe.. :)
So I think it's going to be Garlic Pasta for dinner tonight.. a new to me recipe.. I am hoping it is good.. it uses a ton of garlic.. which I LOVE.. :)
Garlic Pasta
9 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c olive oil
6 tbsp butter
1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
1lb pasta, cooked according to pkg directions
salt and pepper
grated parmesan
fresh chopped basil
In a small saucepan heat olive oil and garlic over low heatfor 30 minutes, stirring often..In a medium saucepan melt the butter and add the tomatoes.. cook for 5 minutes.. add the garlic oil and salt and pepper and cook about 15 minutes until the flavors meld together.. Toss with the cooked pasta and garnish with parmesan and basil..
Yesterday was so much fun with my girls, Saundra, BekahBoo, Meaghan and Kristin.. we loaded up the mini-van with snacks and water and off we went in search of a cute little town south of Atlanta where they film Vampire Diaries, plus the perfect house for a Bed and Breakfast is down there.. I want it so bad.. guess I need to start playing the lottery.. the only way I will ever be able to afford it.. :) Covington is gorgeous.. I love it.. I could see myself living down there.. We went into the cutest little coffee shop.. Square Coffee.. omg.. I fell in love with it.. The cast was filming on set in Atlanta yesterday and we didn't get to meet them.. but we had so much fun.. took some great pics.. lol.. we won't talk about me somehow going the wrong way back home.. and then ugghhh traffic.. that's all I am going to say.. we all got home safe and sound.. hehe.. We ended up eating dinner at El Nopal.. we got a very very green waiter.. I think we were his very first table by himself.. and we were well behaved.. we sat outside, because it was to nice to be inside.. :) We are planning another trip to the town in the fall.. it has so many historic homes.. love it..
 |
| Mystic Grill... Accounting Firm?? lol |
 |
| The square.. so pretty.. and we found out all roads lead to the square and 278... lol |
 |
| The center of the square!! |
 |
| The outside of what they film as Elena's house.. |
 |
| The Lockwood Mansion.. OMG it's for sale and I want it.. so gorgeous.. |
 |
| I could live on the freaking porch.. perfect for a bed and breakfast.. |
 |
| The side of the house.. |
Back from my wonderful lunch with Kim.. she is the best.. Rebekah is in total love with her.. and I feel the same.. what a wonderful person... she has definitely brightened my life lately.. though she was a total sneak and snatched the check out of Rebekah's hands while I was in the bathroom.. LOL It's my turn to pay next.. :) She is the kind of person that makes you want to be a better person.. I am honored to call her one of my bestest friends..
After lunch I was going to drop the van off and pick up my car and there was this car blocking mine in.. well not really.. I would have just had to back up quite a distance, and I don't back up well, and there are trees in the yard and I have this thing about backing into trees.. so needless to say.. I still have the van.. actually I am using it as an excuse to keep the van a little longer.. hehe.. it will get back to it's rightful owner soon.. sometime soon.. hehe.. :)
So I think it's going to be Garlic Pasta for dinner tonight.. a new to me recipe.. I am hoping it is good.. it uses a ton of garlic.. which I LOVE.. :)
Garlic Pasta
9 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c olive oil
6 tbsp butter
1 15oz can crushed tomatoes
1lb pasta, cooked according to pkg directions
salt and pepper
grated parmesan
fresh chopped basil
In a small saucepan heat olive oil and garlic over low heatfor 30 minutes, stirring often..In a medium saucepan melt the butter and add the tomatoes.. cook for 5 minutes.. add the garlic oil and salt and pepper and cook about 15 minutes until the flavors meld together.. Toss with the cooked pasta and garnish with parmesan and basil..
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Ahhhhhhh!!!! (Teriyaki Chicken)
I made it!!! I made it through the weekend from hell!!! I made it through the visit yesterday, I made it to 5:30 today.. I am still pretty sore.. those intense closes are rough on the body, and the stress they put you under.. So I am home, in some comfy clothes and chillin on the couch with my granddog Avril Louise.. listening to some great music.. I spent a little time in the kitchen preparing one of my many comfort meals.. something that the girls and I both love and it is so simple.. I have been making this for years.. it's a no fail recipe.. even Saundra could make it.. well.. nah, scratch that.. lol.. I am excited about tomorrow.. Covington here we come.. hopefully no one ends up in jail.. hehe.. :)
Teriyaki Chicken
3 or 4 chicken breast, rinsed under cold water
2 c low sodium soy sauce
2 c sugar
garlic powder
olive oil
Put the chicken breast in a 9x13 pan, mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour over chicken, I rinse the bowl out with a little water and pour it in too.. put in a 350 degree oven and cook for about an hour.. I serve this with rice, I am cooking brown rice this time and steamed broccoli.. this is so yummy!!!
Teriyaki Chicken
3 or 4 chicken breast, rinsed under cold water
2 c low sodium soy sauce
2 c sugar
garlic powder
olive oil
Put the chicken breast in a 9x13 pan, mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour over chicken, I rinse the bowl out with a little water and pour it in too.. put in a 350 degree oven and cook for about an hour.. I serve this with rice, I am cooking brown rice this time and steamed broccoli.. this is so yummy!!!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
My Stress Relief!! (Chocolate Cake, Old Fashioned Boiled Frosting(Microwave Recipe)
So I am super stressed about this visit that we are having tomorrow and having to close and make sure that softlines (clothing/shoes/accessories)is as brand and beautiful as ever.. I mean when it was Napoleon I could text him and say.. hey this isn't going to get done, or hey.. I came into a mess, suggestions?? but, I don't have him anymore so I feel like I am flying alone in this.. well with the exception of a list that isn't achievable.. more unrealistic with it being a weekend and being shopped super hard.. we left 7 carts of strays last night in the fitting room.. just thinking about that is giving me a panic attack.. anyway, what I do when I am stressed to the max... I bake.. plus the fact that I am so sore and I keep cramping in my legs, feet and in the muscles over my ribcage.. uggh.. that last one hurts so bad.. makes it hard to breathe and it burns.. so I went into the kitchen, cleaned it.. yes.. still cleaning the kitchen all the time and started the Chocolate Cake.. mmmm
Chocolate Cake
2 sticks butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1/2 c cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 c all-purpose bank
2 c milk
In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar together until creamy, add the vanilla and salt.. mix well, add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each one.. add the baking powder and baking soda.. mix well.. add in the cocoa and 1/4 c milk, beat and then add 1 c flour and 1 c milk, beat well, add another cup flour and 1/2 c milk, beat well.. add last 1/2 c flour and rest of the milk.. mix well.. while that is mixing prepare your 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.. butter and flour well so the cake doesn't stick.. divide the batter evenly between the 2 pans making a little well in the middle so it doesn't rise unevenly and put in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes.. remove from oven and let cool in pans about 15 to 20 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack or clean dish towel, let cool completely before frosting...
Old Fashioned Boiled Frosting(Microwave Recipe)
1 cup sugar
5 Tblsp. cocoa
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients. {I use a 8 cup pyrex measuring cup.} Microwave on high about 3 min., stir, microwave 3 more min., til slightly thick. Remove, from microwave and beat for a few minutes, and pour on cake, working quickly to frost a layer cake..
{I use a 8 cup pyrex measuring cup.}
My mom used to make a boiled chocolate frosting in her cast iron skillet.. she never measured anything and I remember her frosting the cake with the frosting still simmering on the stove.. because once it cools it gets hard.. I used the microwave this time, but I think I am going to try making it in my cast iron skillet next time.. brings back so many memories.. but she always made a yellow cake to frost with this and would put pecan halves on it..
Chocolate Cake
2 sticks butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs
1/2 c cocoa
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
2 1/2 c all-purpose bank
2 c milk
In a large mixing bowl cream butter and sugar together until creamy, add the vanilla and salt.. mix well, add the eggs 1 at a time, beating well after each one.. add the baking powder and baking soda.. mix well.. add in the cocoa and 1/4 c milk, beat and then add 1 c flour and 1 c milk, beat well, add another cup flour and 1/2 c milk, beat well.. add last 1/2 c flour and rest of the milk.. mix well.. while that is mixing prepare your 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.. butter and flour well so the cake doesn't stick.. divide the batter evenly between the 2 pans making a little well in the middle so it doesn't rise unevenly and put in a preheated 350 degree oven for 35 to 40 minutes.. remove from oven and let cool in pans about 15 to 20 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack or clean dish towel, let cool completely before frosting...
1 cup sugar
5 Tblsp. cocoa
1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix all ingredients. {I use a 8 cup pyrex measuring cup.} Microwave on high about 3 min., stir, microwave 3 more min., til slightly thick. Remove, from microwave and beat for a few minutes, and pour on cake, working quickly to frost a layer cake..
{I use a 8 cup pyrex measuring cup.}
My mom used to make a boiled chocolate frosting in her cast iron skillet.. she never measured anything and I remember her frosting the cake with the frosting still simmering on the stove.. because once it cools it gets hard.. I used the microwave this time, but I think I am going to try making it in my cast iron skillet next time.. brings back so many memories.. but she always made a yellow cake to frost with this and would put pecan halves on it..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)